A Walk in the Woods

I periodically review images that I have taken because it seems that aside from wondering why I took a particular shot, sometimes I begin to see different things in the images than I remember. Also, sometimes I remember important aspects about what we were doing.

This image, for instance, was a shot in early autumn as Chris and I were walking off the Monticello grounds in the woods back to the visitor center. While it might be considered a throw-away image by many, I remember the day well and why I took the picture of the tree just beginning to be robed in the colors of autumn.

The sun was highlighting the just turning leaves in a bright kind of way. And while the day was warm, it was not hot--like summer in Virginia can be. It was a lovely walk down the mountain to the visitor center in the cool shade of the trees.

I remember the smells of the forest and the rustle of the leaves. And the quiet---because it was quiet. But the smells reminded me of my childhood.

Chris and I talked all the way down the mountain--and commented on how much walking that day reminded us of how we grew up--running around out in the forests of central NY under the canopy of sugar maple trees. Climbing trees and building tree forts. I always thought that the trees were my friends. In fact, I actually mourned the loss of one tree which died while I was growing up--an over 100 foot tall elm tree that stood proudly outside my bedroom succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease when I was a tween. I still remember the school bus drivers asking me where they needed to stop and I would proudly say: "just past the tallest tree you can see." Once that tree was gone--everything seemed so ordinary.

There was another other tree I loved--an old, majestic sugar maple which proudly stood over the backyard of our house and shaded our activities. I had a small dirt pile at its base where I played with my trucks and earth moving equipment. I also fought many WW2 battles there with my green and gray plastic army men and equipment. That tree had a trunk over six feet thick. That tree protected us from storms and provided shade the entire time I grew up. I heard that it has died and been cut down--but my memory of it still remains. And it was magnificent during the autumn!

So I guess that when I see trees, I look at them as friends. We are surrounded in our current house by tulip poplars, honey locust, and black walnut trees that tower over us. During the summer, I love to look into their canopies as see the fire flies shimmering in the night sky. During the winter I look at their bare branches and remember the green leaves of the summers I love so much.

And so this image says to me--in an old familiar way, "hey there, I know your cousins."

Monday Musings - January 11, 2010

1. I wonder if I'm the only person still having trouble writing 2010 instead of 2009.

2. With most all of the Christmas decorations returned to storage for another year (except for the outside lights because it has been too cold to deal with them) the house looks empty and bland. It is amazing how seasonal decorations really spruce up a place.

3. Take two active boys under the age of five, add toys, DVDs, sugar and food and the result is total chaos.

4. We are on baby watch--who knew that unborn babies needed to be watched so closely and by so many people!

5. Football success inspires people to excel. I wonder how many people in the larger Baltimore region are feeling great this morning after their teams won during the playoffs yesterday and Saturday?

6. Below the Fold: "NBC Cancels Leno Show in Primetime" (Washington Post). If I got canceled and removed as many times as Leno has and still had a job, I'd consider it a miracle. I guess the old saying of "mess up and move up" really applies?

7. Did you ever take a picture, really work hard to get it all set up only to wonder later whatever possessed you to take the picture? In that vein, I present an image I have titled--Tulip Poplar Stump at Monticello. What was I thinking?

8. I wonder why it is that we cannot seem to buy a new rim and get the wheel on the Lexus fixed. I guess because it is on the "todo" list.

What if Dogs had Opposable Thumbs?

I was playing with Makayla a few minutes ago and she was mimicking my hand movements with her paws. It led me to wonder--what if dogs had opposable thumbs?

It made me laugh--just think--they could open their own dog food without chewing through the bag.

They could brush their own fur.

They could open door and go in and out on their own.

Put their own leash on--or take it off. And run in packs together?

They could grab your hand when they get tired of playing--or lead when I get confused.

I wonder if they would drive? Could it be worse than some of the drivers we see out there?

So if we extrapolate it all out--would our world be a better place if dogs were in control and we were the pets? Dogs, after all, do not hold grudges and they get most of the information they need about new acquaintances from a friendly sniff.

I don't know how it would all work out--but I think I would enjoy Makayla having an opposable thumb--then she could at least throw the ball back when we played catch.

10 Things to do on a Too Cold Saturday

1. Complain about the cold

2. Wish I was on a warm beach somewhere (Hawaii?)

3. Look at the snow on the ground and make a snide remark about living too far north

4. Look at the weather map and take some small measure of satisfaction about it being below freezing in Houston

5. Count the days until Spring (71)

6. Curl up next to a warm fire with my dog and a good book

7. Decide not to get out of bed until the temperature outside gets above 50

8. Dream about summer vacation--or better yet, start planning it

9. Surf the internet for a two seat Jaguar XK8 convertible and dream of driving it to Florida during July with the top down so I can get sunburned on my nose and forehead

10. Suck it up and get on with life and be happy that I can get on with life even while complaining about the weather

Guess I need to focus more on my blessings rather than the temperature!

Integrity Lapses End Badly

The Baltimore Mayor is resigning. Despite how she may believe, she committed a crime.

Here's the rub--she gets to keep her pension in excess of $83,000 per year!

I wrote about this in my blog in December in an article titled "Me First -- Of Mayors and Travel. I wrote about the "me first" mentality and the problem associated with our society.

It was reported that when the judge asked Mayor Dixon if she agreed to the guilty plea she responded--"basically." A classic "me first" approach. I am convinced that the mayor believes that the only thing she did wrong, was to get caught! And she's not sorry for the indiscretion. She has totally lost respect for her position and the people of Baltimore, by whom she was elected to serve as their mayor.

Dan Rodericks, in an Op-Ed piece for the Baltimore Sun made the following observation:

And there you are, my fellow citizens - resignation by the mayor of Baltimore, and without a formal apology. But you can't always get what you want. Sheila Dixon was not about to say she was sorry for anything. If you were thinking that might happen, you need to see a doctor; your expectations are too high and you probably need to go on a reduced-Pollyanna diet.


I believe this case highlights the end result of integrity loss. The results, as in this case, are tragic. A competent public official becomes an bad example for others NOT to emulate.

Integrity is something to be valued and protected. It also protects us. Each small integrity lapse begins a journey that can ultimately end in disgrace or compromise.

It can be argued that an $83,000 per year pension is not much punishment for a series of integrity shortcomings (she could of and arguably should have been sent to jail.) However, Mayor Dixon was one of the most powerful political figures in the State of Maryland--and that is lost. Her loss of integrity and the resultant "me first" attitude demonstrate in clear terms the value of protecting integrity and not succumbing to the little indiscretions which make the slide to full integrity loss possible.

Leaders--take heed. Integrity is required for us to be effective. Without integrity, there can be no true leadership.

"To Do" or "Not To Do"?

Ever notice how the "To Do" list grows faster than items are removed from it?

I know mine does. There are a lot of things on my "To Do" list and they seem to languish there for a while as the list grows ever longer.

I ran across a truism about "to do" lists the other day while talking to a co-worker.

It appears, that in my case anyway, the things that go on the "to do" list are the things I don't really want to do--like paint the ceiling or replace the gas tank in the Jaguar. The items I want to do, or that need to be done whether I want to or not, are actually done.

My "to do" list is a parking lot for those things which need to be done, but which aren't critical. I sometimes use lists to map out my daily tasks if I have a bunch of critical things to do--but all of the things on that "to do" list are things which must be accomplished before I either go home from work or before I go to bed at night, else significant consequences will occur.

So in addition to the two items I've already mentioned here are my current "to do's" and a rough length of time the item has been languishing:

1. Clean the garage (waiting 2 years)
2. Build adequate storage in the garage for the junk (waiting two years)
3. Reduce the amount of stuff in the attic (waiting three years)
4. Order a new door handle for my truck (three months so far)
5. Replace/fix the passenger door lock on my truck (two years)
6. Put the winter mats in the Lexus (two months)
7. Stain the deck (one year)
8. Replace the basement door (two years)
9. Fix the family room French door so it closes smoothly (seems like forever)
10. Get the Jaguar a tune up so it starts easier in the cold (three months)
11. Buy Chris a new rim for the Lexus (too long)
12. You get the idea . . .

Now I admit--a few things have made it off the list recently:

1. Paint the kitchen and Family Room ceilings - took two months
2. Fix Nicole's laptop - took two months
3. Fix my laptop - took one month
4. Take down the Snow Village - got done on time on Jan 2

So, it seems, "to do" lists don't work for me. They become parking lots (or possibly auto junk yards) for projects I don't want to tackle.

So in answer to the question--not to do!

Sleepless in Elkridge

I had one of those nights--the kind that I hate where I wake up and then cannot get back to sleep.

Last night!

The mind was on once the body was awake.

Why did I wake up? Well the new exercise program that Chris and I are trying really kicked my butt and I have a lot of sore muscles and some cramping. Yeah--it is a killer. Macho me, I thought with all the racquetball I play this would be a breeze--NOT! It hurt and we worked hard--which despite my moaning is exactly what I needed to supplement my racquetball. I could tell that I have not been working all of my muscles from some of my more disappointing racquetball results, and last night's exercise regimen proved it.

If I survive, I'll be better for it. (keep telling myself that)

So I woke up in a bit of pain and then--instant on with the mind. Ugh! I hate that. So I saw 1245 through about 3 AM. I did get to watch the hockey results on the NHL channel and was pleased to find that the Penguins broke out of their losing streak and that the US defeated Canada for the gold medal in the Junior World Hockey Championship. I started watching some of that game earlier in he evening, but turned away from it for the Orange Bowl for some stupid reason.

So now I'll be sedate and exhausted all day! Lucky for my coworkers.

And what do I have to look forward to tonight? Another brutal 20 minute workout!

And it is out of the gate

And so, the New Year is off and running out of the starting gate.

Having the New Year start on a Friday allows for a three-day weekend meaning the business New Year doesn't really kick in until the 4th--yesterday.

And what a 4th it was.

Coming back after the being off for a week (I worked on December 28th) meant wading through mountains of email and associated nonsense searching for the gems.

It is amazing how many things get put off until later during the "tween" period. The days between Christmas and New Year.

Let's recap the first business day of the year:

the Dow closed up,
the temperature was below normal,
my truck started
I opened a good bottle of wine with dinner
work was crazy as always

all-in-all-- a pretty good start to the year. Hopefully we can keep it going.

Monday Musings - January 4, 2010

1. A personal fan customized for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), $10;
a straw cowboy hat, $25;
one 4-year old grandson watching the riders and the bulls at the PBR--priceless.

2. Sunday football at the house can be very nerve wracking when some teams are going to make the playoffs and some aren't. Go Ravens! (and cow-pokes, too)

3. During the past week Patrick and I completed repairs on two laptops--Nicole's and mine. Mine needed a new cable for the monitor--which we successfully troubleshot and subsequently procured for $35 and installed . Nicole's hard drive crashed--and we were able to recover all of her essential data and put a new drive in for $54. Total savings--well over $1400 to replace the two laptops! Now that's what I call a Merry Christmas.

4. Returning to work after the Christmas and New Year's holidays is an incredibly difficult thing to do. I am reminded that I "work to live" and not the other way around!

5. In the "closing the barn door after the livestock have escaped" department--TSA and the closer checks of travelers, interesting it takes a near disaster to get people moving forward. I admit I had become comfortable flying again and thought I knew how to expeditiously get through security. Now I have to start all over again.

6. Our New Year's Eve party with close friends was awesome--we began eating and drinking wine at 8PM and finished at 11:30 PM. Why is it that it will take more than 3 and a half hours to lose the weight I gained from that one night?

7. When I see my dog sleeping on the bed in the morning when I get up and she is unwilling to crawl out and join me for breakfast at 5AM, I wish I could live my dog's life.

Sherlock Holmes - Movie Review

This movie is worth seeing!

The classic story of Sherlock Holmes takes on new life and excitement as Robert Downey Jr (as Sherlock) and Jude Law (as Dr Watson) display an interaction between actors on the screen similar to that seen between Paul Newman and Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The movie was fun, creative and a joy to watch. The scenes are full of action and depth which draws the viewer more into the movie and the story. Set in London of the 19th century, this is not your tourist view of London. It is the hard working, seeder side of the city and its environs. The action scenes are at the same time thrilling and fun to watch. The movie moves along nicely with few spots where the story drags--although the sotry is a bit complex--as one might suspect of Sherlock Holmes.

Robert Downey Jr is witty and cunning as Holmes. He displays the creative genius of Holmes without being boring or condescending. Jude Law is the perfect straight guy-the supporting cast behind the genius whether it fighting the bad guys or providing support in cleaning up the messes that Holmes gets into.

Visually, the movie is full of life and depth. There is always something deeper in the scenes which is worth seeing and enjoying.

RECOMMENDATION: See this movie. There is action, a bit of violence, but mostly a solid and entertaining story line.

Saturday Night in Baltimore? Whatcha gonna do?

Let's do something different! PBR!


Nope--not the beer, but Professional Bull Riding! the Baltimore Invitational. On a whim, I asked Chris if we should go and take Ethan to the PBR--she said yes and we did.

So our little cowboy experienced bull riding as a sport. And yes--the cowboy hat was added at the arena so he would fit in better with all the other cowboys. Although--he needed assurance that this did not mean he liked the Dallas Cowboys in any way, shape or form.

It was a fun evening watching the bulls and riders compete. It was nationally televised, so we also experienced many, many TV time outs for commercials.

I was surprised at how many other residents of the area--not normally known for its western arts appeal, ventured out on a real cold night to see the riders compete.

It was quite a show--complete with fireworks, and opening prayer and of course the National Anthem. The introduction of the riders was especially loud and accompanied by fireworks.

I was touched by the opening prayer--which asked God to protect the riders and the animals--really a nice touch.

I came away with renewed respect for how long 8 seconds can be--the amount of time a rider needs to stay atop a bull which is doing everything in its power to dismount him!

So our New Year truly has gotten off to a different start--and although only two days old--there still are a lot of new and different things to do.

Although--I was warmed by a sign we passed on the way home.

Spring is only 79 days away! Yee-Haw!

.

Gourmet Shopping?

Sometimes we run across those funny juxtaposed items in life which just cause you to stop and really try to figure out what did they really mean?

On December 30, 2009 Chris and I were in our local Safeway store looking for items to complete our meal which was planned for New Year's Eve and as we were looking for items, I saw the sign for the gourmet market--right above the Tuna Helper!

Really?

Tuna Helper has made the realm of gourmet?

I had Chris take a picture of it with her camera just to record it for posterity!

And so, the next decade of the 21st Century dawns with a redefinition of gourmet!

Bon appetite!

Happy 2010

Sailing into the New Year on Smooth Seas

Happy New Year

I hope and pray that this year is better for you and your family than last year.
That you will receive and recognize blessings beyond your imagination.
That you will find love, companionship, and fulfillment in all you do.
That you will be true to yourself, and to God in your life and your profession and in the decisions that you make every day.
Do not sell or lose your integrity.

May the seas of life be calm for you,
But when the seas are rough, may you be on a big ship firmly in the hand of God
And may you sail on into the future
with hope, and excitement ready for the challenges of the hour, day, week and month as they come knowing that in the end--you are never alone, no matter how lonely you feel and that we have all been there in some form before--so do not isolate yourself from friends and make it a task find a person who used to be a friend--and reconcile with them this year.

Makayla and Me

Well--it is New Year's Eve (for New Year's Day 2010) and as I am reflecting upon 2009, I keep returning to the one thing that probably had the biggest impact on me during the year--Makayla. I reread my first blog about her--love on four feet and the pictures that I put in that item. Wow--she was small.

She has gone from a rambunctious little puppy to an exciting dog in the space of the year.

She has become my best companion--especially when the house is quiet and I am without other human companionship. she is usually there, except when Chris takes her out with her to Nicole's for a play date with Jeff and Gibbs.

I was looking back through pictures of her first year and i was just amazed at how she has grown from the small puppy--just weeks old into my best friend. It was, love at first sight.

It is her eyes that melt my heart. They are full of life and playfulness. She always seems to search my face to decide if we are going to play or not. I know it drives Chris crazy.

And then there are the rules which have been broken this year--like no table food--well except for toast, and Pringles, and who knows what else.

I guess that with the passing of the great dog Meghan three years ago, I had forgotten just how much of a dog person I really am.

So I guess 2009 is really the year of Makayla. Who knows what 2010 will bring.

2009 Movies of the Year

Movies 2009--the good and the not so good

Best Movies of 2009

1. Star Trek - the best movie of the year by far
2. Transformers 2 - almost the best movie (Megan Fox is hot!)
3. Avatar - Strong movie, creative--not as good as the other two
4. Defiance - difficult material to see on screen
5. Taken - best thriller of the year
6. Up - best animated movie of the year
7. Angels and Demons - much better ending than the book
8. Race to Witch Mountain - I like corny movies, OK?
9. The Proposal - the best chick flick of the year and funny
10. Knowing - even though the ending was terrible

Worst Movie of 2009

Mall Cop

Movies intentionally not on the list:

Twilight 2 New Moon (I'm neither a tween nor a cougar!)
Night at the Museum 2 (been done)
Ice Age 3 - yeah, yawn
Fired Up (cute and a funny rental)

Movies I still want to see:

Year One
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Inglorious Bastards
It's Complicated
The Blind Side
Invictus
Sherlock Holmes

Avatar - Movie Review

It has been a while since I reviewed a movie--but I saw Avatar and felt it needed a review.

I saw the movie in 3D XD at the local theater and was really impressed with the way the 3D was incorporated into the movie--it was one of the most impressive and natural 3D experiences that i have had. Technology gets a great grade.

The story is compelling and intriguing. The movie is long--almost three-hours, but the character development is necessary to understanding and appreciating the movie. The story moves though and the three hours passes very quickly. Much has been written about the opening sequences as being slow--but without the character de velopment acocmplished there, the movie would lack depth. The story is a lot like Dances with Wolves meets Fern Gully. The movie is set on a planet called Pandora with native peoples who are different form humans, but as you might suspect also superior in many ways to humans. This sets up the conflict between the races which forms the basis for the plot.

That written---the movie provides solid entertainment with a distinct social engineering thrust in two arenas--one--the suppression of indigenous peoples is wrong, and two, we need to be more in tune with our environment. Of course the quest for money (the love of money is the root of all evil) and the desire to possess the mineral riches of the planet are critical parts of the movie and directly relate to the environmental and ecological themes presented. There is also a strong religious (earth mother) undertone to the movie as well.

RECOMMENDATION: See this movie. It is not the best movie of all time, but the technical effects are amazing, the story compelling, and the acting is strong. Everyone is talking aobut this movie and there is no way you can appreciate it without seeing it. See it in the 3d and exepcially the XD 3D is you can. There is some violence and sensuality in the movie--so not good for the pre-teen crowd.

Monday Musings - December 28, 2009

1. The last Monday of the year is a good time to reflect on the other 51 Mondays and decide if waking up early is really enjoyable or not.

2. It is amazing how quickly four days off passes when I am busy and it seems as if I really didn't get to enjoy them at all.

3. Whomever said that Christmas is for children knew what they were talking about--kids definitely put the pizazz into the holiday.

4. It is crazy--here it is three days past Christmas and I still have not had time to play with all of my gifts!

5. New Year's is coming--wow, already? Who knew it was so close to Christmas? (think about it!)

6. I read that the airlines want people to show up four hours before their flights, if going overseas. And then they have to sit in their seats for the last hour of the flight and cannot even read. Flying is so much fun.

7. Following on the airline theme--the government needs to step in and make the airlines drop their checked baggage fees to help people get through security and reduce the amount of stuff in the cabins. Think about it--the fees may be creating a larger security problem and also slowing the processing of people through the security lines.

8. As it is time for the end of the year lists--I will be making my lists as well and sharing some of them--it is a good way to reflect on what has happened this past year.

9. Professional sports are tough to follow as a fan when your team (the Ravens) play like an undisciplined college team. Baseball is less than two months away and with every Springtime--hope springs eternal! Go O's.

Christmas Portrait!

Every year we take a few pictures in front of the Christmas Tree to document our family and its growth.

It helps us all remember the year and where we are in our lives as a family.

And at least one of the shots is the goofy image--this year here it is--complete with the dogs and the kids.

We are getting so big that we are beginning to block the tree in the pictures.

This year's picture was taken in the down stairs theater room where the tree was placed.

And so--the 2009 edition of the Family, is herewith presented for your viewing enjoyment.

Dog Tired

Well--there was one picture that, at the end of Christmas Day epitomized the entire two days of events--and that was of Makayla.

Over the week leading up to Christmas, she had been reacquainted with snow form the 22 inch snow storm, she had played at Nicole's house with Jeff and Gibbs (the beagles) and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day she had played hard with the boys and Ben (Jeremy's Kees).

By the end of the day--it was catching up with her and she sacked out on the middle of the family room.

One tired puppy--for real.

Just too much of a good thing.

I have to admit--by about 11 PM on Christmas Day--when this image was taken--I felt the same way!

Twas the Day After Christmas--A time to Remember

Well Christmas Day dawned bright and early--with breakfast at Nicole and Mike's and us arriving there before the boys woke up--if you can believe that.

Presents were opened. And fun was had as we got the holiday celebration off to an early start.

Then--not too soon, it was back to the house for Christmas--the Story Continues as we enlarged the celebration. There is nothing like watching two small children listening to a song from the Polar Express at top volume and dancing to really drive home the point of Christmas.

And as the remainder of the family gathered --there was a spectacular piece of beef, prepared by Michael which was to become the centerpiece of an afternoon feast.

But first--presents.


And it was a great day!  Notice the dogs--they are all really part of our families and participate fully in family celebrations.

Christmas 2009 Greeting

Merry Christmas! And no matter where you are today, nor who you are with; take a moment to be where you are instead of longing to be where you aren't and give thanks to God for the gift of His Son.

It is in the spirit of that first and most precious gift of Christmas that we give and receive gifts to and from our family, friends, loved ones, and even the strangers on the street that we do not know.

So keep the home fires warm and welcome in all who pass your door. Share with them the joy, the pain, the love, and the hurt that is in your soul this day. And by doing so, you will reflect that Christmas spirit to them, now and for the year ahead. For sharing yourself with another and allowing them to share of themselves with you--is truly the greatest gift of Christmas.

Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas songs play in the background soothing the harried shoppers
Sounds of the season, so they say, to make them feel more giving
Those who know the season, know it means much more
Than tired songs rising above clinging cash register drawers

A baby crying in a barn--surrounded by the dirt and mud of the world
A world and people that he loved so much that he came to visit
He did not arrive like the kings of earth--puffed up, proud upon their thrones
But the King of the Universe came to earth in a straw filled, back lot, dirty barn

Because of love and for only love--he came to give his life
Because of love, he left his throne and shed his royal robes
Because of me, and you, and everyone else
He became like us and accepted a mission that would end in painful death

The cars in the parking lot trapped in a horrible, not-going-anywhere gridlock
No one can go in or drive out of the mall to reach the stores to buy their wares
The shoppers are trying to rush home with their gifts ready for giving
Yet don't know the first gift of Christmas, was given to them

From the barn out in back of a motel off the beaten path, lost in the suburbia of its day
A garage full of leftovers where, had it been today a lawn mower would be waiting for springtime
The King of the Universe, the long awaited one, the Messiah invaded our world
Not to conquer with his sword, but to save us with his blood, and his gift to us is life

It is Christmas, the songs are softly playing on the radio in my truck
Does anyone still listen to the words and connect them with that gift?
The gift that was given to us, and confirmed by travelers not even from that place
The gift of life, of family, of love; given to us on Christmas and remembered to this day



and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. -- NET Bible Eph 5:2

Merry Christmas
and may God send His blessings upon you now
and in the year ahead.

Snow Days Result in Christmas Frenzy

The Baltimore Sun reported it widely--The malls are staying open late this week to accommodate shoppers who couldn't get out because of the snow this weekend! The malls are open until midnight!

Wow--

So who is going to shop that late?

Oh yeah, I would have, had I not completed my Christmas shopping yesterday.

Chris reported that on Monday night the entire city of Odenton was crammed into Toys R Us. And she told me she was done, too! I guess there is always one more gift to buy.

I really don't know why it is I wait until that very last moment to get my shopping done. I do have most of it done--but I guess I like the ambiance of the last minute rush of the holiday season. No--it is probably more that I am a procrastinator of epic proportions!

I was in the parking lot of the local mall yesterday--crawling slower than a snail looking for a parking spot. It was absolutely unbelievable the amount of traffic--cars everywhere all going no where.

Once I found a spot--then I had to face the living humanity of the crowds--which were crushing. And people wonder why I don't get excited about shopping? Especially, Christmas shopping. But happlily I can report that I am done. I bought the last gift of Christmas. Yay.

Well--except for the inevitable returns, it will all be over in a couple of days anyway. And then we can begin the process of doing it all over again!

After a nice long break for summer, of course! Beach, diving, travel--warm/hot summer sun! Bring it on!

JHTBH

I bet you're wondering what is the significance of the title.

I heard this abbreviation the other day and was fascinated by it.

It is: Just Happy To Be Here

And I am, too.

Every day.

Especially after the weekend. I was amazed how all of our neighbors pulled together to get everyone cleared of snow. And even though my street was not plowed until about 2:30pm on Sunday--where really did I need to go?

So, when I'm getting all hot an bothered about not being where I think I want to be, I need to remind myself about JHTBH! Because, think of the alternatives!

I got in my car yesterday--turned the key, it started and I was free to conquer the world. Where else should I have been?

I know--diving off the Florida Keys--but that is a dream, my happy place and not reality. Somewhere I can go to in my mind.

Aside from that--JHTBH and don't forget it!

Monday Musings - December 21, 2009

I'm going to do something different this week. I am going to use only photos for the Monday musings. These are all pictures from 2009--various places and events.
The above is wine on the vine at Keswick Vineyards, VA in October 2009


A March wedding in Texas. Where is Cinderella?

A U.S. flag on the USNS Hoyt S. Vandenberg, 80 feet deep off Key West, FL taken in July

Footprints in the sand, Cocoa Beach, FL in July

The indiginity of it all, Islamorada, FL in July

Tarpon on patrol or I'm having fish for dinner! Dry Tortugas, FL in July

A shuttle has been by. Cocoa Beach, July

I love snow. February in Maryland.

Lounging at the Hemmingway House in July.

Gramma, who are we cooking for dinner? March in Maryland.

Dude--where did the year go? Maybe it is down there? July in Cocoa Beach.

Pictures from the Storm of December 2009--This Just In

OK--I was so busy yesterday that I didn't get the pictures from the storm together--but we have a few Since church was canceled this morning, I have a few minutes to get the storm pictures together for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy them. Today dawns, by the way, bright and sunny!

First--a couple words--the Great Blizzard of 2009 ranks only as the 5th all time single day storm in terms of snowfall in Maryland history. But--December 2009 is officially the snowiest December on record with the storm from earlier in the month and this one.

The World outside Our Window December 19, 2009

Snow--while some find it beautiful, I find it cold although it does make for some nice pictures and it makes the world seem white and clean. It washes away the sins and stains of the world I guess.

Our neighbors are awesome. We received about 22 inches of snow here. I love their snow blower. We wound up clearing the driveway twice AND are heading out in a few minutes today. This was taken at dusk--about 5PM and the reflection of the flash off the falling snowflakes is kinda neat.

Makayla in the Snow

Makayla loves the snow and she is a great snow dog.

Chritmas 2009 After the Storm

So last night, we had to take a picture of the Christmas lights on the house in the snow. You can see we didn't try to go anywhere yesterday. The cars are still marshmallows.

Wedding Picture to Remember

A mid-October wedding in Upstate NY is bound to be fraught with challenges.

But sometimes--when the wedding is in the afternoon on a frosty, crisp autumn day interesting things happen.

This shot at sunset of Andie and Brian actually top my list of best ever wedding shots.

I like the mist in the background rising off the field in front of the trees and the hues of the sunset as it fades.

We tried a bunch of pictures as the sunset was happening--but this one seemed to be the best!

Maybe I'll enter it into a competition at a fair next year.

Dragonfly Summer

It seems this was a summer to notice dragonflys.

And there were two images that really highlighted our photographic efforts against these ubiquitous creatures this summer.

One in Cocoa Beach while we were waiting for the Space Shuttle Endeavour to launch on July 15th. We were standing on the side of the causeway with some thousand of our newest friends waiting for the launch and Chris noticed this dragonfly striking a pose.

The other while we were doing a nature walk on Merritt's Island--just north of Cocoa Beach about two weeks later.

I can still smell the damp, musty odors of the trail and leaves on the nature walk as I look at this picture.

It was hot!

But our friend dragonfly was trying his best to keep the pesky mosquitoes away.

I must give credit where it is due--Chris took both of these awesome pictures!

But I still hold fond memories in my mind of both of these experiences.

A Sunny Afternoon in a Quieter Place

So after my brief respite at the beach, the other day. I began to think--I wonder what my best images of 2009 really are? Not that some are more or less better than others--but some just express an emotion that really helps me to remember the fonder times as I struggle through the dark days of this season.

This image--I call Monticello Monarch, and although taken during our early October trip to Charlottesville, VA; it caught my eye for its color and contrast.

As we strolled around the walking path outside Monticello, Chris and I came upon this very busy butterfly--probably just preparing to migrate to warmer climates for the winter. I wish I had migrated along with the butterfly.

I can still smell the flowers in the gardens and enjoy the leaves on the trees in my mind. And I also remember the winding trail through the woods as we walked down the mountain from the main house to the visitor center.

Not just an image--but a memory!

Christmas Gifts--Men vs. Women

And there it was--an article I linked to titled: "The Gift That Needs Forgiving," or "Gifts You're Better Off Not Giving." The title made me smile and I clicked the link to read more.

And this article was so true! the differences between men and women when it comes to Christmas gift shopping and giving.

There are a couple excerpts from the article I want to share with you:

Of course, gifts between couples can backfire in either direction. But—please don't shoot the messenger—men seem to be more clueless than women.

Women tend to care more about gifts. They shop more, and think more about them. They attach more emotion to them. And they can be more demanding and less direct. (If I ask my husband what he wants for the holidays, he will say "nothing" and mean it. If he asks me, I will say "nothing," as well. And God help him if he believes me.)

Making matters even worse: When it comes to bad gifts, women have the memory of elephants. Take Donna Clark Goodrich. In 1962, she asked her husband for a recording of Handel's "Messiah." Instead, he got her a parody LP of the Kennedy family by impressionist Vaughn Meader. "I've never let my husband live that Christmas down," says Ms. Goodrich, 71, a writer in Mesa, Ariz.

If it weren't for the gifts and all the shopping and all of the stress--I think Christmas would be a great holiday!

The eating is good, the parties are grand, and the general jovial nature of people in holiday spirit is fantastic. But it is the gifts. We even make fun of the gifts at office parties by having white elephant gift exchanges or Chinese gift exchanges.

We need to listen to each other--but the article continues later:

Then why so many bad gifts within couples?

It's simple, really. Sometimes men aren't listening to their wives. But just as often, women aren't clear about their desires. They want men to pick up on their subtle clues, rather than telling them outright what they'd like. As one woman I know explains, "It means we are special to them if they detect what we want without us telling them."

But here is the bottom line:

And there's the rub. When men receive gifts they hate, they typically shrug them off. Women, faced with the same dilemma, feel hurt.

Really? Now I think I understand.

I admit, there have been a few gifts that I have not appreciated that I continue to hold on to the memory of--but for the most part I couldn't even tell you what I received last Christmas let alone from who! Except for Makayla from everyone--but she was probably one of the greatest Christmas gifts I ever received, well at least since my first bicycle when I was a kid. I still remember that Christmas morning . . .

OK--the solution to the gifting problem!

Women need to lighten up and men need to listen up!

Merry Christmas

Waiting to Relax

I needed to get to my happy place for a bit.

I went through my pictures of last summer in Florida. The diving, the partying, the walking, the visiting, the watching the shuttle launch.

This was the one that most expressed my happy place---palm trees, sand, and a wicker chair in the sun on the beach!

Ah, and the memory of the day, too! Lunch at the Islamorada Fish House and a sweet day in the Florida Keys!

I can see myself in the chair, sipping a great glass of wine and having a conversation with someone about the way the waves are crashing on the beach. Following the fish as they swim in the surf and keeping an eye out for the occasional seagull or other shore bird. A Christmas light wrapped palm in the sand to lend light as night falls and I haven't moved.

It certainly is a long way from the foul weather we are experiencing right now. And the dark days!

Fear and Joe Bag-o-Doughnuts

"I'm not afraid O' nuthin!"


Really?


"Nope--I got everything I need and what can I possibly be afraid of?"

I guess--he's a healthy guy, being that way. Or is it that he is so afraid of something that he has buried it deep within his soul and it is now out of touch--that is until something sets it off?

What am I afraid of? Not getting everything done in time for Christmas and the New Years party! No really?

Really--I have got to get the ceiling of the kitchen painted--and I'm just not up to the mess. I hate painting and I'm afraid of all the places the paint will wind up other than the ceiling.

Fear must be an important subject this year. I have heard about it at church and on the radio while listening to country music. It is the season for joy (and fear!).

I guess we have a lot to be fearful of--but it seems fear is caused by not dealing with those deep down darknesses that we carry around as baggage. Like death.

Jesus said: “Do not let your hearts be distressed." (John 14:1a - NET Bible) and then he went on to say why--"You believe in God; believe also in me." (John 14:1b - NET Bible).

Keep it simple, keep it direct, keep it believable and know why.

Joe Bag-o-Doughnuts may not think he's afraid of anything--but when crunch time comes, as it does for everyone of us--we need to have our faith in the right place to address and even conquer our fear. I guess if ignorance is bliss--Joe here is in nirvana!

So what does this have to do with Christmas?

It seems that this is the time of year when our fears begin to take root in us and strive to overwhelm us. It may be due to the "dark days" as I call them. After all the Winter Solstice is mere days away. Stand fast against fear--

In March 1933, one of the great Presidents of the US, Franklin D. Roosevelt, made, in his inaugural speech, a statement about fear:

"let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

I urge you to read FDR's speech for an insightful commentary on the year 2009!

So--happy holidays and do not be afraid!

Monday Musings - December 14, 2009

1. Christmas shopping? Maybe I had better get on the stick and start/finish mine. So far everything I've gotten for Chris she helped buy! Hmmm! There needs to be a surprise in there somewhere.

2. At least all four football teams did not lose this weekend--and two of them are actually remaining alive for the playoffs. (Cowboys and Ravens)

3. I actually heard a new Christmas song this past week--a much needed break in between "Grandma got run over by a reindeer" and "Silver Bells."

4. News flash!!!! I am tired of rain, gray, and gloom! The weather better improve or else I'm going to file a complaint.

5. I have determined that there is probably no better procrastinator on the planet than me! Tomorrow, I've got to make a change.

6. Guys: How many shopping days until Christmas? One--Christmas Eve!

7. Women: How many shopping days until Christmas? Which one? I'm already working on next Christmas, too!

8. We went to a fantastic Christmas party--a different wine for every course and of course I found one that was really nice AND unavailable! Oh well--that is the fun of wine--the searching for that perfect vintage which combines everything you like in a wine. And everyone can have their own because there is no right or wrong answer.

9. I am finally beginning to get over the rotten sinus infection that has been plaguing me for the better part of three weeks! Yay, just in time for Christmas.

"Ours is Prettier"

The true, sage words of a four-year old when comparing grandma's tree to the one at his house: "Our's is prettier."

Wow--sometimes when someone gives you an entirely honest assessment without any hint of malice--it is funny!

Ethan was visiting for the day, while the family was preparing to gather later at his house to celebrate more birthdays. He was doing his usual exploration of the grandparents house to determine what had changed and what was the same--when he cam upon the Christmas Tree.

Of course your tree is prettier--it had better be because your Mom and Dad put it together and you helped!

But it was funny, and true, and oh so honest an assessment.

We wouldn't have had it any other way!

And it made us smile at yet one of those long forgotten, but nice to know realities of life as seen through the eyes of a four-year old: "Life at our house is better than anywhere else! And don't you forget it. "

Merry Christmas.

Snow Village(s) 2009

most everyone knows that one of the really exciting things that happens around the house at the start of the holidays is the set up of the Snow Village.

This year, though--the village was deemed to be too big and so we divided it into two different villages.

One is in the family room--the one with the gold back ground and the other is in the dining room. We are enjoying it much more this year because we can see it daily and enjoy it every night.

It brings a bit of Christmas cheer to us as we watch TV or enjoy our meals.

Better yet--it means we have more space and are able to add a few more pieces this year!!

We still do not have a drape for the one in the Dining Room--but I am told that one is in the works.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.

Dogs--Who owns Whom?

In addition to our energetic one-year old keeshond, Makayla, we have another more sedate dog--a 16-year old Yorkie, Zach. Zach weighs all of 4 lbs and has no teeth, so it is not like he is a threat to anyone, just himself. I used to love naming our animals after historical figures and so his real name is Zachary Taylor.

I have had other animals named after historical figures such as Genghis Khan, and Attila the Hun (both were cats). Our daughter has a beagle named Jefferson and I'm not sure whether that is for Thomas Jefferson or Jefferson Davis--both could apply. We also had a cat named Hans Ludwig, after the somewhat crazed leader of Bavaria, Ludwig II, who built a number of impressive mansions and castles in the Bavarian Alps. So the names tend to run the gamut of famous and infamous. I even had a cat named George, for George Washington.

But this morning Zach reminded me that it is he who allows me to live with him and not the other way around. It seems the animals tend to take on the characteristics of their namesakes in some ways.

Zach likes to head out on what I call "walk-abouts" through the neighborhood every so often. While I don't approve of this and usually stand by the door to ensure he comes in as soon as he has accomplished the primary purpose(s) for being outside, this morning, believing that it was too cold for him, I wandered away for a short minute. This was the same as giving Zach a green light to conduct a walk-about !

Well, he was gone for about 15 minutes--a short one today due to the cold, but the funny part was that I went to the door about four times to call Zach and looked for him up the street--but it being dark, I did not see him.

Here's the rub--when he decided to saunter back to the homestead and wanted in--he barked a mournful bark. The expectation was that I would immediately open the door to allow the small traveler access to the house. How do I know this? Makayla barked and Chris advised me that the dawg was home!

So--I ask--who owns whom? I think we're kidding ourselves if we believe that we are the ones in charge!

A Christmas Blond Joke

OK--so everyone knows that I love blond jokes--after all I am one and I speak blond.

So, for your viewing pleasure--the ultimate Christmas season blond joke sent to me by a friend:


It is so true!

If you double click the photo it will go to full screen.

Buying a Car

Wow. I'm sitting in a car dealership with my, I can't believe its true, adult son as he navigates the myriad of paperwork associated with buying a car.

Another threshold crossed. All I'm here for is to see the vehicle and to provide moral support. But it is the Patrick and Tina show.

I'm so proud of them both. Making a reasoned and rational decision.

Oh the car? A Honda Civic SI 2007

Yay

Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry

Consensus Blending Party

Really? What, you may ask, is a consensus blending party?

Answer: A whole lot of fun!

Picture this--54 people at 9 tables in the winery with 5 bottles of wine in front of them. The task: using any combination of the five wines--blend the best wine in terms of aroma, taste and finish as determined by those present.

The wines were all 2008 vintage of the vineyard: Cabernet Sauvignon in three very different lots: 1, 2, and 3; Petite Verdot; and Chambourcin.

I was intrigued by three lots of Cabernet Sauvignon--two were aged in American Oak and one in French Oak. Of the two in American Oak--one was very fruity while the other was full of tannins.

Our fellow members at the table all agreed that our blend would focus on probably three of the wines--and we readily agreed that Lot 2 and the Chambourcin would probably be excluded; leaving us to focus on the other three.

We only had two hour to com up with this blend--and please remember science class as we were working with pipettes, and graduated cylinders to pull the wines together.

Well our team did not wine the day--but our wine--which was 55% lot 1, 41% lot 3 and 4% Petite Verdot came in a close second.

This was a two day event with different people showing up for the Sunday version of the event and with the winning wine from the two days being chosen to be blended by the winery and released as the Consensus Blend. The team that beat us, was the two-day winner. So I don't feel too bad.

Most of all it was fun, dealt with wine, and was educational--I learned a lot more about blending wines.

The vineyard wine maker ran the event and he provided a lot of help and commentary as we did the blending.

Of Cars and Christmas, Part III

Friends--

I was a bit non-specific in my previous posts and I appreciate all of the supportive comments about car shopping.

It was my son Patrick's car which decided to play dead. How this affects me is that I will continue to loan Patrick and Tina my truck until new rides are procured.

They are actually car shopping right now--although, I am looking forward to seeing what they decide to do.

I hear rumors of a Honda Civic SI rumbling right now--
But then there was a Scion in the mix a while ago--

Ah, the joy of it all--happy holidays to themselves!

I do like to comment about going into the dealership 15 minutes before closing--and I have actually used that one!

Of Cars and Christmas, Part II

And here it is--initial repair estimate: $3500, Merry Christmas!!!

Kelly Blue Book car value: $2055

Value to me? Priceless.


So lets go car shopping for Christmas.


I'm dreaming of a different ri-i-de
Just like the one I used to have
Where the motor hums sweet
And tires roll straight
And I can drive as fast as I like.

I'm dreaming of a new ri-i-de
With every bummed ride that I take
May my car shopping be profitable
And may all my Christmas dreams come true

Of Cars and Christmas

Well-when is snows, it blizzards!

Maybe that doesn't work as well as the old saying about raining and pouring (or was that for a salt company?)

But we have a mobility crisis in the family.

Between accidents and old cars wearing out, we are two vehicles short of a full stable. Last night the sound of a tow truck unceremoniously dumping a broken vehicle could be heard in the driveway again as Patrick's 1996 Honda came home on someone else's four (or more) wheels.

Following on the heels of a not-to-serious accident which left Patrick and Tina down a vehicle and left me driving Kitty--now this second uppercut is pretty serious. I'd say, they made be down for the count. It sounds bad--life a lifter or something equally as serious in the engine.

So--here we go again--car shopping although the real verdict won't be known until later today after the car is towed to the repair shop--which was closed last night and not accepting vehicles after hours.

Hopefully it is something minor--but it does not sound that way.

But look at the bright side-- (remind me again what the bright side is?)

It couldn't happen at a better time of year? Really?

Yes it could. And it could happen after they both find better paying jobs, too.

But this is where we can demonstrate the support of family and the love that we all have for each other. The silver lining is that we are pulling together as a family to help them through this crisis.

Monday Musings - December 7, 2009

1. Was it really only 68 years ago? The Day of Infamy? I paused for a moment to remember Pearl Harbor and the heroes of WWII who successfully defended freedom during the dark hours of the middle Twentieth Century.

2. Snow and cold. My door locks on Kitty were frozen this morning and she started hard. She truly is a fair weather car and it really pained me to have to drive her in such inhospitable conditions. But after some initial problems--she was up to the task. But, I do have a bent key now.

3. I have been feeling poorly again after returning from the frozen wastelands of Denver. Hence, there have been no blog entries for a couple of days. My loving wife has decided I need to see a doctor and I have an appointment for later today.

4. Football is no fun to watch when all of the teams you are cheering for are losing. It was a bad day for the Redskins--who I really though would defeat the Saints; for the Cowboys who remembered it was December and started their annual slide into mediocrity, and for the Steelers--losers of four in a row, really? The only team left are my Ravens who I sincerely hope can overcome the cold of Lambeau Field and defeat the Packers tonight.

5. The location in the U.S. reporting the highest temperature yesterday was Opa-Locka, Florida at only 80 degrees. It was only slightly cooler in Key West at 71 degrees. The hottest place in the world was Marble Bar, Australia coming in at a whopping 116 degrees!

6. So, once the gifts are bought then they must be wrapped so they can be subsequently opened (or unwrapped). Hmmmm. Who thought that up?

7. And so--tis the season and all of the cool music on the radio brings out joy, right?

8. This weekend we participated in a consensus wine blending at as part of the Wine Club activities of Keswick Vineyard. There were 9 tables of 6 people each. The wine blended by our table came in a close second--only 60 points behind the winner--or about 1 point per person difference. We felt that was a huge success. And we met a lot of really nice people. The winery will be blending up the winning wine and offering it for sale--and I admit--I scored it higher than our wine, too. I was really pleased to finish so high in the standings. It was fun to blend a wine and have it generally liked by those attending the event.

9. If this is a season of joy, why is there so much stress?

"Me First" -- Of Mayors and Travel

Well--Baltimore hit the national news, again.

And like usual--it wasn't in a good way.

I remember a few years ago, Baltimore's neighbor to the south--Washington, DC has an infamous mayor too.

Shelia Dixon--I mean really--when was the last time someone gave gifts to their girl friend of 60 or so gift cards in low denominations?

The Washington Post story lays it out best:

AN ELECTED OFFICIAL who pilfers gift cards intended for needy children clearly puts her interests first. It should be no surprise, then, that Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon thinks she can stay in office after a jury found her guilty of misdemeanor theft. Her audacity only compounds her offense -- which is why we hope that Ms. Dixon soon feels enough public pressure to reconsider and resigns her office.

And that encapsulates everything wrong with the mayor situation in Baltimore. Too much "me first!"

And that same "Me First" pervades everything in our society right now.

Airlines are cashing in on it--United Airlines actually sells a package that allows people to board before they would normally board the airplane. I guess people just like being cramped into not enough space for a longer time.

Go anywhere there is a queue (or "line" for the American at heart) waiting to get into a venue. Line crashers who blatantly crash the line. I had a couple jump in front of me at the airport on Monday--they probably saved all of 30 seconds in their total check in procedure.

Even our driving represents a "me first" attitude. We hurry to make it through the stop light, or race out of concerts early so as not to be caught in the traffic mess.

We need to slow down a bit--and think of others.

This is a good time of year for that as it is the Christmas season.

Just don't take an example for the Mayor of Baltimore. And if you do slip into the "me first" admit you did it. Again--the mayor just isn't setting a good example for people to emulate.

First Snow--Denver style

So I had to travel two-thirds the way across the country to get my first snow of the season--but there it is this morning as I look out my hotel window. The ground is no longer brown, but white.

There is no doubt that I still do not fully appreciate the white stuff as it falls from the sky. I may appreciate it more after the dawn breaks and it I can see it more clearly draped across the landscape.

But it is there.

I can drive drive in the snow--but I worry about those who can't. Although, unlike Maryland--people here in the greater Denver area actually do know how to drive in snow and do not panic at the sight of the white stuff falling from the sky.

Of course, Denver has suffered through two blizzards already this season, so there is a lot more recent experience herein the snow driving than I possess.


We'll see how the drive goes as proceed out this morning.