Dear Friends:
Paul had a little better day today. He slept most of the early part of the day but when the therapist came to work with him he seemed more cooperative. He did some sitting up, no standing since the doctor doesn't want him bearing weight on the left foot. He worked with some small balls in his left hand. He took them from the therapist and gave one of them to dad. One he played with a little and then flicked it from his fingers across the floor. The interesting thing is that one of them he actually held onto and tried to put it in his right hand. He had trouble with it but he at least tried. The speech therapist also tried to have Paul pop some bubble wrap, he didn't do that but when the therapist popped them he blinked with both eyes every time he HEARD a pop!! This tells us he hears at least some! This evening he was more awake. It almost seems like he has his days and nights mixed up. He seemed pretty alert. It is difficult to determine if or how much he sees yet but when Bobby was sitting in front of him he actually tracked Bob's finger in front of his eyes. He seems to do this randomly but the fact that he does it is pretty exciting. It appears that he is touching his right hand and his left leg with his left hand more and more. It is almost as if he is trying to figure out some "sensory" things. Earlier today the doctor had ordered a chest X-ray to make sure there is not evidence of pneumonia. The results came back this evening and the conclusion is that he has lots of congestion but no pneumonia ... Praise God!! Friday will be the date for the next CT. I hope that shows improvement in the fluid levels in the brain. Since Paul seems more like he was a few days ago, I believe that the procedure that was done Monday has done the trick! Have a great day!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Oh Well
Well, time continues to move along and the first month of 2006 is drawing to an end. I wonder if it is too soon to start planning the next cruise? The knight.blackhawke.net server is back up after a short vacation and a total makeover. Now the work begins for me as I migrate a few things to the server.
Locally, there was a case where an eight year old boy took his father’s gun to school and accidentally shot a seven year old girl. What baffles me is that the State Attorney said they were charging the boy and that would get him in the State’s system and get him the help he needed. Well, based on my past experience with dealing with #1’s problems when he was less than 14 years old, the State Attorney had no idea what he was saying. When we were dealing with similar problems the State actually said “we aren’t equipped to deal with a child less than 14. That is why they usually get released by the courts back to the parents.” From firsthand knowledge, the State is poorly setup for dealing with young kids. The Boy’s Group Home had a minimum age requirement of 14. The Juvenile Detention wouldn’t accept him less than 14. They said he was supposed to be released to his parents or another foster family. We had to revert to private sources and agencies to get #1 the help he needed. I hope the State Attorney wakes up soon and see that his staff and the State’s Family Services is a major waste of taxpayer’s money. So don’t arrest the 8 year old under the guise of helping him. All they will do is get him raped in some state facility. And that is a fact I know of first hand.
Isn’t it wonderful how the Oil Companies are slipping the gas prices higher and the general populace doesn’t realize what is happening much less raise a stink over it. Cool off the Congressional inquiry into Price Gouging by lobbyist pressures and then keep any profit forecasts out of the news and boom, the price slides closer to $3.00 a gallon. Seems the Automotive Companies would get serious and force the price down so they could unload the growing lots of monster gas guzzlers. The local government thinks mass transit is the way to get around. Hey, mass transit is very poor outside of the close in metro area. And I keep hearing how the metro rail is reaching capacity and don’t have the funds to expand service. Talk of an outrage! Then they fire their CEO after one year on the job and guess what happens? The man gets a guaranteed annuity of $106,000 a year for the rest of his life and then his wife gets $53,000 a year when he dies. Excuse me, where can I get a job where I work one year, get fired and get such a sweet retirement package. Heck, Union workers don’t even have it that good.
A new one I just heard, veterans who don’t have a service related disability can’t get care at the VA hospital any more. Their way of screwing those who served but weren’t called on for the ultimate of sacrifices. Makes me wish I had stuck a screwdriver in my leg and then receive a purple heart so I could get the medical care they promised me 30 years ago. They want to penalize those who tried very hard to take care of themselves.
8 weeks to Tournament Time.
***** *****
Locally, there was a case where an eight year old boy took his father’s gun to school and accidentally shot a seven year old girl. What baffles me is that the State Attorney said they were charging the boy and that would get him in the State’s system and get him the help he needed. Well, based on my past experience with dealing with #1’s problems when he was less than 14 years old, the State Attorney had no idea what he was saying. When we were dealing with similar problems the State actually said “we aren’t equipped to deal with a child less than 14. That is why they usually get released by the courts back to the parents.” From firsthand knowledge, the State is poorly setup for dealing with young kids. The Boy’s Group Home had a minimum age requirement of 14. The Juvenile Detention wouldn’t accept him less than 14. They said he was supposed to be released to his parents or another foster family. We had to revert to private sources and agencies to get #1 the help he needed. I hope the State Attorney wakes up soon and see that his staff and the State’s Family Services is a major waste of taxpayer’s money. So don’t arrest the 8 year old under the guise of helping him. All they will do is get him raped in some state facility. And that is a fact I know of first hand.
Isn’t it wonderful how the Oil Companies are slipping the gas prices higher and the general populace doesn’t realize what is happening much less raise a stink over it. Cool off the Congressional inquiry into Price Gouging by lobbyist pressures and then keep any profit forecasts out of the news and boom, the price slides closer to $3.00 a gallon. Seems the Automotive Companies would get serious and force the price down so they could unload the growing lots of monster gas guzzlers. The local government thinks mass transit is the way to get around. Hey, mass transit is very poor outside of the close in metro area. And I keep hearing how the metro rail is reaching capacity and don’t have the funds to expand service. Talk of an outrage! Then they fire their CEO after one year on the job and guess what happens? The man gets a guaranteed annuity of $106,000 a year for the rest of his life and then his wife gets $53,000 a year when he dies. Excuse me, where can I get a job where I work one year, get fired and get such a sweet retirement package. Heck, Union workers don’t even have it that good.
A new one I just heard, veterans who don’t have a service related disability can’t get care at the VA hospital any more. Their way of screwing those who served but weren’t called on for the ultimate of sacrifices. Makes me wish I had stuck a screwdriver in my leg and then receive a purple heart so I could get the medical care they promised me 30 years ago. They want to penalize those who tried very hard to take care of themselves.
8 weeks to Tournament Time.
***** *****
Paul's Update - 01/24/06
Dear Friends:
Today was another pretty quiet day for Paul. He seemed to sleep most of the day. He really didn't want to cooperate with the therapists again today. He didn't even want to walk. Dad exercised his legs and arms several times and he was much more limber. Tonight around 5:00 pm he started waking up a bit. He was up for almost 3 hours before he napped a bit. He only slept for about 15 minutes and was awake again. The occupational therapist came in and only worked with him by playing with his toys and getting him to grab them and pull them from her. He really enjoys playing with his toys. I suspect he is getting some stimulation from them. They are soft and easy to grab and light enough to move around. He only uses his left hand to play with them so Shannon (OT) tried to work with the right hand a little. She wasn't very successful but at least he is feeling them with that hand...maybe he will eventually grab them with that hand too!! Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) called the nursing home today and said he wants another CT done this Friday to see if the adjustment he made yesterday has caused the shunt to work properly. The most devastating thing that happened today was the orthopedist told Tabby that he doesn't want Paul up on his left foot AT ALL. He wants NO weight bearing on it. This means that Paul will not be able to walk until the doctor says it is OK. He doesn't see that doctor until late February. This is frustrating since Paul likes being up most of the time. Now we will have to find other ways to exercise. It feels like such a setback but he doesn't want any damage to that foot (neither do we!). I guess we've had other more difficult setbacks and we should be thankful that he has done so well! Patience is most difficult when we have setbacks .... but we will "stay the course" ..... God isn't done with Paul's miracle yet!
God Bless! Lynne & Carl
Today was another pretty quiet day for Paul. He seemed to sleep most of the day. He really didn't want to cooperate with the therapists again today. He didn't even want to walk. Dad exercised his legs and arms several times and he was much more limber. Tonight around 5:00 pm he started waking up a bit. He was up for almost 3 hours before he napped a bit. He only slept for about 15 minutes and was awake again. The occupational therapist came in and only worked with him by playing with his toys and getting him to grab them and pull them from her. He really enjoys playing with his toys. I suspect he is getting some stimulation from them. They are soft and easy to grab and light enough to move around. He only uses his left hand to play with them so Shannon (OT) tried to work with the right hand a little. She wasn't very successful but at least he is feeling them with that hand...maybe he will eventually grab them with that hand too!! Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) called the nursing home today and said he wants another CT done this Friday to see if the adjustment he made yesterday has caused the shunt to work properly. The most devastating thing that happened today was the orthopedist told Tabby that he doesn't want Paul up on his left foot AT ALL. He wants NO weight bearing on it. This means that Paul will not be able to walk until the doctor says it is OK. He doesn't see that doctor until late February. This is frustrating since Paul likes being up most of the time. Now we will have to find other ways to exercise. It feels like such a setback but he doesn't want any damage to that foot (neither do we!). I guess we've had other more difficult setbacks and we should be thankful that he has done so well! Patience is most difficult when we have setbacks .... but we will "stay the course" ..... God isn't done with Paul's miracle yet!
God Bless! Lynne & Carl
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/23/06
Dear Friends:
Today started early .... Paul went to Fairfax Hospital for the adjustment to his shunt. It appears that the CT that was done two weeks ago was scheduled at Fair Oaks Hospital by the nursing home but nobody told Dr. Azzam (the neurosurgeon) about it. Consequently he didn't get the report until last week. His assistant was at Fairfax Hospital today and increased the amount of fluid that is being drawn from the brain. Another CT will be done in a week to follow up and make sure everything is OK. Pray that this works because if it doesn't we will have to make Paul go through another surgery to replace the current shunt. After he returned to the nursing home around 11 am he was tired and slept mostly until time for Speech & Occupational therapy. Since he was exhausted he didn't do much of what he was asked to do today. The speech therapist put Paul's hand in a bowl of warm rice and he worked hard to get it off of his fingers. He obviously didn't like how it felt! He did a little sitting up. The physical therapist wanted to attempt to have Paul walk today. He got him up on his feet and he took a couple of small steps but he didn't stand up straight or hold his head up. We didn't push him today so maybe he will have more energy tomorrow. Dad also exercised his arms and legs this evening and he was a little more limber .... his arms and the right leg are pretty stiff. When Dad left tonight Paul was listening to music. This seems to really have a positive effect on him. Tabby was there tonight but was going home early .... she hasn't had much sleep the last few days. Hopefully she will sleep well tonight! Have a great Day!!
Love, Carl and Lynne
Today started early .... Paul went to Fairfax Hospital for the adjustment to his shunt. It appears that the CT that was done two weeks ago was scheduled at Fair Oaks Hospital by the nursing home but nobody told Dr. Azzam (the neurosurgeon) about it. Consequently he didn't get the report until last week. His assistant was at Fairfax Hospital today and increased the amount of fluid that is being drawn from the brain. Another CT will be done in a week to follow up and make sure everything is OK. Pray that this works because if it doesn't we will have to make Paul go through another surgery to replace the current shunt. After he returned to the nursing home around 11 am he was tired and slept mostly until time for Speech & Occupational therapy. Since he was exhausted he didn't do much of what he was asked to do today. The speech therapist put Paul's hand in a bowl of warm rice and he worked hard to get it off of his fingers. He obviously didn't like how it felt! He did a little sitting up. The physical therapist wanted to attempt to have Paul walk today. He got him up on his feet and he took a couple of small steps but he didn't stand up straight or hold his head up. We didn't push him today so maybe he will have more energy tomorrow. Dad also exercised his arms and legs this evening and he was a little more limber .... his arms and the right leg are pretty stiff. When Dad left tonight Paul was listening to music. This seems to really have a positive effect on him. Tabby was there tonight but was going home early .... she hasn't had much sleep the last few days. Hopefully she will sleep well tonight! Have a great Day!!
Love, Carl and Lynne
Monday, January 23, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/22/06
Dear Friends:
Paul was pretty quiet today. Tabby, Carolyn & Alysa were there when we arrived after church. Bobby & Billy came shortly after. We had other friends today as well. The boys got Paul out of bed and we met in the family visiting lounge. He sat up in the wheelchair for a couple of hours. Dad exercised his arms and was able to limber them up a little. They are pretty stiff since he really doesn't move them much. After we got him back in bed he was pretty tired and slept for a time. When he woke up he was moving a lot. He always moves his left leg & arm quite a bit but he also moved his right leg some. Monday will start VERY early for Paul & Tabby. Paul has an appointment at Fairfax Hospital at 6 a.m. to have the shunt adjusted. Tabby had to arrange for an ambulance to move him to the emergency room at the hospital. That way he goes straight to the treatment area. The adjustment itself will only take a couple of seconds but he will have to be up from about 3-4 a.m. in order to get there in time. It sure was easier when he was already at the hospital!! Since it is the weekend Paul hasn't seen any of the therapists...they will be back on the job tomorrow. We are so thankful for them! Have a great Monday!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul was pretty quiet today. Tabby, Carolyn & Alysa were there when we arrived after church. Bobby & Billy came shortly after. We had other friends today as well. The boys got Paul out of bed and we met in the family visiting lounge. He sat up in the wheelchair for a couple of hours. Dad exercised his arms and was able to limber them up a little. They are pretty stiff since he really doesn't move them much. After we got him back in bed he was pretty tired and slept for a time. When he woke up he was moving a lot. He always moves his left leg & arm quite a bit but he also moved his right leg some. Monday will start VERY early for Paul & Tabby. Paul has an appointment at Fairfax Hospital at 6 a.m. to have the shunt adjusted. Tabby had to arrange for an ambulance to move him to the emergency room at the hospital. That way he goes straight to the treatment area. The adjustment itself will only take a couple of seconds but he will have to be up from about 3-4 a.m. in order to get there in time. It sure was easier when he was already at the hospital!! Since it is the weekend Paul hasn't seen any of the therapists...they will be back on the job tomorrow. We are so thankful for them! Have a great Monday!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/21/06
Dear Friends:
We got to the nursing home very late today. Bobby, Carolyn and Tabby were there most of the day. Tabby spent the night there last night so she could be with Paul at midnight to wish Paul a happy anniversary. The kids said Paul exhibited some frustration today which is a really good thing. It means he is becoming more aware of his situation. Bobby said they had the talking trach attachment on today and Paul's breathing was labored. When Bobby asked him if he was OK, he shook his head "no". They took the attachment off and he breath a loud sigh. Each day since Carl started playing music for Paul he has seemed more alert. He spends a lot of time readjusting his covers, grabbing his toy animals when they are laying in his lap, he reaches for Tabby when she is lying on the bed with him. I pray that these are the beginning stages of greater improvement. It appears that Tabby needs to arrange for Paul to go back to Dr. Azzam's (the neurosurgeon) office early next week to have another adjustment to the shunt that was installed in the hospital. The CT that was done two weeks ago showed fluid built up in the brain. I don't know if this is really serious but I'm not crazy that they waited two weeks to notify us! This adjustment shouldn't cause any problems with Paul's recovery as it is done with a magnet and not anything invasive. But it means they have to arrange transport for him. I sure hope that the doctor will get the adjustment right this time! Have a Blessed Day...We love you!
Lynne & Carl
We got to the nursing home very late today. Bobby, Carolyn and Tabby were there most of the day. Tabby spent the night there last night so she could be with Paul at midnight to wish Paul a happy anniversary. The kids said Paul exhibited some frustration today which is a really good thing. It means he is becoming more aware of his situation. Bobby said they had the talking trach attachment on today and Paul's breathing was labored. When Bobby asked him if he was OK, he shook his head "no". They took the attachment off and he breath a loud sigh. Each day since Carl started playing music for Paul he has seemed more alert. He spends a lot of time readjusting his covers, grabbing his toy animals when they are laying in his lap, he reaches for Tabby when she is lying on the bed with him. I pray that these are the beginning stages of greater improvement. It appears that Tabby needs to arrange for Paul to go back to Dr. Azzam's (the neurosurgeon) office early next week to have another adjustment to the shunt that was installed in the hospital. The CT that was done two weeks ago showed fluid built up in the brain. I don't know if this is really serious but I'm not crazy that they waited two weeks to notify us! This adjustment shouldn't cause any problems with Paul's recovery as it is done with a magnet and not anything invasive. But it means they have to arrange transport for him. I sure hope that the doctor will get the adjustment right this time! Have a Blessed Day...We love you!
Lynne & Carl
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Scratch -- Scratch
This week started good but by Friday I was really fed up with things. I know I shouldn't but it happens. I love it when someone comes whining to me about how their computer is broke and they "just have to have it fixed so the can get some earth shattering thing done." You know, the thing that the world just stopped for. Wanting to help them, I then rush to get it done, putting something else on hold .. After finishing I look for them and wham, they had left to go home. How important was it? I sure felt like a fool. Have you ever felt taken advantage of? I hope this weekend cools me down some or next week will be brutal.
Another one this week was "I just need a minute for you to explain something." This statement came after I said I was either driving in traffic or I was heading out of the building for another appointment. "Ok, I said what is the question?" Their response, "I was going to fix something but I need you to explain the theory of relativity so I can see its application to the thing I am going to fix." If you can't even log in to the computer, don't ask me to explain editing a configuration file over the phone in a minute.
So you can see they yanked every chain I had this week except for the "No, that isn't in my job description!" one. Maybe I expect too much? Common sense and a little bit of user initiative to learn how to use the tools of your trade would be nice. But seriously, things will change this week and some people may get their feelings hurt.
Well enough grousing.
No change with #1 or #2. The clock is ticking and before long the hammer will come down.
Well, the weekend is here ... Lou and the Mexican restaurant ... two good things you can always count on.
Role-play World: The jury is still out with many things still tumbling in my mind. Doing what is needed to rebuild a channel requires a lot of time and I just honestly don't know if I want commit to that level of effort. Tried a little role-play the old fashioned way, with dice, miniature characters and a table of friends. That was fun because real life had no place on the table. Maybe hiding behind a glass screen makes people more willing to put their private lives up for public scrutiny. I am amazed that even after a year some people are still trying to stir up the pot. "Come on 2D20 ... give me a 29 or better."
This week also saw my knight.blackhawke.net server go down hard. I commissioned that in 1991 and it has run steadily since then. To make matters worse I lost 2 battery backups at the same time. That took my whole home network down, computers and switches. Hopefully I will get everything back to normal this weekend without slipping in to a sleep depraved state of consciousness.
Speaking of sleep depravation ... Good Night!!!
Another one this week was "I just need a minute for you to explain something." This statement came after I said I was either driving in traffic or I was heading out of the building for another appointment. "Ok, I said what is the question?" Their response, "I was going to fix something but I need you to explain the theory of relativity so I can see its application to the thing I am going to fix." If you can't even log in to the computer, don't ask me to explain editing a configuration file over the phone in a minute.
So you can see they yanked every chain I had this week except for the "No, that isn't in my job description!" one. Maybe I expect too much? Common sense and a little bit of user initiative to learn how to use the tools of your trade would be nice. But seriously, things will change this week and some people may get their feelings hurt.
Well enough grousing.
No change with #1 or #2. The clock is ticking and before long the hammer will come down.
Well, the weekend is here ... Lou and the Mexican restaurant ... two good things you can always count on.
Role-play World: The jury is still out with many things still tumbling in my mind. Doing what is needed to rebuild a channel requires a lot of time and I just honestly don't know if I want commit to that level of effort. Tried a little role-play the old fashioned way, with dice, miniature characters and a table of friends. That was fun because real life had no place on the table. Maybe hiding behind a glass screen makes people more willing to put their private lives up for public scrutiny. I am amazed that even after a year some people are still trying to stir up the pot. "Come on 2D20 ... give me a 29 or better."
This week also saw my knight.blackhawke.net server go down hard. I commissioned that in 1991 and it has run steadily since then. To make matters worse I lost 2 battery backups at the same time. That took my whole home network down, computers and switches. Hopefully I will get everything back to normal this weekend without slipping in to a sleep depraved state of consciousness.
Speaking of sleep depravation ... Good Night!!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Quick Thoughts
Well, it is funny how time changes things. I sure wish I was on the cruise because it is a lot warmer down there. Come on lady Luck and pick my lottery numbers!
Another wish on my list came true as Jessie showed up on Saturday to spend the day with us. It was an enjoyable surprise to see her and to know she is doing well. Of course she showed us her engagement ring so that will mean a trip to her wedding later this year.
Work continues to be fun but hard and long hours. There seems to never be a shortage of things to do.
After much shoe horning, a few words appeared on the website as new stories were posted. Now I just have to figure out where they will lead.
67 Days till Corpus Christi!! This will make my 16th year. A couple of guys who bowl with me will celebrate their 25th this year. Looks like I will celebrate my 20th in Reno .. Anyone say party time??
***** *****
Weren’t there a lot of bad or missed calls this year by the NFL referees? I guess I will need to get a new prescription so I won't see the interception that didn't happen or the false start that no one saw. Are we trying to regulate the game so much that we don't let them play anymore?
I see Mayor Nagin ( http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/17/nagin.city/ ) continues his journey into fantasy. I am curious how he gets away with some of his sayings (chocolate city). Anyone else would have been railroaded out of town as a racist. If we want to celebrate Dr. King's memory then let’s start playing on a level field, forget the past and make our own future based on how we relate to each other now.
Another wish on my list came true as Jessie showed up on Saturday to spend the day with us. It was an enjoyable surprise to see her and to know she is doing well. Of course she showed us her engagement ring so that will mean a trip to her wedding later this year.
Work continues to be fun but hard and long hours. There seems to never be a shortage of things to do.
After much shoe horning, a few words appeared on the website as new stories were posted. Now I just have to figure out where they will lead.
67 Days till Corpus Christi!! This will make my 16th year. A couple of guys who bowl with me will celebrate their 25th this year. Looks like I will celebrate my 20th in Reno .. Anyone say party time??
***** *****
Weren’t there a lot of bad or missed calls this year by the NFL referees? I guess I will need to get a new prescription so I won't see the interception that didn't happen or the false start that no one saw. Are we trying to regulate the game so much that we don't let them play anymore?
I see Mayor Nagin ( http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/17/nagin.city/ ) continues his journey into fantasy. I am curious how he gets away with some of his sayings (chocolate city). Anyone else would have been railroaded out of town as a racist. If we want to celebrate Dr. King's memory then let’s start playing on a level field, forget the past and make our own future based on how we relate to each other now.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Rumblings
Could this be the view from my new house? Only time will tell. :)
Today was another long one just like Tuesday and Wednesday were. Long but productive. What we did with our servers allows me now a bit of breathing room and I don't have to worry about another group taking us down with a virus they get or if they crash the computer over there. Just to keep my sanity .. I did something I haven't done in a while as a quick change of pace. Enough said there. Tomorrow is fire up the new transmitter day and start the calibrations.
I can't wait till Saturday. It has been too long since I was at my favorite restaurant. My stomach growls even now at the thought of the food.
Today a phrase from a song has constantly been rumbling in my head -- why can't we be friends? --
***** *****
I love how the Congressmen keep saying "a judge should have no preconceived belief on a ruling or a preformulated tendency to rule one way or the other." But they keep trying to pin Alito on how he might rule on certain hot point issues. If he does what they ask he can't tell you how he feels. Besides, the same rules they feel a judge should abide by should be the same rules they as elected officials must abide by. When was the last time Biden, Kennedy, or Pelosi voted as their constituents wanted or believed? Every pet project they support tells us they put their desires over those of the voters.
Someone should tell the people of New Orleans to get home and start cleaning up the mess themselves. The Government tried to start cleaning up the mess but your legal representatives stopped that until you decided what to do with your trash pile. And what urgency do you feel to return home when you sit some hundreds of miles away in your FEMA provided housing? Quit expecting a handout and someone to wait on you and take care of your personal property.
Education is important? Then all major sports should adopt rules to prevent the early exit of students into major league sports. No more quitting school to get a jump on making millions. Establish a minimum age of 21 and enforce it. If a student starts school then they are ineligible for three years no matter what whether they remain in school or not. If they don't go to college then it is automatic that they have to wait 3 years and be at least 21. It is sad when a college student turned pro does an interview and they can't speak using an intelligible sentence. Just what I wanted, a hero (idol) who can't read, write, or speak clearly.
Monday, January 09, 2006
First Thoughts of the New Year
Well, I must transition back into normal life and let the relaxing and fun world of vacation slip back into my memories where it belongs.
Between the three couples, we took some 500+ pictures and hopefully I will get a small website setup to display them in the very near future. The weather was great (81-86 degrees) and the food unbelievable (the pounds did show up .. the shirt was tighter). Of all the stops I really enjoyed Tortola BVI. We ended the cruise with a horse drawn carriage ride through old town Charlestown South Carolina.
Though I am late, I wish everyone a happy New Year and I pray it is prosperous for you. What would I wish for the New Year (not in any particular order)?
***** *****
Between the three couples, we took some 500+ pictures and hopefully I will get a small website setup to display them in the very near future. The weather was great (81-86 degrees) and the food unbelievable (the pounds did show up .. the shirt was tighter). Of all the stops I really enjoyed Tortola BVI. We ended the cruise with a horse drawn carriage ride through old town Charlestown South Carolina.
Though I am late, I wish everyone a happy New Year and I pray it is prosperous for you. What would I wish for the New Year (not in any particular order)?
- Another year with my Dad.
- #1 and #2 get a job and mature.
- As radiant and beautiful as my wife was on the formal night during our cruise, I wish to see her like that more this year.
- Paul returns to a productive life.
- To see Jessi and know she is safe.
- Continued to be blessed with the countless memories that Lou provides as he grows up.
- Another year of challenging writing and interaction with my RP partner.
- To be able to renew a friendship with some of those involved with the disastrous meltdown in our RP world this year. Let us "agree to disagree" but put friendship in front of our personal ideals. For I truly miss those times we RP'd as friends.
***** *****
- Pat Robertson - how many times will he allowed to spout his blurred vision of a Christian before some one stops him or he has to suffer some consequence for his actions and words?
- Marcus Vick - another spoiled brat who thinks jumping to the NFL after blowing his college career will help. Though it is sad that the lure of dollars will cloud the owner’s minds and they will draft him and pay him millions only to reinforce his spoiled brat mentality. I could only wish the NFL would ignore him for two years and let him grow up some. At least the time would allow him to further humiliate himself and then the NFL would realize they have another Terrell Owens on their hands.
- Speaking of brats ... Shawn Taylor ... he makes millions and they only fine him $17K. Talk about a butt kiss. Once again the dollar sets the standard and it is pretty low. Let me spit in my coworkers face and I know it will cost me in excess of $60K .. Because my butt would be fired .. New server project or not. So why should I be penalized more? Because I am no "sports hero?"
- CNN continues to amaze me as for a couple of days all I saw was continuous and uninterrupted coverage of the Sago Mine disaster, Ariel Sharon, and Oklahoma City fires. Didn't anything else happen in the world?
Vacation Time Runs out!
I am back from a great time on the cruise and ready to push ahead with many pictures to follow. I will post more in the days to come but right now I am trying to clear out some of the emails I accumulated over the last 11 days.
See you soon!
See you soon!
Friday, December 23, 2005
T minus 4 days
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
Well .. let me see ... 82 degrees in St. Thomas USVI. I think I can handle that. I sure wish these last 4 days would go faster. Though I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet I have started packing. Just got warm thinking of 82 so I walked down the street and got a cup of ice cream to cool off :)
Christmas eve I am going to see the Redskins-Giant football game with Paul's father. I just hope the rain doesn't showup till late that night. Go Giants!
I hope that everyone has a great holiday and a merry Christmas. To me the best gift is just a hug from a good friend. To those who feel I have wronged them I also hope they find happiness this season and accept the words "I am sorry." To all my friends I offer a big hug and a warm "thank you." I had thought of saying something to everyone who has impacted my life this year but I didn't because I didn't want to miss anyone so I will just give a hug to everyone I meet.
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
Well .. let me see ... 82 degrees in St. Thomas USVI. I think I can handle that. I sure wish these last 4 days would go faster. Though I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet I have started packing. Just got warm thinking of 82 so I walked down the street and got a cup of ice cream to cool off :)
Christmas eve I am going to see the Redskins-Giant football game with Paul's father. I just hope the rain doesn't showup till late that night. Go Giants!
I hope that everyone has a great holiday and a merry Christmas. To me the best gift is just a hug from a good friend. To those who feel I have wronged them I also hope they find happiness this season and accept the words "I am sorry." To all my friends I offer a big hug and a warm "thank you." I had thought of saying something to everyone who has impacted my life this year but I didn't because I didn't want to miss anyone so I will just give a hug to everyone I meet.
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Oh Boy
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
What I have found most interesting this fall and even into the Christmas season is the number of inconsiderate people that love to say "that isn't in my job description." When asked to help that is the best their piddly brain can come up with. Whatever happened to a desire to help when asked. Even more astonishing are the few that call themselves a Christian! How much different would it have been if Christ said that when he faced the cross? What even burns me more is the supervisor's that tolerate what can only be classified as insubordiation. Are we so afraid to send someone like this packing because of the trouble it will cause? Or is it because the supervisor lacks the guts and where with all to deal with this. Maybe we need to adopt a "screw you while I take care of myself" attitude for they sure have and get away with it. It would be a lot less trouble when you were asked to help for 10 minutes and have to delay your coffee break or your smoke break. I can understand this attitude from a non-christian. But since one of these dullards is a "devout Catholic" in his own words .. is that typical of what the Catholic Church preaches? Or should some Priest who cares discuss with this devout one what the term "Christ-like" really means? No wonder Christians around the world are getting pushed aside because of hypocrites like this. Yes, I am dismayed, for all I asked was 5 minutes of their time but got this idiotic response. I hope they have a Merry Christmas and one day before Christ returns, wake up to find out what kind of person they really are.
The mexican food this afternoon was as good as usual. Hot, spicy and a joy to eat. gee, I just realized that I won't get anymore at our resturant until next year. Guess the Carribean Island cusine will have to do. :)
Dad's test was cancelled for two weeks.
Is it time we disband the Political Party system and everyone is independent and representative of who voted them into office? What I see is party politics is more important than the citizens needs and rights. Yes they claim they represent us but I believe they represent their causes more and only if the two cross paths the citizens will get cared for.
District of Columbia is being denied representation because the job of some Congressman in Utah would be jepordized and tilt the balance of power.
Millions spent on research on the sex lives of certain animals while human being in Louisiana are hungry and cold from the lack of shelter.
No budget is being worked on while they pander the Patriot Act because some of our rights were moved aside during the frenzied hunt for terrorists after 9-11. You want to be safe? Then let the right people do their job and stop these fanatics who think nothing of blowing you up.
If you want to drill in Alaska to lessen the impact of terrorist controlled oil .. then make the drilling environmentally safe and friendly .. make the oil companies use some of the billions in profit to make that happen instead of paying massive bonuses and salarys to the top managers and lobbyists. And if they fail then make them pay for messing it up ... surely last years profits could go a long way to repairing an accident. Oh, that is right. This would mean the Congress members would lose their large yearly bonuses from the Oil Lobby.
You say that I am too critical and that Congress is honorable and doing what is right for the American Citizen? Look at all the ones convicted, indicted, and under investigation and tell me how honorable they are. These are the ones that messed up and got caught. I love the phrase used once on a TB show about Congress .. "it isn't nothing but a good ole boys club." Am I wrong? Prove me wrong?
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
What I have found most interesting this fall and even into the Christmas season is the number of inconsiderate people that love to say "that isn't in my job description." When asked to help that is the best their piddly brain can come up with. Whatever happened to a desire to help when asked. Even more astonishing are the few that call themselves a Christian! How much different would it have been if Christ said that when he faced the cross? What even burns me more is the supervisor's that tolerate what can only be classified as insubordiation. Are we so afraid to send someone like this packing because of the trouble it will cause? Or is it because the supervisor lacks the guts and where with all to deal with this. Maybe we need to adopt a "screw you while I take care of myself" attitude for they sure have and get away with it. It would be a lot less trouble when you were asked to help for 10 minutes and have to delay your coffee break or your smoke break. I can understand this attitude from a non-christian. But since one of these dullards is a "devout Catholic" in his own words .. is that typical of what the Catholic Church preaches? Or should some Priest who cares discuss with this devout one what the term "Christ-like" really means? No wonder Christians around the world are getting pushed aside because of hypocrites like this. Yes, I am dismayed, for all I asked was 5 minutes of their time but got this idiotic response. I hope they have a Merry Christmas and one day before Christ returns, wake up to find out what kind of person they really are.
The mexican food this afternoon was as good as usual. Hot, spicy and a joy to eat. gee, I just realized that I won't get anymore at our resturant until next year. Guess the Carribean Island cusine will have to do. :)
Dad's test was cancelled for two weeks.
Is it time we disband the Political Party system and everyone is independent and representative of who voted them into office? What I see is party politics is more important than the citizens needs and rights. Yes they claim they represent us but I believe they represent their causes more and only if the two cross paths the citizens will get cared for.
District of Columbia is being denied representation because the job of some Congressman in Utah would be jepordized and tilt the balance of power.
Millions spent on research on the sex lives of certain animals while human being in Louisiana are hungry and cold from the lack of shelter.
No budget is being worked on while they pander the Patriot Act because some of our rights were moved aside during the frenzied hunt for terrorists after 9-11. You want to be safe? Then let the right people do their job and stop these fanatics who think nothing of blowing you up.
If you want to drill in Alaska to lessen the impact of terrorist controlled oil .. then make the drilling environmentally safe and friendly .. make the oil companies use some of the billions in profit to make that happen instead of paying massive bonuses and salarys to the top managers and lobbyists. And if they fail then make them pay for messing it up ... surely last years profits could go a long way to repairing an accident. Oh, that is right. This would mean the Congress members would lose their large yearly bonuses from the Oil Lobby.
You say that I am too critical and that Congress is honorable and doing what is right for the American Citizen? Look at all the ones convicted, indicted, and under investigation and tell me how honorable they are. These are the ones that messed up and got caught. I love the phrase used once on a TB show about Congress .. "it isn't nothing but a good ole boys club." Am I wrong? Prove me wrong?
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
Friday, December 16, 2005
Scrambled Eggs
***** Merry Christmas *****
Time is rolling along very fast as we have only 11 days to Cruise Time. Life is going well but I wish it would slow down a bit. There are many things I wish to do but I seem to run out of time.
The first half of the Youth bowling league is done. While we didn't win again, we didn't finish last. Hopefully this team will jell for the second half and make a respectable showing and at least be a player.
#1's interview seemed to prove unfruitful. Oh well, time marches on for him.
#2 is pretty much in the same boat. He some how thinks I am bluffing come January 15th. Is he in for a surprise!
Dad isn't doing well with his tests this time. Today was a remake after yesterday's debacle. After stopping his heart it took 3 restarts to get it going. I wonder if the starter was missing a few gears? They seem to create more stress and anxiety than what the accomplish. I would tell them next time to go play with someone else .. this old ticker is off limits.
This week at work has been a blur. The main office server managed to die and after 30 hours we got it going and stable once again. Backing up some 91Gb of data and restoring it isn't fun. Then some idiot cut the telco cable with a backhoe and our Baltimore AM station is off the air and they say it will be 9pm Saturday before they finish splicing it. The GM ain't happy.
Way to go Congress, lest anything get in the way of your holiday break, leave us hanging on a lot of things as Alternative Minimum tax, Patriot Act, your silence on the budgets for next year. Your penchant for playing Inquisitor has left little room for doing your real job.
Thanks DC and the Mayor, your screwing around with the stadium lease will lose us our Nationals Baseball team and you will whine how unfair MLB has treated you. Well, we know better.
They say driving and talking on a cell phone makes you 4 times more likely to have a serious accident. Well, duh, lets get serious and stop it. Perhaps tripling the penalties if you cause and accident while talking would be a good start. If you are chatting on one and are involved in an accident then you assume the responsibility. Why you ask? If you weren't talking you would have been more attentive and might have taken defensive action sooner and avoided it.
As for the death penalty, make it mandatory that the sentence must be executed before the end of the 5th year. No more dragging it out for 25+ years. This can be modified if they come up with a way to extend the death of the victims equal to the appeal time of the convict.
***** Merry Christmas *****
Time is rolling along very fast as we have only 11 days to Cruise Time. Life is going well but I wish it would slow down a bit. There are many things I wish to do but I seem to run out of time.
The first half of the Youth bowling league is done. While we didn't win again, we didn't finish last. Hopefully this team will jell for the second half and make a respectable showing and at least be a player.
#1's interview seemed to prove unfruitful. Oh well, time marches on for him.
#2 is pretty much in the same boat. He some how thinks I am bluffing come January 15th. Is he in for a surprise!
Dad isn't doing well with his tests this time. Today was a remake after yesterday's debacle. After stopping his heart it took 3 restarts to get it going. I wonder if the starter was missing a few gears? They seem to create more stress and anxiety than what the accomplish. I would tell them next time to go play with someone else .. this old ticker is off limits.
This week at work has been a blur. The main office server managed to die and after 30 hours we got it going and stable once again. Backing up some 91Gb of data and restoring it isn't fun. Then some idiot cut the telco cable with a backhoe and our Baltimore AM station is off the air and they say it will be 9pm Saturday before they finish splicing it. The GM ain't happy.
Way to go Congress, lest anything get in the way of your holiday break, leave us hanging on a lot of things as Alternative Minimum tax, Patriot Act, your silence on the budgets for next year. Your penchant for playing Inquisitor has left little room for doing your real job.
Thanks DC and the Mayor, your screwing around with the stadium lease will lose us our Nationals Baseball team and you will whine how unfair MLB has treated you. Well, we know better.
They say driving and talking on a cell phone makes you 4 times more likely to have a serious accident. Well, duh, lets get serious and stop it. Perhaps tripling the penalties if you cause and accident while talking would be a good start. If you are chatting on one and are involved in an accident then you assume the responsibility. Why you ask? If you weren't talking you would have been more attentive and might have taken defensive action sooner and avoided it.
As for the death penalty, make it mandatory that the sentence must be executed before the end of the 5th year. No more dragging it out for 25+ years. This can be modified if they come up with a way to extend the death of the victims equal to the appeal time of the convict.
***** Merry Christmas *****
Monday, December 12, 2005
Head Scratching
Sitting here this morning I listened to a story about the man in a California prison that is facing death in 18 hours. Every bit of the story was about how the man deserved to live because he had "changed and was doing so much good". I just have a problem with that logic. He killed a person and they were permanently sentenced to death. How much good could they have done or tried to do? I am of the thought that when you are convicted of certain crimes the sentence is carried out no matter how much you have changed. Why does he deserve another chance -- the victim gets nothing but a shortened life? The simple fact here remains he killed someone so he must be punished as the court sentenced him. I am sad his lifestyle and anger placed him where he would commit this crime. That is a black eye on society and their failure to make a difference. But the simple fact is He killed someone and was sentenced to die -- so carry out the sentence. Until people are held accountable and punished according to the law, we will never see the murder rate go down.
I had an interesting conversation with #1. While talking about jobs I commented that he needed to be aware of where he worked and the hours since in most likelihood we would have to help get him there. You know, be considerate of mom and dad. He responded he would work off shifts so he could use the car and not interfere with us. Of course I reminded him he had lost his car and had no insurance. Then I said he wasn't on my policy so he could not drive them. Of course he fumed and said "come on lighten up, it isn't like I am going cross country or anything like that." Naturally I said no and that I wasn't willing to chance losing everything I had because of an accident he caused. I wonder where these ideas come from. I have heard it from several young adults that if you are just driving around town that there is no need to have insurance. It is as if they feel if you don't have it then the other person can't take it. Another one is they keep their checking account balance at a minimum, write checks for every penny based on their idea of the sequence of withdrawal. However the bank operates on an entirely different schedule and bounces a check. They actually think it is the banks fault and refuse to pay it
The pre-hugged Christmas bears are back. So it takes a while to hug every one. Lou would hug them and give a grunt since it was a bug hug. He did hug everyone and even a few twice. He is at the stage he parrots anything I say. Needless to say the language filter must be turned up full strength to prevent those slippages.
#2 in all his wisdom still is job hunting. When asked how it was going he rattled off a bunch of business names of places he filled out an application too. I stated it sure sounded like the same places he tried before he tried the Job Corp. He nodded yes and restated he tried .. My question was "how many interviews?" None but I did a lot of applications was his response. I responded that applications were paper and like toilet paper, something used and thrown away, get an interview, that was called job hunting. Needless to say, the attitude appeared and the conversation ended but not before I reminded him that rent was due in 30 days. He spent the rest of the evening away from us.
I had an interesting conversation with #1. While talking about jobs I commented that he needed to be aware of where he worked and the hours since in most likelihood we would have to help get him there. You know, be considerate of mom and dad. He responded he would work off shifts so he could use the car and not interfere with us. Of course I reminded him he had lost his car and had no insurance. Then I said he wasn't on my policy so he could not drive them. Of course he fumed and said "come on lighten up, it isn't like I am going cross country or anything like that." Naturally I said no and that I wasn't willing to chance losing everything I had because of an accident he caused. I wonder where these ideas come from. I have heard it from several young adults that if you are just driving around town that there is no need to have insurance. It is as if they feel if you don't have it then the other person can't take it. Another one is they keep their checking account balance at a minimum, write checks for every penny based on their idea of the sequence of withdrawal. However the bank operates on an entirely different schedule and bounces a check. They actually think it is the banks fault and refuse to pay it
The pre-hugged Christmas bears are back. So it takes a while to hug every one. Lou would hug them and give a grunt since it was a bug hug. He did hug everyone and even a few twice. He is at the stage he parrots anything I say. Needless to say the language filter must be turned up full strength to prevent those slippages.
#2 in all his wisdom still is job hunting. When asked how it was going he rattled off a bunch of business names of places he filled out an application too. I stated it sure sounded like the same places he tried before he tried the Job Corp. He nodded yes and restated he tried .. My question was "how many interviews?" None but I did a lot of applications was his response. I responded that applications were paper and like toilet paper, something used and thrown away, get an interview, that was called job hunting. Needless to say, the attitude appeared and the conversation ended but not before I reminded him that rent was due in 30 days. He spent the rest of the evening away from us.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Which Holiday Cartoon Character Are You?
You are:
Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks
Like Alvin , you love Christmas—for all the stuff it brings! You love getting all gussied up and being the center of attention. It's great that you're having such a great time, but remember, there's more to the holidays than getting gifts. There's a lot of joy to be found in the simple pleasures and thinking of others.
Try it yourself!
Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks
Like Alvin , you love Christmas—for all the stuff it brings! You love getting all gussied up and being the center of attention. It's great that you're having such a great time, but remember, there's more to the holidays than getting gifts. There's a lot of joy to be found in the simple pleasures and thinking of others.
Try it yourself!
Whimsical Thoughts
Last night we attended the pre-showing of the Chronicles of Narnia. That was fun and the show was very good. Even #1 flatly stated that he liked the movie. The snowstorm they predicted was a fizzle once again. Just enough sleet and snow to make life miserable They were predicting 4-6" where we lived but it barely covered our grass. Two weeks from Monday our great adventure starts -- warm weather, good fun and lots of fun.
Why would you sit there and watch a virus warning continually pop up and not do anything about it. These are the people that sit there with a finger crammed up their nose and tickling their brain. Then they choose to blame me for hacking into their system and infecting them. Only thing I would hack into is their dried up brain and inject some common sense. Then they want me to fix it, as if I do this to generate more work for me. I guess this is the low quality of news reporters you get when they are paid minimal wages.
Our Christmas party on Wednesday night was great. Good food and the view of the District of Columbia from a restaurant on the 14th floor.
Trial by DNA? Could it be that in the future you won't get a trial if the DNA at the crime scene matches yours? The evidence is collected, the DNA processed, your are arrested and the judge sentences you with the appropriate sentence. We turned another corner when a death sentence was overturned because the DNA evidence was destroyed. They disregarded the jury's decision based on all the evidence and the belief that he was guilty. Yes, the law changed and what the clerk did was wrong but don't blow off the original trial because of it. If the DNA evidence is gone all the new trial can consider is the testimony of the witnesses. Well, Duh, that is what happened the first time so why not accept that finding. meanwhile we continue to provide a living to someone already found guilty.
The other night I saw a program on the transgender issue we face. It brought up some interesting question but also showed the lengths some will take to disguise the truth of who they are. That one guy married a he/she and wouldn't let he/she remove the crank. So instead of accepting the fact he is homosexual he masked it as he was normal and just in love with a transgender female. Unscrew the brain and see the lack of any gray mass? Needless to say, I laughed a lot. Seriously, the transgender people did present some issues but the other people were just perverted.
Why would you sit there and watch a virus warning continually pop up and not do anything about it. These are the people that sit there with a finger crammed up their nose and tickling their brain. Then they choose to blame me for hacking into their system and infecting them. Only thing I would hack into is their dried up brain and inject some common sense. Then they want me to fix it, as if I do this to generate more work for me. I guess this is the low quality of news reporters you get when they are paid minimal wages.
Our Christmas party on Wednesday night was great. Good food and the view of the District of Columbia from a restaurant on the 14th floor.
Trial by DNA? Could it be that in the future you won't get a trial if the DNA at the crime scene matches yours? The evidence is collected, the DNA processed, your are arrested and the judge sentences you with the appropriate sentence. We turned another corner when a death sentence was overturned because the DNA evidence was destroyed. They disregarded the jury's decision based on all the evidence and the belief that he was guilty. Yes, the law changed and what the clerk did was wrong but don't blow off the original trial because of it. If the DNA evidence is gone all the new trial can consider is the testimony of the witnesses. Well, Duh, that is what happened the first time so why not accept that finding. meanwhile we continue to provide a living to someone already found guilty.
The other night I saw a program on the transgender issue we face. It brought up some interesting question but also showed the lengths some will take to disguise the truth of who they are. That one guy married a he/she and wouldn't let he/she remove the crank. So instead of accepting the fact he is homosexual he masked it as he was normal and just in love with a transgender female. Unscrew the brain and see the lack of any gray mass? Needless to say, I laughed a lot. Seriously, the transgender people did present some issues but the other people were just perverted.
Monday, December 05, 2005
White Christmas?
Paul's Update: 12/04/05
Dear Friends: -- Many good things happen every day. We can praise God for these small miracles. Today Bobby & Tabby got to see Paul open his eyes (both according to Bobby) and look at them. He appeared to have a somewhat frightened look. I suspect he IS a bit frightened and confused about what & where he is, not to mention what happened that got him there. He is opening his eyes (mostly the left one) quite often. It is usually in response to either touching him or talking to him but not always. I came into his room today and before I even spoke or touched him I noticed his left eye open. It stayed that way for about a minute. He still doesn't appear to respond directly to commands but I think he is getting closer each day. Please continue your prayers for Brenda (Austin's grandmother) & her family. She is having tests done tomorrow to decide what kind of cancer she has and how her doctors will plan to treat it. Also continue to remember all those families that are victims of trauma that are at Fairfax ICU. One family is struggling with the impending death of their 70 year old father & husband that fell at home and hit his head causing massive bleeding on the brain. His doctor says there is not any brain activity and they will probably have to remove him from the respirator soon. I pray that God will comfort them! God Bless, -- Lynne & Carl
***** *****
Well, it snowed today and it was a far cry from what they predicted. 3-6" and we will barely get 1 1/2". But even with that piddly amount the cancellations are piling up. If they cancel school every time they get an inch .. this school year will never end.
Work is going well. I finished a new server buildout and installed it this weekend. It is good to be able to finish something without having it changed on you before it could be finished. Time to move on to the other 999 projects all due yesterday. :)
Well, the District of Columbia shows their ineptitude when it comes to the Nationals. They got the concessions from MLB that they wanted but today's news makes you grin. A document surfaced that stated the cost of the new stadium was some 165 million under the actual cost. Mayor Williams used 535 million as the cost and now it is reported the number will be 700 million. To add insult to injury, if the cost is too much and the fall back to the RFK Stadium site, the report says it can't be done in time for the 2008 deadline. This is starting to look like a texas-sized goat rope.
Dear Friends: -- Many good things happen every day. We can praise God for these small miracles. Today Bobby & Tabby got to see Paul open his eyes (both according to Bobby) and look at them. He appeared to have a somewhat frightened look. I suspect he IS a bit frightened and confused about what & where he is, not to mention what happened that got him there. He is opening his eyes (mostly the left one) quite often. It is usually in response to either touching him or talking to him but not always. I came into his room today and before I even spoke or touched him I noticed his left eye open. It stayed that way for about a minute. He still doesn't appear to respond directly to commands but I think he is getting closer each day. Please continue your prayers for Brenda (Austin's grandmother) & her family. She is having tests done tomorrow to decide what kind of cancer she has and how her doctors will plan to treat it. Also continue to remember all those families that are victims of trauma that are at Fairfax ICU. One family is struggling with the impending death of their 70 year old father & husband that fell at home and hit his head causing massive bleeding on the brain. His doctor says there is not any brain activity and they will probably have to remove him from the respirator soon. I pray that God will comfort them! God Bless, -- Lynne & Carl
***** *****
Well, it snowed today and it was a far cry from what they predicted. 3-6" and we will barely get 1 1/2". But even with that piddly amount the cancellations are piling up. If they cancel school every time they get an inch .. this school year will never end.
Work is going well. I finished a new server buildout and installed it this weekend. It is good to be able to finish something without having it changed on you before it could be finished. Time to move on to the other 999 projects all due yesterday. :)
Well, the District of Columbia shows their ineptitude when it comes to the Nationals. They got the concessions from MLB that they wanted but today's news makes you grin. A document surfaced that stated the cost of the new stadium was some 165 million under the actual cost. Mayor Williams used 535 million as the cost and now it is reported the number will be 700 million. To add insult to injury, if the cost is too much and the fall back to the RFK Stadium site, the report says it can't be done in time for the 2008 deadline. This is starting to look like a texas-sized goat rope.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Brrrrrr ... Is it Winter Yet?
Paul's Update: 12/03/05
Dear Friends: -- Today was a pretty good day. Paul had a CT scan first thing this morning. The doctor decided that the depression in his skull was nothing to worry about. The shunt seems to be working fine and his brain is in good condition. The swelling in his neck area is just a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) from the installation of the shunt and it should reabsorb into the skin in a few days. He actually looked better already today! Much of the same movements are present. He still opens his eyes occasionally (mostly the left eye) and he moves his head and arms frequently. His heart rate & BP are normal and he seems to be doing very well although he still doesn't respond directly to any commands. He is still in the ICU2 unit but as soon as a bed in a room with someone else who has staff infection in the intermediate care unit comes available he will be moved. Many new families have arrived in the ICU unit. Please continue to pray for them. Also, many of you have heard about Austin and his recovery. He is at Mount Vernon Rehab center but his maternal grandmother was admitted this weekend with a mass in one of her lungs. It appears that she may have cancer. This is a serious concern for her since she just lost a sister to cancer. Please pray for Brenda and the family as they endure another difficult situation. Thanks for your continued prayer!! -- Love & Hugs -- Lynne & Carl
***** *****
I knew the Christmas season was here because we started our Christmas teddy bear program. Everyone brings teddy bears for the next few weeks and everyone hugs them. Then these "pre-hugged" bears are given away to kids and really anyone needing some extra love. Snuggle -- Snuggle
Three weeks to cruise time .. I can't wait.
Work continues to be fun, hard but fun. It is kinda sad watching them let my old network system crumble from neglect. It still amazes me that someone can sit there with a broken computer system and bellyache that they weren't hired to fix them. Where I came from refusing to do your job got your butt canned. But then again it takes a manager with balls to enforce it and I guess there aren't anymore left over there.
Christmas parties and the pre-screen of the Narnia movie will highlight this week. Add in choir and bible study and who has anytime left?
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ... and those who are ashamed about that phrase --- Season's Greetings ...errrr ... MERRY CHRISTMAS anyways.
Dear Friends: -- Today was a pretty good day. Paul had a CT scan first thing this morning. The doctor decided that the depression in his skull was nothing to worry about. The shunt seems to be working fine and his brain is in good condition. The swelling in his neck area is just a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) from the installation of the shunt and it should reabsorb into the skin in a few days. He actually looked better already today! Much of the same movements are present. He still opens his eyes occasionally (mostly the left eye) and he moves his head and arms frequently. His heart rate & BP are normal and he seems to be doing very well although he still doesn't respond directly to any commands. He is still in the ICU2 unit but as soon as a bed in a room with someone else who has staff infection in the intermediate care unit comes available he will be moved. Many new families have arrived in the ICU unit. Please continue to pray for them. Also, many of you have heard about Austin and his recovery. He is at Mount Vernon Rehab center but his maternal grandmother was admitted this weekend with a mass in one of her lungs. It appears that she may have cancer. This is a serious concern for her since she just lost a sister to cancer. Please pray for Brenda and the family as they endure another difficult situation. Thanks for your continued prayer!! -- Love & Hugs -- Lynne & Carl
***** *****
I knew the Christmas season was here because we started our Christmas teddy bear program. Everyone brings teddy bears for the next few weeks and everyone hugs them. Then these "pre-hugged" bears are given away to kids and really anyone needing some extra love. Snuggle -- Snuggle
Three weeks to cruise time .. I can't wait.
Work continues to be fun, hard but fun. It is kinda sad watching them let my old network system crumble from neglect. It still amazes me that someone can sit there with a broken computer system and bellyache that they weren't hired to fix them. Where I came from refusing to do your job got your butt canned. But then again it takes a manager with balls to enforce it and I guess there aren't anymore left over there.
Christmas parties and the pre-screen of the Narnia movie will highlight this week. Add in choir and bible study and who has anytime left?
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ... and those who are ashamed about that phrase --- Season's Greetings ...errrr ... MERRY CHRISTMAS anyways.
Friday, December 02, 2005
The Weekend Arrives
Paul's Update:
12-01-05 --- Dear Friends: -- God is soooo good. We have been anxious to see signs that Paul is doing better. Today Paul was more active. He seemed to be very aware that we were in the room. His eyes opened quite a bit. He appeared to be trying to lift his head and shoulders toward Tabby. His heart rate would go way up. The nurse said she believes it is because he is becoming more aware and wants to communicate but can't. Although he is still in a coma he appears to be very close to waking. The doctor said he needs to respond to commands, like "squeeze my hand" and "open your eyes" before they consider it to be things he does intentionally! Friday will be the completion of 4 weeks in ICU. It appears that Paul may be moved to intermediate care ICU maybe as early as tonight or Friday. Thanks for your prayers....we may finally be on the way to having Paul back with us!! -- Love, Lynne & Carl
12/02/05 --- Dear Friends: -- Today was the completion of the fourth week in ICU. Paul was a lot quieter today. Not as much movement as yesterday. His heart rate was up quite abit this afternoon. The BP & respiration rates were also up. We had a bit of a scare tonight after the shift change. When Carl and I went in to visit we noticed that the part of his skull where the bone was removed was sunken in quite a lot. The other noticeable thing was a lot of swelling in the neck area just below the jaw. The nurse checked to see if there was any change in his neurological responses (eye dilation, response to pain, and some reflex action in the foot). All these seemed the same as when she checked him earlier in the evening, but she said the skull did look quite different from an hour before. The resident doctor and the head of the trauma team came to look. They seemed to think it may be from the shunt draining the fluid from his cranial cavity but they were a little concerned with the swelling in the neck. The neurosurgeon on Paul's case was called and he ordered a CT Saturday morning to see what is going on. They didn't seem to think it was life threatening but it does warrant a look. The good thing about tonight's visit was that the doctor and the nurse both seemed pleased with Paul's neurological status. We are glad to hear that they at least think he is doing well for his situation! We will just continue to pray for God to hold & heal him. His doctors are doing their part!! -- God Bless, Lynne & Carl
***** *****
Looks like our first real snow is coming Monday. It makes the thoughts of our cruise in 24 days much warmer. Do I feel guilty? No! :)
I couldn't help but shake my head as I listened how some German Youth group was making an erotic bible calendar. The adult (used lightly) leaders thought it was great that the youth were taking an interest in the bible. This is the same logic that believes take a bunch of porn stars and have them hold the bible or some religious artifact and revel in joy when a bunch of men come back into the church. Perhaps the German leaders could teach them of Christ's love and draw the kids in ... and the results would last longer. That formula has worked for a long time.
Thank you Federated Stores and WAVA FM 105 for taking a stand and using the phrase "Merry Christmas." It is time to quit trying to hide who we are and accept that God and religion was the basis of our nation.
12-01-05 --- Dear Friends: -- God is soooo good. We have been anxious to see signs that Paul is doing better. Today Paul was more active. He seemed to be very aware that we were in the room. His eyes opened quite a bit. He appeared to be trying to lift his head and shoulders toward Tabby. His heart rate would go way up. The nurse said she believes it is because he is becoming more aware and wants to communicate but can't. Although he is still in a coma he appears to be very close to waking. The doctor said he needs to respond to commands, like "squeeze my hand" and "open your eyes" before they consider it to be things he does intentionally! Friday will be the completion of 4 weeks in ICU. It appears that Paul may be moved to intermediate care ICU maybe as early as tonight or Friday. Thanks for your prayers....we may finally be on the way to having Paul back with us!! -- Love, Lynne & Carl
12/02/05 --- Dear Friends: -- Today was the completion of the fourth week in ICU. Paul was a lot quieter today. Not as much movement as yesterday. His heart rate was up quite abit this afternoon. The BP & respiration rates were also up. We had a bit of a scare tonight after the shift change. When Carl and I went in to visit we noticed that the part of his skull where the bone was removed was sunken in quite a lot. The other noticeable thing was a lot of swelling in the neck area just below the jaw. The nurse checked to see if there was any change in his neurological responses (eye dilation, response to pain, and some reflex action in the foot). All these seemed the same as when she checked him earlier in the evening, but she said the skull did look quite different from an hour before. The resident doctor and the head of the trauma team came to look. They seemed to think it may be from the shunt draining the fluid from his cranial cavity but they were a little concerned with the swelling in the neck. The neurosurgeon on Paul's case was called and he ordered a CT Saturday morning to see what is going on. They didn't seem to think it was life threatening but it does warrant a look. The good thing about tonight's visit was that the doctor and the nurse both seemed pleased with Paul's neurological status. We are glad to hear that they at least think he is doing well for his situation! We will just continue to pray for God to hold & heal him. His doctors are doing their part!! -- God Bless, Lynne & Carl
***** *****
Looks like our first real snow is coming Monday. It makes the thoughts of our cruise in 24 days much warmer. Do I feel guilty? No! :)
I couldn't help but shake my head as I listened how some German Youth group was making an erotic bible calendar. The adult (used lightly) leaders thought it was great that the youth were taking an interest in the bible. This is the same logic that believes take a bunch of porn stars and have them hold the bible or some religious artifact and revel in joy when a bunch of men come back into the church. Perhaps the German leaders could teach them of Christ's love and draw the kids in ... and the results would last longer. That formula has worked for a long time.
Thank you Federated Stores and WAVA FM 105 for taking a stand and using the phrase "Merry Christmas." It is time to quit trying to hide who we are and accept that God and religion was the basis of our nation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
