Saturday, April 30, 2011
Pool is Open
Saturday--Pool Opening Day 2011
It is pool opening Saturday--something I forecast back in January, but almost decided to delay a week or two into May.
The weather is scheduled to be awesome.
The pump is already assembled and ops checked.
The water is clear and the desire is there.
Are you ready for some clear, cold water?
I certainly am. But unless the cover gets off the pool it is not going to get any warmer.
The opening of the pool ushers in the summertime season for all of us. It provides a true escape from the hastle of everyday life and I know the thought of falling into the pool after an especially log day at work often is the driving force for getting me successfully through the day.
Asleep on a floatie, a beer in my hand, baking in the afternoon sun.
Can it possibly get better than that?
BTW--today is the last day of April 2011. The year is 120 days old already. Where did it go?
The weather is scheduled to be awesome.
The pump is already assembled and ops checked.
The water is clear and the desire is there.
Are you ready for some clear, cold water?
I certainly am. But unless the cover gets off the pool it is not going to get any warmer.
The opening of the pool ushers in the summertime season for all of us. It provides a true escape from the hastle of everyday life and I know the thought of falling into the pool after an especially log day at work often is the driving force for getting me successfully through the day.
Asleep on a floatie, a beer in my hand, baking in the afternoon sun.
Can it possibly get better than that?
BTW--today is the last day of April 2011. The year is 120 days old already. Where did it go?
Friday, April 29, 2011
Storms
The past few days have seen some terrible weather across the eastern half of the United States.
I work with people who are keeping tabs on loved ones and friends in the south--specifically Alabama; and I also found out that a rare tornado hit in my hometown in upstate NY destroying the house of a family friend.
These are the times when the best of people come out.
The sense of community and caring for those who suffer loss.
I watched the news the other night from Missouri where the flooding is occurring--and thought of my sister who lives there--wondering how the flooding was affecting her.
The news is bad.
Wednesday evening we watched the news as it was tracking possible tornado laden storms across our area--within miles of Nicole and Mike's house.
We prayed then. We pray now.
And we offer assistance to those who are hardest hit by the severe weather.
Weather is one of those things that transcends life and places in perspective our daily work--it can all be changed in so short a time.
So help those who are afflicted by the severe weather--be it wind or flood or earthquake or tsunami.
Be a commmunity united to help .
I work with people who are keeping tabs on loved ones and friends in the south--specifically Alabama; and I also found out that a rare tornado hit in my hometown in upstate NY destroying the house of a family friend.
These are the times when the best of people come out.
The sense of community and caring for those who suffer loss.
I watched the news the other night from Missouri where the flooding is occurring--and thought of my sister who lives there--wondering how the flooding was affecting her.
The news is bad.
Wednesday evening we watched the news as it was tracking possible tornado laden storms across our area--within miles of Nicole and Mike's house.
We prayed then. We pray now.
And we offer assistance to those who are hardest hit by the severe weather.
Weather is one of those things that transcends life and places in perspective our daily work--it can all be changed in so short a time.
So help those who are afflicted by the severe weather--be it wind or flood or earthquake or tsunami.
Be a commmunity united to help .
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Birthers Fuss and Lose
President Obama released his birth certificate yesterday.
He was trying to hope the fuss would draw down and that no one would be unduly embarassed. But the fanatics wouldn't back down even in view of all of the evidence against their position.
They should have.
I like this quote for why he released the copy of the birth certificate:
"The president believed the distraction over his birth certificate wasn't good for the country," Pfeiffer said. "It may have been good politics and good (television), but it was bad for the American people and distracting from the many challenges we face as a country," according to CNN.
It was an issue with no possible happuy ending--except if the challengers has politely withdrawn before having the hard evidence used against them like a sludge hammer.
But alas--people will believe almost anything if they want it to be true.
I'm told some people believe the world is flat--because they clearly cannot see the curve on the horizon.
And the moon is made of green cheese, too.
And donkey's fly.
And Donald Trump has a chance of being president after making the following assertion: "Donald Trump recently seized on the issue, saying he had doubts about Obama's background." again according to CNN.
What a great way to invite the opponent in for a meal--
said the spider to the fly!
He was trying to hope the fuss would draw down and that no one would be unduly embarassed. But the fanatics wouldn't back down even in view of all of the evidence against their position.
They should have.
I like this quote for why he released the copy of the birth certificate:
"The president believed the distraction over his birth certificate wasn't good for the country," Pfeiffer said. "It may have been good politics and good (television), but it was bad for the American people and distracting from the many challenges we face as a country," according to CNN.
It was an issue with no possible happuy ending--except if the challengers has politely withdrawn before having the hard evidence used against them like a sludge hammer.
But alas--people will believe almost anything if they want it to be true.
I'm told some people believe the world is flat--because they clearly cannot see the curve on the horizon.
And the moon is made of green cheese, too.
And donkey's fly.
And Donald Trump has a chance of being president after making the following assertion: "Donald Trump recently seized on the issue, saying he had doubts about Obama's background." again according to CNN.
What a great way to invite the opponent in for a meal--
said the spider to the fly!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Standing in Line to Check Out
Pet peeve!
Everyday I go to the cafeteria for lunch. I am fortunate to have a very well stocked cafeteria so close to where I work and that it provides generally high quality food at a reasonable price.
Here's the rub: people who are at the cashier and it seems the first time they even think about paying for their food is when the cashier tells them how much.
And then--it dawns on them:
They need to get into their purse or wallet and find money--sorting through or over all kinds of obstacles while the line behind them right at the busiest lunch hour time grows longer.
And if fumbling around in their purse for their wallet isn't enough--then they decide they want to pay with exact change and start rummaging through the change purse for the elusive dime that isn't there.
And my lunch is getting cold.
And my frustration level is rising because I have my money in my hand ready for the cashier so a not to inconvenience the people behind me and subject them to my incompetence at finding money in my belongings.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity of watching the tragedy unfold in front of me, the transaction seems complete; except, now all of the belongings and purses need to be put away and heaven forbid if there was change involved--that too must be carefully put away at a pace likening the speed at which glaciers covered the land.
And my hot chili is now becoming so cold that I wonder if I should microwave it--but that would require getting out of line again.
So I step to the counter and hand my $5 bill at the cashier and smile pleasantly because I know it is not his or her fault that some people don't think about things in advance.
I say "Have a great day!" and I mean it because I'm sure they are as frustrated as I am at the scene which they witness countless times per day.
Everyday I go to the cafeteria for lunch. I am fortunate to have a very well stocked cafeteria so close to where I work and that it provides generally high quality food at a reasonable price.
Here's the rub: people who are at the cashier and it seems the first time they even think about paying for their food is when the cashier tells them how much.
And then--it dawns on them:
They need to get into their purse or wallet and find money--sorting through or over all kinds of obstacles while the line behind them right at the busiest lunch hour time grows longer.
And if fumbling around in their purse for their wallet isn't enough--then they decide they want to pay with exact change and start rummaging through the change purse for the elusive dime that isn't there.
And my lunch is getting cold.
And my frustration level is rising because I have my money in my hand ready for the cashier so a not to inconvenience the people behind me and subject them to my incompetence at finding money in my belongings.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity of watching the tragedy unfold in front of me, the transaction seems complete; except, now all of the belongings and purses need to be put away and heaven forbid if there was change involved--that too must be carefully put away at a pace likening the speed at which glaciers covered the land.
And my hot chili is now becoming so cold that I wonder if I should microwave it--but that would require getting out of line again.
So I step to the counter and hand my $5 bill at the cashier and smile pleasantly because I know it is not his or her fault that some people don't think about things in advance.
I say "Have a great day!" and I mean it because I'm sure they are as frustrated as I am at the scene which they witness countless times per day.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Losers Whine and Winners Win
Ugh! I hate it.
I suffered through an 11 inning game of baseball on Sunday afternoon (Easter Sunday) sandwiched around dinner, Easter Egg Hunts, and grand children only to see the O's come from behind to tie the game and then be robbed of the winning run in the bottom of the ninth--followed by a total defensive collapse to lose in the 11th.
And so I'm doing the loser whine.
I hate the thought of replay in baseball, but I have to think that it would help teams who have to play the Yankees and Red Sox get better calls on critical, game-turning plays.
In my mind, and that of many sports writers, Andino should have been ruled safe at the plate and the O's credited with a win over the Yankees.
But--it was not so.
Like A-rod's homerun last year to win a game after he had clearly struck out looking, teams like the Yankees get the breaks.
I have to assume noble intent on the part of the umpires--but how many more times time do I have to see obvious bad calls go against the Orioles before I can send a letter off to the commissioner of baseball with even a glimmer of hope that it would reach his desk.
It is bad enough that the payroll of the Yankees is over twice that of the O's--but to get seemingly all of the close calls as well? Come on. The Yankees don't need help to win--yet they seem to get it consistently.
Maybe there is a place for instant replay in baseball on more than just home runs. If only to ensure the playing field is truly "level" so to speak.
I suffered through an 11 inning game of baseball on Sunday afternoon (Easter Sunday) sandwiched around dinner, Easter Egg Hunts, and grand children only to see the O's come from behind to tie the game and then be robbed of the winning run in the bottom of the ninth--followed by a total defensive collapse to lose in the 11th.
And so I'm doing the loser whine.
I hate the thought of replay in baseball, but I have to think that it would help teams who have to play the Yankees and Red Sox get better calls on critical, game-turning plays.
In my mind, and that of many sports writers, Andino should have been ruled safe at the plate and the O's credited with a win over the Yankees.
But--it was not so.
Like A-rod's homerun last year to win a game after he had clearly struck out looking, teams like the Yankees get the breaks.
I have to assume noble intent on the part of the umpires--but how many more times time do I have to see obvious bad calls go against the Orioles before I can send a letter off to the commissioner of baseball with even a glimmer of hope that it would reach his desk.
It is bad enough that the payroll of the Yankees is over twice that of the O's--but to get seemingly all of the close calls as well? Come on. The Yankees don't need help to win--yet they seem to get it consistently.
Maybe there is a place for instant replay in baseball on more than just home runs. If only to ensure the playing field is truly "level" so to speak.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday Musings - April 25, 2011
1. Going back to work after a week away is hard. It gets harder every year it seems as I truly begin to evaluate the point at which I will no longer have to work at a job everyday to enjoy the life I desire.
2. The rain and gloom of stormy days makes the days of blue skies and sun more enjoyable.
3. Kids are fun to enjoy at Easter.
4. Easter Eggs Hunts can be very competitive.
5. Where did you go over Spring Break? I spent a week in exotic Elkridge. It sure isn't Napa.
6. I've heard about sta-cations--where people vacation at home. I think I've just completed a wor-sta-cation where I worked my tail off staying at home for a week!
7. Riordan has been back from his walk-about for over a week now--and we are still paranoid about his disappearances around the house. The other day we could not find him in his usual spots and nearly called 9-1-1. We did find him sleeping peacefully under the covers--yes under the covers, on one of the guest beds.
8. Chaos. That's what happens when a freak thunderstorm pops up in the middle of an Easter Egg Hunt. I know there are still some eggs out there waiting to be found.
9. I'm reading a new book which theorizes that the Last Supper actually occurred on Wednesday rather than the more traditionally held Thursday of Holy Week. I know that some time ago, when I looked at the the gospels in detail that I felt much the same--there was too much stuff happening between sundown Thursday and 9 AM Friday for it all to work. The book is titled: The Mystery of the Last Supper and it is written by Colin J. Humphreys.
2. The rain and gloom of stormy days makes the days of blue skies and sun more enjoyable.
3. Kids are fun to enjoy at Easter.
4. Easter Eggs Hunts can be very competitive.
5. Where did you go over Spring Break? I spent a week in exotic Elkridge. It sure isn't Napa.
 |
| Happy Easter 2011 |
7. Riordan has been back from his walk-about for over a week now--and we are still paranoid about his disappearances around the house. The other day we could not find him in his usual spots and nearly called 9-1-1. We did find him sleeping peacefully under the covers--yes under the covers, on one of the guest beds.
8. Chaos. That's what happens when a freak thunderstorm pops up in the middle of an Easter Egg Hunt. I know there are still some eggs out there waiting to be found.
9. I'm reading a new book which theorizes that the Last Supper actually occurred on Wednesday rather than the more traditionally held Thursday of Holy Week. I know that some time ago, when I looked at the the gospels in detail that I felt much the same--there was too much stuff happening between sundown Thursday and 9 AM Friday for it all to work. The book is titled: The Mystery of the Last Supper and it is written by Colin J. Humphreys.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter 2011
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| Easter Lily in front of the Fireplace |
He is Risen.
Tell everyone.
Don't let the moment slip away--it hasn't happened before nor since.
It is truly special--and upon this one event, everything hinges.
Some say that Christianity is too rigid--because we believe that it is our way or the highway.
Show me a belief system that isn't.
Muslims kill infidels.At least Christians aren't doing that much anymore.
Hindus and Buddhists profess their way is the only way, too.
I think it is the inherent definition of a belief system/religion to be somewhat exclusive.
Ah, but I forget--we live in a country where first and foremost everyone believes that their way is right and that when confronted with the idea that they aren't right about something, they continue to believe they are right despite the evidence.
There is an advocate for everything--no matter how hokey.
I'm an advocate for the Risen Son.
Take that world!
Deny it all you wish--try to find a hole in the history--it hasn't happened yet.
It is not there.
Jesus rose from dead--by himself.
No one before, nor since has done that.
The God who came to us in Christmas is the God who redeemed us at Easter and desires a personal relationship with us every day. He wants a personal relationship with us so greatly, that he died for us.
Happy Easter. This is where the story didn't end--but where it began again.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Spring clean-up
I love heading off to the dump with stuff that no longer needs to be around the house.
Actually, I don't like to actually dump the stuff, but rather I prefer to recycle it all. Our dump is truly a recycling center and the over whelming majority of what I take there is recycled.
The other day, I was able to take a huge couple of truck loads of branches to the center to be recycled into mulch. I had my truck piled as high as I ever had it during those runs--but I was able to remove the stuff in two big loads.
I have also enjoyed using my chain saw--and although I now own five blades for it, I now know where to get them sharpened both conveniently and inexpensively. So I actually have three sharp blades and two dull ones right now--look out trees--you are gonna wish I wasn't armed and considered dangerous!
Actually, there is almost no harder tool to use than a dull chain saw. Think about it.
Chris has been working her tail off too. I am very pleased with the amount of work we have accomplished so far--but with a house and yard--it seems there is always something more to do out there.
The other day, I was able to take a huge couple of truck loads of branches to the center to be recycled into mulch. I had my truck piled as high as I ever had it during those runs--but I was able to remove the stuff in two big loads.
I have also enjoyed using my chain saw--and although I now own five blades for it, I now know where to get them sharpened both conveniently and inexpensively. So I actually have three sharp blades and two dull ones right now--look out trees--you are gonna wish I wasn't armed and considered dangerous!
Actually, there is almost no harder tool to use than a dull chain saw. Think about it.
Chris has been working her tail off too. I am very pleased with the amount of work we have accomplished so far--but with a house and yard--it seems there is always something more to do out there.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Watching the World Turn Green
I have been far more aware this year of the greening of the landscape.
I notice every day how the trees have gone from bare, to the reds of the leaf buds and now to the light greens of the newly growing leaves.
Mixed among the multitude of flowering trees, they provide a peaceful, yes, bucolic setting.
Chris reminds me every time I mention how green everything is getting, that I've said that before.
But it is true--I never really noticed the progression before, maybe it is just because I never really took the time to notice the progression of the season. It always seemed like one day it was bare winter-ravaged landscape, the next it was blooms, leaves, and spring.
This year, I am enjoying it more.
Watching the rebirth.
The colors which rival the autumn which everyone seems to appreciate so much.
I think the colors of renewal are far more exciting that the colorful robed trees that usher in the season of winter.
But, that's just me.
I'm enjoying it all--and the smells of the springtime too--the blooms on the breeze and the smell of freshly mowed grass.
I notice every day how the trees have gone from bare, to the reds of the leaf buds and now to the light greens of the newly growing leaves.
Mixed among the multitude of flowering trees, they provide a peaceful, yes, bucolic setting.
Chris reminds me every time I mention how green everything is getting, that I've said that before.
But it is true--I never really noticed the progression before, maybe it is just because I never really took the time to notice the progression of the season. It always seemed like one day it was bare winter-ravaged landscape, the next it was blooms, leaves, and spring.
This year, I am enjoying it more.
Watching the rebirth.
The colors which rival the autumn which everyone seems to appreciate so much.
I think the colors of renewal are far more exciting that the colorful robed trees that usher in the season of winter.
But, that's just me.
I'm enjoying it all--and the smells of the springtime too--the blooms on the breeze and the smell of freshly mowed grass.
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