Mamaw's Train Ride

We spent one evening this past week riding the FrontRunner to SLC. It was Mamaw's first train ride in many years and she had fun. We ate at Macaroni Grill downtown and then headed home. It was just me and Grammy, Mamaw, Sara and Martha. It was fun without kids, you know adult talk!

Monday with Mamaw

It's been great to have Mamaw here. We always enjoy having her visit. I know she misses all of her kids and grand and great grand kids. Luckily the weather today (Monday) turned out nice and sunny. I told her I would order some sun for her. She complained that WY had a lot of clouds and cooler weather. We ran Mamaw over to the mall and I got her a cell phone. It's a Utah number but as long as it is a Verizon to Verizon call its free. All of us boys and my family are all on Verizon so we are good. Now that may not be the case in Indiana. My Uncle John says he has Sprint so that's one down. With this last fall she had and the near misses she claims to been having in Indiana and all of her many doctor visits I felt it was time to get her one. So if you need her cell number call me. I finished up a project for the garden today for Grammy. I dug a hole on Saturday and put a landscaping pole (you know the red ones) at the corner of the garden. Then I put dry concrete around it and waited until to day to continue. The ground has been so wet with all the rain we have had it would pull the moisture from the ground around it. I lopped off the top just below the height of the spigot we had put in (about 4 feet) and then attached a hose reel. It looks great and keeps the hose off the grass. I really like it. Grammy is happy even though it was all my idea. Tomorrow we plan on taking her on the FrontRunner into SLC around dinner time so she can enjoy the ride and we will meet Sara and have dinner in the city. I'm enjoying the time off as I'm getting some projects done and enjoying being with my wife and mom. We will see what we do later this week. As always, "Be Nice!"

Mamaw's visit

Notice who is wearing a sweater and who has shorts on! What were they thinking!

Mamaw has arrived!

We are FREE (for two days)!

It is Friday night and Grammy and I are all alone. Sara is in Wyoming. Martha took Leo to see his dad and Chance and Triniti left a few days ago. All I can say is the house is quiet expect for two dogs and a cat running around. Grammy and I are off today and so we ran errands and worked in the yard. I've spent the last few hours on the computer while Grammy cleaned the boys room (Organized it) before Mamaw gets here on Sunday. I'm starting to get the hang of this web site stuff, but I'm a long way from being any kind of expert yet. So far our site hasn't made any money but that's OK since it is our first one. As we continue to do this we may actually pay for the software and Go Daddy costs. Now it past dinner time and I'm starving so I will shut this box down and spend some quality time with my best friend. Remember - Be Nice!

American Pride

Well, it has been a busy day. Today was Chance and Triniti's last day in school. I got up early (like I always do) and made French toast for them (my day off). They will leave for WY and other areas with their other grandparents tomorrow for about 2 weeks. Grammy and I took them to school once more. Then we ran some errands. I met up with 5 guys from work (I'd tell you more but that would give away what I do) and talked business for about 10 minutes and then Grammy & I picked up Martha and Leo. Leo needed another high and tight hairdo before he goes to be with his dad late next week. Then it was off to Panda Express for a quick lunch but Leo didn't like the chow mien noodles and so proceeded to throw up what he had in his mouth. Yes, he was gaging and everything. Then we had to pick up Chance and Triniti from school as they get out at 1:25pm. We pulled up to see the whole school, teachers a few parents standing around the flag pole with a group of ROTC kids in uniform lowering the American Flag. What a Great Idea! We watched has they saluted as the flag was lowered and after the ROTC kids folded the flag the entire school sang You're a Grand old Flag! It was awesome to see these children being taught respect for our nations flag. Now, let me preach a bit here. I'm very patriotic being a retired Air Force man. Please as we approach the 4th of July take the time to review proper flag etiquette. Remember to salute the flag when it passes or it is being raised or lowered. There are several helpful web sites that give great information. Also remember when you say the Pledge of Allegiance, take a moment to remember the men and women of our military who have done more than pledge their allegiance, they have sworn to give their lives in the protection of our way of life. Not because it is convenient but because they choose to lay down the most precious thing they have, if required, their life for what they believe in. I'm proud to have served, I'm more proud of my Father and uncles who have served in their time. I'm extremely proud of my wife who served along with me in our time. However allow me some understanding as I say how PROUD I am of my Son for serving honorably in his time. How he served in Iraq and made it safely home and how he wants to go back in the Army and continue what he knows best. How I wish my other son, Micah and one of my daughters, Martha would have served as well, unfortunately due to health concerns they could not. Yet as their father I know their hearts and understand how hard it was for them when they discovered they could not wear our countries uniform. Thank you all! I get emotional when I see these wonderful men and women performing in parades, in drill teams or other times when it reminds me how much I love my country that produces such fine people. Tomorrow is the Hill AFB Air Show. I can't wait to see the aircraft, the displays and of course the Thunderbirds perform. Life is good isn't it? Again, remember to be nice!

Web stuff

Well, we have been trying to get a web site set up to have on-line marketing income. A member who lives close by has explained how he quit his job doing this Affliate stuff. He gave Grammy some ideas and so off we went. We purchased Dreamweaver CS3 and after a few weeks of delay our site is up. It not real professional and is a work in progress as I figure the software out but it's a start. The income possibilities are endless. Our friend (very young) has been at this for about 7 years, his house is paid for and his goal is to purchase with cash a 120 unit apartments and then retire from the residual income. They are living very frugally and are saving all of their money. I can see the possibilities, and I want Grammy to not have to work and stay home and be a fully time Grammy. Paying of our debt would be a bonus. I'll let you know how it goes. If you feel you want to see how it develops I've included the link. http://www.oaktreevitamins.com

Grandkids

Chance at Pinewood Derby

Grammy and Maddie


Leo at Pinewood Derby

Triniti at Ranch

Leo and Maddie 2009

Sunday best

American or UnAmerican

How should an American show their patriotism? Scholars and our forefathers have stated what it means to them over the years. A few others have tried to "redefine it" to fit their political compass to further a personal agenda or some other cause where they have found a supportive ear or group. Somehow in the last few years many of us who are proud of our country and what it means to be an American are being told we can't display our flags or stand up and be proud of what our country has done in the past and what it continues to do today. Are we perfect? No! However, tell me where else can someone have the opportunity to start out from an insignificant child and grow into the most powerful in our industry or country. Look at our current President or the Bill Gates of the world for examples. Anyone who wishes to be more than they are only has to begin the journey one step at a time. Will they always make it, no! Will they fail multiple times, yes! In the end is it possible they will not make it to the top or be the best in whatever they choose to pursue, sure! Not everyone has what it takes (Drive, ambition, timing, and of course luck etc.) to make it all the way. However, we can be happy just being who we are, and learn to live within our means. It takes a community of many to have all the things in life we enjoy as an American. So what does this have to do with being an American and a story about a Texas woman who's U.S. Flag was taken down because of one co-worker complaint. Why is it okay to let one person or a small group of people trample over the rights of the many when they are showing their American pride or spirit? I'm very concerned when a few are able to influence management’s decisions because of political correctness. This my fiends is Un-American. When will we who are Americans stand up for what is right. Are we so scared of the courts and the liberal media that taking a stand is the last thing we would do? I hope not. This is one reason I started this blog. I've had enough! So let's all try to be a little more American and correct the political incorrectness that is so pervasive today! Of course in all things “Be Nice!”

In the Beginning

Why am I doing this? Not from any need to be noticed or do what everyone else is doing. I feel it's an opportunity to show pictures of the love of our lives (Our Grandchildren!), be connected to those who are interested and to express how we feel about the things going on in the world. I realize there are lots of people out there expressing themselves in many ways via Blogs, news articles, letters to the editor etc., so in my way I want to have an avenue to get somethings off my chest whether good or bad. It's great when you get older and you feel like you can finally say what you mean and know that it's okay to have an opinion. Now, let me say that I will not allow vulgar or just mean things to be said about someone, it will not be posted. Free speech is what I will live and die for but I've come to understand in my long life that any discussion can and must be civilized and with some kind of decency on how we talk about topics that are bothering us. So, with that said read, enjoy, disagree, agree, laugh or not view this blog again but be grateful you have been born into the world at this time. Make the most of your time while on this earth, do something good for someone else, each and everyday! For those of us born in America be grateful you weren't born in a third world country in abject poverty. Basically, I try to just BE NICE! Why not? What does it hurt? Effort! Perhaps but think of the effort we expend on some of the insignificant things we do sometimes. Being nice doesn't cost anything. Just a bit of effort. So with that let's get started. Shall we?