Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Review: away we go
Son Isaac is finally back to reviewing movies for Stereo Subversion. That's nice to see. And he wrote a nice one for the movie "Away We Go": http://www.stereosubversion.com/reviews/film-reviews/away-we-go-06-29-2009/. Sounds like something I would like.
Monday, June 29, 2009
It was a nice day
I actually had a good day yesterday. In fact, for as bad as last Sunday was (and it was one of the worst in awhile), yesterday was that good.
Last week was just a disaster. It was my first week back after 2 weeks of vacation; and I was completely off... it was a bad day in so many ways.
But yesterday was good. I changed up the order of service, and we took communion, and... you know, the Sunday service is not about me, but it just *felt* really good. Sometimes there's no way to describe it other than that. We shared Blessings/God-sightings, and they went on and on (and it was good stuff). I was really happy to be a part of my church yesterday.
Then in the afternoon Jane's class hosted 30+ women and children from the women's shelter for a picnic at the pavilion. These ladies are so nice. And I actually cooked the hamburgers and hot dogs. I think I made 45 hamburgers and 24 or 36 hot dogs. And it was an honor to do so. They seemed so happy to just come and play games and hang out in the country air. And the people from Jane's class are so great with them. It's a really neat thing they do each month.
After that we went in to the Rock In The Square (or whatever it's called) at Freimann Square in FW. We listened to a couple bands, hung out around the pool/fountain, and had a really nice relaxing evening among some increasingly familiar characters. I think many of these people are among the homeless we give underwear and coats. There was the guy with his lawnmower, the guy in the bathrobe, the guy with the laces up to his knees, and several other people I recognized. And lots of people with dogs, and on bicycles. The music was good too. I don't normally like Ska type music, but Unlikely Alibi was pretty good/fun. They made the trees dance. And I kinda liked the Tone Junkies, for a three-piece band. They had a neat "retro" sound. NOTE TO SELF: The guy from Guitar Exchange plays bass for the Tone Junkies (the guy with the white-walled motorcycle).
I'm sure this week will be terrible... But yesterday was nice. Really nice. Thank you, Lord.
Last week was just a disaster. It was my first week back after 2 weeks of vacation; and I was completely off... it was a bad day in so many ways.
But yesterday was good. I changed up the order of service, and we took communion, and... you know, the Sunday service is not about me, but it just *felt* really good. Sometimes there's no way to describe it other than that. We shared Blessings/God-sightings, and they went on and on (and it was good stuff). I was really happy to be a part of my church yesterday.
Then in the afternoon Jane's class hosted 30+ women and children from the women's shelter for a picnic at the pavilion. These ladies are so nice. And I actually cooked the hamburgers and hot dogs. I think I made 45 hamburgers and 24 or 36 hot dogs. And it was an honor to do so. They seemed so happy to just come and play games and hang out in the country air. And the people from Jane's class are so great with them. It's a really neat thing they do each month.
After that we went in to the Rock In The Square (or whatever it's called) at Freimann Square in FW. We listened to a couple bands, hung out around the pool/fountain, and had a really nice relaxing evening among some increasingly familiar characters. I think many of these people are among the homeless we give underwear and coats. There was the guy with his lawnmower, the guy in the bathrobe, the guy with the laces up to his knees, and several other people I recognized. And lots of people with dogs, and on bicycles. The music was good too. I don't normally like Ska type music, but Unlikely Alibi was pretty good/fun. They made the trees dance. And I kinda liked the Tone Junkies, for a three-piece band. They had a neat "retro" sound. NOTE TO SELF: The guy from Guitar Exchange plays bass for the Tone Junkies (the guy with the white-walled motorcycle).
I'm sure this week will be terrible... But yesterday was nice. Really nice. Thank you, Lord.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Mowing
I cut the grass today north and south. It took me about two hours and twenty minutes. I debated on whether to do it or not, because it was hot and it wasn't really all that long, but there is a family reunion at the pavilion tomorrow, and we are hosting the women's shelter out there on Sunday afternoon. So I'm glad I did it.
Most likely you go your way
"Then time will tell just who has fell..."
Did you know that Blonde on Blonde was the first double rock album of all time? At least that's what my notes from my Survey of Rock Music Styles class say. I stumbled across them yesterday.
The teacher also told us an interesting little story about the coining of the phrase "Rock & Roll." The roots of the term date back to the early 1920's. It was a blues term for "sex," or "having a good time." However, Alan Freed turned it into a musical style in the 1950's. In 1951 he started a radio program in Cleveland (which is why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is there) that played R & B on white radio for the first time. He called it the "Moondog Show." But three years later he moved the show to New York and there was a panhandler named Moondog who sued Freed over the name. So he started calling it the "Rock & Roll Show." There ya go.
Did you know that Blonde on Blonde was the first double rock album of all time? At least that's what my notes from my Survey of Rock Music Styles class say. I stumbled across them yesterday.
The teacher also told us an interesting little story about the coining of the phrase "Rock & Roll." The roots of the term date back to the early 1920's. It was a blues term for "sex," or "having a good time." However, Alan Freed turned it into a musical style in the 1950's. In 1951 he started a radio program in Cleveland (which is why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is there) that played R & B on white radio for the first time. He called it the "Moondog Show." But three years later he moved the show to New York and there was a panhandler named Moondog who sued Freed over the name. So he started calling it the "Rock & Roll Show." There ya go.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
100 most useful web sites
The 100 most useful web sites (according to MSN Money) are listed HERE. http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/FindDealsOnline/the-100-most-useful-web-sites.aspx
Monday, June 22, 2009
New guitar strings on yamaha
I changed the strings today on the Yamaha FG-411E that I keep at home. I bet it's been years since they've been done. I put on a pair of Elixir 80/20 Bronze "polyweb" coating; custom light .011-.052. I don't like these Elixir strings for some reason.
I was on tv (DreamRiders)
I was on tv this past weekend. It aired on the Travel channel at 8 pm and midnight Saturday and 10 am Sunday (ch. 215 on our Dish). DreamRiders is "The true story of a father, a son, and a 4,000 mile journey in search of each other." You can find all kinds of information, as well as the awards it has won, at www.dreamridersmovie.com. About 1 hour and 45 minutes into the 2 hour documentary you can see me, our house, the church, and a glimpse of Jane. There is a link at http://www.dreamridersmovie.com/alexander.htm which just shows the part I'm in. They are riding by the church and our house, and then pull in at our neighbors family reunion. I'm one of only 2 white guys in the spot (besides the two bicyclers). I didn't even recognize myself, because it was a few years ago, when I had longer hair. I'm the white guy in a white t-shirt and tan shorts.I remember this day - maybe 4 or 5 years ago. My neighber (Ken) was having a family reunion. He always invites us, and everyone else at our church, and there are bunches of people there all weekend. So we were partying away and these two bicyclers stopped in, and there was a mobile home with a film crew with them. They told us they were making a movie, and that it was a father and son bicycling across the country to try to restore their relationship. I had no idea if it was for real or not. But they hung out for awhile, and ate and talked with people. The funny thing is, my neighbor wasn't even there at the time, so he's not in the movie.
I've only watched the part from Ken's house, but Jane stayed up and watched the whole thing, and she said another interesting tidbit is that it was just before they got to our place that the father and son kind of had their first "break-through" in their relationship. So that's kind of cool.
Anyway, I appreciate Bill Roulston (the father) contacting me about it, and the special link he made for my neighbor and his family.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Mowing
I mowed the yard this afternoon. Two hours and fifteen minutes. Meredith apparently mowed it sometime earlier this week. I think. I think he mowed the church side last week, and our yard this week. I just mowed it all so it was even.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Riding the storm out
Well this is fun. My alarm went off at 6 am, and as soon as I hit snooze... the tornado siren started blaring. I looked out my third floor hotel room window and it was blowing like crazy and the darkness was rolling in. So, I decided to head downstairs and get my morning coffee. I walked out my door and the hallway curtain was almost horizontal. I went down the three flights of stairs and there was quite a little congregation of half-asleep, pajama-clad guests gathered in the lobby. Some guy with a really nice camera on a tripod was telling people that it seemed to be moving away. Some people really freak out in storms. It doesn't usually bother me - as long as I'm not driving in it - and especially not when I am still tired. So I hung around for a bit, then headed back upstairs for a blueberry poptart. I'm still on vacation in breakfast land. It appears to just be a regular ol' thunderstorm at this point. I suppose I could turn the tv on, but news is just so depressing. What the heck, I think I'll just have another poptart instead.
So I guess our conference will be ending with a bang and a swirl today. I'll write some about that later.
Peace out; and in.
So I guess our conference will be ending with a bang and a swirl today. I'll write some about that later.
Peace out; and in.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Conference day 1
My regional conference "convention" started yesterday. We are in Decatur, Illinois, and it was me and 3 other people from church in one car, and another family came in another vehicle. We are staying at the Ramada Limited this year (exit 141B). It's not too bad (especially for $63).
I was not really looking forward to conference this year because Jane's not here (she has to work), and also because it's just another place to feel alienated. But after being here a little bit I realized that is not true. I have many friends here, and I like being at these things. I don't care what anybody else says.
Anyway, we didn't come for the early stuff. We arrived for the regular start (at 1:30). The music is always good here at New Beginnings. Their worship guy is just plain good. Nothing fancy, but really good. John Devries talked first. He wrote a book "Why Pray" or something. I haven't read it, but our region has really pushed it the last couple years. He was good.
Our group skipped the first round of breakout sessions. We came back for supper, and then the first talk from Reggie McNeal. I have read some of his books and articles and whatnot, and seen some of his podcasts. He is EVEN BETTER in person. He was fantastic. I really connect with his sarcastic wit. He had me in tears many times, and there were a couple of points where I almost jumped out of my seat and hollered out in agreement.
Some of my notes from Reggie's first talk:
AFTERWARD...
After the session ended we came back to the hotel. A guy I don't really know had emailed me earlier and asked me to bring my guitar. We didn't have room, but I talked to him, and he told me to come over to his room anyway. He was inviting some other people. He was staying at another hotel, so I walked over there. When I got there it was just he and his wife. He showed me some thing from www.worshipteam.com. It looked pretty neat. Finally another guy came. The guys wife was laying on the bed the whole time with a sweatshirt and blanket on, and I was dying of heat. Man it was hot in there. But anyway, the other guy brought his guitar, so those two guys played and played. It was nice. I felt like a shmuck, because I don't know anything. They would just start playing a song, and the other would join in. How do they remember all the words and stuff? I just can't do that. But it was nice being around some musicians. They monkeyed with some half capo stuff and we talked music. Then the wife started asking the one guy (who is Korean) about politics happening in Korea right now. I took that as a good time to leave. I stopped in the lobby of that hotel and chatted with some people. Then I came back to my hotel. I loved Darl's guitar. It was a Huff & Dalton. I had never heard of it. Man did it play nice, and sound nice. I need a new guitar. Steffen had a Taylor, which sounded really nice too.
Day 1 was good. I hope today is as well.
Peace out; and in.
I was not really looking forward to conference this year because Jane's not here (she has to work), and also because it's just another place to feel alienated. But after being here a little bit I realized that is not true. I have many friends here, and I like being at these things. I don't care what anybody else says.
Anyway, we didn't come for the early stuff. We arrived for the regular start (at 1:30). The music is always good here at New Beginnings. Their worship guy is just plain good. Nothing fancy, but really good. John Devries talked first. He wrote a book "Why Pray" or something. I haven't read it, but our region has really pushed it the last couple years. He was good.
Our group skipped the first round of breakout sessions. We came back for supper, and then the first talk from Reggie McNeal. I have read some of his books and articles and whatnot, and seen some of his podcasts. He is EVEN BETTER in person. He was fantastic. I really connect with his sarcastic wit. He had me in tears many times, and there were a couple of points where I almost jumped out of my seat and hollered out in agreement.
Some of my notes from Reggie's first talk:
- "If the early church is as perfect as we make it out to be the NT would be a lot shorter."
- Shift #1 (of 3): We need to turn inside out. We need to move from seeing church as a "what" to seeing church as a "who."
- The church is the people of God positioning themselves with him in his redemptive mission in the world.
- The church in N. America took in $100 billion last year. What did we do with it?
- The "non-affiliated" (or un-affiliated) are the fastest growing religious group in N.A. 1 in 6 people.
- "The church does not HAVE a mission. The mission has a church."
- Church is the "called out" in order to be "sent back in."
- www.kidshope.org
AFTERWARD...
After the session ended we came back to the hotel. A guy I don't really know had emailed me earlier and asked me to bring my guitar. We didn't have room, but I talked to him, and he told me to come over to his room anyway. He was inviting some other people. He was staying at another hotel, so I walked over there. When I got there it was just he and his wife. He showed me some thing from www.worshipteam.com. It looked pretty neat. Finally another guy came. The guys wife was laying on the bed the whole time with a sweatshirt and blanket on, and I was dying of heat. Man it was hot in there. But anyway, the other guy brought his guitar, so those two guys played and played. It was nice. I felt like a shmuck, because I don't know anything. They would just start playing a song, and the other would join in. How do they remember all the words and stuff? I just can't do that. But it was nice being around some musicians. They monkeyed with some half capo stuff and we talked music. Then the wife started asking the one guy (who is Korean) about politics happening in Korea right now. I took that as a good time to leave. I stopped in the lobby of that hotel and chatted with some people. Then I came back to my hotel. I loved Darl's guitar. It was a Huff & Dalton. I had never heard of it. Man did it play nice, and sound nice. I need a new guitar. Steffen had a Taylor, which sounded really nice too.
Day 1 was good. I hope today is as well.
Peace out; and in.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The soloist
Last night Jane and I went to the $3 theater and watched The Soloist. We had been waiting for this movie to come out for a long time based on the previews we had seen. It seemed like it took forever. Then, when it did come out, it didn't seem to be in theaters very long. Apparently it didn't get very good reviews. But, man, I thought this was a very powerful movie. And it has a very good message too (though it would never be classified a "christian" movie).
I'd also heard an interview with the real-life reporter from the show. I thought Robert Downey Jr. did a nice job. And I've always had a thing for Catherine Keener.
Too many of us just want to 'fix' things, or we want to take a pill, or just set things 'right.' People usually can't be 'fixed.' What people need are 'friends.' We need each other. And we need each other to be patient, and kind, and loving, and to just be there with us - through the good and the bad.
I know that's what I need. I can be a real jerk, and I need people willing to forgive me, and accept me, and love me in spite of myself. And I need to be that kind of friend to others. I'm not usually very good at it.
There were honestly some parts in this movie that scared me. Some of the homeless people seem all too "normal."
I don't really have any coherent thoughts... but I just thought this was a really powerful movie. I highly recommend it.
I'd also heard an interview with the real-life reporter from the show. I thought Robert Downey Jr. did a nice job. And I've always had a thing for Catherine Keener.
Too many of us just want to 'fix' things, or we want to take a pill, or just set things 'right.' People usually can't be 'fixed.' What people need are 'friends.' We need each other. And we need each other to be patient, and kind, and loving, and to just be there with us - through the good and the bad.
I know that's what I need. I can be a real jerk, and I need people willing to forgive me, and accept me, and love me in spite of myself. And I need to be that kind of friend to others. I'm not usually very good at it.
There were honestly some parts in this movie that scared me. Some of the homeless people seem all too "normal."
I don't really have any coherent thoughts... but I just thought this was a really powerful movie. I highly recommend it.
Vacation pics
Just a few vacation pics from our recent trip. Someday I'll get around to putting them all on flickr. Click on the pic to enlarge it.
If you know me you know how nervous I was. I don't even like non-poisonous snakes.
This was my position for the entire trip.
Snow. On June 11. In Rocky Mountain National Park.
My lovely lady. At a really neat rest area somewhere along I-90 in South Dakota.
The most beautiful woman in the world perched in front of the Rocky Mountains.
This was the one friend I was able to make. He actually came up and shook hands with me (or at least put his paw on my hand).
If you know me you know how nervous I was. I don't even like non-poisonous snakes.
This was my position for the entire trip.
Snow. On June 11. In Rocky Mountain National Park.
My lovely lady. At a really neat rest area somewhere along I-90 in South Dakota.
The most beautiful woman in the world perched in front of the Rocky Mountains.
Carrie the hammer
Daughter Carrie Jade got in a couple of picks working on a Habitat for Humanity house in Findlay, Ohio with the CGGC and WTS people. Nice hard hat.
Kevin's art
My nephew from Minnesota is quite the artist. He is headed to an art/music school in Minneapolis next year. My sister's basement is full of his drawings and pictures. Here are just a few pics we took of some drawings.
He did this one when he was 13.
This is Kevin and cousins Carrie Jade and Isaac. That is a self-portrait to the right of Isaac.
These are two new ones. I really like the one on the left.
This is my two nephews and my sister.
These are two new ones. I really like the one on the left.
This is my two nephews and my sister.
Monday, June 15, 2009
My biker babe
This is me lovely lady going for a harley ride with her brother. This is the brother we stayed with while in Loveland. Jane has four brothers, and he is the one who always remembers her birthday, calls and emails now and then, asks her how SHE is doing, and tells her he loves her. He's also the one who walked her down the aisle at our wedding. And he has a darn nice motorcycle.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
On the road - the end
Our vacation journey for 2009 is now over. We are home. However the vacation lasts until Tuesday.
We left Des Moines, Iowa this morning around 9:36 Central time and arrived at our house at about 8:30-ish Eastern time. So another 10 hour day on the road.
We had actually planned to stay in Buda tonight, and we did stop there. No one was home when we arrived, so we took a walk around the block. By the time we got back we decided to keep driving. The problem with staying in Buda is the longer I am there, the harder it is to leave. Plus I wasn't really in the mood for any kind of small-talk. Plus Carrie texted us and said we had a flat on the Buick, which I wanted to make sure was fixed before I left town again on Tuesday. My dad came home before we left, and we chatted briefly and then took off again.
All told we travelled 3,380 miles the last 10 days. We spent 1 night in Buda, 2 nights in Annandale, MN, 2 nights in Deadwood, SD, 3 nights in Loveland, CO, 1 night in DesMoines, IA, and here we are. We saw family and friends while attending my nephew's graduation open house in Minnesota, we stopped at Wall Drug in Wall, SD, saw some sights in Deadwood, visited with friends in Spearfish, SD, saw Mt. Rushmore, visited with Jane's brother and his kids in Loveland, spent some time in the Rocky Mountains, and really did have a nice vacation. Even though the only day we didn't get rained on was the last day coming home. But at least we never encountered any hard rain or storms. All in all, I wasn't stressed too much ever, and my back didn't really even hurt. Very nice. The Elantra did us well. Once we got 29 mpg, and once we got 40, but mostly we got between 35-39 mpg. I'm not sure where the 29 came from.
Now I need to unpack... and go to bed.
We left Des Moines, Iowa this morning around 9:36 Central time and arrived at our house at about 8:30-ish Eastern time. So another 10 hour day on the road.
We had actually planned to stay in Buda tonight, and we did stop there. No one was home when we arrived, so we took a walk around the block. By the time we got back we decided to keep driving. The problem with staying in Buda is the longer I am there, the harder it is to leave. Plus I wasn't really in the mood for any kind of small-talk. Plus Carrie texted us and said we had a flat on the Buick, which I wanted to make sure was fixed before I left town again on Tuesday. My dad came home before we left, and we chatted briefly and then took off again.
All told we travelled 3,380 miles the last 10 days. We spent 1 night in Buda, 2 nights in Annandale, MN, 2 nights in Deadwood, SD, 3 nights in Loveland, CO, 1 night in DesMoines, IA, and here we are. We saw family and friends while attending my nephew's graduation open house in Minnesota, we stopped at Wall Drug in Wall, SD, saw some sights in Deadwood, visited with friends in Spearfish, SD, saw Mt. Rushmore, visited with Jane's brother and his kids in Loveland, spent some time in the Rocky Mountains, and really did have a nice vacation. Even though the only day we didn't get rained on was the last day coming home. But at least we never encountered any hard rain or storms. All in all, I wasn't stressed too much ever, and my back didn't really even hurt. Very nice. The Elantra did us well. Once we got 29 mpg, and once we got 40, but mostly we got between 35-39 mpg. I'm not sure where the 29 came from.
Now I need to unpack... and go to bed.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
On the road - pt. 3
I'm sitting in a fifth floor window in a Holiday Inn in Des Moines, Iowa. For some reason that has me thinking about Manfred Mann and his earth band. Wasn't there a song about being stranded in Iowa?
Anyway, we left Loveland, CO this morning at 7:46 (mountain time) and arrived here about 7 pm (central time). So that's like just over 10 hours on the road. Dang. I hate driving in a car.
I can't really remember anything else at the moment, other than the moaning road during a stretch in Nebraska. It was the weirdest thing... the road seemed to moan as you drove on it. It was funny. Nebraska is one boring state other than that though. I thought about an old friend, Al, who lives in Craphole, when we drove through there. Actually, I think it's Lincoln, but he calls it Craphole for some reason.
Oh, and last night at the cookout at Keith's, Matt and Jessie both brought their dogs, and when Jessie showed up the dogs got into it. It was an all-out dog fight. And on the same day that Michael Vick got released by the Falcons. There was even a little blood. But they finally got them separated, and Jessie took his dog home, since he lived right there in town (and Matt is from Denver).
Anyway, we stopped in Des Moines because I couldn't focus my eyes any longer. The Holiday Inn was full other than suites, so we told the guy we were going to go somewhere else, but he gave us a suite that had two chairs instead of a sofa for the price of a regular room. Sweet. Then we ate supper in the attached Bennigans. I had chicken fried steak, because, you know, normally I'm not supposed to eat something like that. But I'm on vacation, so screw the doctor. I haven't eaten oatmeal all week either. Ha! I am such a bad boy.
Okay, I should probably go in the other room of our suite and see my sweety.
Peace out; and in.
Anyway, we left Loveland, CO this morning at 7:46 (mountain time) and arrived here about 7 pm (central time). So that's like just over 10 hours on the road. Dang. I hate driving in a car.
I can't really remember anything else at the moment, other than the moaning road during a stretch in Nebraska. It was the weirdest thing... the road seemed to moan as you drove on it. It was funny. Nebraska is one boring state other than that though. I thought about an old friend, Al, who lives in Craphole, when we drove through there. Actually, I think it's Lincoln, but he calls it Craphole for some reason.
Oh, and last night at the cookout at Keith's, Matt and Jessie both brought their dogs, and when Jessie showed up the dogs got into it. It was an all-out dog fight. And on the same day that Michael Vick got released by the Falcons. There was even a little blood. But they finally got them separated, and Jessie took his dog home, since he lived right there in town (and Matt is from Denver).
Anyway, we stopped in Des Moines because I couldn't focus my eyes any longer. The Holiday Inn was full other than suites, so we told the guy we were going to go somewhere else, but he gave us a suite that had two chairs instead of a sofa for the price of a regular room. Sweet. Then we ate supper in the attached Bennigans. I had chicken fried steak, because, you know, normally I'm not supposed to eat something like that. But I'm on vacation, so screw the doctor. I haven't eaten oatmeal all week either. Ha! I am such a bad boy.
Okay, I should probably go in the other room of our suite and see my sweety.
Peace out; and in.
Friday, June 12, 2009
On the road - pt. 2
It's been awhile since I've written, and I suppose lots will be left out. We have been at Jane's brother Keith's house since Wednesday. We're scheduled to head up to Cheyenne and take I-80 East tomorrow morning. Nebraska and Iowa are always so much fun to drive through. Ha.
Leaving South Dakota was some of the prettiest scenery I've ever seen. The Black Hills are really nice once I got used to them. But the lonely road through Wyoming left me longing to see some civilation. Man, there was one stretch of like 81 miles with no towns and hardly any other roads, or cars even. Just a lot of cows and antelope (or something). We saw some snow along the road in Wyoming, but mostly it rained on us from Deadwood to Cheyenne.
Yesterday we drove up into Rocky Mountain National Park via Estes Park. I was glad Keith drove his truck. It was nice to just gawk. That is some mighty pretty country too. We couldn't make it to the top though because they had the road closed. I think it was due to snow. There was quite a bit just where we did make it too (well, it seemed like quite a bit to me anyhow). We got snowed on a little, but nothing serious.
Today we've kinda just lounged around. Jane took a harley ride with her brother. We're having a cookout with Keith's family tonight. Matt is coming from Denver, and Jessie and Seth are here in Loveland. I think Jessie will be bringing his boy Chance, and Matt is bringing his daughter Evelyn, and his dog.
Well, I should probably sign off. Lots of pictures to come someday. I'm wondering how long the grass is. Other than that, I haven't really thought too much about much. Just hangin'.
Peace out; and in.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
On the road - pt. 1
Jotting down some things from our summer vacation 2009.
We started out on Friday, June 5 from home, picked up Carrie & Isaac in Anderson, and went to Buda, Illinois for the first night. We went to a little league baseball game and saw John, Ginny, Dave, Amber and their kids; went to Mark & Christine's; then spent the night at my parents house. They weren't home; they were already at my sisters.
Saturday morning we left for my sisters in Annandale, MN. We went there for my nephew Kevin's high school graduation party. It rained almost the entire way there - raining hardest on I-35 heading into Minneapolis. And, when we came into Minneapolis our exit from I-35 to I-494 was closed. It said to "follow detour", but we never did see any detours for our road. So Jane got out the atlas. We went right downtown, and finally connected to I-94, then 394, and then finally found 494 which took us to rt. 55 to get us to Annandale.
It was funny, because somewhere on 55 they have big dots painted on the road, and you're supposed to leave 2 dots between cars so you don't follow too closely. I had never seen that before.
When we got to Annandale, which took us 8 hours, we checked into our hotel, then called my parents. They were at a local eatery with my dads brother and his wife and some friends from back home. So we went to the restaurant for supper too. There was only one waitress, so we waited FOREVER. But she was nice, and we had nothing better to do. We finally got our chicken, and we headed to my sisters house. We spent the rest of the night putting up decorations for the party the next day.
On Sunday we went to my sisters little UM church. It was a great service. The pastor (Marilee something) gave an excellent missional type sermon. It was the first time I had heard her preach, though I think the third time I had been there. There piano player was also quite good. She ended up serving the food at my nephews open house. And when I met the pastor later, the first thing she said is, "Oh, you're the blogger." You just never know who reads your blog. :)
After church we went to Subway for lunch, and went to the open house around 2 pm. We spent most of the rest of the day and night at my sisters house at the open house. I ate a lot of carrots, radishes, and celery.
Monday morning we got up and left at 8 am. It took us just over an hour to get back to Minneapolis. We took the kids to the airport and they flew back to Indianapolis via Chicago O'Hare. After dropping them off Jane and I got back on 35 and headed south until I-90, then we headed west to South Dakota. It rained probably until we got to Sioux City.
The roads were long and straight through most of South Dakota. We stopped at some hole in the wall for lunch and gas, and once at a nice rest area near Chamberlin (or something). Then we stopped at Wall Drug in Wall (and also got gas). I had been here before, and kinda liked this place. We bought a few souveniers, and headed on. We had planned to stop near Rapid City, but we already had a room booked in Deadwood, and we weren't too tired yet, so we went on to Deadwood, SD. Wow, it got kinda hilly all of a sudden. And once we got off the interstate the road was really windy and hilly. We finally found our way into Deadwood, and it's like it's in a hole in the hills. I'm a bit clostrophobic, so the hills took awhile for me to get used to. It is pretty darn cool around here though. Beautiful scenery. Deadwood is a neat little town. I didn't realize it was a gambling place. Our hotel, as well as just about every other place on mainstreet, has a casino. I know absolutely nothing about gambling, and don't really care to find out. My personality is too addictive, and that would probably not be a good thing to start.
We checked into our room at the Holiday Inn Express, right on mainstreet, and found us something to eat. We couldn't figure out how things worked, as we couldn't find the restaurants, only casinos. Apparently the restaurants are either upstairs or in the back of the casinos. Whatever. We should have stayed in Sturgis or Spearfish. But you live and learn. Anyway, we walked around a bit, and turned in early (around 10 pm). Thirteen hours on the road was way more than I was anticipating. My back didn't hurt near as back as I was expecting it to, but I was beat.
We slept in a little on Tuesday, and decided to head on down to Mt. Rushmore. It was a rather rainy, foggy morning, but we had nothing else to do. On the way we stopped at Bear Country USA. You drive through and see elk, bear, wolves, and all kinds of other animals. It was okay. Then we headed to Rushmore. It was really foggy, but the rain had let up. We finally arrived, paid our $10 to park, walked in and couldn't figure out where the heads were. It turns out they were behind the fog. We finally did get to see them a little bit. So we headed back home. On the way home it started raining like crazy, but by the time we got back to Deadwood it had cleared off.
Tonight we drove over to a fellow blogger's house. We had a really nice evening meeting Grace and her husband and boys. I was a little nervous since we have only "met" online, but it turned out being a good time (at least we thought it was). We stayed way too late, and I poked along in the black hills trying to find our way back to our room.
Before we got back to our room Jane and I tried playing a slot machine. I don't know if we did it right, but we put a dollar in a quarter machine, hit some buttons, and then it quit making noise. So I guess we lost. Just as well.
Now it's time for bed, and tomorrow we will head to Loveland, Colorado and stay with Jane's brother for a few days.
peace out; and in.
We started out on Friday, June 5 from home, picked up Carrie & Isaac in Anderson, and went to Buda, Illinois for the first night. We went to a little league baseball game and saw John, Ginny, Dave, Amber and their kids; went to Mark & Christine's; then spent the night at my parents house. They weren't home; they were already at my sisters.
Saturday morning we left for my sisters in Annandale, MN. We went there for my nephew Kevin's high school graduation party. It rained almost the entire way there - raining hardest on I-35 heading into Minneapolis. And, when we came into Minneapolis our exit from I-35 to I-494 was closed. It said to "follow detour", but we never did see any detours for our road. So Jane got out the atlas. We went right downtown, and finally connected to I-94, then 394, and then finally found 494 which took us to rt. 55 to get us to Annandale.
It was funny, because somewhere on 55 they have big dots painted on the road, and you're supposed to leave 2 dots between cars so you don't follow too closely. I had never seen that before.
When we got to Annandale, which took us 8 hours, we checked into our hotel, then called my parents. They were at a local eatery with my dads brother and his wife and some friends from back home. So we went to the restaurant for supper too. There was only one waitress, so we waited FOREVER. But she was nice, and we had nothing better to do. We finally got our chicken, and we headed to my sisters house. We spent the rest of the night putting up decorations for the party the next day.
On Sunday we went to my sisters little UM church. It was a great service. The pastor (Marilee something) gave an excellent missional type sermon. It was the first time I had heard her preach, though I think the third time I had been there. There piano player was also quite good. She ended up serving the food at my nephews open house. And when I met the pastor later, the first thing she said is, "Oh, you're the blogger." You just never know who reads your blog. :)
After church we went to Subway for lunch, and went to the open house around 2 pm. We spent most of the rest of the day and night at my sisters house at the open house. I ate a lot of carrots, radishes, and celery.
Monday morning we got up and left at 8 am. It took us just over an hour to get back to Minneapolis. We took the kids to the airport and they flew back to Indianapolis via Chicago O'Hare. After dropping them off Jane and I got back on 35 and headed south until I-90, then we headed west to South Dakota. It rained probably until we got to Sioux City.
The roads were long and straight through most of South Dakota. We stopped at some hole in the wall for lunch and gas, and once at a nice rest area near Chamberlin (or something). Then we stopped at Wall Drug in Wall (and also got gas). I had been here before, and kinda liked this place. We bought a few souveniers, and headed on. We had planned to stop near Rapid City, but we already had a room booked in Deadwood, and we weren't too tired yet, so we went on to Deadwood, SD. Wow, it got kinda hilly all of a sudden. And once we got off the interstate the road was really windy and hilly. We finally found our way into Deadwood, and it's like it's in a hole in the hills. I'm a bit clostrophobic, so the hills took awhile for me to get used to. It is pretty darn cool around here though. Beautiful scenery. Deadwood is a neat little town. I didn't realize it was a gambling place. Our hotel, as well as just about every other place on mainstreet, has a casino. I know absolutely nothing about gambling, and don't really care to find out. My personality is too addictive, and that would probably not be a good thing to start.
We checked into our room at the Holiday Inn Express, right on mainstreet, and found us something to eat. We couldn't figure out how things worked, as we couldn't find the restaurants, only casinos. Apparently the restaurants are either upstairs or in the back of the casinos. Whatever. We should have stayed in Sturgis or Spearfish. But you live and learn. Anyway, we walked around a bit, and turned in early (around 10 pm). Thirteen hours on the road was way more than I was anticipating. My back didn't hurt near as back as I was expecting it to, but I was beat.
We slept in a little on Tuesday, and decided to head on down to Mt. Rushmore. It was a rather rainy, foggy morning, but we had nothing else to do. On the way we stopped at Bear Country USA. You drive through and see elk, bear, wolves, and all kinds of other animals. It was okay. Then we headed to Rushmore. It was really foggy, but the rain had let up. We finally arrived, paid our $10 to park, walked in and couldn't figure out where the heads were. It turns out they were behind the fog. We finally did get to see them a little bit. So we headed back home. On the way home it started raining like crazy, but by the time we got back to Deadwood it had cleared off.
Tonight we drove over to a fellow blogger's house. We had a really nice evening meeting Grace and her husband and boys. I was a little nervous since we have only "met" online, but it turned out being a good time (at least we thought it was). We stayed way too late, and I poked along in the black hills trying to find our way back to our room.
Before we got back to our room Jane and I tried playing a slot machine. I don't know if we did it right, but we put a dollar in a quarter machine, hit some buttons, and then it quit making noise. So I guess we lost. Just as well.
Now it's time for bed, and tomorrow we will head to Loveland, Colorado and stay with Jane's brother for a few days.
peace out; and in.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Nearly dead in deadwood
I am sitting in a corner room in a hotel in Deadwood, South Dakota. I left my sister's hometown in in Minnesota at 8 this morning, dropped our kids off at the Minneapolis airport, and lady Jane and I drove south and then west for something like 13 hours. It rained for the first many hours, then it was cloudy but dry, then a bit sunny and clear, and then just as we headed into the Black Hills it turned cloudy again. The hills were a bit haunting to me in my driving-tired state. I feel like we're down in a hole. And there are freaking slot machines in every window. I had no idea. Some guy stopped us on the street and said, "Hey man, you just missed like 60 bats flying over." He was drunk as a skunk and happy as all get-out. We had just stuffed ourselves on hamburgers because we were starved from the highway and don't have a clue what we're doing here. But right now the bed is calling, and tomorrow will be a new day. We will see some sites and visit with some new friends. More later.
peace out; and in.
peace out; and in.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Happy birthday to Carrie
Today is lovely daughter Carrie's 24th birthday. She has had quite a year (and quite a last couple weeks). First she accepted a new job back in Fort Wayne (though she won't be moving back until August), then she got engaged just a few days later. Hopefully these events will help offset the fact that she can't be with her honeyDrew on her birthday. The four of us are in Minnesota for our nephew Kevin's high school graduation party. She opened her presents from us in the hotel lobby this morning. Jane and I got her a shirt and pants (which she had already opened, and today gave her some gold earrings (to match her new gold ring), a peace magnet, and some cash. I'm thinking maybe some DQ cake later on (since it is right outside our hotel room window).
She has grown into one fine lady if I do say so myself. Happy 24th sweetie! May God continue to bless you and may all your dreams come true. Love ya!
She has grown into one fine lady if I do say so myself. Happy 24th sweetie! May God continue to bless you and may all your dreams come true. Love ya!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
New church sign
They brought the new church sign yesterday. They pulled up right before we were leaving town. I looked at it in the back of the truck to make sure everything was spelled right. It looked pretty sharp (even though they didn't do it exactly like I had wanted - oh well). Hopefully they got it installed okay. I guess I'll find out in awhile.
I'm writing this in the lovely village of Buda, Illinois. Hard to imagine there is any prettier place on earth. We watched a little kids baseball game, visited with several of Jane's brothers, and saw some old friends. Tomorrow it's off on another adventure. Hopefully the parties aren't too crazy at our house. ;)
I'm writing this in the lovely village of Buda, Illinois. Hard to imagine there is any prettier place on earth. We watched a little kids baseball game, visited with several of Jane's brothers, and saw some old friends. Tomorrow it's off on another adventure. Hopefully the parties aren't too crazy at our house. ;)
Friday, June 05, 2009
Read a book in 10 minutes
Keith Drury has some helpful information in "How To Read A Book In 10 Minutes." This would probably be good for me to do more of again, as I have done this sort of thing in the past, but I tend to like to immerse myself in books now-a-days.
When I read a book now, I usually start by studying the front and back cover, reading the flaps (if there are any), reading through the content before the meat of the book (table of contents, forward, etc.), and anything at the end... then I'll start to read. I like to "get to know" the book, and the author too, if possible. This is very time-consuming, but... that's pretty much how I do it. It's also why I probably don't read as much as I used to.
I probably should do more of this quick reading again. It would help clear some of the books off of my "to-read" pile. But then I would just have to buy more...
When I read a book now, I usually start by studying the front and back cover, reading the flaps (if there are any), reading through the content before the meat of the book (table of contents, forward, etc.), and anything at the end... then I'll start to read. I like to "get to know" the book, and the author too, if possible. This is very time-consuming, but... that's pretty much how I do it. It's also why I probably don't read as much as I used to.
I probably should do more of this quick reading again. It would help clear some of the books off of my "to-read" pile. But then I would just have to buy more...
Mowing
I almost forgot... I mowed the yard yesterday. I don't know how long it took me, because I had to mow part of it in the morning, but I couldn't mow around the parking lot or driveway because they were resealing. So I did what I could, and then finished up at night. No biggy, as Thursdays I am on my own from early morning til late at night. Although last night was Jane's last Thursday class. She is off for a couple of months, and then one more year and she will be a college graduate (again. she already has one degree)!
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Resealed the parking lot
G & L (from just down the road) came and resealed the church parking lot and the parsonage driveway today. They probably spent more time filling cracks than the actual sealing, because there were lots of cracks. We need to remember to have it done again in maybe 3 years this time.They were supposed to start around 7 or 7:30. I have no idea because I wasn't hearing anything at that point. I think they got done sealing around 2 pm. They came back around 6 or so and re-striped it. They even re-did the basketball courts this time too. We should be able to drive on it tomorrow.
Still no new sign. I was hoping it might be here last week or this week. I suppose they're waiting for me to be gone.
At least I got a haircut
I actually have a written to-do list. But I'm not getting very much of it done. The fact that it rained the first 2 days of my vacation didn't help. I've also been just downright lazy. Haven't left the house too much even.
I did manage to get my haircut yesterday though. I almost forgot. I ended up going back to the Great Clips on Jefferson. I just couldn't bring myself to go to the $5.99 place, and the lady I used to go too - while I really liked her, and she was thorough as all get-out (she usually took about an hour; and I don't have that much hair), sometimes it just wasn't worth it. I know several people who would never dream of going to one of these walk-in hair places, and I can respect that. But I have such an anxiety about getting my haircut anyway, and it really has nothing to do with how it turns out, that I'm just not that particular. It seems no matter how it is cut, it never lays that way again once I walk out the door. So... whatever.
The biggest thing I hate about getting haircuts from people I've never met before though, is they will inevitably ask me, "So, what do you do?" And it's not that I'm embarrassed to say that I pastor a church... but I always feel like they then feel the need to give me a "pastorly" haircut. So I try to avoid it as long as possible; and yesterday I wore my Stevie Ray Vaughn t-shirt - just to kinda say, "I might be a pastor, but please don't stereotype me as what you might think a pastor ought to look like or be like." Which is probably a really terrible thing to say (or think), but... yeah, that's kinda how I am, I guess.
Well, today I was going to get up and mow the lawn, but they came to reseal our driveway and the church parking lot. So I should probably wait a little bit. It's hard to mow without getting grass clippings on either one. Oh well, it will be nice to have that done. We probably should have had it done last year or the year before. I think it's been 5 years; and it was due.
Other than that... just hanging out; trying to do as little as possible. You know, it's not as easy as you might think. Not quite like work, but...
peace out; and in.
I did manage to get my haircut yesterday though. I almost forgot. I ended up going back to the Great Clips on Jefferson. I just couldn't bring myself to go to the $5.99 place, and the lady I used to go too - while I really liked her, and she was thorough as all get-out (she usually took about an hour; and I don't have that much hair), sometimes it just wasn't worth it. I know several people who would never dream of going to one of these walk-in hair places, and I can respect that. But I have such an anxiety about getting my haircut anyway, and it really has nothing to do with how it turns out, that I'm just not that particular. It seems no matter how it is cut, it never lays that way again once I walk out the door. So... whatever.
The biggest thing I hate about getting haircuts from people I've never met before though, is they will inevitably ask me, "So, what do you do?" And it's not that I'm embarrassed to say that I pastor a church... but I always feel like they then feel the need to give me a "pastorly" haircut. So I try to avoid it as long as possible; and yesterday I wore my Stevie Ray Vaughn t-shirt - just to kinda say, "I might be a pastor, but please don't stereotype me as what you might think a pastor ought to look like or be like." Which is probably a really terrible thing to say (or think), but... yeah, that's kinda how I am, I guess.
Well, today I was going to get up and mow the lawn, but they came to reseal our driveway and the church parking lot. So I should probably wait a little bit. It's hard to mow without getting grass clippings on either one. Oh well, it will be nice to have that done. We probably should have had it done last year or the year before. I think it's been 5 years; and it was due.
Other than that... just hanging out; trying to do as little as possible. You know, it's not as easy as you might think. Not quite like work, but...
peace out; and in.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Bunny pics
Our little playboy has been getting friendlier and friendlier. Lately he's been hanging out by the back step quite a bit. Here are some pics taken through the glass (click on the pic to enlarge). I have never known a wild rabbit to hang around for so long.
7 keys to starting a movement
This is awesome. As they say, it will be the "best 3 minutes of your day."
Go here: http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/06/youre-bad-idea-may-start-a-movement/
Go here: http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/06/youre-bad-idea-may-start-a-movement/
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
On vacation
I am now officially on vacation for 2 weeks. I worked yesterday and got pretty much everything done that I intended to get done. It was nice to leave the office and see a fairly clean desk and not have any real big issues lingering over my head. Of course, being on vacation and sitting next door to the office doesn't remove it from my mind like sitting on the beach in Punta Cana might. I did open the church mail today; and checked email messages. But so far I have resisted checking phone messages (though I did figure out how to do that from a remote location).
I started off this vacation by calling the doctors office the minute they opened at 9 this morning. I really just had a question, but they said the doctor would need to see me to answer it, so... I drove over to South Anthony Boulevard and chatted with the doc for a bit. I'm still not dead yet.
And of course the article about the church pavilion came out in the newspaper today. It was actually a pretty good article - with 2 pictures even - and most of it was correct (though not all). I had asked if they could hold it until I was back from vacation, but I guess I was too late. So hopefully no one will call to book it for the next 3 weeks. It's in one of those free papers (The Ossian Sunriser), and even made the front page. The headline reads: "Yoder Church Offers Park As Way of Giving to Community." I don't think it's available anywhere on the internet.
Well, nothing much on the agenda. It's been raining most of the morning. Jane and I had planned to take in our first Tincaps game of the year tonight, but I don't think we'll go if it's still raining. Otherwise, the doctor told me I am supposed to "take it easy." No heavy lifting, no physical or mental exertion. So... who am I to argue with a doctor, you know. I think I'll have a bowl of cereal now. Frosted mini-wheats: Strawberry Delight. Mmm.
Peace out; and in.
I started off this vacation by calling the doctors office the minute they opened at 9 this morning. I really just had a question, but they said the doctor would need to see me to answer it, so... I drove over to South Anthony Boulevard and chatted with the doc for a bit. I'm still not dead yet.
And of course the article about the church pavilion came out in the newspaper today. It was actually a pretty good article - with 2 pictures even - and most of it was correct (though not all). I had asked if they could hold it until I was back from vacation, but I guess I was too late. So hopefully no one will call to book it for the next 3 weeks. It's in one of those free papers (The Ossian Sunriser), and even made the front page. The headline reads: "Yoder Church Offers Park As Way of Giving to Community." I don't think it's available anywhere on the internet.
Well, nothing much on the agenda. It's been raining most of the morning. Jane and I had planned to take in our first Tincaps game of the year tonight, but I don't think we'll go if it's still raining. Otherwise, the doctor told me I am supposed to "take it easy." No heavy lifting, no physical or mental exertion. So... who am I to argue with a doctor, you know. I think I'll have a bowl of cereal now. Frosted mini-wheats: Strawberry Delight. Mmm.
Peace out; and in.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Isaac turns 21
It's hard to believe our boy is 21 today. We went down to his house last night and took him his presents. We got him a french press coffee thing, some coffee, some cash, and we blew up this picture he took on their trip out west to 20"x30" and had it framed. We went to supper at Texas Roadhouse. Graham was putting together a dresser with the pink women's tool set they have.
Hope you have a happy birthday today, Bud. Have fun. Love ya.
Hope you have a happy birthday today, Bud. Have fun. Love ya.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)