I Owe You an Apology

 Yes you - or me, you owe me an apology - Yes, YOU! Got it? I discovered this morning, after many years of blogging, I can acknowledge and reply to comments! Go figure! So, dear friends and commenters, I scrolled through what is called "Stats" concerning this blog, and there were hundreds of comments that I have not acknowledged! Yours may have been one of those, hence the apology. I promise I will do better! If I owe you a response, let me know by commenting below!

Wishing you all the best! Remember, live your moments to the fullest. Acknowledge your self-worth, love yourself, forgive yourself, be kind to yourself, and of course, to others!

Oh, by the way, we had a family night last night - those are always special! This week we also had a brief visit form grandaughter Kairi. She just moved from Helena, Montana, to Laramie, Wyoming! Much closer! It was a gift to see her and how happy she is!

Just one of those days!

 This is one of those Fridays when I'm thankful the week is over. We've had snow, mice, traffic, lack of responses, and we wonder if anyone cares! On the other hand, we had Valentine's day, which we don't celebrate anymore. I looked it up. Here is the definition given by Wikipedia: "It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine. Through later folk traditions, it has become a significant cultural and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world." I've never heard of him. I remember celebrating this day before kindergarten! We made valentines for our classmates, friends, teachers, and parents. I love my wife! I don't need Valentine's day to celebrate our love for each other.

We go to the grocery store and find aisles of candy, cards, and gifts for every holiday! It is as if we are "guilty" of something if we don't buy and give. Now birthdays and anniversaries are something very special that should be celebrated! Why? Because those are celebrations of love and celebrations of the heart!

Talents of the Young and Young at Heart

 So, I last shared something of Chad and his family. Now, it is Heather's turn. Once again, I don't know when this was written, but probably Junior High or High School.  Her handwriting has always been very distinctive, an upright block style, almost printing! Heather has accomplished much. One of her first adventures was being selected as a Cheerleader for the University of Hawaii. That's when Carolyn and the older kids went to Hawaii to visit her.  She was a Cheering Team Leader in High School. ( I wrote an earlier blog about Heather being honored for her Volunteerism.) Heather and her husband, Eric, have raised five children. She and her mother, Carolyn, are addicted to babies!

Heather has what I call an effervescent personality. She is a joyful person and fills a room with her personality. She gives and lives from the heart! I needn't say more. Her words above say it all, really. But you know I love to do collages, so I've done one for this blog as well!

Heather and her husband Eric have always provided their children every opportunity to show and grow their many talents. Whatever the kids wanted to do, they could give it a try and their Mom and Dad support them! I could go on, but you get the drift!

We are so proud of all of them!

Mom's Reggedy Ann and Andy's

This is another of Mom's wonderful poems! The picture shows just a few of the hundreds she made or collected! If you look carefully, you will see our Grandson amongst them. I'm looking for a few more pictures to update this blog. Before Mom passed, she donated all her Raggedy Anne and Andys to a museum in Iowa, so they could be enjoyed by more boys and girls!

Mom’s Poem about her Raggedy Ann and Andy Collection

In Nineteen Seventy-three,

I started a new family tree

I was at a flea market,

And there I found something neat

Just lying around

I looked at the faces on the tin,

And just like that, I began to grin!

I had an idea as plain as could be

I would make these dolls just for me.

 At that point in time,

Raggedy Ann and Andy were born

And walked right into my heart and home

I’ve made their bodies and painted their faces

I’ve even made them different races

 In the end, they are all Ann and Andy’s

And all as sweet as cotton Candy

Two-hundred and fifty-three

 Take up a lot of space,

But each is in their place

They sit very quiet –

And I love them all,

The thin, the fat, and the short and tall

 

(Yvonne 2003)

Dad

 This is my Dad, our Dad. My brother Mike sent this to me a few days ago. I am now seventy-seven years old. I was one of the kids who left home at seventeen early age. I returned for a year after dropping out of the University of Iowa. I realize now how little I knew or remember about Dad. This article brings a flood of memories. I look into his eyes in this picture and see God, a life lived to the fullest. This article tells me how much Dad was respected and loved by the Montezuma, Iowa, community, and the state of Iowa. He was active in many things, yet always had time for us! 

Dad learned all about diesel engines and electricity in the Navy. He served at the end of WWII aboard the U.S.S. Little Rock. He was fortunate to be on the Goodwill Tour, sailing to many ports worldwide. Most importantly, he learned a skill that he loved. 

Beyond that, he was a fisherman, a hunter, an expert rifleman, a volunteer fireman, a fire chief, a legionnaire, a bridge player, a construction, cabinet maker, bowler, gambler, ecologist, model aircraft enthusiast, contractor, dancer, a friend, husband, and father, probably much more.

He was a man of integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, and consistency. He was also our mentor and disciplinarian. He taught us right from wrong. He encouraged us! He and mom gave us what we needed to be on our own, the life skills and opportunities that would serve us for the rest of our lives. There is so much more, but all I can say right now is, thank you, Dad - I love you - I am so very proud of you and to be your son!

Life's Challenges

What can I say.  Yes, this was just a few days ago.  And it really isn't what is on my mind, but what is on my mind isn't for this particular venue.  Life is full of challenges - some easier than others.

This was easy, the sun took care of the problem.  Other things are not quite so easy - but nature and her assistants help us to take care of many things.  Surely these meandering words don't mean much to those that may read them... maybe they want even remind me, sometime in the future what I was thinking.  It did all start on April Fool's day and it may need be over for some time - but it will come to an end and all will be right with the world.

I have my pick up truck back, full of gasoline as requested.  I'll be able to get the boat and trailer hooked up and take it out to the lake for spin and especially to give the motor a good test.  Last time I had it out - I forgot to drop the peg so that the pitch of the motor was correct - I was wondering why it didn't seem to have much oomph.

I took a golf lesson today.  I also had the lie of the clubs adjusted.  So much more consistent results now.  Looking forward to playing next week - and to many wonderful moments.

An Ordinary Day

Just what makes for an ordinary day.  Does it really mean that nothing out of the ordinary happens?  What is ordinary.  For you it may be totally different than it is for me, or a policeman, or doctor, or nurse, or philosopher, or mechanic, or child, or adult -- you get my drift.

To some the picture to the left is an ordinary statue of Christ on the bell tower of a church.  To me, it is no ordinary memory, but a special memory of the church on Easter Island. It was extraordinary circumstances that brought me to the island - and lead me to taking such a picture.  Certainly it brings back a lot of extraordinary memories.

So today - was it ordinary or were there a lot of out of the ordinary occurrences.   I think the latter of those - but only if I noticed or paid attention to those ordinary things would I see those things that are out of the ordinary.  This all means that if we are not living moment to moment everything could be ordinary because we don't notice where we are or what we are experiencing at the time.  Life is awesome, and each moment of life is, indeed, awesome with so much to see, feel, hear, touch, smell, experience -- with each and every part of our being.  These things, extraordinary things, can be experienced weather we are sipping a glass of water or struggling to dust the very highest nook and crannies of our homes - there is joy in all of it - and maybe even sadness.  It all depends on what we bring to the experience of that thing at that very instant -

Live, love, learn -- be where you are when you are where you are and if you are with someone, other than yourself, be with them with all of your being!

Spring Snow

This is why there was no post last night.  We lost power at about 6:30 PM and didn't get it back until about 3:30PM this afternoon.  Carolyn and I spent most of the day in Starbucks - had lunch at the Village Inn and then Carolyn went on to the Library.  The snow was a very wet and heavy snow- as you can see by the limbs of the trees weighed down.  The heavy snow is also of great beauty.  Each and every tiny tree limb, branch, and pine needle completely covered by snow.  It is almost magical.

I'll post some pictures to Facebook.  The temperature in the house was down to about 52 degrees before the electricity came back on.  But all is well, no spoiled food and the snow is quickly melting.  In a few days, it will be like it never happened - that's the wonderful thing about Colorado weather.

We are watching The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency.  It is an HBO special production.  The stories are so beautiful.  We had listened to them on tape - watching them really brings them to life.  I highly recommend the series.  The DVD's are available via Netflix.  The stories are a blessing to all.

No Place Like...

well, no place lie a party, especially a surprise party.  Cake, food, cake, beer, cake, gifts, tears, joy, hugs, smiles, friends, family, cake, ice cream, kids, decorations, surprise visitors, more food and more cake.

This was Heather's surprise party - which I missed because I was in Iowa, but I didn't forget to get her a card (special) and a gift (special). A wonderful wife and mom, friend, employee of the City of Aurora - and the most well balanced, level headed, let nothing bother her person one could ever care to meet... always, always, joyful.
yes, there are other places -- but, the best place to be is in the present, especially the very present moment.  Carolyn was talking to me about an article that I really want to read, regarding living in the present moment.  Now, isn't it interesting the those words fell directly below each other (at least in the draft - and I don't mean the beer).

I don't know if I talked about playing golf the other day.  It was fabulous.  I shot a 42/51 - within my handicap, but really did fall apart on the back 9.

Off all topics, we bought a new "Filter Queen" today -- now called the Majestic or something.  I'm happy, Carolyn is happy - all is well with the world. Live your life to the absolute fullest - make each moment count.

Didja Know

Days are now 3 microseconds shorter than they were some weeks ago.  The wobble has changed by 33', the axis has changed by an inch.  do you know why?  Didja know the effect of the wind on the earth's rotational speed is 300 times greater than the effect of earthquakes.  Didja know this car is red.  Glad I cleaned it before leaving Montezuma.  I need to wait for some nicer weather to do the vacuuming.

It is nice to be home.. the atmosphere is totally different. There is no such thing as peace and quiet.  More like peace and almost quiet.  We got the dogs shampooed today - and a haircut.  They do look good when they are all cleaned up.

I just love life -- having fun, thinking - some say (even my sister) that my mind is very strange.  Oh well - that's okay because she loves me anyway.  Contacted the guys - about golf - I'm still in.  that's good - because I would miss golfing with them.  Saw Chad yesterday - he was hand cleaning the engine of his car.  Took a look at the engine in the car in the picture.  It was surprisingly clean for how dirty the body is.  I don't think I'll be hand cleaning the engine.  I gotta admit the engine in Chad's car does look fabulous.  I should have taken a picture.  Some other time I guess.

Well - got things to do - like eat!  Enjoy - those moments are very precious!

Family

It has been so very nice to see Jacque and Howard -- the circle is almost complete.  I've met with all of my brothers and sisters and their spouses - and the best part is, it has been quality time.  No rush, no agenda, - just time to visit and be together.  

Mom and I went to breakfast this morning.  We had our last couple of hugs - and goodbye waves for awhile.  I'll be back, next time with Carolyn... this has been a wonderful time - with many, many, memorable moments.

Wrapping it UP

I said goodbye to Chuck and the Quackers.  Nice bunch of ducks.  they've wandered a ways from the pond a bit.  I do need to them one more time - this evening i guess.

I took mom to Tama today.  Said most of my goodbyes - having supper at Mike and Vicki's this evening - includes my very favorite potato soup.  I'll hit the road early tomorrow morning.  I'm going to drop by Kimballton on the way to York, Nebraska.  I'll take a few pictures if there is anything left standing of the grade school I attended or any of the houses we lived in - or my grade school flame's house.

I'm anxious to get back home.. See Carolyn and the dogs and the kids and grandkids.. I've repeated myself here - but hey it is important.  Until tomorrow then - live your moments, love your family and friends, do what makes you happy -- 

It Is all Around Us!

6 AM -- It's early, It's dark, I missed the choppers, the coffee tastes good, putting my shopping list together because I'm headed for the big city this morning - Des Moines - and then to Oskaloosa to have an original MaidRite - and visit sister Sharon.  I talked to brother Lewis already and he described the model he wants me to get him - not many stores sell models anymore - so it might be a bit of a treasure hunt - looking forward to each and every moment of it!

6:53AM -- Fresh rabbit tracks outside - the frost on the trees is stunning.  On the drive home last night - even though Patti had warned me -- a deer darted in front of me, thank God for ABS.  It was close -- good thing I was taking it easy or the new car would have had some decoration.  I hope to get along that road at dusk. Lana and Patti both told me I'd likely see lots of deer and some wild turkeys.  I haven't seen wild turkeys since the Red Wood forests in California.  I want to get some pictures of snow drifts today, they can be awesome in their beauty.  Have a great day - I'll write more later.

9:36 PM - Well I got everything I went to get.  The model was more than an adventure, but finally found some - those little plastic kits have really gone up in price.  I was shocked.  But then, what hasn't gone up in price.   I left Des Moines and went down to Terrible's at Osceola - had a fabulous Iowa Tenderloin sandwich done to absolute perfection - the tenderloin was about 3 times bigger than the bun as advertised - best I've had in 30 years - I should've taken a picture.  I slipped into the casino - tried two machines, doubled my money on the second one and split for Oskaloosa - I think I was in the Casino for less than twenty minutes.

The road to Oskie was absolutely harrowing - snow and ice patches all the way - strong wind with blowing snow,  I'm staying off the roads tomorrow if I can at all help it and I can.  Talk about being in the moment - it was a steering wheel gripping experience -- so took longer than I expected -- but I still met Sharon and Danny on time.  We had some excellent Maid-Rites and good conversation.  The trip back to Monte was slow - same road conditions and much darker - not what I would call fun.  But having met all my goals and experienced the fun and friendship of the day, it was fantastic!

Please take care - drive safely - love each and every moment that you have.  Oh yes, adventure "is all around us" - we are it!

So I was late, it wouldn't be the first time!

7:07 AM - We did not get the snow - only about 2".  The hot tub was nice and hot last night.  I did good in the NASCAR fantasy standings... dropped from first to 3rd in our group - but that isn't bad for a novice - and two of my choices didn't make the race.  I was too late to do anything about it.  I don't get to shovel this morning, we didn't get enough snow.  I have a fairly busy social schedule - I want to go see Mum and Lewis -- the brother Mike, then sister Lana. I did some of my breathing exercises this morning - they are very invigorating - providing a nice kick off to living in the moment.  Later.
9:45PM -- this is a photo of one of the houses we lived in when I was still a Montezuman.  Its a corner lot.  I loved the trees.  I have another picture from the front - that tree is really tall.  I wasn't in this house to many years, but it is where I graduated from high school - left for college, came back home for awhile, and then left for the Air Force.  My family sold this house later and built a brand new one.

I had supper with my sister and her significant other this evening.  Corned beef and cabbage.  It was very good - I told Carolyn later that I thought I didn't like CBC - but this stuff was really, really good - maybe it was because the cabbage wasn't overcooked, canned, or otherwise stinky. Yum, I can't wait for St. Patrick's day now.

I think the snow in the picture is so beautiful, I'm going to tray and get some pictures of some spectacular drifts tomorrow.  What a great day -- time with mum Lewis, Mike, Vicki, Patti, Margi and myself - it doesn't get much better - Oh, but it did --- I also got to video conference with Carolyn -- Ain't it great!

Dinning Out

What is today all about - I don't ever seem to be bored and I certainly don't need to be occupied.  I can sit in a nice comfortable chair and be zonked out in less than 10 minutes.  Or, I can go outside and shovel snow for an hour and have just as much fun.  Well, I know this is not very substantive - I've been playing Mafia Wars -- It does get a bit addicting, but I think I've learned how to limit the time I spend doing that.


I also downloaded something Vicki plays and finally got it to work.  It is a whole lot of fun and yet gets boring at times -- I think she said it does.  The key though, for me, is that I got the game working.  If you like slots you would like the game and the best part is you get  just about the same kick without spending any actual money -- some wouldn't.


I'm headed to Lana's place to enjoy some squirrel - not watching, eating.  Hmmm - I don't suppose the animal rights folks would appreciate a picture of one of those cute buggers in this blog and then me saying I ate one or two of 'em. Might just do it though - would that be considered sarcasm or irony - irony I think.  


Well I'm going to go enjoy some more of my precious moments -- and I don't mean those dolls.


Post Script:

The squirrel and noodle casserole was excellent.  My sister assured me these were not those domesticated town squirrels, but the wild vicious squirrels that hang out in the deep dark forest. And no, they do not taste like chicken and their bones are a whole lot smaller.  I even got to bring some leftovers back to HoJac Acres.  Yum.  Oh, and the Northern Pink fried strips were outstanding.


This is a picture of a fairly domesticated squirrel - we don't eat these guys = we are entertained by their antics.

Photos Are Important for Us Right Brainers

8:05 AM.  This is the view from Mike and Vicki's second story deck.  This is where he barbecued last night - ahh red meat - rare (and rare) but when I'm on vacation or in Iowa - I have some.  It is a gorgeous view.  Can you tell this was shot through a screen - of course you can.  I forgot something and i'm going to have to ask Carolyn to send it.  what the heck - I'll ask her to send it in care of mom that way I know I'll get it for sure.

The title isn't cryptic.  I looked at a few of the blogs that didn't have pictures -- just not the same.  I'm not sure how important the subject matter of the picture is -- it just sort of makes the whole thing come to life.  For now I'm off to be in the present moment, maybe do a little Tai Chi -- that always exhilarates -- gives me a rush of sensation -- awesome!

8:17PM -- Windows 7 Install -- helped my little brother out today - it was a job a friend said was quick, seamless, easy.... 7 1/2 hours it took us on a pretty new HP Desktop.  Arggggggg.  I have to say it all worked very well - until the reinstallation of the anti-virus package.  Word of advice - don't reinstall the original package unless you know it is W7 compatible -- I had a day that was, well very social - met mum, Lewis, and Patti for lunch -dropped them off and went out to help Mike.  Too much socialization for me in one day -- I'll be sleeping in tomorrow - I don't think i'll be visiting anyone, anywhere - just to much today.  I love everyone dearly - but I need some alone time so I can be in the moment I'm with!

Relaxation

Colder day,

Much colder night,

Snow on the way!

It has been a good day. Truck passed the emission test - license 50 bucks more than last year???? I guess the governor needed to raise some money to repair some bridges. That's a 50% increase over last year. Between that and revoking senior citizen's property tax break is a big hit on the pocket book. Did I say OUCH!

The picture -- cats do know how to relax or chill! I'm impressed. I think I've learned to do that too. Some people have not and are just too tense all the time - now, there's a judgement for you. Tomorrow is Thursday, nothing special happening. I might just get the chance to dejunk some stuff and wrap up taxes - that would be a first -- filing before April 15!!!!

I offered to house sit at my sister's place in Iowa - I hope she accepts. It would be a nice break and a wonderful way to catch up with family. Talk about some moments to enjoy! We'll see what happens.

From the Past

Seasons are

We are, if we are

Use your moments well...

Many years ago we were very involved in Marriage Encounter -- I don't know why, but this symbol came up today, as did a book of our old weekends and lists of marriage encounter teams. I even found a team member on Facebook today.

What brings these things - in what seems like a very random way - into our lives at different times - what is the purpose - is there one? Or, is it just to remind us of the gifts we have and that we have given. Our children and some of our friends sacrificed time for us to be so involved. I hope we thanked them and I hope they saw the value in our commitment to this.

I was very lazy today. I've started refinishing the radio cabinet - I think it will be more fun than I thought it would be. I've started with 0000 steel wool - it has taken off some paint stains and the finish still looks great. i'll be cleaning the surface next.

There are a multitude of moments ahead of each of us - enjoy each and every one of them to the absolute fullest!

Our Family

Macaroni Grill

Family food and fun

Smiling faces!

This is Carolyn and I and the kids - two boys and two girls. We had a great conversation that evening. The food was good too. I remember that we had a really good waitress.

Today was puppy poop clean up day outside. I'll never wait that long again. Aurora says it has to be done every two days -- I'll stick to that schedule. it is hard to believe the amount of waste two little Westies can make. I'll double check my cleanup work tomorrow.

Kindle was waxing on about the beauty of silence today - she reads a lot and accredits any quotes quite properly. By the way she reads a lot on her "Kindle" -- there is a really neat story behind that one. Some did ask if silence was true for writing as well? A blank piece of paper can tell you an lot.

I wrote a speech when I first started college -- "Nothing is Something". I got an A so I must have proved my point.

Golf- well, we are going to try Coyote Creek next Tuesday AM. Hope it works out. have a great weekend!

The Last Soda Stand

Was it Winter

Yes, cold, clear day

Monte Soda Stand

While not really a stand - it has been there since long before our family moved to Montezuma. The one consistent store around the square. Well, the store isn't consistent, but the soda fountain is. It has the same fountain, tall stools, and fountain drinks that have been popular for many years. When we go to Monte, our family always stops and gets our favorite fountain drink - mine is cherry Coke. There is nothing better than a fountain made Cherry Coke.

I have had this urge the past few days to head back where home once was. Perhaps because it was a year ago that dad got really sick -- we made a lot of trips back to Montezuma. I think we wore the XG300 out those three months. We saw family, shared memories and spent as much time as possible with dad. There was tears, laughter, joy, sorrow, and yes, very cold, cold Iowa weather. The puppy was only about 3 months old - but, dealt with the cold just fine.

That was a time to really be in the moment - not that every moment isn't to be spent "in the moment" -- because they are. Otherwise we miss out on a lot of life. What is it that triggers certain thoughts in us - that makes us (me) gesticulate certain things and memories and not others at any given moment? I know the picture that I choose each evening starts something, but then something made me choose a particular picture. I had had a goal to shoot a new picture each day - I gave up on that quickly. I know choose picture from my vast catalog of photos -- usually there is no particular rhyme or reason - sometimes there is a flow -- but, it is mostly accidental.

It was a good day and continues to be a good day. Enjoy your moments, each and every one of them.