Wish I had a horse!

I swear that the days before cars had to have been easier. I spent this past weekend working on both cars. My wife and I have identical vehicles. We bought them the same day. For some reason, despite hers having lower mileage, her car is in worse shape. In any event, I worked on it over the weekend and finally got it running like new again. No more misfiring. No more exhaust leak that made it noisier than a jet. She was very happy. So was I......until yesterday.

She called me to tell me that her car died. She had stopped at 7-11 and now the engine won't turn over. She ended up walking the last two blocks to work. After she got off, she walked back to her car and sat in it waiting for 2 hours till I could get there to get her running. I got there, jump started the car, filled the gas tank, and she drove home without incident. I noticed a lot of corrosion on the battery so when we got home, I replaced the connections and cleaned the terminals. That should do it.....NOT! While running the engine I noticed if I turned on the headlights, they would dim if I turned on the blinkers. Uh oh. Alternator troubles. This was confirmed when I looked at it and saw that the back of the alternator appeared melted.

I let her take my car to work and figure I will take hers to work myself and fix it later. Well, this morning the car wouldnt start. With no one around to give me a jump, I ended up staying home. I walked in the rain to the autoparts store and $230 later I have a nice new alternator. I was not able to get the old wires off so I ended up cutting those and rigging new. It was not exactly fun fixing it in the rain but I didnt see much choice.

I am now sitting on the couch waiting for her to get home with my car so I can jump the battery on hers. Boy that shower felt good.......tm

This is the new one I put in:




This is the one I took out:

Toon 4 My Tuesday

Music 4 My Monday

Today is Memorial Day here in the USA. It is a day for us to remember that freedom is not free. It has a price. There are men and women who gave their lives in order for us to have the liberty that we do. Please take a minute to listen to the song below and say a prayer for the families of those that died fighting for your freedom. But, please also take an extra minute to pray for those that still serve today. They are the sons and daughters of our country. People like Dena's son Kody have made the choice to help protect us.

Kody, although we have never met face to face (yet)you make me proud to know you. Please know that everyday I thank God for you and those like you. Without you, we may not be able to have the life that we do here in the USA. God Bless you and may He always be by your side no matter where you go.

We should never expect others to live up to our expectations

if we do not live up to them ourselves.....tm

The no-competition field day competition.

My daughter goes to the same elementary school that I went to as a kid. I remember looking forward to field day every year. It consisted of things like track and field events, tug-of-war, three-legged races, relays, and the peanut hunt. Of course that was before kids developed peanut allergies. I was far from athletic but, I always had fun. I didn't care if I won awards or not.

Today was field day for Kaitlyn. I took the day off so I could go and watch. Aside from the fact I love going to the things the kids do, my wife is in Washington DC for the day. What I saw today seemed fun for the kids but the competition was gone. The events were no longer based on skill or athletics. Instead it has become one giant kids party. There were about 12 different stations that the "teams" rotated to. Events included things like dancing, crab soccer, an obstacle course, face painting, and sand art. Since when did sand art become a field day event? There were no stop watches. No ribbons for the top competitors. No judges. Nothing that would make the kids strive harder to be the best. Have we gotten that pathetic that we must prevent our kids from having to grow up and face the fact that they may not always be the best? How does this prepare them for life down the road where they may have to compete for things like jobs and promotions? People win and people lose. We get over it.

This was the closest they came to a sport.

I don't recall the hula hoop as an olympic event.

This was kinda cute. The one in the back had to lead the blind
through a field of debris without stepping on anything.

Getting her face painted.

Face painting results.

Random Pic of the Day

I took this picture this past Sunday. This is my niece. She is about 18 months old and has discovered the joy of eating potato chips!

I can not be the only one....

I am sure you are all used to having to use the "captcha" system in order to post comments on other people's blogs. You know, those funny little words they make you retype? But, am I just weird or does anyone else sit there and try to come up with meanings for the senseless words? What language is that anyway? I am pretty fluent in typonese and yet these words seem to be a code I can't crack.

What exactly does "chipawe" mean? In my house it is something you have to do when the ice cubes are stuck together. "I had to "chipawe" at the block to get the ice I needed." Or how about "Husties?" Are those pasties for very large breasted women?

I sit here each day and enter such words as "wherf" and "Polidefa" and "elitylar" and try to figure out if I am supposed to decipher the codes. Maybe it is a secret message from the KGB? "Tom! You must "Noinga" at the first sign of "Isplidu" and pass along the secret "Oredic" But be sure not to "Seselpal!"

Ok so maybe I just have way too much time on my hands to think about this stuff. But it sure makes my "facdila" hurt! Sorry, I just could not "ressest" posting this. It sure is giving spell check a workout!

What funny "captcha" words have you come across?

Music 4 My Monday

My goal in this life is to do whatever it takes to be remembered. As a kid I was kinda lost in the shadows a lot. Didn't seem that people even knew I existed. So that is why I am choosing Tim McGraw for today's Music 4 My Monday.

My 100th post.

Well here I am. Staring at the screen for my 100th post! In keeping with that theme, as promised, here is my list of 100 things you may not know about me.

1. I was born in Micanopy, FL on July 8, 1963

2.I moved to Long Island when I was a baby.

3. I love living near the ocean

4. I have a college degree in construction technology.

5. I have a second college degree in Architecture

6. I used to have my own construction company.

7. I don't anymore.

8. I have 3 wonderful kids.

9. I love being a dad.

10. I think I suck at it at times.

11. I was done having kids after 2.

12. Until my brother had a baby girl and I wanted a daughter.

13. I lucked out and got one.

14. My daughter thinks she has me wrapped around her finger.

15. She is probably right.

16. I love to travel.

17. No Sally, Egypt and India are not among the places I have thought about going.

18. If I could get married all over again I would.

19. Probably not to the same person.

20. I love NASCAR

21. Dena is the one that got me hooked.

22. I am a tough person to get close to.

23. I am very very careful about who I let in.

24. My best friend as a kid was Bobby D.

25. He was killed when were kids.

26. I have never had closure.

27. It's why I don't let people get close.

28. I love my job.

29. It involves life safety.

30. I won 6 Student service awards in college.

31. I also won the Gertrude Zerinsky Memorial award for dedication and service when I graduated from New York Institute of Technology.

32. To this day I have no idea who Gertrude Zerinsky was.

33. I collected beer bottles when I was a teen.

34. I have over 200 different bottles from all over the world.

35. I have one brother and one sister.

36. I am the oldest.

37. We all still live in the town we grew up in.

38. I talk to my brother a few times a week.

39. I talk to my sister maybe a few times a year.

40. It keeps me from punching her husband in the mouth.

41. I do cry at sad movies.

42. I also cry when I watch my daughter in a ballet.

43. I always root for the underdog.

44. I will stand up for anyone being bullied.

45. I am a stickler for following rules.

46. I take pleasure in writing tickets to people that don't follow rules.

47. We owned a gymnastics school.

48. We had to close due to the economy.

49. I miss doing the birthday parties at the gym.

50. I am high energy when I am working with kids.

51. I have been told numerous times that I am a lot like Robin Williams.

52. My best friend lives in Nebraska.

53. My other best friend lives in Florida.

54. I dream of owning a chicken farm some day.

55. I am raising 6 right now.

56. Thanks to my mother-in-law

57. My first job was working for the county.

58. I pulled weeds out of sandtraps at a golf course and emptied trash cans.

59. I thought golf was a stupid game.

60. I now look forward to playing any chance I can.

61. I am not that good at it.

62. I also worked in a card store for awhile.

63. I worked nights while going to college.

64. It was in a factory that sends out all that junk mail that fills your mailbox.

65. I want to learn how to ride a motorcycle.

66. So I can travel from NY to CA and back on it.

67. My favorite shows are anything dealing with ghosts.

68. I read the entire Harry Potter series.

69. I really like the number of this question.

70. I don't know why I told you that.

71. I prefer automatic transmissions

72. I have driven a stick shift for the last 19 years.

73. I have a hard time letting go of things.

74. The same thing with people.

75. I forgive probably more than I should.

76. People tend to take advantage of that fact.

77. I was the second smallest kid in school.

78. People took advantage of that fact too.

79. I am no longer the smallest out of all those that were in school with me.

80. I actually had very thick hair when I met my wife in high school.

81. I have been pulling it out ever since.

82. I get way less sleep than I should.

83. I am a part time disc-jockey.

84. I can "feel" the presence of people no longer among the living.

85. This freaked out someone close to me. (Your mom says hi kiddo).

86. I talk in my sleep.

87. Loudly and clearly.

88. One time it was in a foreign language that I didn't know I knew.

89. I think the 1980's were the most fun I ever had.

90. There are many nights I don't remember.

91. I love to write.

92. I wrote a soft-core porn short story one time.

93. Ok so maybe it wasn't so soft-core.

94. I can talk in front of groups no matter how large.

95. I am considered the "go to guy" by way too many people.

96. I secretly love being the "go to guy" Shhhhhh....don't tell anyone.

97. I don't think any one religion has got it right.

98. I prefer instant gratification.

99. I am willing to wait for it.

100. I will probably reread this blog after I post it and wish I had done it different.

So there you have it. 100 totally mundane things you probably didnt need to know about me. If any of it makes no sense or raises questions, please feel free to ask. I welcome the conversation. Wonder what I will do for my 500th blog?

B-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r!

I can not be the only one this happens to. I was in the shower earlier and sure enough, someone turned on the hot water elsewhere in the house. Of course the result is me being blasted with a wake up call of ice cold water. This is not a one time deal either. For some reason every single time I get in the shower, someone gets me. Doesn't matter what time of day it is. 98% of the time it is my wife. I don't know why. I have even tried taking my shower when she is not home. Inevitably she will come home and get me. There was actually one time I waited till she was at work and the kids were not home. I was all set. Enjoying the nice hot water. All soaped up and suddenly, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Water so cold that I have been waiting for my testicles to come back ever since. Turns out she had set the timer on the dishwasher! She doesn't even need to be home to get me!.........tm

Favorite 4 My Friday

My favorite for today is my favorite blog to read. That honor actually goes to.......drum roll please.....Devin at What I Think

His posts may be brief, but they are always fun or interesting. I enjoy viewing the world from his perspective. The innocence of youth. (Although he is about to turn another year older next week).




Kudos Devin on making blogging fun!

Thought 4 My Thursday

Take yesterday's dreams and make them the adventures of today.
So that they may become the treasured memories of tomorrow..........tm

Toon 4 My Tuesday

Random Pic of the Day

It was a really nice day today. When I got to work I looked at my official vehicle and decided it could really use a good cleaning. So I took it to the local car wash. Have you noticed that a car just seems like it runs better after a really good cleaning?

My daughter needs a mute button!

Yesterday being Mother's Day we did what we usually do and took my wife out for a late lunch / early dinner at Applebee's. While sitting waiting for our food I was telling my wife that I had seen a sign for fresh eggs at $4 a dozen. I then commented that I was going to go home and squeeze our chickens to get eggs. Well, my daughter looks at me and in a nice loud voice, so that everyone in the place can hear, states, "Daddy you can not choke the chickens!" I sat there half mortified and half on the verge of laughing. I calmly told her that I did not say choke. I said squeeze. Of course she was not following me and continued to protest loudly about me choking the chickens. Needless to say my wife and I are laughing hysterically and making sure we try to clarify to her what we meant. I was making sure that I also spoke loud enough so everyone could hear me. My guess is they were laughing too hard to hear me. Kids!....tm

Happy Mother's Day

I hope all of my "mom" friends have a most wonderful day! You all deserve it! HEre is a little something that will make you smile:

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2.. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.

4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Random Pic of the Day

Today my boys and I did a 15 mile hike. It was up to the North Shore of the island so there were a lot of hills and rocky trails to navigate. I swore I would never make it. My left ankle hurt so bad I figured they were going to have to shoot me like a lame horse. Today's pic is of a Red-Tailed hawk that was sitting in a treetop. It is seeing nature like this that make the pain all worth it.

Two Angels

Two traveling angels

Keep reading to the bottom of the page -- don't stop at the feet (You'll see).

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family.

The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room.

Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.

As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.

When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied,

'Things aren't always what they seem.'

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife.

After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears.

Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen?

The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused.

The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.

'Things aren't always what they seem,' the older angel replied.

'When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall.

Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it.'

'Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead.

Things aren't always what they seem.'

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You just might not know it until some time later...

Ooooo

Some people ( )
come into our lives ) /
and quickly go.. (_ /

ooooO
( ) Some people
\ ( become friends
\_ ) and stay awhile....

leaving beautiful Ooooo
footprints on our ( )
hearts... ) /
( _/

ooooO
( ) and we are
\ ( never
\_ ) quite the same
because we have
made a good friend!!

Thought 4 My Thursday

"Never do anything you may have to explain to the paramedics"

8th Meme

I was tagged for the "8th Meme" by Dena at Thoughts By Dena

And so, in no particular order, here are my 8's...

8 Things I Look Forward To

1. Sundays
2. That one week of camping each July
3. Traveling each fall for work
4. Watching Kaity dance on stage.
5. That perfect song on the radio
6. Hugs from my daughter
7. Payday
8. Waking up another day


8 Things I Did Yesterday

1. Got out of bed
2. Fed the chickens
3. Investigated a fire.
4. Bit my lip to keep from killing a co-worker
5. Left work early
6. Stopped at McDonald's so I didnt have to cook dinner.
7. Relaxed on the couch
8. Ran to the grocery store

8 Things I Wish I Could Do

1. Get in better shape
2. Visit that special friend of mine
3. Balance my budget
4. Learn the guitar
5. Finally be finished with the house
6. Fly
7. Stress less
8. Get my car running right again.

8 Shows I Watch

1. Axe Men
2. Ghost Hunters
3. Paranormal State
4. Breaking Bad
5. 24
6. NASCAR races when I can
7. Dirty Jobs
8. GACtv (Not CMT, they play very little music).


8 Bloggers Tagged For The Task

Many of my list have already done it so I leave it up to you if you want to post it.

Tag! You're it!

Tag your are it!!!

1.What’s your current obsession? I sat here thinking and thinking. I really don't have one at the moment.

2. What’s your weirdest obsession? I can not cut off a song at what I consider to be an illogical stopping point. Otherwise it will run through my head all day.

3. What are you wearing today?I am taking a mental health day so I am sitting here in a tee and PJ bottoms

4. Why is today special? The sun came up and I am still here to see it.

5. What would you like to learn to do? I would love to be able to play the guitar.

6. What’s the last thing you bought? New sneakers and dry socks since I destroyed the last pair in a fire investigation yesterday.

7. What are you listening to right now? Kenny Chesney singing on the music channel. Oh and Cookie snoring.

8. What’s your favorite weather? Sunny days with temps in the 70s.

9. What’s your most challenging goal right now? Balancing my finances. It's really getting overwhelming

10. What do you think about the person who tagged you? I think Dena is a special person with a heart of gold.

11. What's your favorite guilty pleasure? Can't write that here. (just kidding). I enjoy chocolate covered pretzels.

12. Favorite vacation spot? I really liked the Bahamas

13. What would you like to have in your hands right now? The TV remote. It is just out of reach and I am too lazy to get up to get it.

14. What would you like to get rid of? my stress and high blood pressure

15. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? I have this friend in Nebraska that could use a hug.

16. What bad habit do you have that you would like to terminate? My thinking I have to be the one that fixes everything for everyone else

17.What super power would you like to possess? Normally it would be invisibility, but today I just wish I could fly.

18.What is the one thing that you have done in your life that you are the most proud of and if you had the chance to do it again you wouldn't change a thing? When I started this survey I didnt think it would be this hard. I dont really have an answer for this one right now.

19.What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet? See the answer to question #3 lol

20. What’s your dream job? I actually really like what I do now. But I have thought about teaching too.

21. If you had $150 now what would you spend it on? Bills is the right answer but I could really use a new MP3 player

22. Do you admire anyone’s style? Not really. Although I do envy the guys that can wear a suit and not look like they are uncomfortable in it.

23.Describe your personal style. Jeans, sneakers, and either a tee or hoodie depending on the season.

24. Who’s fashion show would you want tickets to? LOL Like I would even know a designer name?

25. If you had to slap one person with no repercussions, who would it be and why? The one secretary that sits in my office that thinks she runs the place. She is nasty and just WAY too into everyone's business.

26. What are you most proud of? My kids for sure.

27. If you could choose one person who has passed to have lunch with who would it be and why? My friend that passed when we were kids.




Now the rules of this tag:

1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention

2. Tag 7 other people you would love to learn more about. Here’s mine: I will leave this open to all of you that read it. If you decide to do it and have not already, feel free to indulge us. :o)

Happiness Women -vs- Men

(A) How to Keep a Woman Happy"*
It's not at all difficult !

All you have to do is to be:

1. A friend
2. A companion
3. A lover
4. A brother
5. A father
6. A master
7. A chef
8. An electrician
9. A carpenter
10. A plumber
11. A mechanic
12. A decorator
13. A stylist
16. A psychologist
17. A pest exterminator
18. A psychiatrist
19. A healer
20. A good listener
21. An organizer
22. A good father
23. Very clean
24. Sympathetic
25. Athletic
26. Warm
27. Attentive
28. Gallant
29. Intelligent
30. Funny
31. Creative
32. Tender
33. Strong
34. Understanding
35. Tolerant
36. Prudent
37. Ambitious
38. Capable
39. Courageous
40. Determined
41. True
42. Dependable
43. Passionate

WITHOUT FORGETTING TO:

44. Give her compliments regularly
45. Love shopping
46. Be honest
47. Be very rich
48. Not stress her out
49. Not look at other girls

AND AT THE SAME TIME, YOU MUST ALSO:

50. Give her lots of attention, but expect little yourself
51. Give her lots of time, especially time for herself
52. Give her lots of space, never worrying about where she goes

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT:

53. Never to forget: birthdays anniversaries arrangements she makes

(B) HOW TO MAKE A MAN HAPPY....!!! :

1. Leave him in peace
2. Feed him well.
3. Let him have the remote control.


...... are you seriously looking for more??

Favorite 4 My Friday

My favorite style pizza is called a "Grandma Pizza" It is usually square and has extra garlic and a few other spices. The cheese is also under the sauce instead of on top of it. It may look like a sicilian style but, it has it's own unique flavor.

Well this should be interesting...

I am approaching my 100th blog and seeing how several of you commemorated your milestone by posting a "100 things about me" list, I figure I should perhaps get busy on mine. As I was reading Riley's list and the subsequent comments an idea struck me. So I am recruiting each of you to help me out. Several of you have gotten to know me through the blog. Others of you know me online elsewhere. And at least one of you knows so much about me you could be my shrink. Your assignment is simple. In the comments section of this blog, post a short list of things you know , or think you know, about me. Try to list at least 10. More if you choose. When I do my 100th list post, I will let you know how accurate or how far off-base you were. So start thinking cause I will be at that point by next week I think. .........tm

Thought 4 My Thursday

Random Pic 4 Today

This is one of those things that just always has been part of life for me. Hearing the bells for the first time each Spring told us that Summer is right around the corner. I remember as a kid always running up the road as fast as I could to ask mom for money. Luckily I lived at the corner of a dead end block. So, I would hear him turn onto the block and I had time to go get money before he turned around and came back up the block. Last year one day Dena and I happened to be talking and she heard the music of the ice cream man and asked what it was. I told her it was just the Ice cream truck. She replied with, "The what?" I came to find out that they don't have these in the midwest. I explained the concept to her. In between laughing she would pass it along to her son Kody. The two of them thought this was amusing. So, you can only imagine the look on their faces when I mentioned the hot dog trucks! LOL.....tm

Random Pic 4 Today

Living on an island I am surrounded by all sorts of nautical items. I don't even notice much of it most days. However today this buoy just caught my interest. It is in the Great South Bay and is about 500 yards outside of the entrance to Neguntatogue Creek. Please ignore the date stamp. I once again forgot to update the date on my camera. (I did right after this though).

An Attitude of Gratitude Awards

My Friend Dena at http://thoughtsbydena.blogspot.com/ gave me my very first award as a blogger. I will do my best to try and continue to live up to it. As much as I know about Dena, this blog has shown me sides of her that I didn't know. Every day she amazes me with the words she posts and the ideas she shares. I am proud she is my friend and I look forward to each day knowing she will find a way to make me smile!


The Rules of Accepting and Sharing this Award:

1.Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude.

This is where I am going to have to break the rules. I do not have a list of 10 people that I know well enough yet to include in this list. So forgive me but I will only award the ones I think I can honestly say deserve it.

1. Dena at http://thoughtsbydena.blogspot.com/ In the time I have known Dena, we have shared many laughs and many tears. I have watched her children grow. But, more than that I have watched Dena grow. She has been on the verge of giving up many times but never does. And every time she has come out on top. She knows things about me that not another soul on this planet knows. I don't know we came to be so close, but I can tell you that my life would not be what it is today with out her in it. Dena you have been there for me when I needed you most and for that I am eternally grateful. I will be here for you whenever you need me. And even when you are at your lowest, I will be right here by your side because I will always believe in you. Even when you cease to believe in yourself. Hugz kiddo.

2. Sally at http://sallyannestephenson.blogspot.com/ Sally has shared some rather personal stories in her blog. Some have made me laugh till my sides hurt while others have brought me to tears. Anyone that can be that compassionate serves as an inspiration to us all.

3. Jen at http://aglimpseintomymind.blogspot.com/ Jen has become my best friend in the online world of Second Life. She is always there with something funny to brighten my time on SL. If you do take the time to get to know her, just beware of anything involving swimming pools and a scratch-n-sniff!

4. Riley at http://rileyscottslifeblog.blogspot.com/ I am still getting to know Riley but he is a fellow Islander and anyone that can still smile after a day of trying to survive on this giant sandbar is ok in my book. I do enjoy his posts and have fun trying to recognize landmarks in the pictures he sometimes includes.

5. And last, but certainly not least, Devin at http://whatmanrockerthinks.blogspot.com/ Devin I have watched you grow from the time before you even started school. You have gone from the days of "butt-punching" your mom to the fine young man you are today. I love hearing the stories about you and your accomplishments, As well as, those of your brothers. And while you may not know it, you have taught me lessons I have carried over into how I raise my own children. I can honestly say that you have played a role in making me a better dad. I hope you keep on writing in your blog. I have fun seeing what you have to say!


3. Link to your nominees within your post.


4.Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award.

5.Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award. Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude.

Every day that God allows me to be a part of this world is enough of a reason for me to be grateful. I look forward to each and every day. I love all of my friends, such as the ones named above and all of the ones not mentioned. You have all given me a gift worth more than any thing else in this world......Friendship. Thank you all and thank you again Dena for just being you. Hugz kiddo.

Bug's First Communion

Yesterday the youngest of my children made her first communion. It was a beautiful day here on the Island. The weather was actually more typical for a June day as opposed to it being the end of April but, I am certainly not complaining. My daughter has been looking forward to this day for awhile now. We started off the day by going to the 9 AM mass to witness my brother's son making his first communion and then it was back for the 12:30 mass for Bug's turn. Now you may call me a wimp, but I have to confess, when Kaitlyn came down the aisle along with the other celebrants, I had to fight the tears. Maybe I am prejudice since she is my daughter but she looked absolutely gorgeous in her white dress and veil. I know that in no time at all there will come a day when she walks down that aisle again. Only then she will be moving on to become a wife. I am choking up just typing this.

So, to all of you parents out there, no matter how tough the days get with your children, cherish each and every moment you have with them. They grow up way too fast.

Bug, Tyler, Kevin, Carleen, and I.
(Ignore the date, I forgot to set camera).

Bug looking like a bride inside the church.

NYS DMV

Being a government employee myself, I can aprreciate anyone that has to work as a public servant. However, since when did incompetence become one of the requirements? This is my wonderful experience with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles or the NYSDMV.

About 3 weeks ago I went to register a car for my wife. She had some issues and ended up getting the previous registration suspended. I downloaded the forms I needed, and decided since she now works steady, it would be easier for me to register the car in my name this time. I gathered what I needed, signed the forms, and had her sign her portion. And off I went. I got onto the line where they look at your forms and issue you a ticket number so you can wait your turn. It turned out I missed one form which they gave me and told me to fill out and then get back in line. Ok there were only a few people so no biggie. I get my ticket and go to sit and wait my turn. As soon as my butt hit the seat, they called me. Wow this is pretty fast and simple. I went to the window I was called to and handed the woman my forms. She looked everything over and said it was all in order. Great! Then the trouble started. It seems that the suspension had not yet cleared and I needed to wait. After apologizing to me, the woman stapled everything together and told me to come back in a few weeks. That brings me to today.

I had a light schedule at work so I grabbed my forms and off to the NYSDMV I go. I walk in and find that I now need to stand in a line behind about 50 people. All that just to get my ticket number. I figure ok no big deal since I have all that I need. After about 20 minutes I make it to the front of the line. The woman there looks everything over and informs me that I need a current insurance card. Damn! It was current 3 weeks ago! She gives me a fax # and tells me I can have it faxed there. She tells me I can just come back up and let her know when it should get there. I pick up the phone and call my agent. I get transferred to Jane. Well Jane isnt available according to her voicemail. I dont have time to wait so I hit 0 for the operator and get switched to Kathy. Kathy too was not available. I go through 3 more people before ending up back with Jane who finally answers the phone. Ok good Jane faxes what I need and I get my ticket.

I wait about 25 minutes for my number to be called and go up to the window. The woman there is pleasant. (Uncommon for NYSDMV but I am not going to complain). She looks over all my papers and tells me that I need one more signature from my wife. Grrr....Why didnt the last 3 people tell me this? I figure ok, I will just go outside and sign it and come back. She must have read my mind because she tells me "They will compare the signatures!" Curses! Foiled again! I head back to my office. I am stressing out since my wife really wanted her car back legally today. I finally get the form signed, don't ask how cause I cant't tell you. I head back to DMV.

Luckily they gave me a pass so I could avoid the info line again. I was able to cut in front of about 40 irrate people. I get a new ticket and have a seat. This time I wait about 15 minutes. When I get up to the window, I am dealing with a new person. She asks what I was missing before and when I tell her she looks at me and says, "Oh that girl is still new and you didn't need that signature." GRRRR! If I had hair I would be pulling it out. I think well ok let's get this over with. Ooops not so fast. my license says "Jr." and the insurance card does not. They have to match. At this point I am deciding public transit doesn't sound so bad.

After finally getting through to Jane again, and her dealing with a now broken fax machine, I finally have all my papers in order. The lady from DMV looked everything over again just to make sure. So after all of this I finally have nice shiny new plates for the car. When I get home I will hand them to my wife and tell her to put them on. By this point I figure I would end up mortally wounding myself with the screwdriver! I need a drink!......tm

Favorite 4 My Friday

This is my favorite tree. It is a weeping cherry tree. It stands in my front yard. Every year it blooms like this and it is my sign that Spring is finally here. I took this pic a couple days ago. Sadly by the end of next week the flowers will all be gone and it will be green.

Another Thought 4 My Thursday

"Friendship is not a big thing. It's a million little things."

Thought 4 My Thursday

"A lie becomes the truth if you believe it."

Random Pic 4 Today

Ok I here is my random pic of the day...a day late. I took this picture yesterday on my lunch hour. (I got bored after you hung up Dena). The sun has been rather elusive around these parts the past few days. Yesterday it was foggy most of the day. This shot is looking south across the bay. Riley may know where this is if it were a clear day.

Random Pic of the Day

Since it was a beautiful day, I told my daughter she should be outside playing. When I went outside into the back yard, I found her on the swing. I had to chuckle when I saw one of the chickens on the swing next to her.

Random Pic 4 Today

Buried someplace under the mess, is my desk at work. You will see the mandatory things like the computer, paperwork, phone, and of course the Jimmie Johnson pictures in the corner. (Next to the orange hippo). Thank you Dena for helping me show the world that JJ is the all-time greatest NASCAR driver. Not sure where the hippo fit into that. Although I suppose the short legs made you think of Tony Stewart and that is why you bought it for me.

What about me Wednesday

I believe in ghosts. There are far too many weird experiences I have witnessed for them not to exist. I have seen weird shadows and felt presences. I love to watch shows like "Ghost Hunters" and would love to be part of an investigation like that. I will have to make some time to sit and write some of the stories of my own personal experiences some time.

Hannah Montana

My daughter is a fan of Hannah Montana. So when this new movie came out, she just HAD to see it. I have seen the show and while I think it is ok, I would not consider myself a big fan. Several weeks ago I happened to see the music video for "The Climb" which is one of the songs from this movie. I liked the song so much that I figured I might just enjoy the movie. So, tonight my wife and I took Katie to see it.

I am not going to give away any parts of the movie. As you may already know from the ads, it is about Miley having to choose between Hannah and Miley. Of course that is what my daughter saw it for. Along with the dozens of other young girls at the theater with their moms. I watched it from a different point of view. I saw it as a dad. I watched as Miley's dad attempted to get his little girl to return to the innocence she lived before Hannah. Watching it as she came to realize what her family means to her, especially her dad, I am not ashamed to admit that I had tears in my eyes through much of the movie. My heart went out to Miley's dad. I kept looking over at my own daughter as she sat with her soda and popcorn, singing along with the many songs.

I know that one day it will be me fighting to hold on to my little girl as she does her best to become independant. She will grow up and eventually be on her own. She is only 8 right now but I already fear the day she gets married. So for now I will do my best to hold back my tears, and simply enjoy the time I get to spend with her. This Friday night is a "father - daughter" dance. I will be there with my princess and we will have fun. And I will do all I can to not let her see that inside I am getting teary that my little baby girl is growing up.........tm

Toon 4 My Tuesday

Music 4 My Monday

Random Pic of the Day

This furry friend is enjoying his Easter breakfast.

Random Pic of the Day

If you read my last post, you know that I now have chickens. I have to confess that they really are kinda cute. The one in this picture is the tiniest of the six and she seems to have taken a liking to me. I can sit on the couch and she will just hang out on my shoulder. If I go to pick up one of the others, she jumps up onto my arm so as to not be left out.

Bug -vs- Daddy -vs- Chickens

My daughter calls me at work yesterday and begins our conversation with "Daaaaaady?" It was that drawn out way of saying my name that immediately lets me know that she wants something. I figure she saw some new toy or was going to beg me to stand in a mile long line to see the New Hannah Montana movie that opens today. So when she asked, "Can I have a chicken?" I had to make her say it again to be sure I had heard her right. Indeed I had. Being a normal dad, and weighing out all my possible options of how to say no without being the bad guy, I gave her what most dad's would consider the only possible answer. I told her, "Go ask your mother." Little did I know that my wife had already played that card and it is why Bug was calling me. Grrrrr! Well, after listening to her tell me about how her grandmother wanted to buy this chicken, (Don't you just love mother-in-laws?), I reluctantly agreed. As I was getting ready to hang up, Bug tells me, "Ok I will get two." Okay wait, did she just two? "Kaitlyn! I didn't say yes to ...{CLICK!}....two!...Hello? Hellooo?" Rather than call back and argue I rationalized the need for a chicken to have a playmate.

Okay, now I know I have talked about starting a chicken farm before, and my friend Dena asks me all the time just when I am moving to NE to do it, but I have never raised a chicken in my life. In fact, the only time I have ever really touched a chicken,(other than the many nights spent alone choking one) it was on my dinner plate and not about to run around the kitchen. So, I do the only thing I could think of and send a message to Dena since she has experience. My two major questions, "How do I keep a chicken warm in the winter?" and "How long do chickens live?" After she finally stopped laughing at me, she did eventually answer those questions. She also gave me some other helpful tips about clipping wings and high fences.

A few hours after the initial "Daddy can I have a chicken" phone call, my daughter calls me again. This time she starts out telling me about a note the tooth fairy left her. She tried to trick the tooth fairy by leaving the little silk "tooth pouch" under her pillow with what she thought looked like a tooth inside. The tooth fairy responded by leaving a note telling Kaity not to try and trick the tooth fairy. She also left Kaity a trial sized packet of cat food. I started to panic since we do not have a cat. I had a talk with the tooth fairy, who assured me that we did not have a cat hidden some place in the house. I then asked Bug if she had gotten the chickens yet. So I asked her to tell me what color they are. "Well, I got a black one, two white ones, and..." Wait did she just say three chickens? "......and Tyler got 3 brown ones!" So, that means she got 3 and Tyler got 3 and even using new math that still adds up to, OMG 6 CHICKENS! I asked her again and she confirmed that we did in fact now have 6 chickens.

"Where is your mother?"
"She is in the house."
"Put her on the phone!"
"But Daddy...."
"Give her the $@%# phone!"
"Are you going to ask her why we have 6 chickens?"
"No dear, I am going to give her my favorite chicken recipes!"

Well, it appears that you can not buy just one or two chickens. At least not live ones. They only sell them in lots of six. And since my daughter already had her heart set on a chicken.....yeah you know the rest. So I now have six baby chickens in my house since they can not go outside for about another month. I am just praying they are all female and that I can at least enjoy fresh eggs. Time will tell. In the meantime I will just be thankful she didn't ask for a cow. We are not zoned for a cattle ranch.

Oh, and Dena is still laughing her butt off at me over this one. She pointed out that I'm finally living my dream of being a chicken farmer. Keep laughing Dena! You told me that you would help me if I ever did it. So, be expecting many many phone calls for advice!.....tm

Thought 4 My Thursday

"Do not want others to know what you have done?
Better not have done it anyways"

Random Pic of the Day & What about Me 4 My Weds

I am kinda cheating here. I am combining themes for today. I have said in the past that I save things. Sometimes things have such a special meaning to me that I show them off. Especially if it is something my kids gave me. Today's pic is of a drawing Kaity drew for me about 4 years ago when she was 4 years old. It has been hanging over my desk at work since the day she drew it while sitting here in my office at my desk. It will probably be there until I retire.

A plea to all of you.

What started out as a quiet day at work, ended on a depressing note. There was another fire in the village. It was adjacent to the building that burned last week. (See the Random Pic of the Day from last Thursday). I arrived to find very little damage of the fire. In fact except for the firemen climbing around, you really can not tell there even was a fire. I figured this was going to be a very easy investigation. I was wrong.

My job was very easy in the fact that the fire was accidental and damage is limited to a bed and adjacent belongings. The bad part of it was, in the bed lied the burned remains of the man that lived there. It appears that the fire was most likely caused by careless actions of the victims.

So, my plea to all of you is this: Beds are made for sleeping. Okay, and THAT too. Never smoke in bed. Never use any type of device that if left unattended, poses a fire risk. Make sure the area around the bed is clear. Do not allow clothing or other objects to fall between the bed and a wall where there are electrical outlets. Life is dangerous enough. Don't tempt fate. Be safe......tm

PS-Go right now and check the batteries in your smoke detectors!

Random Pic of the Day

In this modern day of technology, almost every has a cell phone. Seeing a pay phone is a very rare sight indeed. Even more rare is actually seeing a phone booth. This 1960's era phone booth is located in front of my office. Although the kids have taken a liking to attempting to destroy it, it actually does still work and people do still use it.

Toon 4 my Tuesday

Random Pic of the Day

The day is windy, cool and gray, but it won't be long before this sign is gone and the beach is full of people.

Random Pic of the Day

Bug recently figured out how to blow a bubble with her gum.

Random Pic of the Day

My day started when my phone rang at 6 AM. I had to go in to work to do an inspection of a fire damaged building. The Oasis Bar (green awning) had a fire and I had to make sure the building was structurally sound.

Thought 4 My Thursday

Of all the people who have walked in and out of my life, the ones who left the biggest impression, are the ones who walked the softest.....tm

What About Me 4 My Wednesday

Ok so I have been really bad about keeping up with Dena's daily themes. And now that she is playing along with my "pic of the day" I suppose I should be better about keeping up.

It takes a lot to get to know me. I do not let people behind my walls very easily. And even those that I have let in do not know all there is to know about me. I tend to remain detached emotionally. But, I am the type of person who once I befriend you, I am your friend for life. No matter what. It's actually almost to a fault. I have been taken advantage of a few times over the years and yet no matter how hard I try to walk away from the offenders, I just can't. I have never been able to turn my back on anyone. Oh sure I may stop talking to them at first, but that never lasts. Even if it takes months, eventually I end up talking to them again. In almost every situation, I have ended up with a friend that is worth the extra effort.

Now don't take that to mean I forget the negatives. I never will. I just find ways to work around them but, I am always on my guard to make sure it doesn't happen again. It also makes me wary to let others in down the road. ....tm

Random Pic of the Day

I live on the south shore of an island. Boating is big business and a major enjoyment of many people. I don't personally own one. I don't have to since everyone I know does. With Spring in the air and Summer not so far off, I saw this scene today and decided it would make a good pic for the day.

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY

A proper decision by the courts..........for a change..

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY In Florida , an atheist created a case against the Upcoming Easter and Passover days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!" The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the Ruling , "Your honor,how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays." The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do.. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists." The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day.. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned. You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!...........................