Jupiter Island Beach Saving Wildlife

If you've never seen seagulls drive a school of small fish up onto a beach, it is a sight to see--especially if you are with Chris whoc firmly believes every animal is worth saving. So here the family is on Wednesday Jylu 29th tossing small fish back into the ocean to be eaten another day.

OK, I probably shouldn't say that.

She has a big heart and passes that on to everyone around her.

We chased the gulls off and started the rescue effort. I can say that all some hundred of the small fish were returned to the ocean. The gulls--were not amused. They went further down the beach and did it again to the school--which was huge. Chris didn't seem to notice this transgression however.

We drove to Jupiter to do some snorkeling. Note to self--according to the dive shop I visited, there is no snorkeling or diving in the waters off Cocoa Beach. The visibility is just too bad.

So off to Jupiter we went to snorkel in familiar waters. Although the visibility wasn't that good, we did get in some quality snorkeling.

Jupiter is always good for the small fishes that love ot hang out in the rocks off shore. Usually there is a big predator hanging around--barracuda, nurse shark, or tarpon--but today and probably because of the low visability we didn't see any.

But let's face, a bad day snorkeling or diving is still better than a day at work! Hey, and this is still vacation.

Vacation Pictures 1

Anyone who really knows me, knows that I love the ocean and the waves pounding against the sand.

Cocoa Beach, July 28, 2009 found the waves especially fun to watch and wade out into.

I snapped this picture to remind me of the waves, and the sound of the ocean as the waves roll in.

Yeah--it probably isn't anythigng to write home about or will it win any awards--but I was there and I remember the day, and the sun, and the white foam.

If this is Tuesday, it must be Beach Day

Staying in a place withing mere feet of the ocean is unbeatable. Long walks on the beach at night, or during the day, or even playing on the beach becomes easy--and almost something taken for granted.

It is easy and fun.

The beach is so close it takes almost no planning, because if you forget something--it is a short walk to retrieve it.

And if you like the animal life at the sea shore--well you can get there early enough to enjoy that, too.

It is so nice to get out to the beach while it is still fairly devoid of other humans, because the animals are still in the area.

The beaches at Cocoa Beach have a lot more people on them than the ones in Jupiter do. We had gotten used to having entire beaches to ourselves, so the thought of sharing the beach with hundreds of our closest friends is something a bit foreign to us.

But, hey, it's all good.

Sun, fun, beach, and the ubiquitous sand.

What's the Captain Doing?

OK--so one of the unique experiences about sailing is that someone always needs to be at the helm.

Not for the scary question of the day--if the captain is on the bow, who has the helm?

OMG we are outta control!

But it all worked out OK. I held the ship steady and until the captain could resume his rightful place.

And our three hour tour didn't end like that of the Minnow. And it was longer than three hours, too.

Hart & McGarry 2005 Merlot - Review

This Napa Valley wine was recommended to me by my favorite wine person at the ABC Liquor Store in Jupiter, Florida because I was looking for a good Merlot.

I know--merlot's are passe, right? Not true.

This merlot is well worth seeking out. It is very smooth and has a very inviting bouquet which immediately invites you deep into the rich color of the wine for a special experience. The smells of dark berries begins the experience. Once in the mouth there is the pleasing taste of black current and cherries which start forward and then continue across the palette for a smooth and lingering finish.

This is a complete smooth and pleasing wine. I highly recommend it--especially if you are looking for a red that is different from the usual run cabernet sauvingnion or shiraz that are so popular. I know merlot is unpopular right now--but try this one.

Recommendation: Try it. At $15 per bottle it is a great wine for the value.

Monday Musings - July 27, 2009

1. Vacations in new places are an awesome way to explore the country and find new places to think about returning to.

2. OK--I learned something about Key West--I always thought I would like to live there, but now I know I'd like to live there.

3. How crazy is it to love heading miles out into the ocean in a small boat just to jump off it and slip below the surface? Kinda like jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft. But swimming with the fishes is great.

4. Getting away from work and the demands of everyday life is the recipe to rejuvenate the thought processes.

5. Ever notice in a society that there are always those people hanging around who just want to tear down without offering a constructive solution? Think about the emails you get on a regular basis from people who are trying to destroy rather than build up? What's up with that?

6. The sound of waves against a beach is one of the most relaxing sounds I can think of.

7. I wish I was better with a camera so I could capture more of what my mind sees rather than what is really there.

8. Wanna get away?

9. Blue water, good friends, a boat under full sail--what could be better than that?

Cocoa Beach Day 1 - July 26

A day near the beach is awesome.

Today was, therefore, awesome.

after arriving yesterday we could never have imagined the fun we would have today on the beach with "da boys!"

The waves here are something--not huge but very regular and some are big. The beach is broad and wide with very fine sand. It is great for playing and walking on.

We are a short walk from the beach--actually the condo complex is right on the beach. We can see the beach from the windows of the condo and watch the weather come in over the ocean or from over the land.

Well--it is a vacation and someone has to do it.

Everyone Needs a Happy Place

While out for lunch on Islamorada, we ran across this setting.

Awesome. I love having a happy place to go to in my mind when life starts crashing down around me.

I would propose this as a nice spot to stop and rest.

Blue sky, tropic setting, and a bit of solitude--except for the someone special you invited along with you.


Try it.

Take a deep breath and pause for a minute to imagine it all.

If this is Sunday, I must be in Cocoa Beach

The whirlwind vacation of Florida continues with stop three: Cocoa Beach.

We departed Key West yesterday morning and after a short stop at the Ft Lauderdale airport we continued on to Cocoa Beach.

It was sad to say good-bye to Pennie and Scott after a great week in Key West--we had a lot of fun and some great new experiences.

Sailing was one of the highlights. A day on the water at the mercy of the wind and waves. OK--the boat had a motor which was good too since the winds were very light. But it was a blast. It was weird to lay in bed at night after sailing and still experience the gentle rocking of the boat due to the magnificence of the inner ear's ability to stabilize almost anywhere.

Of all the days do far in Florida--yesterday was weather wise the worst--it rained on us almost all day as we drove up the coast. Who knew it was so far from Key West to Cocoa Beach. By the time it was done it was an all day affair. We departed Key West about 10AM and arrived in Cocoa Beach about 5:30 PM.

So now I am back, where my vacation began watching the space shuttle launch. And I am looking forward to a great week with Mike, Nicole and the boys. We've already been out on the beach and now we are ready to rock and roll.

The sun is shining again, the boys are up. Bring on the sand and the sun.

Diving the Vandenberg

Well I actually accomplished one of my big goals for this vacation. I was able to dive the USNS Hoyt S. Vandenberg. The Vandenberg was sunk as an artificial reef about 6 miles off Key West in May 2009--so it is a real new wreck. There isn't a lot of sea life taking residence yet. But, that's not why I wanted to dive the wreck.

I wanted to dive the Vandenberg for the history and to remember a good friend who used to be deployed on it.

But enough of that--the dive was awesome. I had a chance to chat with the dive master on the way out and he did a couple things to make my dive rally special--like taking me over the side to get the picture of the name of the ship on the side. That is normally a bit deep for the usual dive--but it was really cool flipping off the deck along the bow to take the inages of the name, just hovering there with my camera.

Visibility wasn't all that good--but it was still a most awesome dive.

The descent was easy down the line and there was no current--which made the dive easier. The American Flag was not unfurled--meaning no current.

The Vandenberg's most recent claim to fame was a starring role in the movie: Virus. So I guess I need to rent that. There is some Cyrillic writing in places on the ship which supported the filming of the movie.

I had watched some of the videos of the sinking of the Vandenberg and I always felt that the tracking dishes probably wouldn't survive in place--and it is true--the dish has been pulled off its base and is laying on the side if the ship. I spent some time trying to get a good picture of it--but the poor visibility got the better of me.

But--a great day and a great dive. And, if you are thinking of diving the Vandenberg, I highly recommend Bonsai Diving.

There is no better way to spend a day than slipping below the surface of the ocean to see the treasures below,

Hemmingway House

It has truly been a busy week and we really started it off with a bang on Sunday with a visit to the Hemingway House.

The house is located away from the center of the action, but yet a short walk from where it is happening. It is in a nice neighborhood and has been restored to the condition that it was when Hemmingway lived there.

The house is a museum and one of the unique features is the cats which live and thrive there. There are 44 cats currently living there and they are all descended from a single cat and many are six toed cats.

The house is from the 1800's and is a snapshot of life in Key West in the 1930's. The grounds are well kept and the tour is a definite plus. The tour book says to plan on at least 30 minutes--but in reality you need at least an hour to fully appreciate the entirety of the museum and home. It is chock full of artifacts and memorabilia. Who knew that Hemmingway was decorated with a Bronze Star during World War 2?

Recommendation: A definite place to visit and enjoy. If you appreciate Hemmingway--all the better.

Bells & Whistles 2003: Review

St Marys winery in Penola, Australia has fashioned a good blend of cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, and cabernet franc in its 2003 Bells & Whistles.

The wine is a fine blend and a good table wine. It bristles with fruitiness and warm flavors on the dry side of life. The wine has very good color and the nose is excellent right from the bottle.

The wine is a good middle of the road wine. It is very good by itself with cheese and crackers and also stands well on its own with a meaty dish.

Recommendation: A solid wine for something different. At $17 it probably isn't worthy of a standard house table wine---but its versatility bodes well for being in the wine rack for occasions.

Blue Heaven Restaurant Review

Dinner at the Blue Heaven Restaurant in Key West was an exciting experience.

Although the address is Thomas Street, the entrance is really around the corner on Petronia Street.

The atmosphere includes dining outside under large palms and in a courtyard setting complete with cats and chickens. It is fun and creative as well as relaxing. There is something for everyone here. I did enjoy watching the chickens run across the roof of the building--how did they get up there?

The food was excellent. The wine list is extensive and has something for everyone. The menu is not inexpensive--if you are looking for entrees in the less than $20 range--go elsewhere. But if you enjoy good moderately prices food--eat here. I had the scallops and they were fantastic. The portions are large and filling-so you won't leave hungry.

One of the specialties seems to be the Key Lime Pie which comes piled with a mountain of meringue. Not my idea of the perfect Key Lime pie--but a very interesting version which is something to admire--how high the meringue is piled.

Recommendation: Go there. Enjoy the dinner and the experience. Plan to spend some time to experience everything the Blue Heaven has to offer.

Wow am I getting sunburned

Two days and just a short time in the water and I have managed to get sunburned--even though I was applying sunscreen.

But it was all worth it. Snorkeling two days in a row in two different places! Wow.
Today was great tough. We rented and Scott captained a 43 foot sailboat and we took off on our own only with a GPS and some vague directions to a reef. It all worked.

Of course the day began by getting rear ended by a local. Ugh! All because a bicyclist was riding in the middle of my lane, towards me, and I had to stop in order to avoid making him a hood ornament. Fortunately, our vehicle only have a few scratches--the other car though, the whole grille is gone.

But the boat was fabulous. The sailing was all the fun. We tied up at the reef and swam about 300 feet out to the reef for snorkeling--but the visibility was not all that great--call it 18-20 feet. The visibility affected the fish too--at one point Chris and I swam up on and surprised a barracuda. We were all surprised--the fish too. I didn't get a good picture of him before he swam off.

I am learning how to use my underwater camera, too. Like make sure all the water is off the lens before shooting pictures on land--or above the water. Of course, it didn't help that I was treading water while shooting.

A Day in the Dry Tortugas

OK--what a fabulous day! And I got to use my Father's Day present for real, too! And this was just snorkeling, I wasn't even diving.

We took a fast catamaran down to the Dry Tortugas some 70 miles away from Key West. The trip took two hours and fifteen minutes each way.

The tour of Fort Jefferson was fabulous, but the snorkeling was even more awesome. We saw one seemingly sea of small fish which undulated in the current and through which tarpon and other fish swam. They were beautiful to look at and enjoy.

The sights were just beautiful.

It was some of the best two hours of snorkeling that I have enjoyed. I would go back in an instant!

History, snorkeling--who could ask for more?

Jose's Cantina, Key West: Review

Based upon a recommendation from Urbanspoon, we sallied out to Jose's Cantina on White Street for some Cuban food last evening.

And we were not disappointed.

the atmosphere of a small, family friendly place just could not be beat. And the food was magnificent. I had the pepper steak and it was both tender and spiced to perfection. They also make their own sangria--and it is something really special.

The menu has something for everyone. Seafood, non-seafood, whatever you are looking for. And the service was personal and friendly. The atmosphere was family oriented--not an expensive place, but wholesome. You get the sense that the people working there, eat there too!

Recommendation: A definite place to eat and enjoy. Prices are moderate but not inexpensive. Service was good.

Monday Musings - July 20, 2009

1. 40 years ago today man first walked on the Moon. Although I know it is politically incorrect, I sure am glad that he was an American! In fact--forty years later, the only humans to have walked on the Moon were all Americans!

2. Why is it that the slowest car on the road gets in front of you on a two lane road with no passing zones?

3. Some hotels have terrible service, poor maintenance, but a great location and they stay in business. It is all about location, location, location. So I'm saying, don't stay in the Lauderdale Beach Hotel in Lauderdale by the Sea--unless you want an affordable place where you can walk out the door, turn right and be on the beach!

4. Ever notice how traffic signs in unfamiliar places sometimes make no sense?

5. The Fort Lauderdale airport parking situation is the most confusing, counter intuitive situation I have ever had the misfortune of trying to navigate.

6. Key West is a hopping town on a Saturday night!

7. Nothing lowers blood pressure and stress levels faster than a walk on the beach in the morning.

8. Little known fact: there are a lot of roosters (as in male chickens) in Key West. They all seem to have an intuitive grasp of dawn. And many of them live right outside the condo we rented. Alarms clocks are, therefore, unnecessary.

9. Chris likes cats. She wants to adopt one in the neighborhood. Meaning she wants to bring another stray home.

Sights on the Beach to Avoid--2009

OK--here it is again this year. Some incredible sights we saw on the beach which we definitely need to avoid. Like the one here--I agree with Michael--they should not sell bikinis in sizes greater than 16. This was something special. We really could not believe this.

But for the women in the crowd--there was George of the Jungle. Who let this guy on the beach? Unbelievable. I don't even want to speculate as to what he is trying to show off. Ugh! Get a life.

OK--for beach wear--modesty is important and be aware of your personal limitations.

Florida Vacation 2009 Day 3: Jupiter

A beautiful day to begin day 3 on the beach at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. We walked in the morning and the bright warm sunlight to begin the day 3. The water was clear--you could see all the way to the bottom even with the water up to your neck.

It was fun to watch the smallish fish congregate around my legs and occasionally bump into me. A certain member of the team doesn't like this feeling and won't stay in the water when the fish show up.

Today was also the day we chose to visit friends--Fran and Mary, in Jupiter. It was an hour long drive made longer by a detour to repair a bad rim on one of my tires. Yes--my rim was corroded and not sealing against the valve stem--so the tire was losing air. At one point it looked as if we needed a replacement rim--but the Firestone dealer did a masterful job filing off the burr and not toasting the existing rim. So we were back on the road after a while.

Upon arriving in Jupiter we went to our favorite beach on Jupiter Island and did some snorkeling. It was the best snorkeling in this area in about three years. The water again was very clear and warm. I believe it is because there have not been any hurricanes yet this season. the big sighting of the day was a good sized barracuda. But the amount of life present was reassuring after two years of decline. There was an abundance of urchins and I even saw a lobster. I was looking for sharks--but didn't find one.

After some quality time on the beach, we cleaned up and went off to a new restaurant: Guanabanas Restaurant and Island Bar. What a great place. I highly recommend it. It is truly a tropical paradise and the place was fantastic. They have carved a tropical island right in Jupiter. I have never seen a restaurant motif like this before--heavy tropical.

Our drive back to Fort Lauderdale seemed endless with the storms, accidents, and traffic. I-95 north was closed at one place for a fatality accident. Thankfully, we were headed south, but the rubberneckers still created a 5-mile long traffic jam.

Back at the hotel we relaxed and then went out for a walk and wound up in the middle of a street concert. The music was a mixture of jazz and some blues and was very nicely performed. A huge thunderstorm was developing though and the lightning was fabulous. Chris took her camera and tried to get some pictures of light show--with some success.

So now we're sitting in the hotel catching up on the blogging and getting ready for our exciting trek to Key West tomorrow with Pennie and Scott.

Florida Vacation Day 1 and 2

Wow--we have been having some fun already on our vacation.

We departed early on Wednesday to drive to South Florida--a good decision because we were through even Richmond before the morning rush hour. That meant--no driving problems in Virginia!

The drive was uneventful--well at least until we got to the vicinity of Cocoa Beach and realized that the space shuttle was going to launch within an hour. So we detoured! And what a great decision that was. It was cool to see all of the people who still line the causeways to watch launches. And not just Americans. But it was great with people lining the road on both sides to get a view of the launch. There was a great atmosphere as we listened to the radio from one car of the countdown and the excitement built as we all realized that today was the day and we were going to actually see a launch!

All in all we were delayed about two hours in getting to Fort Lauderdale--but it was well worth it.

Day 2 was a very relaxing day which included a long morning on the beach--we are in a hotel right on the beach! The water is warm and clear and we are having a great time. We did some exploring of the area and found a Bubba Gump Shrimp where we ultimately ate dinner.

And day three is at hand--what new excitement in in store?

Pool SCUBA

You learn a lot about things when you get a chance to examine them closely.

Take my pool, for example.

It is really tough to examine the pool on a normal day. The water gets in the way.

So on Saturday, when I was checking out my scuba gear, I did some inspection of the pool. I would like to say it was fun--but what I discovered is an aging pool that has seen a lot of fun. There are cracks developing which may, sometime in the future need to be addressed.

But that said--it was fun playing with the tools on the bottom.

And of course, my new, improved, good to 200 feet below surface camera. I will never go that far down, so it really isn't a problem.

I got used to the camera and some of the new gear I've acquired, so I should feel really comfortable in the water. I am so looking forward to the next two weeks of snorkeling and diving, and of course the sitting on the beach doing nothing.

Monday Musings - July 13, 2009

1. Amid the peace and quiet of life--there were dogs. Six of them before the weekend was out. And boy do some of them poop. And the geriatric dog of the group fell into the pool requiring rescue.

2. I loved scuba diving in the pool. I got to try out my new gear before actually using it for real and I will be much more relaxed since I am comfortable with my gear and my camera. I was also surprised how little weight I need carry--which is a good thing for control.

3. The weeks before a longish vacation is the worst--all of the planning and preparation come to a head and the panic begins to set in. I guess we need to get really tight before we can unwind.

4. Taking pictures of stuff on the bottom of the pool with my camera was fun--but still life's of screwdrivers and pool return covers are not really interesting.

5. Hot summer Sundays are great for napping on a floatie in the pool and watching a ballgame with the sons. Especially when the O's decide to win!

6. Fruit in the summer. Hmmmm, let me see.

7. Now that the car is back from the repair shop after the accident, you remember how much you really appreciate what you have.

8. I hate it when, the weekend before we are getting ready to drive to Florida, that I discover the vehicle we are taking needs new tires!

9. I wonder why my insurance company makes me print new insurance cards every six months. Like--where else am I going to go?

Pools, Sun, Summer, and Fun

An amazing thing happened the other day as I got home from work! My wife was poolside with her new snorkeling mask trying it out before we got to Key West. That was fortunate because when the new lenses were installed, one of them leaked. Yes, we have old eyes and have had bifocal lenses installed in our masks. I am looking forward to actually being able to see to operate my new camera underwater.

But--an amazing thing? Yup--you bet. She was home and poolside. Being home is a rare event. Being poolside even rarer.

I just love summer days. What better reason do you need for getting to the pool? Or the ocean?

Just the heat of it.

And now, as we are entering the final frenetic stages of preparing for vacation--we have a lot to do to get ready and make the upcoming two-and-a-half weeks a success.

It should be fun, I think. But hey--it is summer. Relax. Sit back. Have a sip of a drink with a little umbrella in it. Get sand everywhere!

The Proposal: A Review

So I was dragged off Sunday afternoon after driving for over six hours to see a "chick flick" pretty much against my will. Gag me--how could I possibly want to see a movie like this after seeing the summer's biggest action flick so far?

But, I was surprised. This "its been done before" movie starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds was entertaining. I say, "its been done before" because the plot is about two people who can't stand each other and are getting married to help one of them remain in the country. And yes--by the end of the movie they fall in love. Its been done! Nothing new here except that the acting is really very good and the humor is fresh.

The new part is the wilderness setting of Sitka, Alaska and some really good acting by Betty White who plays the part of an off-beat grandmother. She is really very funny and works extremely well with both Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

I actually thought the white puppy almost stole the whole movie--but then I do have a soft spot in my heart for dogs.

The plot is predictable and the acting is good but not great. The situations range from the believable to the wacky--especially one where Betty White is dancing around a fire in the woods. But like an enjoyable meal that you've had before, it all seems to come together for a surprisingly funny, touching, and well paced movie. It was a good way to spend a couple of hours.

RECOMMENDATION: Guys, if you haven't punched your chick flick ticket lately--choose this one. You will laugh and probably enjoy yourself. Be cautious however--your date may actually think you like chick flicks if you show too much enthusiasm. Overall--the movie was good entertainment and probably worth two hours, especially when wrapped around dinner. (But please, don't let my wife know!)

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Review

You haven't seen it yet? Why?

This movie is a lot of fun and it is fast paced. The plot is thin--but who cares. It is a summertime movie designed to entertain--and entertain it does.

The acting is not great, but the action is nearly non-stop.

The critics hate it and the public loves it. Why? Because the movie does not take itself too seriously. It is a fun, summer, action movie. End of story. It has drama, action, enough of a plot to hang the action around and is a great recruiting movie for the U.S. military.

The movie stars Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox. A college freshman and his girl friend, drawing upon the relationships established during the first Transformers movie with the Autobots, are called on to save the human race and the solar system from certain destruction by the Decepticons. There is an interesting piece with ancient Egypt which allows the storyline to develop. Even though it is an action movie--all of the pieces fit together. Although the movie is a bit long, I do not know what I would cut out to shorten it. Perhaps some of the scenes at college near the beginning were a bit gratuitous. But there is good humor and interplay between the characters.

The movie had a bit for everyone. I saw the movie with a four-year old and he loved the Transformers every time they were on screen. The older boys enjoyed the easy looks of Megan Fox when she was on the screen. There is humor--some of it too sexually oriented for many of the younger crowd which will want to see the movie. But the movie is perfect for the pre-teen crowd and those of us who never grew up.

RECOMMENDATION: See the movie. Enjoy it for what it is. It will not win any academy awards, but it is a blockbuster and if you are in the mood for fun and action--see the movie. Be advised--there are some sexually suggestive jokes and scenes which may not be appropriate for the very young crowd. The action can be intense, again, not good for the very young crowd.

Monday Musings - July 6, 2009

1. The 4th of July is a lot of fun--especially when it is warm! I had the pleasure of watching fireworks in Ithaca and Groton in the cold and rain! But it was still nice.

2. Almost everyone driving on the roads during holiday weekends are intent on getting to their destination safely--the problem is that some of them have a higher tolerance for risk than the majority.

3. Traffic jams are a fact of life.

4. When you constantly travel at 90mph with your hair on fire, it is good to run out of gas and cool off.

5. New York State wines are fun to taste--but the winemakers need to remain within the growing climate of the region to produce good wine.

6. Puppies can be a lot of fun in a car on a long trip. Makayla was good--but she got bored. So did I, and I was driving.

7. Really? Do I really think we can still do 16 hours in a car from Baltimore to Jupiter? Ugh!

8. Safety Note: If your ceiling fan begins to click and shoot sparks, get it looked at. I fixed one this weekend which was a fire looking for a place to happen.

9. Office picnics are good for everyone to get out together and relax--even when the boss is around.

10. Vacation! It is not just a place, but a state of mind.

Life and Death--A Week of Rememberance

Last week was one of those really weird weeks--where some really sobering things happened that remind me of the transient nature of our life on this planet.

To start off, the husband of a coworker died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack over the weekend. They had just (within the past two weeks) taken possession of the dream house they had built! He officially died on Father's Day. His memorial service was attended by hundreds of stunned mourners who celebrated a full, yet shortened life. His youngest had just graduated from college and there was so much of life ahead of him as he and his wife headed into their new home to start another chapter of life--he was clearly a hero to his family and everyone who attended the memorial service.

That was followed by the father of one of our good friends with whom we spend many
Friday nights drinking wine dying somewhat unexpectedly as well--on Father's Day. His funeral was sparsely attended this man was a hero, too--decorated with two Bronze Stars during World War II and who had fought gallantly in the Battle of the Bulge. He was laid to rest with military honors and a mournful bugle playing Taps.

Two deaths--two memorial services (both on Saturday and scheduled far enough apart so I could attend both). And of course the shock and sadness at the suddenness. Two heroes in very different periods of their lives.

Wow--it was sobering.

We started a series on the Psalms at church--and the Psalm for this week was Psalm 51--which is really pretty applicable to this weeks activity. The first 11 verses speak to me.

51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love!
Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts!
51:2 Wash away my wrongdoing!
Cleanse me of my sin!
51:3 For I am aware of my rebellious acts;
I am forever conscious of my sin.
51:4 Against you – you above all – I have sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
So you are just when you confront me;
you are right when you condemn me.
51:5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth,
a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.
51:6 Look, you desire integrity in the inner man;
you want me to possess wisdom.
51:7 Sprinkle me with water and I will be pure;
wash me and I will be whiter than snow.
51:8 Grant me the ultimate joy of being forgiven!
May the bones you crushed rejoice!
51:9 Hide your face from my sins!
Wipe away all my guilt!
51:10 Create for me a pure heart, O God!
Renew a resolute spirit within me!
51:11 Do not reject me!
Do not take your Holy Spirit away from me!

Create in me a pure heart, O God

Renew a right spirit with in me

Cast me not away from your presence

And take not your Holy Spirit from me

A prayer that I have learned many years ago comes from this Psalm and it really hits home during a time like this.

Don't let the sun set without telling you loved ones that you love them. And say it out loud: "I love you!" When your candle is extinguished at the end of life on this earth, it will mean so much more to those who are left behind. It is something to hold onto!

Monday Musings - June 29, 2009

1. Another week has whisked away into the places where we can never change it--I wonder what was so important about last week?

2. Not a recommended way to end a week: 1 viewing on Friday and 2 funerals on Saturday with just enough time in between to get from one to the other.

3. The pool is relaxing.

4. I love baseball, summer, and swimming

5. We all need to pause for a while and reevaluate where we're headed every so often.

6. Sunday afternoons are best reserved for family--I know why God rested on the seventh day.

7. Try not to be so concerned about where you are headed that you forget to enjoy where you are.

8. There are a lot of half truths out there--be sure to verify what people tell you before acting.

9. Despite my advice about not thinking too much about what's coming at the expense of what is happening now--I am real excited about my upcoming Florida vacation.

Monday Musings - June 22, 2009

1. Rain is depressing when you have so many outdoor things to do and enjoy.

2. It is summer! Don't spend so much time wishing you were on vacation that you forget to enjoy each day. Labor Day will be here way too soon and I don't want to look back on the summer and say--where did it all go?

3. Sodas for the weekend: $20.
Heating the pool so we can be in it and not freeze: $600 (so far)
Having Ethan jump off the diving board into my arms for hours at a time: Priceless

4. Enjoy life while you can--it can be gone quickly.

5. Father's Day--family and fun. Sitting with everyone assembled in a local restaurant is a great way to celebrate the day. Thanks all.

6. Having my dog sleep at my feet reminds me how much I have missed having a dog. There is something really cool about being accepted as a member of the pack.

7. Seeing the first firefly of the year on the last night of springtime brings back memories of chasing them outside when I was a kid.

8. How crazy is it that one of the things I love most is to jump off a small boat in the middle of the ocean and then go below the surface. And now I have a camera to show everyone what I saw down there.

9. What if the burgers and fries weren't? But they were really cookies in disguise. How fun would that be? Ask Nicole.

Tight Money and the 4th of July

One of the headlines in the Washington Post this morning was about towns canceling their annual fireworks celebrations due to lack of funding.


I remember, not too many years ago, when we were living north of Pittsburgh and were driving home along the Ohio River on the 4th after going to a local fireworks display. We actually stopped along side the river to watch the numerous fireworks displays which could be seen from our vantage point up and down the river. It was a beautiful sight and reminded us of our freedom and the way we Americans pride ourselves in celebrating our nation's birth.


What a sad point we have gotten to in the intervening years.


Is it apathy? Or is the mood in our country so grim that we dare not celebrate.

I love fireworks and the colors and the sounds they make.

We must not lose this piece of our heritage--it is one of those things that binds us together as Americans--that magical, hot summer day in July of 1776 when our founding fathers said no to taxes and repression.

It's almost like they said: "Bring it on!"

No matter how bad the economy gets--we must not let that spirit if independence fade away. It is what sets us, as Americans, apart form the rest of the world. It is one of the few unifying celebrations we have left in this world of political correctness.

Pens WIN the Stanley Cup

Just to remember the feeling of cheering for an underdog champion--here are some quotes from the news:

As the final six seconds of game seven tick away and a desperate Red Wings team makes their final assault on tying the game:

• Jim Hughson, "Hockey Night in Canada": "Jordan Staal, Henrik Zetterberg again. Scramble, draw comes to the point. Rafalski shoots ... knocked down in a mad scramble! Lidstrom shoots and a tremendous save by Fleury! They've done it! The Penguins have done it! Sidney Crosby and the Penguins have won the Stanley Cup!"

• Doc Emrick, NBC: "Off the tie-up, it comes back to the point. Rafalski the shot ... knocked down in front! Scramble ... Lidstrom the shot and the save by Fleury! The horn sounds and the Penguins have won the Stanley Cup!"

And the comments about the game:

The torch has been passed. From Mario Lemieux, the heart and soul of this franchise, to a new generation of wondrous talent. Let the dynasty talk begin. And, yes, a dynasty is in the offing.
Bob Smizik, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"But the core of their teams is remarkably intact and if you believe strength down the middle is a key to winning championships, both look set for years to come.
Ken Campbell, The Hockey News

On Monday afternoon:

Tens of thousands of Pittsburgh Penguins fans are lining downtown streets as the team and the cup make their way through the city in a victory parade. Team owner Mario Lemieux helped lead off the parade in a white convertible and players are following in trucks and convertibles waving to the cheering crowds.

People are standing 20-deep on some streets and throwing black and gold confetti from multi-level parking garages. Many are wearing team jerseys and holding homemade aluminum foil replicas of the prized cup.

Monday Musings - June 15, 2009

1. Warm summery days, lounging in the pool, getting some sun, catching Ethan as he leaps off the diving board with reckless abandon are things to be remembered.

2. I love the heavy wet smell of the earth after a summer rain when the sun has increased the humidity level to about 100 percent.

3. The day after my team wins a championship is a real downer--because it means the season is over. Go Pens!

4. If find the difference between Pro Hockey and Basketball to be obvious during the fan celebrations after Championships are won. Riots after Basketball and cheering and parades after Hockey. I wonder if the players contribute to the thuggish nature of basketball even though it is in hockey where actually has fights break out between the players during the games?

5. Seems as if the President of Iran, Ahmadinejad, went to the Chicago school of winning elections. Keep the polls open until all of the dead people get a chance to vote.

6. To all of us who are wondering how the government is going to pay for all the bail outs--look no further than your pocketbook. Can you spell T-A-X?

7. How will a tax on health benefits work? If I'm unhealthy--do I escape the tax? But if we must all have health benefits--and I don't, I must get a government sponsored plan--so they can tax me? On my benefits that I didn't have? What's wrong with this picture?

8. Dogs are funny. They act just a badly as we let them or just as good as we expect. Hmmm--so dogs are kids?

9. I loved the opening line in the Washington Post on Saturday morning about the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup over the Red wings which read something like: the expected coronation turned into a passing of the torch.

Can Penguins Fly?

Hockey--Penguins--Red Wings

I must confess--I have not been this excited about a championship game since a very long time. Maybe it was when Maryland and then Syracuse won National championships in Basketball.

But I am excited now.

Game Seven of the Stanley Cup finals. 60 minutes from the Cup.

A young, hungry team versus an older experienced hockey machine and the youngsters need to win this on one the road.

It has the makings of a movie on the order of "Slap Shot" --- just kidding.

The names are beginning to become household words--"Sid the Kid", Geno, the Flower.

I write this before the game--just to document the level of excitement. I even swapped out my O's tickets for tonight to watch the game.

Go PENS!

And yes--when the Pens play hockey, penguins do fly!

Racquetball and Life: Success and Failure

I love to play racquetball.

And I can usually hold my own on the court. But Tuesday night was something to remember. A racquetball catastrophe. A train wreck, so to speak.

I was the number 1 seed in the league playoffs facing the number 4 seed in the semi-finals. It was an 8:30 PM game--and of course I get up about 5AM--so I'm fried anyway.

I warmed up and didn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary--until my opponent (Kirk) served the first ball of the game. Yeah--5 points later I was able to break his serve and get my first serve. Seems my game was at home watching the Penguins in the Stanley Cup and not with me on the court. And to make it worse, Kirk brought his "A" game.

Suffice it to say, it was a mercifully short match with Kirk dominating and winning in two games. Kirk was excited--I don't think he had even won a game against me before, let alone a match. And we have played a lot. But he is really getting better and was in total control.

Life, is like that. Some days even the things we know how to do seem hard. Like getting out of bed.

No, really. We know we have the ability and have proven it on many occasions--but there are those days designed to keep us humble and to marvel at the skills that God has given us and let's us use for the benefit of others.

I like to sing. Sometimes, I can't even utter a sound--and that makes me remember how I used to sing and how I can sing and therefore makes me appreciate singing even more when I am actually creating music.

I have heard, and believe, the phrase that says we learn more from failure than from success. Failures provide an opportunity to improve. Unfortunately, I perseverate on failures because I really do want to improve. I tear the failure apart in my mind looking for places where I could have done things differently.

But I am better for them--even though they are hard to accept.

And that is the lesson of life as found in the sporting world--you can't win every game, but the measure of a winner is not in winning, but in getting back up after you have been knocked down. Likewise in life outside of sports--when things don't go your way, don't give up--try again.

Remember the Colonel Sander's experience:

When Colonel Sanders was 65 years old, he received his first social security check of US $99. He was broke. His only asset was a secret chicken recipe.

He left his home in Kentucky and traveled to the many states in the US to sell this recipe. He offered his secret chicken recipe to many restaurants for free.

All he wanted in return was a small percentage of the sales. However, he was shown the door by many restaurants.” Get out of here. Who wants a recipe from a white Santa Claus?” the restaurant owners shouted, referring to the dress code Sanders adopted: a white shirt and white trousers.Over 1,000 restaurants rejected his offer. How many of you would have quit after making one or two unsuccessful sales calls?

On his 1,009th sales visit, one restaurant finally accepted his offer.

Today, Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets and fatherly Colonel Sanders’ statures are found all over the world.

He has changed the way the world ate chicken- finger-lickin’ good!

I do like a quote by Winston Churchill:

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.

So--I'll keep on playing racquetball, because I love it and it reminds me that every day is a new day and wrapped in every failure (or loss) is a chance to learn and grow. And then--I can apply the same enthusiasm to the rest of my life.

Underwater Extravaganza

So what do you get when you add an inexpensive underwater camera to a family pool party?

Not that it takes that much to have fun.

And the camera will always be good for snorkeling in Florida (in about a month!!!!!)

But at the end of the day, you get some pretty funny shots.

Like Jeremy's toes.

Ethan--or part of Ethan.

And Patrick standing around.

It is a different perspective, anyway. And fun to use.

Melting Pot vs Salad Bowl

And then it hit me.

Chris and I were having a discussion about what had changed in America since we were young. Why have we become so fractured? Why have special interests become more important than the good of the nation? Why do my rights no matter when compared with others?

It is all in the characterization of the American Experience.

When I was in school we were taught about the great Melting Pot. Where those people who left their homes and countries came and strove to become Americans. They longed to be identified as Americans and not the Irish, or the Poles, or the Germans. Our ancestors learned the language. They learned the economy. They paid their dues working menial jobs. And they taught their kids: you are an American first and Polish (or whatever) second. There was a reason we left our homes and came to the land of the Statue of Liberty. But at the end of the day, and even after a civil rights struggle that spanned centuries--we became Americans!

We memorized the Preamble to the Constitution, the opening phrases of the Declaration of Independence, and I, on two separate occasions memorized the Gettysburg Address. We stood and said the Pledge of Allegiance--every morning. And we were proud of it. We studied the United States as if there were no equal on Earth. We looked back at the Roman Empire determined not to duplicate their errors. And we celebrated our national holidays--even the minor ones that people today forget: Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Flag Day (I used to march in a parade on Flag Day in my hometown), V-E Day, and V-J Day.

And everyone celebrated these days. Was it a better time? I'm not sure. But "We the People" were "A People!"

And then came political correctness.

And the Melting Pot became a "Salad Bowl."

A Salad Bowl is where many peoples are jumbled-up, living together, but each retains their own language, traditions, and beliefs. There no longer is a shared common vision.

And so the nation of "We the People" became a nation of "We the Many Peoples." Keeping the traditions and languages of the homeland alive is not a bad thing--but maybe we have lost something that made us uniquely American! We now celebrate a lot of traditions and have a lot of special interests which seem to overshadow what President Obama echoed from President Kennedy's 1961 Inaugural Address:

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." - J.F. Kennedy, Jan 20, 1961

"What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task."
- B.H. Obama, Jan 20, 2009

And so we see the results of the Salad Bowl. We have moved from a nation of Americans to a nation of individuals living in America. There is no longer a corporate American--nor, do I believe is there "an" American Dream. There are many American dreams.

It has become a jungle where everyone from corporate America's leaders to the people living next door are looking for a government handout, or some way to get rich at someone else's expense. Why? Because we owe it to them. Or so they think. Let's all play--"Beat the System!" Only no one really wins in the end.

Revisionist history would suggest that the Melting Pot was bad. But, it won two world wars and helped develop the greatest nation for peace that the world has ever seen. A nation where we routinely sacrifice our best and brightest military personnel for ideals and for the protection of others who are less fortunate without thought of annexing territory to add to the Republic.

We are idealistic. Hence we are still in Korea, we were in Vietnam and Haiti, we took action in Nicaragua, we are Iraq and Afghanistan. And that is the result of the Melting Pot mentality we believed in.

Where will be be in 50 more years?