A sign of the times

Whew!  It's been a busy two weeks.  I've been trying to sit down and bang out a few words, but nothing seemed to stick.  So, just for the sake of brevity, I will hit the highlights over the past week or so.


I'm back to juggling cats again.  Since we last chatted, I've been fighting with the taxman (lost cause), conducted two supplier audits (local), working to wrap up several key (but late) projects before our year end (this week), attended a scotch tasting extravaganza, went camping at a local state park with the wife, two dogs and some amorous alligators, been looking at a new set of wheels, working on getting quotes for a new driveway, planing a day trip to the hill country for some bluebonnet shots, almost got another dog, was making plans to attend an old swap meet in North Texas that I haven't been to in 10+ years.  Hmmm.  And I thought that, when the kid left, things would slow down.  I could expound upon each of these ad nauseum, but I'll let y'all tell me which story you'd rather hear about.         


In the meanwhile, I'll regale you with a minor thought of mine that's been on the tip of my tongue.  If you drive a lot (and I know some of you do), you see lots of things on the road that draw your attention.  Wrecks, traffic jams, moving/rolling billboards, flying advertisements, political signs, roadrageous acts, thunderstorms, stupid drivers, etc.  Things that tend to make the trip interesting.  Of course, some signs we take for granted.  You see them day after day, year after year, on your normal commute.  They become part of the background, a landmark you use to mentally mark your trip.  I tend to use these like orienteering markers in my travels so I don't have to refer to the map (or the Garmin).  Houston's has had it's fair share of cultural icons/landmarks.  The Astrodome (now rotting away), Astroworld (now gone), the Galleria, Transco Tower, Herman Park, the Beer Can House, Johnson Space Center, the Orange Show, all tend to lend to the character of the city.  It sadden me to read the other day that one of our cultural icons is gone.  For many years, there was a company sign posted on a small building overlooking the southwest freeway.  Billboard sized, at 25 feet long, it was one of those overly large, tacky neon jobs that advertised the company's business.  It stood out day and night as a beacon in the sky on a spot on the freeway that, in my mind, marked the point where the uptown area started.  We've grown used to seeing it as we passed by at 70+ MPH on our way into the city.  A few years ago, the sign was taken down as part of a company name change and renovation.  The company had said it was going to refurb it and put it back up, but, alas, that was not to be.  I just heard a few weeks ago that the sign, which has been sitting in a warehouse for a few years, was sold off for scrap and dismantled.  To some, it was an ugly, tacky sign that cluttered up the landscape.  To a few of us, it was part of the unique, sometimes weird background that the city interesting.
  

Tacky or Chic?

Dogs, couches and such

Ever have one of those days/weeks where you cannot collect your thoughts?  I have had several great award winning ideas (in my mind) for blog themes, but they never seem to make it to print.  


This week, I've been all over the road.  From old cars to job interviews to wedding plans to car show to furniture shopping to the Super Bowl to dog parks, I've pondered them all. 

• I have an old theme in the back of my mind I've been considering about my wheels.  Cars I've owned/driven/worked upon since I got my license.  I have something in the works, but I want to find some more pictures of my older wheels that I can share.  Something for the doldrums of February, perhaps.  
• Job interviews - I've done a few over the last few months trying to hire a new buyer.  We found one that will start in three weeks and I am looking forward to training a new buyer into our system/way of life.    
• Wedding plans - I mentioned that my son is tying the knot this year.  They are planning for an August wedding, but they don't have an exact date.  We are hoping to have something in stone by next month, but that not locked down, yet.  Whenever the date, it will make for an interesting summer. 
• There was the car show in town this weekend.  Had plans to attend and ogle the new cars and demos, but we lost track of time and did not make the show.  It is always interesting to attend this show to see the latest offerings from various companies.  A new set of wheels is definitely in the works this year, but we are not yet sure of which brand/model.  Stephen's car is the oldest (18 years) but momma's will probably be replaced first.  The land barge (mine) is the work horse and we don't yet have it on the schedule to replace.  No matter what we pick, it will be an expensive proposition.  
• And the Super Bowl is next Sunday.  Lots of hoopla this week in build up of the game.  For us? We are not all that interested in the game since our team is not participating, but the super bowl hype is already starting this week.  Not sure which will draw more attention. Super Bowl XLVI or the commercials that are shown in the break times.  I've already seen a lot of the commercials on line, so it will be interesting to see what changes they make.  
• Took the two mutts to the dog park on Saturday.  We're now into that empty nest syndrome without kids to shepherd around town for various games/activities and we have our own agenda.  Somehow, with two very needy Goldens, we have inherited all of their energy and attention and we have a new set of "activities" to handle.  Since my two mutts are housebound for most of the week, I try to take them to the dog park at least once a week.  They have an absolute blast there.  Grayson spends his time running from one end to the other and laying in whatever mud puddle he finds as well as the pond.  If there are any doggie conflicts, he has to be a part of it.  Claire is still the official greeter, licking every person in the dog park.  Both had a blast at the park Saturday.  I always love the park - we see the same groups/peoples at different times.  There is a certain clique at dog parks, if you watch for it.  
• Furniture shopping - my bride has us on a mission.  She wants a new couch for the living room.  We haven't had a formal couch in there since the last one was bequeathed to my son for college. Now she wants something to fill the empty space.  I am more of a minimalist and prefer the simpler design, but my opinion doesn't matter here.  Spent a good portion of my day in the furniture store looking at expensive possibilities.  Like RC, a new sofa is inevitable, it just depends upon what momma likes.  Now we just have to pick out something that wont's clash with Golden Retriever.  

Home alone

Not really.  With a pair of overly affectionate, attention deficit dogs, one is never really alone.

I have off this week to burn vacation, but I am still having to work on several issues at the office.  Some people don't seem to understand the message "I am out of the office and will return next week".  The drawback of all this technology (e-mail, remote log in, blackberries) is that people feel that you should be able to respond even if you are off.  There are some people who will get pissed off if you don't respond to their messages quickly enough (what part about "being off" is hard to comprehend?).

Most of my stuff I am pushing off until next week or not responding.  I am simply monitoring the conversation at the office to stay ahead of the storm.  I am doing phone interviews this week for a new buyer and need to knock out several calls before I get back next week.  I forgot how much I hate interviews - both giving and doing.  Phone interviews are not my forte.  I have about 20 minutes to ask you a bunch of questions to see what kind of person you are.  It's hard to make a snap judgement based upon a brief call, but it is necessary evil to weed out candidates who will not fit the profile.  I have about 12 calls to make over the next few days and I am expected to have a short list of possible people for an on site interview by Monday.  I am not happy (nor is my wife) about doing this while on my time off, but I am under the gun to get this done quickly.  As I remind myself and my bride, it is what we get paid the big bucks for.  Management, in spite of all its glory, has certain expectations and being available/on call during off hours is one of the down sides.  At least I have a job I can complain about, unlike some people, so for that I am grateful. 

In between making calls and fielding the occasional e-mail, I am putting up lights and putting up the tree.  I think this is the last year for our old tree and I may break down and get a new one.  We haven't had a live tree for many years, and with son off in college, we are not in a hurry to change that tradition.  Besides, with his allergies, a live tree would just reek havoc with his sinuses.  Although, I do miss the smell of pine in the house during the holidays.  On the other hand, I shudder to think what the dogs would think about a live tree in the house. 

While I am off this week, I am playing the old retiree in the neighborhood.  Walk the dogs late, clean up the yard, hand Christmas lights, etc.  I noted the school bus roaring through the neighborhood for the various grades (high school at 0630, middle school at 0730) picking up kids for school.  What disturbed me was one poor kid was trudging his way down to the bus stop yesterday morning.  He was hauling a small rolling suitcase much like I take on flights for supplier audits.  Does he have that much homework/books to require a rolling suitcase?  Maybe he was carrying a big lunch?  In my day, that would probably earn you some harrassment from your classmates, but maybe this is the norm.   

What's in a name?

Burning a few days off to burn before the holidays.  Took off Friday to take care of some chores, pick up groceries, finish up some electrical projects, drop the dog off at the vet.  No real agenda for the weekend, just trying to relax and get ready for the holidays.

Took Miss Claire in for a check up/grooming.  No issues with her, but it was her 6+ month check up since her heartworm treatment.  She's got a couple of lumps on her head (not from me) and I wanted to have them checked out.  Turns out they are normal for Goldens - kinda like skin tags or warts.  Shadow had a number of them and even Grayson has one on his shoulder.  They bother me more than they bother her (I keep thinking they are ticks).  While she was in the shop, I had them some blood work on her to check out her condition.  She is a bit heavier than I would like (like me) even though both of them are very active and they are eating the weight management (low cal) dog food.  She is not overeating but she is definitely not starving.  Grayson, on the other hand, is right where he should be for his age.  Claire has a couple of years on the boy, so she is not as limber/spry as he is, but she does keep him in his place.  While she was there, she also got a bath and grooming/new hair style (aka hair cut).  Michelle is the new groomer and loves both dogs and will cut them however we prefer.  I had Grayson done last month and really liked the style - not short, but not overly long (looks like a classic Golden).  However, momma prefers them with a shorter doo.  So, on this go around, momma's opinion won out and Claire is sporting a shorter, sassy coat.  Like most typical dogs, she doesn't seem to mind the hairstyle as long as there are treats/attention involved.  

Anyway, while Claire was out, it was just Grayson and I at home for most of the day doing "stuff".  While working on various chores, I would catch myself calling Grayson by Claire's name.  Even wound up with the mashup "ClaireGrayson" a few times.  Reminds me of my younger days when my mom would tend to run through her boys names "HapMikeJerry" on occasion whenever she needed my attention.  That was one of the drawbacks of being the third child.  First two got all the glory, I was (and still am) the youngest sibling.  Of course, by the time number 3 rolls around, mom & dad are pretty much used to the occasional crisis or trauma (aka Abby's saga).  I could regale you with stories of hot coffee, broken arm, car doors, fireworks mishaps, and even a severed finger, but I'll leave those for another posting.  Suffice it to say, life was interesting growing up with two older, loving brothers.  I almost pity Stephen being an only child missing out on the love and attention and excitement that comes from sharing with your siblings.  It is an experience you cannot buy on line or learn in school. 

Picked up Claire late in the day and she was happy to escape.  She's back home being underfoot, messing with Grayson, and generally enjoying the life of a dog. 

I stand alone

Ever have one of those random memes that has been rattling around in your brain that just can't seem to get legs?

       

I love to drive.  I prefer driving from border to border on the open road.  I've driven from Houston to Orlando to Colorado Springs to Branson to El Paso to St Louis to Columbus.  I've even knocked off a few kilometers on the Autobahn in Germany (those Germans know how to build a road).  I enjoy watching the scenery as the miles pass.  I always try to imagine what is down those side roads or how certain towns/roads/rivers got their name.  On the stretch from Houston to San Antonio, there is one creek named "Woman Hollering Creek" that always causes me to ponder the meaning.  My dream is that, one day, when life slows down, I can to take those detours and side trips. 

Ever since my son enrolled in school several years ago, we have been making the 160 mile road trip to/from on a regular basis.  There are two ways to get to Austin:  1) the southern route (I10 to Highway 71) and the northern route (Beltway 8 to 290).  Both are about the same distance.  Both will get you to Austin City limits in about 2.5  hours.  Both roll through the Texas countryside and several small towns.  I prefer the southern route as it seems (to me) to have less traffic and you spend most of your time driving through the countryside.  I've done this route so many times, I know exactly how far each point is to town and where to stop (or not stop).  Along the route, about a 2/3 of the way to Austin, along 71 north of La Grange, there is this one lone tree that stands by itself in a pasture.  A live oak standing out amongst the cactus and scrub grass.  It is a good 200 yards away from any other trees.  I have always been intrigued by it as I pass.  I have been trying to take a picture of it on several occasions but I am either in a hurry or are hauling the trailer and a pack of dogs.  A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to do a short run to Austin to help out my son (car problems and moving).  Great visit, but worked my tail off.  On the trip back, I took the opportunity to stop along the highway and take a few shots of the tree.  I'm definitely no Ansel Adams, but I've always dreamed of being a photographer.    

      

The meat of life

Ah, where would we be without the internet?

I'm just saying

One day in and the week has already gotten away from me. With all of the "challenges" tossed my way, I find the only was I can stay sane is to keep a sense of humor. As I considered today's "opportunities", I am reminded of many old expressions I have collected over the years. Some of these I stole, some I made up on my own (a mind is a terrible thing to waste):

-------------------------------

Smile and the world smiles with you. Laugh maniacally, and people will leave you alone.

If I was having any more fun, I'd have to pay to get in the door.

If Barnum & Bailey ever found this place, they'd throw a tent over it and charge admission.

I am busier than a one-armed paper hanger with an itch.

That's about as easy as herding cats.

That idea is like a fart in church (no one wants to claim it).

The beatings will continue until morale improves.

Great. Wonderful. Best day of my life. (My Mantra)

Do I look like a people person?

You have me mistaken for a caring person. I am a feeling person. I feel bad, but I just don't care.

What's that smell?

Ever smell something that wasn't there? Woke up this morning and though I smelled toast. I even falsely accused the spouse of cooking toast last night and she thought I was nuts (I am, but that's besides the point). Occasionally, I can smell something and not find the source. I went to the range two weeks ago for some stress reduction exercises and could smell the smoke for days afterwards. Even after showering and changing clothes, I still could smell the smoke.

Maybe it is old age, maybe it is mental, but I have noticed those little things more & more. Like when someone cooks fish heads in the breakroom microwave or somebody burns popcorn or somebody decides to marinate in their cologne/perfume. Sometimes the odor is so pervasive that you can almost taste it (and not in a good way).

BTW - ya'll are depressing me. Only one has given me feed back on my contest. Too hard? Too lame? I'm starting to feel like Ben Stein here (Bueller?...Bueller?...Bueller?). I'll even give some hints: sci fi, action, cult, action, romance, comedy/saga, western, comedy, western, action/thriller. There's a prize in it for the winner.

Gotta run now. Need some toast.

Dragging my feet

Sorry for the dry spell.

Been too busy (translation: lazy) to draft anything meaningful. Between therapy, work, travels, and various tasks, I've kinda been slacking off (yes, Terri, I'll admit to being a slacker). I know, excuses, excuses. Everybody's got one.

Still doing physical therapy 2-3 times a week for the shoulder. Getting better but it still hurts. Range of movement has improved but I still have problems fully extending the arm above the head. I got a little irritated (at myself) for the lack of progress and have been pushing it a bit more. Penne (therapist) is doing a great job although I have accused her of enjoying the pain/torture a bit too much. What does not kill us, makes us stronger.

Did a short road trip to Oklahoma this week. Had to audit another supplier located in the booming metropolis of Chickasha, Oklahoma. Every heard of the place? Located about 45 minutes southwest of Oklahoma City, it is in the middle of the plains. Very small town atmosphere, not a lot of night life (that we found). I know if from my years in the antique car hobby. They hold an annual kick-ass swap meet at the fairgrounds for a lot of old car nuts. Aside of that, there ain't too much to the town. I ain't knocking the town (ok, maybe a wee bit) but any place where cow tipping is a sport has to be noted. Notes from the road: Oklahoma BBQ is not the same as Texas BBQ.

Work is still kicking my butt. The software projects is still there and not getting any prettier. I have been trying to coordinate the validation effort, but it kinda like trying to herd cats. Many of whiney people complaining about the system and its shortfalls (we haven't even implemented it yet) and they definitely feel it is my fault. Hey people:, I did not pick the system, but I will support it and make it work, so you need to cowboy up and either help me make this work or get the hell out of the way. I got one manager who keeps telling me that, back at his old company, they had a great system that did everything for you short of wiping your nose. I have to bite my tongue to keep from telling him that, if it was so great there, why don't you go back (not a really good political move).

Junior is looking for an apartment in Austin for his senior year. He has finally had enough of dorm life and wants to move off campus. He & his roommate had a line on a condo in west Austin ($$$), but the parking turned out to be sucky. A one car garage and no spots for a second vehicle. At first he sound like he was in love with it (kept calling me to get my blessing/backing). I think they were just about settled on it but when he dug into the parking (at my encouragement) he did not like the response, so the deal is off the table. They are looking again for another place this weekend. We'll probably make a road trip to Austin next weekend to help cement the deal. Momma wants to go up anyway to check on her baby.

No dog, yet. I've been looking at various sites for a new mutt, but I just cannot bring myself to get one (yet). Momma and I really miss the old fart and will probably get another rescue/pound mutt.

In spite of all of these challenges, I am happy to have made it to the weekend. The weather's ok (low 50s) but spring is just around the corner. Gotta start fertilizing the yard soon.

Have a great weekend!

Brain fart

Ever had one of those days/weeks where you just can't seem to get it together? I've been trying to put together some meaningful thoughts/ideas but everything I start seems lame. Have had several cool ideas for themes, but none have taken off.

I'm working on my last two sense memes (touch & taste) but I am still adding to the lists. Lists to be published shortly.

Been a long week. Trying to make progress on a major software project at work but everyone seems to have some crisis or another that prevents me from testing the software. I spent two days in Fort Worth on another supplier audit at the same time an bodacious ice storm hit town. BTW - I know that some of you guys up north may scoff at our weather woes down here the Tejas, but honestly, when it comes to winter conditions, most of these people down here do NOT know how to drive on snow or ice and it literally scares the bejesus out of me to be on the same road with them. I don't claim to be an expert, but I have spent a couple of years learning how to navigate winter roads in New Jersey and Germany. Been laying low this weekend with no real agenda except some chores around the house. Except for the mid-week freeze, the weather has been nice. Will try to clean up the garage and throw out some junk. Trying to gen up an inventory report for work. Will probably cook up some brats for the game tonight. I'm not really rooting for any particular team, just want to see a decent game. I still think it is an overblown spectacle. Of course if one of my teams was playing, I might be more inclined to buy into the hoopla. I've lived through the OIlers ("Love Ya Blue") and Texans long enough to be fairly jaded. The last time Houston had any major action was the when the Rockets took the NBA title back-to-back in 94/95.

Hope ya'll are enjoying the weekend.

Sempter Paratus!

Oooh, that smell

I don’t recall ever reading a meme on smells, but this has been rattling around in my brain for a while. As one of the five primary sense (Smell, Hearing, Sight, Touch, Taste), smell is one that (at least to me) can bring back some vivid memories. The other day when I was running (and not falling down), I was passed by a diesel pickup that had a smell that reminded me of my days in the army. Weird, huh? Not to me. I can recall many smells from my youth that garner some instant reaction/response. Do you have any particular smells that bring back memories or create a strong reaction/response? I thought I would list some of my more memorable smells (good & bad) and see if ya’ll can relate.

1. Diesel fumes – I served many years in the Armor branch of the service and spend many a day & night on the trail in Germany. As XO of my company, I had two sets of wheels. A blade tank (M60 with a 5 ton dozer blade) and an M88 recovery vehicle. The latter was a massive vehicle that served as the primary recovery vehicle (i.e. tow truck) for the company. Needless to say, these were big mommas with enough horsepower to lift & tow a tank. Part of my job was to trail the company wherever it went in the M88 and recover any broke down tanks along the trail. That means I was always downwind of the company and subsequently always sucking in diesel fumes from the leading tanks. In the middle of winter, when we were traveling on the roads/trail, we would sit up top enjoying the blast of heat & fumes from the residual vapor trails as we rumbled down the road.


2. Snow – I know, snow? Growing up in New Jersey, I distinctly recall in December when there was a fresh snowfall. Something about new fallen snow in how it seemed to clean the air. There is nothing like going out on a clear, cold morning and smelling new-fallen snow. One Christmas eve, we left to go to church for service and, when we got out, there was a blanket of new snow covering the entire town and, for a brief moment, the world was peaceful and serene. It was like the song “Silent Night, Holy Night" brought to life.


3. Beer – this is one that can be good or bad. I like the smell of fresh cold beer on a hot day. I have even visited several breweries that have a distinct hop smell in the air that brings back good memories of the time I spent in Germany. However, old, stale beer can turn my stomach. Nothing like cleaning up after a party and dealing with a large number of empty (or half empty) bottles or spilled beer to sober you up. I’ve even worked with a few people who would drink so much that they would smell like beer the next day.


4. Fresh baked bread – My mother would occasionally bake homemade bread and the smell filled the house. Today, whenever I pass a bakery, it reminds me of those times at home.


5. Bacon - Nothing says good morning like a mess 'o fried bacon. I know its bad for you, but the aroma of cooking bacon in a cast iron skillet while out camping is almost like smelling heaven (to me).





6. Gunpowder – nothing is as distinctive as the smell of gunpowder. In the Army, we got to throw a lot of lead down range and blow things up all of the time and the distinct flavor of an expended round left me with some vivid memories. “I love the smell of Napalm in the morning... Smelled like….victory.”



7. Babies – incredible little critters. On one hand they can smell like a breath of fresh air or a field of flowers. On the other side, they can create the most breath-taking odors that would make a dog cry. All with the same smiling face. It takes a real man (and woman) to step up and deal with the problem while not gagging.




8. Dogs – Like kids, dogs can be the source for a plethora of exquisite aromas. When Shadow had a bath, he was the sweetest smelling dog around. Three of the more distinctive ones I remember from him were 1) his breath, 2) the wet dog smell, and 3) his farts. His breath smelled, at times, like the bottom of a fish tank, regardless of what food or treats we gave him (BTW – those treats that claim to make a dog’s breath smell better are worthless). Many times I would threaten to give him a tic-tac. Wet dog - Whenever I walked him in the rain, no matter how much I dried him off afterward, he still smelled like a wet carpet. And farts. Boy, could this dog cut the cheese. He was always a master of the SBDs. We would be sitting in the den, watching tv when the air would literally turn green. In his later years, he got a bit more fragrant in his contributions. Not sure if it was the dried food we gave him or the rawhide treats, but he could clear a room in thirty seconds when he was in form. One night, I swear I awoke from a sound sleep because of one of his “gifts”.


9. Machine oil – I know, it’s another guy thing. But for years, I grew up helping my dad with various auto repairs and machine oil has a distinctive flavor that reminds me of shop class in high school. Just recently, when I was on a supplier audit, we were touring a big machine shop in Minneapolis. When we walked into the lobby, the first thing that hit me was the smell of machine oil and, for some strange reason, I was more receptive towards this company.


10. Pine/evergreen – At one time in my youth, I was going to go into forestry and become a forest ranger. Seems weird now, but I loved the outdoors (still do) and hiking and such. I was actually going to go to school in east Texas to get a forestry degree but wound up getting an engineering degree instead. I love the smell of pine trees and enjoy hiking through the east Texas piney woods (or even the high altitude pines at Philmont).


11. Cigars – I used to smoke an occasional cigar. I loved the aroma of a good cigar especially when accompanied by a good glass of Macallan 15 year old scotch. Would typically smoke a cigar or two when we went hunting (sorta was a habit). But the key words here are used to. Long time ago, when my son was in elementary school, the filled his head with all sorts of trivial information which led him to inform me that “Dad, you’re killing yourself smoking”. Gee, thanks. Nothing like being guilted into giving this up by your 8 year old. I pretty much dropped it after that and have only indulged once or twice over the past three years. The most recent being when we did our Caribbean cruise and I got chance to acquire a couple of genuine Cuban Cohibas. The last one I smoked was the night we put Shadow down (while walking the block in memory of him). While I relished it, I think I have lost my taste for them, even though their aroma reminds me of younger times.


12. Skoal – ok, being from south, a lot of folk may be familiar with dip. When I was in college at A&M, I got into a very bad/nasty habit of either dipping or chewing tobacco. Didn’t have enough hair to dip Copenhagen, so Skoal was my brand of choice. I was a light user and not heavily hooked to it like some classmates. We would dip whenever we were working on the bonfire or out in the field. I even took to dipping when we when out to the local bar (we were convinced that we were invincible/cool. On night, I was drinking my usual Lone Star (another Texas tradition) and dipping (it can be done), when my buddy crack a funny joke. When I went to laugh, I swallowed my dip and spend the rest of the night out back “spilling my guts”. At that moment in time, I was cured of dipping. TO THIS DAY, I cannot smell a can of Skoal without getting nauseous.

Well that’s my list. I have more memorable smells, but did not want this to become a novel. Can you list 10-12 smells that mean the most to you?

One down,

364 more to go.

GOOD MORNING PEOPLE!

Did I ever mention that I am a morning person? I get it from my dad who is up every day at the crack of early and takes a 3-5 mile walk. Not too shabby for someone pushing 85. Anyway, I am one of those “bright and cheerful” you hate to see in the morning as I typically have at least 1-2 cups of joe in me and have been up since 0400.

Well, we survived another one. I will say that celebrating the start of a new year sans alcohol is a tad boring. The up side is that I am clear headed this morning and my tongue does not feel/taste like a carpet. It was funny to watch everyone else enjoy the evening in a highly lubricated manner. We heard fireworks (illegal in the city limits) going off all around the neighborhood until well past 0300. IMHO, some of the “pops” were spaced a bit too close together to be considered “fireworks”. That’s one of the reasons we normally go out of town to our New Year’s Eve rally in Bellville. A lot quieter, a lot less chaos, fewer drunks.

To kick off the New Year, I am going to follow terri’s lead and do the picture meme. The rules are simple (but you may choose to follow, bend or break as you see fit):

1. Go to the folder in which you keep your digital photos.
2. Choose the fourth folder.
3. Find the fourth picture in that folder.
4. Explain.
5. Tag four people.

I find it an interesting exercise in housekeeping (What's in your folders?) but unfortunately, my picture is not as exciting or cute as terri’s or Abby’s.

What you see here is my son’s car. Actually, it was our car before we gave it to him for college. Nice little ’93 Camry with low mileage that is in excellent shape. Runs great and has gets great mileage. With high gas prices of late, I’d rather drive it than my current landbarge (Ford Expedition). When he goes off to his internship in Seattle this summer, I plan to abscond with it for my daily commute. In turn, I take care of the maintenance for it so it is one less thing for him to worry about. Besides, it is a simple car to maintain and I like that kind of work.

But I digress. This picture is of the Camry when my son was driving it in high school 2.5 years ago. He had gone to a local pool hall (Sticks) to play some pool with his friends and someone broke into his car. Some punk busted out the back window to get inside the car. They really didn’t take anything from the car (he did not have anything in it) and just caused a mess. I considered it a minor inconvenience and was glad nothing serious was done or the car was not stolen. I found a local glass shop that dropped in a new window for next to nothing and he was back in business. The lessons he learned was 1) to be more prudent/careful about where he parked his car, 2) not to leave anything of value inside the car and, 3) to double lock the trunk (if you have something you want to protect). One of the many valuable lessons we learn in life.

Now, go tag yourself.

Always drink upstream from the herd…

Move along. Nothing to see here.

We survived the holidays with a few less dollars and a few pounds more. Family has gone back home, Stephen left for school this afternoon with his girlfriend and her sister. Have not yet heard from him but I assume he made it to Austin before it got dark. Update: He just called in and they had arrived with out any problems (traffic heavy). Was nice to see him home for a few days. Over the past 2.5 years in college, he has really grown (both spiritually & emotionally) from when he left for college. I no longer have concerns if he will do well in life. I know he will do well and wind up with some high tech job making more money than his dad. He has already lined up a intership with Microsoft in Seattle this summer that most college kids would kill for. Certainly beats some of the summer jobs I had back in the ‘70’s. We are already making plans to go & visit with him this summer in Seattle next summer. We will drop in on my brother as well while we are in the northwest.

Did not accomplish much this weekend aside of getting a the computer set up. I had planned on getting the Xmas lights up and cleaning up the yard, but seemed to be running in slow gear all weekend long. I think the cruise has put me off my schedule (seems like a good excuse).

Speaking of cruise, now that my pc problems appear to be resolved, I will try to catch up on my vacation report (if anyone cares). Spending a week on a boat with your family will test even the hardiest of souls. We left Galveston a week ago on Sunday and, after 2.5 days of straight sea hauling, we reached Jamaica only to find the port closed. Rough seas closed the port on Tuesday and we could not dock. Of course, that meant all of the shore excursions were cancelled as we 180’d the ship and headed for Grand Cayman. My brother & I were slated for some doing some zip-lining in Jamaica but that was not to be. 4 days of straight sailing can get kinda boring, in spite of the ship board entertainment. I had planned to exercise/run every day on the ship to stave of the effects of non-stop eating, but Tuesday the wind was so strong on the upper deck that running laps was a serious challenge. I did hit the ship gym for a while along with sitting in the sauna, but prefer to run outside. I will note that running track on a moving ship is a weird feeling.

Bless your heart

Another expression I tend to use/abuse:

Not exactly sure where this one came from, but many moons ago, my family picked up the phrase “Bless your heart”. While I am sure it started out as well meaning, it has morphed into something you say when making comments about someone else. According to the Urban Dictionary, it literally means:

1. a phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else. “She’s as ugly as a mud-fence, bless her heart”
2. an expression of sympathy or pity “Well, bless your heart, that must have been terrible”

Down here, some folk tend to use it as a left-handed insult or to call someone stupid (usually offered up after someone gives their unwanted opinion). As the youngest of 3 boys, I am always getting advice from my older siblings on how to run my life (gee, how did I ever make it to 50 without their sage wisdom?), and my response is typically along the line of “Reeeally? Gee, thanks! Bless your heart!”. Needless to say, I expect to hear that expression several times next week on our boat ride. My bride has forbade me from using that expression but it will be hard to keep it from slipping out occasionally.

Slowly, we’re getting ready. ½ packed, up & out early for short run, going to get a haircut, last minute supplies. The day down here is perfect. Low 50’s. Clear skies. Windy. It is this kind of weather that makes one love the outdoors in Texas (forget about those August afternoons). I am truly grateful for these days as it tends to make all of my troubles minor/insignificant.

Keep those you love close, and seize the day!

Fortune cookie

From a recent fortune cookie epistle.

We are taught by every person we meet.

It’s funny how some of life’s simpler observations are profound. I find that saying very true. Every day gives us an opportunity to meet new people and learn new things (kinda like being back in kindergarten).