My BETTER half

I guess I don't do this enough...brag that is. Not on me, but on my wife. For, going on 34 years, she has been there for me every step of the way. (As I for her, I hope.) Nancy is a very talented woman, with a sensible, frugal attitude. She, like me, like to work with her hands, whether it be in the garden or making crafty things. Now for the bragging.
In years past, she has always been good at sewing things. But now, she is gotten REALLY good. She began to love the art of quilting and so we got her a fancy sewing machine and I built the cabinet. Well then, she wanted to go bigger, so we bought a quilting rack and a fancier quilting machine. Most of our immediate family have a sample of her work (hopefully) on the bed. Here is the latest. But I am not telling who this is going to.
I am lucky to have such a talented, loving and wonderful wife. She never asked for diamonds, just chippers and wheel barrels as gifts.

The MAN CAVE

When we built our present home, we built it with a two car garage and a larger third garage used as my late woodworking business. Well, that became the hot rod building garage, but no clean garage to park the hot rod...so...I build on another garage in front of the shop. And the journey continued with car related decorations, a new paint job, satellite TV, a sound system etc. etc. It's a guy-thing.
Recently I find a guy to put down an epoxy floor coating. In my opinion, it TOTALLY transformed the room into a classier place. You see for yourself.

"Kids say the darnest things"... as Art use to say

It simply amazes me what children say, without us grown-ups coaching them. Even as a kid myself, I loved to watch the old TV show "Kid say the darnest things" host the by the late Art Linkletter.
My grandkids are no different. Recently while my son was going through a tremendous sickness episode, Tony's wife said to her daughter Nicole, "Maybe we should pray for Daddy". Nicole replied, "Maybe you should text God cause he'll get it the prayer faster".
As each generation of children come along the are also coupled with different generations of electronics that invade our lives more and more; the children evolve their language through electronics instead of speech. Long gone are the times of hanging on the wall phone talking for hours like I did. Long gone is the cell phone for talking, it's now a typewriter for texting. Oh sorry...what's a typewriter?
Nicole recently was helping Gail cleaning a closet when she spotted a stack of thin flat objects. "What are those Mom?" "Those are records." And Gail explained what they were used for. "Nicole hesitated a moment and then replied, "But how do you put them in the truck radio?"
Children say what they think. Maybe we as adults are too politically correct or polite.
Nicole went to see Santa last week in preparation for Christmas. "Well, what do you want for Christmas little girl?" Santa ask as he always does. Nicole thought and replied, "Can I email you back with a list?" Santa, a little stunned, blinked and said, "Sure." You got to love them!

My precious

There are a few things I hold precious more than ANYTHING in this world. They are my God, my children, and my grandkids. Recently, my little hot rod buddy, Cody, went with me to a neighbor car show. We stopped for dinner at McDonald's and then walked around and checked out the cool rides. Last night, my grand daughter Nicole interviewed me for a report, about Veteran's Day, and my experiences. These are special times to me.
I am extremely pleased that they either share the same interests, or are interested in my past experiences.
Either way, I walk away with a smile on my face and my chest sticking out with pride. CHECK OUT THESE BEAUTIFUL KIDS!!!

Am I wrong, or what?

Every so often, I guess I get fed-up with stupid remarks So,I have to blow-off some stream. This one of those times. I really don't track the news like some folks. I hear a little here and there, but I am not a faithful follower of any one network or talk show hosts. I think they say what their bosses want them to say, and not what they really feel, or believe. Occasionally I get wind of some REALLY stupid statements that rub me raw.
Recently, Juan Williams was fired from NPR (Nation Public Radio) because what he said something about Muslims. I believe his views are not what NPR is known for...fair and UN-bias reports. So, Juan got canned. Good. But then Newt Gingrich said, "Federal funding should be taken away from NPR for this act." Give me a break! Do any corporation get penalized for firing their employees? NO! What's Newt's deal? Do we penalize GE because they fire some VP for saying LG scares him? Hell no NEWT! Crawl back into the hole, you and the soccer mom Sarah came from.
These two, along with the so-called Tea Party, burn me up. They continuously Obama-bash about how bad the economy is and he took us there. Read the history folks. Clinton balanced the budget in four years, then gave us four years of surplus. Next was W. Declining economy, wars (we started) which made it worse, sky rocketing oil prices and our military personnel coming home in boxes. So when Obama comes into office (as the first Black President),all you hear is rumors of him being a illegal, non-christian and being blamed for the worst economy since the Great Depression. Are you guys SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER? Because you don't sound like it.
I am not saying I agree with everything he is doing, but what has the other side done to help the country? If we vote out every politician every four years, it's like changing coaches every season and the team never progresses. No consistency.
Yes, times are tough, and the economy is bad, and yes, Obama maybe spending more that he needs. Ever heard the saying, "You must spend money to make money"? FDR did it in the 30s and 40s, but it was not until World War II that we pulled out of the depression. A WAR! And these idiots are trying to start one or maybe two. The American people are scared to buy/spend. They have no confidence that tomorrow will be better. I get it. The bicycle will not go forward until you push on the pedals. Scare tactics are preventing folks from putting their feet on the pedals of that bike, in hopes of turning the votes around. And do you think they can do any better? I doubt it. It would be just another stalemate like it is now. It's about votes, egos and power...never about the people. Government is a necessary evil, as Thomas Jefferson once wrote.
Some people have said, "I hate the government. They always tell me to do this and that, and I don't like it." Fine! Let's abolish all governments. Then you can check your own food for diseases, pave the roads, hire someone to catch felons/rapists or put your house fire out, and complain about a giant corporate that just substituted sugar for your heart pills. Government is NOT perfect. That's why we vote. We just need to think about which vote is better for the majority and remember, things move VERY slowly when you have 150 pair of hands in the pot and each pair wants their own spoon.
My advise is: 1 - read your history. 2 - get involved. 3 - be patient. 4 - Listen to facts, not the bias. 5 - use your vote wisely and NOT emotionally.
I have been in a lot of countries and have never seen a country I'd rather live in, even with our problems. The United States is a great country, but we have radicals too. Some want to have their way without concern for the people. Be careful...they will destroy our country and life as we know it.
Let me know your views, HONESTLY! Whether you agree or disagree. I am interested to see if I am in outfield or not. Please comment.

Tony's surgery

It all started back in March when we found out Tony had a MRSA infection. None of us realized at the time want stress would surround our family. Months of hospitalization, massive regiments doses of antibiotics, frustrations, lack of care and complications lay ahead for Tony and us.
In June, we all (including the doctors) thought Tony was out of the woods. The old Tony was back.
Now flash forward to two weeks ago. Pain got worse in Tony's back and hip. After a visit to the doctor and blood cultures were taken, the dreaded news was announced ... the MRSA was back. Tony was readmitted and the bad dream started over again. Tony was at the end of his mental rope, and no one could blame him. We were too.
FINALLY, after boosting his body so it could endure the coming procedure, they operated on his back to get the decay and infection out from around his spine. A small 3 inch opening and 1 1/2 hours procedure, and Tony went to recovery. The surgeon said it was successful, but, physical therapy to build up the back muscles and growth of bone the eroded spinal disc was needed. He also said this may NOT be the last surgery. A follow-up surgery may be needed to remove the disc or remove scare tissue later.
For now, we all are breathing a little easier but not deep breathes. Our prayers and concern continue.

Another trip into history

What city do you think of when you think about the forming of our country? Philadelphia? Washington D.C.? How about Boston? A lot happened there. The REAL and first Tea Party, Paul Revere's ride and many firsts.
Nancy and I flew there last week, for a week and visited the places we learned about in school.
Boston is a great walking town with an awesome subway system called the "T". But if you go, wear some really good walking shoes. The Freedom Trail is a 3 mile self-guided tour of TONS of historic sites like Faneuil Hall, Quincy Marketplace, Paul Revere's house, burial sites for Paul Revere and Samuel Adams (not just about the beer)and so many others. Place that key people endangered their lives meeting to form our beloved country.
Bostonians are passionate about their history and their sports teams...about equally. Most of the downtown area was filled in (about 5 acres) with dirt from Beeken and Bunker Hills. (Two sites of key battles. They both are about 500 feet shorter now.)The city is compact and parking is at a premium. Few houses have garages or driveways and driving is a life threatening event.
After three days, we drove out to Cape Cod. The whole north side is considered a historic area and is like living in a HOA environment. There are fees to go to the beach and to park with about a 4 hour wait in the summer.
I thought after the first Tea Party, Bostonians would learn. They have a tax on just about everything. But, they are still friendly and helpful to strangers.
We enjoyed our trip, but like most big cities, it was good to be back at home in the country.

Are we going in the trash can?

Maybe it's the let down from a great RVing trip, or getting back to the triple digit weather, or smashing my finger while working on my hot rod, or ... maybe I am just getting old. But, to me, it seems we as occupants of this earth are decaying as (what I have been told) the smartest beings around.
Beyond the concepts of destroying our environment with oil spills, polluting the air, contaminating the fresh waters and oceans. Then there is the undying urge to shoot someone for NOT being the same religion as you, or because you want their shoes.
Hey, I get it...we ain't perfect. I know that, but it seems we have just lost our way. We have no respect for others, we have no acceptance or tolerance. It's an "all about me" society.
I am all about protecting me and mine. But, how about a little understanding when someone does not agree with your thought process? Yeah, you can discuss it and discuss it hot and heavy, but don't shoot it out if you can not agree! If someone does not play nice, you do NOT go play with them again...you stay away from them.
Certain recent events MAY HAVE set me off. The Mosque near Ground Zero, the random assassination of people in Mexico, the oil spill in the Gulf, AND the way "conservatives" blame our economy status TOTALLY on President Obama. This is the short list. I know...I am getting old.
President Obama is NOT totally at blame. He is not totally innocent either. The economy was alright screwed up when he was just a Senator, but I do not forgive him for defending the building a Mosque near Ground Zero and some other things he has done.
We not only pollute the atmosphere with petroleum products, but now we speed the process by blowing out a well. Get a clue, there are a lot of alternative energy sources.
OK, OK, this is all very depressing. I get it. But it can be reversed if we really try...even as individuals. Think about it, "United we stand, divided we fall" concept approach. Change our desire for oil, don't do drugs, walk instead of driving, write letters to Senators and President. To rub salt (a Mosque) in the wound is not a good idea ... not even a half good idea.
Oh yeah, you kids...pull your pants up...we don't want to see your underwear or Hula-Hoops/nails in your ears, nose, tonques or eyebrows. And one more thing...flip-flops are NOT shoes! O-M-G! That's texting lingo...which I don't do either. I know... I am old.

Very little internet, a lot to tell

Yeah, the trip is almost over. Now in Salt Lake Utah, we have racked up about 4,000 miles in the nearly three weeks on the road.
From hiking at 10,000 feet in Lassen National Park, to a rattlesnake at 200 feet, to icy cold lakes at 8,000 feet, to snow balls at 7,000 feet, hiking along the original Oregon Trail or along the Columbia River in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, it has been a ball and very historic...but I really want to go home. Nancy and Scooter too.

On the road AGAIN!

Leaving Cave Creek on the 2nd of July, Nancy and I spent two nights in Nutrioso, John and Tina's property. From there, we started our Summer 2010 road trip vacation. One night to Cedar City Utah, then three night in Great Basin (Nevada)National Park, then to Lake Tahoe for three nights. Next was Lassen National Park in Northern California and after a few days to the shores of the Columbia River East of Portland Oregon. Such beautiful lands and so little time to explore them.
I leave you there and later I will post photos and more detail.

On the road again

No, it's not Willie Nelson, but we will be hitting the road again for an extended vacation to the Pacific Northwest.
The trip will start with a weekend 4th of July trip to John and Tina's property in Alpine at 8,000 ft. elevation. COOL! Then the trip begins through Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Our goal is to visit with some old friends and hike the some gorgeous wooded trails, especially along the Columbia River. Some spectacular waterfalls are in store too.
Except for a few nights, we SHOULD be in contact of the internet and cellular signals, so we'll post photos and can receive phone calls.
Now that our oldest son is recovering from home and doing well, we need to get away...for us. Of course Scooter will accompany us as she always does.
Stay tuned and stay in touch.

Family Visit

A short, but nice visit by Nancy's older brother John and sister-n-law Debbie. John said he wanted to come and see Tony, but also stated, it had been a while since they came out.
The whole Arizona family came together at Bev's (Nancy and John's Mother) home for dinner and updating the photos of everyone. Even the younger members (L to R- Emily, Nicole and Cody) had fun running around and acting crazy. Tony was very happy to see his visiting Uncle and Aunt supporting his recovery.

Our Oldest

It is a terrible drain on a family when one member of a family is deathly ill. Family members scramble to find Doctors, and facilities, who can cure the sick member, and in doing so may cause other problems.
Such is the case with our family. Our oldest son, Tony, contracted a VERY serious M.R.S.A. bacterial infection (sometimes referred to as the "Flesh-Eating" bacteria) which attached itself to his spine. This on top of having a diseased liver, and being a diabetic. After more than 10 weeks of three different types of massive antibiotics, now we are told he has scar tissue pressing on nerves which causes tremendous pain with any movement.
The Doctor (a Neuro-surgeon) who initially took the case, after a three week stay in the hospital, first said he'd go in and scape the vertebrae to rid Tony of the infection. Then he said, No, he should go home and let the antibiotics get rid of it. Three weeks at home and Tony got worse with pain. Then he took a turn for the worse and was re-admitted. Another two week hospital stay and still no relief of pain, even tho they say the infection "should be" almost gone. That's great since he can only be on the antibiotics two more weeks.
Today, Tony is being transferred to a care center and a very painful physical therapy program will begin. After losing nearly 60 lbs., having nearly no strength, and crying daily from the pain, I do not know how much more he can endure.
Even our daughter, who is a doctor, is at a lose to what to do. We want to find a doctor who will really do something to help Tony, but if we fire the Neuro-surgeon, no other doctor will accept him because he is considered such a high risk patient.
This started three months ago in March and I fear he is in for a much longer battle with the infection and our health care system. Pray for him.

Ernie's Ride

It has been nearly two months ago when a group of about a dozen motorcycle rides stopped at a traffic light, followed by a few autos. It was a beautiful day with bright blue skies, the temperature was in the high 60s, and the group was on a wide urban straight four lane highway. A perfect ride day. While they waited for the light to change, a LARGE dump truck approached from behind them and the driver bent over shuffling his paperwork in the cab. When his eyes looked up to the road, it was too late. He plowed (full speed) into the stopped cars, which in turn, smashed into the waiting bikers. Bodies and bikes slide, flopped and flew into the intersection. On-lookers were horrified. There were people trapped under the truck, which now was starting to burn. Some lay lifeless. By-standers began pulling victims to safety and caring for the injured until emergency responders arrived.
One of the seriously injured bikers was a emergency responder himself. A Phoenix Fire Department Captain/Paramedic, and a loved member of the Fire Department family I wrote about before. While Ernie recoups from his multiple and almost fatal injuries, his FAMILY, friends and family planned to help.
Yesterday, over 1000 bikers, nearly 40 hot rods united at Fire Station 54 (Ernie's station) for a pancake breakfast and then a 45 mile ride to a regional shopping center for a party to help fund Ernie's healing and medical bills. A couple of the victim were well enough to ride along too.
Police Officers from more than four cities stopped traffic as the bikers and rods stretched and snaked through the route while firefighters pulled their trucks out of the stations, sounding sirens and air horns in honor of the bikers and Ernie.
Ernie is making a brave recovery, but it will take even Ernie (a former Airborne Ranger) a lone time to get back to his old physical self, and even then...
Ernie nearly cried when he heard the ride and party plans. He was heard saying, "Damn it! I want to go too."

Don't come to Arizona!

I am sure, you have heard about Arizona Senate Bill 1070, "The Immigration Bill" which has made front page news across the nation. It never amazes me how we always get stuck with the stupid Governors. But back to the bill.
At first glance, it seems to be a great bill to stop illegals from coming into Arizona. But in detail, it will hurt Arizona worse than the poor economy. It gives law enforcement the right to kick in your door (if your neighbor reports you to authorities) for harboring anyone who looks Hispanic. I KNOW our Sheriff Joe will jump on this and like a true ass, will take it to the limits of the law. Already, this law has cost Arizona millions in conventions and tax dollars, not to mention the jobs that will NOT get performed because white folks will not perform some tasks only Hispanic/Mexican folks will perform.
Now wait...I am not against enforcing border restrictions and immigration laws. I understand there is a definite problem along the border and Arizona is a major entry point for most Mexicans coming across illegally...BUT this is NOT the way to solve that problem. More Border Patrol agents, tighter restrictions, and a wall is better that SB 1070.Our governor just cut her AND our throats, and will not help the situation. Why should each state have to enforce a federal law anyway?
I don't know what the final outcome will be, but until it comes, you may want to go to Idaho or Kentucky or maybe Maine for your vacation this summer. It too hot here in the summer anyway.

What is a Fire Fighter?

Yeah, I know...a dumb title, but is it really? If you know Nancy and I at all, you'll realize, I was a paid Firefighter in Phoenix AZ. for over 25 years. A GREAT 25 years. I loved my job and going to the fire station EVERY SINGLE DAY (or shift).
I do not believe Fire Fighters received the respect they deserved until AFTER September 11th, 2001. 343 Firefighters dead attempting to rescue people from the burning and collapsing Twin Towers. They literally had to push their way up the stairs through the flood of folks scrambled down the stairs. I have FDNY retired friends who drove for three days (straight) to NYC and dug out the bodies and body parts of their friends and co-workers. Some of them are now sick from the dust the inhaled in the rubble.
The Fire Service is a VERY tight family. And we do almost everything for each other. Sometimes it is tighter than your own family.
Firefighters, and Police, are a breed to themselves. I put them on the same level as our military. Are they normal? I think so. I believe they have a sense of obligation and responsibility to their community. Are they crazy? Maybe, a little. Who runs into a burning building while everyone else is running out? Are they afraid? I think they are somewhat, but with the right training and equipment (and I emphasize TRAINING) they can perform their duties in a superior manner. Firefighter don't run into burning buildings because they want to tease death, it because they want to save your possessions and/or your life. They are not out to be a hero, or receive an award. It's their job. No matter if they are paid or volunteer...they still are doing their job. More than 70% of America's fire fighters are volunteer. Explain that... 70% of America's firefighter run into burning buildings for little or no money? Does that make you feel humbled? It should!
Firefighting is the second oldest profession in the world, and least paid for their tasks. We all know what is the first.
But today, firefighter battle a different devil. Today it's TB. More firefighter test positive for TB than ANY other profession. When firefighters began taking over the EMS in the USA, their rate of TB rose 700%. In most communities, firefighters are paid less than the neighborhood garbage man. I would never take anything away from the garbage man, but do you think that is right? I am sure putting up with that odor all day is pretty bad.
My point, you ask? Show the firefighters and the Police some respect. They ARE our first line responders in ANY diseaster and the ones who put their lives on the line daily and sometimes hourly for you, me, my family and your family. Some get paid for that, some don't. At least you can do is say...THANKS! They will appreciate it and tell you...IT'S MY JOB.
Pictures are: Me coming out of a mobile home fire after falling through the floor and my graduation in 1977 from the academy and my Nancy pinning my badge on.

The "Media" shapes us.

Whether you admit it or not, we are what we listen to. I once heard a reporter stating, 'people listen to the news cast about stuff they already believe'. Think about it, we don't listen to news agencies we disagree with. Whether it be FOX or MSNBC, you already believe what they are going to tell you.Even a weather report, you watch the one who delivers it the way you like, with maps and graphics you find appealing.
The media says they TRY to always tell a truthful report or the news. But, we all really know they bend it somewhat. It may to the left, or to the right, but they all have their bias. We believe what they say or print. And sometimes they lie, or at least fib. Sometimes they twist the truth so it looks totally different than the real truth. Each person looks at an incident in a different angle or aspect, and then interprets it the way THEY see it. This may sound like common knowledge or common sense, but when people says, "JOE BLOW DID THIS...." Check it out first before you blow your stack. Joe Blow may have done it to save a life or because he was forced. So always get the REAL truth...the underlying reason for his action.
We quit watch the TV news a number of years ago. I got tired get a slanted view and hearing only the 'bad stuff'. I guess people in general, are drawn to the gory and gross. That is why folks slow down when they pass a wreck with injuries. We use to call those folks "Rubberneckers" or "Lookie-Lous". And typically, there is always a rear-ending accident due to the slowing and looking. Later, you get the opportunity to review the accident on the evening news and hear their slant.
The Media gives us the news. We don't research it, unless you are personally there. The Media could feed us crap and say it's good for us or that flying saucers are landing in New York, as Orson Wells did in the 30's. People believed him and some killed themselves because they did NOT really research it. Mr. Wells stated it was an April Fool's joke.
So, don't be a "Chicken Little", check thing out before you pull the trigger. Get more than one source to verify a fact. Try listening to the other side and be a little more open minded, no matter what your believes may be. At least then, you can argue you view more sensibly and with more knowledge of the whole situation.

Growing apart

I believe, in your lifetime, you may have two to four best friends, but lots and lots of friends. Best friends have to be VERY special and click with you in every way. Best friends never have to be asked, they know. They are always there, without asking, to help. They are always ready to talk and discuss ANY topic. In brief, they are the other half of you. Some folks are fortunate to find a best friend in a spouse. Sadly, some folks never have a best friend.
I have been lucky in my life to have had many good friends, and two very great best friends. Sadly, they have both passed away. I miss them dearly and think of them daily.
My friends have come and gone. Each hold special memories. So more than others. Some less. All have touched me in their way no one else could. The memories of some friends stay with me longer and deeper than others. Those memories are sometimes like a thorn you can not get out, so you body grows around it and accepts the thorn. I have one of those.
Singer Neil Young, from the "Crosby, Stills & Nash, Young" fame, wrote a song years ago. The words go like this:
"One of these days, I am goin' to sit down and write a long letter to all my good friends and tell them how much I appreciate them being there for me."
Well, I am doing that now. Good friends, thank you for being my friend. I realize I can be difficult at times, but you stood by me and I appreciate that. If we have drifted apart, I am sorry. If I offended you, I am deeply sorry. If you offended me, I forgive you. The memory of your friendship will live on in my heart

2010 Camping Trip to Roosevelt Lake

Our 3rd annual camping trip with family and friends was again a huge success. More than 30 people and 9 campers came. Saturday night we held a Pot-Luck dinner and I am still stuffed.
Nancy and I went for about a 3 hour kayaking trip up lake while being surrounded by snow capped mountains to the west of the lake. The 60 degree weather at the lake was great for kayaking, hiking and just relaxing. We're already planning for another trip next March.

Your way or my way?

I find it extremely discerning that the one thing, which was meant to bring us together, is the thing we fight over. We not only fight, but we kill, exterminate, imprison, massacre and torture over it. And this is not a recent phenomenon; it’s been going on for CENTURIES! No, it’s not sex, or money, or land, or even political power. Of course, the atrocities and been performed for those reasons too. But what I refer to is RELIGION.The brief in a God. You know the phrase, the one that says, “LOVE YOUR BROTHER”? We, as the humans who occupy this planet, reversed the meaning of that philosophy to KILL YOUR BROTHER. Since Cain and Able, have we been doing these discretions toward each other. I am not looking for a perfect world. I just don’t expect someone to kill another person because they believe in Mohammad, Buddha, Jesus Christ or the guy down the street is God. If you want to try to convert them, that’s fine. But why kill them? Yeah, they may dress different, or speak a different language and eat spicy foods. But is that a reason to kill them? NO!Let’s go one step further. Do you kill someone because they have darker skin color than you? Or their eyes are different? Or maybe wear red shoes? Absolutely not! Maybe we all should be blind like the singer Stevie Wonder. He once said, “I did not know I was black until someone told me. How many millions have died or suffered due to a more powerful group thought the millions were a threat just for their briefs? Muslims against Jews, Catholics against Protestants, White against Black, or Yellow, or Red, or Brown. If the other person does not look, dress, eat or believe like you, we kill them. Does that sound similar to the Holocaust of World War II when the German Third Reich tried to annihilate the Jewish people? Hitler was afraid the Jews would control the World’s money and he wanted a ‘super race’.We feel threatened, or we think we are the ONLY correct person, so we try to change others with violence. Not always physical violence when other forms can be more devastating such as the interment camps full of Japanese-Americans. They lost homes, property, businesses and fortunes when imprisoned. After the war, they did not get anything back. Some racial religious advocates say other religions are sent from “Hell” to destroy them so they should kill the infidels. How do they know this? Their writings do not say that. Did they have a vision? No. It’s just because the other religion is different. Nothing more, nothing less. People are people. We are what we are. We are ALL different and that makes us unique. We are similar because we walk upright, have a large brain, speak, eat, (and most of us) dress our bodies. So, we are similar, but yet different to each other. I do not wear my jeans half way down my butt, or color my hair purple, or wear a turbine, but that does not mean I would consider killing anyone who does? All religions advocate to embrace others as brothers and not to kill them. Do not mistake my opinions as opposing Capital Punishment. I am not crazy about it, but believe it may be a necessary evil. We do not have a perfect civilization and there individuals who fall well below the level of majority acceptance of which we as the (I guess) more acceptable, have to control. That sounds just about like what I said we should not do, doesn’t it? I guess the keywords are TOLERANCE, RESPECT, ACCEPTANCE and UNDERSTANDING. Tolerant others, respect their beliefs, accept them for what and who there are, and get to understand who they are, and what they believe. You do not have to agree with them. But keep this in mind; you may be the one who wrong, so keep an open mind for in war and injustice, NO ONE WINS.

Super Sunday

Finally, FINALLY, I pick a NFL team I feel I can support and cheer for. A team I feel has the real team spirit and a quarterback who REALLY leads the team without acting like he is God. A team that plays this great game with enthusiasm, without all the commercial hype. A team that goes out there and just has fun, in good sportsmanship, and with no cheap shots. I finally picked the Indianapolis Colts. And they played AWESOME all year. I was getting pumped.
Then came the Super Bowl, and their opponent ... the New Orleans Saints...another great team.
Nancy and I were ready for a fabulous game, and it was, for most parts. But then, in the second half, the game began to fall apart for the Colts. The Saints pulled inspiration from the Saints fans who had attended in mega-numbers. The sound was deafening. And then the game was over. Saints 31, Colts 17... my Colts lost.
OK, I am not one who cries over losses like games because it IS a game, not life. But I was disappointed. I am not mad at the Saints. After what that City has gone through, they need a spiritual uplifting.
Now the season is over. Players go home to their families and let the injuries heal. In a few months, it starts again. And I'll be in front of the TV cheering for MY Colts again. Maybe next year I'll buy a team jersey... and paint my face blue?... NOT! Maybe just the jersey. GO COLTS!

Kauai Hawaii for a week

Last week, Nancy along with the Bauers (our daughter Tina, hubby John and their children) flew to Kauai for a well deserved break in paradise. It was tough watching those sunsets and breaching whales, walking along the beaches, looking for crabs, burying each other in the sand, exploring the topical forests and just sleeping late. I guess they just forced themselves.
John and Tina scuba and wanted to dive in the tropics again. Nancy, unlike me, likes Hawaii, so she went to watch the kids during the dive.
What did I do while they gone? Well, I played with my new Plasma Cutter and worked on my hot rod project car, went to lunch with "the guys" and hung-out with Scooter. Not totally exciting, but better than sand in your shorts...to me anyway.