Jeff's Blog

For You alone I want to live

2010-05-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

I can't do anything
I can't do anything without You
But You can do everything
You can do everything You want
I just can't believe
I can't believe that You would love me
After everything
After everything I've done
And I want to love You
Love You more than life itself
And I want to hold You
Even though You can't be held
Because You're so much more
Than everything I've ever known
Anything, anything
I'd give anything
I would give anything to hold You
I want to live for You
For You alone I want to live
When I see Your face
I would do anything to know You
You gave everything
You gave all You have to give
Halle, hallelujah
Halle, hallelujah
Halle, hallelujah

-Third Day: Anything

The True Story of Rudolph

2009-12-25T22:07:00.001-08:00

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.

Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. When he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember.

From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope.

Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Ward returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.

CYNTHIA'S TESTIMONY

2009-12-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

"I've been a Christian for about 30 years now, but had been leading a pretty dry walk for much of the time. Five years ago, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. While I did rely on God to get us thru the stress of that, still, my walk was dry. Praise God, my husband is clean and cancer free.

Four years ago, at age 46 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Needless to say, I turned to God. What a legacy to leave my teenaged children, both parents having cancer. Just after my surgery, but before I began chemotherapy, I purchased your "Kutless" CD for my son, strictly on a lark. I saw that you were a local band so I gave it a shot.

Erik played the CD one night and while I was sitting at the kitchen table working a puzzle, "Run" came on. Like a knife it stabbed my heart! The visual effect it had on my imagination was heartbreaking. Jesus was calling out to me to come back to him in a way I had never thought of. I knew that God wanted ALL of me.

Sobbing, I got up from the table and went to my bedroom where I got face down on the floor [for the first time] and asked God to forgive my apathy. I poured out all my cares, fears and sin to Him. It was at that point that I discovered a peace that surpasses all understanding [Phillipians 4:7]. I can honestly say I am happy cancer came into our lifes because it, along with your beautiful lyrics, led me back to my Savior. Thru your song, our family rededicated our life to Jesus and are active in youth ministry. My son is leaving for Multnomah Bible College in a few days with a goal of becoming a missionary. God used your music mightily in our home!

Fast forward 3.5 years and my Dad became gravely ill. I drove from Portland to California to be with him. After two weeks, he came home in stable but guarded condition. My sister and I did not know whether my Dad knew Jesus, but in the flurry of caring for him at home, juggling the nurses and his medical needs, we never asked.

Eventually, I drove back home to Portland and popped in your "Sea Of Faces" CD. I heard "It's Like Me" for the first time. Again, I began sobbing. How on earth could I have let time pass with my Dad and NOT talk to him about Jesus? Once again, God used your lyrics to motivate me to do His work.

Upon arriving home, I called my sister and told her I was coming down very soon and to keep me up to date by the hour of my Dad's condition. Within a few days I was back in California and at my Dad's side. One morning I asked if I could read the bible to him. Eventually, I asked him if he had accepted Jesus as his Savior. He hadn't but was willing. My sister and I prayed with him at that point and he accepted Jesus as his Savior! God used "It's Like Me" to NOT allow any more time to pass before talking with my Dad. It continues to be an inspiration to me to witness for Jesus.

Guys, so many of your songs convict and inspire me and my family. We've been to four of your concerts and never cease to be inspired by you. I pray that God continues to use you mightily in the years to come. Many blessings to you and your family. Please tell them we appreciate the sacrifices they are making so we can hear you beautiful music. "

Cynthia - Portland, OR

Source: http://www.kutless.com/testimonialStory.aspx?id=2

I like to spin when it is wet or cold outside

2009-12-10T18:29:00.001-08:00

Spent an intense hour on the spin bike again today! My exercise song list:

1) Underworld - Cowgirl
2) Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
3) Lady GaGa - Just Dance
4) Rihanna - Don't stop the music
5) Pepe - Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001)
6) Thousand Foot Crutch - The art of breaking
7) Usher - Yeah!
8) Will Smith - Summertime
9) Zombie Nation - Kerncraft 400
10) Skillet - Hero
11) Plumb - Cut (Bronleewe and Bose club mix)
12) Massive Attack - Teardrop
56:27 total seat time~

The Challenge

2009-10-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

In our church today we talked about sharing Christ and serving others. We spoke of the many different ways do do this (verbally, with actions, by sacrificing your time/resources to help those in need, etc). The theme of the sermon was "Each one should use whatever gift[s] he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." Near the end of the service a gauntlet was laid down. Everyone in attendance was give a sum of Monday (I got $20) that was donated by an anonymous person. The purpose of the money was to to use to bless someone else and live out the sermon, instead of just listening, walking away, and forgetting.

The challenge is to use the money to bless someone else while following these guidelines:

You cannot just give the money back to the Church
You cannot use the money to serve yourself or your immediate family
It must be Christ honoring
You should try to avoid just handing the cash to someone but instead use it as a vehicle to do more than that
It should be spirit led

SO, my question to you is this. If you were given an amount of money, say $20, and you had to use it to bless someone outside your immediate family, how would you use it?

Jacob Turns Two

2009-09-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

From Jacob's Birthday

Our little man, who is currently madly in love with Trains of all types, just turned two. Click on the link above to see a few pictures from his special day. Enjoy!

2009 San Jose Sharks Teal & White Game

2009-09-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

A few days ago Nicole and I went to the Sharks Teal and White game. They let me bring in the big camera and we sat on the seventh row right at the red line. It was a lot of fun. Here are some of the pictures I took:

View the Album Here

Why I Forward Jokes

2009-09-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

I personally do not foreword jokes, but someone I care about very much does, and sent me this today. I found it very true and touching, so I thought I'd share:

This explains why I forward jokes:

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.

He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'

'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered. 'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.

Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up. 'The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.

'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.

As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book..

'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'

'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'

'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog. 'There should be a bowl by the pump.'

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.

The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.

When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.

'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.

'This is Heaven,' he answered.

'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'

'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'

'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'

'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'

Soooo.... Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word.

Maybe this will explain.

When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes.

When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes.

When you have something to say, but don't know what, and don't know how, you forward jokes.

Also to let you know that you are still remembered, you are still important, you are still cared for, guess what you get?...............A forwarded joke

So, next time if you get a joke, from me, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile..

You are all welcome at my water bowl anytime!

New Desktop Background

2009-05-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

Just made the adorable pic of Little Man my new desktop background:

Madison Drives a Train

2009-05-11T13:58:00.001-07:00

Madison and I in the engineer's chair of UP 4971 during our recent camping trip to the Feather River Canyon:

During our recent trip to the Feather River canyon, we spent a night at Pulga. Early in the morning a Westbound train that was stopping for a meet stopped right by our truck! We took a walk over to wave to the crew and to our delight they invited us on board. As it was early in the morning I was holding my cup of coffee and didn't have have a camera with me, but the engineer had his . . .

The very friendly engineer and conductor let us climb aboard for a short minute and even let Madison honk the horn. She didn't really get to drive the train, but it was very exciting none the less. She even got a farewell gift from these two great guys - a UPRR standard issue yellow lantern.

It was the highlight of our trip!

Isaiah 65:24

2009-03-07T22:36:00.001-08:00

This beautiful story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa:

One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator)..

We also had no special feeding facilities.

Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.

Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates).

'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles.

They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.

'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts Your job is to keep the baby warm.'

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough,mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.

During prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'

While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say 'Amen?' I just did not believe that God could do this.

Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home.

Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!

Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the verandah was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.

From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make

a batch of buns for the weekend.

Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be?

I grasped it and pulled it out.. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried.

I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.

Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!'

Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!

Looking up at me, she asked, 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'

'Of course,' I replied!

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator.

And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon.'

'Before they call, I will answer.' (Isaiah 65:24)

When you receive this, say the prayer. That's all you have to do. No strings attached. Just send it on to whomever you want - but do send it on..

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards. Let's continue praying for one another.

This awesome prayer takes less than a minute.

Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this. I ask You to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength. Where there is fear, reveal our love and release to them Your courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. Amen

P. S. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do.

From my Business Ethics Class:

2009-02-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

Ethics vs Morality November/December 1999 Vol 17 No 11/12

We are proud to publish the following beautifully written article about dilemmas for community pharmacists written by Raj Vaidya, a community pharmacist in Goa, India. [edited for length – L. Bernasconi]

Raj Vaidya M.Pharm., Community Pharmacist, Hindu Pharmacy,P.B.No. 149, Panaji - Goa - India 403001

I am a community pharmacist, and there are a lot of obstructions and dilemmas which come to mind, as I stand at my pharmacy counter and serve patients – with or without a prescription. And the thoughts continue when I lay down to rest in my bed.

I am bound by certain Ethics laid down by my pharmaceutical association, which I proudly hung in my cabin when I graduated and began my practice of pharmacy.

I am also bound by certain Morals which I follow, and sometimes do not. My conscience bites me every time I do not. When laid down Ethics cross swords with Morals, I am at a loss…

I) People read and see the widely advertised claims for so called Ayurvedic medicines for stress, diabetes, sex-tonics, energisers, slimming, building body weight, and so on. Do I tell the patient the truth that these are more of selling gimmicks than health care? That the advertisements care more for the companies’ pocket than his health?

1. If I don’t tell – the patient buys, and I am monetarily satisfied. Morally, I am not satisfied – My Apron, the label on it and my Pharmacy degree have failed. Morality has failed.

2. If I tell him:

a. If he believes me – I lose my business (accepted) – but the percentage of such clients is very low.

b. If he does not believe me – I am half happy, half sad – I know I tried in his best interest (happy), but he did not listen (sad).

Ethics take a beating amidst the tall claims made by advertisers, who mesmerize the public into buying products they should not have!

II) Lately, there are attempts to convert some drugs into the OTC [Over-The Counter] category.

• Vitamins – People will ask me, which vitamins are good and I will say that good nutritious food is the best, and that no textbook recommends multivitamin preparations. Patient is not ready to believe this. He is hyped by the tall claims of vitamins – and the pharmacist has failed again.

• Cough syrups – the most common cough syrups contain a cough suppressant as well as an expectorant. Which way do we want the cough to go? In or out? This is an irrational combination. My morality says I should not recommend it to the patient. Instead of banning it, there seem to be plans to make it OTC. Unfortunately, people are more influenced by advertisements – they will buy it, even if I say that it is not recommended. How can that be? What is advertised, and so famous, and on everyone’s lips (however irrational or useless it may be) – it has to be GOOD!. Marketing Ethics have come crashing down!

III) Polypharmacy : What do I do if I get a prescription containing 10 drugs? Ethics say that I do not tell the patient that the prescription is irrational, because I have to respect the doctor’s decision to prescribe so many drugs – "He must have prescribed because he felt that the patient needs them!"

Morally, I know that this is an irrational prescription, and I had better tell the patient that you do not need most of the prescribed drugs – they do not fit into the WHO’s Essential Drugs List, nor in our National Essential Drugs List (list is made but kept in the shelves). I know what is Rational Drug Therapy, but what do I do? What do I follow? Ethics or Morality? Can anyone answer me?

I know the doctor has [probably] prescribed 10 drugs for various reasons :

a. He seriously believes he is doing the patient good, and that he needs all those medications.

b. He wants the patient to believe that he is a good doctor because he has prescribed so many medicines.

c. He has to oblige the pharmaceutical companies, for they have been giving him gifts and samples, sponsored his airfare for a conference or holiday, and what not..

d. I find it difficult to find any fourth possible reason.

Putting the 10 drugs in an ADR and DI format – I find that there are MANY possible Drug Interactions and Adverse Drug Reactions. Do I have to report to the patient, or the doctor? The patient will be scared of the ADRs, not take the medicines, lose faith in the doctor, and the doctor will come catching my throat for disrupting the prescription and creating discomfort. Will the doctor begin prescribing only two or three drugs henceforth, if I point out the Drug Interactions to him? Should I take the bold decision of telling the doctor about this – every time? Or should I leave it to professional organisations of doctors and pharmacists? (and hope it happens soon)

What advice to give?

• What do I do when a patient comes to me insisting for an antibiotic for a cough and throat infection, and says that he does not want to go to a doctor for various reasons (primarily high fees)? Ethics will say – advise him to go to a doctor with the statement "I am not authorized to give you an antibiotic without a prescription". The patient will then go to a nearby doctor, pay Rs. 50 as fees (sometime Rs. 100, 150), be prescribed nothing less than Ciprofloxacin, or Sparfloxacin, or Cefadroxil without a swab, culture and a sensitivity test, some dextromethorpan lozenges, an irrational cough syrup, an anti-oxidant (Rs. 3 per capsule) and possibly a multivitamin / B.Complex tab or a "Tonic" (Rs. 50 – 60). And the patient would then come to me, but not have sufficient money, so he would buy the tonic, but only few of the antibiotics, and probably not come back for the remaining.

Would it have been better then if I myself had examined the throat of the patient with a torch, and for a suspected infection given the patient a 6 day course of Amoxycillin, along with warm salt water gargles, a little rest, steam inhalations, a request to drink warm water in large quantities, so as to liquefy the cough/sputum and help in its expulsion? And if necessary to take a home remedy of lime juice, ginger mixed in honey? And taken no fees? How much the patient could have saved in terms of money, less dose of toxic drugs, an affordable full course of antibiotic…? Well that was morality! Unfortunately, I have to follow Ethics and not Morals!

Imagine the pity that comes across my heart when the doctor prescribes Ceftibuten suspension (costing Rs. 350), for a child, without a sensitivity test, and without trying out lower antibiotics, just because the medical representative had visited the doctor and requested him to liquidate the stock because the expiry date was the end of the month! How can I be a party to this? Legally, and ethically, I can – but then, where is Morality gone?

Well, I certainly am in a dilemma. I wonder whether to proudly call myself a pharmacist or not? When all I see around me (and through my own hands too..) is booming sales of non-essential drugs, new costly molecules (with no specific advantages) being launched and promoted with extravagant marketing policies and expenses. No proper clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance…

When I talk to Product Managers, they say they know only one thing "Sell and only sell – Targets", and health of the people takes a back seat!

Sometimes I feel it is better to be ignorant of all the above jargon. Better to be an ordinary Diploma in Pharmacy, forget all the counselling and clinical pharmacy. Give what the patient wants, and the doctor prescribes. How much of ethics and morals should i follow, if being completely ethical and moral will stop bread and butter for my family! This profession in India has no place for people like me. Is it better if I quit the profession and start a grocery? I will be at peace at least with my mind!

Evidence of the Impossible

2008-12-24T15:09:00.000-08:00

Consider these facts:

http://www.bestmindsinc.com/documents/EvidenceOfTheImpossible.pdf

•8 prophecies met in one person
•1 x 10^17or less than 1 in a quadrillion
•If spread over the state of Texas, this many silver dollars would stand two feet deep. If we marked one with an X, stirred the whole mass thoroughly, blindfolded a man, and gave him one chance to pick the right one across the whole state, this is his chance of picking the one with the X.

May you be blessed this Christmas!

Search me, Know me

2008-12-11T12:53:00.000-08:00

Search me, know me
Try me and see
Every worthless affection hidden in me
All I'm asking for is that You'd cleanse me, Lord

Create in me a heart that's clean
Conquer the power of secret shame
Come wash away the guilty stain of all my sin

Clothe me in robes of righteousness
Cover my nakedness with grace
All of my life before You now I humbly bring

I like Hockey

2008-11-28T21:31:00.000-08:00

Sharks Win another one. They are currently 19-3-1. That is just INSANE!!! It was especially sweet tonight as they chased Marty 'Turdco' from the net. Way to go Sharks!

Please Vote Yes on Prop. 8

2008-10-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's not about being a Bigot. Domestic partners already have equal rights and protections under California law, as they should. Proposition 8 does NOT eliminate the rights and protections that same sex couples have under current California law section CFC 297.5!

It's about being able to decide as parents what values you want to teach your children. This is an American right and this legislation threatens to undermine that basic right. It is not a right of the public school system to detemine our children's moral values!

Here's why my family and I are voting YES on Prop. 8:

Family Winter Trip to Yosemite

2008-01-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

We just got back form our semi-spontaneous trip to Yosemite. We had a great time! This was only the second time Madison had ever been to the snow. The first time she was too young to remember, so this was extra special. Yosemite in the winter is amazing and I highly recommend going at least once in your life (we are hoping to go back next winter)! We had snow ball fights, went on nature hikes, saw some amazing scenery, got up close with the wildlife, had slumber parties, took tone of pictures, and got to build some great memories. We got out just as the big storms were closing in. A great time was had by all. Here are just a few of the pictures we took:

"An Angel in the Post Office"

2007-12-21T22:29:00.000-08:00

From the "Best of Craigslist:"

*************

Date: 2007-11-23, 10:55PM MST

This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a kind soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service. Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.

Love, Meredith.

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I am wherever there is love.

Love, God

(Meredith & Abbey)

From: http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/tus/487665904.html

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father

2007-12-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

(My Dad took the great photo of Madison exploring the grass at a local park)

"A three-year-old child is a being who gets almost as much fun out of a fifty-six dollar set of swings as it does out of finding a small green worm."
Bill Vaughn

"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!"
Lydia Marie Child

Happy Birthday Zoe!

2007-12-16T15:21:00.000-08:00

(Zoe on Her Fourth Birthday, Dec. 16th, 2007)

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy BIRTHDAY dear ZOE!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.

We love you Pups. It's been a fun four years. Here's wishing for many, many more!

(Zoe coming home with us from the breeder at Six & a half weeks old)

Big Update On The Little Man

2007-12-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Jacob is two and a half months old. He is doing a lot better the last couple of weeks. He is really starting to look around and focus on things. It's really neat to see the person inside him just starting to peek out into the world. He likes to play peek a boo and bouncy rides on his Dads lap. The "colic" and nightly screaming sessions have tapered off quite a bit (although they have not gone completely away). It is very exciting to see him grow.

Here is a video I just took of him this afternoon. If you watch it until the end, he shows off his huge smile. Definitely worth a look! Click on the video image to watch it in a new window:

Garlic Lovers' Pot Roast and Real-Deal Rice Pilaf

2007-12-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

(Nicole made eggplant as well, that recipe is omitted)

I made this Recipe for the first time last weekend. It was excellent! It has a strong garlic flavor (which I LOVE!) . This hearty dinner tastes great, but expect the mellow but present garlic flavor to last for a while after dinner. It was a no knife dinner. The meat just came apart right on the plate. Pair with a good strong red wine and enjoy!

This is the first time that I have cooked a roast and, needless to say, I am very happy with the results. Send me your favorite roast recipe and I'll try it next time!

Here's this one:

Garlic Lovers' Pot Roast

1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 3 pounds)

10 cloves garlic, peeled and cut in 1/2 lengthwise

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup peeled and chopped carrots

1 cup chopped celery (I used Zucchini since we had no celery)

2/3 cup water Red wine

Using the tip of a sharp paring knife, make 20 evenly spaced small slits about 1 1/2 inches deep all over the pot roast. Using your fingers, insert the garlic cloves as deep into the slits as possible.

Season the roast on all sides with the salt and pepper.

In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over high heat. Add the oil and carefully add the meat. Sear the meat on all sides until very well browned, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Add the vegetables, carefully add the water and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low to medium-low and cook until the roast is very tender, 3 to 3 1/2 hours, turning 2 or 3 times during the entire cooking time, adding a little more water, and wine if desired, as needed so that a little liquid always is on the bottom of the pan.

Transfer the meat to a platter and let rest 10 minutes. Slice or pull the meat apart into serving pieces and drizzle the pan juices over the top.

Real Deal Rice Pilaf

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup chopped yellow onion

1 cup long grain white rice

1 cup water

1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup frozen green peas, optional

2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions, optional

Position rack in center of oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until opaque and nutty in aroma, about 2 minutes. Add the water, chicken broth, and salt and bring to a boil. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Using oven mitts or potholders, transfer to the oven, and bake until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes.

Using oven mitts or potholders, remove the pan from the oven and add the peas and scallions, if desired. Toss gently to combine, then replace the cover and allow the rice to sit, undisturbed, for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Yield: 5 cups, 6 servings

Source:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_26816,00.html

Drunk Moose on the Loose

2007-12-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Only In Alaska!!

Tipsy moose beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Bull moose strung with lights and tipsy on crab apples
By JULIA O'MALLEY jomalley@adn.com
Published: November 28, 2007 Last Modified: November 28, 2007 at 06:44 PM
What do you call a bull moose tangled in Christmas lights and drunk on fermented crab apples, standing glassy-eyed and dizzy in the front yard of a downtown bar?

Buzzwinkle? . . .

*******

For the rest of the story:

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/wildlife/moose/story/9484450p-9394676c.html

Little Turkeys on Turkey Day

2007-11-28T15:27:00.000-08:00

I am the luckiest Dad in the world.

I mean come on, look at them . . .

What more could I ask for!?

A New Set of Wheels

2007-11-28T15:04:00.001-08:00

Here's a picture of my cool ride. I took it today and thought I'd share it. A little smaller than my last set of wheels, but oh well, that's how life goes ;-).

And just for fun here's a video I made many years ago when I used to go racing. Make sure you buckle up before watching it!

A New Cell Phone

2007-11-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

I just got the new Sprint Mogul. I got it from someone on CraigsList. It was less than half of what Sprint wanted, and I didn't have to sign any new contract!

I'm going to be consolidating down to one phone soon since I don't have any need for two numbers any more. It will be nice not having to cart all that hardware around.

It's snowing in Alaska

2007-11-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

(I took this picture of the lot we purchased near Houston Alaska)

It snowed about two inches today. I love the snow. It's a novelty to me. As I'm watching it come down I'm facenated at how big the snowflakes are. I've never seen snowflakes this big before. Charlie and Dee don't like the snow nearly as much as I do. This is one of the first heavy snowfalls fo the season. Usually this late in November, there is a couple feet on the ground. There wasn't much when I got here. It'll be a white world before I leave.

The trip has been productive. I've gotten everything done that I needed to, and most of what I wanted to. I'll be coming home tomorrow night. Back to screaming baby land. Nicole will be glad to have me back.

(I heard this train coming and ran across the street to take a picture before

going into the Wasilla Family restaurant to eat breakfast)

Happy Birthday Madison!

2007-10-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Madison turned three. Happy Birthday Bugaboo!

Today we had a party and she had several friends join her at the park. The kids had a fun time. Us grown-ups did too. Now we are resting at home. It is nice to do nothing for a little while.

Jacob Didn't seem too excited by the whole affair . . .

Happy Camper

2007-09-27T12:22:00.001-07:00

Jacob sleeping on the kitchen counter after a good meal.

A rare moment of peace in the storm of life~

Some Video's from the Hospital

2007-09-27T00:05:00.001-07:00

At last, the promised video . . .

Jacob's First Bath:

Jacob Meets his big sister:

Jacob Sleeping:

Hospital pics

2007-09-25T18:31:00.001-07:00

I went by to office today and grabbed the USB cable and Fire Wire cable. I can upload the pictures and video from the hospital now.

We thought we had forgotten the digital camera at first. We found it later after Jacob was born. Kathy took a few pictures of the delivery and I'll try to upload them later. In the meantime, here are some favorites from our camera:

I held up the camera and took this in the evening when he was about 10 hours old.
Nicole was sleeping and I has just found the camera.
Jacob had just woken up and was looking around.

Siblings meet for the first time:

A first Kiss:

A Close up (can you tell he just ate?)

Happy mother and a happy baby:

I'll upload some videos later.

Jacob is born!!

2007-09-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

We are happy to Announce that on Sunday afternoon at 12:15PM, Jacob Adam Christopher Sloan was born! He is 7 pounds 5 ounces and 20 inches long. Nicole was a super hero! She did a great job and delivered him without any medication. He spoke up right away and latched on with little difficulty. He's been a real sleeper so far, very quiet. I'm sure that will change soon enough, after all, he is a Sloan!

Mom and baby are well. We are actually home now (which is why I am finally able to post) and Nicole is enjoying a well deserved shower. Jacob is asleep at my side as I type.

Madison has been a great sport with everything so far and absolutely loves to hold him, 'pet' him (we keep telling her it's rub him, not pet him), and generally be helpful in any way she can.

All the pictures and video from the hospital are on a memory stick that I don't have the adapter with me, so I can't post them now, but here is a little teaser until tomorrow when I can upload everything:

Isn't he cute? :-)

IT'S ALIVE!

2007-09-21T19:17:00.001-07:00

I just updated my account to the Google account. Now I can log in and post. Not sure how much I'll use it, but at least I can put the baby pics up when he (she) is born!

Yet Another Busy Week

2006-12-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

( Madison Wearing my sweatshirt. We were having a lot of fun wearing Daddy's clothes.)

Man what a crazy week it has been.

Monday I took the State Real Estate Exam. That went very well. I'm feeling quite comfortable that I passed, so obviously I'm real happy about that. I went back and did the math and all the evening and weekend time I spent studying and preparing added up to about 30 hours. I took 5 practice test and wrote countless pages of notes. I wanted to be over prepared, and I felt like I was. The test was a breeze. I should get the official results later this week or early next week, and I'll be sure to post them.

Monday night Madison met Santa Claus for the first time. Coleen, our neighbor across the street, had a Christmas party for all the little kids on the block and Santa Came to visit. The party was very nice, we had a great time. When Santa Came Madison panicked. She was screaming and screaming. She was afraid of him. After he sat down and the other kids were sitting on his lap, her curiosity overcame her and she ventured over to him. After he gave her a present, she became his best customer. She parked herself in his lap and would not leave. She kept telling her Mommy to "take another picture". I think she ended up in his lap at least 15 minutes.

Tuesday the president of my company and the sales manager both came to visit. We had a couple accounts that didn't get treated too well during the company transition and we needed to bring the big guns down to love on them a little bit. It went very well. They spend the whole day down here and we went to La Villa for lunch I introduced them to the Chris Combo sandwich. It's an award winning sandwich with a secret recipe. They were sufficiently impressed.

Wednesday was another busy day in the office. I was running around all day. Then in the evening we put together Nicole's computer desk and I set up her computer. That's right folks Nicole will be back in the digital world again soon. We will pass along her email address once things are fully up and running. We got her the HP Slimline 7620n. It is a very small computer, only about 1/3 the size of a normal tower. It has wireless networking already built in which is great. She got a 19" wide screen HD LCD display to go with it. Needless to say she is a very happy camper this Christmas.

While I was doing the computer desk assembly last night, we (Nicole) were watching our friends Joe & Mollie's little ones so they could go out on a date. Having three kids under 4 in the house was an interesting experience. Madison and Tytus are both in the middle of potty training. That kept Nicole on her toes. It is a lot of fun though. They both really love each other and enjoy getting together. For about two days before Tytus comes over, Madison asks constantly when he is going to get here. The kids all had a great time. Joe & Mollie went and saw the new Rocky movie and said they like it a lot.

Tonight Nicole and I are going on a date to celebrate my being done with the RE exam. We are going to go out Outback and go see The Pursuit of Happyness. I'm excited to see it. If you haven't heard anything about it, I recommend reading about the actual person it is based upon. Talk about an inspiring story!!!!

Took My Real Estate Final Last Night

2006-12-13T20:29:00.000-08:00

Last night I took my Real Estate Principles class final. It went better than I expected. I was very tired yesterday morning and ended up taking a nap in the middle of the afternoon. That's a big deal for me, I don't usually take naps. After my hour long snooze I was feeling pretty rested and went to school a little early for some last minute studying.

After I got there I realized I left my calculator at home. In a panic I raced to the bookstore and spent $40 on a replacement. After cutting the thing out of it's bullet proof plastic case, I headed to the exam. Fortunately I made it to class on time.

An hour later I was done. I did much better then I expected to. If I got an A on the final, I should get a B in the course. I could care less, as long as I pass. Really this is just the warm up lap. The real test is the State Real Estate Board Exam next Monday. That is the test for the Real Estate license. The college courses are required by the state, but if you don't pass the state exam the courses don't matter.

Ah well, back to the books for another week . . .

Oh yeah and about the calculator, turns out I didn't even need it. None of the questions had any serious math in them. Nice, huh?

Coming Home on the Red Eye

2006-12-09T00:57:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting inside Anchorage airport getting a midnight snack. The airport is very busy this time of night. The are a lot of red eye flights that leave at one or two in the morning.

I am excited to be going home finally. I can't wait to see Nicole and Madison.

Another Dark Alaska Morning

2006-12-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

I opened the door to Charlie's office, where I have been doing all of my work, and snapped this picture. It is about 9:15 in the morning and still dark outside. The moon is full and for just a moment it poked through the clouds. It is a crisp and 'warm' 38 degrees outside. The road ice is melting a bit, and the roads are getting mushy. This is when you have to be really careful driving.

I really like it up here. I think if I could get things set up so I didn't have to sell my California house and didn't have to work any more, I could live up here at least half time. The pace is so much slower and the scenery so much more beautiful, I really do feel drawn to this place. Having such wonderful family here in Charlie and Dee only strengthens the pull north toward Alaska.

Things have gone well here. Everything I have needed to get done, has been done. Our homes are squared away and we made an offer on another home for an investor of ours. The time has flown by. I will be going home in a couple days and then getting back into the 'normal' routine. I am looking forward to being home. I miss my girls!

Snow Everywhere

2006-11-28T22:53:00.000-08:00

Steve Jr. Sent me this picture of his car covered with snow. It's amazing! Snow, and freezing temperatures seem to be everywhere right now. We were watching Monday Night Football, the Seahawks were playing the Packers (in Seattle) and everyone was commenting on how it looked like Green Bay, not Seattle. I wonder how often it snows in Seattle?

At least I know how he feels! I am in Alaska right now and it was twenty-one degrees below zero this morning. That is officially the coldest weather I have ever been in in my lifetime. There is snow everywhere, even though it hasn't snowed in weeks. It's cold enough up here that once the snow falls it stays for months. It will be a white Christmas here for sure!

I have been trying to find a way to put in words what this temperature feels like. Before I came up, I was asking people what twenty below felt like and no one could describe it to me, other than to say, "really cold!" I think I finally found an appropriate metaphor:

Walking outside when it is twenty-one degrees below zero is like going into a walk in freezer . . . naked!

Problem with Google Video

2006-11-22T16:47:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to embed this Video in a humorous post to my blog for several days now. Over several days I have tried to get Google Video's "post to blog" function to log into the Blogger site. It fails every time.

Given that Google owns both sites you would think that they would work together. I even upgraded my blog trying to get this to work. No luck, it still fails.

I even looked at third party websites to try to figure out how to embed the video on my own. YouTube does this easily. YouTube gives you the code to embed a video right on their web page, Google video does not. One Point for YouTube - Google Zero.

I hate when faulty technology gets in the way of a good joke. Shame on you Google, get this functionality fixed!!

Floyd Pettis Passed Away Last Night

2006-11-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

(Floyd or "Papou," far left, enjoying a serenade from Tonya on his 85th Birthday)

We just got word that Papou passed away early this morning. It feels a little sudden, the doctors seemed to think he was doing well. We are in shock, it's such a tragic loss. He is in a much better place now.

Thanks for the footprints you left on our lives Papou . . .

We are all Sick!

2006-11-17T10:59:00.001-08:00

(Madison talking to Elmo on her telephone this morning)

This is my first Moblog post in a while. It stopped working over a month ago and I gave up trying to fix it. I finally went back and deleted and recreated the relationship a couple days ago, and so far at least I'm back in business!!

We are all sick. I'm getting a cold, Nicole and Madison have had it for almost a week now. We are staying in and laying low. One good thing is this has given me plenty of time to make progress on my new buisness venture. I'm going to be a multi-corporation CEO! I can't wait.

No Second Life for Me

2006-11-14T16:34:00.000-08:00

My graphics card is too old, apparently:

Time to run the uninstaller . . .

What is "Second Life?"

2006-11-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

I wondered what is this Second Life thing that has my Dad, and many others, so excited about.

Today I stumbled across this article and found out:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/11/13/second.life.university/index.html

Wow, more:
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/technology/7ba1af8f3812d010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

I can see how this could be very interesting . . .

Home Burglery Alert

2006-11-14T12:35:00.000-08:00

From:
http://sloanfamily.blogspot.com/2006/11/home-burglary-alert_13.html

Canna Lane, San Jose, CA

This information is here in case anybody has a similar incident and goes to do a Google search on the subject.

Our home was broken into today, Nov. 13, 2006, between 10 and 11:30am. Here is what we know. According to witnesses, the burglars were driving a silver/grey Jeep Cherokee. Winesses said, there were three burglars, two white males in their late teens to early twenties and a black woman about 23-26. The witnesses said the men had a green back pack and were carring a white plastic garbage bag.

According to the witnesses the woman had a tattoo on her neck. They said the men were of slight build and appeared to the witnesses to be possible gang members. If you see anybody who matches this description please call the San Jose Police Department.

This is in regards to case 06-317-0585. I had computer, camera and podcasting equipment stolen. My wife lost jewlery and other items.

Sunday in Pictures

2006-11-13T12:03:00.000-08:00

Sunday evening George came over and we celebrated his birthday. It was a lot of fun. We got him the book, "90 Minutes in Heaven." It is a great book, I highly reccomend it.

While we were relaxing, Madison decided to model her new mittens and hat. We got them at Old Navy when we were in San Francisco on Saturday.

Zoe took a turn modeling the mittens too!

Madison helped Papou blow out his birthday candles!

Relaxing around the fire. We had a great evening!

Sunny Day in San Francisco

2006-11-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

(Having Lunch at Mels Drive-in)

Saturday we went to San Francisco to pick up some pillows we purchased on Craigs List. We also wanted to check out the Moscone Center and the surrounding areas. Nicole is attending a christian women's conference there in March. It was a rare sunny and warm (For SF) day and we really had a great time. We walked all around the Moscone center and Nicole got a good feel for what is where. Near the Moscone center is a Mels Drive-in and we went there for lunch. There were no actual drive in spots though, it was just a normal restaurant. After lunch we went over to Union Suare and walked in a few of the stores. The Disney store was definitely Madisons favorite.

Getting our Properties Closed

2006-11-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

(One of the three homes we purchased in Alaska)

We have almost closed escrow on our three homes in Alaska. These last few days have been hectic getting all the lender conditions and requirements met. It's stressful enough doing one purchase, but three at the same time has been very crazy. I am looking forward to next week when this phase is over with. Then I can focus solely on getting the future tenants needs met and make sure the move-ins go smoothly. Two have been turned already and we only have one more to go. It's going very well and Nicole and I are very thankful the Lord has provided us with two great partners already.

I will be returning to Alaska for two weeks after Thanksgiving. It will be nice to get back and get everything handled. One of the homes needs carpet and paint and I will be supervising that work while I am there. I'm looking forward to relaxing a bit when all this is done. Unfortunately as soon as I get home I have my Real Estate final and a few days after that I take the state real estate exam. I don't think things are really going to calm down until around Christmas. What a quiet, relaxing merry Christmas it will be (I hope)!!

A Busy Weekend

2006-11-05T22:10:00.000-08:00

We had A busy weekend. Friday we stayed home and relaxed. Saturday I cleaned the house, mowed the yard, and did some homework. Then we went over to Nicole's grandmothers (Yiayia) house for dinner. Nicole's Aunt Marie is out from Pennsylvania helping Yiayia with Papou. It was nice to see them, but it is hard with all of the things going on with the family. Papou, her grandfather, is still hanging on. They are feeding him some, but the feeding tube has been removed. It's a hard time for the family right now, and it was hard being there last night.

Today we got up, made a huge breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast) then went to church. After church I went over to Kathy's and painted her new chimney cap. It was bare steel and needed to be sealed before the rains came. I rented a 24 foot expansion ladder and had to extend it almost all the way to get to the top of the chimney. That was a little nerve racking, but I got it done. I then came back home and did some studying for my upcoming Real Estate Exam.

Then tonight we went back to Kathy's place to celebrate Nicoles other grandmother's (Carol) birthday. It is the first time Kathy has been able to entertain in her new place. Kathy made us a great dinner and a homemade ice cream cake for dessert. Tonight Madison was super wired and there were no toys there for her to play with. So of course she got into everything she wasn't supposed to and got into a lot of trouble. I have never had to scold her so much in one night! I think I felt a little taste of what my parents had to go through with me when I was that age.

Gabby & Brian come over as well and Brian helped me set up the last bedroom in the house, the master bedroom. The place is really starting to look like a home. It is almost finished. The last room that has work still in progress is the master bathroom toilet & shower closet. The contractors should be done and gone by the end of next week. It can't happen soon enough for Kathy. This has dragged on so long already. We were laughing tonight because we realized she has made four house payments already and only lived there a week and a half!

A Wonderful Gift

2006-11-05T22:02:00.000-08:00

(The four of us pose with the painting in Kathy's new house)

While Kathy was in Venice Italy last month, she bought four original oil paintings. Tonight she suprised us with one of them. The scene in the painting is a gondola floating down one of Venice's waterways. All around are colorful buildings with flowers spilling out of the windows. It is a beautiful piece of art and we have proudly hung it in our living room.

A quiet rainy Friday

2006-11-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Nicole and I are watching a movie. The cell phone and work is quiet. This are going well with our Alaskan properties. It's a rare quiet day around here. It's a nice change of pace.

A Birthday present from Uncle Steve and Aunt Luci

2006-10-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Madison in her new outfit she got for her Birthday from Uncle Steve and Aunt Luci. She loves the clothes and her happy birthday bear. We got the package a few days ago. We delayed opening it because Nicole had surgery for her wrist. Madision is a happy bear!

Pumpkin Carving Time!

2006-10-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight we carved Madisons Halloween pumpkin. Yiayia (Nicole's Grandmother) grew this huge pumpkin in her garden. She brought it over on Saturday when she came to Madison's Birthday Party. We had a great party Saturday and a great time carving the pumpkin tonight. Madison especially liked pulling out all the "pumpkin brains". We are now munching on the roasted pumpkin seeds. Yummy!

Praise You in This Storm

2006-10-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

I was sure by now, God You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus: And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Artist: Casting Crowns
Words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

Hear this amazing song on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntXcRUKXpQM

Letting Papou Go

2006-10-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

("Papou" - Floyd Pettis at his 85th Birthday)

"What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" James 14:4b

The family decided last night to removed Floyd's feeding tube. His recovery has pretty much stopped and he is still in a near vegitative state. Infections are slowly taking hold of his body, he can't speak, eat, walk, talk, anything really. According to his Advanced Directive he was never to be on life support in the first place. The family held on for a little while hoping for a recovery that just wasn't meant to be.

Though our hearts want to hold on, our minds tell us it is time to let go. We will always love you "Papou"

Tired Lately

2006-10-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am working three full time jobs right now. I have my day job, the setting up of our Alaskan investments, and my Real Estate Class (not to mention family, fatherhood, etc). I feel like I can not do all three to the level that I would like. Something is always being sacrificed. Maybe I took on too much at once. I feel like something is always being neglected.

I had my first mid-term tonight. In order to be ready, I had to spend the last five days doing the last four weeks of school work that I had been putting off. So I wasn't able to get out and do my job as much as I would like. Speaking of the job, we are in the middle of changing our name as a company, which causes a ton of logistical problems on top of the normal day to day. I feel like I'm juggling constantly and it is wearing me out. I can manage two large projects pretty easily. Three is getting to be too much. Hopefully by Christmas things will calm down a bit.

On a lighter note, here's a neat shot I took while we were camping at Tehachapi:

(A UP train passing through the loop at twilight on Oct. 11th, 2006)

We interrupt your regularly schuduled blogging . . .

2006-10-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

. . . To bring you HOCKEY!!!

Patrick Marleau takin' it to the net!! (Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated)

I haven't been blogging lately because, well, hockey season started. If I had to admit it, my weakness is Sharks hockey. I actually had a dream last night that I played on the San Jose Sharks. It was so real, and fun! Someday I hope to get season tickets.

So far this season, we are off to our best start ever in franchise history. I think we might have a real good shot at the cup this year. It's going to be a fun run no matter what happens!! Go Sharks!!

Looking Back on Our Trip

2006-10-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

(Nicole & Zoe watching a train go by in the rain at the Tehachapi loop - Oct. 2006)

We had a great time. The memories we built were both precious and abundant. We come home with 485 pictures, and that's after I deleted half of the not-so-good ones. There were a few rough spots, there always are on trips. There were also plenty of highlights; Madison sleeping in the bunk for the first time; dry camping at the Tehachapi loop; our first time to Yosemite; Mono lake . . . the list goes on and on.

We spent today cleaning and winterizing the trailer. Since it will not be used until next year, we have to clean and drain all the tanks, empty all the cabinets, throughly clean the interior, wash the exterior, and cover the trailer. It's a lot of work and Nicole and I are very tired.

It's hard being home, the trip being over and knowing work is just over 24 hours away, but it is also nice to be back to the comforts of a full size house.

I'm already dreaming of the next trip~

A Sign of the Times

2006-10-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

This no tresspassing sign is posted on the power pole at the top of the hill at the loop. They are not posted anywhere else except here and at the entry to the loop area.

It's a sad sign of the times, railfans not welcome here anymore . . .

We arrived at the loop on Wednesday afternoon and had a great two days there. Plenty of relaxing, playing, and tons of trains. Friday a M.O.W. person knocked on the trailer and asked us if we knew we were on private property. He asked if we were aware that we could be cited and have our vehicles towed. He never asked us to leave, but it was plenty clear to us what he was hinting/suggesting. It had been raining hard for a day already, and was expected to ran throughout the weekend, so we decided to come home early. We got home last night.

Welcome to Mojave

2006-10-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

We are in Mojave now. We are staying in this GHETTO RV park here in town. It also happens to be the *only* RV park in town. We've pretty much been inside the trailer with all the windows closed all night.

Earlier we went down to the tracks and watched a few trains roll through town. There were a couple UP units parked at the end of the yard and I snapped their picture. Needless to say Madison loved the trains. She has been asking for "More Trains" all night.

Mojave is a relic of it's former self. A few years ago they built a freeway bypass around the town and it has destroyed the economy here. You used to have to drive through the town as you traveled to your destination. Since they built the bypass, cars do not have to come into town unless they have a reason too. All the stores along the main drag used to be open and hopping. Now two out of three are boarded up and vandalized. It's sad to drive through this town now, remembering how it used to be.

We will be at the loop until Sunday morning, then we will drive home. The next few days are going to be very relaxing, which will be a nice change from the rest of the trip. We have seen a lot, much more than I have posted here. It will be nice to relax for a few days before coming home . . .

Laws Railroad Museum

2006-10-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the Laws Railroad Museum. They have a neat display of old trains and railroad stuff. They have this narrow guage steam engine, number 9, which was built in 1902. We were able to climb into the cab and ring the bell. Madison had a *blast*. It was a fun time. We got Madison a hand held five chime whistle which she can blow. She's been tooting on the thing for two days straight!

Our Chariot

2006-10-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

Our Truck "Daisy" and our Cruiser Travel Trailer at 9000+ feet in Yosemite. Daisy is a great truck, and we *love* our trailer. The truck is strong and durable, pulls like a monster (can't say much about gas mileage though). Out trailer is perfect, it has the best floorplan of any trailer we looked at in our price range, and we looked at a lot of trailers. We have the CT30BH model. It's great for the trips we like to take.

My Three Favorite Ladies

2006-10-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

(Nicole, Madison, & Zoe eating lunch
today at Devil's Postpile National Monument)

I love this. I love being away. I love being with Nicole and Madison. No daily stresses to pull me away from them, from what matters most. We go out each day and explore the world, the beautiful things that God has created. Every day a new adventure together, building new memories. I'm the luckiest husband and dad on the planet! The thing I treasure the most are the memories. Days at home grind by and blur together, but our trips away stand out in my mind as bright vivid memories. I wish this trip was two months instead of two weeks. The time is going by so fast. It is already half over. A week from today we will be home. Back to the usual stresses, back into the daily grind. Back to all the projects that are awaiting me.

We are 72 hours from Tehachapi, the grand finale of this amazing trip. I can't wait to spend three days relaxing and watching the trains go by. The loop is my happy place, what I think of when I need to escape. I can't wait to actually be there . . .

Fun day at Mono Lake!!

2006-10-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

Today we had a fun day at Mono lake. It was sunny and hot this morning, and for the first time since we arrived here, NOT windy. The wind here is incredible, it blows strong 90% of the time. Today was a rare windless day. We went to the South Tufa area to look at the amazing spires that rise out of the salty water here. The Tufa area hike was about a mile walk and I ended up in my tank top because it was so warm. The history here is amazing, and the politics run thick. The LA water diversion controversy is everywhere. It's quite an "us versus the evil to the south" feeling around town. At least the lake is still slowly rising back to it's former self.

After we left we hopped back into the truck to head back to camp so Madison could take a nap. By the time we reached camp, it was snowing!! That's right the weather had changed in only a few minutes. The micro-climates here are so small that it can (and does) change hourly. As I sit here at the local visitor center computer kiosk, I'm looking out at our dusty truck getting rained, hailed, and snowed on. Good thing we came over early, because Tioga pass has been closed for a couple days now.

Yesterday we went to Bodie, the local ghost town. That was a lot of fun but the wind blew *hard* all day long. We made it about 80% of the way through the walking tour before the wind got the best of us and we headed back to camp.

We stayed up late last night celebrating Madison's birthday and litening to the Sharks season opener on XM Radio. They won a nail biter in overtime, it was a great game. It's so nice to finally have hockey again!!

Tomorrow we leave Lee Vining and head South to Mammoth Lakes. Hopefully I can find some internet access down there. Our great adventure continues . . .

Frustrated with cell phone posting not working

2006-10-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting in the local visitor center. They have computer kiosks which you can rent. I'm sitting on one because my cell phone MMS message postings are not working.

They seem to go through fine, but I get no conformation from the Blogspot website, and nothing appears on the blog. I can send MMS messages to Nicoles phone, so I know they are getting through the Verizon network. I think something is wrong with the Blogger website. I think they are not parsing the messages properly for some reason. I have no internet access with the computer, so I am dead in the water unless I come to this kiosk.

This is frustrating. When technology you are relying on fails, it really sucks. So I don't know if/when I'll be able to post again . . . I'll keep trying though.

Mother Nature Forced Our Hand

2006-10-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

(This was supposed to post yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, but mobile blogging hasn't been working)

We are in Lee Vining. We left Yosemite a day early due to the incoming storm. We crossed the Sierra's on Hwy 120, Tioga Pass. At 9945 feet, it's the highest Sierra crossing and often the first to be closed. They are expecting 1-2 feet of snow on the pass in the next 24 hours. Because of this, we decided to pass over a day early. We did not want to get stuck on the other side.

The drive over was beautiful. There is a six mile long seven percent grade that drops into Lee Vining. I left the truck in first gear and coasted down the mountain at about 25mph. The vistas were incredible! I will try to post some pictures, but the RV parks over here are not internet friendly, and the cell phone isn't working for some reason.

Tomorrow (Today) we are heading out to the Bodie Ghost town. It should be a lot fo fun. It's dry so far but *very* windy.

We Went To Hetch Hetchy Today

2006-10-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

The three of us at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

We had an adventurous day today. First thing in the morning, we ran out of propane. After getting more propane and making breakfast, we went to town and gassed up the truck. Town around here consists of about five buildings and a gas station. The gas station owners had flyers for the different types of wood they sell for house heating. With the rain this week everyone is talking about the impending snow fall. It's a whole different way of life out here. I find myself at the same time in awe of people who live this way, and feeling a little pity for them at the same time. I wonder if I have what it takes to survive in this part of America . . . . Nah, I think I like my suburban living just fine.

After leaving town, we went to the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite. The road is long and winding. Nicole drove again today so I got to look around. The views along the way are incredible. Huge valleys, rolling meadows, ancient looking farms, this area has it all. After we got to the dam, we walked across the dam and through a long tunnel that leads to the trails. Madison is fascinated with tunnels right now. Every time we are driving, she asks if we are going to go through any tunnels. After passing through the tunnel we stopped to take the above picture. I set up the tripod and used the time delay with a flash fill. It came out really nice. We walked along the trail for another half hour or so and along the way we saw several squirrels, birds, and a bear cub and her mom. They were up in a tree and we stopped to watch them for ten minutes or so. After they climbed down and started to walk away, I snapped this picture (click on it for a better view):

Rainy Day at Yosemite

2006-10-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

We took this picture at the "Tunnel View" overlook just before the rain picked up.

Today we went into Yosemite and spent the day exploring the park by car. It's an amazing place. We went to Yosemite Village, Bridalveil Falls, and Glacier Point. There is an entire small town here, it's different than I expected. There's a grocery store, auto mechanic, even a hair salon. It's very differnt than in that respect than all the other National Parks I've been to. None have been this developed inside the park boundaries.

We drove through the campgrounds in the valley and picked spots that we would like to stay at next time. I am frustrated because when I was planning this trip, I tried to get us a site within Yosemite Valley. The NPS website said that all the campgrounds were completely sold out for our dates. So we booked the campground we are at, which is well outisde the park and an hours drive from Yosemite Villiage. When we were there today we learned that they are booked at less than 50% of capacity. It's too late now because we are already paid in full at the campgound we are at. So we are driving back and forth everyday when we don't need to. That's a lot of gas, time, and hassle that could have been avoided. The rangers at the park seemed like they had heard this routine before and told me thay are working on changing the reservation system in the near future. I hope they do because the one they have now sucks!!

It was gray and overcast this morning and as the day went by it started to sprinkle and then rain. We drove back to the trailer in heavy rain. We are exhausted. I think we will sleep in tomorrow (if the kids let us).

2006-09-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

We arrived at what will be our campsite for the next five days. We are staying a little east of Groveland on hwy 120. We are 20 min from Yosemite. We had a nice easy drive across the valley. There are so many memories for me there it's like going to a ghost town - ghosts of my old life . . .

We stopped in Modesto for supplies, Oakdale for lunch and the Hershey's chocolate factory (they don't give tours any more due to 9/11 - too bad), and Knights Ferry just to check it our again. I haven't been to some of these places in over 15 years. I was neat to go back and re-discover them. After leaving Knights Ferry we turned south and climbed Priest Grade. That is probably the steepest climb I have ever done with the truck & trailer. I don't think we got out of second gear for the entire 5+ miles. We took it real slow and the truck did great. No shortage of power, but burned plenty of gas!!

We have a nice campsite with a lot of space. It is beautiful here, and we are not even at the park yet. We are headed to bed early, it's been a long day. Tomorrow we are off to the park!

First night is always Fun

2006-09-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

(A fuzzy pic of Madison & Zoe. The cell phone camera blurred because of the low light, but that's about how accurate our eyesight was at this time of the morning)

The first night in the trailer is always hard for Madison (and us.) She is disoriented and unfarmiliar with the trailer at night. Last night was no exception. It's 6:30am and everybody is awake. Madison spent part of the night in her new bunk bed, part of the night on the couch, and part of the night on the floor with Zoe.

Needless to say we are exhausted. We are currently sitting here watching the coffee percolate with eager anticipation.

On The Road Again

2006-09-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

We are off! Today we drove to Patterson to visit Tim & Erin. We haven't been to Patterson in over a year. We are going to spend the night with them and head to Yosemite tomorrow. It is so nice to finally be gone!!

Packing the Trailer

2006-09-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

Nicole and I have spent most of today packing the trailer. I'm antsy to go. I hate the last couple days before a big trip. They seem to go so slow.

Out for Sushi with Uncle Ken

2006-09-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight Madison, Ken, and I went out for sushi. We had lots of fun and lots of food! Madison likes Miso soup and loves to play with sticky rice! I don't like trying to get it out of her hair though . . .

It is nice to go out with Ken. We don't get to hang out together enough.

Zoe Bells

2006-09-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

My pups

Home Sweet Home

2006-09-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

It's so nice to sleep in your own bed. I sure love our bed. We have the Tempurpedic brand "Space Foam" mattress and pillows. I don't know how I ever lived without this thing. Last week while I was in Alaska, I was sore and ached in places I don't usually. I took me a day or so to realize it was the bed and pillow I was using. I am just not used to spring mattresses any more. When I laid down on my bed last night it was like I died and went to heaven! I haven't slept that good in weeks! (staying up all night in an airplane helped too)

I spent the weekend resting and doing things around the house. It's almost unbelievable, but we are leaving again on Saturday and we will be gone for two weeks. I feel like I just got home and I am already prepping to leave again!

This is our five year wedding anniversary trip we planned a few months ago. This time I get to leave the cell phone at home!! Two weeks on the road as a family, just the four of us. It will be so nice!! I can't wait to relax at the loop for a few days! We will also be seeing Yosemite, Mono Lake, Bodie Ghost Town, Lee Vining, the Eastern Sierras, the Mojave airplane museum, and a few other things. It's going to be an action packed trip.

Frankly I can't wait to go! I'm always ready for another adventure!

Finally on Board

2006-09-23T02:18:00.000-07:00

It is 1:05 AM. Do you know where your airplane seat is?

Acnhorage International has Wifi!!!

2006-09-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Horray for ANC. Finally I am able to edit the blog and clean up some of those old cell phone posts. The internet connection at Charlie's place has something funky going on with it. I couldn't figure it out and I don't have the admin passwords to get a good look.

John had to drop me off early, he had a VFW meeting to go to. I have six more hours to kill, so I bought a couple DVDs. Disney's "Miracle" (Satisfy my hockey withdrawels) and Mitch Albom's "Five People You Meet in Heaven". I read the book and *loved* it (yep I cried) but I missed the TV movie.

I think I'm going to watch Miracle first . . .

Time to gome home

2006-09-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a very producutve week. Not much rest, but I have gotten a lot done. I wish I had a day or two more to actually relax and see some sights. I've been focused on work all week. I've really enjoyed John's company. We are becoming good friends.

Now it is time to head for the airport annd head for home.

Making offers today

2006-09-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

We made offers on a couple houses today. Things move so much slower up here. It's frustrating trying to slow down to the pace of business that exists here. People don't move as fast as I would like.

Trouble with Alaskan ISP

2006-09-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

For some reason, Charlie's ISP won't let me access certain websites, like blogger.com or air1.com, so I am only able to post with my cell phone (and not edit at all).

Boo Hiss Crummy Alaskan ISP

Welcome to Alaska!

2006-09-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Had a great day looking at properties today. A lot of progress is being made. I love it here.

Waiting at the airport

2006-09-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sitting at SJC. Took 45 minutes to check in and get through security. Now I am off to Alaska!

Figured out the Mobile Posting thing

2006-09-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

This is a camera phone picture of Madison from our recent trip to Utah.

I think I got it!! The world will never be the same, heh heh.

First Moblog post

2006-09-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

My first cell phone blog post. Sitting in a doctors office with Nicole waiting for a second opinion on her wrists.

Update on Floyd ("Papou" - Nicole's Grandfather)

2006-09-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

(George wrote this email):

"First of all, I would like to thank you. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and concerns. You
all have been very supportive. Our Family "THANKS YOU" immensely. As you can imagine there are Positive things as well as not so Positive. Today Marie told Dad she was going to put in his hearing aids. On his own he turned his head so she could put it in. He responds to most commands. He seems to recognize everyone and wants to hold our hands and hug us. The Physical therapist came today and she said Dad did better than she anticipated. We found a Re-hab center where we would like Dad to go. They were planning on sending him today. Unfortunately his white blood count is up which is an indication of infection. They are taking all precautions to get him stabilized. There was a meeting with the doctor in charge of Dad's case regarding his long range prognoses. Here's where it gets tough and we need your prayers for
miracle and God's will.

"As of now it appears Dad is partially blind in his right eye. He probably will not be able to walk or talk again. And, probably only be able to eat pureed foods,at best, if at all. Obviously we are all prayerful and hopeful but are prepared to accept what the Lord's will is. We may not understand it immediately but we still have to remain Faithful! Again, I can't Thank all of you enough. I hope and Pray that this finds all of you and your family's well.

"The Lord's Blessings.
Love,
George"

Growing up so fast

2006-09-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

(This picture is from a while ago - her first night in her toddler bed)

Madison has not slept in her crib for a little over a month now. This morning we took it out of her room and put it in storage. She cried for about 2 seconds when it was going out the back door and then forgot it ever existed. She is very proud of her "big girl" bed.

She is already racing to be as big and grown up as possible. She shaves with me when I shave, she sits in the big chairs at snack time, anything she can do to be like Mommy & Daddy, she does. I remember when I was running that can't wait to grow up race. Looking back I wish I had gone a little slower.

I went and visited one of my brokers who has a 1.5 month old little girl. It seems like Madison was that size only yesterday. Time goes by so fast . . .

Our trip to the Grand Canyon

2006-09-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

A little over a week ago we took a trip to Utah & the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. We went to pick up a travel trailer for George and also as an early anniversary gift from George. It was a great trip. It was Nicole's first time at the Grand Canyon.

It was nice going through Tehachapi and Barstow, it's like going home when I go to the loop. Madison *loved* seeing all the trains, or "Choo-Choos" from the car as we drove across the desert. We passed through Vegas, definitely not my scene - we got out of there as fast as we could. We also drove through Zion Natn'l park. That was a beautiful place that we would love to go see again. Utah was amazing, the Mesas and bluffs with are there colors were breathtaking. We went through a couple thunderstorms, one was right on top of us. The rain was so hard I though it was going to break the windshield, not to mention the lightning!!

Overall is was a great trip. 1,800 miles in 6.5 days and loved every minute of it (except the being sick part). In a few weeks we take our real anniversary trip. I can't wait to get away again~

Helping Daddy wash the car

2006-09-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Madison loves to help her Mommy and Daddy with just about everything. It's especially fun when it involves food or water though!!

Where where you five years ago today?

2006-09-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

I was on my honeymoon.

We were in Oahu Hawaii. We had gone to Pearl Harbor the day before. Nicole woke up with a bad headache and asked me to get her some food before she got out of bed. I left the hotel room in my PJs and headed down toward the lobby. I was still half asleep myself. The poeple in the elevator were wispering about buildings collapsing. I couldn't quite make out what they were saying and asked them.

One lady said, "The World Trade Center building are gone." I couldn't comprehend what she was saying. When I got to the lobby, it was chaos. People running around everywhere. There were a bunch of TVs on carts lined up in the lobby with the news on. I stood there in disbelief for maybe five or ten minutes watching the reports, then rushed back to the room to tell Nicole. I forgot to get here the food . . .

The worst part was we had already booked tickets the the Polynesian Culteral Center for that day and had to go (or loose the $$). They had NO TVs inside the PCC so I was completely cut off from the news the entire day. The only evidence something was wrong was their flags flying at half staff. It made it hard to enjoy the park, but we had a good enough time.

This was near the end of our trip, and after this happened, we wanted to come home. Suddenly we went from being away in a tropical paradise, to being trapped on a rock. We were meeting people left and right who had been scheduled to be on a plane that day. They were stranded in paradise, and most were not having fun.

We ended up flying home on one of the first flights after air traffic resumed. The people that were in the plane with us were the people that were in the air on 9/11 and turned around. When we landed in SF, everyone clapped and cheered, it was an amazing experience.

Our first Investment Property

2006-09-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

We closed escrow on our first investment property Friday. We have been landlords for a couple years, but now we are now officially real estate investors! Here's a picture from a while ago during construction . . .

New Cement!

2006-09-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

We finally decided to have the cement poured in our back yard. We are tired of the dogs tracking the dirt and mud into the house and with fall coming I want to start working on the back yard again. The contractor we used did a great job (and had a great price). Next weekend he comes back to seal it. Nicole picked the color and, as always, she did a great job! It is so nice to walk out to the shop without going through the dirt!!

First post

2006-09-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

I chose black because no one esle in the family has.

Plus with all the family tragedy going on lately, it seemed appropriate. Floyd (Nicole's grandfather) is still in ICU. Jim is getting an MRI for a tumor in his head. Charlie had a major heart attack and a six-way emergency bypass, his wife passed out from the stress. Plus my cousin . . .

People are being tested right now, families are being tested. It's sad when people you love, but are two degrees removed from, are suffering. Your not lost in the emotion of it, but you are still close enough to feel the pain. I can only imagine the agony of the imediate family members. But there is a selfish part of me that is very thankful that it is not my immediate family.

We went to a San Jose Giants Baseball game to try to escape from it all for a while. Joe & Mollie joined us. Had a good time. Giants lost, loosing seems to be the trend lately.