Thanksgiving Hopes

Another year has passed and it is Thanksgiving once again and Christmas is just around the corner.  The way the stores and TV adds carry on, you would think Christmas is the NEXT holiday.  I wrestle each year just how to express my thoughts without embarrassing anyone.

Ronda, where do I even start!  I would have to agree that any success this year goes through her.  I couldn't even begin to understand life without her.  She is always there, puts up with my idiosyncrasies and habits, some good and some bad. She is fun to be with and I can't wait to share the next adventure with her.  Life is so much easier to deal with when there are two of you working together.

Mom, you are amazing and I just can't find the time or ways to say thanks for all you have done for me.  Now as we do this genealogy stuff you are a great partner and sounding board to some of my half baked theories on the family.  I look forward to every time we get together, even for the smallest period of time.

I have intentionally not specifically addressed anyone else because Murphy's Law says I will miss someone and then all heck will follow.  But I will talk generically.

I am proud of every child in my life.  I wish for more and accept a lot less.  I wish I could change many things but unless we both want it, it will never happen or last.  Have I made mistakes?  Yes, I will be the first to admit that simple fact. I wish sometimes that a simple thank you for helping would be expressed or a simple promise be kept but I know we are human and we take many things for granted or forget.  Each child is special and each contributes to our life differently, I wish we all saw that and valued family and connection more than a game of 1-upsmanship.  But I have to accept that cruel fact of nature that we aren't happy unless we are made to feel better or more important than someone else.  For me, every child is the most important and best ... and that won't change in my eyes and heart.  So any attempts just sadden me.

I hope this year that everyone receives the most important gift you could ever receive.  What is it?  I don't know but I know something does exist that will mean the most to you and touch you the deepest.

As usual, I ask for no gifts.  In the spirit of the Advent Conspiracy, if you must spend money or shop ... do it for someone that really needs it ... make a difference in someones life.  I just desire the most precious of commodities ... a moment of your time, face to face.

I love each one of you and cherish every moment of time you are in my life.

What's Your Marriage Worth??

“When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I’ve got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn’t know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn’t seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

 

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn’t talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn’t have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn’t want anything from me, but needed a month’s notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month’s time and she didn’t want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month’s duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife’s divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn’t had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don’t tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn’t looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn’t tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me … she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it’s time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn’t noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office…. jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind…I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won’t divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn’t value the details of our lives, not because we didn’t love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away. At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I’ll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed -dead. My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push through with the divorce. — At least, in the eyes of our son - I’m a loving husband ...

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves.

So find time to be your spouse’s friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

If you don’t share this, nothing will happen to you.

If you do, you just might save a marriage. Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ♥

Summer is Gone!

Time really flies.  Both bowling leagues (youth and adult) have started and this year should be most interesting.  I have started my preparation for my 23rd National Tournament in Reno.  The start has been a lot better for the Adult league that the start last year, so hope for a good finish are high.  The youth league will be small once again but that is ok as it allows more time to get to know others and help the kids.  Lew hasn't made his mind up yet whether to bowl or sit this one out.  He still has a couple of weeks to decide before it is too late.

The Jamestown visit was put on hold when Wild Mom got sick and had to return home.  She is fine now and in the process of healing and sorting out what happened.  Hopefully, we will reschedule in October before it gets too cool. Something about standing in a stiff cool wind coming in off the water dampens the fun of the visit to the old settlement.

Peanut managed to get older this week.  We are so proud of what she has accomplished and can't wait to see how much more will come.  Chunk is growing.  His first birthday and walking came very close together.  Sometimes his antics in the middle of the floor brings tears to your eyes as you laugh so hard.  Especially when he twirls until he gets so dizzy he falls down.  Those collapses are never graceful.  Bean continues to grow into a young man.  4 years now and it seems like yesterday he was were Chunk is at.  Lil princess and Lew continue to grow.  With Lil Princess in school now, she is learning new stuff all the time.  After our summer trip she is a What-A-Burger fan, not to mention a ice cream junkie.

#2 is in a relationship so things are changing daily.  He started a Microsoft Certification process but I don't know where he stands.  #1 continues to educate himself and babysit during the day.  We always have hope a job will tackle them and hold on to them.  Hopefully they will tackle better than the Jacksonville Jauguars!

The Bible Study group finished Genesis.  I started a study for myself on "The Life of David."  So far it has been great and a challenge for me to set aside the time to read and absorb the material.  The course is online so that helps and also makes a lot of resources available.  Our Church is going through a interesting and challenging period as we enter the Charge Conference Season where we plan and outline our direction for next year.

Work remains the same.  They want me to work 24/7 and pay for 6/5.  Needless to say, it creates a stressful situation.  The Migration was supposed to simplify things but so far just caused more work and frustration.  Retirement looks nice but not feasible at this time.

Lady has a retreat this weekend so I will be on my own.  Hmmm, that could be dangerous.  

Seeing God

 

I saw God today ... As I sat waiting for my test I had the fortune to talk with a gentleman who fought in Midway during WWII. Throughout the whole discussion he peppered his words with "Thank You Lord." More amazing was the fact during the 25 minutes or so, he never said one thing negative. Every thing was "I thank the Lord ... ." For example his feet hurt so much he could barely walk, but he responded, "I thank the Lord I can walk and that my feet don't hurt so bad today." His daughter who brought him complained about the traffic they had to deal with in coming there to the Hospital. I know, so did I. The gentleman's response was "I am so thankful the Lord gave us (his daughter) time to chat and that their car did not break down." How many times do we grouse about what is wrong and not give thanks for what was right? I was impressed with this man who had a thankful heart and more kind words than negative words. I hope would be able to reach a point where I felt more thankful than pointing out what is not right. How about you ... more thankful or negative?

 

Friday Musings

Another week has come and gone with my biggest event being work.  Looks like I averaged 10 hour days all week. I can rest and sleep good knowing their migration improved my life and I am able to work more efficiently and effective.  *coughBULLcough* Right now it is a story on how to botch up a smoothly working network operation and create one that is not so dependable.  Well, at least I could go home and find shelter from this madness. *coughBULLcough* This part you will have to hear straight from me. Too many eyes and feelings will get hurt or think it is them and react accordingly.

Wild Mom is fine and getting ready for the Heisner Reunion in Illinois and then a visit to Virginia.  Looks like the Virginia trip will include a trip to Jamestown Settlement and the Byrd Plantation nearby.  Lots of genealogy talk and digging up old bones.  Lady is fine and hanging in there.  Trying to figure out what we can do this weekend instead of hanging around the house.  #1 takes his course and sleeps, #2 started a Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) class. peanut has a new job, though it is part time it should evolve into full time shortly.  Won't see Lew and Lil Princess this weekend as they spent time with dad.  AJ will go through his usual 4 year old growth and keep life interesting and busy.  Chunk is a blast to watch as he walks and explores life at the new level he can see and reach now. Star and Chicken man work and fix cars and bikes.

Olympics almost done, Baseball almost over and Football just getting started.  Lots of hopes and wishes for good results.

Sidewalk Escapades

This edition takes a look at the effect of technology on pedestrians.  When will we wake up and learn texting and ear buds with music is a recipe for disaster when walking?

Point 1:  A young gentleman is walking, texting furiously and listening to his iTunes.  Not bad until he walked into the side of the building because he forgot to turn when the sidewalk did. No major damage but he did have a bloody nose and I think he cracked his iphone after he fell down on it.

Point 2:  Two ladies walking down the sidewalk texting and enjoying their music.  Normally this would be ok except they were on the same sidewalk and going in opposite directions towards each other.  Well, one pair of broken glasses, 2 bruised butts as they landed on them, 1 exposed private parts as her blouse was torn open (no bra) .  Also, it was funny watching her rearrange her blouse and text.  That's right! Can't stop that important text.

Point 3: What is better than doing a long jog and listening to your tunes and texting.  They do it in the commercials, right?  You are also aware how they place those yellow poles near the entrance to a garage to keep the vehicles in line.  You get the picture ... running and that 3 foot pole meets the private parts of the otherwise occupied jogger.  He managed to see stars and spent at least 15 minutes on the pavement catching his breath.  By the time Police showed up, his head had cleared up and he was ready to continue his jog, his music, and his texting.  You guessed it, he was undaunted in his efforts.

Point 4: Young lady walking and listening to her music.  With no idea what the traffic light was showing and that beeping sound to assist the visually impaired, she walked out into 5 lanes of morning rush traffic.  Luckily, the truck driver wasn't texting himself and swerved to barely miss her.  Indignant the truck honked at her, she flipped him off and continued on ... the next car locked up his brakes to avoid her, getting rear ended as he did.  Now, this upset lady realized what she did, panicked, turned and run back to the curb.  However, the vehicle turning right was texting as he drove and she brushed the dust off his front quarter panel.  So, torn dress, sore leg and broken phone she made it back to the safety of the curb.

When will we wake up.  texting and walking with headphones on is a deadly combination.  I hate driving here in Rosslyn.  All the people get off the metro and head for buses. They go everywhere ... just like busy ants.  Each one totally unaware of where they are at.

Friday's Thoughts

Well, it is Friday and I am not ready for the weekend.  It is time for life to slow down.  In September, I will start a bible study on the Life of David.  I am looking forward to this because I need the chance to grow myself.  This means that the Thursday Night group will have to do without me.  I can be part of something as a participant but not as a leader.

Wild Mom is fine just managing her genealogy, doctor's appointments and camping. Lady is just as fantastic as ever.  She will be ready for the Bikini on our next cruise. :)  Peanut has a new job and starts Monday, I believe.  had to restate the rule "No animal of any kind!"  #1 still studies most of the time.  I wish I had that option back in the 70's when I worked a regular full time job and went to school at night.  What could I have accomplished if I just lounged around and just went to school?  I probably would not have my Bachelors and Masters.  #2 shows no change to his unemployment status.  He is helping Obama pad his stats.

AJ continues to grow and develop his attitude.  Chunk is walking and learning so much, it is fun to watch him.  Lew spent the week and had a great time especially going to Camp everyday.  This weekend was his first chance to go to El Agave in a long time and he enjoyed that. I miss Lil Princess but I think she will be here this weekend.  Fun time!

Mother's day 2012

We had a great weekend.  There were a few detractors but we had fun.  FTD messed me over by not delivering one of the flower arrangements I ordered.  Now comes the "pay me back" effort.  Wild Mom enjoyed her flowers even if I forgot to sign the card. Hey, I didn't forget every thing. Youth bowling went very well as we went 5-2 against the 2nd place team.  The kids did really good with the pressure and only need to win one game next week to clinch the title.   Lady and Peanut went out Saturday night for dinner.  They must have behaved as they came home at a reasonable time and I didn't have to go to the jail and bail them out.  Sunday, #1 grilled ribs under Peanuts watchful eye and constant guidance, though he won't agree to that happening.  Lew and Lil Princess were there and the activity level was high.  AJ did a nose dive after his bath and now sports a swollen and bloody lip.  One of life's early lessons ... watch out for wet floors! Lady has a new "smart" phone on order and that should be here soon.  Odds are being taken on who will be "smarter". I am betting on Lady!  I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if we had never met.  Undoubtedly, not nearly as complete and fun.

Caps Lose.
Nats Lose.
Braves Win.

Life's good.

Sidewalk Escapades

These are the fun days of watching life pass me by.  Not withstanding that I am at work but I am bored! Sunny, warm and breezy ... the best combination. Life as a homeless man must be pretty good as he could care for 5 dogs which he was walking on leads. Just hope he doesn't run into someone with a cat on the lead ... could be messy.  As usual there is always the wind and its effects.  Young woman coming from a coffee resupply trip at MacDonalds.  Hands are full holding 4 cups of hot coffee and the wind plays its games. Though the dress wasn't blown up quickly it did manage to push it higher.  The question is how high will she allow the dress to go before she chances dropping the coffees?  The sad part of this is she is almost out of the range of my viewing.  Also, how does she get into the building with both hands full as I no one anywhere near the door.  Oh, another question, homeless man with a electric powered wheelchair.  Where does he charge it up?  I know they haven't developed the perpetual battery!  Plugging into any electrical outlet would be stealing ... wouldn't it?  I always wonder why people choose to cross in the middle of the block across 5 lanes of traffic during rush hour instead of using the crosswalk a half block away.  Sadly some of these adventures are near disasters and I will hate the day when I have to witness the worst.  Another great sight is seeing how some people dress. One lady wearing a nice business style skirt and flip flops.  I can understand the tennis shoes as a comfortable walking alternative ... but flip flops?  late breaking news ... walking next to the wall on the black granite stones with heels is a disaster when you step in water.  She is ok, pride hurt but all is well and maybe next time she will pay more attention while she is texting.  Ha!

Work, Work, Work

2 more weeks of Dancing With The Stars and it is anybody's guess who will win. They are very even.  Well, it seems my time gets sucked away very quickly especially by my employer.  Three transmitter moves, finishing the new station setup and a network migration that starts with pulling about 20K feet of CAT 6 cable, all these combine to steal any free moments I have for the next 4 weeks.

The Sunday Night league is done and we got our meager prize.  We finished 7th out of 8.  That was disappointing but gives me more motivation for next year with my 181 book average.  Two weeks to go on the Youth league and we have a 2 point lead.  Looks like we will bowl the 2nd place team twice.  So with 14 points available nothing is for sure.  The nice thing is I have my average (188) up to a respectable level.  It has been a few years since that happened.

Still figuring out what to do this summer.  All we have planned is a week in Florida for the Anderson reunion.  I need to find something really fun!  Other than that the next thing will be the Cruise in January 2013.  I have ideas but it requires cooperation with some kids and that seems unlikely .... oh well.

VJ is crawling and pulling up.  Oh Boy!  AJ is a joy with his million questions on even the simplest topic.  Lew is doing great and his bowling is improving.  Lil Princess is practicing her skills at manipulating papaw.  At least so far ... trying too.



Peanut, Star, Chicken man work, #1 is trying to learn in school, and #2 maintains a low profile.

Go Braves!

BMG and Cake

Great weekend.  We spent the weekend in Richmond and went to the "Blue Man group" concert.  As usual it was super and everyone had a great time. Of course we competed with NASCAR fans as they raced at Richmond this weekend. but I think we had the best time.  The concert was fun and they introduced some new material from the shows I had seen in Vegas.  Lot's of laughs were to be had by everyone.

Saturday was AJ's 4th birthday.  We celebrated with way too many presents and sugar loaded cake.  Even the little bit I ate sent my blood sugar through the roof when I tested it Sunday morning.  AJ spent the night in his new tent and sleeping bag in his room.  Still haven't graduated to the backyard and bugs yet!

Sunday was the final night of the Sunday Adult league and we did not finish last, close but not last.  The games did not mean much as the final positions were already locked up.  No matter what happened we could not go up or down in the standings.  The Youth league has 3 weeks to go and we increased our lead to 12 games.  Next week will set the stage for the final day. Win all 7 and all we will have to do is win 2 of the last 14.  Nice place to be.

Go Braves!

Catching Up

Bowling season is almost done.  The Sunday night league has one more night and while we managed to not finish last, we were a long way from first.  The Youth league has 4 more weeks and we are hanging on to 1st place.  Who would have thunk it?

This weekend is a mini-vacation in Richmond as we will attend a Blue Man Group concert.  That is always a great time and show.  Maybe I will dunk myself into some pink latex and blow on a trumpet and see if I can make millions.

Lady is staying busy and getting finer by the day.  She is enjoying the fact her work is now using a automatic payroll deposit system.  It makes her Thursday a lot less stressing.  We are ready for another cruise but have to wait for the funds to build back up.

#1 is going to school and hoping he can improve his employment chances.  #2 remains the same.  Peanut is working what seems like all the time.  AJ is growing and learning how to ask a million questions.  Some of the things he says are a riot and you have to wonder where he came up with it.  VJ is almost crawling. He is on all fours and rocking away with occasional movement in the forward direction.

Lew and Lil Princess are priceless and make life a lot of fun.  Lew's bowling is getting better and Lil Princess can't get enough dresses, bows or shoes.  Sounds like she has the female thing figured out very well.  Al that is left is the shopping style and Peanut can show her that very quickly.

Work is the same.  Last week they announced a hiring freeze and this week started a bonus program for recommending a new employee.  Doesn't seem right but that is Salem for you.  The bought a new station in Warrenton (WKDL) and we have been getting it up and running the last couple of weeks.  Lot's of hours for the station with a cloudy future.  Needless to say it has held up every other project we have.  Overtime anyone?

Amazing!

Remind you of anyone??

Quickie Update

Well, Baton Rouge is a little over a week away. I like the location as this will be the 3rd time I have bowled there. On the Youth bowling scene, we are holding on to 1st place. But we still have over 50% of the season left. Sunday Night is the same, mired close to the bottom. we just don't have the fire power to move up and hold any position higher than 6th. Kind of disappointing but that is life. Kline's is open so we are looking forward to some ice cream this weekend. I guess that means the diet is over with for the season. :)

Lady is nursing a sore finger since she decided to carve on it instead of the pork she was fixing. Actually, today she is going to Woodbridge to get a tetanus shot. That will most likely keep her from bowling this weekend. Can you believe it, she bought me an exercise video! The good thing I will be huffing and puffing and no one will know whether is it the good looking women (DWTS Stars) or the exercise that is making me breath hard!

The kids are growing like weeds. VJ is sitting up alone, starting to hold his own bottle, roll and even scoot a bit if he gets a good push off from something. AJ is like a Chatty Cathy doll only the on/off switch is hidden and the batteries never run down.

Work is the same ... doing my best to forget it.

New Bible Study (Genesis) starts next week. Lots of work to get ready!

New Toy

Where is the Cold?

Well, National's are less than a month away, my 22 year. Where did the year go? Looks like Lady won't make the trip this year as her boss goes home for his mother's birthday during the same timeframe. Life at home continues to be great, now just to have more time to enjoy it. Work is the same, more stress than it should be but what the heck, it is a paycheck. Bowling still is fun. The youth league this season is very small but this way you know everyone and it is more personal. The Sunday nite league still is a challenge. We just can't break out of the bottom group. Funny thing is my average is the highest it has been in a while. I worked on concentration and my release last summer and it shows.

The biggest changes lately have come from VJ and AJ as they grow up. Sometimes I think you can see them growing right before your eyes. Peanut is working and managing her avon stuff. Money and smell good ... what a combination. Lew is bowling this year and trying to throw the ball with one hand after the first few seasons of doing a 2-handed push. That has proved to be most interesting at times. He will learn in time though some of those gutter balls put the pressure on me to figure out a way to win. Lil Princess, well, she gets cuter by the day. Sometimes she seems so grown up and others, well, you just want to stuff her back in mom's belly and say ... start over!

Lady's mom is slowly recovering from her surgery, which is great news. Lady was able to go home to be with her that week though it sure got lonely here. Not, AJ and VJ were here and kept the activity level high. I think between the 4 kids there isn't a wall in this house without something written or colored somewhere on it.

Wild Mom and Squirrel Man are waiting for some test results ... seems like they are always getting tests and waiting for the doctor to figure it out. They are ready for Nationals too.

We have been looking for a mini-van, in our price range, so we can fit everyone in. Sure would beat driving 2 cars every time we go some where. So far, no luck.

Catch up 101

Where has the time gone. I can't believe how far behind I am. I guess I will have to set up a reminder in the Blackberry to remind me to blog at the right time.

Well, Christmas was great. I saw all the kids and watching Vinnie having his first Christmas was great. AJ, Lil Princess and Lew were all energy as they tore into the gifts. After the high of the gifts, we stuffed our selves on a feast featuring Lady's and peanuts cooking. Star and Chicken man were here as they had moved back into the area the previous month. Christmas Eve service was great as many of the kids were there. Hey, nothing wrong with going to Church at least 2 times a year. Their generation defines regular church attendance as 1.8 times a month.

We, Lady and me, celebrated our 36 wedding anniversary on the 27th. I wish I could stay as good looking and young as she does. I still count marrying her as the best decision of my life, bar none.

Youth Bowling ended with us barely missing 2nd place. One more week and we could have had it. Lew did great though his average was a little lower than last season. next season he wants to swing the ball instead of his 2 hand push. That will be interesting if not occasionally amusing.

Work is the same as Salem decided to get the ball rolling on the power increase for the new AM station. Why do they always wait for holidays or special events to make major changes. Oh, that is right, they don't do the work that interferes with my time off.

The cruise to the eastern Caribbean was pure relaxation. No phones, computers, or tablets. Our stops at St. Thomas, San Juan, and Grand Turk fun and done at our pace. For the most part it was in the 80's with only a few afternoon rain showers. We did manage to spend some money as Lady bought her Ammolite necklace and I added a Philip Stein watch to her wardrobe. We did decide that while the Carnival cruise was nice, we prefer NCL. On Sunday, January 8, the ships autopilot malfunctioned and we managed to list 35 degrees to port. A ships officer said we had about $1 million dollars of breakage as a result. I managed to take about 200 pictures and TLJ had about that many also.

More later!

Day of Feasts and Family

Once again, I have been less than faithful in keeping this page up. I accept my punishment of flogging with 50 wet noodles. Only about 6 weeks till vacation week. I am really looking forward to the sun and fun. Lady is too. The Youth bowling is going ok and we have been hanging on to the 3rd place for several weeks now. We just can't seem to take the next step and move up. The Sunday Night league is interesting in that we are doing better than last year but can't get out of the bottom 3. Green Giant is back and settling in nicely. His ribs don't protest too much. Work is the same. Perfection and 24/7 support is expected of us but mediocrity is allowed for others. The web server has been a pain for me the last two weeks but hopefully I now have it under control and running right. A little birdie told me Star and Chicken Man are returning to Virginia to try their luck here once more. I thought Georgia was heaven! Oh well, we wish them all the luck in the world and besides it might be nice to have them closer than a measly 10 hour drive. Not much change for #1 and #2. #1 gets hooked for babysitting a lot now that Peanut is working again. While I wish she was here for the kids, I understand her decision. Lew is doing great at bowling and hopefully he will start swinging the ball in January. We tried it this season but he wasn't quite ready. Lil Princess, well what can be said. She has the beauty, personality, and youthfulness that will melt any heart. Though finesse isn't in the cards yet. I can spot that attempt to persuade me instantly! AJ is a hand full but a fun handful. This Christmas should prove to be the best one ever. Vinny is growing like a weed and is already up to 16 pounds. We just had to switch the formula over to Soy-based to help him out with his stomach and gas. Cereal is next to come though this morning he managed to eat a bit of my oatmeal. I couldn't get it in fast enough.

Thanksgiving was great. Vinny and I watched football and had crab dip and generally interspersed naps during the commercials. Lady and Peanut put together a spread worth waiting for. Though Star and Chicken man weren't here physically, I had my family all around and that was great. I hope Christmas is a carbon copy with Star and Chicken man physically here! I was asked once what I wished for on Thanksgiving and I answered Family and the fulfillment of one little secret wish. I received the Family part but not the other.

I am avoiding the stores on Black Friday though Lady is braving the Crafts store as she gets some stuff for Christmas presents.

Dallas Cowboys are moving up just as fast as the Redskins are imploding. It seems like forever since the 'Skins 3-1 start.

Memory Lane - October 2011

Well, we made it safely to Florida and back home. The drive was beautiful with the leaves changing but no matter how I do it, the drive is too long. Where are rocket cars when you need them. Wild Mom's sonny-do list was completed. I finished the most wanted ones. We still managed to eat at Barnhill's (Buffet) in Pensacola and then ate at Ed's Seafood Shed in Mobile on the Causeway. I haven't drove there in quite a while. Coming home I drove the old highway (US98) back to Pace. That area hasn't changed a lot so a lot of memories were stirred up for everyone. Wild Mom's new shed (craft room) is nice and the work that Squirrel Man has done is impressive. Maybe I will have to get a shed and bring him up to finish mine. Lady loved the trip since all she did was read and sew. There wasn't a daughter-do list ... favoritism? We pre-bowled Sunday Night and managed to win 4-3, so we are not in last place anymore. Close but not there. On the kids league, we are in second place. This is better that last season but the surprise is my average sucks and we are still winning. Work continues to be a source of frustration but like a good soldier, I report in every morning for my tour of duty. On our trip we even manged a short stop at Star's and Chicken Man place in Marrietta. It was great seeing them for the first time since they were married. Amazing, she was alive and in one piece with no bruises. Just Kidding, they are doing great and constantly are pursuing the job market and planning on moving before long. We even managed to see Jenn (camerabug) for a little bit. She is as beautiful as ever though her neck/shoulder is giving her a fit.

On the home front, #1 works and spends his time with Vinny and AJ. #2 doesn't work and spends his time with the computer. Peanut spends all her time with Vinny and AJ. Vinny is now over 2 months old. Will someone please slow him down, he won't be a baby very long at this pace. It seems some days you can see him growing. Sometimes the thought of a #1 mini-me is frightening. AJ is excited about Halloween. Costumes, trick or treating, and pumpkins are his favorites. We will get to see Lou and Lil Princess this weekend. How we missed them and they were not very far from our thoughts the whole trip.

Well, as the year winds down, the one thing I have wished for all year has not occurred. I still hope it will appear as a Christmas present. Being at home last week brought many memories back. The pictures, memento's, and places where the memories were created brought home the thought that family is the most important thing we have. What would I do without them? We found the Half Dollar I gave to Dad when I saluted him the first time as an officer. The hand written note with the coin taped to a sheet of paper in a document protector was priceless. We even found my first discharge certificate as an E-1 from the United State Marine Corp in 1972. Now I must get it framed. Man, did my mind then take a whirlwind trip down memory lane. It would be 3 more years till I met the love of my life. Ok, enough of the Memory Lane stroll.

Reflections on the last Day of September

Today is the last day of September and I am amazed as I wonder where all this year has gone. I just want to slow things down and enjoy them a bit longer. With Facebook constantly changing (not for the better) and their desire to own what ever you post, I plan to do most of my writing here. Though my preference still remains to be face to face and talk about this stuff. There is a lot to be said about eyeball contact.

The Hebrews Bible study is finally over with and the next one will be a study of the Book of John. We previewed the DVD last night and it was interesting. Now I have to go and get the participant books ordered to we can get started soon. The Hebrews Study drove the point home that "Jesus is better than anything else."

Many things I want to get back into if I can find some time. Things like geneology, rebuilding and updating my website, reading my 4 books that chronicle the movie series "Game of Thrones," and eventually watch the season premiere of "TerraNova." I guess this is a good reason to retire, so I can have more time for myself and what I like to do.

Looks like we will be going to Florida for a few days in October since our weekend in Pigeon Forge fell through. I have to really look at the map and see if it is possible to get to Florida without passing through Kennesaw Georgia. That place is full of Redskins Fans, NY Jets Fans, animal lovers and crazy women who love cameras. Man, itn't there one normal person in that town?

Just a thought ---

I was walking around in a supermarket when i saw a cashier hand this little boy his money back, the boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old. The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.'' The little boy turned to the old woman next to him, ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?'' She replied, ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.'' Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.' I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this, 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.'' My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said, 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!'' OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money. The little boy said, 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!' Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.'' 'My mommy loves white roses.' A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket. I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local newspaper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy? Two days after this encounter with the little boy I read in the newspaper that the young woman had passed away. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine, and in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

Now you have 2 choices:

• (1) Use this to make a difference in someone's life, or
• (2) Ignore it as if it never touched your heart