Your First Senior Moment?

Snow on the Horizon

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

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

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

**********

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

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

LEST WE FORGET

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

Dear Ruth:

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

Love Always,
Jesus

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

Dear Ruth:

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

Love Always,
Jesus

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

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

Morning Thought

WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Press 1 for English.

Press 2 to disconnect until you learn to speak English.

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

My Valentine

To The Love of My Life:

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

In Memory of Billy J. Davis

My father/Dad/Best Friend

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

The Importance of Walking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AND

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

26 Inches

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

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

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

February Already!

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

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

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

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

The Week After

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

Congrats Colts and Saints ... my choices.

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

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

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Fourteen

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

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Thirteen

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

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Twelve

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

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Eleven, Sea Day 7

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

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Ten, Sea Day 6

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

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Nine, Sea Day 5

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

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Eight, Sea Day 4

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

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Seven, Sea Day 3

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

Today's Weather: 72.5 Degrees and cloudy.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Six, Sea Day 2

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

Current Weather: 71 Degrees and clear.