Bad Day

We don't watch the nightly newscasts because it is mostly depressing things that have happened that day. We stopped after 9-11. So, while watching some nature program later yesterday, the network broke-in to report the latest information on the shooting in Newton,CT. It is bad enough to hear about adults getting killed, but children? How could so many people like this guy, slip through this country's fingers without someone helping these people. Needless lose of lives, both young and old. I pray for the families, the community of Newton, and this country. Some people say, "Ban the guns." But that will not help. Our health care system needs repair to help this people, not a ban on guns. I have never lost a child, but, I can only imagine how devastated I and my wife would be. I love my family, and extended family. I agree with President Obama, go right now, hug your children, and tell them of your love. Life is so fragile and happens quickly. Take care my friends and pray for the victims, their families, Newton CT. and our country.

Finally, DONE!!!

After nearly two years of work, and money, the 51 Chevy is finally done. Actually, I have been driving it for a few weeks to work out the bugs. The list of 'things to fix' has gotten smaller and smaller.

I have to admit, it is fun to take an old something, whether it's a car, a house or whatever, and bring it into it's former self and make it pretty again. There were other people who were involved in this process...I did not do the paint, interior or glass, but DID do the bodywork, wiring, fabrications and much more. I feel a sense of pride for that. OK, next project? Who knows. Time for a well deserved rest now and enjoy the up coming holidays and car shows.

You are younger than you look

In a few days, I will be officially 66 years old. Yep, I am now a Senior Citizen, and I realize that each time I look into a mirror, or stand-up from a kneeling position. Gravity has taken over along with the background music of popping and crackling of bones. I guess I can not really complain too much. I meet guys, my age, daily who can not do the activities I do regularly. I know my movability is getting more limited with time. Some of those other guys look and act 10 to 20 years older than me. Yesterday, I ran into one of my old neighbors. He was saying he is SO old at 67. He could not ride his horse as much as he wanted. "I am not young like you Harrold." "Well, how old do you think I am?" "Late 50s?" That made me feel REAL good. I'll take a couple years of looking and acting younger anytime.

I guess, in some aspects, I am lucky. I have led an active physical life. I have tried to stay in shape, I eat pretty good, and SOMETIMES, taken care of my body and mind. But we all are victims to our GENES. Some of mine are not too good either. It's good when you are 35 and get "carded", or pass for you daughter's sister, or someone says you look 10 years younger than you truly are. Those are the good days. Then there are the days you hurt all over. I try to work through those days and go on with life. As you can see in the photos, like most of us, I've change from my high school senior year to now. I have become thankful for what I still have from my youth. I am still at my high school weight, I still have most of my hairand teeth, and my health is still pretty good. I guess the bottom line is, be thankful for what you have, stay positive and continue to fight off age by excerising your body and mind, eating right and living life by doing fun things. It WILL help you cope with "father-time". BYW...my moustache is Blonde, not gray. LOL! Maybe half and half.

Politics and Religion

There are two topics which really get folks going. Politics and Religion. Mention either in a crowd and people flock toward you to voice their opinions. And that's OK, as long as it is not meant to be personal. When there are differences of opinions and name calling comes up, then I am out of there. It is AN OPINION, YOUR OPINION, not necessarily everyone's opinion. And most of the time, you will never change their mind. So, check the facts before you speak, state your position, let the other party state theirs, and get on with it. Tempers do not have to fly and name calling does not have to appear. That is a benefit of living in the USA, we can voice our opinion, but making it personal or bodily harm is not cool. In this year of National/Presidenial elections, I have seen a lot of name calling, finger pointing and personal in-your-face attitudes projected. Discussion is healthy, but PLEASE keep it civil. I have friends and family which are hardcore right or left. That is THEIR choice and I may discuss difference of opinions, but not making it personal. So, check your facts FIRST, discuss it like an adult, keep it calm and non-personal...then come out and fight clean. Have a great day!

RVing to TN and NC

Within four weeks of returning from two weeks in Europe, we packed the 5th wheel and headed East on I-40. Three days of hard driving and then camped at Nimrod Lake in Arkansas. What a great place and friendly people. A group of relatives (sort-of) adopted us and show some welcomed southern hospitality. We talked, ate their fish dinner, and talked some more.

Then, off to sit next to the Mississippi River and watch the tugs. Literally feet from the bank, hearing the roar of the powerful tugs push the barrages up and down stream. Then to Nashville where we met a second cousin, and had another great time talking and catching-up.

Next stop was East of Knoxville, where we met Nancy brother and family for five days of catching-up and boat rides. Also, we had a visit from another second cousin, which was a good, long awaited time. We did a day trip to Ashville NC. to tour the Biltmore Estate and winery. Hot, but very much a good time. Heading home to AZ, we visited the Civil War battleground of Shiloh. Interesting, but a sad time in history.

Only a day's drive away from home, the truck overheated outside of Albuquerque NM, but we found a great diesel shop that had us on the road with only one extra night's stay. We arrived home on the 4th of July, our youngest Grandson's first birthday. 4772 miles in 23 days. What a fabulous trip, such a beautiful country we live in. We had a wonderful time and met such nice people, plus renewing bonds with family.

We recently came home from a two week trip to four European countries. Landing in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, then to Germany, next was Luxembourg, and then Belgium and finally leaving from Schiphol airport near Amsterdam. The weather was cold, wet and windy, but we still enjoyed the adventure. We traveled via the Euro Rail, with buses and boats mixed in. Of course, our shoes took a beating on the cobblestone streets which are everywhere, even in the big cities. Our biggest huddle was reading menus and signs on streets. The language was not bad to cope with. I do know a little Dutch and Germany, but we did a lot of finger pointing at words, and most people spoke some English for us to get by. Our trip was not just a revisit for me and new sights for Nancy, but to celebrate our 35th anniversary. The photos are: Keukenhof, a massive garden/park of tulips and other flowers outside of Amsterdam. The Rhine River valley where most of the German wine is produced and quaint villages and castles are. A Fire Station of volunteers we visited, great folks. The ATOMIUM built in 1958 for the World's Fair in Brussels Belgium.

Grady Anthony

He is 7 months old now. Unbelievable! Born on July 4th (Yes, a firecracker baby) is probably the last of our growing family of three children and SEVEN grandchildren. A knot/s will possibly be tied in the baby producing processes.
Grady has grown so fast. It so much enjoyment to see them develop day by day. But heck, I am just a proud Papa.