Buildin' Rockets

Vacation April 2011

2011-08-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

Laurie and I took a vacation in April. We went to Fla for 3 weeks. Flew into Orlando and drove to Ft. Lauderdale where we caught a Princess cruise. 7 days in the east Carribean on our first cruise. Princess Cays, St. Martin, St. Thomas, and Grand Turks. We had a great time. Kayaking, snorkeling, helmet diving. laying in the sun, playing in the water, drinking some beers we've never tasted, shopping and just being tourists.

I could talk for a week about the cruise itself. Such service and all the food is free. Incredible dinners, constant buffets 24/7, swimming pools, dancing, movies under the stars. Took a couple of basic dancing lessions, saw the big musical shows. caught a couple of stand up comedians (DELTA stands for Don't Expect Luggage To Arrive). Lots of water and relaxation.

On our return to shore, we drove back to Orlando. We spent a day at Disney World. We didn't do Epcot or anything else, just the main park. We wanted to compare it with Disneyland. Disneyland is better run and it just wasn't the same. Pirates of the Carribean is missing parts and there is no Blue Bayou restaurant where you watch the people go through the ride. It was okay, though, just not as good.

Now, you may know I hate roller coasters. Never liked the big fall and the only major coater I was ever on was Belmont. Then we spent 3 days at Universal studios. Whoa. Two parks. One is based on movies like Jurassic Park and one is based on cities like LA, NY, NO. The first one we started early in the morning with the newest major area, Harry Potter. There is a set of twin roller coasters. They wind around each other going at the same time. Dueling Dragons. I was forced to ride one. I sat in the middle of four people in the middle of the car. I didn't get to see much, ,just felt the motion. This is one of those hanging coasters so there is no car under you. I loved it. the ride was smooth and incredible. I was hooked. Later that day, We rode the Hulk. a huge green coaster where it starts by accelerating you into the first drop which is also a nasty right loop. Awesome. dips under the main park walkway twice. The second day, we went back to the dueling dragons and rode in the front and tried both of them. I loved it. You see yourself "barely" missing the other one. Rode the Hulk again. There is another coaster, the Hippogrif, that we rode, and it only compares to Big Thunder Railroad. Tame after the Dragons. At the other part, there is the rocket. It lifts you vertically 165 feet before dropping you. long, winding insane coaster. three times you come to a level spot before dropping again. At one point you descend into a channel below the street level. At another point you go through this hole in a building and come out the other side. It was all good and we had a great time.

There are a set of other rides, where they aren't reallt coasters but more like Star Tours. But these move around a lot more than that. Simpsons, Spiderman, The enchanted school bench, and the Mummy. We rode the mummy 4 or 5 times.

The park has three different water rides. Jurassic Park gets you a bit wet and drops you at the end where it splashes people outside more than you. But the drop is like Splash Mountain. Dudley Dooright's ride will get you wet and is pretty fun. When you see people walking around looking like they wet their pants, that was where they were. when you see people totally soaked, there were on the Popeye ride. This is a large, round barge. it rotates as it moves down the sluice and water is splashed and poured into it as you go. No one gets out dry.

We had so much fun there. Lots of exhibits and shows. Then, outside the park is City Walk where the world's biggest Hard Rock Cafe and Hotel is. Also a huge Margaritaville and a bunch of other clubs.

Yard workin'

2011-07-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

We've been working on the yard all day. I was out cuting and trimming some trees in the backyard. Some are just overgrown or grown branches too low. A couple others have been broken and are now growing through or fell onto another and they are all just a mess. One corner of my back yard doesn't get enough sun due to the mess. I think it will all get better there.

We have some cherries growing on two of my Sand Cherry bushes. One of our 5 apple trees finally have apples on them. My raspberry bushes are growing good this year, too. There's been a lot of rain, but it's been hot and damp, too. Everything has been growing great.

This is the first year that the hay field developed fast enough that we could have it hayed last month and will probably be able to get a second cutting.

Just working along trying to get a handle on this property for once.

TV - 2011

2011-05-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

a quick critque of what I've been watching.

Hawaii 5-O. Love this show. When I watch tv, i don't need complex characters, at least not at first, these characters are developing. Dano is growing on me weekly. I want this character to get back with his ex and be happy. I'm not sure if the writers are going to do it. And let me say here, I like Scott Caan in general. He has grown into so many mannerisms of his dad. It's nice to watch him. Scott, and his Father James have many unique mannerisms. Very controlled intensity as an actor. The character of Chin Ho has to get through this problem with the Hawaii police dept. It was an okay basis for Daniel Kim's character's smouldering personality at the beginning of the series, but it needs to be resolved now. Grace Park's character has been one of mainly girl-fluff. The character has potential, but needs the depth explored. I would like to see her soon go through a life changing or strength developing crisis. We need to see how tough she is. The character of Jenna Kaye is a good addition. It takes the weight of the only female action character off Grace Park, allowing for development of her character. Now, what about Alex O'Laughlin? This is not your father's McGarrett. I like this character. I especially love the interaction between O'Laughlin and Caan. This has been a fun pairing. Caan whines, and O'Laughlin broods, but they both take it out on each other. I have a lot of fun watching this show and use it as excapist tv. Good show. Next: Castle

Tell me

2011-05-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

This is the safest place to post this question, because no one will read or respond to it.

If you are an Obama supporter, please tell me what you think he has done since he has gotten into office. I'm not trying to trick anybody, and I'm not looking for a raging discussion between conservatives and liberals, I just want to know what you think he's done. No sarcasm intended here, I just want your thoughts.

Grandparents?

2011-04-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

We are to become Grand parents in August/September. Eliza is having a baby and we are excited to begin spoiling it.

Vacation 2011 - Florida

2011-04-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Best vacation to date. We flew out of Fargo directly to Orlando. Picked up our car and drove to Fort Lauderdale. After a few days of lounging around, we borded the Ruby Princess, and headed out to sea.

This was our first cruise. The staff were excellent, and the ship a wonder. We ate too much, and had lots of fun. There was a performing troup onboard and they gave some great shows. Also were a couple of comedians performing. We had a couple of dancing lessons and saw a couple of movies under the stars. We had signed up for assigned dinner seating, so we ate at 5:30 every night with the same two couples and the same wait team.

Both the other couples were great people around our age and we had fun meeting with them and discussing our day's adventures. Jimmy, our waiter, is Phillipino, and has been working there for 21 years. This was to be his last cruise. He was attentive and friendly and at one point seemed almost hurt at the refusal of the famed White (desert) Menu. Just a great fellow. His assitant waiter, Vladimir, was from the Ukraine, and a sweet young man. He was lots of fun and both of them served us well and made us feel at home.

We had fun exploring the ship, and even took the galley tour. The biggest kitchen I have ever seen! There is a place in the middle of the ship called the Piazza. It opens through thre decks and has continual shows of music and such. We watched the Checkerboard Guy perform his juggling and comedy. Very fun. We had a balcony and loved to stand or sit out and enjoy the night air and warm temps.

Four stops. Princess Cays. This is a beach area on the southern end of Eleuthera, Bahamas. It is owned by Princess. We went kayaking in the surf and walked the tide pools and swan amoung tiny fish.

St. Martin or Sint Maarten is a Dutch island. We went helmet diving and had a great time. Had fish eat out of our hands and held a sea-urchin and sea-spider.

St. Thomas is an island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, so our cell phones worked for a while. We went on a pirate schooner (Bones) to Turtle Cove for snorkling. Had a fun time there. The rocks around the port were covered with iguanas. We got rained on. a short strong storm, we just walked around while others ran for covered. We'd been in minus degree blizzards before, a nearly windless 85 degree rainstorm was refreshing.

Last stop was at Grand Turk. The main island of the Turks and Caicos islands. We just sat on the beach and swam in the surf. Very relaxing.

We had a wonderful time there. When we got back to Florida, we went to the Ft. Lauderdale beach and walked it. Then we drove to Orlando.

We spent one day at Disney World. It was disappointing compared to Disneyland. It didn't seem as well run, but it was okay.

The next three days we spent at Universal Studios and had a great time. This guy hates roller coasters. Well, I did. Awesome! we rode every one they had except for this one that just drops you straight down over and over. Saw lots of cool things and got really, really wet.

Well, that's about it, had a great time but missed everybody. It's good to be home.

Easter - He has risen!

2011-04-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

(pretend it's last week. I've been busy, okay?)

Easter 2011. Just got home from vacation yesterday. To my surprise, all the animals are alive and the Easter lake in my north field didn't materialize.

Attended worship service provided by Bethel EFC, at Lake Region State College. Always a huge event. Great peformances by the music and performers. Good testamonies and another superb sermon by Pastor Bruce Dick. A glorius time.

Consider Isaiah 53. Written 700 years before the birth of Christ, yet details his sacrificial work at the cross in minute detail. This continually blows me away.

Isaiah 53:5-6
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on himthe iniquity of us all.

Thank you, merciful Father, may we always remember what your Son has done for us. It is finished.

There is something wrong here

2011-04-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking. Back in the days before electricity, everyone knew the basic problems and dangers of kerosene. lamps on buggys, house lights, street lights, etc. They all knew that a lamp could get broken and the whole house could go up. So, did the government step in and say that the dangers were too great? Danger of fire, people breathing kerosene fumes and such? Did they outlaw it without something to replace it first? They did not. The world continued to use it until some private citizens invented, under their own motivations, something better. Then the world, seeing a better solution, willingly converted everything to the new technology. It used to be "Build a better mousetrap...", now it doesn't matter, the government decides the mouse trap is innefiecient, and outlaws it. then tries to fund the creating of a new device to fill the gap. Meantime, we are being over run by mice. There is something wrong here.

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man

2011-04-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well, 3 nouns and 1 adjective. 2 nouns are just wrong. I'm back I don't know for how long. Life continues. This is where I am. First, I have fallen once again madly in love with my wife. We are going away for a bit and will begin a new segment of our lives when we get back. She wants to travel more, I'm looking at schooling. We are going to be Grandparents! My daughter has grown up. Not completely, but a fine young lady. Alex is persuing his dreams and going to be attending a 4-year college soon. Just love my kids. The family will be going to Washington DC for T.A.P.S. this year. It's spring and the worst of winter is over, here comes the floods. North Easter Lake is forming. That is where my north hay field floods until the drain channel thaws enough to drain it. I keep hearing the first line of Cream's song, Tales of Brave Ulyses. "You thought the leaden winter would bring you down forever, so you rode upon a steamer to the violence of the sun." Bring on the violence, can't wait. Last January, LM laid off 165 employees. I am out-of-work but looking. It's hard to find $16.00 an hour, even though the ND economy is the best in the nation. My favorite Governer is in Washington now in the Senate. We replaced two of the three Dems from our state and the third won't be running again. What else? Who knows. It's a new year and I might have more hope. God is still in control.

Challenge for March

2010-03-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

This is pointless because no on reads this blog anyway.

Challenge: Watch Glenn Beck next week. Listen (no, really, I mean listen, leave your preconcieved notions elsewhere) to a week of Mark Levin or Rush Limbaugh.

Get back to me.

They are at it again!!!

2010-02-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

I'm watching Hannity and a couple of other news/opinions programs and I can't believe that the game isn't changing. The issue is brought up about how Obama has now invited Republicans into the health care debate. The libs complain that the Republicans are being obstructionists and have no ideas and just don't want to help. It's like reading a book and every other chapter is a completely different story. The Democrats and the President specifically have left the Republicans out of the debate. The discussions have not been put on C-Span as promised there is no transparency. When the Dems talk about bi-partanship, they mean do it our way. There are plenty of ideas being offered by Conservatives to address the problems within the health care system. That is the main idea coming from the right. Let's do what will fix the problems. The Left just wants to scrap the entire thing and bring in an overweight unfundable Government control system. They don't want to fix what needs to be fixed they just want their system, instead. It goes around and around. The left keeps saying the right doesn't want to participate while not letting them in the door and then whine that the Republicans are obstructing when the Dems can't even pass the measures with a fillibuster proof majority. Now that they no longer have it, they point at the right and say it's their fault. I get so tired of the same old games from Washington and yes, I believe it's worse on the left. 3

I started out as not a fan of Glen Beck. There was a lot about his show I didn't like, including the format. He has won me over on some points. For the most part, I don't think ha says anything that isn't being said by others, but he has a style that presents the arguments in a very simple format. Like a school teacher, his presentation is straight-forward. Starting a couple of months ago, he has shifted direction and has grown a lot. He is, as I am, I conservative rather than a Republican. A constitutionalist. The federal government currently has power that it was never intended to have. The framers and founders would be agast at what has been down to the system of goverment. There is a movement within Washington that is known as the Progressive movement. This movement goes back to the end of the 19th century. It is founded in the writings of Neitszche and Marx. It says that most of the little people are not smart enough to run the world so the elites and intellectuals need to do it for them. Ultimately this leads to socialism as the government becomes larger and larger and controls more and more of th lives of the people. I want the government out of my life. Now, am I talking about Democrats? am I talking about Obama and the current administration, or who? The truth is the the prograssive movement is throughout the system. Bush is a progressive. So is Obama. McCain, Pelosi, Reid, FDR, Teddy Roosevelt. This got a big start when a college man began writing about how the elite should take control. This man started wriying in the 1880s and later became President Woodrow Wilson. My studies have only begun on this, but what I've found so far scares the heck out of me.

Presently, though, the problem is that Govenment is too big and controls too much of our lives. Government does little well and is too cumbersome to affect anything quickly. Politics was never meant to be a career in itself. Too many on both sides of the Aisle do just that. They pass laws which will affect regular life that they will never have to return to live. The system of cronyism and lobbyists is an outrage and the founders such as Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, and Madison would never have wanted it to happen.

Go ahead, say, well, Obama's spending too much, but so did Bush. Right, they both did and they were both wrong. Bush shored up National Security but left the border wide open. He wanted to improve education, but never took on the Teachers unions. Obama is totally committed to Seiu and gives them more power daily. JFK said "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." He was talking about personal service, not paying taxes. He stood up to the Communists and the Unions. He started a war in Asia because there was oppression, that was a real can of worms. I support the idea of Vietnam, the problem was that Johnson poured too much money and troops into it without an understanding of how to win or real drive to solve it. Nixon followed into it and was powerless to end it after the Democrat congress got the blame shifted to the right and stopped funding it.

I have a person list of real leaders in the White House and will someday know enough to know when it is complete up to date. Let's just list some of my heroes. Washington, Lincoln, Reagan.

What I heard recently was that yes, Reagan did growth the debt, but had also grown GDP to pay for it. What happened after that was Carter, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama. Progressives all.

Crash and Burn!!!

2010-01-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

There was more and there will be even more football playoff action, but! The New England Patriots with a healthy Tom Brady, Just Crashed and Burned. It was pathetic. Baltimore jumped to a 24 - 0 lead by the beginning of the 2nd QUARTER! New England never made up the 24. 2 int and 1 fumble, a team record, NE never had an answer for the Run happy Ravens. I don't know what to say, I never thought the Ravens got where they were by being good, but they sure made the Patriots look bad. I, of course, hope my Chargers get it done this year. They haven't looked this good in a long time. They have experience, they have talent, the coach is committed the Quarterback, Phillip Rivers, is one of the best in the NFL and there is no back stage drama as there was with Spanos and Shannahan. LT is doing great and seems to have no problem sharing the running duties for the younger Sproles. Everybody is looking healthy too. Now, no matter how they do, I just want to give a raspberry to the great Jerry Rice, who said "I have never played for a worst coach all the way back to pee-wee" Norv Turner has won more game than any coach in Charger history. That includes Don Coryell (everybody stands, hands over their hearts and say "Don Coryell"). AFC champs again, one and done two years, two and out last year, this year, Bye week and home field advantage. We'll just see. Cowboys? Packers? Vikings? Just don't bring on Walsh, Montana and SF. But this year that is San Diego or New Orleans.

But that's how I feel.

Here It Comes

2010-01-04T01:42:00.000-08:00

The new year begins. It's been cold. It should get up to 2 above today (warm). Back to working full weeks.

I got approved for the Venezuela team at church. We send a team down twice a year for a couple of weeks. I've never been before.

"My" Chargers won their last game of the season. It was not important at all since they had already clinced the AFC west title , 1st round bye and home field advantage.. The first string players got pulled pretty early in the game but they were only playing Washington. The Redskins were trying desperatly trying to win number 5.

Had dinner New Years Eve with the Herman's and Gleason's. At the Ranch. Very nice night.

So, we're off to a good start.

This year is almost "in the can"

2009-12-31T20:15:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for this country. For it's being a light of freedom and helping other countries experience democracy. I am thankful for my family who serve and continue to serve. I am thankful for the men and women in the armed forces who put themselves in harm's way to protect us and freedom everywhere. I am thankful for God, the almighty, the Alpha and Omega. I am thankful for the founding fathers who envisioned a free and just democracy.

Alone again (unnaturally)

2009-12-30T16:00:00.000-08:00

Spent Christmas alone and snowed in. It was okay, I got to watch my Chargers win again and clench the second seed for the playoffs. Laurie's in California, Eliza is in Texas and though Alex was going from Grand Forks to Kaycee's parents, he couldn't get down the country roads in the storm to pick me up. We had a little Christmas dinner at Paradiso's last night and exchanged gifts. New Years might be about the same. But alls well. I hope everybody had a Great Christmas and let's have a better New Year where we actually talk to one-another. I promise to try.

Does this bother anyone else?

2009-12-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

I was on my Facebook account and my liberal relative made a comment about never wanting to hear the name Sarah Palin again. Her friends all chimed in blah, blah, blah. They said some things like how can anyone listen to Rush, Beck et al and not see how bad they were. Conservatives are so stupid. Same old stuff.

I just started thinking. How did it get so bad? There was a time when, although Dems and Reps disagreed on some things, they still held to some shared core beliefs in the foundational ideals that formed America. Sure the founding fathers fought over slavery and other things, and we have had to fight about Imperialism vs Isolationalism. States rights vs Federal rights. But all-in-all, The American dream was alive and we could all stand together as Americans.

But now it seems like we conservatives have the ideals of personal responsibility, free market solutions, private property, secure borders, and strong national defense. And it seems like the left is totally opposed to this. But it confuses me, because Democrats still start and grow businesses. Still buy houses, cars, boats, and vacations. Still want their children to be safe in the neighborhood and school, and want the US government to be the US government.

But no one on either side can seem to speak to anyone on the other side in a rational conversation. If we want to talk about free market, they say we’re greedy and I have to admit, that unchecked, the greedy person will take advantage of things. But they want to help the needy and we scream “welfare state” even though the majority of conservatives believe in helping the less fortunate.
I know what any of you will say to these examples, but the point is, neither side will listen to the other.

Am I making sense?

There is less animosity at a Packer-Viking football game than there is in today’s political discussion.

I’m not blaming the left for this, I thing both sides are to blame. We have people in Washington on both sides who spend too much and take unfair advantage of the system for their own benefit. I’m no longer sure if either side being in control is the answer. I know another party or two isn’t. Somehow we as citizens have to realize how badly we have been divided by the ones in power. The grass roots movement has to be more than just a move to the right or left, It has to be a move towards us taking intelligent control of the systems and stop being pawns who are kept at each other’s throats while our pockets are being picked and this country is systematically destroyed.

My challenge is for all of us to start reaching out to the others and getting some serious thought and dialog started.

Community Organizes!

2009-11-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

Heard about this story on Rush this morning. I nope I can get a link to it. On the island of Kuaii in Hawaii, there was a state park and access road that had been damaged by a storm. The locals were waiting for the state to provide help to repair it. The estomates from the state was 2 million dollars and 4 years. The help wasn't coming and estimates were 2-4 years before the park would be reopened. The people got together and - at no cost to taxpayers - did the repairs in 8 days. Outrageous! An example of American principles of self reliance. This is great! When I hear the term Community Organizer, this is the picture that comes to my mind. This is what it should be, not people working to get voters for a particular group. It should be a term for activities that pull people in a comminity together to get projects done not lobbying for Liberals.

San Diego Comic-Con founder dies

2009-11-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

Why is it always raining when I get bad news? Shel Dorf, The founder of the San Diego Comic-Con has died at the age of 76. I was periferally involved in the con for the first couple of years and spent some time around Shel. I am sad at his passing and will always remember the impact "his" convention made in my life. I was aroun 17 when the first mini-con was held at the U.S Grant hotel in San Diego and it was the biggest thing I'd ever been a part of up to that point in my life. Here is a link for the Reuters story.

http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE5A35W220091104

And here is a link for a autobiographical page on the comicartville library site.

http://www.comicartville.com/dorfpage.htm

At the risk of beimg called a racist (again)

2009-11-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

Yeah, maybe even not-politically-correct (horrors) if you have some person making comments against America (in America) being happy when terrorist attacks occur and belonging to the same religion as those who are at war with us, they should have been singled out by the authorities, questioned, and dropped from the military. This is an outrage and further my anger against the Muslim bastards that are trying to ruin this world. Our boys and girls have enough danger in thier lives without having to be shot at a state-side military post. Someone dropped the ball here and should go to prison for the rest of thier lives. I don't hate people I hate the things that they do and I hate a demonic mental enslavement that was inspired by Satan. I'm angry and I want justice and retribution.

Angerrrrrr!

2009-10-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

I watch shows on Fox News or listen to talk radio and one thing really enfuriates me. You get these people stating the Democrat side of things, and they often make really weak comments just to defend some outrageous thing that has happened. I wouldn't mind if they made rational arguments, but they often don't. Hannity is talking about how the President promised to listen to his commanders but two months after asked for more troops, a move even approved by Nato, He hasn't made a discision. So Kirsten Powers starts talking about how you can't rush into these thing and he's just being careful. This is why I get angry with them. The situation is deteriorating because the Taliban is stepping things up knowing the president isn't reacting and the liberals on TV and Radio just keep covering and glossing over things. Get it done!

I just can't help it

2009-10-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

Our President goes to get the Olympics here while his commanders are trying to get some face time with him. Quickly, don't think about it, what is the most pressing issue the President has to think about right now? We have men and women on foreign soil engaged in war. There needs and safety should be at least the first three things Obama should be concerned with. More than the Economy, more than his stupid health care bill, and certainly more than the bloody Olympics. Sorry, but I have a vested interest in this.

A Challenge

2009-10-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

I want to issue a challenge to everybody. I want you to listen to Mark Levin for at least 1 hour a day for 1 week. If you have never heard him, he's a bit caustic, but not in a petty just to be nasty way. He is passionate about what concerns him and he is very knowledgeable in his views. A doctorate in constitutional law and a former member of the US justice department. Just losten to what he says and then please comment on the substance of his arguments. You can go to Dr. Levin's website marklevinshow.com to find out where you can catch his show in your area. I listen to him on AM1100 the flag out of Fargo.

Does it make you angry or sad?

2009-09-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

At church today they were using a photo of NYC as a background for song lyrics. It dawned on me that I was becomming angry looking at the photo which featured the twin towers.

I am angry because some third world thugs came here and destroyed them. I am angry because after eight years they haven't been rebuilt. I am angry because the national debate is controlled by cowardly people who 1) are afraid of those who would oppose us and 2) Hate their own country for prospering beyond all the other peoples in the world by their own hand and feel somehow it isn't fair just because we were willing to work for it and others aren't.

Every country makes mistakes and injustices in their growing, but haven't we done far more good in the world, gone out of our way to correct things? All of Europe owes it's present existance to our efforts and sacrifice. Many Asian countries do too. We have spent more in resources in Africa than any other country. We have tried to stop the drug, human, and gun trades in South America as well.

Are we meddling or are we trying to help other's have what we have. Don't condem the U.S. for trying to help spread democracy and then say what we have is so good we should allow everyone who wants to come here and live off us without any pledge of allengience.

Don't try to talk to me about how wonderful it is in Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, China or North Korea. I'm getting damn tired of the mealy-mouthed liberal voices in this country whining about what bullys we are. Let them go to one of these socialist countries and build their paradise there. If it works, then we'll consider it. Believe in God, The Constitution, and the principles of the Founding Fathers. Be thankful for the blood spilled across the globe for the sake of freedom and democracy. Be amazed that we are the strongest but the most giving and charitable nation on Earth because of it. Do this or leave!

The Sky Is Cryin' 09-11-09

2009-09-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

The sky is cryin....can't you see the tears roll down the street

I've been looking for my baby, And I wonder where can he be

September 11,2009 Fraine Barracks, Bismarck, North Dakota

We awoke around 2:30 am to a thunderous rainstorm. Getting dressed Laurie, myself, Alexander, and Eliza left the house for a long trip to Bismarck, ND. We had been invited to participate in the dedication of the North Dakota Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism. We arrived 7:30 am at the Adjutant General's Quarters at Fraine Barracks in Bismarck. Treated to a buffet breakfast, we had a chance to meet and converse with the Adjutant General, The Former AG ( Who had been at Jeremiah's Memorial in Devils Lake), The Governor and his wife, members of the ND Patriot Guard, and other Gold Star family members.

Outside, the ceremony started at 9:37am, the time of the beginning of the attacks of 9/11, with the ND Patriot Guard riding in. Colors were posted, the National Anthem sung, some opening remarks by City Commissioner Connie Sprynczynatyk, wife of the Adjutant General, and an Invocation by the Chaplain Major Johnson of the ND National Guard.

Remarks followed by Governer Hoeven, Bismarck Mayor John Warford, Major General David Sprynczynatyk, City Commissioner Steve Schwab, and Mrs. Diane Ferderer mother of fallen soldier Specialist Dennis Ferderer as a representative for all the Gold Star Famieelies.

After this, we the families were called up to place dog tags of our lost loved ones on the Soldier's Cross in the center of the memorial.

The ceremony was concluded by a 21-gun salute, taps and a Benedictfion by Chaplain Dan Sweeney of the Bismarck Police Department.

After the ceremony, the Patriot Guard surrounded the memorial to close it off so the families could take some alone time with the memorial and place some personal items inside it.

This tribute was very moving and we appreciate those who feel we should never forget those who sacrificed everything for our freedom. This project was a joint effort of the City of Bismarck, ND and the ND National Guard.

"We will always remember. We will always be proud.

We will always be prepared, so we will always be free."

- President Ronald Reagan

Of Liberals and Socialists

2009-08-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

I can't help thinking about this and it worrys and angers me. How did the liberal mindset get so skewed. There is an inherant heart for life and the doing of good. But there is also naivete' and a sort of cynicism that both strips away the foundational structure of charity and attacks and condemns even the attempt to charity. On one hand, life is considered sacred so all people from anywhere deserve an equal part of the common wealth of the world. Indeed, even the most horrid sociopath on death row deserves to not be unduly punished by death. But, on the other hand, the death of an unborn or partially born child may be killed in the name of science or mere convienience. A people must create a set of rules of behavior that they apply to a common group to live by in order to have civilization for those people. What we have today is an idea that the benefits that have risen from that system is somehow to be afforded all people whether they choose to live under those rules or not. This has become so confused that another group can appear saying they believe in a better world where everybody has everything and that it's all for good so the first group thinks if they follow these people it will happen.

"You can't get something for nothing, You can't have freedom for free."
- Something for Nothing - Neil Peart, Rush.

Ted Kennedy Passes On

2009-08-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

The last of the Kennedy brothers has died from Brain Cancer. The Senator died at home early Wednesday morning. I was not a fan of his politics by any means, but I salute his courage both for his fight against this disease and for promoting the priciples in which he believed. I offer my prayers and condolencense

Sale of a lifetime!!!

2009-08-25T16:13:00.000-07:00

Guess who's holding the grandaddy of all garagesales? Governer Arnold Schwarzenegger! In an attempt to fund California's failed economy, the Governator is holding a garage sale on ebay and Craig's list selling items the state has from surplus, unclaimed property, etc. Gov. Schwarzenegger has even autographed some of the items. Good or bad, at least he's being innovative.

An Eclectic Cornucopia

2009-08-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

I love to shop the second hand stores for vinyl albums I don't have or need new copies of. A lot of the time I don't find much, after all, this is a rather small area. Then it isn't often I find really great stuff in good shape. But let me tell you about this haul! The most normal of the bunch were Tears for Fears' second album The Hurting and Roxy Music's Avalon. You gotta love Bryan Ferry. Then a new copy of King Crimson's Discipline where Robert Fripp deceided his new group was a new incarnation of his old ways. Fripp, Brufford, Levin and Belew. Wow. Then a completely underground album is I Advance Masked. Robert Fripp took time between Discipline and Beat to work with Andy Summers the guitarist for the police. If you ever wondered about the quantum leap Andy made between Ghost in the Machine and Synchronicity, the answer is here. Fripp has that effect on everybody. Finally, Laurie Anderson's Mister Heartbreak with some of the greatest music of 1984. Using Crimson's Adrian Belew for a great portion of the guitar work, she weaves great tales of modern life and even works with Peter Gabriel and poet William S. Burroughs. Incredible. Just a great haul, and since the styles are so not mainstream, whoever had these just didn't get them and they are in perfect condition. Try finding a copy of Abbey Road like that. Good luck.

Jackson's death ruled homiside

2009-08-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Today the court ruled that the Death of the famed songwriter was homiside. Maybe negligent homicide but otherwise it's not because the doctor certainly wasn't trying to kill the man.

When Anna Nicole SMith died, one of the identified factors was her doctor's subscribing too many chemicals. But the Jackson case is no different. So what has changed?

The socialists in Washington are trying to pass a health care bill. This is making then create as many evil people in the system as they can so we'll buy the argument that it needs to be changed.

Don't buy into it.

Ducking Responsibility

2009-08-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Say your local barber consistantly does a bad job cutting hair. Do you just find another barber? What if it's some service that has limited choice or competition? WOuld you take them to court to get them to change?

In the debate over health care, instead of using the court or applied competition, The left thinks we should just have the government take the whole thing over. Do you think they will assure good, professional, and inexpensive service? Hardly.

People who want to "fix" health care are just people with a maybe legitamate gripe who want to just dump the problem in the Governments lap. I'm telling you, even considering lost work time and court costs, it'll be cheaper to take them to court.

Homer Obama ?

2009-07-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life imitates art. Or at least The Simpsons. Homer is driving with the family. He ignores signs and almost crashes. "Let the be a lesson to you not to ignore signs" he reprimands Marge. "But Dad", Lisa says, "You were the one driving". "And let us never speak of this again"

I can't help drawing a parallel with the statements the President made this week involving the Proffesor Gates incident.

Just a thought...

Just a thought...

2009-07-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

Someone at work is selling root beer floats to raise money for the walk for life campaign. I was just thinking, maybe the president can get ACORN to hold bake sales to help pay for all this deficit spending he's been doing. Just spitballing here...

Excuuuse Meee1!

2009-07-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

I'm really getting tired of being called a racist just because I oppose someone and they happen to not be white. Honestly, we have to accept Sotomayor, Obama. and others wether we agree with their politics or not or rick being called a arcist. On the other hand, if you try to support A, Gonzalas or M. Steele, then you just don't know anything because they are just being used by the "man"..

More...

2009-07-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

The sessions to confirm Justice Sotomayor start tomorrow. Sen Boxer said she hopes republicans will judge her fairly and not focus on her gender. This is stupid. She is playing the gender card before anyone has said anything. This same tactic was used during the pres campaign where Obama and others kept pointing out that the right would attack his race even though none did. Sheeesh!

What's on my mind

2009-07-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome back. My computer is kinda dead and my internet is down too. Yuk! Something on my mind, the Rev. Jackson said today in reference to the chicago grave vandals, "There is a special kind of hell for these people". Although a nasty and horid act, I would think the Reverend would be a little more on track theologically. I think this statement was ment to comfort people, but should have been a little more scripturally correct.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

It's Father's Day, so Happy to all you out there. It is also the last day of Spring and I'm still hoping for consistantly warmer weather.

I checked the fencing around the northern tree break and moved the nags over there. All the grass and weeds are about 3 or 4 feet high, so they'll have a lot to eat for awhile. They seemed very happy about the whole thing.

Tripped to Texas

2009-06-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Laurie and I took a little vacation to Texas this week. Yesterday was the third anniversary of Jeremiah's passing so we went to Fort Hood to where the memorial for the 4th Infantry Division is. We were supposed to meet Laurie's Mom and Dad there, but the weather in Dallas was so bad that Mom's plane from Calif was cancelled. We drove down and the weather was cleared by the time we reached Texas. We passed through Oklahoma City and stopped at Abuelo's in Bricktown. We really like that place and had a great meal. We spent the night in Norman outside OKC and in the morning we drove on down. The temp had been chilly all the way since we left home, but we hit Texas and it stayed 90 - 99 until we left there.

We stopped next in Killeen, TX which is outside Ft. Hood. We met up with James and Gina, a married couple we know there. James is in the Army and served with Jeremiah in Iraq. It was nice to be able to spend time with them and to get to know them. They helped us get around on base and we visited the Fisher House, which is a house on base for families of any soldier that might be in the hospital there. We went down there a couple of years ago when they dedicated a plaque to all the 4th ID soldiers lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is posted in the Fisher House. We then visited the memorial and spent some time there. We went out to dinner with James and his wife and then spent to night in a hotel there in Killeen.

The next day we drove down to San Antonio. We saw the Alamo and walked around the downtown area. The Riverwalk is really nice. The San Antonio River is diverted to loop around a large part of downtown and is actually a lot lower than the rest of the city. We ate at Del Rio an historic restaurant there and then tookthe boat tour which circles the riverwalk and gives an explanation of the area and a lot of the history of the buildings there. That night we went to the Hard Rock Cafe in San Antonio. Part one was over and we started to look for a place to spend the night. All the hotels in San Antonio were too spendy so we thought we'd drive up to Austin and stay. Unfortunately, there was a bike rally in Austin so there were no rooms. We ended up driving up to Killeen and stayed there again.

That next day we spent with James and Gina again and revisited the memorial. As we drove north, we wanted to stop in Waco and see the Dr. Pepper museum. Traffic was so bad, that we didn't get there in time but got a couple of photos outside. We pushed on to Dallas.

We thought there was a Hard Rock in Dallas, so we thought to stop there. It doesn't open until next week. We parked outside TGI Fridays, downtown and walked around. There was a street concret and we listened for a little while and then walked around some more. This kid was painting these futuristic city scenes with spray paint while sitting on his knees. He painted very fast. Kinda cool. We wandered around and came across the House of Blues. Inside it was cool. A restaurant and a bar and a concert room too. Dallas was nice. Drove home and stopped and slept in the car at one point. Passed through OKC late at night and there were thunder storms brewing.

The next day we stopped in Kansas City and ate at a different Abuelo's. Then is was time to get home. Felt like it took forever. A lot of road construction all through Iowa and South Dakota. We pulled into Fargo around 11:00pm and stopped for a snack at Fridays before driving on. A final stop in Grand Forks to say hello to Alex and then home.

A good trip. We spent most of today sleeping and being lazy.

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Memorial Day. Laurie and I went to Devils Lake and participated in the observance there. Always a solumn but heartwarming time to help honor all the service people who have died for our freedom but especially Jeremiah. The Devils Lake community band played and also the Our Savior's church and friends choir. We laid wreaths for each of the wars our country has fought starting with WWI. It was good.

The Death Penalty

2009-05-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, let's get really controversal. Should we abolish the death penalty? Sean Hannity had Will Farrell on his show, and said that he had come to agree with leftist Farrell on abolishing the death penalty. Now, most conservatives think it should be used and most liberals don't. Hannity thought it shoud still be used when there is incontrovertable evidence.

Here's my take: While seeing myself as a committed conservative, I agree that we should not use it. Here is why. We are put here to accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior and to spread his gospel. I would rather support a man for a lifetime in prison so he has a chance at some time to come to faith than to take his life before he can. Of course, I don't think that he should ever be allowed out of prison, because we will never know if someone says he believes that he really does. And if he does, he'll know that he cannot be freed but might find that prison is a perfect mission field for him.

That is how I feel about it.

Happy Anniversary, Darling

2009-05-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't gotten online for this since Thursday, so I'll post it now. I had a great time with you the other night. You are my life=partner, my best friend, the chocolate chips in my chocolate chip cookies, and My darling wife. I love you.

Thursday was our 20th anniversary. for those of you with more time in, I hope you've been as blessed as I have. For thoses who haven't, I'd say work on it and it'll be fun. This is currently the best time of our lives so far. It hasn't always been good, but we've come through a lot and are having fun being together now. I am overwhelmed how great Laurie is.

I worked and she didn't thursday. She met me in Grand Forks and we went to the Bronze Boot for dinner. It is one of those restaurants that looks like it's heyday was 40 years ago. Neon framed boot and all. 50's style architecture. However, inside it is clean, and nice. Thiis place really knows how to cook a steak. They cut their own, and is a place where we go for special occasions. A nice dinner and the server, whom I believe may be one of the owners, is very nice. she brought us a double dish of ice cream, toppings and two spoons to help us celebrate.

I was just thinking about the kids on Thursday, too. Laurie and I went to Disneyland for our honeymoon and then we went there when we were in San Diego this winter as a celebration of the 20 years. But I remembered the times we took the kids, too. Jeremiah and Alex's first time right after Eliza was born and we left her with Nana. We were working for a property management company out of L.A. at the time and we told the boys we had a meeting up there and had no one to look after them all day. We left early and they slept most of the time, but we got to L.A. early amid whines of "Are we there, yet?" And them we pulled into the vast parking lot of Disneyland and the lok on their eyes was priceless. A whirlwind day running from one ride to the next and having one of the best times of my life. Jeremiah pulling the sword from the stone, eating at the Blue Bayou. All of us one my favorite ride, the Pirates of the Carribean. We went to Tom Sawyer island and as soon as we stepped off the little raft, Jeremiah took of and got lost. We found him 10 minutes later with security and wet cheeks. Alex in a stroller, fell asleep during the Electrical Parade. and screaming during the fireworks. We opened and closed it that day. It was great.

Verrry Nice Day (so far)

2009-05-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

I tried to sleep in. Much more than I really wanted to. Neighbor John called and said he was ready to help with moving hay into the corral. I was really happy he called because I really wanted to get up. What fun. The fence wasn't open 5 minutes before the wascally horses realized they could get out. They did. It was alright, I knew I could get them back in and I enjoy watching them be able to run. They are so cool when they get to do that. Then, they run over to the tree break where the other fence is. I guess they're institutionalized. Hay in, fence closed, and even fixed some places thet needed it.

Next, I sweped the garage out. These aren't big things, but when you haven't been able to get outside much, it's extremely nice to be able to do it.

Put up a couple of the bird feeders. The dog chewed on one of them a bit but it'll be okay. I'm concerned I won't get a lot of birds until Eliza gets back and takes her dog home. Jaycee loves to chase birds and will be horrible to them if she's still here.

Taking a break right now for lunch. If I manage to go back outside, and do anything, I'll post again.

No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!!

2009-04-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

With all this noise about the Bush administration's use of not being nice to prisoners, I'm reminded of Monty Python's skit about the Spanish Inquisition. I mean, the things they did such as waterboarding, sleep deprivation and putting catapillars into cells seem like to me, not only tame, but much like the skit where they use things such as the ultimate Comfy Chair. Phoo!!! If you don't want to use them, don't, but let the past things go because they weren't really extreme. I know you kool-aiders out there won't agree, but this thing right now is just a ploy to distract from Obama's ruining the economy, and rendering our military impotant. If we get attacked again, it will be on him.

Strange Weather

2009-04-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

We got a lot of rain and snow today. Yeah, snow. End of April and my yard looks like it did in October. Hopefully it will warm up and late spring will arrive.

Someone explain this to me

2009-04-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

I like to use Google for my search engine. Every time there is a special day such as a holiday or famous birthday or anniversary, they have a special Google logo depicting the event. But a couple of weeks ago it was Easter and they did nothing. Why would that be? Anyone?

A word from the word

2009-04-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

"And you who were dead in your trepasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with it's legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."

Colossians 2:13-14

Weather or not.

2009-04-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a few days of warm weather. It's still warm now if you compare it to whatb we had in February. 99% of the snow melted and everything on the outer frindges of the proprerty was flooded. It has since gone down and it's looking good. Friday before Easter I got home from work, I went in the house and only spent 10 minutes inside before going outside and spending the next four hours outside. I was just having fun. My Lilacs are already starting to sprout new growth as are our roses. Now, the Lilacs we just planted as seedlings last year. Up here as soon as the land gets a chance, it wastes no time blooming. This is something you don't get in California since it's green all year.

Obama cuts 100 million from budget!!!!

2009-04-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, is this a good thing? Of course it is but it's really nothing. The President himself said it is only a drop in the bucket. But you have to remember that he has increased spending to over 4 trillion dollars. You figure what percentage 100 million is to 4000 billion.

Following this Obama said that he will go through the budget line-by-line to find more. Does he know that he doesn't have a line veto? This he can not do.

These cuts he's found are piddling and will not amount to anything useful to the economy.

Nice weather!!!

2009-04-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally winning the fight here. It's been warmer lately and even 45 seems like warmth. Of course, we have to deal with the threat of floods, but due to the work of many volunteers, things are getting better. The Red is expected to crest again but it looks like we'll be okay. Out here on my land everything is soggy especially my driveway. As soon as the rain channel thaws, I'm sure a lot of the water will drain off. It's ben easier to give the horses hay since the bales are thawing but the corral is a muddy mess. We have Eliza's puppy here. She (the puppy) is untrained and likes to jump on everybody. This is really nasty with all the mud. If you spend any time with her though, she calms down and follows you around. She disappeared for a couple of days until a neighbor told my closest neighbor about her being at his place. She was about 3 miles away from home. There is only one house between my house and the place where she was but now I've met another neighbor. She often catches mice and birds andstands in the yard at night and barks. We don't really hear her much and I guess she's barking at deer and such. We tried to chain her up. The first collar we put on her had a plastic catch and she broke it almost immediately. Then, with a better collar, she broke the chain she was on. The chain have a swivel like on it so the dog can't get it twisted up. She's a Lab and it only lasted a couple of days. I guess I'll invest in an ID tag so if she wanders off again, we can be contacted. I went out and started Laurie's bike today but she doesn't know it yet. I need the charge the battery on the mower and the on the little bike is just shot. I saw today that I'll be able to get to the trailer now, too. I had it in the tree break to load with wood and it got buried in the snow. After this next week of temps in the high 40s and low 50s I bet things will start turning green quickly.

Major Rant for April: Three types of people

2009-04-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

The way I see it there are three types of people in the world.

The first are conservatives. These people expect themselves to do the right thing and for everybody else to do it too. A little simplistic but let me explain. They do not expect anyone to do things for them and believe themselves to be responsible enough to live their lives for their own families and not do it at the expense of others. They believe they should be able to keep what they earn and decide for themselves where they want their money to go. Yes, some get greedy and take advantage of situations, but they are not true conservatives, they are just wrong. Also not everybody does what's right all the time, but that is a product of our fallen nature and that why we have laws.

The second type are liberals. These people range from moderate to socialists. The idea here is to have such control of people's lives that much wealth goes into the "public" coffers where the ones in power can direct where it is spent. Also they do not believe you should be the one who gets to keep what you make. Indeed, if you make too much, (more than them), they will come after you and take as much of it as they can.

The third type are the sheep. These people think of themselves as liberals but fail to understand how things really work. To their credit they have big hearts and truly feel for the oppressed, downtrodden, and poor. They do not see that conservatives and especially Christians give more than anyone to charities. They are easily led by words that say "We will pass a law to make sure everybody gets what they deserve," In having the state control the wealth and distribute it, you create a very inefficient system because of the sheer size of the buracracy it takes to accomplish the goals.

A Great Book!

2009-03-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

I just heard a great book. Maybe audio books are cheating, but when you spend two hours a day driving to and from work, it makes sense. Okay, the book. "Ted, White, and Blue" by Ted Nugent. Here's a guy who doesn't smoke, do drugs, speaks of only moderate drinking, and is still touring with his outrageously loud band. Ted speaks of politics, guns, religion, and much common sense. I couldn't recommend it any higher.

Flood may have been averted!

2009-03-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Due to warming weqather, record snowfall, and a couple of new storms, The Red River has been threatening to overflow most of the valley. It looks like the danger is going to pass, but they are still waiting to see if the dykes all hold. Some of the more southern towns are getting some problems, but Fargo just might make it. Grand Forks has closed two of the three bridges across the river and might close the third. We'll see. There is still a lot of snow out there and we'll have some more ugly weather this week. Bismarck and Mandan are having the same problems, I hope they do well too.

Close the borders - now

2009-03-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

The title should get people angry as well as branding me a racist. I don't dislike people from another country, but, of course, If someone wants to become a permanent resident here, then they should learn the language and respect the laws. This guy was on TV and argued that although it appears that we can't handle all these people with unemployment where it is, in reality they actually create jobs. Absurd!!! Sure, there are some who open bussinesses here and I won't argue about who would get hired, but the VAST majority who are here illegally are not educated enough or wealthy enough to start anything. If a huge majority of citizens of a country feel that America is the model of how they think a country should be, then they should work to change their country. Our founding fathers did it here in spite of the oppressive British ruling government.

Happy Birthday

2009-03-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

It is my daughter, Eliza's birthday. She's away at her AIT for the Guard. She passed her boards for Medic and we are very proud of her.

What is a budget?

2009-03-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

a summary of intended expenditures along with proposals for how to meet them; "the president submitted the annual budget to Congress"

Right.

We're taking a course right now on how to get out of debt and create a financial future. We are learning how to budget and how to stay within that budget. Maybe Congress should talk to Dave Ramsey. The Government makes only as much money as it can collect in taxes but they budget billions and now trillions for spending as if that will be collected intaxes thus saddling our grandchildren with debt. The biggest problem with this process is the excess and diverting of funds that create a need for more income. For instance, money that went to Louisiana which should have been used to upgrade the dyke system was earmarked to help expand the barge throughways. This when barge traffic is decreasing. The result was disaster when Katrina hit. Also a great deal of money goes to the school systems. However, only a fraction of it goes to teachers. The rest goes to administrators and unions. If Congress stopped this nonsense, and spent the money wisely, we could get by with a smaller budget and still maintain a strong and stable America.

Alabama paralyzed by inclement weather!!

2009-03-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Well, they weren't expecting it. It snowed in Tuskaloosa, Alabama and my sister posted some pictures of it. Not much of a snow by North Dakota standards, but we're talking Alabama so it's a big deal. Like if we had an earthquake here. I'm gonna steal a couple of the shots ad post them here for your enjoyment. Get that shovel out professor!

(Compare these pics with the ones below of my yard, he he)

Happy Birthday, David

2009-03-01T18:26:00.000-08:00

There are only a few birthdays I actually remember. I almost always realize when they come but usually forget to say anything until it's past. Feb. 28th was my brother David's birthday. Assuming that he still celebrates it in some fashion, I want to publicly wish him a happy birthday.

If you'd like to do something for him, and yourself, go to the following website:

www.greenskypress.com

and read some of his stories. He lives in San Diego and we wish him the happiest of times.

New Widget Added!!!

2009-02-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my sister, Suzanne, I've finally was able to load a widget that will track the stock market. Cool. Thanks, Suzy.

A Modern Day Hero

2009-02-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the A&E show, The Baest? A gritty FBI cop show starring Patrick Swayze. Mr. Swayze is dying of pancreatic cancer yet he refuses to just hang it up and quit. He produces and stars in this show and intends to do that as long as he can. It takes a lot to do this and cement the way you'll be remembered. Best of luck and my prayers to the man.

House Markets Socialism For The Masses

2009-02-13T15:34:00.000-08:00

The House today passed the monstronsity so we can all settle down because the Government will now assume responsibility for all facets of our lives. The White House promised 48 hours to see it before voting, but only gave congress 12. Of course, it still has to go back to the Senate for approval.

Here's the thing. All this money is coming from us to pay for "stuff" for us. I can't help thinking of ID theft. This guy has stolen your credit card and comes to you and gives you money. You're thinkin' what a nice guy. But the money came from your bank account. Just a thought.....

Congressman John Boehner stood before the House and held up this huge pile of paper that is the bill (1000+ pages) and pointed out that not a single member of congress has even read the thing. "and we're supposed to vote on it?" he says and drops it with a thud on the floor.

Winter 2008 - 2009

2009-02-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos which have been requested by many. Notice the sheets of ice sliding off the Barn roof from today.

Robert Zimmerman

2009-02-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been on a Bob Dylan kick. Is/was he great or what? Since I grew up on commercial radio, I didn't learn about Dylan until late. In fact Lay, Lady, Lay was the first new Dylan song I ever heard on the radio. As I grew away from the radio and into underground music I found out more about how instrumental he had been in the creation of modern rock.

Dylan released his first album in 1962. In 1963 there were three of his songs in the top 100. None of them were his recordings. It is something when you discover some of the best songs by the performers you love the most turn out to be either a Dylan song or an attempt to be Dylanesque. The mark of a great song writer is one who does not need to cover others' music but is covered often by even the best. The Beatles, probably the most proficient song writers in rock, Talked about Dylan. "You've got to hide your love away" was Lennon's attempt to be Dylan and they featured him on the cover of Sgt. Pepper's along with other Icons of the era. Simon and Garfunkle covered a couple of his songs and did a lot to emulate his style. Though they were better singers and had more elaborate arrangements, I think Paul Simon admired Dylan greatly.

Dylan had the ability to write songs that not only were very profound, but his minimalist approach left room for others to create bigger arrangements. His style, of course, was modeled after the folk singers of the forties and fifties. The man is still going and has a following of professionals too long to list.

No, I'm not in hibernation

2009-02-08T18:53:00.001-08:00

I've just not been interested in this. Sometimes, though, I get an idea but by the time I get home, I forget or have more important things to do. Oh well....

Yeah, it's still cold!

2009-01-25T15:13:00.000-08:00

Wind Chill Advisory in effect until 12 PM CST Monday...

Tonight
Mostly clear. Lows 20 to 25 below. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill readings 30 below to 40 below zero.

Monday
Sunny. Highs zero to 5 below. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill readings 30 below to 45 below zero.

Monday Night
Mostly clear. Lows 10 to 15 below. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Wind chill readings 20 below to 35 below zero

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect until 12 PM CST Monday. The combination of westerly winds of around 10 mph and subzero airtemperatures... will result in hazardous wind chills of 25 below to 40 below zero for tonight and Monday morning.A Wind Chill Advisory means that very cold air and winds will combine to generate low wind chills. This will result in frostbite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. If you must venture outdoors... make sure you wear appropriate clothing... including a hat and gloves.

And these are Sunny days and clear nights.

Last week we had a couple of days where it warmed up to 27-30 degrees. This was noticeably warmer. It's miserable and going out to feed the hayburners is a chore but y'know, when it does get warm in March or so, it will be beautiful and pretty beyond words and greener than anything in Southern California. The contrast makes it more noticeable and you appreciate it more. I can't wait 'cause I'm freezing my nose off right now.

AP's war against Israel

2009-01-25T14:58:00.000-08:00

An AP article appeared today focusing on the trauma suffered by the children of Gaza. My heart goes out to all victims of war especially children. However, the article is slanted to foment more hatred and bitter feelings towards Israel. Check this out: the title is "Israeli war against Hamas scars Gaza's children. " I'd like to point out that Hamas started this conflict by bombing people in Israel, so really it should read Hamas war against Israel scars children in Gaza (and Israel?). It points out that the children are developing a hatred towards Israel. Of course. These kids have been taught by their Palestinian parents that Israel is the bully long before this started and are probably not told about how men, women and children in Israel have been dying by greater numbers before Israel ever fought back. How about telling their children that the hatred they (the adults) feel towards Israel superseded their love for their children by allowing Hamas to cowardly hide amongst the people of Gaza, risking the life of the children, to indiscriminately attack the citizens of Israeli border towns. Bottom line: pray for the children of the world that they may be protected by God from the stupidity of their parents.

Middle-East madness continues

2009-01-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sitting here listening to the news and the pundits talking about the current thing in Israel. I'm bothered that the news for the last few months that Hamas has been raining death onto Israel, that the reports make you feel that they're trowing rocks into an open field. Very little emphasis on the amout of civilian deaths being caused. Now Israel is responding and all you hear about is the death toll. Rubbish! It's about time for retaliation. And don't tell me they should try to talk to them because we all know it had never helped and there is no reason to think it will now. I especially love the point of view of John Bolton who seems to be a clear head in all this and supports Isael in their trying to protect themselves. If Israel trys to reason with Hamas they will just attack more. Yeah, bottom line, is bomb Gaza, bomb Iran, and Alan Combs is an Idiot.

Merry New Year!

2009-01-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm back and tryin' to figure out how to deal with reporting on my previous vacation. Anyway hello, and Merry Christmas to everyone. Let's hope I'm wrong about everything and we have a great next four years.

Sunday - Santa Monica beach

2008-12-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

What a lovely day for a drive up the coast. Over 70 flights were camcelled at Limburgh Field today. Fog. Inland it was all beautiful. We drove up to Santa Monica because we heard about a group that places crosses on the beach every Sunday as a tribute to the fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. They call it Arlington West. We got there and were able to dedicate a cross for Jeremiah. Actually, we were surprised to find one was already done. Two others had been here before us. One just left initials on the sign he made, and the other was made by Sgt. Huff, who served with Jeremiah. He's presently back in Iraq. The display is moving. They do this every Sunday.

They have a table for more information and offer a lot of materials for returning vets about many services available, including medical, schooling, etc.

The group who sponsors this is Vets for Peace who advocate bringing everybody home now. I personally do not agree with their viewpoint but do appreciate any tribute to the fallen.

Saturday

2008-12-01T17:44:00.001-08:00

The weather has been pretty normal for SD since we've been here. Morning overcast and nice days as it burns off. The coast has been foggier, though, so not really beach weather. Saturday we met with Gary P. and Stephen and Zina and played miniatue golf at Boomers in El Cajon. Lots of fun. Afterwards, we went to a decent sit down Mexican restaurant in downtown El Cajon, called Por Favor. Laurie's sister Linda met us there and we ate. After that everyone went their own way and Laurie and I went to Pacific Beach and strolled along the beach. There is this place called Crystal Pier that has been there since the 40s or longer. It has these bungalows along the pier where you can rent and the rest of the pier usd to be for the private use of the renters. It's open now for the public and we walked out to the end of the pier and watched the surfers below waiting for their waves to come in. After the sun sank into the ocean we left the beach and drove down Garnet to where all the beach night life was. We strolled through some shops and rested at this local pub with outside tables and ate some rolled tacos and margaritas. A very nice day and evening. I promise to post some pictures after I get home on my computer. Really.

Vacation.....Gotta Get Away

2008-11-29T22:50:00.000-08:00

I wonder if this is what the Go-gos meant? Thanksgiving was fun, and we all ate a lot. Most of Laurie's family was there and everybody behaved. Later we played Mexican train and had dessert. Just a typical holiday, but we haven't been home for this time of year since we moved to ND so it was kind of special. Friday Laurie and I went to Old Town and walked around a looked at the shops. It has kind of grown up. It was always a tourist draw, but now it's more apparently commercial. Not bad though. Walking down the street, we passed the Whaley House, a landmark and famous haunted house. We didn't feel like going in this time. Later we passed the Chuck Jones gallery and found it pretty amazing. There were a lot of Dr. Suess paintings on display as well as Jones' work from his Warner Bros. days and his work on Dr. Suess' animated stories like the Grinch. There was also some great work by a few other artists. One amazing set of paintings and scuptures were by Markus Pierson. His work is centered on this coyote character. It's ahrd to explain, the work is kind of dark but not negative. A lot of hope, dreams, and love. I'd suggest visiting the CJ Gallery website or Pierson's to see more. They are really amazing. After all this we walked around the Old Town Square and saw some great shops as well as a Wells Fargo exhibit. Pretty cool. We met later with Gary and had dinner at Chevy's in Mission Valley. An okay restaurant. They don't serve shredded beef so that was disapointing and the Carnitas (hsredded pork) was a bit fatty. I thought it was better last time when we went there about two years ago. Oh well. I'll try to post a bunch of pictures soon. Later.

Beam me up, Scotty!!

2008-11-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

We went to the Air and Space museum today. We took Richard and Armin with us. The museum is hosting a StarTrek exhibit right now. It cost a bit more than it should but was a cool exhibit. You walk down corridors like on the Enterprise and see Picard's room, the Transporter deck and lots of displays of coustumes and equipment from the show. We had a good time. Out side was many vistage aircraft from all ages and many displays of replicas and engines and such. The museum was also hosting a Bonnis and Clyde exhibit. Inside were many things from the time of the two outlaws. A Will Rogers dispaly, a Dirigible display, and many other things. Some was a bit grusome as thet had the car the ooutlaws were killed in. Also the shirt Clyde Barrow was wearing at the time. ick. We spent a couple of hours at the museum and enjoyed it a lot. Laurie and I walked around famous Balboa park and made plans for a return in the next couple of weeks. They have a package you can buy that allows you into all the museums there for about half the price. It also gives you 7 days to use it. We are thinking about it. Some of the museums were free back when I was in high school and Jr. high and I spent a lot of time there, but some I've never been to. Yeah, we're just trying to have fun.

The adventure continues......

2008-11-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

I'm typing on Laurie's laptop, and I'm really not comfortable with it. I'll post some pictures after we get home. We were able to get our car on Monday so now we're mobile. We drove around a bit and visited my old friend Richard and his wife. Also this older ex-school teacher who has been a friend to my family forever. Her son and daughter went to high school with my brother David and I and her daughter was even married to David for a time.

We've landed!

2008-11-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

We landed on Saturday and were driven immediately to a favorite hole-in-the-wall taco shop. There I inhaled and beef and bean burrito. Except for what we've eaten here in Laurie's mom's house, It's been all mexican. Sorry, ND there's nothing mexican going on there. Sat with her folks Saturday night and played Mexican train.

Sunday we did some shopping and went to an open house of a couple who have been married for 66 years. They are friends of my in-laws and their son, Cliff, was the minister at Jeremiah's funeral. Then we went home and that night play card games and vivited with Laurie's niece and her two boys. My hapless Cagrgers dropped another one they should have won. Once again by less than five points.

I'm Leavin... On a Jet Plane!

2008-11-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

We are almost out the door on our vacation to California and South Carolina. It's -7 windchill here and 70 there. I'm not sure if I can take it. If you need me, I'll be at the beach!

Death of a friend

2008-11-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

My friend Taylor sent this to me. Maybe it explains the title and focus of this blog.

My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed by. Today I read his obituary. Please join me in a moment of silence in remembrance, for Common Sense had served us all so well for so many generations.

Obituary: Common Sense. Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a Band-Aid to a student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If youstill remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

How do you know a liberal is lying.....

2008-11-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

William Ayers was interviewed by Cris Cuomo on Good Morning America. The ABC website says he "grilled" him. Right. Ayers is still unrepentant and repeated that statement. Then he says

"It's not terrorism because it doesn't target people, to kill or injure," .

Bull. Violence to instill fear or anarchy in order to cause change is exactly what terrorism is. William is splitting hairs. Liar and coward.

Then he whines about his treatment by the press and the McCain camp. Waaa. Crybaby.

Then he says, "I never hurt or killed anyone,". This isn't true. He put 8 people in the hospital.

This man is evil to even consider the acts he did in a free society instead of working through the system. Yeah, he thought it was urgent, but so what? It was still wrong, he still did it, he got away with it and mocked the system that allowed it to happen. "Guilty as hell, Free as a bird! What a great country!" He stated on the court steps after getting off on a technicality.

What slime. That's my opinion.

Veteran's Day 08

2008-11-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Memorial Bridge

Hangin' wit the Gov.

We found out at the last minute that there was a ceremony in Bismarck on Veteran's day where they were dedicating the addition of Iraq and Afghanistan casualties to the memorial at the cultural center there. After hurriedly arraigning to take the day off, we drove down. Governor Hoeven spoke as did Senator Dorgan and Congressman Pomeroy. Also the Mayors of both cities. Afterwards we viewed the memorial and later went home. The Memorial bridge that runs across the Missouri from Bismarck to Mandan has just been rebuilt and the dedication for that was the same day. We did go to the bridge and walk down it a bit and took a couple of pictures but didn't stay for the speeches and such. It was still a long and emotional day.

Bad Weather

2008-11-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

Things have been a little crazy around here. We had a freezing rain storm on thursdany before last. I got home from work to no power. I ate and read a little by flashlight and went to bed early. Friday Laurie (she was working nights) got home and called me to say the power wouldn't be on until Saturday afternoon. So I stayed at Alex's and went to work from there. When I got home the power was back on. They got some snow in the southern and western parts of the state but not up here. Bismarck and Devils Lake both had snow, We had the ice, and Grand Forks got nothing.

I Voted!

2008-11-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

It's such a rush when you get to exercise your power. Here in Petersburg, most of the folks are elderly and didn't want to go out to vote so the entire town (pop. 195) did absentee voting. We went to Lakota which is the county seat and voted there. This may be one of the most important elections ever. McCain is not Bush and Obama is not a centrist. Without the backing of the mainstream media and internet contributors Obama would never have beaten Hillary. So we have a moderate republican against the #1 and #3 most liberal democrats in Washoington. I just worry about extremeism on either side. I would never have voted for a David Duke either. Here's another thing that bothers me. The FBI stopped a couple of idiot neo-nazis from assasinating Obama and I say that's great. I'd never want harm to come to anyone like that. This is a great country and Obama wants to change everything. Don't argue about it, it has been documented. When he feels the constitution is flawed because it doesn't give the government enough power over the people there is something wrong. The constitution is designed to give the power to the people. Yeah, Vote early, vote often.

Just a Note....

2008-10-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Our daughter Eliza is off at basic training for the National Guard at Fort Jackson, SC. This should be great for her. She needs to gain some discipline in her life. Probably due to my spoiling her for 18 years. She wants to go into med-corp as a medic. She will graduate on Dec. 17th and we hope to be there for that as we were for Jeremiah.

National Flag for Fallen Warriors Unveiled

2008-10-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.honorandremember.org/index.html

Check out this website.

The Mission:
To create, establish and promote a nationally recognized flag that would fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms. All Military lives lost not only in action but also in service, from our nation's inception.

Please give them your support and sign the petition.

Thanks

First Snow

2008-10-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

It snowed late last night and early this morning. Just a dusting and most of it melted this afternoon. Temps are going back up so it'll melt but it will be back. We're leaving for California a couple of days before Thanksgiving and when we come back we'll probably go through Fort Jackson, SC where Eliza will be graduating from basic training. We got a couple of kittens recently. We needed more barn cats since the neighbor's dog comes after them. What else? Oh yeah, there's a new Lee Ann Womack album coming out. I think I'll get it.

The Weather's Changing

2008-10-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

This is posted on Weatherunderground this week:

Columbus Day
Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain and snow showers in the morning...then slight chance of rain showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s. West winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.

See it? Yeah, snow. I tell you, up here in the northland, the seasons don't waste any time with changing. two weeks of spring and two of fall. everything else is summer (just long enough to make you forget what winter was like) and winter (long enough so you forget what being warm was and when did we last have a summer?)

okay, it's comming quickly. Enjoy your San Diego and Alabama readers.

No life here

2008-09-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

No one's reading this anyway, so I'll just say what's on my mind. We know who is responsible for this financial crisis and who tried to do something about it. Barney Frank sat there in congressional hearings in 2005 and lied about the ability of Fannie and Freddie to stay afloat. They (Democrats) lied about F. Raines' ability to manage such an entity. Then congress ignored all the warnings of Pres. Bush and Sen. McCain and others that this was going to fail. It failed and so they want to blame the President's policies, and the Republicans in general. Phoo.

The new deal comes to vote today and they can't get it passed. They even have Bush"s arm twisted so if they pass it, he won't veto it. They have enough Dems in congress that they don't even need Republicans to get it through. It failed to pass. Which means they are so out-of-touch that they can't even get all the Democrats on board.

This deal is bad and if you don't think you want to pay for the crimes and misdealings of Rains, Johnson, Frank and the others, you'd better call your representatives and tell them. Then make sure you get to the polls in November so these people don't get to run the country like they are running Fannie and Freddie.

I especially like Pelosi calling the republicans unpatriotic just when she needs their votes. She can't help turning this into some partisan mudslinging affair.

Wake up people they lunatics are trying to run the asylum.

New Setting!!!

2008-09-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

I just changed the setting for comments. So all of you who might read this blog do not have to have a Yahoo account to post comments. I do so much for you. (LOL)

The end of journalism

2008-09-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

(as we know it) Sean Hannity declared today, that journalism is officially dead in this country. After months of the mainstream press giving Obama a basic pass on every question raised about his past, this same press has sent over 30 "investigators" to Alaska to dig up any possible dirt on Govenor Palin. I must agree with this assessment.

At the same time we rehash all the "acquaintances" of Senator Obama and remember that his usual response to questions are answers like "I never heard the Reverend say that", or "I was only 8 years old when they were blowing things up" , or "yes, I was at the million man march, but I never knew the Father was a friend of Farrakhan's". He didn't do it, know about it, wasn't even there. I'm just wondering if he is really trying to get us to think he's the world's dumbest smart guy.

Just A Thought

2008-09-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so they successfully fired off the Large Hadron Collider the other day. Fifteen Years and 6.2 billion dollars spent to get a 30 second flash of light. This might be the first step in defining the Big Bang. While this is probably important on some geek level, I can't help wondering if understanding how the universe began is ultimately beneficial. Then I started thinking how many third-world countries could have been educated into the 21st century with all that time and money. But I'm sure that I'm missing something here.

Skulking Deer

2008-09-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

I looked out my window the other morning, and saw this little deer in the back yard. I took a couple of pictures. Later, in the afternoon, it was back. I got a great picture from my window when it got really close to the window. Also one where the babe is up on hind legs grabbing leaves. Look closely in the trees and you'll see mommy, too. The I got one of the mom as she moved around a bit. Cool!

Technical Difficulties

2008-09-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

I'm Back! I was off-line for a while because I broke my USB port on the front of my computer where my wireless card is plugged in. I've always had troubles when I had it in the back so I used it in the front. Then we had a storm and that always knocks out my internet. Finally, I moved the card and reloaded the install program and got it working. I just have one less thing plugged into the back, but I never use my webcam anyway.

My Little Canner!

2008-08-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

Laurie's been very busy lately. She loves canning and I'm not enough help, but I try. Pickles, Raspberry Jam, Peach Butter, Peach Butter w/ Cinnamon,3-Bean Salad, and the ever present, Pickled Beets. Also we have frozen peas, beans, and squash. Our tomatoes got a blight but some will be okay for salsa. Then, the cherry and grape tomatoes are doing great and are very sweet. It's kinda exciting. I planted a bunch of shrubs and they are doing good too. I just love living here.

Secondary Trivial Post

2008-08-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

If you look at my albums list, These are albums that I pick up at thrift stores. We're talking Vinyl here. I don't have them all in one place and they are not that accessible for the most part, but I must have close to a thousand now. It's just a collection. I have a player I got from my friend Dr. Lawson who was my dentist until he retired. You might notice these albums mostly seem to be from the 70s. This is just what is out there. You don't see much 60s or 80s stuff, and everything newer, of course, is on CD.

Anniversary Passed!

2008-08-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

August 8th was the anniversary of our moving to North Dakota! Has it really been 12 Years? I've only been back to San Diego twice but we're going back this fall. A lot of memories, kids growing up, adjusting to new weather, different houses and towns, a great church, and now, Laurie's fantastic new career and my current job that's a departure from what I've always done. Wow... We first moved to Devils Lake into an apartment where some friends of Laurie's lived, Then moved to this house uptown. It had been fixed so two small families could live in it. One in the basement. We've become friends of the landlord and always stop to talk with them when we see them. The house was weird so we moved into this 80 yaer old huge house near downtown. It had one time been 5 apartments but was originally a single family dwelling. Here is where we spent most of our time in ND. Laurie eventually locked herself in the attic that was very big and studied for a year or so when she got into nursing school. It was here that we went through most of the troubles of raising high-spirited children. Here we lost Jeremiah. Then we moved outside Petersburg to our current place. 28 acres of hay and insects. There's a lot that needs to be done but I have never felt so at home in my life. I can sit out on the porch at night and listen to nature and sometimes I think I hear God. I know I see has hand out there. One day, it was evening and this fog rolled in. It was so low that it just sat in the channel that runs across our land. The sun was sinking behind it and the hay had been cut but more had grown. It was magnificent but faded before I could break my rapture and get a camera. One night I was coming back from the barn and walking towards the front of the house. It was lit up from the yard lights and there was this gigantic full moon just above the garage. I had no equipment capable of capturing such a sight but it was wonderous. It's August late, so football's starting which means the weather is changing. We'll be watching for tornadoes and soon the deer will be everywhere. I am so thankful for what I have. I know it really doesn't belong to me, God is just letting me use it. But until he calls me to a better place, I'll cherish this one. Selah.

I'm Aghast

2008-08-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm watching O'Rielly, and he's talking about Obama. The basic discussion is how well we know Obama and his core beliefs. Bill is talking to Dr. Lamont Hill. (I just want to say this is not about Obama, it's about Dr. Hill) and Bill mentions that Obama says he was introduced to his christian faith through Rev. Wright and how would he reconcile his christianity with his stands on abortion rights. Well, Dr. Hill says it's not a problem because abortion rights are consistant with true christianity. The fundamentalists have it wrong when they say the bible stands against it. Bill is floored and askes Dr. Hill is he thinks Jesus would agree with the far left approach to abortion. Dr. Hill states that Jesus would be even further on the left!

Wait! I know that just when you think you've got things figured out, someone will surprise you anyway. This "guy" Hill is a loon. I don't know what bible he's been reading from. If God says he knew the prophet Jeremiah before he was born and indeed knew even the number of hairs on his head, this seems to make God's position is that once conceived, you are a person, and therefore granted the right to live long enough to make a decision for or against faith. It follows, then, that abortion is murder because it interferes with this right. This is a foundational idea and Dr. Hill, if he has had any study, if not belief, in Christianity should know this.

This guy is just a loon and always surprises me on how far out he is. It doesn't help to know he is teaching young people in college.

WWJD

Motorcycle Training

2008-08-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile but I'm back for now. Laurie and I spent a weekend down in Fargo at the NDMSF training seminar. North Dakota Motorcycle Safety Foundation. This organization is national out of California and they hold seminars on motorcycle skills. If you are a new rider or a wanna-be new rider you can take this three-day class and learn the skills to pass the driver's test and operate a bike safely. The class was fun and we both passed. Some DMVs will waive the practical test at the DMV if you've had this course. Many insurance carriers will also grant a discount for it. I beat her on the written test (big deal) but she whaled on me with the practical. Maybe because she's been riding her bike a bit. Anyway, they hold the class on a closed-course so you don't have to worry about traffic. You go through a series of exercises to teach operations, turning, stopping etc. They have a bunch of smaller bikes (175cc and 250cc in our case) so the bike isn't overwhelming. The instructor's were great and I learned a lot. Now I just have to go get my license.

Movies, Movies, Movies July 2008

2008-07-20T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is a movie review! Those of you who are easily offended need not read this. May contain spoilers.

Hancock. I really enjoyed this movie. All I knew was what I had seen in the trailers except for an interview with Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman. Big movie plug but I didn't watch much of it. Liked the humor and effects. The movie moved pretty good so I never had a chance to process much or get bored. The actual relationship between Will and Charlize's characters surprised me. And I really thought someone was going to die badly and I'd be upset. I liked it and recommended it.

Get Smart. Seen it twice. Good effects. and a lot of that thing where they reference the old show. I like Masi Oki and it took awhile to realize his name was Bruce Lee. Also I like Dwayne Johnson as he is becoming a great actor. Often, people who come from sports have a hard time breaking free of their stereotype. Alex Carras did it. "Let me see the eyebrow again, Rock!" I think Steve Carell is becoming a great actor too. Is this the first time Caan and Arkin have made a movie together since Freebie and the Bean? Maybe there will be a sequel with a bigger part for agent 13 (Bill Murray) and Hymie (Patrick Warburton). I'm a big fan of Patrick's due to the vocal subtleties he used in "The Emporer's New Grove". Gush Gush, I just like movies.

We had no pay channels on our Dish but were recording so many movies from pay-per-view that just getting Cinemax will save us money.

Stop using these phrases.

2008-07-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate it when some clever phrase becomes popular. and everybody starts using it. Is this a form of shorthand communication that by using the phrase everyone knows what you mean without you having to be eloquent enough to be original?

current phrases I don't want to here anymore:
"at the pump" as in "We're feeling it at the pump"
"on the ground" a military operations expression but used to mean where the action is happening.
"at the end of the day" who you really are. I really hate this one.

This is my story and I'm sticking to it!

It's Windy!

2008-07-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

We're having a bit of wind today. The weather service posted a wind advisory to last until 7:00pm. At seven they updated it to 9:00pm. It's nine now and it doesn't look like it's done. 25mph at this time. The temp has dropped from the high 70s to below 60 in a couple of hours. Out here in ND we have shelter belts. This is a man-made thing. Lewis and Clarke just saw open prarie when they were here, but the farmers plant rows of trees to break up the wind so the crops can grow. I had to bring in the plants from the porch as they were blowing around. We planted a bunch of trees and shrubs last month. All of the Lilacs are doing great. The Nanking Cherry bushes are starting the get leaves. Unfortunatly, the Sand Cherries and the Hackberries look like they didn't make it. I also planted three Golden Currants and one is doing okay I think. The veggie garden is going nuts and we have lots of stuff coming up. Fun.

Out On A Limb

2008-07-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm just sitting here doing some housework and catching up on my O'Reilly Factors. I've watched a couple of installments today, but one segment just hit me pretty hard. I think this is important. Let me set things up a bit to diffuse the obvious comments that really are not relavent. Bill O was not hosting the show I was watching. John Casek was. Also the comments that I'm addressing were not made by the host.

Jazz singer Rene Marie was asked to sing the national anthem at this function in Denver. When she got up to sing, she sang a different song (same tune) having to do with black struggles. There has been some uproar in Denver over this. One of the guests on the Factor was Dr. Lamont Hill. His position over this is that it was no big deal and used the argument that if she had sung "God Bless America" it would have been the same thing - she didn't sing what she was supposed to sing. One of thre main arguments was that the song she sang, instead of uplifing America pointed the finger of oppression at it.

Here's my problem. First, if she didn't feel comfortable singing an American song as an American, she should have turned it down. Second, Dr. Hill did what he always does and that is to blather on about how oppressed blacks have always been in this country and we should just feel guilty and let them do everything they want, including giving them the best china of the table.

I've had it! Wrongs have been done and now the system is pretty equitable. Except blacks are always trying to use our past against us to stack the odds in their favor. I'm not wealthy and have my own share of struggles. I don't think of blacks, natives, asians, or anyone else as being inferior to me on the basis of their race. But I find it really hard to accept a black person as just another human being (colorless) while being constantly reminded of things done that no one in his family was around to experience.

This singer once told a crowd that as a black woman she has never really felt like an American. And Dr. Hill just keeps on defending this type of behavior and never sees that black people can be wrong too. He always argues on the side of the black in the conversation. He defended Rev. Wright, Al Sharpton, and many others no matter how divisive or outrageous their actions or words. And he is always ready to condemn whites in the reverse. He's just a yes-man for the African community and as such, I think he does a lot more harm than good.

I just get tired of hearing how bad the African-Americans have had it and still have it today, when most of their present problems such as crime and broken families are brought on themselves.

I do applaud Bill Cosby, Tyler Perry, and Shelby Steele who are in the fight to help African-Americans take responsibility for their own lives.

The next day

2008-07-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

We had a great time yesterday. We had a some friends out in the evening for supper and fireworks. Russ and Helen brought some and we had some too. It was really fun and we managed to not burn down the house. The ladies posed for pictures on Laurie's bike. It was just fun. The hayfields were full of fireflies and they looked like they were having a lot more fun than the poor horses. Today we had church. We had our service outside in the church's side yard. It was great. Afterwards we had a fellowship potluck with burgers and hot dog. It's been a wonderful week. It's going to be hard returning to work on Tuesday. Oh Well....

Happy Birthday America!!

2008-07-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

My boys used to go to these antique tractor shows and ride like this with their Gramps.
The V.F.W. Main float.
Check out what else the Klementruds building is being used for!
Awesome construct of the local Catholic Church.

Yes, I'm a little behind. I intend to post 31 posts this month. Maybe a little ambitious but hey! Yesterday was the Fourth, and we had a busy day. Laurie worked an overnight so she didn't get home until 6 or 7 am. We got ready and left for Devils Lake. It is Devils Lake's 125 Anniversary so this year's parade was special. Sporting our matching "Pure American" T-shirts and our Gold star pins, We rode in the parade representing Gold Star Parents. The Local VFW Ladie's Auxillary handles such related activities. It was pretty emotional for us, more than we thought it would be. Many people clapped just because the VFW is a supporter of our troops, but we got a lot of applause and "Thank You"s because of Jeremiah's service. It was really nice. Here are some photos from the parade, and if I get some of us I'll post them.

Afterwards, we went home for a bit and then went back to a friend's farm out in Brinsmade for a potluck, fellowship, and fireworks. I got a chance to visit with a lot of friends I haven't seen for a while. What a great day!

Gold Star Mothers/Parents

2008-07-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

We belong to one of those groups that no one really wants to be in. We are Gold Star Parents. Below is an article about it.

By: Angie Magruder
In May 1918 President Wilson approved the suggestion of the Women's Committee of National Defenses. It recommended that American women should wear a black band on the upper left arm, adorned with a gold star. Each star representing a family member who had given his or her life for their country. This was suggested in lieu of conventional mourning attire.
The "star" tradition began in WW I when white Service Flags were displayed from homes, business, schools and churches to indicate, by the use of a blue star, each active service member in the U.S. Military. A gold star stitched over a blue star showed the nation those who had given their lives for their country and the devotion and pride of those left behind. This tradition continued through WW II.
In his Letter to the Women's Committee by Pres. Wilson the term "Gold Star Mother" was first used. The Gold Stars not only signified the supreme sacrifice made by the deceased, but intended to give their family a measure of pride and consolation. June 4th, 1928 was the day a group of 25 mothers in Wn DC made plans to begin a national organization to be known as American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. It was to be a nonpolitical, nondenominational and nonprofit organization. Incorporated on Jan 5, 1929, it had 65 charter members from all areas of the U.S. As recently as June 12, 1984, the ninety-eighth U.S. Congress granted the GSM, Inc. a Federal Charter. A list of purposes and provisions are listed, to include general promotion of peace and good will in: assisting veterans and their dependents in the presentation of claims to the V.A.; perpetuating the memory of those whose lives were sacrificed; giving lessons of patriotism, love of country and respect for the country's flag to local communities and to extend assistance to all GSM. This organization was and is open to all mothers of fallen soldiers of all wars as well as those who have died a service-related death.
Presently GSM groups give support to their local veteran's hospitals in many ways and help with and attend veteran's ceremonies. They have their own license plate available, monthly meetings, annual conventions, and are eligible to live at the group's complex, American Gold Star Manor in Long Beach, CA. The last Sunday of September has officially been declared GSM day. Upon the death of a son or daughter, the U. S. Gov't provides the mother (and often the other family members) a small gold-star pin.
Betty Spengler, a resident at The Fairfax in Alexandria, lost her son in Viet Nam. She said , "You always have your memories that are there--especially during the Holidays."
My mother-in-law, Julia Magruder, also a GSM lost her youngest son in Vietnam while all three of her sons were serving. She shared the following: "My receiving the gold star was a satisfying and proud remembrance of the son it stood for. The smallness of the pin creates a very personal relationship when worn. It signifies so much."

For more information you can go to: http://www.goldstarmoms.com/