once more with feeling

Gone and Gone

2011-03-20T07:07:00.002-05:00

My son, Mason, will be 20 in a few days. I remember thinking when I learned he was coming that I would be 60 when he was 20. Here we are. Where did those 20 years go?

If Im around when he's 40 I'll probably be wondering the same thing. Well maybe not.

Respect

2010-06-07T21:22:00.004-05:00

I have recognized a really disturbing fact about myself. I'm not sure I can explain it very well.

When I deal with others I only deal with them on the surface. I don't think I recognize them as someone with feelings, or a soul. Someone like me with fears, concerns, pleasures, hardships, doubts and so on. Its almost as if there is a body with a head that words come from their mouth. They walk and eat and drink but I don't think I get much beyond that. I do somewhat with my family, probably not enough, but I might just as well be working with and dealing with robots as far as other people I work and come in contact with are concerned. I apologize. I'm truly sorry but I'm not sure I know how to change.

I don't like what I have learned about myself. I think it must have roots in my selfishness and self-centeredness. I'm so vain that I don't want others to see my true self. I'm not nearly as smart as I try to portray, nor am I as tough or composed.
Even though I screw up a lot I don't want others to think I do. I'm not sure I can see others as they truly are unless I'm willing to let them thru the facade I put up.

I'm 59 years old. What does it matter? You would think maturity would have shined a lite on this before now.

If you know how and can help me change I would appreciate your help.

Respect

2010-06-07T21:22:00.001-05:00

Make a difference

2010-05-08T08:26:00.001-05:00

A lot going on around the World and our Country. Greece’s financial woes, Health Care, Bombs in NY City, Oil in the Gulf, Dow down 1000, Global warming, Cap and Trade, Immigration issues, floods in Tennessee. Wouldn’t you like to have the inside track on anyone of these and be able to see all the things involved, start to finish. There are lots of trains coming down the track. Makes a lot of difference if you’re on the train or standing on the track.
It’s easier to try to maintain the status quo or sit on the sidelines but I think its time to get in the game. Our country needs us more today to get involved, learn the issues, apply the common sense that our parents and grand parents taught us and start making a difference. It starts with deciding that your opinion matters. It starts with deciding you can make a difference. It starts with one vote here, one comment there, throwing your support in with other like minded folks, driving across town to support a cause you believe in, driving across the state to be counted with that group and maybe even finding yourself in the crowed at the Mall in D.C. It’s about more than sending $100.00 or $1000.00, even though that’s necessary, it’s about making your opinion known and felt and seen.
There are so many critical issues to be decided over the next few years its mind boggling.

Folks that will read this I know have the right answers. I know they are on the right side.

Get that “White Hat” out of the closet, get on Trigger, or Old Silver, wake up your sidekick and get started.

Back from Ghana

2010-02-28T08:33:00.004-06:00

My daughter, whom in my previous blog was off to Ghana, is now home from Ghana. There was much anticipation prior to her going. It seemed like she had plans of going for a long time. We talked several times and as the departure grew near our talks grew more frequent and the anticipation built. The day finale came as depicted below and she was off. Her adventure began.

She was in the middle of the experiences the challenges and even the trials. We were back in the comfort of these United States left only with our apprehensions and worries. Each day came and went and sometimes we got a glimpse of her status and experiences. The days sped by and they drug by but they passed never the less. The day came when the work was done, the play was over and she returned home. It seems now that it was not a long time from start to finish. For me I'm glad she is safely back in the U.S. Safely back in Austin and her home. I can't know what she feels but I guess she might feel that it was over too soon, and that for all the preparation, anticipation and the pure experience of it that it could have lasted longer. She only has memories and pictures and friendships made, while there, to remember the long anticipated experience and that may cause a little sorrow in the coming weeks.

Jocelyne, even though this experience has ended for you and you may regret it's brevity and dearly miss the doing of the experience, those people whose lives your team and you touched, healed and changed will never be the same. They will forever be better thanks to you all and your gift.

Thank you for going to Ghana.

Off to Ghana

2010-02-05T18:01:00.010-06:00

I went to Austin Thursday, the 4th, to see Jocelyne off to Ghana Africa. She has volunteered to serve on a heart team operating on residents of that area of Ghana. She will stay for about 3 weeks. She packed two bags to take along. One for her clothes and another full of 48 pounds of toys and supplies for orphans her team is supporting. The team was to take medical supplies or other items for the kids.

She was really excited about the opportunity but was a little apprehensive this morning prior to boarding her flight. It turns out her flight and route is the same used by the Christmas Bomber.

I assured her that she had better odds of winning the Lottery as their trying or succeeding in getting another fool on that same flight. As I write this this evening she has boarded the flight from Detroit to Amsterdam. 8 hrs. flight time. She lays over 6 hours and then flys an additional 8 hrs to Accra Ghana.

She will have a great time. She is supposed to keep her blog going and that should be interesting.

Tim Tebow

2010-01-02T07:25:00.002-06:00

Ephesians is a great part of a great book. God's word, the Bible. I know God will reveal his Son, Christ Jesus, to his people told of early in chapter 1. Those chosen before the foundations of the world. It is such a blessed mystery and such a blessing when God makes that revelation to our hearts and minds.

Tebow has proven to be a great college quarter-back. Many will attribute his ability, skills, good fortune, etc., to his faith in a higher power. I would agree that those things come to him because of the power and purpose of his creator but not because of anything he does to encourage or earn that favor. The verses he exhibited in his eye black at the Sugar Bowl are clear regarding who gets the Glory. "For by grace are ye saved thru faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." God does it all. God gets all the glory.

So, hooray for Tebow and the Gators for a great season. Hooray for God and his great provisions through his Son Jesus Christ.

New Years Eve Bowling Injury

2010-01-01T06:37:00.003-06:00

Ever so often that perfect situation begins to shape up. You can just feel things falling into place, where square pegs suddenly fit perfectly in round holes and left turns are automatically turned into right. Right???

Carol, my beautiful, brilliant, bodacious wife and I planned to celebrate the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 in excellent fashion. We planned an evening of dining, sipping, and entertainment that would be just celebration for the end of the first decade of the 21st century.
We planned to dine at the Out Back Restaurant where we could really put on the whole hog using a gift card given to us by an appreciative pheasant hunter. That plan changed when the wait at the Out Back appeared to be too long. We quickly decided to move our dining experience across the street to Hoffbrau's where the wait was only about 20 minutes. This turned out to be the perfect meal. (Square Peg in a Round Hole)

We partook of a cold glass of barley, yeast and hop's, a pale lager if you will, while waiting for our table. The wait was scheduled for 15 to 20 but in reality lasted only about 8 and 1/2 minutes. My darling and I had some very stimulating and interesting conversation during our brief wait which I'm sure will endure in my memory at least, as a time that was much savored and enjoyed. We were escorted to our tables by a young man in a red shirt and were introduce to the cuisine when he handed us our menu's. Our Waiter arrived soon there after to take our drink order. We declined his offer of water and indicated to him that we were just fine and for now at least would not require additional liquid refreshment. After a brief pregnant silence he mumbled that perhaps we needed a little more time to study the list of meal options and upon our agreement he departed to offer his services to the other patrons. My precious companion and I chatted about the dishes listed in the menu and at about the same time our decisions were made, our Waiter re-appeared with pen and order booklet in hand. Carol had a baked chicken dish with baked potato, salad with vinegar and oil dressing. I chose the ladies portion of a signature sirloin dish. (Not that I couldn't handle the gentleman's portion mind you, I was only thinking of the later planned events and wanting to give myself the proper preparation for peak performance) I picked fried okra and a salad with blue cheese dressing as my sides. The young man departed to give the chefs our order and we settled in to a brief wait on our salad.
When we were able to take our eyes from each other we studied the other patrons. I noticed several men with western hats which I was able to appreciate each as to color and style. I noted that most of the men and women were a little older but not too heavy as is often the case. There was the usual low murmur of collective voices and the occasional louder phrase that although understandable was meaningless because you didn't hear it in context with the rest of the discussion. This experience continued to build on the perfect situation noted above.
Our salad arrived and it's consumption coincided with the arrival of our entree. My sirloin was cut into 1/8 " strips which were very tender and seasoned exquisitely. A touch of ketchup added to each bite of steak or okra was the perfect addition for the perfect pallet experience. My Princes, setting across from me, indicated her appreciation of the meal prepared for her as well. Our Waiter returned periodically to inquire as to our needs or desires and each time we assured him that all was satisfactory and that nothing else was required. During the next to the last visit from our restaurant attendant and after his question regarding desert I handed him my credit card indicating that we were finished and were ready to reimburse the establishment for a very good dining experience. That accomplished we departed Hoffbrau's en route to the next leg of our celebration.
Our drive across town to Western street was typical and punctuated with an occasional red lite and lane change. As we passed a drive-through beer and wine establishment Carol pointed out the line of cars that extended out into the main roadway. We remarked that there would be many who would regret their decision to imbibe tonight ,in the Morning, or when the spinning room could only be steadied by a firm grasp of the porcelain potty as the evenings drink and food reemerged as a not so attractive gush into the water below. With those not so enjoyable thoughts we pulled into the parking lot of the establishment we planned to spend the next few hours laughing and challenging our bodies to new accomplishments. We had arrived at Western Bowl.
We entered the building and were immediately greeted with the usual sounds and smells of a bowling alley. If you will close your eyes and concentrate on the thought "Bowling Alley" I think you will conjure up the same sites, sounds, and smells. Its similar to walking into a Casino only the bells and tinkling's are exchanged for thunks and pops and crashing. We secured our shoes and alley and once we exchanged our street shoes for the bowling shoes we began our search for the ball that would best lend itself to our quest for the perfect game. I found a blue one with swirls of liter color and only a few nicks and dings. It fit my fingers reasonably well and I felt pretty good about the selection. As I placed it on the ball return caddy I noticed another blue ball left by a previous patron that had Heavy, stamped on its side. I made a mental note to try that ball at some point in my game. Precious had found the perfect pink ball with which she would knock down the pens at the end of the lane and which also went well with her maroon shirt, green eyes and feminine demeanour.

I might here take a moment to describe the enjoyment and pleasure I derive from watching my wife and companion of 14 years bowl. She takes the ball and carefully inserts her delicate fingers into the holes bored into it. She sets her feet while balancing and steadying the ball with both hands. Its about at this point usually that I admire the figure of the woman standing there. Excellent posture, trim figure, pants that are just tight enough to attract my attention. She begins her walk. One, two, three, four steps and ends the delivery of the ball to the alley with a little hop and swoop. She watches the ball approach the pins while I usually continue to watch her. I know approximately how many pins fall by watching her subtle body language and almost imperceptible whimpers or exclamations. These have become clear over the many times I have watched her success and failures.

Back to the experience at hand and the building perfect evening. We begin our bowling tentatively at first. You never really know which game you are bringing to the challenge until after a few frames. On the second frame I picked up my spare and Carol gave me the proper greeting and recognition when I returned to the seat. She was bowling her usual good game and I was enjoying watching. My turn again. I picked the other blue ball I mentioned earlier. The one with "Heavy" stamped on the side. I took my place, picked the line on the lane I wanted to deliver the ball to and began my delivery. As the ball left my hand I felt and heard a familiar tug and pop on my thumb. I watched as the ball took the perfect curving line into the strike pocket and the pens exploded as the ball finished on the back wall of the alley. I noted the speed of the ball on the electronic scoreboard at 16.58 mph just before the graphics showed an impressive display to me and the rest of the bowlers on either side of our lane. I wished at the time that the sound had been turned up so more of the people several lanes over could have enjoyed the graphics on the screen and then let their eyes take in my humble attitude and posture as I strolled back to my seat. Carol continued her fine bowling and I noticed our scores were very similar going into the forth frame. I approached the alley once again. My confidence was elevating and I felt an assurance of good things to come. Sure enough soon after the release of another good ball I could tell it had strike written all over it. I again humbly returned to my seat with Carols compliments and I'm sure admiring looks from my fellow bowlers. Again my Princes bowled and again I stood up to test my long ago learned skills. I had the thought that a third strike would be counted as a Turkey. Set, Walk, Release, Strike, Turkey. The roar was defining. At least it seemed louder to me as I walked back to Carols admiring gaze and high five. It was at this point that I began to allow my thoughts to go to the next level. Maybe this would be the night. The defining night of the rest of my life. If I would use the next few frames of this game to work out a few kinks and further refine my execution I could take the next game to that point only a few other remarkable men had achieved. The perfect Game. As I watched Carol knock down 7 pins and then pick-up her spare I contemplated the adjustments I needed to make. I remembered the 16.58 mph speed on the first strike and chided myself for not looking at the next two. I had been too busy making sure of my humility by keeping my eyes diverted while returning to my seat that I had failed to notice the speed. I was pretty sure that I had been increasing the speed and felt that the speed was surly adding to my ability to strike. I assessed my approach and delivery and decided that the best way to further increase the speed was to take a little longer back swing and then add just a little more effort to the down thrust and follow through. My turn again. I approached the triangle of pins with determination. I was not looking for a strike now, only speed and further refinement of my approach. I selected "Heavy". Inserted my fingers and thumb anticipating the tug and pop. I began my walk letting my arm drop and curl up behind my back. I felt the muscles of my arm and shoulder tighten and stretch a little further than I had previously asked them to do. I knew this was the sacrifice needed to get the additional speed. I began the downswing. I pushed harder with my arm and shoulder. I felt muscles in my chest and back kick in. Speed, more speed through the delivery. I felt it coming into place. I only needed one more body part to contribute to bring this puppy home. I would increase the leg drive as I pushed off and swooped into the delivery slide. I urged my legs to drive, drive. They responded. Too late did I recognize that tug to the inner muscles of my thigh. My mind was so caught up with execution and delivery that the pain to my groin really did not hit me till soon after I watched my ball hit the gutter. I thought "Dang It" maybe I overdid the need for speed. I will have to adjust that. I walked back to the score table and Carol. With each step I tested the painful area. One step seemed to not be effected while the next one brought a sharp pain. I sat down trying to understand my situation. I let Carol know that I thought I had hurt myself and she expressed the proper sympathy. She asked if I thought she should take me to the emergency room. I didn't think so. Was I hurt or not? Could I go on. I had a lot at stake. I decided to fight on through the pain. Carol bowled and made a strike. I congratulated her as I took my place at the spots on the floor I normally start at. I cocked my heels together as I normally do. I tried to feel the pain in my leg but did not notice much. I stepped out with my injured leg. As it hoovered above the floor there was no pain but immediately as my foot touched the floor and the muscles responded I felt a sharp pain. A debilitating pain. The act of stepping out required a second and even third step. Each step causing pain that I had no intention of dealing with. I limped to a halt and put the ball back in the caddy declaring my inability to go on to my beloved. Dashed were my hopes of the perfect game. No longer did I have to maintain my humility. The limp was real, to heck with my embarrassment. Carol finished mine and her lines. We discussed my injury and what we might do to salvage the evening. She bowled another game and all I could do was enjoy her form. We departed the "Alleys", she happy and supportive and me hurting and positive that the injury had cost me the perfect game.

Beginning to seem a lot like Christmas past

2009-12-26T07:04:00.003-06:00

It is December 26th, and Christmas 2009 is history. I think it went well as Christmas's go. We spent Christmas Eve in Gruver with my side of the family and then Christmas day in Amarillo with our kids. Gifts were fun, finger food was tasty, Carol beat me bowling, the girls beat the boys in the scavenger hunt and I went to sleep during the movie. It just doesn't get much better than that. See you next Christmas.

Belated

2009-12-06T11:44:00.002-06:00

I wish to let John and Mary know how much I enjoyed Thanksgiving.

It was really a nice time. The meal was great. The time we had to visit and catch up with family and friends was awesome. Your place is so comfortable and lends itself to such a gathering. But as a sometimes planner of meetings and meals, myself, I know how much hard work goes into such an event and I want to say how much I enjoyed the event but how much more I appreciate all the work that you two put into making it a really memorable time. Y'all always go the extra mile and take care of all the details that make our gatherings really special.

I don't know how John will equal the ride in Ronnie's truck next year but I'm waiting with great anticipation.

Thank you both a lot.

In addition to our Tyler time I must also thank our hostess in Austin. Thank you Jocelyne for giving up your bed and for the great "Austin" experiences we have each time we visit. Did you get your pulls installed on the desk?
Love you and will see you soon.

Important or Not?

2009-11-22T08:19:00.003-06:00

A job making lots of money?
A cool shady place when its hot?
A vacation in the south of France?
Some one to show you the way?
A dependable car with 4-wheel drive in a snow storm?
A room with a view?
Someone to talk to?
A 280 yd drive on a 395 yd par 4?
A knife in a gun fight?
A pardon when you know you're guilty?
A cow with horns?
Four legs instead of three?
A white flag?
Pictures on the wall?
A visit with a friend when you laugh till you get tears?
A flat and a spare tire?
Being chosen first or last?
My will or thy will?
A key when the door is unlocked?
A flyswatter in winter?
A cup of coffee with your daughter?
Bridges in the desert?
A good probation officer?
The right hat?
The right boots?
Sheep or goats?
A song from your past?
Patience with a dog?
Able to put your socks on standing up?
A blog?
Who gets the glory?
Water in a dry land?
The right tool?
Making the right choice?
Draft or can?
Stepping stones?
Hunting trips?
A fast horse?
An ice scraper in August?
An alarm clock?
Always being right?
Welfare?

Circumcision

2009-11-09T21:38:00.002-06:00

Galatians 5:1-5
1. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2. Behold I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Our nature is to work for what we get. We have been taught that all our lives. If we pleased our parents as little children we got rewarded. If we studied we got good marks and gold stars by our names and passed to the next grade level. If we practiced our band instruments we moved closer to first chair or maybe even first chair of that instrument. As adults the efforts we put in our jobs usually are rewarded by advancements, raises or bonuses. It is ingrained in our nature to work to please someone or to get a reward.

Christ is our righteousness. He is ALL our righteousness. Christ was circumcised and by accepting circumcision he accepted also to do the whole law. He did the whole law so that we who could not could be justified as if we had. There is no more need for us to keep the law, He did it for us and now sits at the right hand of God as our mediator. He declares continuously to God that we are justified in Him because of what he did. He declares continuously to God that we have satisfied all the requirements because He satisfied all the requirements for us. And God is pleased with the work of Christ. I still sometimes get caught up in my nature to work for something better. To get the blessing, to please God, to avoid trials and tribulations. How pitiful God must see my efforts to add to what Christ my saviour did. Look to Christ!

I went to Kansas City last week. I really enjoyed the meetings and getting to know the cattle industry from some different perspectives. I went out to eat at the Hereford House and had a great steak and a very nice glass of red wine. Weather was great but didn't get to see much from the hotel meeting rooms. They've got some pretty little women there but none as pretty as the one I had at Home. It was good to get back.

Much Accomplished

2009-10-19T21:00:00.003-05:00

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

People use this verse to say that the Lord wants all to repent and receive salvation. Taken in context and considering who Peter is writing to helps to explain the purpose and meaning. He is writing to believers as depicted by the address in the first chapter verse one and also at the beginning of the third chapter when he calls the ones addressed "Beloved". Then in 3:9 he says that the Lord is longsuffering to us-ward, (those he is writing to) not willing that any (of them) should perish, and that all (of them) should come to repentance. This would apply to all believers but should not be used to infer that God will or that he desires the salvation of any outside of those he chose in Christ before the foundation of the world.

We had a very full week-end. Carol and I had a very nice time attending the Golden Spur award ceremony in Lubbock. Each year a rancher is chosen to receive this award and this year a rancher from Nebraska was honored. We had a great meal, good fellowship with old friends in the cattle business and Carol bought a nice jacket in the silent auction. Our hotel was nice and comfortable and we had a good drive too and from Lubbock
Sunday we went to Corbins ballgame and then all the guys went and shot sporting clays. The clays won unfortunately. We were all pretty rusty. Corbin did hit one which is pretty good considering it was only the second time he had shot a shotgun.
Carol and I, mostly I mowed the grass late Sunday evening.
We will be seeing a lot of Lubbock as we are returning there next week-end to attend the Tech/A&M game. Hope the weather is nice.

Nagging Feelings

2009-10-13T08:11:00.003-05:00

Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

What does this verse mean to you? Does it point to your duty to identify good works to do in order to please God? Does it point to God's work in you to accomplish his purposes?

They are interpreted each way depending on who you put your trust. Who gets the Glory?

I had a good week-end. Lilly and I were home alone. Carol was in Tyler visiting her Family.
It was drizzly both days and limited what I could do. I visited my hunting stores and other shops I like. Sunday, Mason and Me had breakfast and Church and a good visit. I watched football and golf the rest of the day. I noticed a nagging discomfort most of the day. I finally discovered what that was. I was missing my Wife.

Don't have One

2009-10-04T07:44:00.002-05:00

Oh! sweet grace, blessed grace!
"For it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:8

We are saved by grace . . . free grace, rich grace, sovereign grace, distinguishing grace—without one atom of works, without one grain of creature merit, without anything of the flesh. Oh! sweet grace, blessed grace! Oh! what a help—what a strength—what a rest for a poor toiling, striving, laboring soul—to find that grace has done all the work—to feel that grace has triumphed in the cross of Christ—to find that . . . nothing is required, nothing is needed, nothing is to be done! J.C. Philpot

The leaves are changing in the Panhandle of Texas. Im ready for the change. I love the Fall up here. The Winter worries me because of the cattle and how it will effect them and our ability to take care of them, but it is necessary. We will have good days and bad but we will get thru them and make it to Spring.

We will.

California

2009-06-30T21:42:00.002-05:00

We made it. Started from Amarillo this morn. at 9:30, flew to Dallas, then to Sacramento, Ca.
We drove down toward Yosemite National park but had to turn around to find a room. We are at Sonora Ca. and Carol is trying to get her computer to connect so she can do payroll from here tomorrow. There will be a bunch of Mad people in Ama and Granbury if she cant. I will keep you posted.

DAD II

2009-06-21T16:56:00.002-05:00

I posted about Dad in February 2007. He had been diagnosed with Lung Cancer and his Dr.'s were not too encouraging. He recieved chemotherapy which made his hair very thin and he lost a lot of weight. He now takes a pill which was originally hard for him to adjust to. It caused a lot of nausea and other complications. He worried that he couldn't take it, thinking it would give him protection from the cancer returning. After awhile he learned how to eat on the days he took the pill and he has done very well sence.

He has gained his weight back plus a little excess. He drives his truck, working about as much as he wants and needs to. The tests the Dr. runs have all shown his lungs and the rest of his body free from cancer. We all kind of hold our breaths when it is time to test but so far the results couldn't be better.

He and I went to two Texas Rangers games about a month ago. We had really good seats three rows up from the opponents (Seatle) dugout, we both had a great time.

I love you Dad and Im glad you are doing so well.

Pot calling the kettle blaaa---whiii or something like that

2009-06-20T12:02:00.008-05:00

Our President says he is ready for a fight on his proposed changes to the financial institution's rules. He says "It's no coincidence that the lack of strong consumer protections led to abuses against consumers," he said. "The lack of rules to stop deceptive lending practices led to abuses against borrowers." His solution will be more regulations and involvement in business that the Government cannot do any thing constructive in. Government can only hinder free enterprise.

It was not deceptive lending practices that led to the melt down of the lending markets, it was a rule to force loans to borrowers with no down payment and no way to repay the loan.
Who made the rules again that allowed, even caused the lending of money for houses that people should never have been allowed to buy? I think it was Congress and I even think it was the Congress in Clinton's administration that did it. Seems to me that Barney Franks and Chris Dodd had something or other to do with it. That's what I understand. I'm not giving the Republicans a pass because many supported and voted for the legislation. I can understand mistakes. I make plenty myself. I have to suffer the consequences, however, but these guys never even admit the MISTAKE.

The article I read gave me the impression that Mr. Obama was trying to warn the opposition not to oppose the change. Not to question his decisions. He wants to put in place a "Watch Dog Org." to monitor and control practices. Oh Brother, Big Brother. Kind of gave me the creeps. It resembles a little the Religious leader in Iran telling the people challenging the election that they better stop or there will be Hell to pay.

I think in a democracy the chief of all chiefs should be promoting debate and welcoming other opinions and ideas in order to find the most effective solutions.
GO FIGURE!!!

Dig In and do something.

2009-06-17T21:58:00.004-05:00

By the end of the year our Country will have the biggest deficit in history. The Government will be involved in major Company's in ways it has never been in history. It appears we may be trying to provide more entitlements than we have in the history of our Country. We are moving away from Old Allies and making moves toward relations with other Countries who appear to only want our destruction and the destruction of other democratic peoples. Our unemployment is approaching 10% and where I sit in agriculture the recession is deepening and demand for our product continues to slip. We have Feeding businesses closing and many more doing only half as much as a year ago. Feedlots must remain well above half capacity to break-even so it is speculated that many more will be in trouble and closing after this turn of cattle. I hear smart people saying that the stock market will take another major drop within the year. I'm pretty concerned and I guess my concern shows up in my blog.

I don't hate Obama, Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic controlled House and Senate, Homosexuals or even the other activist groups, but I'm very concerned that their agendas are going to take our Great Country to places we may not get back from in my life time or may be ever. I know the economy is not the fault of the current administration but I believe there are better ways to try to fix it.

General Motors did a poor job managing their business. The unions helped make them uncompetitive. Businesses that fail to manage their business need to fail. Other businesses see their mistakes, see the consequences of those mistakes and they learn from them. They make the necessary changes to be successful and all benefit. I predict GM will never recover to the degree they can contribute to the automobile industry or the Country. They should have failed and allowed the process to work.

We truly need to get back to sound principles, morals and ethics. Too many times now decisions are based on self serving ideas. The two parties that govern our country are more worried about their popularity, or what they can get individually rather than doing what is best for the United States. This really frustrates and I guess, makes me angry.

There is much to learn about what is going on. I'm not sure what we can do and I'm not sure what we should do. I know one thing though. We must do something. We must learn what is going on, form an opinion of what is right and wrong and react to it. We have set too long letting the other person do what needs doing.

Not Original but Right

2009-06-14T07:44:00.002-05:00

There are those that get a pass for saying anything that comes into their heads and out of their mouths. It can be sickeningly vulgar, utterly raciest, hate filled, violence promoting garbage and it is passed by the media and the so called enlightened liberal, almost unnoticed. Not only does the media and Liberal give them a pass, but We whom it offends and harms let it pass without comment or contest.

I understand the Media "Giving them a Pass". They agree with the underlying AGENDAS of the people they give the pass to. They, too, are sickeningly vulgar, utterly raciest, hate filled and they promote violence. The Media believes that it is OK for gay men and women to exchange the God created, God instituted, natural act of procreation for an unnatural, dirty, unhealthy, act of sexual gratification. The Media and those who agree with and believe the same, thinks it is OK for minorities to degrade, vilify, condemn, and slander the white majority. They will not recognize that as raciest. The Media agrees with those who think they are entitled to something others have worked for when they do nothing but sit around with their hand out. The Media agrees with those that believe they can and should restrict FREEDOM of others so long as it doesn't effect theirs. I understand the Media "Giving them a Pass". BUT WHY DO WE?

Why do We allow the killing of unborn children? Why do We allow the display and promotion of filthy, unnatural sexual activity? Why do We allow the taking of our hard earned money so it can be given to those who wont work? Why do We allow ourselves to be constantly accused of racism. Why do We allow the Media and Liberal a pass to lie, and slander good Men and Women who stand up for what is RIGHT and GOOD? Why do We allow God given, Constitution guaranteeing, FREEDOMS to be taken from us? Why do We?

I guess I don't know why. But you know, maybe why is not important. What is important is that we begin not allowing those things to go on uncontested. Please join with me in standing for something you are passionate about. You or I alone can't have much affect on what is getting a "Pass" but collectively WE CAN.

I sent the following to CBS in order to not allow David Letterman or CBS a "Pass" on a wrong he committed.

Because of Letterman’s comments regarding The Palin daughter I will not watch his show on CBS, or if he appears on any form of entertainment I may be watching I will turn it off. I will not view any CBS telecasts and will try to identify the products that advertise on the Letterman show and discontinue their use. Those comments, “jokes”, were not proper. I understand the Palin’s problem with them and any normal Mother or Father would feel the same.
Some of our most important freedoms in this country allow criticism in many forms applied to our opponents or those who disagree with us. Letterman crossed a line not clearly defined by those freedoms but which is clearly defined by moral and ethical adult behavior.
I now know he has nothing to offer as a person or an entertainer and I won’t waste my time again.

Bo Kizziar
Amarillo, Texas

I don't pretend to have an audience on my blog. Only a few people read it and I appreciate your comments when you do. If however, you find this one has merit and you agree with the idea and thoughts behind it, feel free to copy it and email to people you think might respond in not giving WRONG a "PASS".

Inactivity

2009-05-31T10:14:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I had a list of activities I wanted to accomplish. I took each one, and even though I recognized a little push back from my lazy self each time I started, I persevered and finished what I wanted to. It was a good day. I felt accomplishment at the end of the day.
Why can't I always do that? Sometimes my lazy self wins out and I don't get anything I want to do done. I'm going to have to give this some thought and figure a way to win.

Im not as good as I once was.

2009-05-25T19:23:00.004-05:00

But I'm as good, once, as I ever was.

The problem is time. If it's something that takes a good bit of time I run out of gas. I have roofed several houses over the last 20 years and it is usually hot work, hard on your back work, hard on your feet work, and hard on your hands work. In the past I have just put my mind to it and accepted the hard part and got er done. But this past week I roofed one of our rent houses and man it worked on me. It seems like the heat, constant bending, constant standing on an angle was about too much.

I really appreciate the help from Whitney, Clay, and Mason. Clay and I got it started last week-end. We worked on it one afternoon last week and then Mason, Whitney and I finished it. Clay made it over for the last hour.

I used to be the one that hated to take breaks. I wanted to keep working and get finished. Today, I took breaks and Mason was the one that kept working in order to get finished. Way to go Mason.

Im trying to fight off getting old but more and more the reality of 58 years is beating back my effort.

Be Careful America

2009-05-04T21:54:00.003-05:00

I have been thinking for awhile about different factions of our population "Chinking away at their Agendas". Their true agendas would not be popular with the majority of the people and full blown frontal assaults would meet stiff resistance. I believe groups such as the Humane Society of the United States, P.E.T.A., Green Peace, certain feminist groups, gun control groups and Gay Rights activists have learned to take aim at small pieces of their agendas. They target pieces of the agenda that they can approach on a small locale or regional level. They can spend a lot of money in a specific area and not call National attention to the effort. If it does get out that they have a campaign going on in California, Colorado, Road Island, or some other state or county, we in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida or three counties over don't feel it effects us so we remain quiet and calm. They win and sometimes they loose but they remain very relentless and if we really take stock of what is going on, they are winning more than the rest of us very comfortable, it wont effect me, I will do something about that tomorrow Americans realize.

The 30 second soundbite is very effective in getting out just the right message that grabs even some well intentioned, well meaning people. The piece of their agenda is well represented but not so obvious and the 30 second soundbite takes an hour of detailed information to refute and shine the light on the reality of what will happen should they achieve their goals. Too many of us will not spend the hour to really understand the consequences or results of their winning.

We need to be careful. We need to be careful.

I think of the story about Lot. When the two angels came to his house and the men of Sodom demanded Lot to give them over. "And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them." I wonder how long it took Sodom to become such a place? I bet it was slow, a little at a time. First one morale was stepped on and then trodden under. A principle was eased for some special circumstance but then forgotten. It surely became more fashionable or enjoyable or more enlightened to do these unnatural things a little at a time. Morals and ethics and principles were "Chinked" away at until they were no more.

Be careful America. BE CAREFUL.

Moody

2009-05-02T08:54:00.002-05:00

I recognize that my mood swings from time to time. I'm not sure what causes the swings but probably a combination of physical, emotional, or external factors. Jocelyne and I have discussed at times how exercise positively effects our emotional feelings. I know things at work effect me and sometimes not bringing work home is just not and option. Especially with cell phones and computers.

Do you suppose animals have Moods? I think I am recognizing a mood in my little dog Lilly. Maybe mood is not the right terminology. She goes through phases. She can be very obedient, pleasant, and trustworthy but then that changes and she acts differently. She becomes more aggressive, gets into things, wets the floor etc.

This week she was a mess. Wednesday I was getting ready to go to bed. Prior to that I had been on the computer and the whole time she had wanted in my lap. I had the computer in my lap so there wasn't any room. She had made several attempts and finally stayed on the foot stool, with her feet on my legs, looking over and around the computer screen. About the time I was ready to get on the bed Lilly jumped up. I saw her hair coat needed brushing so I grabbed the brush off the headboard and began to brush. Guess what she did. She peed on my bed!
It got the comforter, both sheets and the mattress protector. I scolded her and put her outside as I changed and put the covers in the wash. Luckily I had other sheets but not another comforter. I found a moving blanket in the closet and used it to cover the half I slept on.

I let her back in but would not allow her on the bed. She slept in her crate. I could tell she was out of sorts the next morning but she tended to business as I left for work so assumed all was well. I had a lunch meeting so didn't go to the the apartment at noon. I stayed late that day and didn't get in until after dark. I thought she acted funny when I got there and sure enough right in front of the doggy door there was a huge pee spot. She must have held it all day to pee that much. I disciplined her ( although the people in the know would say it was too late) and made her stay outside all night. I put her crate out for her to sleep in. The temp was warm enough but not as comfortable as inside. It was damp and a little condensate had dripped on her crate blanket. When I opened the door she was standing outside the crate looking miserable.
I moved everything in and let her stay inside for the day. When I picked her up to come to Amarillo Friday evening all appeared well other than she had moved the wet blanket out of the crate. I was still a little put out with her and made her stay in the other seat all the way home.
I got a sandwich at Fritch and would usually share a little with her but because I wasn't liking her very much still I didn't. When we got home the rule is that she must take care of her biz before coming in the house. She would not go so she had to stay in the laundry room.

This morning when we got up guess what? She had peed in the laundry room. She knows better. I think she is punishing me.

FACT or FICTION:
Arlen Spector says he is switching because the republican party no longer matches up with his ideas and convictions. Is that the reason or is it because he is making deals to remain electable.
At 79 he should go HOME.

Balance

2009-04-26T06:56:00.002-05:00

I'm telling on myself and that sometimes is a little painful but maybe helpful to understand. I don't recognize what I do as necessarily bad. It is what I do. Who I am. I'm not sure what it is called but maybe I will name it by the end of the post or maybe some Psychiatrist who reads this can leave a comment telling me the name. They may also tell me that it is really bad and leads to even worse behavior. Do I have your undivided attention yet?

What I do is go overboard. When I get interested in something I get very interested. Its almost hard to think of any thing else. I spend a lot of time thinking about the interest, researching the interest, shopping for the interest, and practicing the interest. I stay up late at night sometimes searching for whatever it takes to scratch the itch. I may even sneak a peak during work although its pretty hard between the phone and walk-ins. If it requires and item (which it usually does) it has to be just right. It has to look right and feel right. Feel right to me. Not necessarily physically right although that is required usually, but feel right emotionally and mentally.

Some of the things I recognize this behavior in are as follows;
Western Hat
Hunting dogs
A boat that morphed into a Motorcycle
exercising
exercise equipment
Shotguns
Golf
Golf equipment
Cigars
Remodeling and decorating my apartment
Numerous work related interests
etc,etc,etc.

My latest interest is handguns. I have a burning desire for the perfect 45 automatic and the expert operation of same. Its been going on for about three weeks. It started with a little interest and has now turned into "My Current Quest". I wonder how long this will last.

Problems I am encountering are finding the right one refereed to above, a lot of out of stock and back ordered prospects, a very short supply of ammunition, a place to practice, time to practice and a touch of guilt over the realization of just what I'm posting about.

I think the problem is balance or short attention span or maybe I have just never found that one thing I can get good enough at to stick with.

FACT OR FICTION....Did Nancy Pelosi learn about the interrogation methods during the briefing session she attended? She says she did not. Others say she knew and was concerned if they were doing enough.

America, Turn It Off

2009-04-25T07:57:00.003-05:00

How can you know fact from fiction? Sometimes its easy because you know the truth. You have experienced the real thing. You saw it with your own eyes, felt it with your own hands, smelled it with your own nose(Carrrrool), or talked directly to the source. But too often we depend on what someone else tells us. And too often that is a variation of the truth or just an out and out lie.
It is really sad that we cant trust the people responsible for governing our country. We cant trust the people reporting the news. We cant trust people running the banks, corporations, non-profit organizations and on and on and on and on. They exaggerate, add to, hold back, mislead, and lie to further their agendas. They tell little white lies to protect their jobs, investments, or political parties. There are things that we don't need to know, but don't lie to me to conceal the truth or protect me from the truth or to further your interests. If you don't have a truth to tell, you got NOTHING of interest to me.
Once upon a time we could depend on most reporters of the news to tell us the truth I think. Today most will not. I'm not sure if they deliberately lie or if they just don't take the time to learn the truth. Maybe the truth is just not news worthy. Its not exciting, dynamic, attention getting. It doesn't agree with the popular opinion. It doesn't make them MONEY.

As for me, I'm going to turn them off.

So if you know the truth and think I should know, email, call, visit, fax, or send it by pony express.

Cowboys and Indians

2009-04-11T08:12:00.005-05:00

All of the guys in the upper right hand corner would already have settled the Somali pirate hostage situation. Probably without harming the Captain. John Wayne would have had Navy Seals in the water around the Life Boat and when the Captain bailed they would have torched the "Bad Guys".

Any big City S.W.A.T. team would have resolved the situation by now. The team leaders know their jobs. They are well trained. They are results oriented. They are pretty much left alone to handle the events they encounter and they do the job. Do you think we have teams in the U.S. Navy who are trained to handle these situations? I wonder why they haven't put an end to the standoff? Must have their hands tied either by a politician who is afraid his record or approval rating may be tarnished or concern over the media portrayal of how it is handled.

I seem to remember the politician waiting on certain islamic religious periods to end before initiating an offensive in the Iraqi wars. (Not Bush) I wonder if the politician is waiting on the easter religious period to end before reacting. No wait... That cant be it because We are not a christian nation and so easter doesn't matter anyway. ( It really doesn't because Celebrating Christ and understanding what he did for his people is Everyday. The holiday is not important and meaningless to a believer, but what a slap in the face of every works based religionist.)

We have become so concerned over doing things right that we forget to do the right things. The pirates must be stopped. This cant continue. They will only understand death and injury and failure as deterrents. They have experienced the U.S. gov. lack of resolve already and probably are counting on us to blink first. We have to do the right thing. That thing that is principled, with broad based, long lasting results. As I say this however, another idea comes to mind. We might include the pirates in on the Stimulus package and then when the guy in charge of the life boat doesn't do what congress and the pres. wants they can replace the head bad guy with someone who would toe the line.

The Apartment

2009-03-22T07:51:00.002-05:00

The search for an apartment has culminated in an application and holding fee. I don't think any of us thought this day would come. We have talked about it, thought about it, dreamed about it and now it is almost here. March 29th Mason will be 18 and the apron strings come off.
He and his friend Arron have decided to move in to an apartment. They looked at several and have decided on one near where they work. It is a two bedroom two bath. According to them its features are a great pool, and free membership to Zach's health club. They each have their own beds but not much more furniture. Carol says they can get lawn chairs for their living room. Mason was planning on the Master bedroom because he was to move in first and pay the first months rent but during a meeting we requested with Arron he had other Ideas.

Mason asked us to co-sign for him which we thought would be OK. As we thought about it however it became apparent that we were actually co-signing for both he and Arron. This threw up some red flags and sense we had not met Arron we called a meeting so we could get acquainted with him and to review some issues we felt went with our involvement in the endeavor. Arron seems like a nice young man but kids can appear one way and act totally different when un -supervised. Our son may be that way also. We told them we would require one months rent in advance for our participation. We told them they would get the money back when we were no longer responsible for the lease. We told them that they would have ups and downs living together and that they needed to sit down and lay out the ground rules before hand. That's when the master bedroom issue came up. I don't know how they plan to handle it but after a few weeks it prob. wont be much of an issue.

It will be interesting as things develop.

Life goes on.

Paul Harvey

2009-03-01T07:42:00.002-06:00

I read an article about Paul Harvey this morning. It's funny how when you hear his name you hear his voice in your mind. Your hearing him now aren't you? "And Now--------------------The rest of the Story". How does that work? I can do that same thing with most people I know very well. You think of a person or a situation (New York City) and your mind hears that voice or those sounds. I wonder what the purpose of that mind function is? I'm not sure it diminishes with time. My Grandmothers have been gone along time but I can hear them.
What a blessing.

@#$%!scbbbtrusdkfj*&^#$%@

2009-02-28T19:33:00.003-06:00

I Really wanted this thing on the left side of the blog to work. What is wrong? Why wont it show the whole thing? Can anyone help me?

By the way Grana and I are going to be Grandparents for a second time. November or there abouts. Its about time.

The Cowboy Hat

2009-02-15T13:48:00.007-06:00

I have been on a Hat quest. A western Hat. I want a lite colored, 4 inch crown, 3 inch brim, and shaped just right Hat.

I had my first cowboy hat when I was too young to remember. I know I had one because I have a picture with it on at about 4 years old. I like that hat. I had cowboy hats from time to time growing up. We couldn't afford them always but if there was a special occasion I would get one. Some I liked OK, some I didn't. There is a look that is right. It's got the right crown height, the brim is the right length and its creased right.

My roommate at Alpine had one that I really liked. He had another one he liked best and would let me wear the one I liked. I kind of think it was his brothers, not sure why he had it. I liked that hat.

A friend of mine, a bull rider, showed up one time with a white hat. It had a 4 inch brim, which was big at that time. The crown was shaped kind of boxy. It cost $100.00. I had to have one. I had a job by then and money so I got it. It was always dirty. I cant remember what happened to it. I guess I didn't like that hat very much.

We were going to rodeos in Iowa and Missouri and a younger kid got in and travelled with us for awhile. He had a straw hat that he didn't like and gave it to me. It was creased right, the price was sure right and I liked that hat.

I got a hat for Christmas one time I liked and wore it out.

I bought a black felt hat some time ago. I have cut the brim down twice and carried it to the store to reshape 5 or 6 times. Its close to what I like but just not quite right. I had not worn it much untill recently. I have been looking for a new dress hat for about 6 months. I just don't find the right one. I'm willing to pay a lot more for this one if its the right one. I'm working you know, and have a little extra money, and other than the White Hat, I have never really splurged on a hat. I keep looking and talking but just not finding it. I have thought if I got my black hat right I could get that look transferred to the new one but just not sure.

I was visiting a friend yesterday and had my black hat on. I took it off and put it on a bureau in his kitchen. When I was getting ready to leave he said he had noticed my hat and that it was a size 71/4. He said he had a lite colored hat that he didn't like and asked if I might want it. Well he brought it out and I did like it. It needed some shaping but I thought it sure had potential.
He said he had tried to sell it in a garage sale but he and a guy had haggled over the price and he just wouldn't take $5.00 for it. I asked if he wanted me to give him $5.00 and he said no.

I stopped in Vernon at a western store and had a young man shape the Hat. He did a good job but it lacked just a little something. I got up this morn. and put a pot of water on to boil so I could get steam and put the finishing touches on myself. I really like this Hat. It fits good, is the right crown height, brim length, color and now shape. I will use it as a work hat. But the best part is I can now take it to a store and tell the guy I want a new one just like this.

Tricky Lilly

2009-02-08T19:00:00.004-06:00

Glenda, Im not sure what baited breath is but if it means stanky breath I should help Rudy out and write more often. Sorry Rudy.

Its neat to get these dogs to do tricks. I tried to get her to roll over and play dead for a long time without much success. Carol pulled up a little demo one day that showed how to lure them into the trick with a treat and it was pretty easy after that. I watch other peoples dogs do tricks and its cute but when my dog does one it is really special. Kind of like your kid doing something.

Carol is folding my laundry now and has discovered 2 socks without mates. How does that happen? I always take them off together and put them in the hamper. Everything then is dumped into the washer and transfered to the dryer. How does that happen?

Sun City

2009-02-01T20:08:00.002-06:00

I was fortunate enough to get to spend Wednesday thru Saturday last week in Phoenix.
The weather was great as you might expect this time of year. I wish I had the time and money to have played golf but not so. Lots of golf clubs at the airports though.

Before leaving I was worried I had lost my old leather jacket. I had looked in Amarillo and thought it might be in Gruver. Before coming home Tuesday I looked in Gruver but didn't find it. I was a little upset because I really liked that jacket. It was one Carol had worn a lot on the motorcycles and was developing a kind of worn look that I really liked. Before I left Wednesday I found it in Amarillo and decided to wear it to Phoenix. Well I will be darned if I didn't leave it in a cab in Phoenix and couldn't get anyone to admit finding it. I think I must have had a premonition.

I had a good time at the NCBA convention attending committee and board meetings and visiting with customers and suppliers. I ate at Morton's steak house 3 times. It was really good. George Bush Sr. was eating there the second time we went there. We sat next to the Secret Service guys.

I helped Carol this evening work on some employee documents at her office. Even though I did a very good Job She said she couldn't pay me. Maybe we can trade something for my labor.

Dad

2007-02-28T06:22:00.000-06:00

I never recall a time when my Dad has been so down, so long. There may have been ocassions when I was younger and he was dealing with some things but I didnt recognize it. In the past 35 years or so I just don't think there has been such a time.

He normally has a can do attitude and is willing and confident about taking on just about anything. (Often that confidence displayed itself in encouraging us, his children, to tackle just about anything. Cost me some skin and a good bit of sweat at times but I am glad for the little push he provided).

He keeps saying, "the worst thing is just not knowing". I heard him say that 4 or 5 times yesterday, to 3 or 4 different people. I hope we will find out conclusivly today for him. I am probably more content to just sit around not knowing for sure. (We are so selfish).

For him it will give him something to fight and some direction. We all need that to get going.

"Ghost Rider"

2007-02-24T19:44:00.000-06:00

I wonder what the critics are saying about this movie. I seldom go to movies any more and rarely here the reviews. I'm sure this one gets pretty good marks for the special effects. Content is so so. There really wasn't much sex,if any at all. The violence was kind of tame. All and all it was kind of boring. Cage is not a good actor in my opinion. I ask myself what he has that I didn't use to have. Must be who you know, or something like that.

The movie gives the devil a lot of publicity. He tricks Johnny Blaze (A.K.A Nicholas Cage) into selling his soul for a really quite admirable reason, curing his Dad's cancer. After the devil cures the dad he kills him. (Seems like these are things God does rather than the devil). Johnny is then relegated to a life of chasing fame and fortune with help from the devil. Oh by the way he had to ditch his girl to kind of protect her from his devil calling. More good deeds done while in the devils service.

Johnny occasionally wonders if he might have a second chance. He is ever on the watch for a SIGN. One shows up in the person of his old ex-girlfriend and things really begin to heat up. Know what I mean? You do if you saw the movie.

The devils son shows up on the scene along with some "Fallen Angels". I remember the fallen angels but I need to read the Bible again because I missed the part about the devils son. Any way the son was going to kick the hell out of his dad, no I mean kick the devil out of Hell and kind of take over. ( I wonder which book that is in? Maybe in one of those books in the Catholic or the Mormon bibles). The devil calls in Johnny and he turns into the "Ghost Rider". That is the part of the special effects that kind of wakes you up, especially if the theater has the volume turned up real loud. As you might guess, after much whaling and gnashing of teeth, Johnny wins and defeats the devils son and the three fallen angels. The devil offers Johnny "Mercy and Grace" and is going to tear up the contract on his soul. Guess what Johnny does? He refuses the devils offer and from that day forward vowes to take on EVIL and the devil all on his own.

HMMM, I wonder if there will be a sequel?

While driving home from the movie and about the time my ears began to stop ringing it struck me that this was really pretty close to main stream religion today. The devil gets more publicity and "Air Time" than the Lord. It is the enemy this and the enemy that. You will sometimes hear "Jesus said" which sort of leads into the current event the church leader is more comfortable talking about. Jesus kind of takes the supporting role. Kind of like in this movie.

The enemy has the power unless the church goer can take it away from him. That's what Johnny was successful in doing I guess. There are a lot of ways to do that. Or so it seems to be taught by main stream religion. Prayer shawls, blankets or patches are effective if the proper procedures are followed. Saying "In the name of Jesus" about a hundred times may get results. Being positive, having a grin on your face from ear to ear is good. Being a member of a mega church seems to help. Listening to sermons about marriage, stewardship, raising children, work, work, work, do, do, do, and more work will absolutely get you ready to face the enemy. Walking to Emmaus or working a prison walk is good exercise. If your still not ready though you get a second chance.

Old Johnny got his second chance. He beat the devil. He won his soul. He won grace. He is out there whipping the tar out of the devil. That's like choosing the Lord, making Jesus your saviour, getting saved, asking the Lord into your heart and so on. Man has his part to do. His will to exercise. When man is ready he can choose to be saved. Give him a little control over his destiny. He is after all, more than Gods robot. He ate the forbidden fruit which made him Gods equal.

IN HIS DREAMS!!!!

I'm so very glad I don't need a second chance. I much prefer the bible that teaches "All who were ordained to believe, believed". and "All who the Father gives me will come to me and I will in no wise cast them out". God got it right the first time.

NO SECOND CHANCES REQUIRED!!!!

Hospitals

2007-02-22T20:44:00.000-06:00

If you have ever had family in the hospital you will relate to my story. They are amazing places. I can’t quite grasp the amount of activity that goes on in a large hospital. There is non stop coming and going. Did you ever have an ant farm? Ants going every direction. Ants for all kinds of functions and activities. Ants on every level and in every tunnel. There are working ants, guard ants, nursery ants and the QUEEN ANT. There are nurses. Many nurses. All kinds of nurses with various names and titles. There is a charge nurse, technical nurses, therapy nurses and your NURSE.

They each have different functions. They are seldom inactive. On rare occasions they sit at a computer and log their activities. (For billing purposes I suppose) They move into your room, take your blood pressure and temperature and move on. If you stand in the door to the room where you can see down the hall you will see them move into other rooms. You can imagine, pretty accurately I believe, what they are doing. They will say something like “How are you Mr. So & So or Mrs. Such & Such?” “How are you feeling?” “That’s good” or “I’m sorry”. They will hook you up, play 20 questions, fix your IV, fix your bed, and clean your room, among about 100 other things.

They want to know how much you ate, how much you drank and how much of it came out the other two openings when you were through with it. Pain level on a score of 1 to 10 is important to them. They ask that question a lot. It seems like people learn to answer in the upper two thirds if they want medication. Five doesn't get much response but seven or eight will get you a shot or a pill in about an hour.

I have decided that you don’t want to be sick when you go to the Hospital. It is much too busy and strenuous for sick people. There is no way to rest or relax with all the activities the nurses have to perform. Just about the time you go to sleep, here comes someone to give you something or hook you up to something. If you’re really sick and feeling lousy they schedule all kinds of tests. Nurses show up with wheel chairs to take you where you need to go. If you can't travel that way they just send two people to wheel your bed down to the bowels of the place, out of site of family and authorities, and prod, poke, measure, draw, x-ray, and scan. All kinds of other procedures, they sedate you for, and no one can remember what actually went on. You wake up and have more sore places and bruises than you remember, before they rolled you away.

I am simply amazed at how well every thing works. I can’t say enough good things about the nurses. They are run ragged by everyone, they are subjected to terrible acting people with all kinds of repulsive conditions and yet almost to a person they manage to respond positively and respectfully and with a seemingly genuine compassion for your condition. My hat is off to the Nurses and to hospitals.

Diversity

2007-02-10T08:09:00.000-06:00

Consider the pickle.

Do you like pickles? Well that opens up a whole nother set of questions. Which pickle? Sour pickle? Sweet pickle? Dill pickle? Cucumber pickle? Little pickle? Big pickle?

You know, don't you, that there is the "Right Wing Pickle Packer Society" that has evolved into the driving force behind all new pickle ideas. This group was organized in the 1800's to plan, promote, and project Pickles image into the 20th century. It has been and probably always will be a secret society protecting the identity of its members.

The passion of the pickle and it's affect on pickle lovers and haters alike is so volatile that the organization could not survive if it did not maintain anonymity. Can you imagine what would have happened when pickles were first sliced? The uproar from the vertical slicers alone would have crushed the very creative essence from that forward thinking group. Much less the pressure exerted on Congress from the horizontal slicers. I can't even mention the steps taken, and won't utter a peep regarding the dastardly deeds committed by the dicer crowed. But you get my point.

I and I alone know their identity and their where abouts. This information has cost me dearly, however. I haven't slept more than eight hours a night since being made aware of this information. It was conferred on me by the RWPPS when they needed information only I could provide. Why, oh why was I the only one in the world who had that knowledge? Why?

It will go with me to my grave other than to share it with ONE of my children. Which one do I tell? Which one do I condemn to a life of Hell? Which one do I give the secrete of untold riches, but utter disparity? Fame and success that will poison even their best friends opinion of them, but cause them to be sought out by the heads of state of every kingdom in the world. I feel the weight of all time on me but I must make a decision in the next 30 years or so.

I will end this post, leaving you with two thoughts to ponder: If all products had the diversity of the pickle, where would we store it all? AND, have you had one of the New "Vlasic Tabasco Kosher Dill Spears" ?

RWPPS you have scored again!!!

(Picture courtesy of Pickle Hill Public Broadcasting)

Snowing

2007-01-20T09:25:00.000-06:00

8:30 A.M. Sat. morning in Amarillo Texas.

This is great!!! We have been sitting around trying to come up with fun things to do. Carol suggested we get a sled and tie it on to the pick-up and pull Mason thru the "Hood". I told her I didn't think that would be too safe. He might get slung off and break his collar bone or something.
I suggested we bundle up and go for a bike ride. She didn't think the tires would roll too good. I suggested we tie a bike to the bumper and I could pull her around town.

We wont use this bike. It's the new

one. I wouldn't want to mess it up.

It was a pretty expensive bike and I might be able to ride it this Summer.

We can use this one. It's my old one and it won't matter too much if it gets messed up. It didn't cost too much. Besides I will be able to ride the other one this Summer.

This is the neighbor from across the street. She likes to shovel snow. She does a very good job. There are several old people living on our block and she shovels everyones sidewalks.

I'm going to need to go get some gum after while. Sure hopes she gets mine shoveled before I go.

If she doesn't make it maybe I can get this boy to do it.

Changing the subject.
I read a little about Ted Kennedy this morning. The story I read was about he and another Democratic Senator attempting to work with the Soviet Union in 1983. The other Senator was Tunney. It seems Kennedy had the idea that they could team up with Russia and cast doubt about President Regan by portraying him as a "Warmonger" and the Soviet's as desiring to peaceably co-exist. They were going to get media to play this up and hurt Regan's chances for re-election. Needless to say it didn't work. The story is being looked into and when there is more evidence that it is true I will share that. Interesting isn't it.

Well time to hook up the bike. I'll also bring a report on that later.

Carol, OH CAROL!

PETA

2007-01-18T14:30:00.000-06:00

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. What an organization. I always assumed they were an organization that would help animals in trouble. That they were an animals friend.
Think again. When asked to help feed and rescue the animals caught in the storms in Colorado they declined. They took the position that sense the animals were going to end up on someones plate anyway why should they help. Why should they help ease the animals suffering. Why indeed. Just another case of people with a cause that only serves there own selfish interests. They can play on peoples emotions to raise money for their so called concern over animal welfare but when it comes to parting with some of that money to really help ease the animals situation they show their true colors. The Governor of Colorado termed them a "Bunch of Losers" and then said, "don't give your money to PETA". I second that motion.

Retraction

2007-01-17T07:24:00.000-06:00

I got a little carried away yest and expressed my opinion a little too strong. I do get very frustrated with the political rhetoric. Something is wrong when most people who run for this office are such poor leaders. I know I'm biased. But its more than that. I look at who the Democrats are bringing to the race and they just all so miss the mark. They might be OK to serve on a small town City Council but not to run this country. They are so Political. All they work for is to get on the opposite side of any issue. The republicans are not a lot better.

We have too much at stake in this Country today to be so partisan. We have troops in harms way and rather than try to make the right decisions they really are only concerned about pouring water and doubt on the other parties actions. Rather than do what it takes to win a war they are only worried about what position it takes for them to get re-elected. You would think that should reflect the so called Will of the People but don't make that mistake.
As a people we are soft in the belly, soft in the head. We want what we want and we want it now. If we can get it easy and quick it doesn't matter how we do it. If it gets hard and takes awhile we don't want to exert the effort. We will move on to something that is easy and quick.

It really is a long time to election day. Those who are serious about the state of affairs will probably be buying new televisions in the next few years. They will probably throw a brick through the one they currently have.

Presidential Campaign

2007-01-16T18:12:00.000-06:00

I'm already ill and this thing is not even started yet. I wish these idiots could be held accountable for all the Hot Air they put out. They make a speech and then spend the next several weeks explaining that they really didn't mean what we heard them say. They see which way the wind blows and then twist and squirm and out right lie to try to seemingly have said what they perceive the wind whispered back. These are the candidates for the highest office in this land. Maybe even a sadder note is that these people are currently making laws and policies in the Senate and House or are other leaders elected to lead this land.

Stories

2007-01-14T07:23:00.000-06:00

I am reading a Mark Twain book "Roughing It". I really like his style of writing. He tells lots of stories within the story in this book. The other night I was reading and began laughing. I laughed hard enough that I'm sure my neighbors next door heard and wondered what kind of party I was having. I laughed hard enough that I got tears in my eyes. He told a story that I was able to visualize the scene in my mind and it was just hilarious. I must have associated it with something in my past because I could feel and even hear the picture that was in my mind.
Some people have such a talent of story telling. Wish I did.
My Grand-dad Kizziar could tell stories. We would go to his house and my Dad would get him started by asking about old "So-in-So" or "What about such-in-such". He would tell stories then until we left. I wish I could remember them or that we would have recorded some of them.
"Roughing It" was Clemens 2nd book. I think he wrote 11. I have read 4 so far. Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Pudd'nhead Wilson and now Roughing It.
I think I will try to find The Innocents Abroad next.

The Best

2007-01-01T11:32:00.000-06:00

This has been the best Holiday time. I don't know why really other than it has just been very enjoyable.

It started with Thanksgiving at Tyler. The Cowboys game Mason and I went to was great and then the meal at Rudy's and Glenda's was really nice. It was just a very pleasant time.

Christmas was fun. Jocelyne surprised us by coming home from Austin. We had fun at Gruver. We were able to talk to Charlie a little about sovereign Grace. I had thought he had no interest in discussing what we believe and then found out that he is really searching and undecided about his faith. It was a lot of fun I thought at our house on Christmas day. Carol cooked a great meal and I enjoyed the fellowship with our (Grown-up Children) and watching Corbin play with the Nerf Gun he got for his present. We went bowling later in the day and that was fun.

Now it is New Years day 2007. I think it is going to be a great year.

Riddle

2006-04-24T13:50:00.000-05:00

Riddle. Give your answer on the comments.
What does a rich man want, a poor man has and is stronger than God.

Quote from Whitmore Winslow.

"Can a man suppose that he was made for himself?
What a glorious motto for a man, "I Live for God!"

It is religion's truest definition.

It is a motto for a life.

Can a man suppose that he was made for himself?

Miserable thought!

Yet the world acts upon this belief. They devise, and
scheme, and accomplish apparently for others; but
the spring of action and the end of action is, SELF.

This is of course abhorrent to God.

Bo says.
Im afraid I know this truth but still act for SELF.

If

2006-04-23T07:58:00.000-05:00

If a frog had wings it wouldn't bump its butt when it jumps. Why did he say that you may ask? I don't know. Don't have any thing else to say.

I saw a cool sign yest. "Today is the tomorrow you were worrying about yesterday". I thought it was pretty interesting. Don't know about you but I usually can't remember what it was I was worrying about yesterday, because I am worrying about tomorrow, today.

Another quote from Mary Winslow

"What, oh what shall I render unto You for Your wondrous goodness and patience towards me? Nothing have I to render. I am poor and needy, and dependent upon You moment by moment."

I have nothing to offer to the Lord. Thank goodness he requires nothing.

Pot calling the Kettle black

2006-04-20T06:32:00.000-05:00

or something like that. I remember a few days ago, no, waite, maybe it was a few weeks ago. Could it have been a month ago? A certain person, who shall remain unnamed, sometime ago was encouraging a certain member of his family, who shall remain unnamed to BLOG. That certain family member did blog but there were some exchanges between the two, that if you didn't know better, you might have considered..... well..... strained. I would have thought given that exchange that the party of the second part would have continued on a more frequent basis their blog whereby sharing their life experiences with all who read these blogs but alas the one blog at or about the time of the above mentioned exchange was the only one offered. Strange?
Strange. But that is only the half of it. Would you believe me if I told you that the party of the first part, after offering such encouragement to the party of the second part to blog, has sense become even more lax in blogging than the party of the second part. Go figure.

I was looking on our web site this morning and on the links that Carol has put on it I found a site called Grace Gems. I opened it and found these quotes from Mary Winslow. They are from here letters and diary. They are wonderful. Here is one I thought was particularly good.

"What a brittle thing is all the glory, wealth, and honor of this vain world! How empty, and what trash does it appear! And yet men sell their souls to grasp it, and at last pass away from it and find it all a phantom. How unceasing is Satan in forever bringing it before our eyes, in some form or other! What is all the pomp and wealth and rank of this poor fleeting world, in contrast with the glory that shall soon be revealed in all those who love His appearing?"

Here is a
Link
if you are interested in reading more.

Eye of the beholder

2006-04-15T06:57:00.001-05:00

There are many words, which have different meanings to different people. People view different situations differently depending on all sorts of influences in their lives. I think they mainly define and interpret all things depending on how it may effect them, or maybe better how they may like for it to effect them. Like the quote from Abraham Lincoln's "Address at sanitary Fair" depicts men's interpretation of Liberty.

"The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same name---liberty. And it follows that each of the things is, by the respective parties, called by two different and incompatible names---liberty and tyranny.

The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep's throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as a liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty, especially as the sheep was a black one. Plainly the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of the word liberty; and precisely the same difference prevails to-day among us human creatures, even in the North, and all professing to love liberty. Hence we behold the processes by which thousands are daily passing from under the yoke of , hailed by some as the advance of liberty, and bewailed by others as the destruction of all liberty. Recently, as it seems, the people of Maryland have been doing something to define liberty; and thanks to them that, in what they have done, the wolf's dictionary, has been repudiated."

Perhaps the greatest source of this type of interpretation or divergence is the Bible. Gods Holy Word. Man, how we can be so far apart is something else. Like the meaning of 2nd Peter 3-9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." Armenians use this verse to say that God loves everyone and see, He is waiting to give everyone a chance to "Come to HIm". Calvinist read this verse and say see, He is talking to his chosen people, "to us-ward", and He will wait until the final elect creature is saved.
Others look at this and say see, there is so much disagreement and controversies in the Bible that I don't think I can believe any of it.

Of course being a Calvinist myself I believe God is in control. He hardens who he will and opens the eyes of who He will. He has mercy and compassion on whom He will. He is sovereign in All things. Romans 9:15-21" For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
[16] So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
[17] For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
[18] Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
[19] Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
[20] Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
[21] Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Some will say then what is the use of Preaching, what is the use of seaking, if God only chooses. It's His will. Do it. He tells us to preach and by preaching he will bring people to believe. He tells us to seek him. And those who do will find Him. Not because they "DO" but because He has "DONE".

More Canyon tales

2006-04-03T20:58:00.000-05:00

Mason and Carol have both talked about our week-end on their blogs but I would like to add my two bits. We did have a very good time on Saturday. We went to the Museum in Canyon first and I enjoyed it very much. I will need to go back someday by myself as I was rushed through and not allowed to take the time to see everything and read all the captions on the displays. I am always a little surprised at the quality of the museum. It seems like it would not be as nice as it is being in such a small town as Canyon and in the Panhandle of Texas. I remember going there as a young boy, prob. around 9 or 10 yrs old. I liked it then and have enjoyed it each time I have returned. One highlight was seeing the collection of guns that my Aunt and Uncle donated. He had reminded me a few weeks ago that he had given his John Wayne collection to the museum and as we toured thru the other day Carol asked what John's middle name was. I said it was Woodsen and she pointed out the collection.
It is neat to see the display on the oil industry in the Panhandle. As a resident you know most of the names of the ones that were successful in the business but it is neat to see their pictures and the old photographs of the drilling and boom towns. I imagined my Grandparents in Borger a little after the boom.

We had a good walk. I was surprised at Masons ability to hang with us. I was afraid he would run out of gas and get to whinnying but he made it pretty well. He did go off on his own however. After he started I got a picture in my mind and after realizing I had let him start too early I got a little concerned.

I couldn't shake the picture so I climbed the mountain after him. I went on adrenalin. I kept thinking I prob. couldn't make it. My 55 year old legs got a little shaky but I kept on going. When I got on top I called his name. No response. I scared some deer and I wondered what else I would jump. I called again. My breathing was pretty loud but I thought I heard a call. I waited a minute and tried to be quiet. I heard the sound again. I hollered again and then I heard clearly a "Hello" in return. I looked toward the sound and saw a white shirt. I was so relieved. I have heard the news reports and saw the headlines of peoples kids lost in the woods and even in the Canyon. I didn't want it to be about us.
We joined up and started to look for a way down. We could see a trail way down below and knew that we could prob. join up with Carol and Corbin if we could get to it. We choose a route and started down. It did get kind of serious in one spot. Had we slipped we might have slid about 30 feet onto some rocks. Not sure how bad it would have been but certainly not a lot of fun. It took a long time to get down. When we did I quit worrying about our safety and began worrying about what Carol was going to say. I was pretty sure she would be upset at us. We got on the trail and started making our way back to where it would intersect the main path. We turned to our left and began to walk in the direction I felt would take us to the truck. We heard someone calling and looked up to see Carol and Corbin at a rest stop about 100 yards away. We had taken a wrong turn and luckily we were close enough for them to see us and get us on the right path. She was not upset. She handled waiting an hour on us very well. I was very relieved again.

Next time we will not go off individualy and we will read this link before we go.

Pictures at last

2006-03-28T20:29:00.000-06:00

Now I am soooo happy. I have been taught to do pictures. My great and wonderful wife has enlightened me, educated me, instructed me in picturing on my blog.
Maybe next time she will teach me to link.

A Picture is worth a thousand words.

2006-03-23T21:44:00.001-06:00

Every blog I look at has pictures but mine. I feel like a blogger failure. I have no pictures. I want pictures. I think pictures are nice. Who will teach me to blog a picture? I wonder if I can even learn to blog pictures? I have a lot of pictures in my Kodak albums. Will I be able to use them, or will I have to get new ones? If I have to get new ones, what will I take new ones of. Cows? Houses? Cars?
People? I guess the sky is the limit. I can take a picture of just about anything I want. Some folks take pictures of the weirdest things. I hope my pictures are not considered weird when I Blog them. That is if I learn to blog them. Pictures that is.

I also want to be able to blog "LINKS". Links are so cool. You just double click on a link and it takes you to a different website. I like links. I want to learn to do links. Would someone please teach me to link.

I have a secrete. I seldom have secretes.
I bet you all think Carol and Mason have done all the moving. I want you to know I have done my share. I have one more trailer load and I will be finished for this move. The one think most of you don't realize is that we will be doing this all over again before this year is out. The only solace is that we wont be moving 80 miles this next time. Only a few blocks as the crow flies.

We are strong

2006-03-04T05:42:00.000-06:00

There is really strength in our natures. Deep down in us somewhere resides a tremendous resource for endurance and survival. At first glance its not apparent. We whine and moan and groan at the least discomfort. Its too hot, its too cold, Im tired, Im bored. Sounds like a kid but if were honest we still do it at fifty. But we make it thru all those things. We get to the end. We all have survived some real hardships and tragedies.

Where is this coming from you ask. My Uncle John is amazing. He had a stroke about 12 years ago. He was paralyzed on his right side. His wife helped him thru the first 5 years. She helped him dress and bathe and those kind of things. She drove for him most of the time. She kept house and fixed meals and tended to the dogs. She read to him and paid the bills and I guess did about most things you can imagine needing to be done for the necessities of living. But she died. She had a heart attack and was suddenly gone and he didn't have anyone to do those things for him anymore. I thought he would just have to go into a home at that time so he could be cared for. I wasn't surprised when he wanted to try it by himself but I don't think I expected him to be able to make it. Well he did make it. He has lived by himself for several years. He has done all those things above for himself. I never gave it much thought as I made token visits to his house. He would have clothes on. He provided his own meals. His home was not a wreck. His yard was watered and kept up. His dogs were fat and happy. Sometimes he would be somewhere he had driven himself to, gotten his wheelchair out of the car and gotten himself into it. I never gave those things much thought until recently. I went to his house one evening when I saw his garage lite on. I walked into the house and he was in his wheel chair in the living room. He said he had been unloading his car for awhile and was resting. He had been to Amarillo and brought back a load of groceries. He had been working for about an hour to get about half the stuff in and put up. I finished it up for him and it took me no more than 3 minutes. I since have watched him do a number of things. It takes him a long time to dress and undress. He uses his teeth to pull off his shirt sleeves. He has to kind of shrug off clothes a few inches at a time. It is a major thing to comb his hair and shave. Im amazed at his patience and perseverance. I have never really herd him complain. He will fuss a little but not really complain.

He has had a set back recently. He had another lite stroke and cant get up and down by himself now. He is in an old folkes home now. He things he will get out but I don't know. Yall pray for him.

That whining and moaning is our weak nature. Unable to do anything for ourselves. The deep strength was put there by our Creator and Sovereign God. He fuels those inner fires that heats the boilers of resolve and effort required to follow the plan He laid out for our lives before the foundations of the world.

Copycat

2006-02-27T21:56:00.000-06:00

I sometimes listen to Rush at noon. I think he has really lost a step in the past couple of years. He was really good when he had Clinton to bang around everyday. But now he seems to do a lot of stammering and just doesn't get to the point like he use to. I don't listen to him much. I prefer Michael Savage and even Bill O'Brien. Sometimes they are a little over the top though.

Today I was listening and guess what one of the callers wanted to talk about. You guessed it! He was talking about how all the reporters at the Olympics were trying to stir up stuff and drag the athletes into some type of controversial junk. I wonder if he read my blog and got that idea from Me? You never know who is reading these things you know.

Now if the rest of you will just have a whack at the media maybe they will get the idea and make changes. Yea right.

Our Sunday school lesson was over Ephesians 2: 11-22. Paul is telling the Gentiles and Jews that they are now united in Jesus Christ. The Jews are no longer the only ones with a relationship to God. The Gentiles had no history in the faith. They had no knowledge of the Law, the ceremony, the messiah. They were truly blind to Christ. It is truly a miracle that any came to believe. I think this really portrays Gods work in salvation. Matthew 6:44 "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." And verse 37 in that same chapter "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." THE FATHERS WORK.

I thought Carol would give an update on the House Quest. Im going to keep quiet. If you talk to her ask her to let you know what's going on.

Sickening

2006-02-26T18:57:00.000-06:00

This morn. I sat down at the computer and the today show had some video clips of interviews of some of the Olympic medalist. Katy Couric and Matt Lauer were interviewing two figure skaters. Matt interviewed a girl from Russia who had won the bronze medal. He complimented her and then told her he couldn't help but notice that she seemed a little disappointed in her marks. She said that she knew that her performance was not worth more. She said she was not disappointed. He then ask her what she thought about the American girl being placed over her even after falling twice and her only having fell once. He was trying to drag her into saying something negative but the girl handled it very well. Couric did the same thing to the American skater only in reverse. They were trying to sensationalize and create a controversy on the scoring. Lauer then interviewed a black speed skater and tried to get a race issue going. I thought that really stunk. There was a place to critique the site and I told them my opinion of the interviews. It wont do any good but that type of reporting should be shown for what it is. They have bad character and ethics and taste and they are dragging us down to there level. They are just poor reporters and this sensationalizing is the only way they can grab a few viewers.

Rise up America and take back good manners, ethics, morals and character. Don't let those idiots continue to do your thinking for you. Form an opinion and let it be felt by the media that is robbing us of right and wrong.

Pretty Funny

2006-02-23T20:03:00.000-06:00

Im not sure where, but sometime Sunday when Carol and I were in Amarillo we saw a funny saying. I thought it was pretty good. I will share it with you. You have prob. heard it before but I don't think I had.
"Some days you're the Dog and some days you're the hydrant"
Ha,Ha I think that is funny. Maybe way corny but funny.

I had a great day. Got work done. Had a little creative time(which I haven't had much of lately) and got to have lunch with a friend. We had a good conversation about kids and parents. He told me of a time when he heard a prayer. Said he would always remember a particular part. The person praying asked the lord to help him be a good parent to his children and to also help him be a good child to his parents. As we have children we spend a lot of time learning and practicing parenting. Im afraid I haven't spent much time ever being a good son. I want to practice that a little.

Well, say good night Gracie. Good night Gracie

Lights? Tunnel? What tunnel?

2006-02-22T20:55:00.000-06:00

How can you ever tell if it is the light at the end of the tunnel or if its that darn train. Again.

I really had a great day when I sit back and reflect. Things went fairly smooth. No bad fires to fight. Time for some preventive things. No major screw ups. Some good conversation with my fellow man. Pretty good.

I had a call that I had dreaded to make but it went very well. Sometimes Im just too skeptical. Sometimes I just look for and expect the worst. I think I will turn over a new leaf and starting today, just look for the good things. I wish it was that easy. That I could will myself to be like that all the time. I will try to take a few steps in that direction. I will keep you posted.

My wife is in a good mood this evening. She is a special gal. She is looking particularly pretty this evening. She found a house she liked. I will get to see it this week-end. Maybe it will make me look pretty. We will also look at a friend and associate of mine's house. Maybe we will like it also.

Well I must needs go. More later God willing.

Worms

2006-02-17T21:54:00.000-06:00

We are so funny. Us little worms. Stirring around, debating this debating that. We think and plan and act out our plans. We feel so smug when our plan comes together or we feel so miserable when it doesn't. We act as if we are in control. We are quick to take credit for the good things and seek to blame someone or something for the bad.
I love the Lord. But if I am honest I love myself more. I wonder to what degree I can love Him when my love for self is so strong. I cant change me, I hope He will. I think He will. He changed the leper. He healed the man at the pool. He made the blind to see and he can change me.
I like the new testament Romans. Paul really reassures me when he too struggles with sin. 7:15 "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not: but what I hate that do I." Paul, I can relate.
Chapter 8 is great when verse 28thru31 explains,"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did forknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Man, isn't that wonderful.
I know that he will change me in his time.
I have been able to get internet hooked up at my house in Gruver. I installed an antenna that connects me to the server at the feedyard. I will really enjoy it I think.
Well it is getting late. Time for this worm to turn in.
mlGw.

Anticipation/humiliation

2006-02-14T19:42:00.000-06:00

We are waiting for the couple who wants to buy our house to come. We will be discussing and completing the initial contract. Carol and I have looked it over and discussed the various details and think we are comfortable with how we have filled it out. There are a lot of mixed emotions and thoughts that are involved in this major change in our lives. We want to do what is right. Both in selling this house and in relocating our lives to the next place. We believe in Gods providence and so know that what happens is his will. Regardless of what happens. Somehow, though, doubts always manage to find their way in and many thoughts push and pull your mind in lots of different directions. It will be OK.

I had lunch with a young man today that I do business with at the feedlot. I had made an agreement with him on corn stalks this fall and put cows on the stalks for the feedlot. We had agreed on 45 days and he would provide water. We had some discussion regarding additional days if needed. In my mind I was sure we had talked about 45 to 60 days. He was just as sure that we had talked about 30 to 45 days. When we got to 45 days he became pretty adamant about wanting the cows removed. I didn't have room for them in the lot and couldn't move them. We agreed on extra pay for extra days. Again his recollection of the payment was more than what I remembered. In the future I will put all this in writing. I know better but this seemed so simple and straight forward that I took the easy way out. I was also extremely busy at the time (not really an excuse I know). He is a good customer and neighbor and I wont rock the boat. I will pay what he felt we agreed on. Its not much and certainly not worth jeopardizing future dealings over.

We talked about our deal only briefly and then I tried to learn more about him. He's in his late twenties is married and has to young girls, ages 1 yr. and 4 yrs. His mom divorced when he was young and remarried when he was about 12. I asked about his relationship with his step dad. He said they didn't have much in common. That they got along alright but nothing special. That's kind of sad.

I feel sorry for Vice President Cheney. What a humbling experience. There you are riding high as the second in command of the most powerful nation in the word and then pull such a lame stunt as shooting a hunting companion. I can almost feel his humiliation. That moment has to be playing over and over in his mind. I have been there numerous times. Wishing the thing had not happened. Sometimes forgetting it for a minute but always remembering with that sickening feeling coming over me again. But you know. It never lasts. Time has a way of taking care of just about all things. Im sure he thinks now that he will never live this down or get over it but he will. I hope I can remember this the next time something like that happens to me. And something like that will happen to me again.

More later God willing.

Slow down, men at work.

2006-02-11T06:30:00.000-06:00

In the future things will be happening so fast that you will have to see tomorrow what you did yesterday. Does that make sense? We all have so much going on in work, personal affairs and leisure time that life is just a blur. It seems there is no way to slow down either. We are all the same Im sure. We have to work to earn a living be that running a feedlot or running a home. On the side we have to fix a crack in the wall or get the tax return in the mail. Leisure time? Define that. That should be sitting on a balcony with a cool drink and a good book. (Or something like that) I sometimes mistake rest for sitting in my TV room flipping and occasionally napping. I think I do that as a way of rebelling against the alternative but I really don't get any true satisfaction from it. Is there a balance? I have read the self help books and have heard the opinions of others. No change. Iv been doing this sense getting into my twenties and Im now in my fifties. What drives us to cram 29 hrs. into 24? It is internal with me I know. Probably pride related and certainly self driven. Well enough of this I don't have time to belabor it any more. Maybe I will come back to it later.

I met a nice guy Thursday evening. We met for Dinner in Amarillo and discussed his coming to work for HCF. He has good experience with a company that is very successful in the cattle industry. Seems to have the skills we are looking for and I think he would be an asset to our team. One draw back however, he can't come for about 3 months. We need someone sooner but maybe we just need to be patient.

I talked to Jocelyne briefly last nite on the way home. She was going to get her oil changed in preparation for a drive up the coast today. She said the sky was clear and it was really nice. Said she could see Mt. Rainier. I have a picture in my mind of that Mountain and every time we talk I see it.

More later God willing.

Cool Hand Luke

2006-02-07T16:04:00.000-06:00

Remember the part in Cool Hand Luke when the road gang was oiling and sanding a roadway?
Luke began to make a race of the work. Those guys were slinging sand like crazy and running to the next pile and slinging it. They finally ran to and slung the last pile of sand and realized they were at the end of the road. They looked around for more to do but they were finished and there was still several hours in the day. I was just out checking on the different depts. and guess what, its 4:00PM and everyone is about finished for the day. It seems we have spent the last 4 months working hard and steady but always finishing a little later in the day than you would like and always knowing that there was plenty to do tomorrow. This wont last but just for today it feels kind of good.
Whitney, Mason, Caleb (Mason's friend), and I went to see Tech and Texas play basketball in Lubbock last nite. We had an enjoyable ride over. Whitney and I visited and the boys watched videos. Carol fixed us sandwiches and snacks which we ate on the way. She made some strawberry nut bread that will make your tongue slap your brains out. It was goooood!!! She said she did it because we prob. wouldn't have time to stop. But I know at least in part she knew I would spend way too much money eating out if we went to a restaurant. I'm glad she went to the trouble to fix us up. Tech lost the game but it was still fun to go. I have been to basket ball games at Sul Ross and WT but this game had more of a university feel. There were 10,000 people there but Spirit Arena was not full at all. The band was good. The cheerleaders were excellent and the referees were perfect. The cheerleaders were like very well trained professionals. Every move was crisp and energized. The refs. called the game as if it was in Austin. There was plenty of chances to holler at em and marvel at how they could make such a one sided biased call. It was great. I had a guy in the seat next to mine that really was a fan. He had a good time and we had a good time watching him. I worried about driving back and getting sleepy. I did get sleepy around Plainview on the way back and Whitney drove on in to Amarillo. I was able to sleep and made it on the Dalhart with no problems. I would say the evening was a great success.
More later God willing. We will see.

Numero Uno

2006-02-05T08:18:00.000-06:00

This is the first post to my blog as you can tell by there not being any previous ones. You will also be able to tell in the immediate future that I don't have a clue about proper grammar. That may or may not be important. I guess it depends on your perspective. That is the last time I will apologize for it.
I have wanted off and on over the years to journal and this appears to be a means of doing that. Can I really post the things I might journal though? We will see. Will I keep this up or will it be the first and last? We will see.
This morning is starting out just fine. Pretty typical Sunday with the Sun coming up and Me hopping on the computer for awhile. I usually prepare a lesson for us to study at Church. I get these from one of several sovereign Grace websites we like. This morn., however, I am blogging.
Mason is spending the nite with my sister and Carol and I are home alone.
She helped me get started with this and is now getting ready for a walk.
Guess I better get ready also.
I will do this again God willing. We will see.