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!

Beauty in Ice

Icy Cold

A lonely park bench-

We sat there last summer!

My son took this picture - he really is quite a good photographer. I wish he had the time to do more. I'm not nearly as gifted as he is. You know, all of our children are very gifted - but each in their very own, very unique ways. Some times, I just don't think they realize how wonderful and beautiful and gifted they are. We often have a way of letting the world's harshness get in the way of knowing who we are -- and that is sad.

I think, eventually, we grow out of that and are once again who we really are - like when we were babies and very small children. The world didn't matter then! We were totally free to be. Often our spirits are crushed from unrolling our blankets in Kindergarten for nap time to clocking in - for whatever reason. I often wonder if I would be a different parent if I were parenting now - perhaps, perhaps not.

I do think the kids recognize their specialness and their uniqueness - in themselves, their significant others, and their offspring. It is a beautiful thing to experience. Enjoy your "youness" -- each and every moment of each and every day!

Things of Note

Katie is 14 weeks old - she has learned sit, down, stand, wait, stay, come, okay, leave it, drop it and such. She has been a real trooper in our travels this past week.

Dad has been in the hospital for more than a week - he may not come home. It is tough. But, I have no regrets - dad and I have always had a great relationship.

My wife drove home with the boys -- thy drove (will have driven) a total of 24 hours for a short, but rewarding, visit with their grampa. The girls flew out - and went back home yesterday. I stayed in Iowa.

One thing I've learned from Katie - live in the moment, dogs are like that. They don't hold grudges, they are joyful, anything more than 15 seconds is in the past and they move forward - at least Katie does.

The kids and Carolyn are such wonderful support. Miah is still special to grandma --

It is a cold, but beautiful day.