I dare you to watch this and tell me it is worth it

Texting While Driving

I love everyone of my kids and pray they don't fall into this trap!

The Insurance Companies now tell us this is a big problem and the biggest cause of accidents. I believe Operating a Motor Vehicle while using the handheld Cell Phone should be outlawed with severe penalties ... to die because someone just couldn't concentrate on driving for a few minutes. Is it worth it????

Way Too Long

Looking at the Blog site I realized I haven't been that faithful in keeping it current. A lot has happened, so maybe I can blame it on that. September holds for us a weekend in Virginia Beach and the Maryland Renaissance Faire. We are looking forward to going for our fifth year. O'Danny Girls, here we come! The Youth League finished with us in the middle of the field. The team never really jelled and we lost too many close ones that we should have won. I will have to look hard at the team composition and make some needed changes so we can be competitive. I did manage to finish with a 194 average and hold the third high average. The winter Adult League starts next Sunday ... the start of 30+ weeks of bowling. For me ... it is the chance for a lot of dates with my sweety.

Wild Mom is here with us for a summer vacation. We will take her home on Labor Day Weekend. It has been fun for us but she has managed to stay sick most of the time with sinus and numbness in her arm. Maybe she brought that from my sister's house. The dog has enjoyed the company and the little kids that drop food all the time. Lady has been busy, her boss went to Greece leaving her in charge, but managed to get the time off for our weekend in Williamsburg Va. She is really looking forward to the third weekend in September when we go to Virginia Beach for the weekend. Right in the middle of this time, we lost a really good friend. Brian Powell left us on his Birthday. We will miss him a lot.

Star was here for a week for the funeral. That was fun for us but I know she was ready to head back for Georgia and get back to life. living out of suitcases for a long time gets hard. It was so hard, she even managed to leave her keys and cigarette case. #1 and #2 both work now. Can you believe that? We are now hoping the contract with Verizon is renewed and they continue on for a lot longer. #1 has even managed to get promoted in all this. #2 is enjoying the sensation of having money in his wallet. Hopefully he will grow accustom to that and not let the cobwebs form there again. Princess has moved to a bigger place ... a single family house only a few blocks away from us. She continues to fill every second of her day with work. For me, keep every minute for myself and having fun. Lew, Lil Princess, and AJ continue to grow and keep us laughing. The two little ones amaze us with their new vocabulary and the ways they use the words. AJ still hasn't quite figured out that the pool is not the bathroom. Peanut is now a school girl once again. She has started to take classes at Everest College in order to become a Massage Therapist. We all are excited for her ... none more so than her. Now let me see ... peanut butter massage ... hmmmm!

Getting ready for the Dog Days

We are safely back from Indiana. The drive was uneventful but long (10+ hours). It was a great time and in many ways I wished it would never end. Lady's surprise of her brother on his birthday was complete. He was speechless as was her sister who walked by Lady before realizing who it was. Lew loved the pool and AJ even managed to splash his feet in the pool too. My neice, the fish, showed me all her swimming skills and filled my ears with tales of her swim meets. I really did enjoy that time and even the wrestling matches with her next day. Lady's parent's house and property are somewhere I could retire and really enjoy life. The town is so laid back and quiet. Life is so fast there ... they drive golf carts around town and there isn't a golf course in miles. #1 and peanut are still working. Though Peanut really missed AJ. It is amazing how those lil beggars get too you. AJ learned one new word very well and used it every possible second that he could speak. He wore out the word "Bye." #2 is still suffering from noworkitis. I believe the disease isn't fatal but it sure saps your energy away. Star celebrated her birthday (?? years) in Hilton Head and Monday finally returned to reality in Georgia. Princess is still working like a mule and occasionally stops to say hi or is it "hee haw?" Now we can start looking forward to the next weekend adventure in August ... Williamsburg Va. Work is the same. I am very happy that it is the one constant pain in my life. That helps me maintain a foot in reality. More to come later!!!

A Fathers Love Letter

I saw this and felt it should be shared ...

Summer Heat - I

Well, I guess I had better get this updated ... I have been asleep at the wheel. This weekend we head to Indiana so see Lady's Mother and attend a suprise party. That should prove to be interesting. Wild Mom is doing fine but cabin fever is rampant. Hopefully, I will be able to rescue her for a few weeks and then visit the Heisner Reunion on the way home. Star gets older today! Though she did go to Hilton Head SC without me. Sniff! Believe it or not .... #1 got a job as Inventory Specialist with Verizon. Miracles do happen. Now, what will it take for #2 to get one ... an act of God? Lew, Lil Princess and AJ are growing like weeds and getting good use out of the pool. I swear sometimes they are more fish than Human. We had a nice evening with Princess and I even managed to spend less than $50 during the short shopping trip we made. I wouldn't even try that with Lady or Wild Mom.

Future Plans:
Indiana
Williamsburg (Aug)
Virginia Beach (Sept)
Pigeon Forge TN (Oct)
Caribbean (Jan)

Work is the same ... just a little slow as we tend to fix things once and for all. Maybe "Fixing Stupid" is on summer vacation.

Cool Summer

Another week starts. The best part is Cheng is back. Not that the work is that hard ... but we get to share the idiocy that permeates this place. The weekend was quiet and slow. The highlights included Rita's Ice from Potomac Mills. Saturday's El Agave trip was nice and the food was all we expected. Of course AJ, Lew, and Lil Princess devoured the guacamole (2 bowls worth). Wild Mom is doing fine (healing) but cabin fever is in full force as she still hasn't been cleared to drive. Any one can feel free to call her and chat a bit, I know she will enjoy that a lot. Also there is a discussion started about bringing her up here for a few weeks. But nothing final was decided. Lady is doing well and for the most part this weekend rested, if that is possible with three kids hanging around. The three kids (AJ, Lew and Lil Princess) spent the weekend eating Popsicles, hot dogs and swimming in their new pool. They had a blast and now our summer routine consists of just that. #1 and #2 still can't wrestle down those elusive jobs. It is all in the approach. Don't focus on that 9% don't have a job but realize that 91% do have jobs. Peanut is fine and working away at her job. She and AJ did manage to go to the National Zoo and have a great time. Princess has been spending some time with us this weekend and that really made this weekend special. We hope this is the start of something fantastic. We capped our weekend off with Klines Ice Cream after youth bowling. The Bowling is doing fine. I even managed to get hooked up last night and roll a 184-202-275=661. That should bounce my average a bit.

**********

I love it when Derrick Mason wants us to not judge McNair and forget his cheating. What you do on the football field doesn't dismiss or cancel what you do off the field. You are a member of society first and a little bit of honesty and integrity, not to mention fidelity and honesty comes first.

Lance continues to stay close ... feels like the viper is about to strike.

The Nationals Coach got the hook last night. I love it when the players play like junior college players and the Coach gets the axe. He didn't drop the fly ball. I don't have much respect for the players who don't play up to their level or even play to the level of their compensation. I would rather see the Potomac Nationals (Carolina League) play for they are trying to the BEST of their ability to try and make this sorry national League team. What irony ... trying hard to make a losing team.

I Love You

Someone who loves me a lot sent this ... and I now sent it to you

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, old morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore." No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute."

Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say "I love you."

So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage ... and old cars, and children with bad report cards,
and dogs with bad hips, family and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it ... because we are worth it.

Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce ... There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.

Life is important. We only have one. We only have one mom, one dad, one unique brother or sister or friend.

Suppose one morning you never wake up. Do all your friends know you love them?

I was thinking .. I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said.

Let every one of your friends and family know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do.

And just in case GOD calls me home ... I LOVE You ! :-)

Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised!

More Fun in the Sun

I hope everyone had a safe and happy July 4th. We did. Lots of grilling outside and the cranking up of homemade Ice Cream were the tops. Friday included a Potomac Nationals Baseball game with fireworks at the end. Yes, they won 6-5 more than could be said about the Nationals. We skipped the large crowds Saturday by staying home and relaxing with a bowl of Ice Cream. Thursday started my long weekend with one of my teeth being pulled out. I was only in the chair over 2 1/2 hours. It was not fun but I have managed to dodge all the pain and problems following the surgery. Lew and Lil Princess spent the holidays with their parents. Peanut, #1 and #2 were their normal selves. Star is in Pennsylvania visiting. Sunday Bowling was ok as we managed to win (7-0) and move up from our middle of the pack position. Lady is now on Facebook, that took a bunch of talking. Wild Mom is doing well and having a blast while she waits for the next trip.

Looks like a July trip to Indiana is in the works. More to come.
Reservations are confirmed for September in Virginia Beach.

**********

Tour De France is almost here.

"Dating Relationship" is what they call it between McNair and some 20 year old. He is married with kids and I call it ... Adultry, Affair, and wrong.

I lucked out and didn't get a ticket to see them plant Wacko Jacko. The Doctors had a real quandry with what to do with his body at the Morgue on Tuesday. You see, recycle pickup wasn't until Friday.

Splashing Fun

Another weekend has come and gone. Bible School is over and a complete success. Some kids asked if we could do it next week ... they were having a blast. Wild Mom continues to heal and get stronger. Before long she will be back to full strength and on the road again. lady is happy VBS is over so she can rest and shake the last effects of her cold off. I managed to clear cut one half of the back yard jungle. A couple of times I had to follow the bright yellow electric cord back to the house. I will try and finish up the yard today provided the rain holds up. #1 is on a roll, 2 phone interviews in 7 months. I think half of Manassas will faint if he gets a job. #2 is sneaking around trying to find out #1's secret of landing them interviews since #2 is O-fer during the same time frame. Star is fine and the day of her calendar debut is drawing closer. She will be visiting Pennsylvania for a few days. We got a kiddie pool and Lil Princess, Lew and AJ made the most of it. AJ was blue and shivering like a leaf in a hurricane ... but he pitched a fit when we dried him off and took him inside. We had a blast watching them and Lady managed to get a few pictures of them in action. Peanut is doing fine though her are work hours are drawing down ... we knew this would happen from the start but the chance was taken. Saturday, Peanut and I went to see the Star Trek movie. It was ok, but the original series is still the best. Youth bowling is approaching mid-season. I averaged 201 but it takes more than one person to win. It looks like Indiana will be our next trip.

I am tired of Whacko Jacko memorials. Funny how in life they were avoiding or not supporting him (sales were at the bottom) but now are going stupid over him once again. They forget what kind of person he was and pump him up as the Greatest Ever. Funny how we change when we try and exploit him by collecting his stuff.

No need to say anything about the Nationals ... they lived up to their potential.

Summer Reflections

Hot times in Virginia. Today is 90+ and humid. Wild Mom is doing well. Her stamina isn't where she would like it but as long as she goes slow she is fine. It looks like she will be able to attend the Reunion in Lynn Haven Florida next weekend. It has been a long time since my last one ... well, maybe one day I will make it. Lady is really enjoying Vacation Bible School as she has the pleasure of corralling 8 kids under two years of age. Somehow I think she will be ready for another weekend vacation just to recuperate. #1 managed to scrape up an interview and at the same time run the Caddy out of gas. All the while the jungle grows ... even the wild strawberries are having to fight for their sunlight. #2 continues to be a room lizard and dodge any interviews. Star is doing fine. She continues to push to get her life organized. Who thought she would be a famous model ... featured in a calendar. It kind of made me think of a reality show where the young lady informed her parents that she was a centerfold in Playboy magazine. Hmmmm! Rub that thought from my mind! We will get to see Lew and Lil Princess this weekend after missing the last two. How much have they grown? More than the weeds in the yard? Work is the same ... frustrating ... plus Cheng is going on vacation next week but he deserves it for all the crap he deals with.

For those who are concerned ... I am fine. Just a bit disappointed as another piece of my dream dies. I wonder if it is possible to set them too high so that you can never have any real expectation of them ever succeeding? Sure seems like it.

9 Days till the Race ... Tour De France

The cruise is getting closer as the other night we actually started dreaming and scheming of what will transpire on the cruise in January. We have only 6 months till then ... I can feel the breeze on my face as we race downhill to the sailing date. Not to mention ... Lady in a bikini.

Back to Reality

We have landed safely back at home. After the AC was fixed about Monday noon, we headed for lunch and the road. The drive was long and uneventful as usual but we made it. Wild Mom is fine and healing slowly. Today, she had a small issue with some fever but after clearing the drain tube, everything seems to be back to normal. The yard looks like a scene out of the Jungle. It will be quite a job to cut. Maybe I might need a shotgun to take care of the critters that are hiding in the grass. I am amazed how quickly it grows ... when I first started it never seemed to grow but now when I wish it would slow down ... no way. Vacation Bible School is well underway and I am hoping to get there but there are a few issues at work that I am working on. Work is the same with no hope of changing anytime soon.

At least the nationals haven't changed ... thank God for something consistent. I am looking forward to the Tour De France starting soon.

She is on the Loose

Well, we arrived in Florida fine ... just tired from driving all night. Wild Mom's surgery went fine. She went in about 11:30 and they were done about 3:30. She spent the night and was discharged this morning about 9:00. Of course that happened just as I sat down to breakfast ... needless to say ... I finished it an hour later and 30 seconds for the microwave. Also the air conditioner decided to mess up today. The fan motor burned up on a day when the heat index was 103+. The old fan blades were so rusted that it will be Monday before they finish the job. It is running now and the inside temp is 85 and dropping. Lady fixed potato soup and it was good as usual ... and "no" there wasn't any left to bring home. At one point today all five of us were sitting around sleeping. It was funny. As you get older those "power naps" work wonders. The usual computer work gets done as it is amazing how much can get messed up between visits. last night we had to buy more dog food and when we got home ... it was full of bugs. Gee, great price and extra bonus protein. We took the bag back and lo and behold ... every bag on the shelf contained bugs. The Store Manager wasn't happy. It looks like the dealer sold him bad food. The Church down here is having a breakfast for Father's Day, so perhaps I will stuff myself before Sunday School. Lady bought some great looking tomatoes for making tomato sandwiches ... but alas ... we will have to wait till tomorrow to taste test them.

Way Down South

The drive to Florida as uneventful and long. Both of us are really looking forward to a complete nights sleep. We left about 2:30 pm and arrived in Florida at 7:00 am. We did manage to attend the "Over 50" Luncheon at the Cracker Barrel. Even though I wasn't qualified ... they didn't check ID's and we got it. The food was great and the company even better. That drive gets longer each time we make it. I think the days of driving straight through are fast coming to an end. We drove the truck and it ran well. The lowest gas we found $2.39 in South Carolina. Wild Mom is doing well and right now we are sitting here waiting for the surgery to end. They say it will last about 1 hour. With the prep work and stuff, I figure she will be done about 4:00 pm. We got here about 8:30 just to hurry up and wait. Lady is doing fine. Her cold is still hanging on. Good thing about all this waiting is she can catch up on her reading of the book. No change with #1 and #2. Though #1 had a bit of trouble with his teeth. After removing three he does feel better for the time being. Peanut continues to work and find out just how far a paycheck does not stretch. AJ continues to grow stronger and doing what one-year olds do ... get into trouble. Starr is doing well and working at Pizza Hut. She is getting excited as the day of receiving her tax refund gets closer and then she can get her own place. There is no change on the work scene and I have even managed to get caught up some ... but alas ... more projects. Both Bible Studies are doing very good. Every one wants to participate and talk ... thus that makes it easier for me. The Youth bowling is about a third of the way completed. While we both have higher averages than last year we are almost in last place. We are getting killed by the handicap difference. It doesn't take much for a 70 average bowler to bowl over their average.

Florida ... Here we come

June is well underway and lots of things are happening. Watching the D-Day specials just remind me how great those men and women were. They truly are the Greatest Generation. I salute you all.

The Youth bowling is rolling along. Personally, I am doing great (196 with 3 of the 4 series over 200) but the team isn't. Two of our partners haven't showed up and bowling two blind scores just about guarantees you a loss. We try but keep coming up short. It would be nice to find two kids who want to have fun and learn a little about bowling. I have an idea on one but they don't have time. It is a pisser when they grow up or at least think they have. This week I have two Bible Studies starting up and that excites me. The book (The Shack) is great and there is a great potential for a lot of discussion. Everyone that has been reading it so far really likes it. The excitement level for everyone is high. Work is so-so and if given the chance I could think of dozen of things to do in its place. Most people are gone or busy doing whatever they do when they aren't in the office getting face time or creating work for the engineers. The equipment is running fine ... just like we arranged. Fix it right and it runs fine for a long time. Keep the Operator fingers out of it and it runs flawlessly.

We will be heading for Florida on the afternoon of the 18th and returning on probably the 22nd of June. Wild Mom is have some surgery and we are going down to be with her, if nothing more than giggle at her discomfort. Probably even eat a great tasting What-a-burger while she eats that bland and tasteless hospital food. Your prayers would be appreciated for her. Peanut is working and having a great time. #1 and #2 still manage to dodge the work bullet and lay around the house. Though #1 does it with some pain ... his teeth are bothering him. Did AJ punch him in the chops like Lil Princess gave Lew a good shiner? The kids are great and growing like weeds. Lil Princess and AJ are learning to talk and that provides a lot of laughs. Lew is becoming a computer games geek ... hmmm ... just like #2? Vacation Bible school starts on the 22nd and the kids are looking forward to it. They sure get in the way while Lady and I do our planning and getting things ready. Starr is tossing the pies at Pizza Hut. Can you imagine her with flour all over her face and pepperonis in her hair? She and Dave are doing fine and learning that building a home takes some work and I think they will be up here in August. Batten down the hatches ... the storm is coming ashore. We love her and can't wait to see her again. Lady is a little under the weather and trying to rest a lot right now as she apparently tries to shrug off a summer cold. I am about finished with my sinus issues and all the coughing fits it started.

Things we still need to plan is an Indiana weekend (AUG) trip, Virginia Beach weekend (SEPT), Chincoteague weekend (Jul), Maryland Renn-Faire weekend (Sept), and the Training Course in Kansas City Mo (OCT). Of course, already planned is the Western Caribbean cruise in January.

##########

It is a rare day when the Nationals win ... and to add insult to it ... their fireworks display when they do win has been banned by the Fire Marshall. Talk about losers!

Too bad the stimulus money hasn't been used to stimulate the Alternative Fuels industry ... especially since the Oil Companies are jacking the prices up to bring their profit margins up. No reason for it to jumping like this except greed. Just like Bush, Obama won't do anything to help ... so are they any different? They are both Politicians ... and thus crooked as the rest.

Way to go ... Grasshopper!

Would You Ever Believe III ...

West Virginia Trophy Squirrel

Would You Ever Believe II ...

The rarely photographed South Florida Squirrel

Tick ... Tick

What a life. Today work was one of those days I about tossed the old #1 finger and left. Five people were so important their computer had to be the priority. One of them just needed to wake up and reboot. The other screwed his computer up with 3 viruses and several tracking cookies. They continually say "I don't know where they come from." Knock ... Knock ... Another just wanted to belly ache because they were tired of a pop-up. When you have 30 computers to update ... someone has to be second. The I was in the middle of setting 1 up and later come to find out, the person had logged in somewhere else and was screwing me up. I would log off (windows favorite response to anything) to do the update and then get locked out because of their work. I will fix that tomorrow ... it is called changing the password until I am frickin ready for them to play around. I did get some good done on other computer systems but these nuisances ruin the whole day. Oh I love those emails at 4:00 pm on Friday telling me they need to computers on Monday morning. Duh, don't we plan around here and have some lead time? Oh, that is right ... not in Salem. I also love those listeners that just wait to tell us "what is wrong." If you can't operate your computer then get a pencil and pad of paper. If you have a job where you are supposed to have some computer skills ... then learn the basics other than pushing the power button. Believe me ... I know one person that can't even figure that out. Then there is the question, "Will this automatic function run by itself or should I stay there and run it?" Since that function will cost you your job if it is botched ... be there and be ready for anything. Oh well, enough soap box.

80 and Climbing

Can you believe it is June. If I was a kid ... Summer vacation would be here! Not much has gone on except work and Church. I am starting a new Bible Study up on Wednesday Nights. We will read and study the book "The Shack" by William P. Young. The reaction to this book is unbelievable. I recommend reading it. Wild Mom survived the Wedding reception but now her house is empty. There was a really good turnout though they did not manage to eat all the food. But like all good "Davis's", they put a pretty good dent into it. We will heading down to Wild Mom's for a few days. The actual dates are still up in the air. Lady is doing well but she is very busy. Vacation Bible School starts very soon and that usually wears her out. No change in #1 and #2 other than the storm clouds are gathering and shortly the storm will be upon them. Peanut started her new job on Saturday. It is an office job so that makes it a lot nicer than working for a rental company. AJ is growing like a weed. He is very active and constantly makes us laugh as he does little things. Right now he is battling some congestion. I guess even kids suffer from allergies. Lew and Lil Princess are doing great. Lew is becoming quite the computer gamer. Lil Princess is really expanding her vocabulary now and that leads to some very funny moments. Starr has a new job and soon with some luck a new apartment with no extra roommates. Hmmm, a quiet house is a luxury for only a few. Youth bowling continues and this league has 14 teams. That makes it really nice and it is very competitive as there are some good teams with very good bowlers. We now have FIOS for the TV, Phone and Internet. It has been good so far. I don't do much downloads anymore so I haven't really tested the Internet side. TV is ok especially if you like 9 HBO channels.

Nationals: You can take the players out of Montreal but you can't take Montreal out of the players. 13-36 ... pretty pathetic.

Food For Thought

Subject: DEPT. OF ENERGY

Does anybody out there have any memory of the reason given for the establishment of the DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ... during the Carter Administration?

• Anybody?
• Anything?
• No?
• Didn't think so !
  

Bottom line ... we've spent several hundred billion dollars in support of an agency ... the reason for which not one person who reads this can remember.

Ready??????? It was very simple ... and at the time everybody thought it very appropriate...

The 'Department of Energy' was instituted on 08-04-1977 ... TO LESSEN OUR DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL.

Hey, pretty efficient, huh?????

And now 32 years later ... the Budget for this "Necessary" Department is at 24.2 Billion dollars a year.

For that amount we get:

• 16,000 Federal Employees
• and approximately 100,000 Contract Employees

AND LOOK AT THE JOB IT HAS DONE!

• Gas Companies making Billion dollar Quarterly Profits.
• Gas Prices averaging $2.60 per gallon for Regular Unleaded.
• Automobiles and Trucks that suck the gas up with amazing fuel efficiency of 15 mile per gallon.
• Plans for High Effiency Nuclear Power Plants that still sit on the drawing table.
• Millions of gallons of unrefined oil waiting to be drilled for in the Continetal US.
  

>>> THIS IS WHERE YOU SLAP YOUR FOREHEAD
AND SAY "WHAT WAS I THINKING?" <<<

Ah, yes, good ole bureaucracy ... And NOW we are going to turn the Banking System, Health Care & the Auto Industry over to them?

A Child's Prayer

Dear God,

Please send clothes for all those poor ladies in Daddy's computer.

Amen.