Being in the south, Boxing Day doesn’t mean much. Mostly, because there are few businesses other than retail stores open the week after Christmas.
Christmas tree is down. Ornaments are packed away. Bead Angels are boxed. Manger scene figurines are gently bubble wrapped. And everything is in the storage closet. Why does it take hours to put everything in exactly the right place and ripping it down and boxing it away takes only a few hours?
I wore long pants today… for the first time since Sunday when I took off my suit after Christmas Eve Services. Christmas day in shorts is a very common occurrence in South Georgia. Next best chance for shorts will occur on Thursday, for certain on Friday. Weather forecasting by pants, gotta love it.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas
The rain came down in buckets last night/this morning. A gust of wind was strong enough to knock over the small plant on the patio table on the back deck. A check on the roads conditions when there was sufficient light to see revealed ankle deep water across the road. But the need for rain greatly out weighs any inconvenience the mud and muck might cause.
One of the fastest growing plants in southern Georgia is our variety of privet hedge. Along the lane that separates the Farm from the Planted Pines are thousands of these plants. After the main front of the rain had pass by this morning, we transferred about two dozen of the small shrubs around the goat/chicken pen. Another five or seven minutes of rain, while we were eating lunch, helped to water in the tender young plants in their new home.
And lunch!!! Cousin Janice surprised us with Christmas lunch:
Turkey and Dressing
Giblet Gravy
Creamed Green Peas
Cranberry Sauce
Ambrosia
Sweet Potato Soufflé
I had to take a nap and a walk in the woods afterwards. IN THAT ORDER!
By the way: Ducks won!
One of the fastest growing plants in southern Georgia is our variety of privet hedge. Along the lane that separates the Farm from the Planted Pines are thousands of these plants. After the main front of the rain had pass by this morning, we transferred about two dozen of the small shrubs around the goat/chicken pen. Another five or seven minutes of rain, while we were eating lunch, helped to water in the tender young plants in their new home.
And lunch!!! Cousin Janice surprised us with Christmas lunch:
Turkey and Dressing
Giblet Gravy
Creamed Green Peas
Cranberry Sauce
Ambrosia
Sweet Potato Soufflé
I had to take a nap and a walk in the woods afterwards. IN THAT ORDER!
By the way: Ducks won!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Christmas Eve
When you are awakened at 3:58 by an incoming text message on the cell phone from a phishing company and it take an hour to get back to sleep, it is much easier to “sleep in” the next morning.
7:45 was my rising time this morning. Dressed and ready for Sunday School and out the door at 9:15. Christmas Eve service was beautiful and after the last Amen was said, the “Pond Sitters” were gathered by all those that wanted one (or two, or more). We loaded four into the PT Cruiser for us and Mama.
My brother-in-law and I rode to the beaver pond this afternoon. It would seem that a couple of ducks, which should be on the farm pond, has taken up habitation about a quarter mile away in the backed up Big Branch! Maurice has borrowed a large live trap to try to capture the gone astray pair. With corn as bait on the trip mechanism, it is now a game of men and ducks.
The traditional Christmas Eve meal of Chili was started early this afternoon and with the Yule fire crackling in the fireplace, all is to do is to wait for the Jolly Fat Guy to make his appearance. Oh, by the way... the air conditioner is not running (at the moment)!
7:45 was my rising time this morning. Dressed and ready for Sunday School and out the door at 9:15. Christmas Eve service was beautiful and after the last Amen was said, the “Pond Sitters” were gathered by all those that wanted one (or two, or more). We loaded four into the PT Cruiser for us and Mama.
My brother-in-law and I rode to the beaver pond this afternoon. It would seem that a couple of ducks, which should be on the farm pond, has taken up habitation about a quarter mile away in the backed up Big Branch! Maurice has borrowed a large live trap to try to capture the gone astray pair. With corn as bait on the trip mechanism, it is now a game of men and ducks.
The traditional Christmas Eve meal of Chili was started early this afternoon and with the Yule fire crackling in the fireplace, all is to do is to wait for the Jolly Fat Guy to make his appearance. Oh, by the way... the air conditioner is not running (at the moment)!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Vacation Day 2
Goldfinch said:
I know the feeling... The alarm is set for 5:44 on days that I jbex. This has been the case since we moved into our home in May of 2000. I woke as wide-eye this morning at just after 6 AM… I was craving coffee! And coffee was my goal! I opened the canister and the aroma of the beans filled my nostrils. The perfume de café alone was enough to raise my caffeine level.
Coffee and forums and email.
The rains in the past thirty six hours have made the roads like mire in places. The ruts were deep as I make my way for errands in town.
I finally finished the Christmas village. It only took me two weeks to get back on it and only thirty minutes of effort to place the last of the polyvinylchloride snow in place.
A ride on the golf cart into the woods and to the pond later this afternoon; I tossed a few of the fish pellets into the water. A large White Perch broke the surface with a splash. The rods hanging in the garage were at the pond and Beetle Spins were in the water in minutes. Nine of the Blue Gills were gullible enough to think that the grub like plastic would be good for dinner. Guess what we had for dinner!!!
Wouldn't you know... I shut the alarm off last night because today is the firstTorry said:
day that I have had off in over two weeks and I can sleep late... BUT I woke up
promptly at 6:00 AM anyway.
Great. Now I've lost the ability to sleep in, in the mornings.
I know the feeling... The alarm is set for 5:44 on days that I jbex. This has been the case since we moved into our home in May of 2000. I woke as wide-eye this morning at just after 6 AM… I was craving coffee! And coffee was my goal! I opened the canister and the aroma of the beans filled my nostrils. The perfume de café alone was enough to raise my caffeine level.
Coffee and forums and email.
The rains in the past thirty six hours have made the roads like mire in places. The ruts were deep as I make my way for errands in town.
I finally finished the Christmas village. It only took me two weeks to get back on it and only thirty minutes of effort to place the last of the polyvinylchloride snow in place.
A ride on the golf cart into the woods and to the pond later this afternoon; I tossed a few of the fish pellets into the water. A large White Perch broke the surface with a splash. The rods hanging in the garage were at the pond and Beetle Spins were in the water in minutes. Nine of the Blue Gills were gullible enough to think that the grub like plastic would be good for dinner. Guess what we had for dinner!!!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Whether Weather
It has been a strange weather week around the country.
In the Northwest, over 1,000,000 folks were without electricity at the beginning of the week. From winds over the past weekend, some over hurricane strength, limbs and entire trees took down power lines. Snow in the mountains added to the grief. With one body recovered and two still unaccounted for, Mount Hood has added to its victims.
In Colorado, there was over 2 foot of snow, shutting down the Denver airport from Tuesday night until this afternoon. It is said some of the folk may not get flight out till Christmas day. News report video has shown families “camping” in the airport, making the best of a bad situation. And the storm system is heading for the U.P. of Michigan.
Winter Solstice occurred last evening at 7:22 EST, the longest night of the year. Rain started falling shortly thereafter here in South Georgia. Much needed rain. We are way below normal rainfall for the year, with only eight days before the new calendar from the hardware store is positioned in place of the old, nearly expired calendar.
But it was a warm rain… I feed the goats and chickens this morning in my khaki shorts. After I came in and took my daily shower, I dressed in blue jeans and a tee shirt. That lasted about 10 minutes; I retrieved another pair of shorts from the closet. Metro was actually panting this afternoon.
The first full day of winter in the south - that too - is strange. Will I have to turn on the air conditioner to be able to enjoy the Yule Log in the fireplace Christmas Eve?
In the Northwest, over 1,000,000 folks were without electricity at the beginning of the week. From winds over the past weekend, some over hurricane strength, limbs and entire trees took down power lines. Snow in the mountains added to the grief. With one body recovered and two still unaccounted for, Mount Hood has added to its victims.
In Colorado, there was over 2 foot of snow, shutting down the Denver airport from Tuesday night until this afternoon. It is said some of the folk may not get flight out till Christmas day. News report video has shown families “camping” in the airport, making the best of a bad situation. And the storm system is heading for the U.P. of Michigan.
Winter Solstice occurred last evening at 7:22 EST, the longest night of the year. Rain started falling shortly thereafter here in South Georgia. Much needed rain. We are way below normal rainfall for the year, with only eight days before the new calendar from the hardware store is positioned in place of the old, nearly expired calendar.
But it was a warm rain… I feed the goats and chickens this morning in my khaki shorts. After I came in and took my daily shower, I dressed in blue jeans and a tee shirt. That lasted about 10 minutes; I retrieved another pair of shorts from the closet. Metro was actually panting this afternoon.
The first full day of winter in the south - that too - is strange. Will I have to turn on the air conditioner to be able to enjoy the Yule Log in the fireplace Christmas Eve?
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
A Cheerios Meet
It has been said, “Cheerios Meets are the Best” – well, they are!!!
Even when the circumstances are not the greatest.
Tee (Pyewacket) made a slight detour from the normal route that one would take from Central South Carolina to San Antonio, Texas. She had open reservations at the Rainbow Inn. Saturday night around 7:45, she landed on our doorstep. Tired and road weary, she rested and refreshed after 279 miles (the first leg of her journey).
Pippin (her 110 pound German Shepherd) and Tetley (her calico cat) were her travel companions. Wasn’t anyone going to bother Tee with those sentries on duty.
Tea was given as gifts and tea was shared. We had one of the green teas from Taiwan that I received during my Asian trip last November/December. After some announcements in Cheers and Wheypoint, we called it a night and turned in for the evening.
Sunday morning was busy!!! As we prepared ourselves for church, Tee attempted to load new maps into her GPSr. Metro kept her company during Sunday morning worship time. Later, Tee would unloaded her wheel chair and visit with Molly, Sugar and Spice. Molly was not real happy with a huge dog barking so close to her kids.
When we arrived back home, Tee asked me to check the electrical connection on the driver’s seat. With a disconnect of the negative battery terminal for safety and three inches of electrical tape, the wiring was as good as new!
I went caching with Tee… REPEAT, PRN!
We traveled the 0.10 miles to Double Rainbow Cache. Unable to reach the actual cache herself, she pointed out the likely hiding spot and I retrieved the bright yellow First Aid Kit for her. She left a couple of crafty kits, a miniature cowbell
(“We need more COWBELL”)
Even when the circumstances are not the greatest.
Tee (Pyewacket) made a slight detour from the normal route that one would take from Central South Carolina to San Antonio, Texas. She had open reservations at the Rainbow Inn. Saturday night around 7:45, she landed on our doorstep. Tired and road weary, she rested and refreshed after 279 miles (the first leg of her journey).
Pippin (her 110 pound German Shepherd) and Tetley (her calico cat) were her travel companions. Wasn’t anyone going to bother Tee with those sentries on duty.
Tea was given as gifts and tea was shared. We had one of the green teas from Taiwan that I received during my Asian trip last November/December. After some announcements in Cheers and Wheypoint, we called it a night and turned in for the evening.
Sunday morning was busy!!! As we prepared ourselves for church, Tee attempted to load new maps into her GPSr. Metro kept her company during Sunday morning worship time. Later, Tee would unloaded her wheel chair and visit with Molly, Sugar and Spice. Molly was not real happy with a huge dog barking so close to her kids.
When we arrived back home, Tee asked me to check the electrical connection on the driver’s seat. With a disconnect of the negative battery terminal for safety and three inches of electrical tape, the wiring was as good as new!
I went caching with Tee… REPEAT, PRN!
We traveled the 0.10 miles to Double Rainbow Cache. Unable to reach the actual cache herself, she pointed out the likely hiding spot and I retrieved the bright yellow First Aid Kit for her. She left a couple of crafty kits, a miniature cowbell
(“We need more COWBELL”)
...and a rainbow plushie that never actually went into cache container. The multi-color critter rode home with us on the golf cart. From the cache, she retrieved “Little Tree” (a HoppingCrow travel bug) and one of the bead Angels. They served as reminder of those who were thinking and praying for her as she traveled.
When we got back to the carport, I told Tee of my plans to order a Geocaching clingy sticker like the one on her windshield. She immediately ripped it off and handed it to me. It now resides on the back glass of my pickup truck.
Then it was time for phase two of the expedition. With a sweep through the house to make sure nothing was left behind, Tee and Pippin (Tetley never really got out of the van) loaded up and with hugs all around, we said our ‘goodbyes and safe travels’.
240 miles later, Tee stopped for the evening south of Montgomery, Alabama.
Monday – someone lit a fire under her behind!!! 780 miles and around 8:00 CST she arrived at her son’s house.
We had followed her progress via the Pyewacket Sighting Network, with many prayers and good thoughts surrounding her. I couldn’t have been any more tired and worn if I had driven the miles myself.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Pigs
The preacher was doing a canvas of the community when he came upon a pleasant enough farmer. When the subject changed to the preacher inviting the farmer to Sunday services, the clodhopper's disposition became very sour.
“Ya know, Preacher! You will never get me in your church. You got a member there that has been owing me money for years,” the farmer snapped.
“Have you confronted this individual about this debt?” responded the preacher.
“Oh, he knows about it!!! Ya ain’t getting me inside the building with the likes of that fellow. In fact, I’m sure that most of the rest of them folk are just like that cheat!!!”
“How can you be so sure of that?”
“Well, you heard of the ol’ saying – ‘Birds of a feather, flock together’. “
Thinking his time would be better spent elsewhere, the Preacher excuses himself and leaves the farmer to his chores.
Days later, the preacher returns to the farmer’s place and tell him that he wants to buy one of his pigs.
“Sure thing, Preacher!!! Just tell me which one you want.”
The preacher stands on the second rung of the gate and points to the very back of the feed lot, “I’ll take that spotted one by the back fence.”
Surprise to see that the preacher has selected the skinniest and ugliest pig from the herd, the farmer gave the preacher a puzzled look, “OK, Preacher! Are ya sure you want that one? Any of the others would be a better choice!”
“Nope, I think that one will do nicely.”
“Uh, whatcha got in mind for that one?”
“I plan to put that pig in the back of my pick-up and ride it all around town. I’m going make sure everyone know that I got that pig from your farm. Wonder if folk will start to think that all of your pigs look like that one?”
The ol’ farmer curled one side of his mouth and said, “What time do y’all start the Sunday Service at that church, anyway?
“Ya know, Preacher! You will never get me in your church. You got a member there that has been owing me money for years,” the farmer snapped.
“Have you confronted this individual about this debt?” responded the preacher.
“Oh, he knows about it!!! Ya ain’t getting me inside the building with the likes of that fellow. In fact, I’m sure that most of the rest of them folk are just like that cheat!!!”
“How can you be so sure of that?”
“Well, you heard of the ol’ saying – ‘Birds of a feather, flock together’. “
Thinking his time would be better spent elsewhere, the Preacher excuses himself and leaves the farmer to his chores.
Days later, the preacher returns to the farmer’s place and tell him that he wants to buy one of his pigs.
“Sure thing, Preacher!!! Just tell me which one you want.”
The preacher stands on the second rung of the gate and points to the very back of the feed lot, “I’ll take that spotted one by the back fence.”
Surprise to see that the preacher has selected the skinniest and ugliest pig from the herd, the farmer gave the preacher a puzzled look, “OK, Preacher! Are ya sure you want that one? Any of the others would be a better choice!”
“Nope, I think that one will do nicely.”
“Uh, whatcha got in mind for that one?”
“I plan to put that pig in the back of my pick-up and ride it all around town. I’m going make sure everyone know that I got that pig from your farm. Wonder if folk will start to think that all of your pigs look like that one?”
The ol’ farmer curled one side of his mouth and said, “What time do y’all start the Sunday Service at that church, anyway?
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sugar and Spice are growing!
12 days old!
Sugar is 5 pounds 6 ounces
Spice is 5 pounds 10 ounces
They are little fuzz balls of bouncing energy. AND, they love the bridge I built for them over the weekend. Now we need a Troll, to live under the bridge.
Sugar is 5 pounds 6 ounces
Spice is 5 pounds 10 ounces
They are little fuzz balls of bouncing energy. AND, they love the bridge I built for them over the weekend. Now we need a Troll, to live under the bridge.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
23 years...
Brandi was just a few weeks old. One of my least favorite daily tasks was lessen by my decision that day. I would grow a beard. The bristles grew in red. Red versus the brown of the thick mass of hair that grows on my top of my head. Well the red has given way to grey and white over the past few years. So much so that my beard was almost invisible when I trimmed it on Saturday evenings for Sunday services and on Wednesday mornings.
I didn't cut it all! I left the moustache - it has been part of me for 30 years. I don't think I would even know how to shave my upper lip! And I also left a goatee. What I shaved away was the the whiter portions.
So what caused me to part with something that has been with me almost half of my life? I'm still not sure!
By the way, what is this short stubble all over my face? I forgot what is was like to have a five o'clock shadow!
I didn't cut it all! I left the moustache - it has been part of me for 30 years. I don't think I would even know how to shave my upper lip! And I also left a goatee. What I shaved away was the the whiter portions.
So what caused me to part with something that has been with me almost half of my life? I'm still not sure!
By the way, what is this short stubble all over my face? I forgot what is was like to have a five o'clock shadow!
Mystery Girl
Hi Laura...
When I was singing in the Choir this morning I almost saw someone.
She was wearing this real cute green sweater. Did you happen to see her?
She came in and had a seat beside her dad. Did you happen to see her?
I turned around as soon as services were over to see if she was still there.
She was gone!!! Did you see where she went???
> insert :sad and disappointed smilie: <
Oh well! I was good almost seeing YOU this morning!!!
When I was singing in the Choir this morning I almost saw someone.
She was wearing this real cute green sweater. Did you happen to see her?
She came in and had a seat beside her dad. Did you happen to see her?
I turned around as soon as services were over to see if she was still there.
She was gone!!! Did you see where she went???
> insert :sad and disappointed smilie: <
Oh well! I was good almost seeing YOU this morning!!!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
The Frog Prince , 1971
Sweetums, lay your ugly head
Down upon your wretched bed.
Close your eyes and go to sleep,
You hulking heap.
Sweetums is so sweet and cute,
Go to sleep your stupid brute.
Sweetums lay your ugly head
Down upon your wretched bed
Bunnykins is sweet and cute
Rest, you giant, stupid brute.
Sweetums lay your ugly head
Down upon your wretched bed.
Close your eyes and go to sleep
Rest, you giant, hulking heap.
NIGHTY-NIGHT... *THUD*
Down upon your wretched bed.
Close your eyes and go to sleep,
You hulking heap.
Sweetums is so sweet and cute,
Go to sleep your stupid brute.
Sweetums lay your ugly head
Down upon your wretched bed
Bunnykins is sweet and cute
Rest, you giant, stupid brute.
Sweetums lay your ugly head
Down upon your wretched bed.
Close your eyes and go to sleep
Rest, you giant, hulking heap.
NIGHTY-NIGHT... *THUD*
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Sugar and Spice
Minnie and Maddie are now Sugar 'n Spice. We have broke our traditional of names our animals with names that start with the letter 'M'.
They are one week old today. And they are the sweetest little things.
Sugar tipped the scales on Saturday at 3 pounds 0.2 ounces.
While Spice was a tad heavier at 3 pounds 4.2 ounces.
They are one week old today. And they are the sweetest little things.
Sugar tipped the scales on Saturday at 3 pounds 0.2 ounces.
While Spice was a tad heavier at 3 pounds 4.2 ounces.
Goat Playground
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
How long to hold a Travel Bug?
Well, like many a Geocacher, sometimes too long!
From May to October is much too long.
Yorkie has finally been placed into one of my caches -
How Sweet (Onions). It will be "sit" there for Pipnella to grab when it reaches NW Ohio via the USPS. Then it will be delivered to another YO-YO to travel around Arizona!
Now, I really need to go caching for real!
From May to October is much too long.
Yorkie has finally been placed into one of my caches -
How Sweet (Onions). It will be "sit" there for Pipnella to grab when it reaches NW Ohio via the USPS. Then it will be delivered to another YO-YO to travel around Arizona!
Now, I really need to go caching for real!
Friday, October 20, 2006
365 days
Has it been a year already? When I talked to Sherry today, we both couldn't bring ourselves to the believe that it has.
Mom, we miss you!
Mom, we miss you!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Sunday, September 10, 2006
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Milk and Cereal
G. Love And Special Sauce - Milk And Cereal Lyrics
(Sung by VT's Finest)
http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/milk.php
Milk and Cereal
Milk and Cereal
milk and cereal
Cereal and milk
Milk and Cereal
Cereal, Cereal
Milk and Cereal
Cereal and Milk, Cereal and Milk...
I dont want my Wheaties
Give 'em to the needy
Feelin kinda greedy
I keep em for myself (X9)
No Grapenuts for grandma
(grandma eats a bran muffin)
Mom likes Special K
You cant pinch an inch (X7)
They're magically delicious
Keep your hands off my Lucky charms
(pink hearts, yellow moons,blue diamonds, green clovers)
A is for Apple J is for Jack
You step on a crack
Youll break your moama's back
Rice Krispies
Blue Berries
Ooh Boo Berry
Milk and Cereal
Milk and Cereal
Milk and Cereal
Cereal and Milk
Milk and Cereal
Milk and Stereo
Stereo Stereo
Milk and Cereal
Cereal and Milk
(Cheerio-eo-eo)
In the morning
At your table
Milk and Cereal
Snap Crackle Pop (X7)
Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs (X8)
Trix are for kids! (X11)
In the morning
At your table
(Milk and Cereal)
No Grapenuts for Grandma
Grandma eat a bran muffin.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
As I stood writing the check for dinner tonight, it dawned on me:
It would have been Mom and Dad's 54 anniversary. I remember calling a year ago, asking if the received the gift and card in the mail and wishing them both a Happy Day!
This year I can't call, phone lines don't reach that high!
This year I can't mail anything to them, the post office don't have routes in Heaven!
This year I can't visit with them, but some day - I will!
So until then, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
From the 50th Anniversary Celebration, 4 years ago
It would have been Mom and Dad's 54 anniversary. I remember calling a year ago, asking if the received the gift and card in the mail and wishing them both a Happy Day!
This year I can't call, phone lines don't reach that high!
This year I can't mail anything to them, the post office don't have routes in Heaven!
This year I can't visit with them, but some day - I will!
So until then, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
From the 50th Anniversary Celebration, 4 years ago
Carlson H. Brown a.k.a. Charlie
All he wanted to do was make it to his 80th birthday. Carlson had been a sick man for a long time. The career ending illness some 30 years ago left him with weakened strength and lessening agility. But it didn’t slow down the man that Carlson was, until last Wednesday morning.
He was a man of integrity. He often stated, “If everyone would keep the Ten Commandments, then I would have been out of a job a long time ago.” See, Carlson was a Georgia State Patrolman, having served 18 years on the force. He was also an agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and sheriff of Emanuel County. He took his law enforcement duties seriously, even when it came to members of his own family. It would have been much easier on a certain cousin if he had been escorted back to Georgia by any other law officer other than his Uncle Charlie.
Husband, Dad, Grand-dad, Great Grand-dad. - that is how they described him yesterday during the funeral. Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Friend – they listed those titles also. But I knew him as the last of his generation of the family. We watched as his sister Jackie lost the battle with COPD some 4 years ago. We were shocked when brother Glenn tripped on a rough spot in the sidewalk as he left the dentist office, never to fully recover. That was two summers ago.
So as the elder sage of the Brown family, he would constantly check on the rest of the clan. Either by phone call or email, the households on the family farm were contacted weekly. It was Friday morning and I somehow knew something was not right. I was driving back down the red clay road and slowed down in front of the house where Carlson was born and where he played as a youngun’. I came to a complete stop and from the field on the opposite side of the road, out stepped a beautiful White Tail doe. She paused for a moment, looked square at me in the truck and then bounded into the thicket behind the old barn. Less than 12 hours later, Carlson would take his last breath.
Saturday and Sunday spent with Dot and the rest of the family.
The funeral service Monday at 11:00 was simple. A song was played on the piano as the family entered the sanctuary. A member of Men’s Class spoke of what Charlie meant to them. Amazing Grace was sung by the music director. The current and past Pastor for Vidalia First Baptist each told of Charlie’s love for his Lord, his family and his many friends.
The photos in the foyer of the church were of three different men.
-The young Navy sailor, with innocence and mischief beaming from his eyes.
-The Patrolman, with stern look of authority chiseled on the handsome face.
-The Grand-Dad, with gentleness and love that is seen in the smile of a patriarch
Carlson was all three of these men.
As we arrived at the cemetery, seven G.S.P. cars lined the drive to the north of the tent where the hearse was to stop. O, Danny Boy was being played on the bagpipes as the family arrived. I made my way to Dot’s door and extended my hand to her and she latched on to my arm as we walked to the chairs under the tent. As she was seated, I took a chair behind her. Scriptures from 1st Thessalonians were read and prayer said, Amazing Grace echoed in the Georgia pines. The six member Honor Guard from the G.S.P. marched to the foot of the casket and undraped the flag. As the final chord resounded from the bagpipe, the final tuck was made in the flag. The officer inspected the flag and presented it to Sergeant Collins. Sergeant Collins kneeled in front of Dot.
With tears streaming down my cheeks, similar words resounded in my head as I was taken back 7 months to a cold and windy day when my Dad’s flag was presented to me at Bethany Cemetery.
Carlson, thank you. Whatever you did, you did to the point of completion! Tomatoes vines as high as my head stand in the yard behind the garage. As I stop in the afternoons in the coming weeks to check on Dot, the dozen or so Better Boy tomato plants will be a reminding testimony of your pride you took even in the simple things of life. To this, I aspire for myself...
80 years, 40 days. Mission accomplished, Carlson!
He was a man of integrity. He often stated, “If everyone would keep the Ten Commandments, then I would have been out of a job a long time ago.” See, Carlson was a Georgia State Patrolman, having served 18 years on the force. He was also an agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and sheriff of Emanuel County. He took his law enforcement duties seriously, even when it came to members of his own family. It would have been much easier on a certain cousin if he had been escorted back to Georgia by any other law officer other than his Uncle Charlie.
Husband, Dad, Grand-dad, Great Grand-dad. - that is how they described him yesterday during the funeral. Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Friend – they listed those titles also. But I knew him as the last of his generation of the family. We watched as his sister Jackie lost the battle with COPD some 4 years ago. We were shocked when brother Glenn tripped on a rough spot in the sidewalk as he left the dentist office, never to fully recover. That was two summers ago.
So as the elder sage of the Brown family, he would constantly check on the rest of the clan. Either by phone call or email, the households on the family farm were contacted weekly. It was Friday morning and I somehow knew something was not right. I was driving back down the red clay road and slowed down in front of the house where Carlson was born and where he played as a youngun’. I came to a complete stop and from the field on the opposite side of the road, out stepped a beautiful White Tail doe. She paused for a moment, looked square at me in the truck and then bounded into the thicket behind the old barn. Less than 12 hours later, Carlson would take his last breath.
Saturday and Sunday spent with Dot and the rest of the family.
The funeral service Monday at 11:00 was simple. A song was played on the piano as the family entered the sanctuary. A member of Men’s Class spoke of what Charlie meant to them. Amazing Grace was sung by the music director. The current and past Pastor for Vidalia First Baptist each told of Charlie’s love for his Lord, his family and his many friends.
The photos in the foyer of the church were of three different men.
-The young Navy sailor, with innocence and mischief beaming from his eyes.
-The Patrolman, with stern look of authority chiseled on the handsome face.
-The Grand-Dad, with gentleness and love that is seen in the smile of a patriarch
Carlson was all three of these men.
As we arrived at the cemetery, seven G.S.P. cars lined the drive to the north of the tent where the hearse was to stop. O, Danny Boy was being played on the bagpipes as the family arrived. I made my way to Dot’s door and extended my hand to her and she latched on to my arm as we walked to the chairs under the tent. As she was seated, I took a chair behind her. Scriptures from 1st Thessalonians were read and prayer said, Amazing Grace echoed in the Georgia pines. The six member Honor Guard from the G.S.P. marched to the foot of the casket and undraped the flag. As the final chord resounded from the bagpipe, the final tuck was made in the flag. The officer inspected the flag and presented it to Sergeant Collins. Sergeant Collins kneeled in front of Dot.
“On behalf of the Governor of the great state of Georgia and the people of a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for the honorable and faithful service your husband rendered this state.”
With tears streaming down my cheeks, similar words resounded in my head as I was taken back 7 months to a cold and windy day when my Dad’s flag was presented to me at Bethany Cemetery.
Carlson, thank you. Whatever you did, you did to the point of completion! Tomatoes vines as high as my head stand in the yard behind the garage. As I stop in the afternoons in the coming weeks to check on Dot, the dozen or so Better Boy tomato plants will be a reminding testimony of your pride you took even in the simple things of life. To this, I aspire for myself...
80 years, 40 days. Mission accomplished, Carlson!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
No Excuses
The next time you feel like God can’t use you, just remember…..
NOAH was a drunk.
ABRAHAM was too old.
ISAAC was a daydreamer.
JACOB was a liar.
LEAH was ugly.
JOSEPH was abused.
MOSES had a stuttering problem.
GIDEON was afraid.
SAMSON had long hair, and was a womanizer!
RAHAB was a prostitute!
JEREMIAH and TIMOTHY were too young.
DAVID had an affair and was a murderer.
ELIJAH was suicidal.
ISAIAH preached naked.
JONAH ran from God.
NAOMI was a widow.
JOB went bankrupt.
JOHN the Baptist ate bugs.
PETER denied Christ.
The DISCIPLES feel asleep while praying.
MARTHA worried about everything.
The SAMARITAN WOMAN was divorced more than once.
ZACCHEUS was too small.
PAUL was too religious.
TIMOTHY had an ulcer….and
LAZARUS WAS DEAD!
….no more excuses now.
God’s waiting to use your full potential.
Author Unknown
NOAH was a drunk.
ABRAHAM was too old.
ISAAC was a daydreamer.
JACOB was a liar.
LEAH was ugly.
JOSEPH was abused.
MOSES had a stuttering problem.
GIDEON was afraid.
SAMSON had long hair, and was a womanizer!
RAHAB was a prostitute!
JEREMIAH and TIMOTHY were too young.
DAVID had an affair and was a murderer.
ELIJAH was suicidal.
ISAIAH preached naked.
JONAH ran from God.
NAOMI was a widow.
JOB went bankrupt.
JOHN the Baptist ate bugs.
PETER denied Christ.
The DISCIPLES feel asleep while praying.
MARTHA worried about everything.
The SAMARITAN WOMAN was divorced more than once.
ZACCHEUS was too small.
PAUL was too religious.
TIMOTHY had an ulcer….and
LAZARUS WAS DEAD!
….no more excuses now.
God’s waiting to use your full potential.
Author Unknown
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
HummingBirds
Hummingbirds are the newest members of the animal kingdom to be totally spoiled around the house.
Metro, Molly, the Chickens - even the Kois in the small pond by the front deck - are all rotten.
Sunrise is my most favorite time of the day. My routine during the week is to rise as the alarm sounds at 5:45. And with it so ingrained into me (and Metro), it is almost impossible to for me to sleep in on the weekends. So with it still dark outside, I open the front door and let Metro go outside. Business taken care of, the task of coffee is addressed – “extra chewy please”!!!
Back outside the first rays of dawn cause the gray to turn a rosy pink. The first of the thumb sized birds arrive at the feeder. I freeze to make her less nervous as she goes about gathering the 4:1 sugar water mix. Slowly, I make my way to the Adirondack chair in the middle of the deck. Soon the air is full of little buzzing emerald green blurs.
Five, then ten, then fifteen are zipping back and forth and around the house. The red maple over the Koi pond serves as landing pad between drinks. With only four artificial red flowers available to draw the nectar, turf wars begins. Dogfights over the pressure treated yellow pine ensue. Swoops and dives, darts and jives! Midair pirouettes and do-si-dos. The dance of the hummingbirds continues into the heat of the morning. The syrupy solution is soon drained. Too many hummers? Too few feeders!
Solution: More Feeders! So Monday, I make a run to the KRFS to get two more stations! Eight more red plastic flowers with mesh yellow centers are hung around the deck.
Wait a minute, is this the solution? Or, is it the beginning of the snow ball rolling down the mountain?
Metro, Molly, the Chickens - even the Kois in the small pond by the front deck - are all rotten.
Sunrise is my most favorite time of the day. My routine during the week is to rise as the alarm sounds at 5:45. And with it so ingrained into me (and Metro), it is almost impossible to for me to sleep in on the weekends. So with it still dark outside, I open the front door and let Metro go outside. Business taken care of, the task of coffee is addressed – “extra chewy please”!!!
Back outside the first rays of dawn cause the gray to turn a rosy pink. The first of the thumb sized birds arrive at the feeder. I freeze to make her less nervous as she goes about gathering the 4:1 sugar water mix. Slowly, I make my way to the Adirondack chair in the middle of the deck. Soon the air is full of little buzzing emerald green blurs.
Five, then ten, then fifteen are zipping back and forth and around the house. The red maple over the Koi pond serves as landing pad between drinks. With only four artificial red flowers available to draw the nectar, turf wars begins. Dogfights over the pressure treated yellow pine ensue. Swoops and dives, darts and jives! Midair pirouettes and do-si-dos. The dance of the hummingbirds continues into the heat of the morning. The syrupy solution is soon drained. Too many hummers? Too few feeders!
Solution: More Feeders! So Monday, I make a run to the KRFS to get two more stations! Eight more red plastic flowers with mesh yellow centers are hung around the deck.
Wait a minute, is this the solution? Or, is it the beginning of the snow ball rolling down the mountain?
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Philosophy of a Dog
Don't take this the wrong way, but for the longest time now, I have been trying to imitate Metro. Not his look, which is fuzzy even after a good brushing.
Not his walk, which, as with most dogs, can be more of waddle. And not his tail. I don't need a tail. I have enough trouble buckling my pants as it is.
Also, I can live without his bathroom habits, which can be summed up this way: "Tree or bush? Tree or bush? Aw, how about right here on the grass..."
No, what I admire about Metro is his fascination with the simple routine of life. Every day for him is like boarding the space shuttle. For example: In the morning, if I move just one muscle...there he is. The canine answer to Richard Simmons. He is so worked up, he doesn't know which will get my attention...a lick of the face, a nuzzle of the hand. So he does both. "Oh boy oh boy oh boy!" he seems to pant. "It's morning and I'm gonna outside! Is this great or what?"
Never mind that going out has not changed one bit since we've had him. He is so thrilled by the notion of "exit". He bolts into the yard as if heading for Tomorrowland with a sack full of "E" tickets.
The great outdoors.
Then comes the "bathroom" routine, which I already have described. Humans deal with these functions begrudgingly. Not Metro. It's a real thrill for him. He scouts for the perfect spot as if looking for beachfront real estate. "Tree or bush? Tree or bush?" And we don't have that many trees.
Then, once his business is taken care of, he is off the going out obsession and onto a new one: going back in. It doesn't matter that he was inside just minutes ago. "Things have changed! Things have changed!" he seems to pant. "I gotta get in there! I gotta check it out! Hurry up, hurry up!"
When I open the door, he bolts in, races back and forth - looking for space aliens, I suppose - and when he doesn't find any, he isn't disappointed. Instead, he snarls at some ratty toy he's played with for months, throws it into the air with his teeth, and watches it land. "Look at that!" he seems to say. "It goes up, it comes down!"
I yawn.
Then there's his food. Never mind that he has eaten every morning since he was born. Or that he's had the same food every morning. He waits breathlessly as I scoop yet another helping of boring brown nuggets into his bowl. "Oh boy oh boy oh boy! Food, food, food!"
I slouch and yawn again.
As I make a cup of coffee, he jumps up to watch. "Whatcha doin? Whatcha doin? Coffee, huh? That's amazing!"
When I disappear behind a door, he lies down outside and waits for me to come out again. If it is only 30 seconds later, he will still react as if I was a released hostage.
The sunny side. Now, Metro does not work. He does not pay taxes. He does not create anything new (unless you consider the bushes outside). But he also doesn't need clothes, doesn't covet cars or jewelry, and doesn't care about houses, as long as he can find a sunny spot on the floor and lie there for a few hours.
Meanwhile, I am bored with my same routine. Getting up is a drag. I can't get excited about breakfast. And going out then coming back only makes me wonder how many flies I've let in.
So I'm trying to imitate Metro. I'm trying to find wonder in the everyday. After all, when you think about it, it is pretty remarkable that you open your eyes each morning. And since every few hours you get to quench your hunger, well, that's a thrill, when you consider the alternative. So while I can't match my dog's drool, I am trying to match his zeal.
Don't worry. If I come to visit, I will not create a new bush or tree. On the other hand, a nap in that sunny spot on the floor looks pretty tempting...
2001
"Sunny Spot on the Floor"
Not his walk, which, as with most dogs, can be more of waddle. And not his tail. I don't need a tail. I have enough trouble buckling my pants as it is.
Also, I can live without his bathroom habits, which can be summed up this way: "Tree or bush? Tree or bush? Aw, how about right here on the grass..."
No, what I admire about Metro is his fascination with the simple routine of life. Every day for him is like boarding the space shuttle. For example: In the morning, if I move just one muscle...there he is. The canine answer to Richard Simmons. He is so worked up, he doesn't know which will get my attention...a lick of the face, a nuzzle of the hand. So he does both. "Oh boy oh boy oh boy!" he seems to pant. "It's morning and I'm gonna outside! Is this great or what?"
Never mind that going out has not changed one bit since we've had him. He is so thrilled by the notion of "exit". He bolts into the yard as if heading for Tomorrowland with a sack full of "E" tickets.
The great outdoors.
Then comes the "bathroom" routine, which I already have described. Humans deal with these functions begrudgingly. Not Metro. It's a real thrill for him. He scouts for the perfect spot as if looking for beachfront real estate. "Tree or bush? Tree or bush?" And we don't have that many trees.
Then, once his business is taken care of, he is off the going out obsession and onto a new one: going back in. It doesn't matter that he was inside just minutes ago. "Things have changed! Things have changed!" he seems to pant. "I gotta get in there! I gotta check it out! Hurry up, hurry up!"
When I open the door, he bolts in, races back and forth - looking for space aliens, I suppose - and when he doesn't find any, he isn't disappointed. Instead, he snarls at some ratty toy he's played with for months, throws it into the air with his teeth, and watches it land. "Look at that!" he seems to say. "It goes up, it comes down!"
I yawn.
Then there's his food. Never mind that he has eaten every morning since he was born. Or that he's had the same food every morning. He waits breathlessly as I scoop yet another helping of boring brown nuggets into his bowl. "Oh boy oh boy oh boy! Food, food, food!"
I slouch and yawn again.
As I make a cup of coffee, he jumps up to watch. "Whatcha doin? Whatcha doin? Coffee, huh? That's amazing!"
When I disappear behind a door, he lies down outside and waits for me to come out again. If it is only 30 seconds later, he will still react as if I was a released hostage.
The sunny side. Now, Metro does not work. He does not pay taxes. He does not create anything new (unless you consider the bushes outside). But he also doesn't need clothes, doesn't covet cars or jewelry, and doesn't care about houses, as long as he can find a sunny spot on the floor and lie there for a few hours.
Meanwhile, I am bored with my same routine. Getting up is a drag. I can't get excited about breakfast. And going out then coming back only makes me wonder how many flies I've let in.
So I'm trying to imitate Metro. I'm trying to find wonder in the everyday. After all, when you think about it, it is pretty remarkable that you open your eyes each morning. And since every few hours you get to quench your hunger, well, that's a thrill, when you consider the alternative. So while I can't match my dog's drool, I am trying to match his zeal.
Don't worry. If I come to visit, I will not create a new bush or tree. On the other hand, a nap in that sunny spot on the floor looks pretty tempting...
2001
"Sunny Spot on the Floor"
Monday, July 03, 2006
Mower Blade Angst!!!
You never save time by taking the short cut!!!
So Saturday morning I knew I was in need of new blades for my mower. The 3/4 inch path of uncut grass was the tale-tale sign. Also, I was tearing the tops of the blades of grass rather than cutting. I was shocking the little blades of grass and causing their new little hair cuts to turn from green to brown by the next morn. Third gear was as fast as I could go and still lop the grass to the desired height. Worse of all, I was double cutting - that is, only moving over 20 inches with each lap around the house instead of the 40 inches that the width of the mower deck would allow.
So, the time I spend Saturday morning should have been enough to finish the deed. NO, I was only half done. I left the job half done. Funeral for a Friend in the early afternoon and Family arriving for Mom's birthday celebration on Sunday (more on this later).
So I go to the local hardware store between other errands. I get to the counter and all the clerks are helping others. I wait my turn and I get the new clerk!!! It takes her twice as long to look up the comparative model number as it should. She writes the four digit number on her "redneck Palm Pilot" and goes to the furthermost corner of the store. Two of the 6476 blades are produced. Paid and back home, the blades are placed on the work bench in the garage for another day...
That day was this morning, an early rise on a jbex holiday! So beautiful was the sunrise! Many song birds announced the dawn. Hummingbirds fought over the rights to drink from the feeder. A muster of black friends perched in the boughs of the leaning pine tree in the spring head before going out to the various compass points.
Photos of Sunrise this morning.
Coffee and a liter of water later, the task of blade changing is addressed.
Old blades off.
New blades retrieve from the work bench.
TOO LONG!!!
I take the wrong new blades (along with one of the old ones for reference) back to the hardware store... 6476 should have been 6475. Then the clerk said, "Twenty one cents". My jaw drops onto the old hard wood floor, totally void of any finish from many years of foot traffic.
"UH, these blades are shorter and besides it cost me three time that to drive back to town because of your mistake!" Not really, my truck gets better gas mileage than that. I pull out my money clip and place a Where's George on the counter, my seventy nine cents change is handed back to me with my receipt. 30 minutes of my morning is lost. The coolness of the early morning has given way to heat. At 10:30, I make my retreat into the house. Still incomplete, more mowing this evening when the sun starts setting in the west.
So Saturday morning I knew I was in need of new blades for my mower. The 3/4 inch path of uncut grass was the tale-tale sign. Also, I was tearing the tops of the blades of grass rather than cutting. I was shocking the little blades of grass and causing their new little hair cuts to turn from green to brown by the next morn. Third gear was as fast as I could go and still lop the grass to the desired height. Worse of all, I was double cutting - that is, only moving over 20 inches with each lap around the house instead of the 40 inches that the width of the mower deck would allow.
So, the time I spend Saturday morning should have been enough to finish the deed. NO, I was only half done. I left the job half done. Funeral for a Friend in the early afternoon and Family arriving for Mom's birthday celebration on Sunday (more on this later).
So I go to the local hardware store between other errands. I get to the counter and all the clerks are helping others. I wait my turn and I get the new clerk!!! It takes her twice as long to look up the comparative model number as it should. She writes the four digit number on her "redneck Palm Pilot" and goes to the furthermost corner of the store. Two of the 6476 blades are produced. Paid and back home, the blades are placed on the work bench in the garage for another day...
That day was this morning, an early rise on a jbex holiday! So beautiful was the sunrise! Many song birds announced the dawn. Hummingbirds fought over the rights to drink from the feeder. A muster of black friends perched in the boughs of the leaning pine tree in the spring head before going out to the various compass points.
Photos of Sunrise this morning.
Coffee and a liter of water later, the task of blade changing is addressed.
Old blades off.
New blades retrieve from the work bench.
TOO LONG!!!
I take the wrong new blades (along with one of the old ones for reference) back to the hardware store... 6476 should have been 6475. Then the clerk said, "Twenty one cents". My jaw drops onto the old hard wood floor, totally void of any finish from many years of foot traffic.
"UH, these blades are shorter and besides it cost me three time that to drive back to town because of your mistake!" Not really, my truck gets better gas mileage than that. I pull out my money clip and place a Where's George on the counter, my seventy nine cents change is handed back to me with my receipt. 30 minutes of my morning is lost. The coolness of the early morning has given way to heat. At 10:30, I make my retreat into the house. Still incomplete, more mowing this evening when the sun starts setting in the west.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Size Matters...When Fishing!!!
Last week was lots of fun, but very tiring. Six nights of Vacation Bible School (I was taking photos of all the activities) had me just wanting to sleep in Saturday morning. Before the Commencement Ceremony on Friday night, Ted and I were talking about fishing. See, Ted and Jimmi Gail own the pond known all over Telfair County as the Coca Cola Pond. The employees of the local Coke bottling plant used the area for company picnics and such for many years, until they bought it in the early nineties.
Jimmi Gail and Ted can be found sitting to my left on the third pew from the front during worship. Ted and I are side by side in the Choir – we are the only two with voices deep enough to sing the bass parts.
Jimmi Gail and Ted can be found sitting to my left on the third pew from the front during worship. Ted and I are side by side in the Choir – we are the only two with voices deep enough to sing the bass parts.
At least it is a Joyful Noise, Psalm 100:1.
Ted had been under the weather since the week before Easter. And we had a bunch of catching up to do. “Bob, whatcha doing tomorrow morning?” He wanted some company and he wanted to go fishing.
I was tempted to reply with, “Sleeping in till noon!” But I knew that wasn’t the answer Ted was looking for. So I said instead, “Nothing, whatcha got in mind?”
So a plan was set. I would head over to his house early Saturday AM with fishing gear in the back of the truck. A cup of coffee for Ted is resting in the cup holder as I pull into the driveway. I start out with my flyrod and a Peacock Herl Ant on the end of my tippet. As the fly breaks the surface of the water with a ripple, a small Blue Gill leaps out of the water with the barbless hook firmly in its upper lip. Repeat, repeat, repeat!!!
The coffee was cool enough to drink at this time, and we sat down in the white plastic chairs beside the pond. Ted had brought his long pole with a # 12 hook and a bag containing about a half dozen slices white bread. This was the bait for the rest of the morning. White bread is shaped into a dough ball on the hook. I matched his rig with mine and we went to the task of catching brim, bluegill and red breast. No sooner did the little sphere of bread make a splash in the tea colored water would another hand size fish grab hold and make the ultra light fishing line sing.
Well, all that splashing got the attention of some others. As Ted pulled in one of the brim, something much, much larger broke the surface. BASS!!! And a big one!!!
We looked at each other without saying a word… Our expressions, however, spoke volumes. I walk back to the truck and get my Bait Casting rod. I bought this rod and reel in 1999 and had never really taken it fishing. Strung with 6 pound test line to keep the wary bass from taking note of something strange in its environment, I was wondering if this was going to hold up to the pending fight. I set the drag on the reel to near zero. Even if I don’t land you Ol’ Girl, I am going have me some fun before you break my line!
A #6 hook is tied on the end and my largest bobber is placed about 18” above the hook. OK, that rig is ready. Now I need to catch the bait. One drop of the bread ball hook yields another small brim and a subsequent splash. The two ounce brim is hooked through the upper lip. The large bobber is there to prevent the brim from hiding the tangle of grass at the bottom of the pond.
The brim and bobber make a loud splash as it enters the water about 25 feet from the bank. The little brim struggles beneath the bobber trying to find shelter in the grass below. But it is not to be. The bobber disappears into the brew. Twenty feet, thirty, forty feet of line is taken toward the center of the pond. “Easy, easy…NOW”, Ted instructs from the sidelines. A slow set of the hook is all it takes and the fight is on. With the drag at one of the lowest setting, I only reel in an inch or two with each turn. “Slow and easy, that’s it”, Ted encourages. “Now, show Bob how you can dance”… Sure enough the bass finally breaks the surface and rewards me with a pirouette and twirl of the tail. Then her mistake is made. Instead of retreating back to deeper water, she heads to the shallows of the shoreline. I quickly reel in the slack and bringing her into the green gauze of grass along the bank. I hand the rod to Ted as I place one foot into the water. I reach my hand toward the open mouth. In one last act of defiance, she closes the lid on the coffee can.
On shore, Ted is beaming. He sees my excitement and pats me on the back. The hook set was solid, she wasn’t going anywhere. Photos are taken and the bass is weighed.
9 pounds 10 ounces, 23 ½ inches long
We go back to fishing, I land her smaller cousin about five minutes later:
4 pounds 12 ounces.
I have quit smiling? NOT YET!!!
Ted had been under the weather since the week before Easter. And we had a bunch of catching up to do. “Bob, whatcha doing tomorrow morning?” He wanted some company and he wanted to go fishing.
I was tempted to reply with, “Sleeping in till noon!” But I knew that wasn’t the answer Ted was looking for. So I said instead, “Nothing, whatcha got in mind?”
So a plan was set. I would head over to his house early Saturday AM with fishing gear in the back of the truck. A cup of coffee for Ted is resting in the cup holder as I pull into the driveway. I start out with my flyrod and a Peacock Herl Ant on the end of my tippet. As the fly breaks the surface of the water with a ripple, a small Blue Gill leaps out of the water with the barbless hook firmly in its upper lip. Repeat, repeat, repeat!!!
The coffee was cool enough to drink at this time, and we sat down in the white plastic chairs beside the pond. Ted had brought his long pole with a # 12 hook and a bag containing about a half dozen slices white bread. This was the bait for the rest of the morning. White bread is shaped into a dough ball on the hook. I matched his rig with mine and we went to the task of catching brim, bluegill and red breast. No sooner did the little sphere of bread make a splash in the tea colored water would another hand size fish grab hold and make the ultra light fishing line sing.
Well, all that splashing got the attention of some others. As Ted pulled in one of the brim, something much, much larger broke the surface. BASS!!! And a big one!!!
We looked at each other without saying a word… Our expressions, however, spoke volumes. I walk back to the truck and get my Bait Casting rod. I bought this rod and reel in 1999 and had never really taken it fishing. Strung with 6 pound test line to keep the wary bass from taking note of something strange in its environment, I was wondering if this was going to hold up to the pending fight. I set the drag on the reel to near zero. Even if I don’t land you Ol’ Girl, I am going have me some fun before you break my line!
A #6 hook is tied on the end and my largest bobber is placed about 18” above the hook. OK, that rig is ready. Now I need to catch the bait. One drop of the bread ball hook yields another small brim and a subsequent splash. The two ounce brim is hooked through the upper lip. The large bobber is there to prevent the brim from hiding the tangle of grass at the bottom of the pond.
The brim and bobber make a loud splash as it enters the water about 25 feet from the bank. The little brim struggles beneath the bobber trying to find shelter in the grass below. But it is not to be. The bobber disappears into the brew. Twenty feet, thirty, forty feet of line is taken toward the center of the pond. “Easy, easy…NOW”, Ted instructs from the sidelines. A slow set of the hook is all it takes and the fight is on. With the drag at one of the lowest setting, I only reel in an inch or two with each turn. “Slow and easy, that’s it”, Ted encourages. “Now, show Bob how you can dance”… Sure enough the bass finally breaks the surface and rewards me with a pirouette and twirl of the tail. Then her mistake is made. Instead of retreating back to deeper water, she heads to the shallows of the shoreline. I quickly reel in the slack and bringing her into the green gauze of grass along the bank. I hand the rod to Ted as I place one foot into the water. I reach my hand toward the open mouth. In one last act of defiance, she closes the lid on the coffee can.
On shore, Ted is beaming. He sees my excitement and pats me on the back. The hook set was solid, she wasn’t going anywhere. Photos are taken and the bass is weighed.
9 pounds 10 ounces, 23 ½ inches long
We go back to fishing, I land her smaller cousin about five minutes later:
4 pounds 12 ounces.
I have quit smiling? NOT YET!!!
This one is for you, DAD!!!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Fire Ants, Ducklings and Yorkshire Terriers
When Metro was about 7 months old, spring time had arrived at the farm. The cycle of life was turning rapidly, especially down at the pond.
Spring evenings are filled with the “Brrrrrrrummpht” of Bull Frogs and the "Chrrrrrrippp" of Tree Frogs. The fry of Catfish and Brim darted on the banks of the clear water. The “tamed” Mallard ducks are “frolicking” right there in front of God and everyone!
Shortly thereafter, I find a nest with 4 large eggs on the high banks of the pond. Mama Duck is standing guard and is very wary of my movements. I let her be. But I keep a close eye on her and her nest, for I know the fate that awaits the little oval spheres.
A couple of weeks pass. Metro and I make it a daily routine to walk to the pond to check on the nest. Metro continues this practice even to this day, some 6 years later. He walks/runs the 120 yards down to the pond area to take care of his afternoon “poopie run”.
On a Saturday morning, I have binoculars in hand so I can observe the nest from a safe distance. No mama duck is to be seen!!! So I come around from the peninsula to the high bank with Metro right behind me.
Not only is mama duck AWOL, but the eggs are hatching. Sadly two of the eggs are covered with hundreds of fire ants. There is no hope for the little ducklings. The cycle of life has taken a heartbreaking twist. There is just barely a crack in the shell of the other two. These can be saved!!! I pick up the two intact eggs, blow away the fire ants and carry them back to the house. All the time Metro is jumping at my heels, “Whatca got Daddy? Whatca gonna do with ‘em?”
I place the eggs on the warm grass outside the pump house, occasionally picking them up and placing them to ear. Tap, tap, tip, tap… Then slowly, one of the ducklings breaks through. It’s just a tiny hole at first, then a complete crack to circumnavigate the shell. Movement is observed. The little fellow is taking his first breaths. One kick from his tiny legs and the bottom of the shell is free. A wiggle and a jiggle later, head and the rest of the wet body is unbound from the tan protective covering that held it just seconds ago. Minutes later, Brother (or Sister – still not sure which was who later on) followed suit.
Metro is there, being held at a safe distance. Metro has an idea, “They can use my Pet Taxi, I don’t need it anymore! Not since you and Mommy lets me sleep with y’all!”
So it is. The Twins take up residency in the Pet Taxi with a newspaper patio in the utility room next to the freezer. Warm air from the condenser bathes the black and golden balls of feathers. All is great. Food and water is applied with Metro doing his part of making sure the duckling are watched over. Double and then triple in size, the duckies are allowed to walk with Metro in the yard. They follow Metro as he makes his rounds from tree to bush. I was fully expecting the waddling shadows to hike their webbed feet mimicking Metro’s actions.
Time comes when young ducks must strike out on their own... Okay, they outgrew the Pet Taxi. Like the Piped Piper of dogs and ducks, I led the funny looking Trio to the water edge. One by one I place the ducks into the pond. No sooner has Duck Number Two splashes into the water has Duck Number One made it back to shore. Repeat, repeat, repeat... They follow Metro around on the banks as usual while he is taking a bathroom break as I scratch my head. The game of Follow the Leader is resumed. A light bulb goes off. I pick up Metro and place him in the pond. His harness and leash are attached as a precaution. He has never been swimming in the pond!!!
Lo and Behold!!! The ducks follow Metro into the water. As Metro swims (and yes he can swim) to shore; the Twins follow him out of the water. Metro in, Ducks follow… And this time the duck get the hang of it. They swim out a few feet and I retrieve Metro like a cast net and place him on the bank. He shakes from nose to tail and then from tail to nose.
The ducks became permanent residents of the pond that day. We continued to feed them the Starter Feed we bought for them on their birthday until the bag was emptied. The Circle of Life made a complete turn.
Spring evenings are filled with the “Brrrrrrrummpht” of Bull Frogs and the "Chrrrrrrippp" of Tree Frogs. The fry of Catfish and Brim darted on the banks of the clear water. The “tamed” Mallard ducks are “frolicking” right there in front of God and everyone!
Shortly thereafter, I find a nest with 4 large eggs on the high banks of the pond. Mama Duck is standing guard and is very wary of my movements. I let her be. But I keep a close eye on her and her nest, for I know the fate that awaits the little oval spheres.
A couple of weeks pass. Metro and I make it a daily routine to walk to the pond to check on the nest. Metro continues this practice even to this day, some 6 years later. He walks/runs the 120 yards down to the pond area to take care of his afternoon “poopie run”.
On a Saturday morning, I have binoculars in hand so I can observe the nest from a safe distance. No mama duck is to be seen!!! So I come around from the peninsula to the high bank with Metro right behind me.
Not only is mama duck AWOL, but the eggs are hatching. Sadly two of the eggs are covered with hundreds of fire ants. There is no hope for the little ducklings. The cycle of life has taken a heartbreaking twist. There is just barely a crack in the shell of the other two. These can be saved!!! I pick up the two intact eggs, blow away the fire ants and carry them back to the house. All the time Metro is jumping at my heels, “Whatca got Daddy? Whatca gonna do with ‘em?”
I place the eggs on the warm grass outside the pump house, occasionally picking them up and placing them to ear. Tap, tap, tip, tap… Then slowly, one of the ducklings breaks through. It’s just a tiny hole at first, then a complete crack to circumnavigate the shell. Movement is observed. The little fellow is taking his first breaths. One kick from his tiny legs and the bottom of the shell is free. A wiggle and a jiggle later, head and the rest of the wet body is unbound from the tan protective covering that held it just seconds ago. Minutes later, Brother (or Sister – still not sure which was who later on) followed suit.
Metro is there, being held at a safe distance. Metro has an idea, “They can use my Pet Taxi, I don’t need it anymore! Not since you and Mommy lets me sleep with y’all!”
So it is. The Twins take up residency in the Pet Taxi with a newspaper patio in the utility room next to the freezer. Warm air from the condenser bathes the black and golden balls of feathers. All is great. Food and water is applied with Metro doing his part of making sure the duckling are watched over. Double and then triple in size, the duckies are allowed to walk with Metro in the yard. They follow Metro as he makes his rounds from tree to bush. I was fully expecting the waddling shadows to hike their webbed feet mimicking Metro’s actions.
Time comes when young ducks must strike out on their own... Okay, they outgrew the Pet Taxi. Like the Piped Piper of dogs and ducks, I led the funny looking Trio to the water edge. One by one I place the ducks into the pond. No sooner has Duck Number Two splashes into the water has Duck Number One made it back to shore. Repeat, repeat, repeat... They follow Metro around on the banks as usual while he is taking a bathroom break as I scratch my head. The game of Follow the Leader is resumed. A light bulb goes off. I pick up Metro and place him in the pond. His harness and leash are attached as a precaution. He has never been swimming in the pond!!!
Lo and Behold!!! The ducks follow Metro into the water. As Metro swims (and yes he can swim) to shore; the Twins follow him out of the water. Metro in, Ducks follow… And this time the duck get the hang of it. They swim out a few feet and I retrieve Metro like a cast net and place him on the bank. He shakes from nose to tail and then from tail to nose.
The ducks became permanent residents of the pond that day. We continued to feed them the Starter Feed we bought for them on their birthday until the bag was emptied. The Circle of Life made a complete turn.
Sarah's Surgery
Sarah had back surgery on May 22...
Fusion of the L3 and L4 vertebrates and relieving the pressure on the nerves between L3 and L2...
Surgery was started at 7:30 AM and was four hours. Our pastor, Bill Jones, was there before Sarah was taken to OR and stayed with me the entire time. Brooke arrived about 10:30 and was stayed until late that afternoon!
I have never seen anyone as sick from anesthesia!!! Nothing they gave her seem to work. No sleep and constant nausea & vomiting continue through the entire night shift.
It wasn't until Tuesday morning about 10:00 that she got any relief and we got some sleep.
Brooke and Kyle had driven to the house to retrieve her back brace (they weren't releasing her without one).
Physical Therapy came by about 2:30...If you can walk, you can go HOME!!!
She did! (and the Oscar for Best Performance in a Hospital Gown goes to....)
Fusion of the L3 and L4 vertebrates and relieving the pressure on the nerves between L3 and L2...
Surgery was started at 7:30 AM and was four hours. Our pastor, Bill Jones, was there before Sarah was taken to OR and stayed with me the entire time. Brooke arrived about 10:30 and was stayed until late that afternoon!
I have never seen anyone as sick from anesthesia!!! Nothing they gave her seem to work. No sleep and constant nausea & vomiting continue through the entire night shift.
It wasn't until Tuesday morning about 10:00 that she got any relief and we got some sleep.
Brooke and Kyle had driven to the house to retrieve her back brace (they weren't releasing her without one).
Physical Therapy came by about 2:30...If you can walk, you can go HOME!!!
She did! (and the Oscar for Best Performance in a Hospital Gown goes to....)
Week Two, Day Two
The journey is on the last leg.
Pittsburg to Philadelphia
Philadelphia to Milwaukee
Milwaukee to Atlanta
Glad that’s over, I was so Tired™ at the end of the project! But the experiences were well worth it!
Pittsburg to Philadelphia
Philadelphia to Milwaukee
Milwaukee to Atlanta
Glad that’s over, I was so Tired™ at the end of the project! But the experiences were well worth it!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Week Two, Month of May
Okay, so much for trying to get caught up!
Week Two of the World Luggage Tour 2006!
Day One...
Another early rise to make the Airport in Atlanta, I think I must have walked 2 miles to get to the terminal. No shuttle service that early in the morning, and the only parking space was on the far end of the lot!
Atlanta to Washington, D.C.
D.C to Boston
Boston was having heavy rain, and we sat on the tarmac for 45 minutes before taking off. Then we were delayed even more as we circled over Rhode Island for an additional 25 minutes. I only have an 90 minutes on the ground in Boston. As I get to the gate, they are starting to board.
Boston to Pittsburgh
I make it to Pittsburgh on time. But there is a problem!!! NO LUGGAGE! I waste about an hour. And the hotel doesn't have shuttle service. :snear: TAXI!!!
I make it to the hotel and check in. No need going to the room, all I have is my backpack. I go to the restroom in the lobby and then outside to wait for The Leprechauns. The door barely closes behind me.
A familar face says, "Are you looking for the Leprechauns?"
My jaw drops to my knees! I studder out, "Peachy!?!" - Lep is grinning a "got ya" ear to ear smile!
Nine caches that evening with Lep, Little Lep, PeachyPA and E=Mc2!!! :smile:
Week Two of the World Luggage Tour 2006!
Day One...
Another early rise to make the Airport in Atlanta, I think I must have walked 2 miles to get to the terminal. No shuttle service that early in the morning, and the only parking space was on the far end of the lot!
Atlanta to Washington, D.C.
D.C to Boston
Boston was having heavy rain, and we sat on the tarmac for 45 minutes before taking off. Then we were delayed even more as we circled over Rhode Island for an additional 25 minutes. I only have an 90 minutes on the ground in Boston. As I get to the gate, they are starting to board.
Boston to Pittsburgh
I make it to Pittsburgh on time. But there is a problem!!! NO LUGGAGE! I waste about an hour. And the hotel doesn't have shuttle service. :snear: TAXI!!!
I make it to the hotel and check in. No need going to the room, all I have is my backpack. I go to the restroom in the lobby and then outside to wait for The Leprechauns. The door barely closes behind me.
A familar face says, "Are you looking for the Leprechauns?"
My jaw drops to my knees! I studder out, "Peachy!?!" - Lep is grinning a "got ya" ear to ear smile!
Nine caches that evening with Lep, Little Lep, PeachyPA and E=Mc2!!! :smile:
Saturday, June 03, 2006
74 years later...
Today is the day... 74 years ago, George Perry hooked on the most infamous Large Mouth Bass in History! I had to be here, to relive a small part of south Georgia folklore and to enjoy the peace and quite along the banks of the Ocmulgee River. A couple of pickups with boat trailer were park in the area when I got to the first stage, and another one was arriving as I was leaving. Busy little place today.
I also dropped off a TB - Gone Fishing Travel Bug is now at Montgomery Lake, one of the most Famous Fishing Hole there is!
All is well and stage one and two are just where they should be!!! :snicker:
I also dropped off a TB - Gone Fishing Travel Bug is now at Montgomery Lake, one of the most Famous Fishing Hole there is!
All is well and stage one and two are just where they should be!!! :snicker:
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Metro Update, 3 months and 1 day
On February 23, we didn't know if Metro would survive the ride to Vidalia.
Without him, our life would never be the same. I think he knows that... Even now he is caring for Sarah. Caring for her the only way he know how. By being close and being just the best little Yorkie in the world. More on Sarah's surgery as I get more up to date on my Blog.
Metro is fully healed. No problems with his jumping like he did early in April. He is able to run at his full speed.
We are so thankful that he is fully recovered. For him to be loved and for him to love us!
Without him, our life would never be the same. I think he knows that... Even now he is caring for Sarah. Caring for her the only way he know how. By being close and being just the best little Yorkie in the world. More on Sarah's surgery as I get more up to date on my Blog.
Metro is fully healed. No problems with his jumping like he did early in April. He is able to run at his full speed.
We are so thankful that he is fully recovered. For him to be loved and for him to love us!
Day Four of Week One
More airports....ARGGGGGHHHHH!!!
Home to Atlanta... late arrival. Long drive home...
Metro comes to the door, all barking and frightened at the same time. 5 pounds of tenacity. "Waitaminnit, I know you. *sniff, sniff* Daddy!!! Mommie, Daddy is home!" He runs back to the bedroom and doesn't leave my side the rest of night. I think he missed me!
Home to Atlanta... late arrival. Long drive home...
Metro comes to the door, all barking and frightened at the same time. 5 pounds of tenacity. "Waitaminnit, I know you. *sniff, sniff* Daddy!!! Mommie, Daddy is home!" He runs back to the bedroom and doesn't leave my side the rest of night. I think he missed me!
Day Three of Week One
More airports... Oh, I loss 3 buck in the slot machine in Las Vegas!
But the highlight of the whole week came on Wednesday night! Cheerios Meet in Seattle! YAY!!!
Several of the PNW locals and I had dinner at Sharp's Roaster & Ale House. The food was good, but not as good as the company! :big grin:
We then drove over to The Jester Doesn't Play With A Full Deck cache. I did three caches in the dark this week. Two in Tennessee and one in Washington!
But the highlight of the whole week came on Wednesday night! Cheerios Meet in Seattle! YAY!!!
Several of the PNW locals and I had dinner at Sharp's Roaster & Ale House. The food was good, but not as good as the company! :big grin:
We then drove over to The Jester Doesn't Play With A Full Deck cache. I did three caches in the dark this week. Two in Tennessee and one in Washington!
Day Two of Week One
Nothing but airports and hotels. The one highlight of the evening was listening to the Jazz Trio in the hotel lounge. Webfooting Cheers, Diet Coke with Lemon and Jazz. Ahhhhh, and a little sleep!
Day One of Week One
I got to visit with my sister (PandaSRO). While it was much to short, we were able to do a couple of caches in Smyrna. We visited with Rick and Debbie and I am so glad we did. Debbie's time on this earth is very short. Hospice has taken over her care and she has grown weaker and weaker. That ugly, ugly word: Cancer!
The month of May - Week one
World Luggage Tour 2006!
The Stever Miller Band said it best:
Day one:
Day two:
Day three:
Day four
and to quote them again:
The Stever Miller Band said it best:
I went from Phoenix, Arizona
All the way to Tacoma
Philadelphia, Atlanta, L.A.
Northern California where the girls are warm...
Day one:
Atlanta to Miami
Miami to Orlando
Orlando to Nashville
Day two:
Nashville to Chicago
Chicago to San Francisco
San Francisco to Los Angeles
Day three:
Los Angeles to Las Vegas
Las Vegas to Phoenix
Phoenix to Seattle
Day four
Seattle to San Francisco
San Francisco to Atlanta
and to quote them again:
Oh, Oh big ol' jet airliner
Carry me to my home
Oh, Oh big ol' jet airliner
Cause it's there that I belong...
Sunday, May 14, 2006
So what happened to April???
Well, frankly I'm not sure!?!? Maybe I can hit the high points.
Of course Easter was in April this year. The Sunrise service was beautiful. The Easter breakfast was delicious and the time of Worship was wonderful. Our Easter cantata was nearly perfect. I believe that everyone was in prefect pitch and we blended together to "make a joyful noise".
I finally got the Royal Ambassador class started on Wednesday nights. Tommy is my Adult helper and we have 9 young men that are so willing to learn. I am looking forward to helping these boys in understanding more about the Father and about nature. We will be camping, fishing and exploring the wonders our world have to teach us. And I say us, because it will be a learning experience for me also.
Sarah and I faced some difficult decisions regarding her back. The decision whether to actually to have the surgery itself was actual very easy. The tough part was the impact the recover time would have on Mama. We will have less time to do for her and be with her. But there are others (folks from church) ready to step in and help.
Spring has brought a time of renewal to the brown of winter. Possible one of the prettiest, blooming springs I can remember. Dogwood, wisteria, iris, daisy, oxalis, azalea, even the china berry trees were the most beautiful of my lifetime. Or did I just take the time to notice??
I have been super busy at jbex, several projects were started and finished. The one not started, that I must work on very soon, is the Repair Video Project. The thing that is causing delays in getting started is I must depend on others to assist me with the project. And our schedules have conflicted many times. Now we gotta just make time to work on it. But, I must be doing something right, I recieved the best raise (percentage) since I have been jbex-ing at Tumi. And my bonus this year was equal to two months salary. What a blessing!!!
We have new fowl family members: Marty, Mark, Maggie, Martha, Melissa and Melinda have joined us on the farm. Molly the Goat has been a bit jealous, but now I think she enjoys sharing her pen with the chickens.
Oh!!! and then there's geocaching - I was able to get a FTF!!! And that's a rare treat around here! Off You Rocker -- Dublin hidden by ParentsofSAM (a freshman Cherrios). So that made it a double WooHoo moment!
Of course Easter was in April this year. The Sunrise service was beautiful. The Easter breakfast was delicious and the time of Worship was wonderful. Our Easter cantata was nearly perfect. I believe that everyone was in prefect pitch and we blended together to "make a joyful noise".
I finally got the Royal Ambassador class started on Wednesday nights. Tommy is my Adult helper and we have 9 young men that are so willing to learn. I am looking forward to helping these boys in understanding more about the Father and about nature. We will be camping, fishing and exploring the wonders our world have to teach us. And I say us, because it will be a learning experience for me also.
Sarah and I faced some difficult decisions regarding her back. The decision whether to actually to have the surgery itself was actual very easy. The tough part was the impact the recover time would have on Mama. We will have less time to do for her and be with her. But there are others (folks from church) ready to step in and help.
Spring has brought a time of renewal to the brown of winter. Possible one of the prettiest, blooming springs I can remember. Dogwood, wisteria, iris, daisy, oxalis, azalea, even the china berry trees were the most beautiful of my lifetime. Or did I just take the time to notice??
I have been super busy at jbex, several projects were started and finished. The one not started, that I must work on very soon, is the Repair Video Project. The thing that is causing delays in getting started is I must depend on others to assist me with the project. And our schedules have conflicted many times. Now we gotta just make time to work on it. But, I must be doing something right, I recieved the best raise (percentage) since I have been jbex-ing at Tumi. And my bonus this year was equal to two months salary. What a blessing!!!
We have new fowl family members: Marty, Mark, Maggie, Martha, Melissa and Melinda have joined us on the farm. Molly the Goat has been a bit jealous, but now I think she enjoys sharing her pen with the chickens.
Oh!!! and then there's geocaching - I was able to get a FTF!!! And that's a rare treat around here! Off You Rocker -- Dublin hidden by ParentsofSAM (a freshman Cherrios). So that made it a double WooHoo moment!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
Metro is getting stronger
Metro is getting much better! It has now been 5 weeks since he was attacked in our yard. He was able to jump onto the golf car yesterday by himself. He is playing more and sleeping less. More and more he is getting his normal personality back!!!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Mom and Dad
Wow, has it really been 5 months since Mom passed away and 2 months for Dad?
I still find myself wanting to pick up the cell phone while driving home in the afternoon to call them. The other time that is tough is after finishing lunch at my desk. I want to reach over and start dialing their number. :(
Healing is slow but sure. Sarah has been so supportive, she has allowed me to pour my heart out to her in words and tears. Thank you, Sarah...
Sarah goes to the doctor next week to see if the fusing of the L4 and L5 vertebral have advance on their own. If so, an additional surgery may not be needed.
Sherry is the best sister in the world!!! We talk to each other nearly every day. And if we don't get to communicate via the phone - we will instant message or email each other. We are talking about me going to visit her in Symrna soon... Of course, caching will be included!
I still find myself wanting to pick up the cell phone while driving home in the afternoon to call them. The other time that is tough is after finishing lunch at my desk. I want to reach over and start dialing their number. :(
Healing is slow but sure. Sarah has been so supportive, she has allowed me to pour my heart out to her in words and tears. Thank you, Sarah...
Sarah goes to the doctor next week to see if the fusing of the L4 and L5 vertebral have advance on their own. If so, an additional surgery may not be needed.
Sherry is the best sister in the world!!! We talk to each other nearly every day. And if we don't get to communicate via the phone - we will instant message or email each other. We are talking about me going to visit her in Symrna soon... Of course, caching will be included!
Saturday, March 11, 2006
GGA March 2006 Event Cache
What a great Day... Dustin and I found 7 caches plus the Event Cache...
I got a Mtn-Man and Monster Puppy GeoCoin and a Puzzle Cache Geo-Coin also!
I got a Mtn-Man and Monster Puppy GeoCoin and a Puzzle Cache Geo-Coin also!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Woo Hoo... Going Caching Tomorrow!!!
7 Caches planned for tomorrow... along with the March GGA Event Cache!!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Tubes Out
Yesterday, Metro had the eight tubes removed!!! Yay!!!
He looks so much better! Dr. McArthur says the open areas will drain for another few days and then dry up. He has a lot of muscle tissue damage that continue to heals. The biggest problem that he shows is the inability to make it up the steps of the deck.
We weighted him last night... 5 pounds and 4 oucnes of tenacity!
He looks so much better! Dr. McArthur says the open areas will drain for another few days and then dry up. He has a lot of muscle tissue damage that continue to heals. The biggest problem that he shows is the inability to make it up the steps of the deck.
We weighted him last night... 5 pounds and 4 oucnes of tenacity!
Sunday, March 05, 2006
On the Road to Improvement
We are so amazed at the tenacity of Metro...
He is wagged his tail for the first time on Friday!!! And again when he saw Geli yesterday. He is able to walk all the way to the end of the driveway (about 250 feet) - but he shakes and trembles when he gets back to the house. The vet says this is most likely from pain and exhaustion.
The tubes are scheduled to come out tomorrow! YAY!!!
He is wagged his tail for the first time on Friday!!! And again when he saw Geli yesterday. He is able to walk all the way to the end of the driveway (about 250 feet) - but he shakes and trembles when he gets back to the house. The vet says this is most likely from pain and exhaustion.
The tubes are scheduled to come out tomorrow! YAY!!!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Baby Steps
I am back at jbex today... Sarah wanted to see how Metro navigated the steps of the deck without assistence. He was able to walk down the steps - the length of the house - to the back of the carport - back to the deck - up the steps without any help...
YAY!!!
YAY!!!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Vent for a Pressure Cooker
Per the "gentlemen's agreement" with my boss...
Today is Sunday, December 11, 2005... One of the Sundays that I jbex-ed/traveled while I was in Asia...
I have been a blubbering mess and was not ready to face people... With all that I have gone through with the passing of both my parents - Metro's injuries has made me stop and realize that my over-boiling point was reached a long time ago. The pressure has built to a point that a release had to come.
I took day to reflect. Walking in the woods back towards Big Branch, it was a beautiful day...and I had time to unwind, recoup and refresh. I left some sadness in those woods. And I took some great photos!!!
Today is Sunday, December 11, 2005... One of the Sundays that I jbex-ed/traveled while I was in Asia...
I have been a blubbering mess and was not ready to face people... With all that I have gone through with the passing of both my parents - Metro's injuries has made me stop and realize that my over-boiling point was reached a long time ago. The pressure has built to a point that a release had to come.
I took day to reflect. Walking in the woods back towards Big Branch, it was a beautiful day...and I had time to unwind, recoup and refresh. I left some sadness in those woods. And I took some great photos!!!
"Look at me I'm Walking"
If you are a child of the sixties, and watch the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon from Nashville - you are welcome to sing along. Wow, that was a long time ago...
Metro is taking longer walks outside. He tried to raise his leg a couple of times, but settled for a half squat.
If it wasn't so sad, it would be funny! :(
Metro is taking longer walks outside. He tried to raise his leg a couple of times, but settled for a half squat.
If it wasn't so sad, it would be funny! :(
"Yummmmmm.... Chicken and Rice!"
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Rainbow Bassinet
We remembered the bassinet that we bought for the dolls years ago... Perfect for Metro to rest in while he recuperates!
Welcome Home, Metro!
Yay!!!
Metro is home now!!! 8 drainage tubes were placed in the most damaged areas. Stitches and staples are holding other things together...
Two antibiotics, Pain drops and Betadine & Neosporin to apply topically.
He is scheduled to return to the doctor on Monday, March 6th. Thankfully, he is resting comfortably with the pain medicine.
Oh, and the neighbors are conveniently absent this weekend. :smirk face:
WARNING LINKS CONTAIN GRAPHIC IMAGES:
OUCH!!
Metro in my lap
Stitches!
Stitches up close!
Metro is home now!!! 8 drainage tubes were placed in the most damaged areas. Stitches and staples are holding other things together...
Two antibiotics, Pain drops and Betadine & Neosporin to apply topically.
He is scheduled to return to the doctor on Monday, March 6th. Thankfully, he is resting comfortably with the pain medicine.
Oh, and the neighbors are conveniently absent this weekend. :smirk face:
WARNING LINKS CONTAIN GRAPHIC IMAGES:
OUCH!!
Metro in my lap
Stitches!
Stitches up close!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Oh, No!
Metro was attacked by a bigger dog. (any dog is bigger than Metro, he only weighs 5.5 pounds). He was outside doing his business while we were unloading groceries... Neighbor's dog (60 pounds) came around the corner of the garage and picked up Metro like he was a stuffed toy.
Metro has ten to twelve puncture wounds and will have to spend the next couple of day in the Vet Hospital. He will have drainage tubes inserted tomorrow. He lost quite a bit of blood and was in mild shock when we got to the vet's office. He was in a lot of pain during the drive to the Vidalia. Four shots (one of them Morphine) and he was resting when we left. I will visit with him in the morning before I go to work and before I head home tomorrow afternoon.
...and they had to shaved all his beautiful hair - from his shoulder blades to his butt!
Monday, February 20, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
YAY, FTF !!!
Woo Hoo!!! a FTF today!!!
Buck Rubbed Cedar
Also got the closest cache to me off my 'Not Found' list:
Corridor Cache
Also got the closest cache to me off my 'Not Found' list:
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Happy Valentines Day
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Sarah - I love you with all my heart! Thank you so much - for the love you show me every day... I pray that the Lord will give you a good day, today! :)
Sarah - I love you with all my heart! Thank you so much - for the love you show me every day... I pray that the Lord will give you a good day, today! :)
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Pretty Baby
Wow... Sarah's did just a wonderful job on Gaberialle! And apparently 35 other people think so also...with 2 days 13 hours left on the auction, she is being watch by 35 people! That's is the most we have ever had watching one of the Reborn Baby Dolls!
She got her first bid one hour after the listing started... :)
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Dakota Metro on the Runway
My favorite Travel Bug???
Well, it got to be
Named for and in honor of our Yorkshire Terrier - "Metro" !!!
Metro is my little caching buddy and has joined me on several hunts. He has his own Geocaching account and loves being outside.
As a travel bug Metro has joined me 'vicariously' on my trip to Asia in November/December 2005. Also he visited the caches in Murfreesboro and Smyrna during my Dad's illness. Dad loved Metro and asked about him when I went to visit him in the Tennessee Vetern's Home.
Dad's first question for me was not..."how are you" or "did Sarah come with you"... No, Dad wanted to know, "Where's Metro"!!!
When Dad passed away on Janurary 23rd --- we took Metro with us to Tennessee for the funeral. We took Metro in the funeral home to say his "goodbye" to Dad! Metro made the ride to McMinnville to the gravesite at Bethany Church of Christ. Metro sat on Sarah's lap as the burial flag was presented to me from the Tennessee Army National Guard Honor Guard .
Birthday Avatars
When two Cheerios have the same birthday...there are many birthday wishes and some great Avatars... Happy Birthday, Jim!!!
Happy Birthday to Me (and WZK)!!!
Yesterday was my 49th birthday... And how does a geocacher celebrate his birthday?
By caching of course!!!
I hid a devious little multi-cache near Montgomery Lake - the place where the World Record Large Mouth Bass was caught over 73 years ago.
Size Matters...When Fishing
So who will be first to find, and how many clues will they need to solve the mystery???
Woo Hoo... it has been found!!!
First to Find
BCHunter ~
2/11/2006
By caching of course!!!
I hid a devious little multi-cache near Montgomery Lake - the place where the World Record Large Mouth Bass was caught over 73 years ago.
So who will be first to find, and how many clues will they need to solve the mystery???
BCHunter ~
2/11/2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Reaching New Heights
With the Hiding of "Reaching New Heights" - Sherry and I have provided a way to share some of the memories of Mom and Dad with the world of Geocachers.
Reaching New Heights
First to Find
GeoNuttz ~
1/28/2006
The first day that it was searchable, four cachers found and logged the Cache!
Reaching New Heights
GeoNuttz ~
1/28/2006
The first day that it was searchable, four cachers found and logged the Cache!
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Taps
The bugler from the Tennessee Army National Guard couldn't have known. As he stood at attention with the cold wind blowing in his face, the spot which he had chosen to stand this afternoon was most appropriate: Right in front of Granny and Pa Woods' tombstone.
Wayne read scriptures and said a prayer. From where and what he said is lost.
Then Taps began to echo amongst the granite monuments. The Flag was folded..
Wayne read scriptures and said a prayer. From where and what he said is lost.
Then Taps began to echo amongst the granite monuments. The Flag was folded..
On behalf of the President of the United States, a grateful nation and the United States Army please accept this flag as a token of our appreciation for your Father's honorable and faithful service.
God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
