Lucas Turns One

What a year it has been for Lucas and all of us.

We had a fabulous party for him last weekend here in our area, and he is off to more parties in the Pittsburgh area this weekend.

More importantly--he is one happy, loved kid.

Chris and I were reflecting on last year as he was being born and the family was assembled at the hospital where we were all waiting in anticipation.

The first pictures that Jeremy sent to us from the delivery room cheered us all as did our first eyes-on visit to greet the newest member of the family.

I cannot believe how fast the time has gone and how quickly Lucas has developed from the new baby lump, into a real boy.

Jeremy and Nicole--you are doing a great job.

Although yesterday was his "real" birthday--take a moment to wish Luke a very Happy First Birthday.

Saturday Humor

I received the following in my email yesterday--and I thought these 23 really summed up some of those previously unnoticed truths about life.  I especially like 2, 5, 7, and 22.

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

18. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said? 

19. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

20. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

21. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

22. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

23. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Tuscon--the Heartland of America

I watched the President on national television from Tuscon on Wednesday evening as he spoke to the assembled masses reeling from the tragedy which occurred over the weekend.

The stories of the victims were compelling--lives extinguished or changed. I was moved that two husbands protected their wives from the bullets--even so, one of the wives died as did one of the husbands. They truly embodied the charge of Paul to husbands in Ephesians 5:25, Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her. (NET Bible)  They both were willing to sacrifice themselves for their wives--no truer sign of love exists on this planet.

I was heartened by the stories of the heroes--those who ran towards the bullets and the shooter to subdue him, rather than away to safety. Those willing, without time to examine the consequences, to do what was necessary to protect others--they have true giving spirits.

The people were gathered on Saturday doing something guaranteed by our Constitution--assembling peacefully in public.  The shooter was striking at one of the very freedoms so many other heroes have given their lives to obtain and protect since 1776.

I admit--as I observed the proceedings, I was shocked by the celebration-like atmosphere instead of the more mournful tribute I had expected. I had expected tears and platitudes and eulogies. In reflecting on the event, though, I see how this was a celebration of life, of heroes, and more importantly the American spirit. We are strongest when we are united--and it seems we become united in the face of tragic adversity.

Continue to pray for everyone associated with this tragedy--

Of Guns and Crazies

It is a tragedy.  Please do not misunderstand me--the shootings in Tuscon are the work of a crazed person who needs to have his DNA removed from the planet.

But then I read the following from and article titled: Congressman Pete King to Introduce Gun Safety Bill After Arizona Shooting

Rep. Peter King said Tuesday he plans to introduce a new gun safety bill in Congress in the wake of the mass shooting in Arizona that killed six people and wounded 14 others, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz.

King said his bill would make it illegal to knowingly carry a gun within a thousand feet of "certain high-profile" government officials.

And, I think--really? Just what we need, another unenforceable law on the books which will only be used to pile on top of other offenses when someone does something stupid and criminal. And--how does someone "unknowingly" carry a gun?  Even better--who can determine if someone "knew or not" that they were packing a gun?  Really?

And if they were able to charge Jared Loughner, the shooter in Tuscon, under this law--who would benefit?

Would the injured be less so or would the dead be alive again?

No!

The problem is not going to be fixed by another almost meaningless and unenforceable law passed by representatives out of touch with what is happening in society.

We have enough laws which are essentially unenforceable and it breeds contempt for the entire legal system of the United States. We need smart and enforceable laws--not laws enacted for special interests designed to make it appear someone is doing something to address a problem. What is really happening is that the deeper social and mental health issues become lost in hot button issues and laws.

For example--look at speed limits. Who of us would not be totally enraged to receive a ticket for speeding 1 mph over the posted limit?  We all believe, in fact the deployment of speed cameras in Maryland has confirmed, that we can be exceeding the speed limit by 11 mph before running a risk of a ticket.  Why not raise all of the posted speed limits by 15 mph and enforce them as stated?

We must impress upon our representatives that laws need to be sane, meaningful, and enforceable. If only criminals are going to be charged after the event has occurred--then what is the deterrent value of the law? What does it add to the betterment of society? 

Say a prayer for the victims of this tragedy.

Too Cold to Think

January 11, 2011 Storm results

The prospect of another Nor'easter making it way through the region has everyone on edge. It seems at the hint of snow everyone in the Mid-Atlantic region begins to panic and there continues to be a mad rush on the grocery store. Come on people--we survived dueling blizzards last February. The Snowpocalypse should remind everyone that 1-4 inches is a mere nuisance. So get over it.

Although they are calling for the Chesapeake to freeze over if the cold weather continues. The last time that happened was 1977.

The temperature has been cold--just too cold lately.  It had to warm up to snow.

I know when I go outside I just prepare myself for a wintry blast. Not snow--just really cold. I am amused when Makayla goes outside how she fluffs her fur to keep the cold away. She becomes a real fur ball and is very pretty all fluffed up.  She doesn't seem to mind the cold too much.

One bright spot was the removal of Patrick's1996 Honda from the driveway on Monday. Now I have an open spot. I'm thinking of buying another Jaguar--just because.  Not really. It is weird to think that I have an open spot in the driveway after having it filled by a non-functioning car for the past year. Maybe I'll rent it out to someone who has a boat that needs a parking spot.

But it is too cold to think about that now.

Stay warm and go easy on the shoveling.

Tell Me Again about Saturday

What a day it was.  It started early and ended late.  I worked harder Saturday than I did all week.

I look forward to weekends--I can get stuff done, and chill a bit too.  Of course an NFL Football Playoff Weekend also means that there should be some quality time with the TV urging on my favorite team.

0645 - Up for the day to catch up on the news and usual stuff--walk dog twice, get paper, read computer news and complain about the battery life on my iPhone
0740 - Out the door to a Men's breakfast at Bob Evan's
0800-0915 - Men's breakfast @ Bob Evan's --funny enough, our server was named Evan. Weird.
0930 - At the house to get tools
0950 - At Patricks to begin TV electrical project
1120 - Depart Patrick's to go home to change for Lucas' Birthday party
1200-1400 - Lucas Birthday party
1430 - Back to Patrick's to complete project
1630 - Home--assist with putting away last Christmas decorations
1800 - Complete the removal of Christmas decorations and put them away
1815 - People arrive to buy Patrick's old 1996 Honda (departed the driveway yesterday)
1930 - Run to Patrick's to help sell stereo equipment to the people who bought the car
2015 - Back home totally exhausted try watching Jets at Colts but can't keep eyes open
2020 - Eat dinner with Chris--pot roast that she started during the morning and slow cooked all day
2115 - Asleep in my chair
2130 - Awakened from my sleep and told to go to bed
2200 - Crawl into bed--fall asleep
2230 - Phone rings and the caller tells me that Colts are going to lose--64 seconds left in game. I decide not to turn on the TV
2232 - Snoring begins uninterrupted.


I hope your Saturday was nearly as much fun as mine. I never was able to carve out time for an afternoon nap--

Monday Musings - January 10, 2011

1. Wow--the second week of January already.  Time is already flying.

2. Strange week in the news--new Congress, new White House Chief of Staff, same old taxes though.  And it is tax season.

3. Be happy where you are.  It's hard sometimes because I want to be somewhere I'm not.

4. Do palm trees grow in North Dakota?  Answer. Yes, in a greenhouse.

5. Football playoffs have begun with some shocking surprises.  Won't it be sad next year after the NFL owners have strangled the golden goose not to have football? Way to go Ravens--the only favored team that actually won.

6. Saturday--a new definition: a day to accomplish all of those things that were put off during the week.  A 12-hour work day is anticipated so that returning to the day-job on Monday will seem like taking a day off.

7. Out of control. I dreamed the other night of sliding down a snow-covered hill on the old runner sled that I had when I was a kid. I realized that when I was a kid I loved that out of control feeling of careening down the hill barely able to steer. Now--I need to be in control and I don't think I'd find it much fun.  Sad.

8. The house looked empty yesterday when we got up and Christmas was all packed away. We are still finding the little things we missed though.

9. Quote of the week from Jax made while we were playing with a big truck during Lucas' party: "Poppop, you go hide and I'll get the gas." He was playing two games at the same time.

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 -- Review

This is my first wine review of 2011, and it is also the first time that I will have reviewed a newer vintage of a wine that I previously reviewed.

I reviewed the 2006 vintage of this wine and that review at this link: 2006 MA Cab-Sav. I really enjoyed the 2006 vintage and highly recommended it. I was excited about sampling a bottle of the 2008 vintage.


The 2008 vintage of the wine has a nice deep color, which is very pleasant to experience. It has a nose full of dark berries and cherries with a hint of vanilla for some sweetness. The initial taste confirms the nose--the berries and black cherries are definitely there as well as the vanilla and a hint of tobacco and pepper. The wine has a nice feel in the mouth, silky. The tannins are very light.  The taste, however, did not linger and the wine has no finish. It just ends after the initial excitement of the nose and taste.

I was disappointed with the finish and the overall balance of the wine. There is no complexity to support the taste and the flavors. It is an easy drinking wine, but there are a lot of wines like that for much less cost. I was not convinced that this wine would get any better with age. It doesn't have either the tannins or structure to perform in this manner.

RECOMMENDATION: At about $18 per bottle, I think there are better wines out there to enjoy. This is a nice, easy drinking wine but it lacked complexity and balance.

Taxing churches and non-profits?

Way to go Mission, Kansas.

An article in on the presidential prayer team website offers some insight into how the government of Mission, Kansas is trying to subvert the tax-exempt status of churches and non-profits  with a new "fee."

Churches being levied on their number of worshipers

by Diann Noles
Mission, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City, has a new twist on taxes – a fee that charges churches based on the number of worshipers and their number of trips to church each year. In this mid-sized, mid-America city usually associated with conservative and pro-Christian viewpoints and policies, this fee has caused an uproar among area churches and other nonprofit groups, resulting in a lawsuit against the city by two of the churches.

Diann ends her article with the following paragraph:

Mission, Kansas is not the only city in America that has tried to institute such fees: the Idaho and Florida Supreme Courts have both ruled in similar cases that such “fees” are, in fact, taxes. “This case will boil down to whether the courts consider this a fee or a property tax,” Stanley told nbcactionnews.com. “We’re confident that, based on what the Kansas Supreme Court has said many times over and the difference between a fee and a property tax that, in reality, what the city of Mission has done here is to institute a property tax and subvert the property tax exemptions for churches, charities and other nonprofit organizations, simply because they want more money.”

I urge you to click on the title and read the entire article.

We live in an era , it seems, when local governments will stoop to new levels to improve the cash flow. Fees are not reviewable like taxes, but they are a tax just the same.  Be on guard!

Trees against a Fiery Sky

Some mornings now, as I drive to work after playing racquetball, I am treated to some breath taking beauty.

Tuesday morning it was a pre-dawn red sky silhouetting the bare trees.  I wanted to take a picture to remember this sight as there were also dark clouds reflecting the red rays of the still below the horizon sun which added their own unique beauty to the scene. The trees stood tall and black with the red of the sky filling in around them. They were still--there was no wind. It reminded me of a Wooster Scott painting. I think I know where she got her inspiration.

But I was driving at high speed on a busy freeway with too many other sleepy drivers to even attempt using the camera in my cell phone.

I found something similar on the Internet--but, alas, it is not my work--but it provides an approximation of what I witnessed.

But I have it in my mind.

If only I could paint--

but then, in a manner--I just did using words instead of canvas.

Updated Huck Finn?

Really? They can do that?  They can change a classic to make it politically correct?

I read the following in an article titled: Huck Finn will lose the "N" Word. I was interested in the reasoning behind the change--but I wonder what other classics will be next? And maybe as a result history itself will be rewritten?

Revisionist history and political correctness have gone too far this time.
The problem with changing the words to make the book more acceptable is that the greatest aspect of Mark Twain's writing was that it recorded the style of the day. It was in context with where we were in America at that time. How people spoke, interacted, and thought. Changing that, to make it acceptable to modern readers loses historical value. It is the same as retouching an old photograph to remove or add items or people and dubbing over an audio track.  Twain's writing is an image and a sound-byte into real America at that time.  It is gritty and real and we need to hear and read it to understand how far we have come in America in terms of accepting ethnic diversity.

I agree with the online dictionary that this word has become probably the most offensive word in English. There are lots of mundane and offensive words that I have, sadly, been known to use and abuse--but I would never consider using this particular word in any manner and I even refuse to write it for fear of the consequences and contextual extractions which might result. 

That written, however, I believe we lose more than we gain and future generations of Americans will lose touch with the real, earthy America of which Twain wrote. I also disagree with their updating of the word to reflect "slave" as I do not believe it is the correct word to use. Slave was not a definition listed in the on line dictionary. But, it has been a long time since I read the book.

By the way--the word is also used in Gone with the Wind--although not to the same extreme that Twain wrote it.  I wonder if that book is next to be revised.

Next, someone will be trying to update the language in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

World to End in May: On Prophets and Prophecy

As if we hadn't just started the year, now religious groups are predicting that there will be no Christmas in 2011.

In the AP article: End of Days in May? Christian group spreads word.  Yes, it seems that even after the movie 2012 predicted the end of life last year, now Christian groups want to scoop even the Mayan calendar.

So May 21, 2011 is it then.  Well--so was 1984, and 1844 and a lot of other times in between have been touted as the date of the end of the world.

Our world has so many prophets in it these days--it is hard to tell who is really a prophet and who is a fraud. Remember, true prophet has a 100 percent accuracy rate. I wonder what the accuracy rate is for the group predicting the end of the world on May 21st. You know the old saying--even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes.

Good could  from this--but, more likely, nothing good will result and on May 22nd--these people will be lumped together with other Christians by the world and we will all be considered crackpots.

And I was just thinking the year had gotten off to such a great start!

Back to the Grind--some not so random thoughts

Wow--I really felt it yesterday afternoon.

The holiday let-down hammered my about 2:30 PM.

Back at work, the holidays behind us and nothing but a long winter ahead of us for the next 75 days until Spring arrives.  At least the daylight is growing longer every day and we are soon coming out of the "dark times."

I was even thinking of getting my passport renewed so that I could go to St Lucia later this year!

I've been putting that one off for a long time.

I was in the bookstore one day last week looking at Caribbean travel guides--but decided not to buy the 400-page volume with only about 20 pages devoted to St Lucia.

Soon enough it will be warm.

I think I will make my reservations for Spring training in Sarasota soon. That is March at least.

Monday Musings - January 3, 2011

1. Happy New Year--I bet you haven't heard that before.

2. I have had most of the past week off to relax and do things around the house. It was nice.

3. Football is a fickle sport. The Ravens certainly did not deserve to win, but as it turns out, the Bengals did not deserve to win more.

4. With the arrival of the new year--we have begun to remove the Christmas decorations. The Snow Village has been returned to its boxes in the attic and the exterior lights rare down. We still have two trees decorated though--because the Christmas Season is not over.

5. I had the unique opportunity this past week to build a bird house with Ethan. It was good to smell the newly cut pine in the garage again.

6. Well--it is back to work or school for all of us normal working people. Ugh.

7. New Congress this week--wonder what they will do to us in the name of trying to make things better.

8. Banned words for 2011? Check out the list at Lake Superior State University. Viral and epic are two words on the list.

Hockey Night in the House

Who would have ever thought that it might be too warm for hockey, outdoors in Pittsburgh, PA in January? But that is the way it almost happened as the afternoon game between the Capitals and the Penguins was moved to 8PM for hopefully colder temperatures and better ice.

It was a great night for the guys--jerseys, hockey, and beer.
But, alas, the Capitals wanted the game more than the Penguins and the final was Caps 3 - Pens 1. Although it was fun to see the Penguins goalie, Fleury, get an assist on the lone goal.

It was fun to relax with the guys and talk some trash though.

Patrick and I wore our game jerseys to see a movie earlier in the day and ran into some Capitals fans--the meeting ended graciously with handshakes all around. Good sportsmanship is essential at all levels of play--from the ice, to the stands, to the sofa.

We did muse, during the game, that this time next year if there is a lock-out in the NFL and a players strike in the NBA that hockey could be the only professional game in town.  You really have to hand it to the owners of the NFL teams--the are certainly trying to find a way to strangle the golden goose.

Happy New Year 2011

And so it begins--

Full of promise, hope, and a clean slate.

2010 was quite a year and I know that 2011 will follow closely on its heels.

There will be changes and events that we cannot even begin to imagine.

As we slide across the threshold into the new year--stop for a moment and count your blessings. Hug your family. Kiss your significant other or spouse. Sip some wine to wash away the tears of last year and let the bubbles lift your spirit as we head off into the unknown.


And so for family and friends that I could not be with--and for those with whom I am present

Happy New Year 2011

God Bless You and Your Family

Tonight and all Through the Year

Best Photo and Article/Entry of 2010

And the winners are:

Well, one small commercial before I announce the winners.

I want to make it clear that the best photo and article/entry do not mean that they are the best events of 2010. I went over the best events of the year yesterday in 2010 Events of the Year.  The winners today are for the picture which spoke to me the most and the article/entry that I enjoyed the most on rereading.  In both cases the selections also needed to represent the eclectic approach that I take to this blog.

My blog is--my blog. It is personal and yet public. I cover a wide range of topics from news to family items and events. I also include leadership thoughts and reviews of movies, restaurants, wine, concerts and other items that strike me. I even include some jokes, and writing/poetry of my own. I do not believe that anything is off the table--although I have considered breaking the blog into other smaller bodies of work.

I appreciate feedback and I have even been called out on some of my statements this past year and I appreciated the time my friends took to educate me on the items that I did not fully understand. I admit I have opinions and fairly deep rooted beliefs about much of what I write about.

Thank you to everyone for the time you take to read my thoughts and for your comments--either directly on the blog or in Facebook.

And the winners are:



My favorite photo of 2010:




No Caption Required

This image was in the article Patrick and Tina get Married which was published on Sunday, June 20, 2010. I felt that this was one of those stand alone images--hence the name "No Caption Required."  I can still feel the love of the moment as I look at the picture.

My Favorite Article/Entry for 2010:

Dark Trees

I was outside Tuesday evening

looking at the night sky.

Chris bought a telescope at a yard sale--

I thought I'd try it out.

I saw Jupiter and three of its moons.

and craters on the Moon as well.

But bathed in the bright moonlight

I noticed the trees

towering above me still full with leaves.

They were dark.

The lightening bugs that made them shimmer

during the nights of summer--

were gone.

Dark and foreboding.

Silhouetted by the moon.

They were not yet autumn trees--

robed with red and orange leaves.

Nor were they the eerie trees of Halloween--

leaf-less, sketching scary shadows on the lawns

for the ghouls and goblins to dance with

in the moonlight.

No--these were still summer trees.

Standing tall against the winds and rains.

Reveling in hot summer sun

providing cool shade to travelers

pausing beneath their branches.

Yet, they were dark.

I imagined them gloomy.

As if they sensed the change.

The coolness of the still not yet autumn breeze

swept across my bare arms.

I paused, breathing deeply,

savoring both the musky scent of summer

and the sweet smell of recently mowed grass.

A dog barked in the distance

returning me to my driveway.

I had drifted off

to a summer-bathed sandy beach.

The light in the window reminded me

that the time for sleep had come.

And dreams.

The dark trees stood tall.

Nodding, it seemed

in the cool gentle breeze.

Autumn was at hand.


Dark Trees appeared on September 23, 2010. I love the imagery and the sensory nature of this poem. One of my favorite lines is: "... the eerie trees of Halloween--leaf-less, sketching scary shadows on the lawns for the ghouls and goblins to dance with in the moonlight." I actually can see playing out in my mind as I read it--and it really still strikes me. Reading the line "...breathing deeply, savoring both the musky scent of summer and the sweet smell of recently mowed grass" makes me relive summer and warmer times while I am trapped here in the winter time.

In conclusion--

The competition was fierce and stiff--and I considered including the runners-up, but that would be a bit presumptuous of me.

Thank you for reading and commenting during 2010, and I pray that your year ahead is full of hope and blessings.

Don't party too much tonight and if you drink--don't drive.  Spend the night or get a taxi.



2010 Events of the Year

What a year 2010 was.  We celebrated three major life events during the year, went on two kick-butt vacations and enjoyed so many special times with family and friends.  I am not even going to try to pick one best event--whether I wrote about it in the blog or not. But, I do want to write about the Events of 2010 because the year was a truly special year.  And so, in an effort to keep them all on a level playing field, I am calling them the Events of the Year and will try to keep them in chronological order.

So take a moment with me to review the great events of the year.

Lucas. The third grandson and Jeremy and Nicole's first child. The year got off to a grand start right in January with the arrival of Luke. Births always bring the family together--and this one was no exception. We have had the opportunity to watch him grow through this first year of life and develop already into a great kid. He is all in--in everything he does.

Snowpocaplyse. Snow in more amounts than we can remember. The dueling blizzards closed down the region for the better part of two weeks. I wrote a number of blog items about the snow but one of the coolest things that happened was the impromptu Super Bowl party we hosted for the neighborhood because we were all trapped by the snow and could not get out to our planned parties. We learned a lot about our neighbors and the whole neighborhood came closer together as a result of the blizzards.

Napa. The first of out two kick butt vacations of the year. Our first trip to Napa and a great time with Pennie and Scott. Not just wine--but natural beauty and wonder as well. It was a great week in a great place.

Jax clean bill of health.Jax went through some really tough medical testing during May. He was sick and they tested him for so many different diseases and syndromes that we had to continually remind ourselves that the doctors were searching for a needle in a haystack--or in this case Jax's blood. In  the end, God provided the answer through all of the testing--there is nothing abnormally wrong with Jax--no disease and no syndrome. He was just having a rough time.

The Wedding. The planning, the talking, the execution. It was simply elegant. We enjoyed the union of Tina and Patrick--and a beautiful June day in Baltimore with family and friends. Everyone contributed to this day in some way and that is what made it so special. Plus--the reception was a fun experience and the after-reception party was fun as well.

Florida Vacation. I love Florida and Jupiter. What more needs to be said? A week with Nicole and Mike and the boys followed by a week with Mary and Fran in an awesome place. We survived a glancing blow from a hurricane, swam with sharks and manatees, went on a safari, snorkeled and really enjoyed ourselves. There are so many blog entries on this that it is easy to get the flavor of how much I enjoyed my time away from the grind of life.

Ethan Off to School. A momentous event in every child's life. E is now firmly in the grip of the public school system.  And the reward--E-day. Wednesday afternoons Ethan and I get some alone time which I call E-day when I get to provide after-school care.

Wine Weekend with Friends. A mini-vacation in October when our friends accompanied us for an overnight to Charlottesville, VA to visit the wineries and reengage with some history.

Thanksgiving Family Gathering. Mom and Dad made one of their infrequent visits to Maryland to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. And we did celebrate. Patrick won the annual Axis and Allies tournament that we hold the day after Thanksgiving and everyone had a great time. Nicole and Mike hosted a great meal on "the day," and we overdosed on football and desserts.


Consensus Wine Blending. Read the blog entry. Chris and I did this last year and determined we wanted to win this year--and we did. This day is just great fun.

Christmas. Family, friends and fun. We gathered together a couple of times--Christmas Eve breakfast, church, Christmas Day presents and dinner. A truly special celebration of Christ's birth.

And there you have them--the Events of 2010.  All of them special and important. They, together, are the winners for the best events of the year.

December Grasses

Sometimes I find the neatest things right in my own yard.

This morning I looked out the window and saw the sun, yes, really the sun, illuminating the now brown grasses around the pool. The sky was blue and the grasses were golden and shimmering in the sunlight.

I wanted to cut them down a while ago--I have to do that every year, but now I am glad that I didn't. 

It was over 40 degrees today for the first time in over two weeks--it felt like a summertime heat wave.

It felt good to be outside, I also build a bird house with Ethan during the late morning and early afternoon. It only took a few hour--but I wound up emptying the garage in order to get a workspace for us to construct in. We had to take many breaks to warm up. Some hot chocolate and a couple minutes inside and we were back at the project which only required two trips to Lowe's for supplies.

So the in between week has been full of some different activities.  And relaxing and at times frustrating (installing my new router highlighted a problem with my laptop).

But it is a week I look forward to every year. And although I have to work tomorrow, I am excited about the new year celebrations which are just a couple of days away.

Favorite Blog Items - 2010

I reviewed the massive amount of writing I did for 2010 and tried to get it down to the top ten items or articles. I got close. I will announce my winner with the picture of the year on December 31st. And the nominees for favorite item from the blog for 2010 are:

Integrity Lapses End Badly. An item about the resignation of the Mayor of Baltimore because she had some integrity issues.

Lucas Arrives. An item about the arrival of the youngest member of the family.

"To Do" or "Not To Do"? lists and my use of lists to not do things. Don't let things get put on my list!

Grandfather - Other Duties as Assigned. This is about taking off a day from work to spend as the primary caregiver for Lucas and how much fun I really had.

For the Love of My Dog - Keeping Life in Perspective is about how having a dog keeps me grounded.

Quote of the Day. It was April 6th and we were in the Napa Valley at the Old Faithful Geyser and there were some little sheep of a different variety and Chris made this really humorous statement when she saw them.

Complicated Factors. I got on my soap box about people.


Home Projects--the Blood Factor. About how home projects just never are as easy as they seem or that they should be.

Afternoon with the Bride and Groom. One afternoon with Patrick and Tina finalizing arrangements for the wedding.

Sand and Beaches. Some thoughts about beaches.

Fizz in the Glass of Life. Some random thoughts about grandchildren and life.

Plug-n-Play Leadership: the Wrong Answer. A rant about something I see as really wrong about leadership in government.

Consensus Blending - Fun at the Winery. Retells the fun we had one Sunday at Keswick blending wine.

Boy in the Window is about how seeing a small boy playing in a store window reminded me of a 50 year old memory.

Wine Club Dinner: The 2010 Version is a Hit reviews the dinner we enjoyed with the wine club.

Dark Trees was one of the eight poems I wrote in the blog this year.

Favorite Pictures from the Blog - 2010

Below are my nominations for the best picture of the year from my Blog. These are all images that either I or my lovely wife, Chris, took on our cameras.  I will announce the winner on December 31st along with my best blog item of the year.

1. Jax is the coolest 2-year old on the planet. He has the world always under control. And for that matter he always has his parents and grandparents in the palm of his hand, too.  I love this picture because I really love this hat. I wish I could wear one with the confidence that Jax does! 

Jax--I love this Hat!

 

























Baby? Where's the Baby?



2. Jeremy after Lucas was born. I don't really remember what was going on, but this picture really captured the emotions of the time--the joy, the excitement and the terror.









Snowpocalypse through the crystal of the door

3. "Through the Crystal" as I have titled this image,  is shot out the front door of the house looking into the post 1st Snowpocalypse event in February. I thought about this shot and felt it would provide a cool memory of the event. Of course, at the time I had no idea that a second even larger storm was on the way. When we were done, some almost 60 inches of snow lay on the ground. We were trapped for four days--with over 40 inches of snow in the street. The driveway was clear--but the street was impassable.

















4. Makayla loves the snow. She was having more fun in the snow during the Snowpocalypse than should have been allowed. It was fun to watch her run through the snow and shake it all over herself. It was not fun, however, cleaning off her feet when she came in from playing.

Makayla Loves Snow

5. The roads were impassable. Chris and I and Makayla took a walk to check them out. The day was snowy and cold. Just the kind of weather Chris and Makayla like. I remember about the snow and cold for the entire walk. I was a true downer to be with since the snow spirit was so high in Chris.

Barely Passable

 6. I needed some color and we found it in California at a winery. These flowers just brightened up my whole day. And this image brightens my day every tome I look at it.

California Colors of April

7. As we walked through the Redwood forest during our Napa/Sonoma vacation, we spied this web glinting in the sunlight. Chris worked her magic--walking off the path and into a dry stream bed to snap this shot.

Spider Web in the Redwood Forest

8. This is one awesome looking dude! Getting ready for the wedding and looking his best--even with the half smile. Look at him--he is such a cool looking dude all decked out.

I'm the Man!

9.  At the wedding of the year. This image, I think, really captured the emotion of the day. Nuff said.

No Caption required

 10. On the beach in Jupiter, armed with her Kindle--reading and relaxed.  No--she did not take this image.

I'm Bored with Beaches


11. Sometimes an image just captures a scene exactly as I remember it. The hurricane was moving off shore. The surf was rough.  The sky and the clouds we vivid and to be remembered. The wind was strong and it reminds me of paintings I have seen of the sky and surf.

Like a Painting--Jupiter Beach

12. Before I managed to destroy my underwater camera, I had a great day of snorkeling and was able to capture this school of fish. I love the way the sunlight is playing with the shadows on the bottom and the sand is being channeled by the action of the waves. I felt like a member of the school as I was swimming with the fish the day. I enjoyed the snorkeling, but I would have loved to just be laying on the bottom in scuba gear--eve though ti was only 10 feet deep. I should have rented a tank.

I'd Love to be Sleeping with the Fishes

13. And off on the rocks--not 50 feet offshore one day and group of manatees came to sun themselves. They were awesome--not as awesome as the one that caught us by surprise a day later when Chris and I were snorkeling--but nearly so. In all of the years we have been coming to Jupiter, we had never seen manatees--but this past winter was especially rough on the manatee population, with some 10 percent dying due to the cold. So their patterns must have changed a bit. No problem--we thoroughly enjoyed seeing them.

Manatees! Right There!

14.  My favorite bird! I don't know why--it just is.

Real Birds Wear Pink!

15. We were out driving one evening after dinner and saw the perfect spot to snap an image of Jupiter Lighthouse. Chris took it--and I was sure it wouldn't come out--but look--it did.

Jupiter Light House

So I Can Find My Way Back

16. Lucas, asleep. 2010 is the year of Luke! What a great kid. What fun--and how he has so changed and developed. He is such a neat kid. One of the "Gang of Three."

Lucas

A New Definition of "Sleeping Like a Baby"

17. The first day of school. I can feel the anxiety in the image.  That would be his Mom's anxiety.

Every Mother's Nightmare

The First Day of School

18. No year in review would be complete without my favorite past time being included. This bunch of Cabernet Franc grapes was at Keswick Vineyards in early-October.  A beautiful Sunday morning.

Walking in the Vineyard

19. My Pair of Kees together. BFF.

A Pair of Kees

20. And to end the year--the Eclipse Equinox. Chris took it, but I got up to view it as well. A truly unique event almost 400 years in the making.

Equinox Eclipse

Christmas 2010: Twenty Pictures

And as a summary of Christmas with the family--here are twenty pictures to relive the memories.

Ornaments on the Tree

Reflecting the Beauty

 Jax totally toasted about 5PM--the day caught up with him.

Jax on Christmas 2010

 The family--chillin after the presents

Christmas Afternoon

Who Took My Present?

Ethan: Spy Hunter

I Love Coats!

Dad, When are they Leaving?

Nicole--Relaxed

Grandma? Who Gets the Next Gift?

What a Cute Butt!

Chewie chewing

Riordan under the Christmas Palm

Picture of the First Picture with the New Camera

Pop-pop and Lucas Digging In

Christmas Eve Brunch: And So it Begins

The Women in my Life

Shhh! Santa has been Here!

The Family 2010

The Youngest Fighting for Grandma's Love

Monday Musings - December 27, 2010

1. 363 days until Christmas 2011. Five days until 2011.  Who are you partying with?

2. Did you read about the 9 year old boy who is the youngest American ever to be classified as a chess master?  Read about Samuel Sevian.

3. I found it scary funny that North Korea was declaring a holy or a sacred war on South Korea. How does an atheistic country have anything holy? Isn't that an oxymoron?

4. I heard this at work and it is a funny way to end the season--Why does Santa have three gardens?  So that he can hoe, hoe, hoe.

5. I love sports--and I have watched some cricket when i have been on international travel--but there is something really weird when someone can score 498 runs in an inning. CNN International reported that the other day. Really? I remember one time, when I was at a British RAF base for the 4th of July, we played the base cricket team a game of softball. It doesn't transfer well, suffice it to say.

6. I love the CIA.  You have got to read this article about a new group they created--WTF.  It made me LOL.

7. The day after Christmas when the presents are all gone--the Christmas Tree looks so lonely and forlorn.

8. It snowed a bit today--and the entire region panicked.

9.  The saddest part about Christmas is that it ends and we so quickly forget everything and return to the way we were.