It's Wednesday and I am not traveling. That's actually fairly rare during the biggest part of the year. I frequently travel during the middle of the week. It varies, of course. There are times that I miss part of the weekend on the road, but, for the most part, my travel starts on Monday and ends on Friday.
It doesn't seem like a big deal that I am home on Wednesday, but, it is the day we have choir rehearsal for the church choir. I usually make it for Sunday service but, frequently miss rehearsals during the middle of the week. I am fortunate in that I make enough rehearsals that I've usually at least seen the piece(s) we are doing on Sunday but, sometimes that isn't the case. There have been a few times I am sight-reading on Sunday morning.
I enjoy choir. It is an escape. Having rehearsal in the middle of the week is great because it is an interruption in the ho-hum that allows me an hour and a half of enjoyment (when I can make it). You see, for those of you who don't sing, music is the language of the soul -- the heart. It is a way to touch something divine for just a short period.
When we listen to music we want it to be good. When we sing, it is often far less than perfect. But, in a choral setting that doesn't really matter as much as you might think. The combined voices often mask individual imperfections and the overall effect can be excellent even when the individuals involved are not.
It's too bad that choral music is rarely heard any more. Most churches have gone to praise bands. Don't get me wrong, I like praise and worship music, but, often as not, praise bands aren't all that good. They become exclusive because there are so few in the ensemble that only the "top" singers are selected to sing in them. That leaves many very good singers out. Choirs are not that way. It is only in the very largest of churches that there is a level of exclusivity because of numbers. In which case tryouts determine who joins and who does not.
Any way. Tonight is choir practice. I get to enjoy a tiny slice of the divine for awhile. Maybe I'll even know the music!
"Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing." Psalms 100:1-2
Chris
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Reboot
Don't you hate it when the world conspires against you? OK, that might be a little bit strong. It was only a minor glitch. I just don't like to say, "stop."
I managed to volunteer (I use the term loosely) to set up a series of meetings across the state for educating cattlemen. We did a few of these meetings last year and they went over well. A group of private companies along with some industry organizations cooperating to bring programs for educating cattlemen on new technology isn't a new thing, but, we did it in a slightly different way than had ever been done before. It worked. The people involved were happy and the cattlemen felt like it was time well spent based on the feedback we received.
This year I drew the short straw. I was put in charge. It seems strange, because generally I like to be in charge, but, I didn't want to head up this project. Scheduling 12 meetings in 12 different locations on 12 different days over a 2-month period and coordinating speakers for 6 different time slots -- oh, not always the same speakers -- is challenging to say the least. Plus, the world doesn't stand still so, these had to fit into already packed schedules for all involved. And, we got a late start. Maybe that was my fault. Maybe it was just circumstances. I don't know.
Anyway, to make a long story short, one of the meetings for the first week is going to have to be re-scheduled. Circumstances beyond my control -- or, for that matter, beyond the control of anyone involved -- for a change. I'm more of a "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" type. But, that strategy won't work this time. Oh, well. One out of 12 isn't too bad.....
Chris
I managed to volunteer (I use the term loosely) to set up a series of meetings across the state for educating cattlemen. We did a few of these meetings last year and they went over well. A group of private companies along with some industry organizations cooperating to bring programs for educating cattlemen on new technology isn't a new thing, but, we did it in a slightly different way than had ever been done before. It worked. The people involved were happy and the cattlemen felt like it was time well spent based on the feedback we received.
This year I drew the short straw. I was put in charge. It seems strange, because generally I like to be in charge, but, I didn't want to head up this project. Scheduling 12 meetings in 12 different locations on 12 different days over a 2-month period and coordinating speakers for 6 different time slots -- oh, not always the same speakers -- is challenging to say the least. Plus, the world doesn't stand still so, these had to fit into already packed schedules for all involved. And, we got a late start. Maybe that was my fault. Maybe it was just circumstances. I don't know.
Anyway, to make a long story short, one of the meetings for the first week is going to have to be re-scheduled. Circumstances beyond my control -- or, for that matter, beyond the control of anyone involved -- for a change. I'm more of a "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" type. But, that strategy won't work this time. Oh, well. One out of 12 isn't too bad.....
Chris
Monday, June 27, 2011
Editing Video Clips
This afternoon was spent doing something that was new to me. I was editing video clips. Or, rather, I was directing the process of editing video clips.
Some time back (I think I posted about it) I was involved in the recording of about 2 1/2 hours of testimonial video from one of our customers. The recording, etc. was funded by one of our suppliers who then used that video to create promotional DVD's about what we do. They recently gave us access to the raw footage so that we could use it for our own purposes.
I am trying to do a couple of things with the video. The first is to make a brief testimonial video that we can hand out to prospective customers. Secondly, I want to cut a number of very brief -- 10 to 30 second -- sound bites from it to use in presentations or on our website.
It was a very interesting exercise in listening. I would listen to the video and then stop the technician when there was a sound bite that I wanted to keep. There are plenty that are great illustrations of points that I use in presentations. The problem was more in discarding rather than in keeping. The DVD needs to be brief. When our supplier made their original DVD, they reduced the 2 1/2 hours of material to about 22 minutes. I wanted something in the neighborhood of 3 to 6 minutes. I got it down to a little over 9 minutes. I don't know what else to cut!
It was an interesting process watching Rick (the technician) clip the video snippets that I wanted to keep. He even took out a single word that didn't belong at one point. I was impressed. It went much more quickly than I anticipated.
Now, Rick will send me a link to the file that I can further evaluate. I probably will change the order of some of what was said and think about how we will insert voice-over transitions in a few spots. All-in-all, it was a much better afternoon than I expected. I honestly dreaded it. Sometimes it's good to be wrong....
Chris
Some time back (I think I posted about it) I was involved in the recording of about 2 1/2 hours of testimonial video from one of our customers. The recording, etc. was funded by one of our suppliers who then used that video to create promotional DVD's about what we do. They recently gave us access to the raw footage so that we could use it for our own purposes.
I am trying to do a couple of things with the video. The first is to make a brief testimonial video that we can hand out to prospective customers. Secondly, I want to cut a number of very brief -- 10 to 30 second -- sound bites from it to use in presentations or on our website.
It was a very interesting exercise in listening. I would listen to the video and then stop the technician when there was a sound bite that I wanted to keep. There are plenty that are great illustrations of points that I use in presentations. The problem was more in discarding rather than in keeping. The DVD needs to be brief. When our supplier made their original DVD, they reduced the 2 1/2 hours of material to about 22 minutes. I wanted something in the neighborhood of 3 to 6 minutes. I got it down to a little over 9 minutes. I don't know what else to cut!
It was an interesting process watching Rick (the technician) clip the video snippets that I wanted to keep. He even took out a single word that didn't belong at one point. I was impressed. It went much more quickly than I anticipated.
Now, Rick will send me a link to the file that I can further evaluate. I probably will change the order of some of what was said and think about how we will insert voice-over transitions in a few spots. All-in-all, it was a much better afternoon than I expected. I honestly dreaded it. Sometimes it's good to be wrong....
Chris
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Healing Reign
I had resolved a few weeks ago to quit writing about the extreme heat and wind. I'm breaking my resolution. At 3:53 p.m today it was 110 degrees in Amarillo with winds at 21 gusting to 31 and relative humidity of 4%. I'm seriously considering a trip to Phoenix to cool off. It is miserable outside.
I walked outside earlier to take care of a couple of things that needed done and decided to beat a retreat back in the house. I don't think I left any skin, but, in a matter of minutes I probably lost 3 lbs. through evaporation! I think it would be a cinch making jerky out there. Just hang it on the fence for a couple of hours......
I was thinking earlier that it was probably a lot like this during the dust bowl. There were a couple of differences then; the air was filled with blowing dirt because of poor farming practices and they didn't have air conditioning. I'm wondering if maybe we shouldn't do some plowing to increase the particulate matter in the air so maybe a raindrop would have a chance of forming! Well, with 4% humidity that's not likely. Especially when you consider the dew point is at 20 F. I don't think it's going to form any dew tonight let alone a raindrop.
Water restrictions are becoming common across the area. So far most cities and towns are at stage one. It won't be long until they move to stage 2 though if the weather doesn't break soon. That will mean mandatory restrictions.
Floods in the north, tornadoes across the eastern half of the nation, unprecedented drought in Texas and other parts of the Southwest; sounds a bit apocalyptic doesn't it? Perhaps it is a sign that God wants us to turn to Him for relief. I know that in this part of the world the prayers are going up pretty regularly. The problem is, it is mostly prayers for rain, not a true healing of this land. Maybe God would listen more if we didn't look to Him as a "Genie" to grant our wishes and instead saw Him as the sovereign Creator that He is. We need to seek forgiveness and healing, not just rain. That will come when we fall to our knees before Him and submit to His reign -- not our own.
Chris
I walked outside earlier to take care of a couple of things that needed done and decided to beat a retreat back in the house. I don't think I left any skin, but, in a matter of minutes I probably lost 3 lbs. through evaporation! I think it would be a cinch making jerky out there. Just hang it on the fence for a couple of hours......
I was thinking earlier that it was probably a lot like this during the dust bowl. There were a couple of differences then; the air was filled with blowing dirt because of poor farming practices and they didn't have air conditioning. I'm wondering if maybe we shouldn't do some plowing to increase the particulate matter in the air so maybe a raindrop would have a chance of forming! Well, with 4% humidity that's not likely. Especially when you consider the dew point is at 20 F. I don't think it's going to form any dew tonight let alone a raindrop.
Water restrictions are becoming common across the area. So far most cities and towns are at stage one. It won't be long until they move to stage 2 though if the weather doesn't break soon. That will mean mandatory restrictions.
Floods in the north, tornadoes across the eastern half of the nation, unprecedented drought in Texas and other parts of the Southwest; sounds a bit apocalyptic doesn't it? Perhaps it is a sign that God wants us to turn to Him for relief. I know that in this part of the world the prayers are going up pretty regularly. The problem is, it is mostly prayers for rain, not a true healing of this land. Maybe God would listen more if we didn't look to Him as a "Genie" to grant our wishes and instead saw Him as the sovereign Creator that He is. We need to seek forgiveness and healing, not just rain. That will come when we fall to our knees before Him and submit to His reign -- not our own.
Chris
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Trees, Birds and the Heat
We have a number of different trees on our place -- all planted. Nothing native. Oh, there are no trees native to the Texas Panhandle. It's no wonder in a year like this. Nothing can survive without supplemental care.
It has been a challenge keeping enough water on my trees this year so, I was out this morning giving them a drink before the heat became unbearable. I decided to call it good at 11:00 a.m. when the temperature hit 99.3. I figured that's warm enough. Besides, they all got a drink that needed the extra. It's expected to hit as high as 108 today. Yuck.
A few weeks ago -- back when it wouldn't hit 100 until around 4:00 p.m. -- I built berms around my pine trees so it would be easier to get extra water to them. Here's a photo:
Notice how dry the pasture is around it and in the distance. Not much green until you hit town in the distance where there are trees growing.
But, in reality, I guess I do have a few trees on the place that weren't planted by me or the previous owner. The birds plant them. Here's a photo:
This is a Russian Olive. They are considered a nuisance tree by most people. However, I like the way they look, they are hardy and they help form a good windbreak. Notice how this one is growing in the fence row. It's because that's where the bird sat that planted it. These trees are great for wildlife because of the small, hard olives that they bear.
The birds eat the olives. The passage of the seed through the acids in their alimentary canal softens the coat so that, given adequate water and soil, it will sprout and grow another generation.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" __ Matthew 6:26
Kinda cool huh!
Chris
It has been a challenge keeping enough water on my trees this year so, I was out this morning giving them a drink before the heat became unbearable. I decided to call it good at 11:00 a.m. when the temperature hit 99.3. I figured that's warm enough. Besides, they all got a drink that needed the extra. It's expected to hit as high as 108 today. Yuck.
A few weeks ago -- back when it wouldn't hit 100 until around 4:00 p.m. -- I built berms around my pine trees so it would be easier to get extra water to them. Here's a photo:
Notice how dry the pasture is around it and in the distance. Not much green until you hit town in the distance where there are trees growing.
But, in reality, I guess I do have a few trees on the place that weren't planted by me or the previous owner. The birds plant them. Here's a photo:
This is a Russian Olive. They are considered a nuisance tree by most people. However, I like the way they look, they are hardy and they help form a good windbreak. Notice how this one is growing in the fence row. It's because that's where the bird sat that planted it. These trees are great for wildlife because of the small, hard olives that they bear.
The birds eat the olives. The passage of the seed through the acids in their alimentary canal softens the coat so that, given adequate water and soil, it will sprout and grow another generation.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" __ Matthew 6:26
Kinda cool huh!
Chris
Friday, June 24, 2011
Pleasant Surprises
We all need a surprise at times. We need something that interrupts the hum-drum ho-hum of the day that frequently is the mode in which we operate. Something that breaks the routine can change one from uninspired automaton to a smiling dynamo.
It often doesn't take much to flip that switch. It can be an unexpected smile or a compliment. It can be a phone call that is upbeat and positive, or, it can be a chance encounter with someone you haven't seen in awhile.
Knowing the positive impact those little surprises can have on you, do you take the time to spring them on those around you? Do you put a little sunshine into other people's lives upon occasion? If not, why not? It doesn't take much effort and the rewards can be great. After all, I've noticed that it's contagious. It might just come back to you.
Chris
It often doesn't take much to flip that switch. It can be an unexpected smile or a compliment. It can be a phone call that is upbeat and positive, or, it can be a chance encounter with someone you haven't seen in awhile.
Knowing the positive impact those little surprises can have on you, do you take the time to spring them on those around you? Do you put a little sunshine into other people's lives upon occasion? If not, why not? It doesn't take much effort and the rewards can be great. After all, I've noticed that it's contagious. It might just come back to you.
Chris
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A Day In The Office
It was back into the routine today. I guess. Although it might be argued that I don't have much of a routine. Unless you consider too much travel to be routine!
What I mean is that I spent the day in the office. Or, at least, my temporary office while we are waiting on new carpet to be laid so that I can get into a more permanent setting.
Since I started working from home -- only logical because of all the travel -- I have been in a temporary setup while we completed a re-model project. It is taking a lot longer than intended. Carpet. Ordered. Delayed. Wrong. Re-ordered. Waiting. Frustrated.
After being gone for a week and a half, I spent a big chunk of the day just getting through all the e-mails that had received only cursory treatment while on the road but, that needed more. Then, at one point this morning, I had 32 new e-mails hit within a very brief span of time. I guess all the ones I was sending out, along with the junk I can't seem to get stopped, received responses all at once. Crazy. Is the rest of the world all on the same clock and it's only me that's different?
It seems like no matter how much I am able to deal with from the road there are always things that need an office to get done. Oh, well.
A few days and it will be back to a manageable level.....
Chris
What I mean is that I spent the day in the office. Or, at least, my temporary office while we are waiting on new carpet to be laid so that I can get into a more permanent setting.
Since I started working from home -- only logical because of all the travel -- I have been in a temporary setup while we completed a re-model project. It is taking a lot longer than intended. Carpet. Ordered. Delayed. Wrong. Re-ordered. Waiting. Frustrated.
After being gone for a week and a half, I spent a big chunk of the day just getting through all the e-mails that had received only cursory treatment while on the road but, that needed more. Then, at one point this morning, I had 32 new e-mails hit within a very brief span of time. I guess all the ones I was sending out, along with the junk I can't seem to get stopped, received responses all at once. Crazy. Is the rest of the world all on the same clock and it's only me that's different?
It seems like no matter how much I am able to deal with from the road there are always things that need an office to get done. Oh, well.
A few days and it will be back to a manageable level.....
Chris
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Mobile blogging.
The cattlemen are starting to arrive here at the hotel. It is refreshing to see the hats in the Sheraton lobby. I suspect they don't see many hats -- except the trendy kind.
Aren't trends funny? It amazes me how fads come and go. I guess people are just like sheep. They like to hang together, be told what to do, and follow a so-called leader without question.
You know, on my drive this morning I took the perfect photo for this short blog....
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Saturday, June 18, 2011
An Adventure Worth It
I believe in having adventures. I mean, what would life be without a little adventure thrown in now and again. Boring. Just plain boring.
Now, most people dread adventure because typically that means something went wrong. You know, getting lost, or having some kind of mishap. So, most people tend to stay on the beaten path. The easy way. The highway.
Me, I like the dirt roads. The back roads. The, uh oh, there's grass growing in the middle kinda roads. So, I took one today.
It was Forest Road 895 in the Routt National Forest, just a few miles south of the Wyoming line. I headed west.....er, north, no south.....anyway, it wound around and around. I had my trusty Garmin with me so I figured I could just keep following forest roads until the next highway on the way to Steamboat. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my Garmin, but, I've found that it is nearly useless when you get off the well-traveled path.
I was doing great. The road was good. There was no one around -- which was perfect. So I went on and on and was probably about 10 miles off the highway. The Garmin showed that I would wind around awhile and end up on the highway I started on but, a good bit further south. I didn't notice the North Platte River on the map.
The further I got, the less well-traveled the road appeared to be. There have been recent rains and there were occasional rivulets of water (probably snow melt) and sometimes a pothole or rut filled with water. But, the Garmin said all was good. I kept going.
I crossed a cattle guard and the road was even less traveled but, still not too bad. The occasional pothole with water became more frequent but, I was able to go around. The scenery was gorgeous. Open meadows surrounded by aspen and fir. The occasional mud holes were getting a little worse and I was beginning to think I should turn back. But, Garmin said it's good!
Then, I reached another cattle guard beyond which was a muddy morass. I backed up until I could turn around and started back to the highway in defeat. Oh, well, it was worth it just for the scenery and the quiet. Then, ahead of me was one of those mud holes that worried me a bit on the way in. I knew that if I kept to the high side I should be OK. So, on I charged when, whoomp! the bottom fell out and I was stuck. Not just a little stuck. Seriously, to the frame, stuck.
I got out and assessed my options. Not good. There was plenty of downed wood and rocks so I thought maybe I could dig down enough to build a bed in the bottom of the mud hole with the rocks and possible get enough traction to get out. However, I was high centered and that presented a problem I wasn't sure how to address. But, optimist that I am, and it being a long hike back to the last place I saw a human being, I started to dig and see if I could get unstuck.
I worked and worked and worked but, as fast as I could scoop the mud out of the hole, the more flowed in. After about an hour I decided it was hopeless and started walking.
I walked about 3 miles before I met a Wyoming native in a 4WD Nissan Titan pickup. I flagged him down to see if he would give me a ride into town (quite a few miles) to find someone to come pull me out. He thought he could do it with his trusty Titan but, I doubted it given the depth of the hole that I was all too familiar with. So, we drove back to where I was stuck and he said, "I think I can pull it out. We'll hook onto the back with a chain (he just happened to have 2) and see if we can't pull you out the way you went in." He then maneuvered around me on the high side and I got down in the mud and hooked the chain. I think I need a Titan pickup. It pulled me out without even spinning a tire. I was impressed.
I then had to drive around the mud hole -- which I was able to do -- and back to the highway. I offered to pay Matt (my Good Samaritan) but, he wouldn't take anything. He then followed me to the highway to make sure I stayed out of any more mud holes.
Oh, did I tell you? When I was walking up the road, I came upon a young moose munching Aspen leaves on the side of the road. I walked to within about 100 ft. before she took off in her crazy, awkward gait into the forest. A few photos of the trip below. No, none of me stuck....
Now, most people dread adventure because typically that means something went wrong. You know, getting lost, or having some kind of mishap. So, most people tend to stay on the beaten path. The easy way. The highway.
Me, I like the dirt roads. The back roads. The, uh oh, there's grass growing in the middle kinda roads. So, I took one today.
It was Forest Road 895 in the Routt National Forest, just a few miles south of the Wyoming line. I headed west.....er, north, no south.....anyway, it wound around and around. I had my trusty Garmin with me so I figured I could just keep following forest roads until the next highway on the way to Steamboat. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my Garmin, but, I've found that it is nearly useless when you get off the well-traveled path.
I was doing great. The road was good. There was no one around -- which was perfect. So I went on and on and was probably about 10 miles off the highway. The Garmin showed that I would wind around awhile and end up on the highway I started on but, a good bit further south. I didn't notice the North Platte River on the map.
The further I got, the less well-traveled the road appeared to be. There have been recent rains and there were occasional rivulets of water (probably snow melt) and sometimes a pothole or rut filled with water. But, the Garmin said all was good. I kept going.
I crossed a cattle guard and the road was even less traveled but, still not too bad. The occasional pothole with water became more frequent but, I was able to go around. The scenery was gorgeous. Open meadows surrounded by aspen and fir. The occasional mud holes were getting a little worse and I was beginning to think I should turn back. But, Garmin said it's good!
Then, I reached another cattle guard beyond which was a muddy morass. I backed up until I could turn around and started back to the highway in defeat. Oh, well, it was worth it just for the scenery and the quiet. Then, ahead of me was one of those mud holes that worried me a bit on the way in. I knew that if I kept to the high side I should be OK. So, on I charged when, whoomp! the bottom fell out and I was stuck. Not just a little stuck. Seriously, to the frame, stuck.
I got out and assessed my options. Not good. There was plenty of downed wood and rocks so I thought maybe I could dig down enough to build a bed in the bottom of the mud hole with the rocks and possible get enough traction to get out. However, I was high centered and that presented a problem I wasn't sure how to address. But, optimist that I am, and it being a long hike back to the last place I saw a human being, I started to dig and see if I could get unstuck.
I worked and worked and worked but, as fast as I could scoop the mud out of the hole, the more flowed in. After about an hour I decided it was hopeless and started walking.
I walked about 3 miles before I met a Wyoming native in a 4WD Nissan Titan pickup. I flagged him down to see if he would give me a ride into town (quite a few miles) to find someone to come pull me out. He thought he could do it with his trusty Titan but, I doubted it given the depth of the hole that I was all too familiar with. So, we drove back to where I was stuck and he said, "I think I can pull it out. We'll hook onto the back with a chain (he just happened to have 2) and see if we can't pull you out the way you went in." He then maneuvered around me on the high side and I got down in the mud and hooked the chain. I think I need a Titan pickup. It pulled me out without even spinning a tire. I was impressed.
I then had to drive around the mud hole -- which I was able to do -- and back to the highway. I offered to pay Matt (my Good Samaritan) but, he wouldn't take anything. He then followed me to the highway to make sure I stayed out of any more mud holes.
Oh, did I tell you? When I was walking up the road, I came upon a young moose munching Aspen leaves on the side of the road. I walked to within about 100 ft. before she took off in her crazy, awkward gait into the forest. A few photos of the trip below. No, none of me stuck....
The moose.
A beaver lodge.
Just some scenery.
I think it was worth getting stuck.
Chris
It's Been Awhile
I am in Laramie, Wyoming, this morning. I was just thinking about the last time that I was here. I was twelve years old.
It was a memorable trip. We had gone to see my grandmother and other family in Oklahoma. My uncle and his family were preparing for a trip to Yellowstone. They convinced my parents that we should go too.
We made a Walmart run. Probably the first Walmart I had ever been in. They were not nearly as wide-spread at that time. We bought camping supplies that my uncle didn't have extras he could loan. Then we loaded up the cars and drove. And drove. And drove. Kids sleeping in the floor or on top of luggage. We were piled in pretty tight.
We stopped in Laramie for lunch along the way. I ate my first buffalo burger. That is my memory of Laramie.
The time camping in Yellowstone was memorable. It would take too much space to write about it here, but, perhaps I will add to the story in time. Let me just say that we fished, we hiked, we saw wildlife and mountains, we were rained on, we chased off bears, we had a great time.
Laramie. It sure doesn't look like I remembered it. It's kinda grown up a bit. Much bigger. I think the population sign showed something over 27,000.
From here I head to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I am looking forward to the drive and plan to take my time. Maybe tomorrow there will be photos for the blog. It will depend on the weather.
Chris
It was a memorable trip. We had gone to see my grandmother and other family in Oklahoma. My uncle and his family were preparing for a trip to Yellowstone. They convinced my parents that we should go too.
We made a Walmart run. Probably the first Walmart I had ever been in. They were not nearly as wide-spread at that time. We bought camping supplies that my uncle didn't have extras he could loan. Then we loaded up the cars and drove. And drove. And drove. Kids sleeping in the floor or on top of luggage. We were piled in pretty tight.
We stopped in Laramie for lunch along the way. I ate my first buffalo burger. That is my memory of Laramie.
The time camping in Yellowstone was memorable. It would take too much space to write about it here, but, perhaps I will add to the story in time. Let me just say that we fished, we hiked, we saw wildlife and mountains, we were rained on, we chased off bears, we had a great time.
Laramie. It sure doesn't look like I remembered it. It's kinda grown up a bit. Much bigger. I think the population sign showed something over 27,000.
From here I head to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I am looking forward to the drive and plan to take my time. Maybe tomorrow there will be photos for the blog. It will depend on the weather.
Chris
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Another Day
It was another day of calling on potential customers. As I drove along I couldn't help but enjoy the green. It is beautiful here. It rained last night and early this morning. The high temperature was in the upper 70's. It was absolutely perfect weather except for a little wind. But, I'm used to wind.
I keep hearing reports from home of temperatures over 100 and winds at 20 - 30 mph and gusts even higher. That kind of blast furnace heat is sucking what little moisture there is out of the soil. Cities and counties are banning fireworks and starting to implement water restrictions. Living in the country, with very dry grass all around me, I am thankful for the fireworks ban and not really affected by the water restrictions except that maybe it will leave a little more in the aquifer for the future.
Well, I don't have anything much worth saying so I guess I'll end here.
Chris
I keep hearing reports from home of temperatures over 100 and winds at 20 - 30 mph and gusts even higher. That kind of blast furnace heat is sucking what little moisture there is out of the soil. Cities and counties are banning fireworks and starting to implement water restrictions. Living in the country, with very dry grass all around me, I am thankful for the fireworks ban and not really affected by the water restrictions except that maybe it will leave a little more in the aquifer for the future.
Well, I don't have anything much worth saying so I guess I'll end here.
Chris
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A Learning Process
Selling a new product is always an interesting task. The roll out involves months of preparation and research so that when the product is actually ready, the sales force can hit the ground running. If the product is good and the marketing department has done their job well, it should be a joy for the salesman to begin his rounds introducing the product to his customers and prospects.
The problem is that it never goes quite like expected.
Even the most thorough market research rarely is perfect. Sometimes, it is even misleading. If the questions aren't crafted correctly, or if there is the slightest deficit in industry knowledge by those creating the marketing program, the sales force may be in for a challenging time. So, I try to warn young sales people that they should spend more time learning about their product as they introduce it than they actually spend time selling it.
What I mean is that the first few weeks of sales calls with a new product should be as much about listening and getting feedback from the potential customers than about getting them to buy what you have.
This week has been a case in point. Part of the reason for my week of sales calls is that we are rolling out a new service in our business. We have implemented it into our offering and for the most part, worked out the operational "kinks" that come up with anything new. Now we are getting feedback from our customers. That feedback will allow us to more effectively sell the product. Yeah, I know that sounds backward to most of you who might read this, but, the real world "ain't perfect" and it proves the fact over and over again.
There was only one thing perfect that ever walked this earth and all us imperfect people hung Him on a cross. So, I suppose I should expect glitches.....
Chris
The problem is that it never goes quite like expected.
Even the most thorough market research rarely is perfect. Sometimes, it is even misleading. If the questions aren't crafted correctly, or if there is the slightest deficit in industry knowledge by those creating the marketing program, the sales force may be in for a challenging time. So, I try to warn young sales people that they should spend more time learning about their product as they introduce it than they actually spend time selling it.
What I mean is that the first few weeks of sales calls with a new product should be as much about listening and getting feedback from the potential customers than about getting them to buy what you have.
This week has been a case in point. Part of the reason for my week of sales calls is that we are rolling out a new service in our business. We have implemented it into our offering and for the most part, worked out the operational "kinks" that come up with anything new. Now we are getting feedback from our customers. That feedback will allow us to more effectively sell the product. Yeah, I know that sounds backward to most of you who might read this, but, the real world "ain't perfect" and it proves the fact over and over again.
There was only one thing perfect that ever walked this earth and all us imperfect people hung Him on a cross. So, I suppose I should expect glitches.....
Chris
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Expecting the Extraordinary
Most of us travel through life missing the majority of what is going on around us. It's the rut syndrome. We get in our little groove and go, go, go, day after day, doing the same old things and not really thinking about or, observing what is going on around us. That's sad, because there are extraordinary things nearly everywhere.
OK, most folks will think that "extraordinary" may be going a bit far, but, I don't think so. I am constantly amazed by what people do and have done, but, more importantly, I expect God to reveal something amazing to me every day and He frequently does.
But, for today, I'm going to stick with people-made extraordinary things.
It was another day of sales calls in rural America. Small towns are full of creative people with big visions for their small towns. I was "blown away" by what I saw today in Concordia, Kansas, on the side of the building that was apparently the "Cloud County Museum Annex and Travel Center." The series of photos below will explain better than I ever could.....
I don't know how it was done, whether cast stone, or carved into the stone, but, it was a beautiful piece of art in a small town in Kansas.
Chris
OK, most folks will think that "extraordinary" may be going a bit far, but, I don't think so. I am constantly amazed by what people do and have done, but, more importantly, I expect God to reveal something amazing to me every day and He frequently does.
But, for today, I'm going to stick with people-made extraordinary things.
It was another day of sales calls in rural America. Small towns are full of creative people with big visions for their small towns. I was "blown away" by what I saw today in Concordia, Kansas, on the side of the building that was apparently the "Cloud County Museum Annex and Travel Center." The series of photos below will explain better than I ever could.....
I don't know how it was done, whether cast stone, or carved into the stone, but, it was a beautiful piece of art in a small town in Kansas.
Chris
Monday, June 13, 2011
A Surprise Around the Corner
Yesterday was spent on the road -- or at least a big chunk of yesterday. I made sales calls today.
I love making sales calls, but, management responsibilities prevent me from getting out in the country as much as I would like. It seems there are always e-mails and reports and paying bills and personnel issues and new projects and on and on and on.....that make it difficult to get out and make sales calls. But, I decided a few weeks ago that this week would be devoted to calling on prospective customers.
One of the things that make my job enjoyable is that most of my travel is in ranch country. I love ranch country. I love the wide-open spaces and the people. I love the small towns that sometimes only have a few hundred people for population. But, most of all, I just like to see the miles and miles of wide-open spaces dotted with cattle or.........what I saw today.
I had just made a call on a feed yard and plugged in the address of my next stop into my Garmin (I honestly don't know how sales people found some of these places before Garmin) and the directions had me turn north on a gravel road. The gravel soon gave way to dirt and then sand. Fortunately, it was a damp morning and the sand was OK for travel. I was watching the screen to see what was ahead and the windshield to see if the Garmin knew where it was taking me. It looked to me like the road was getting narrower and the occasional weeds in the middle made me wonder if I might be headed for a dead end. In fact, ahead of me it looked like the road disappeared into a pasture.
I was wrong. It just turned. Below is what I saw.....
I love making sales calls, but, management responsibilities prevent me from getting out in the country as much as I would like. It seems there are always e-mails and reports and paying bills and personnel issues and new projects and on and on and on.....that make it difficult to get out and make sales calls. But, I decided a few weeks ago that this week would be devoted to calling on prospective customers.
One of the things that make my job enjoyable is that most of my travel is in ranch country. I love ranch country. I love the wide-open spaces and the people. I love the small towns that sometimes only have a few hundred people for population. But, most of all, I just like to see the miles and miles of wide-open spaces dotted with cattle or.........what I saw today.
I had just made a call on a feed yard and plugged in the address of my next stop into my Garmin (I honestly don't know how sales people found some of these places before Garmin) and the directions had me turn north on a gravel road. The gravel soon gave way to dirt and then sand. Fortunately, it was a damp morning and the sand was OK for travel. I was watching the screen to see what was ahead and the windshield to see if the Garmin knew where it was taking me. It looked to me like the road was getting narrower and the occasional weeds in the middle made me wonder if I might be headed for a dead end. In fact, ahead of me it looked like the road disappeared into a pasture.
I was wrong. It just turned. Below is what I saw.....
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Birds in the Yard
As I'm sitting here at the computer trying to compose my thoughts into some orderly manner, I am listening to a Western Meadowlark right outside the window. It is distracting to me. I actually hear him nearly every morning -- either him or one of the others that hang around our place. I enjoy his song even though it is somewhat repetitive.
There are 3 or 4 variations that he sings. I wish that I could describe them but, it's just not possible with words. He sings early when there is little wind. As the winds rise he falls silent.
There are several kinds of birds that hang around our place. Besides the Meadowlark, we have several Western King Birds. They are the fearless midget warriors of the plains. They will attack hawks in mid flight. They catch grasshoppers and pin them to the barbs of a barbed wire fence. They will dive at you if they think you are going to go near their nest. We also have a couple of Mockingbirds that hang around. And occasionally we see a few Bobwhite Quail. I always enjoy the quail. Especially when one sits on top of a fence post calling to his tribe.
Of course there are other birds. There are numerous varieties of sparrows, the occasional cowbird, lots of grackles, and a few hawks. There are species that migrate through annually such as robins and the occasional bluejay. I really enjoy seeing the "rare" ones for our area though. Like a cedar waxwing, cardinal, house wren, or hundreds of others that I can't name. We have a couple of bird identification books that are kept near at hand. When we see a bird we don't immediately know we try to identify him from the books.
I wonder why birds interest us so much? Is it their song? Is it the mystery of where they have been and where they are going? Is it that we long for their freedom? Could it be that we envy their flight and their seeming joy as expressed in their songs? I don't know, but, I do know that birds facinate me just as they do many people.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" -- Matthew 6:26
Chris
There are 3 or 4 variations that he sings. I wish that I could describe them but, it's just not possible with words. He sings early when there is little wind. As the winds rise he falls silent.
There are several kinds of birds that hang around our place. Besides the Meadowlark, we have several Western King Birds. They are the fearless midget warriors of the plains. They will attack hawks in mid flight. They catch grasshoppers and pin them to the barbs of a barbed wire fence. They will dive at you if they think you are going to go near their nest. We also have a couple of Mockingbirds that hang around. And occasionally we see a few Bobwhite Quail. I always enjoy the quail. Especially when one sits on top of a fence post calling to his tribe.
Of course there are other birds. There are numerous varieties of sparrows, the occasional cowbird, lots of grackles, and a few hawks. There are species that migrate through annually such as robins and the occasional bluejay. I really enjoy seeing the "rare" ones for our area though. Like a cedar waxwing, cardinal, house wren, or hundreds of others that I can't name. We have a couple of bird identification books that are kept near at hand. When we see a bird we don't immediately know we try to identify him from the books.
I wonder why birds interest us so much? Is it their song? Is it the mystery of where they have been and where they are going? Is it that we long for their freedom? Could it be that we envy their flight and their seeming joy as expressed in their songs? I don't know, but, I do know that birds facinate me just as they do many people.
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" -- Matthew 6:26
Chris
Friday, June 10, 2011
Pondering Blogging and Neighbors
I decided last Saturday morning to try and post something every day on this blog. This is day number seven. A week isn't very long and yet it has sometimes been difficult, even in that short span, to come up with something new to write about each day.
When I first started the blog, on February 8, 2007, I resolved to post something every day for 30 days to establish the habit of blogging. I missed very few days for the first year. I guess part of my struggle with what to write each day is that over time since that beginning, I have posted (counting this one) 590 entries and it is very easy to be redundant.
This morning, one of the things that comes to mind is Facebook. Earlier this morning I was having a Facebook chat with Hama, our guide when I went to Niger in 2009. He is now working as a translator for a Children's Hospital in Niamey. I also had a message through our graduating class group regarding plans for a reunion this summer. Yesterday, I traded messages with a classmate that I haven't seen since our 10-year reunion -- which was more than a few years ago. Also this morning, I exchanged comments with a friend who is passing through Boston and then wished a happy birthday to a musician friend who just got back from a tour.
When I stop and think about those things I marvel at the wonderful utilization of technology. With a laptop computer, the Internet, and a social networking site like Facebook, the world is literally at my fingertips. Yet, in many ways we are out of touch with the people next door. It seems that it is easier to chat with a friend in Niger over the Internet than it is to walk over to the neighbor's house and say, "Hi!" Just something to ponder......
Chris
When I first started the blog, on February 8, 2007, I resolved to post something every day for 30 days to establish the habit of blogging. I missed very few days for the first year. I guess part of my struggle with what to write each day is that over time since that beginning, I have posted (counting this one) 590 entries and it is very easy to be redundant.
This morning, one of the things that comes to mind is Facebook. Earlier this morning I was having a Facebook chat with Hama, our guide when I went to Niger in 2009. He is now working as a translator for a Children's Hospital in Niamey. I also had a message through our graduating class group regarding plans for a reunion this summer. Yesterday, I traded messages with a classmate that I haven't seen since our 10-year reunion -- which was more than a few years ago. Also this morning, I exchanged comments with a friend who is passing through Boston and then wished a happy birthday to a musician friend who just got back from a tour.
When I stop and think about those things I marvel at the wonderful utilization of technology. With a laptop computer, the Internet, and a social networking site like Facebook, the world is literally at my fingertips. Yet, in many ways we are out of touch with the people next door. It seems that it is easier to chat with a friend in Niger over the Internet than it is to walk over to the neighbor's house and say, "Hi!" Just something to ponder......
Chris
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Morning Ritual
In goes the water,
Then come the grounds.
I'm listening to
The percolator sounds.
I smell the aroma
Filling the air,
Then sip the first cup
As I sit in my chair.
I take a deep breath
And let out a sigh,
I guess I'll drink coffee
'Til the day that I die.
Chris
Then come the grounds.
I'm listening to
The percolator sounds.
I smell the aroma
Filling the air,
Then sip the first cup
As I sit in my chair.
I take a deep breath
And let out a sigh,
I guess I'll drink coffee
'Til the day that I die.
Chris
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Artistic Bent?
Those of you who know me well, know that there is a little streak of the "artistic" in me. No, I can't paint (except in broad strokes from a can) or draw (well, do stick figures count?), but, I like the arts.
I suppose the fact that I write probably gives away the "artistic" streak in me. Writing (non-technical) is certainly considered part of the arts. Especially poetry -- although one might consider most of my "poetry" as more of a rhyming prose than the elegant stuff of "real" poetry. And I admit, most of it is average at best, but, occasionally, like the monkey at the typewriter, I'm bound to produce something of merit just out of sheer volume.
But, back to the "artistic" nature. I've always seen art in the world around me. To me, trees can be a tremendous representation of God's art. Especially those that are twisted and bent by the elements. Of course, flowers, mountain scenery, seashores and the like also come to mind when one thinks about art in nature. But, I also see art in some oddball things. Take for instance the photo below.
OK, you say, what is artistic about that? (Disregard examples of modern art that you've seen hanging in galleries throughout the world.) I don't know if I can answer that question. But, when I look, I see art. Others just see a piece of wood to which various layers of paint are still sticking after it has been scraped in preparation for a new coat. Oh, well. I guess it's kind of like the old saying that "one man's junk is another man's treasure." It's all in the eye of the beholder.
Chris
I suppose the fact that I write probably gives away the "artistic" streak in me. Writing (non-technical) is certainly considered part of the arts. Especially poetry -- although one might consider most of my "poetry" as more of a rhyming prose than the elegant stuff of "real" poetry. And I admit, most of it is average at best, but, occasionally, like the monkey at the typewriter, I'm bound to produce something of merit just out of sheer volume.
But, back to the "artistic" nature. I've always seen art in the world around me. To me, trees can be a tremendous representation of God's art. Especially those that are twisted and bent by the elements. Of course, flowers, mountain scenery, seashores and the like also come to mind when one thinks about art in nature. But, I also see art in some oddball things. Take for instance the photo below.
OK, you say, what is artistic about that? (Disregard examples of modern art that you've seen hanging in galleries throughout the world.) I don't know if I can answer that question. But, when I look, I see art. Others just see a piece of wood to which various layers of paint are still sticking after it has been scraped in preparation for a new coat. Oh, well. I guess it's kind of like the old saying that "one man's junk is another man's treasure." It's all in the eye of the beholder.
Chris
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Opening of "Texas"
One of my favorite places in the country is Palo Duro Canyon which is conveniently located about 20 minutes from where I live. The photo above was taken from the overlook before driving down into the canyon this past Saturday for the season opening performance of Texas. We went with a friend and his wife from Wellington, Texas, and one of his co-workers from Australia. The performance, as usual, was outstanding.
We went early and enjoyed the steak dinner before the show (which, if you go, I highly recommend that you get tickets for the dinner as well as the show). Our friend from Australia remarked that portions in the U.S. are unusually large. In Australia, restaurants serve much smaller portions.
This year's program is filled with the art of Jack Sorenson of Amarillo. You can view his web page here. It just so happened that Jack was at the performance and signing autographs. I was sitting next to him and his wife Jeanne. They were very open and friendly and a joy to meet.
The play this year was very impressive and the talent outstanding. It had been a couple of years since I saw the play and the changes to the script are excellent. One scene gave me a little heartburn though. The prairie fire. I know it was well contained, but, with all the fires we've had this year and the extremely dry conditions of the area, I was more than a little nervous as the very realistic fire scene played.
People from all over the world view the play "Texas" each year in Palo Duro Canyon. At each performance they give away a small gift to the person who traveled the farthest distance to be there. In fact, Dave Yurik, the Director, announced that in the history of the performance, the prize has never been given to someone from within the United States. We felt certain that our friend, who is from Brisbane, Australia, would win the prize. He didn't. It went instead to a couple from South Africa.
Y'all go see it!
Chris
Monday, June 6, 2011
A Scheme or Something Else?
Have you ever noticed that once you start into a repair project you almost always find something else needing repair? Many times in this blog I've written about to-do lists, re-modeling, or things of that nature. But, for some reason, this year I can't seem to whittle the list down -- it keeps getting longer instead.
I look back at the things that I have gotten done in these last few weeks/months and feel gratified that progress has been made -- many projects completed or well on their way (perhaps waiting on someone else to do their part -- like the carpet we ordered and are waiting on). Yet, I look at my list of projects and it seems that for every one that I have completed, there have been 2 or 3 added.
There's got to be a life lesson in there somewhere. I'm trying to figure out just what it is. It's almost as if we are discouraged from trying to make things better because work begets work. Hmmmm......maybe that's it. The devil doesn't want us improving our lot in life so, when we do something positive, he hits us with discouragement. Or, maybe it's something more mundane like the natural decay of everything with the passage of time.....and the aches in my muscles warn me that I'm not immune......
Just thinkin'......
Chris
I look back at the things that I have gotten done in these last few weeks/months and feel gratified that progress has been made -- many projects completed or well on their way (perhaps waiting on someone else to do their part -- like the carpet we ordered and are waiting on). Yet, I look at my list of projects and it seems that for every one that I have completed, there have been 2 or 3 added.
There's got to be a life lesson in there somewhere. I'm trying to figure out just what it is. It's almost as if we are discouraged from trying to make things better because work begets work. Hmmmm......maybe that's it. The devil doesn't want us improving our lot in life so, when we do something positive, he hits us with discouragement. Or, maybe it's something more mundane like the natural decay of everything with the passage of time.....and the aches in my muscles warn me that I'm not immune......
Just thinkin'......
Chris
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Cargo Shorts
I'm not one to wear short pants
For me it's boots and jeans,
But sometimes in the summer months
It's just too hot it seems.
So I got some cargo shorts
With pockets everywhere;
They're fairly long and only worn
At home where I don't care
Who might see my pale white legs
That connect me to my feet
That sometimes sport some sandals
To make my outfit complete.
But, yesterday, it seemed the thing
As I worked out in the yard
To wear those shorts and sandals
While toiling oh, so hard
Beneath the beautiful sky so blue
With high thin clouds above
And of course the crazy wind
That I have grown to "love".
And I kept thinking through the day
These shorts ain't too bad!
They're so much cooler than the jeans
I'm known for since a lad.
But last night when I took a shower
My legs and feet did sting
That until the water hit my hide
Felt fine as anything.
And now I see them red as beets,
Not legs so much as feet,
In funny splotches patterned by
Those sandals and the heat.
And I remember why I don't
Wear shorts out in the sun.
The sunburn there upon my skin
Really isn't fun.....
For me it's boots and jeans,
But sometimes in the summer months
It's just too hot it seems.
So I got some cargo shorts
With pockets everywhere;
They're fairly long and only worn
At home where I don't care
Who might see my pale white legs
That connect me to my feet
That sometimes sport some sandals
To make my outfit complete.
But, yesterday, it seemed the thing
As I worked out in the yard
To wear those shorts and sandals
While toiling oh, so hard
Beneath the beautiful sky so blue
With high thin clouds above
And of course the crazy wind
That I have grown to "love".
And I kept thinking through the day
These shorts ain't too bad!
They're so much cooler than the jeans
I'm known for since a lad.
But last night when I took a shower
My legs and feet did sting
That until the water hit my hide
Felt fine as anything.
And now I see them red as beets,
Not legs so much as feet,
In funny splotches patterned by
Those sandals and the heat.
And I remember why I don't
Wear shorts out in the sun.
The sunburn there upon my skin
Really isn't fun.....
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Those Waskley Wabbitts!
The drought here has had a definite impact on the cottontails and jackrabbits around our place. They have nothing to eat out in the pasture. It still looks like the dead of winter and contains no moisture. In fact, I have it so short that most of them have moved on to the neighbor's places because there is no cover for them on my small acreage of grass.
To the south of me though, is what was once CRP that has been taken out of the program and has been the home to 8 horses and a jack for the past couple of years. It still has some grass -- in clumps -- where the jackrabbits and cottontails can hide. They can't quite reach the water in the tank from which the horses drink though, so, they come to the one place where they can get moisture -- my lawn.
I have the green oasis in the midst of the unbroken sea of amber that surrounds me. It is green because my sprinkler system (I am so thankful for an automatic underground system) keeps it that way. But, each morning, it also forms a dew thanks to our cool nights. So, the rabbits come on over for breakfast and a sip of water.
My lawn shows the damage. Of course, I don't have to mow as frequently because of their foraging, but, they don't eat it evenly. It seems they like certain areas better than others.
Those of you who know me know that I grew up where rabbits weren't necessarily looked upon as cute little bunnies but, as full-blown pests. That attitude has stayed with me through the years. I guess the words of my grandfather sum it all up when he once told me, "Five jackrabbits will eat as much grass as a cow. I can't make any money feedin' jackrabbits."
So, I keep my sons' pellet gun by the back door. I can't even seem to thin 'em out! I guess what they say about the reproductive capabilities of rabbits must be true......
To the south of me though, is what was once CRP that has been taken out of the program and has been the home to 8 horses and a jack for the past couple of years. It still has some grass -- in clumps -- where the jackrabbits and cottontails can hide. They can't quite reach the water in the tank from which the horses drink though, so, they come to the one place where they can get moisture -- my lawn.
I have the green oasis in the midst of the unbroken sea of amber that surrounds me. It is green because my sprinkler system (I am so thankful for an automatic underground system) keeps it that way. But, each morning, it also forms a dew thanks to our cool nights. So, the rabbits come on over for breakfast and a sip of water.
My lawn shows the damage. Of course, I don't have to mow as frequently because of their foraging, but, they don't eat it evenly. It seems they like certain areas better than others.
Those of you who know me know that I grew up where rabbits weren't necessarily looked upon as cute little bunnies but, as full-blown pests. That attitude has stayed with me through the years. I guess the words of my grandfather sum it all up when he once told me, "Five jackrabbits will eat as much grass as a cow. I can't make any money feedin' jackrabbits."
So, I keep my sons' pellet gun by the back door. I can't even seem to thin 'em out! I guess what they say about the reproductive capabilities of rabbits must be true......
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
A Hint of Moisture
There was the smell of rain
On the air last night
And a touch of cooler weather
The promised moisture
Only came near
But, left us dry as ever
And today again
The wind does blow,
The sun is bright as ever
But, finally now
We've had a glimpse
Of perhaps some better weather
On the air last night
And a touch of cooler weather
The promised moisture
Only came near
But, left us dry as ever
And today again
The wind does blow,
The sun is bright as ever
But, finally now
We've had a glimpse
Of perhaps some better weather
Monday, May 30, 2011
Another Day of Wind
For days on end
The unrelenting wind
Scours the parched land.
The temperatures soar
As the months wear on,
Yet barely mid-Spring.
The sound of sirens
Carries upon the gale
As another fire rages
Removing dead fuel;
Last year's grasses
That might have sustained
The few cattle remaining
On the moistureless land,
Once so verdant.
Tears glisten on a creased face
Whose years of labor
Are loaded on trailers.
Another pasture burns.
Another herd is gone.
Another rancher hunkers down.
The unrelenting wind
Scours the parched land.
The temperatures soar
As the months wear on,
Yet barely mid-Spring.
The sound of sirens
Carries upon the gale
As another fire rages
Removing dead fuel;
Last year's grasses
That might have sustained
The few cattle remaining
On the moistureless land,
Once so verdant.
Tears glisten on a creased face
Whose years of labor
Are loaded on trailers.
Another pasture burns.
Another herd is gone.
Another rancher hunkers down.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Spring's Blessed Curses
Springtime is the time of year
When the earth is clothed anew
In a colorful arrangement
Topped off with skies so blue.
The birds begin to sing again
And trees burst forth in leaf,
Flowers spring from in the earth
With colors beyond belief.
The cool breeze blowing 'cross the land
Spreads pollen far and near
Creating life in blooming plants
And fruit to bring us cheer.
But springtime brings us other things
Like floods and hail and such
That we who live upon the earth
Don't care for all that much.
And that pollen bringing life anew
Creates for some of us
A runny nose and itching eyes
That make us want to cuss.
And growing things create work,
To prevent spreading out of hand,
Like mowing yards and trimming trees
And hoeing weeds upon the land.
And in the home there is no rest
For cleaning there must be
In closets and places you would think
Should be completely dust free.
It is a blessing, yes indeed,
This Springing forth anew;
But, with the blessing comes the curse
Of a million things to do!
When the earth is clothed anew
In a colorful arrangement
Topped off with skies so blue.
The birds begin to sing again
And trees burst forth in leaf,
Flowers spring from in the earth
With colors beyond belief.
The cool breeze blowing 'cross the land
Spreads pollen far and near
Creating life in blooming plants
And fruit to bring us cheer.
But springtime brings us other things
Like floods and hail and such
That we who live upon the earth
Don't care for all that much.
And that pollen bringing life anew
Creates for some of us
A runny nose and itching eyes
That make us want to cuss.
And growing things create work,
To prevent spreading out of hand,
Like mowing yards and trimming trees
And hoeing weeds upon the land.
And in the home there is no rest
For cleaning there must be
In closets and places you would think
Should be completely dust free.
It is a blessing, yes indeed,
This Springing forth anew;
But, with the blessing comes the curse
Of a million things to do!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Remodeling Again
Why do we get dissatisfied
With the place where we reside
And decide we need to remodel
Some of the rooms inside?
I guess we just get tired
Of the same old thing everyday
So we think that it needs some changing
To look some other way.
It always involves lots of painting
And likely some kind of repair
So it turns into quite a project
And creates a mess everywhere.
Sometimes we hire help to do it
And sometimes we do it alone.
It always costs lots of money
But it's better to not take a loan.
It always takes much longer
Than the time we expected it to
And when figuring the cost of it
Take the best estimate times two!
But, when the change is completed
And everything back in its place
There comes a great satisfaction
And a great big smile on the face.
Yep, you've probably guessed it
We are making a change or two
And it seems to go on forever
But, one day it will look just like new!
With the place where we reside
And decide we need to remodel
Some of the rooms inside?
I guess we just get tired
Of the same old thing everyday
So we think that it needs some changing
To look some other way.
It always involves lots of painting
And likely some kind of repair
So it turns into quite a project
And creates a mess everywhere.
Sometimes we hire help to do it
And sometimes we do it alone.
It always costs lots of money
But it's better to not take a loan.
It always takes much longer
Than the time we expected it to
And when figuring the cost of it
Take the best estimate times two!
But, when the change is completed
And everything back in its place
There comes a great satisfaction
And a great big smile on the face.
Yep, you've probably guessed it
We are making a change or two
And it seems to go on forever
But, one day it will look just like new!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Cell Phone School
I think it is amazing
How cellphone technology
Has become so complicated
For simple guys like me.
I use one in my business
Because of what it lets me do
Like answer e-mail on the go
And talk to people too.
But, I can also surf the web
And then pull up Google maps
To see where I am going
Or, where I've been perhaps.
I can even take some pictures
Of the things I do and see
And post them all to Facebook
Where friends guess where I might be.
There are lots of applications
I can get upon my cell
Like for making reservations
At a major chain hotel.
I get spreadsheets and reports
Every afternoon at three
That help me know what's going on
At the places I can't be.
There are icons on my phone
That are never even used
'Cause every time I go to them
I just get more confused.
I wonder what Ma Bell would think
To see what she has done
And how her simple invention
Now does everything under the sun.
I guess it's interesting,
And actually kind of cool,
They now teach you how to use the thing
At a special cell phone school!
How cellphone technology
Has become so complicated
For simple guys like me.
I use one in my business
Because of what it lets me do
Like answer e-mail on the go
And talk to people too.
But, I can also surf the web
And then pull up Google maps
To see where I am going
Or, where I've been perhaps.
I can even take some pictures
Of the things I do and see
And post them all to Facebook
Where friends guess where I might be.
There are lots of applications
I can get upon my cell
Like for making reservations
At a major chain hotel.
I get spreadsheets and reports
Every afternoon at three
That help me know what's going on
At the places I can't be.
There are icons on my phone
That are never even used
'Cause every time I go to them
I just get more confused.
I wonder what Ma Bell would think
To see what she has done
And how her simple invention
Now does everything under the sun.
I guess it's interesting,
And actually kind of cool,
They now teach you how to use the thing
At a special cell phone school!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Writing the Wind
My posts have been fewer than intended these past few weeks. It is partly a matter of too much travel but, also because of the wind. It seems the wind just won't stop in the Texas Panhandle this year.
Why is the wind preventing me from writing? I guess because it is incessantly in my head and when I sit to write, all I can think to write about is the wind. I don't want to write about the wind. I want to write about something more cheery.
I guess I could write about my travel. I have been traveling almost constantly since the first of the year. I just looked back on my calendar to see where I'd been and it is crazy. Here is a list of places I've been since the first of this year:
Belville, TX
Kakamega, Kenya (via London and Nairobi)
Nashville, TN
Pigeon Forge, TN
Denver, CO
Montgomery, AL
Columbus, NE
Hickory, NC
Nashville, TN (again)
Bowling Green, KY
Belleville, TX (again)
Lumberton, TX
Baton Rouge, LA
Bowling Green, KY (again)
San Antonio, TX
Garden City, KS
Kenansville, NC
Harrisonburg, VA (via Washington, DC)
Garden City, KS (again)
Probably some other stops along the way that are hidden in the blur. And April isn't even over yet!
I guess the advantage of all that travel is that I don't have to endure the wind every day like I would at home. The travel is just me out there riding on the wind I suppose. Even writing about my travel turns into being about the wind.
Why is the wind preventing me from writing? I guess because it is incessantly in my head and when I sit to write, all I can think to write about is the wind. I don't want to write about the wind. I want to write about something more cheery.
I guess I could write about my travel. I have been traveling almost constantly since the first of the year. I just looked back on my calendar to see where I'd been and it is crazy. Here is a list of places I've been since the first of this year:
Belville, TX
Kakamega, Kenya (via London and Nairobi)
Nashville, TN
Pigeon Forge, TN
Denver, CO
Montgomery, AL
Columbus, NE
Hickory, NC
Nashville, TN (again)
Bowling Green, KY
Belleville, TX (again)
Lumberton, TX
Baton Rouge, LA
Bowling Green, KY (again)
San Antonio, TX
Garden City, KS
Kenansville, NC
Harrisonburg, VA (via Washington, DC)
Garden City, KS (again)
Probably some other stops along the way that are hidden in the blur. And April isn't even over yet!
I guess the advantage of all that travel is that I don't have to endure the wind every day like I would at home. The travel is just me out there riding on the wind I suppose. Even writing about my travel turns into being about the wind.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
From Bone-Dry to Beautiful via the Armpit
It is another day in which I will see a big chunk of the country from around 30,000 feet if there isn't much cloud cover. The Amarillo area is a great place to live, but it seems that more and more it is a long way from where work takes me. Fortunately it is central.
Today I'm headed east. I dread the drive once I reach my destination airport because today I fly into Washington Reagan. I do look forward to seeing the Virginia countryside though. Last week in North Carolina the dogwoods were in full blossom. I wonder if it will be the same in Virginia.....
I do know that it will be quite a contrast from the bone-dry, windswept, fire-blackened plains of West Texas. It is time for the spring thunderstorms to start popping on the plains. Usually by this time we will see them dancing along the horizon to the east of us late in the evenings. I hope they are just late and that we are not experiencing a weather cycle such as the one that led to the Dust Bowl.
Who knows, I might even get to see rain while back east!
Today I'm headed east. I dread the drive once I reach my destination airport because today I fly into Washington Reagan. I do look forward to seeing the Virginia countryside though. Last week in North Carolina the dogwoods were in full blossom. I wonder if it will be the same in Virginia.....
I do know that it will be quite a contrast from the bone-dry, windswept, fire-blackened plains of West Texas. It is time for the spring thunderstorms to start popping on the plains. Usually by this time we will see them dancing along the horizon to the east of us late in the evenings. I hope they are just late and that we are not experiencing a weather cycle such as the one that led to the Dust Bowl.
Who knows, I might even get to see rain while back east!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Office Time
Traveling as much as I do with work, I sometimes find it necessary to get in some office time while on the road. If you talk to any "road warrior" you will find they do the same. It might be something that has to be scheduled into an otherwise full week.
Many times, the best way to get that office time is to just work from the motel room in the mornings or evenings. There are times though, when that is not enough. That's when you book a flight time that gives you extra time in the morning or afternoon. With high-speed Internet in most hotels, it is easy to just plug in the laptop and go to work.
The other alternative to a motel room is a coffee shop. Many of them are set up with Internet access. But, one of the best things to come along in recent years is FedEx Office. (No, this is not a paid endorsement of them.) They are in most cities and are great for copying, shipping, editing and creating documents.
Now, we are seeing WiFi on airplanes. I'm not sure I like that. Airplane time has usually been "down time" for me. I prefer to read a book or something -- maybe even nap. With WiFi I may have to work!
Many times, the best way to get that office time is to just work from the motel room in the mornings or evenings. There are times though, when that is not enough. That's when you book a flight time that gives you extra time in the morning or afternoon. With high-speed Internet in most hotels, it is easy to just plug in the laptop and go to work.
The other alternative to a motel room is a coffee shop. Many of them are set up with Internet access. But, one of the best things to come along in recent years is FedEx Office. (No, this is not a paid endorsement of them.) They are in most cities and are great for copying, shipping, editing and creating documents.
Now, we are seeing WiFi on airplanes. I'm not sure I like that. Airplane time has usually been "down time" for me. I prefer to read a book or something -- maybe even nap. With WiFi I may have to work!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sweat and Burn
I guess I'm getting older;
Things don't work like they used to.
So, I got a little program
That shows me what to do.
I play it on the t.v.
And this guy is jumping 'round
Doing all these calisthenics
To a really upbeat sound.
It's supposed to make me better;
Get my heart in shape and all
But, after a few minutes
I'm down to just a crawl.
My muscles just don't work like that --
The way that they're supposed to
So, I only do them part of the way
Like the guy says I should do.
But, after thirty minutes
He hasn't broke a sweat
While I'm dripping a big puddle
There on my workout mat.
I huff and puff around the floor
While he durn near sings a song
And bounces all around the place
Bringing everyone along.
I wonder if it's worth it,
This working up a sweat;
In time I should get better
But, I'm not about to bet.
Just how I got in this bad shape
Keeps pressing on my mind.
It must be all those tasty foods
That to me have been unkind.
So, I jump and punch and run about
And sweat a bucket more
While I tell my wife it would be nice
If she got some ice cream from the store....
Things don't work like they used to.
So, I got a little program
That shows me what to do.
I play it on the t.v.
And this guy is jumping 'round
Doing all these calisthenics
To a really upbeat sound.
It's supposed to make me better;
Get my heart in shape and all
But, after a few minutes
I'm down to just a crawl.
My muscles just don't work like that --
The way that they're supposed to
So, I only do them part of the way
Like the guy says I should do.
But, after thirty minutes
He hasn't broke a sweat
While I'm dripping a big puddle
There on my workout mat.
I huff and puff around the floor
While he durn near sings a song
And bounces all around the place
Bringing everyone along.
I wonder if it's worth it,
This working up a sweat;
In time I should get better
But, I'm not about to bet.
Just how I got in this bad shape
Keeps pressing on my mind.
It must be all those tasty foods
That to me have been unkind.
So, I jump and punch and run about
And sweat a bucket more
While I tell my wife it would be nice
If she got some ice cream from the store....
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Just Some Words
I ramble
I digress
I can't think!
What a mess.
Gotta focus
Much to do
Get organized!
So, what's new?
Get prepared
Lock it down
Finish up!
Lose the frown.
It ain't that hard
Just speak your mind
Open up!
Don't act so blind.
It's just a post
Just messing 'round
Type some words!
You're NOT profound!!
I digress
I can't think!
What a mess.
Gotta focus
Much to do
Get organized!
So, what's new?
Get prepared
Lock it down
Finish up!
Lose the frown.
It ain't that hard
Just speak your mind
Open up!
Don't act so blind.
It's just a post
Just messing 'round
Type some words!
You're NOT profound!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Some Days the Wind
A faint odor of dust lingers on the air
As I sit inside and work from my chair.
Around me drones the incessant roar
Of the howling wind outside my door.
It is days like this I wonder why
I live in this place windswept and dry
Where the sky can turn an ugly brown
From dirt that is blowing round and around
And driving the road is like a video game
Where tumbleweeds roll down the middle of same
Where fields try to move one grain at a time
Or, sometimes as rocks as big as a dime.
Yep, it's times like these that I'd like to go
To a place where it's green and the wind doesn't blow,
Where trees touch the sky and bright waters flow
And cattle graze in the valley below
But, then I remember the wind too shall pass
And the beautiful sky no place can surpass
With air that's so pure you can see for days
As I dream in the warmth of gentle sun rays;
Where humidity is never too high or too low
And the quiet gentle breezes always blow
Across the endless sea of grass
Where once the scouring wind did pass.
As I sit inside and work from my chair.
Around me drones the incessant roar
Of the howling wind outside my door.
It is days like this I wonder why
I live in this place windswept and dry
Where the sky can turn an ugly brown
From dirt that is blowing round and around
And driving the road is like a video game
Where tumbleweeds roll down the middle of same
Where fields try to move one grain at a time
Or, sometimes as rocks as big as a dime.
Yep, it's times like these that I'd like to go
To a place where it's green and the wind doesn't blow,
Where trees touch the sky and bright waters flow
And cattle graze in the valley below
But, then I remember the wind too shall pass
And the beautiful sky no place can surpass
With air that's so pure you can see for days
As I dream in the warmth of gentle sun rays;
Where humidity is never too high or too low
And the quiet gentle breezes always blow
Across the endless sea of grass
Where once the scouring wind did pass.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Springing Into Eternity
Spring is upon us. I saw a tree in full bloom yesterday -- looked like a cherry tree. But, there was frost on things this morning too. The buds are swelling and it is just a matter of days before green leaves will make their appearance -- likely to be frozen back.
Why is it that Spring sends ripples of restlessness through us? Is it just the feeling that winter is finally coming to an end and we are anxious for warmer days? Or, is there something deeper that resonates with the season of renewal?
I always look forward to Spring because I enjoy getting out and working in the yard. I don't garden any more because I travel so much. But, I can always find something to keep me busy. It is my therapy. It is relaxing to spend time in physical labor -- even if it is pulling weeds out of the flower bed.
I remember growing up, the neighbor across the road from us always had an immaculate yard. It was his therapy. He had a very stressful job but, he could come in from work and spend time working in his yard and the cares of the day vanished. My yard is not immaculate. It is a "country" yard. It isn't trimmed to perfection. But, it is a bright spot around the house that creates an oasis in the middle of the surrounding pasture.
I think we all, deep down, have some connection to the earth. Perhaps it is the primordial DNA making itself known to us. Even for those who live in concrete and glass, the green of the countryside exerts a pull that draws us to vacation where there is vegetation or water or mountains or something that is in stark contrast to the man made structures of our environs. We are drawn to the earth.
Perhaps, Spring is just a reminder that our cares will someday be wiped away and we will spring anew in an eternity that is an even greater contrast to life here and now than Spring is to the passing Winter. It is a hope that we can have only in Jesus, our Savior. For He alone is the source of a renewed life.....just like Spring.
Why is it that Spring sends ripples of restlessness through us? Is it just the feeling that winter is finally coming to an end and we are anxious for warmer days? Or, is there something deeper that resonates with the season of renewal?
I always look forward to Spring because I enjoy getting out and working in the yard. I don't garden any more because I travel so much. But, I can always find something to keep me busy. It is my therapy. It is relaxing to spend time in physical labor -- even if it is pulling weeds out of the flower bed.
I remember growing up, the neighbor across the road from us always had an immaculate yard. It was his therapy. He had a very stressful job but, he could come in from work and spend time working in his yard and the cares of the day vanished. My yard is not immaculate. It is a "country" yard. It isn't trimmed to perfection. But, it is a bright spot around the house that creates an oasis in the middle of the surrounding pasture.
I think we all, deep down, have some connection to the earth. Perhaps it is the primordial DNA making itself known to us. Even for those who live in concrete and glass, the green of the countryside exerts a pull that draws us to vacation where there is vegetation or water or mountains or something that is in stark contrast to the man made structures of our environs. We are drawn to the earth.
Perhaps, Spring is just a reminder that our cares will someday be wiped away and we will spring anew in an eternity that is an even greater contrast to life here and now than Spring is to the passing Winter. It is a hope that we can have only in Jesus, our Savior. For He alone is the source of a renewed life.....just like Spring.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Musings and Amusements
Often I will have the desire to write but, not the inspiration. One might think the two would go hand-in-hand but, not always. The desire comes from knowledge. It is knowing that I should write. Inspiration is knowing what to write. Oh, for a Muse......
In many mythologies the Muse(s) play(s) a role. Almost all agree that there are three muses, but, classical interpretations place the number at nine. Whatever the number, it is generally agreed that they are feminine and inspire works of art -- typically either music or written word.
According to Wikipedia (I laugh at myself when I find that I'm citing such a source) the British Poet, Robert Graves, popularized the concept of the Muse-poet in modern times.
"No Muse-poet grows conscious of the Muse except by experience of a woman in whom the Goddess is to some degree resident; just as no Apollonian poet can perform his proper function unless he lives under a monarchy or a quasi-monarchy. A Muse-poet falls in love, absolutely, and his true love is for him the embodiment of the Muse... But the real, perpetually obsessed Muse-poet distinguishes between the Goddess as manifest in the supreme power, glory, wisdom, and love of woman, and the individual woman whom the Goddess may make her instrument...
I suppose I have never been a particularly romantic poet, so, there might be some question as to how this might apply. I suspect the above reference applies only to the Muse Erato whose domain is love poetry. My Muse, if indeed I have one, must certainly be Euterpe whose realm is lyric poetry. But, I suppose the argument could be made that my lyric poetry is often not particularly lyrical but, instead more closely resembles free verse.
I've often thought that I would enjoy trying my hand at epic poetry. If I did so it would be necessary I suppose, to call upon Calliope in whose realm that would fall. I have written some history but, to my knowledge never called upon Clio. I have written what might be considered sacred poetry, but, my inspiration has been Jesus, my Savior, not Polyhymnia the Muse of that realm.
The other Muses are in areas that don't interest me. The are: Melpomene, the Muse of tragedy, Terpsichore, the Muse of dance and song (OK, I've definitely been into the song bit), Thalia, the Muse of comedy and finally, Urania, the Muse of astronomy.
I guess I am writing this piece merely for my aMUSEment. Obviously, it can't be set to MUSic. I suppose it is merely a product of my MUSings on why I must write.....
In many mythologies the Muse(s) play(s) a role. Almost all agree that there are three muses, but, classical interpretations place the number at nine. Whatever the number, it is generally agreed that they are feminine and inspire works of art -- typically either music or written word.
According to Wikipedia (I laugh at myself when I find that I'm citing such a source) the British Poet, Robert Graves, popularized the concept of the Muse-poet in modern times.
"No Muse-poet grows conscious of the Muse except by experience of a woman in whom the Goddess is to some degree resident; just as no Apollonian poet can perform his proper function unless he lives under a monarchy or a quasi-monarchy. A Muse-poet falls in love, absolutely, and his true love is for him the embodiment of the Muse... But the real, perpetually obsessed Muse-poet distinguishes between the Goddess as manifest in the supreme power, glory, wisdom, and love of woman, and the individual woman whom the Goddess may make her instrument...
I suppose I have never been a particularly romantic poet, so, there might be some question as to how this might apply. I suspect the above reference applies only to the Muse Erato whose domain is love poetry. My Muse, if indeed I have one, must certainly be Euterpe whose realm is lyric poetry. But, I suppose the argument could be made that my lyric poetry is often not particularly lyrical but, instead more closely resembles free verse.
I've often thought that I would enjoy trying my hand at epic poetry. If I did so it would be necessary I suppose, to call upon Calliope in whose realm that would fall. I have written some history but, to my knowledge never called upon Clio. I have written what might be considered sacred poetry, but, my inspiration has been Jesus, my Savior, not Polyhymnia the Muse of that realm.
The other Muses are in areas that don't interest me. The are: Melpomene, the Muse of tragedy, Terpsichore, the Muse of dance and song (OK, I've definitely been into the song bit), Thalia, the Muse of comedy and finally, Urania, the Muse of astronomy.
I guess I am writing this piece merely for my aMUSEment. Obviously, it can't be set to MUSic. I suppose it is merely a product of my MUSings on why I must write.....
Monday, March 7, 2011
Motivation
Sometimes a project comes along
That has long-term importance to me
But, I seem to get lost in the struggle
Where completion is not there to see.
I worry and fret when I shouldn't
'Cause the answer is right in my hands.
I should just knuckle down and do it
And not sweat what perfection demands.
But, instead I'm wrapped up in the details
And I seem too caught up in each one
When I really should plow on ahead
And get this big project done.
So, why do I keep putting off
This thing that I'm needing to do?
Is it that I'm just lazy?
I really don't think that is true.
It's just something that is not urgent
With no looming deadline attached.
It is the type of big project
For which I am not well-matched.
I guess I'm just making excuses
'Cause it's something I don't want to do
So, I leave it until a time later
And move on to something new.
That has long-term importance to me
But, I seem to get lost in the struggle
Where completion is not there to see.
I worry and fret when I shouldn't
'Cause the answer is right in my hands.
I should just knuckle down and do it
And not sweat what perfection demands.
But, instead I'm wrapped up in the details
And I seem too caught up in each one
When I really should plow on ahead
And get this big project done.
So, why do I keep putting off
This thing that I'm needing to do?
Is it that I'm just lazy?
I really don't think that is true.
It's just something that is not urgent
With no looming deadline attached.
It is the type of big project
For which I am not well-matched.
I guess I'm just making excuses
'Cause it's something I don't want to do
So, I leave it until a time later
And move on to something new.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Heavy Load
Sometimes the cares of this world overwhelm
And we just don't know which way to turn.
It might seem that we've been pushed out on a limb
Or from pan into fire to burn.
For those who have nothing much larger than life
To turn to when times are so tough
It might seem like there is no end to the strife
And the feeling is you've had enough!
I'm thankful that there is someone for me
Who listens to my every care.
He helps to carry the burdens you see
For it's Jesus who is always there.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." -- Matthew 11:28
And we just don't know which way to turn.
It might seem that we've been pushed out on a limb
Or from pan into fire to burn.
For those who have nothing much larger than life
To turn to when times are so tough
It might seem like there is no end to the strife
And the feeling is you've had enough!
I'm thankful that there is someone for me
Who listens to my every care.
He helps to carry the burdens you see
For it's Jesus who is always there.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." -- Matthew 11:28
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sometimes A Sunrise
Sometimes a Sunrise
Will light up the sky
As though the world were on fire.
Sometimes it bursts
With rays of the dawn
Leaping out from the dark horizon.
Sometimes a Sunrise
Presages a storm;
Vermilion splashed on the clouds.
Sometimes a Sunrise
Is just in my eye
And I can't really see where I'm going.....
Sunrise view from my back porch.
(The date stamp is correct, the time is not.)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Restless
Sometimes out there beyond my reach
Is something that escapes me.
It causes me to walk the floor
Wondering what I don't see.
It's like there's something I should do
But, don't know what it might be
And so, I go from here to there
Looking for the right key
To unlock the thing that's out there --
Maybe something I should do
And I would do it gladly --
This thing that really bugs me.
Instead I get so restless
Thinking I am missing something
That I bounce from here to yonder
And annoy those around me
While I never stop the searching
For this thing that I can't figure
That causes such disquiet
Way down deep inside me.
Is something that escapes me.
It causes me to walk the floor
Wondering what I don't see.
It's like there's something I should do
But, don't know what it might be
And so, I go from here to there
Looking for the right key
To unlock the thing that's out there --
Maybe something I should do
And I would do it gladly --
This thing that really bugs me.
Instead I get so restless
Thinking I am missing something
That I bounce from here to yonder
And annoy those around me
While I never stop the searching
For this thing that I can't figure
That causes such disquiet
Way down deep inside me.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Traveling and Blogging
It seems the traveling season is peaking over the next few days -- then a short break. I hope. It is Omaha tonight and meetings here in Nebraska tomorrow. Friday it's an early flight to Charlotte and a short drive to Hickory, NC, for the North Carolina Cattlemen's Convention. Saturday afternoon I drive to Nashville and will spend a leisurely Sunday there. Then on Monday it is the short drive to Bowling Green, KY, for the Mid-South Stocker Cattle Conference. Tuesday night I return to Nashville and then fly home on Wednesday -- one week from today.
Packing for trips like this is a pain. Fortunately, I don't have to include anything formal -- just jeans and shirts. The cattle industry is good to us who prefer blue jeans to a suit -- or even to business casual. I can wear jeans to nearly any event and be appropriately dressed.
I had the opportunity to work in an industry where a suit and tie were expected every day of the week. In fact, I was working in that industry when the opportunity came along to do what I am doing today. The company that I was with sold and the new owners expected us in the sales side of the business to wear a suit and tie every day. I could have made a LOT of money if I had stayed in that business. Money isn't everything though. Along with the suit comes the people that you have to deal with in that business (notice that I haven't mentioned what industry it was). I was happy to trade the big bucks and the suit for less bucks and blue jeans. Especially when I considered the people.
The cattle industry has some of the best people in the world working in it. I am fortunate to know many of them scattered across the country. As I have stated in a previous blog post, there is no other industry where you could do hundreds of thousands of dollars of business over the telephone on trust alone.
Well, so much for the rambling thought tonight. Stuck in a motel room in Omaha leaves one with little to do other than work or blog. Hmmm....come to think of it, that's one of the reasons I took up blogging in the first place!
Packing for trips like this is a pain. Fortunately, I don't have to include anything formal -- just jeans and shirts. The cattle industry is good to us who prefer blue jeans to a suit -- or even to business casual. I can wear jeans to nearly any event and be appropriately dressed.
I had the opportunity to work in an industry where a suit and tie were expected every day of the week. In fact, I was working in that industry when the opportunity came along to do what I am doing today. The company that I was with sold and the new owners expected us in the sales side of the business to wear a suit and tie every day. I could have made a LOT of money if I had stayed in that business. Money isn't everything though. Along with the suit comes the people that you have to deal with in that business (notice that I haven't mentioned what industry it was). I was happy to trade the big bucks and the suit for less bucks and blue jeans. Especially when I considered the people.
The cattle industry has some of the best people in the world working in it. I am fortunate to know many of them scattered across the country. As I have stated in a previous blog post, there is no other industry where you could do hundreds of thousands of dollars of business over the telephone on trust alone.
Well, so much for the rambling thought tonight. Stuck in a motel room in Omaha leaves one with little to do other than work or blog. Hmmm....come to think of it, that's one of the reasons I took up blogging in the first place!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Fullness
Sometimes I just get in one of those pensive moods. I dive into my head and think about things a little bit farther toward the deep end of the pool. You know, where you can barely touch the bottom if you're standing on the tips of your toes.
Today, I posted the following on Facebook.
"If Jesus came to give us life -- and not only that, He wants us to experience it in all its fullness -- why do we settle for mediocrity??"
Yeah, it seems a little strange to quote yourself, but, in the interest of accuracy, I am quoting my "status" on Facebook from earlier today.
Do you ever wonder what He meant by experiencing life in all its fullness? I do.
I think sometimes that it was a reference to the purely Spiritual. At other times, I think He was referring to experiencing a small piece of the Kingdom of God while still on this earth. Then, at times, I wonder if He meant something else altogether.
I guess that's where I was today when I posted that. OK, I guess that's still where I am. I think He meant something that has been lost in the jumbled thinking of today.
Perhaps it is that same jumbled thinking that makes me wonder about the concept of the fullness of life. Maybe I'm pulling a little science fiction/fantasy into my thinking. Or, maybe science fiction/fantasy, in one of its many manifestations, is drawing from a reality that we are only sometimes vaguely aware.
The Matrix, for example. Does it touch on a reality that we somehow sense? I don't mean literally that there is a world of machines that controls the human race -- what we think, do, say -- but, does it touch on the Spiritual aspect of our being? Is there a duality to our nature? Is there a Spiritual realm to which we are attached and yet only occasionally vaguely aware?
What if we could learn to more deeply touch the Spiritual? I don't mean seances or talking to ghosts or something like that. I mean truly getting in touch with LIFE -- that aspect of living to which Jesus referred. Life Everlasting. Eternity. Our Spiritual being.
We are so trapped and therefore blinded by our physical self that we fail to nurture the Spiritual aspect of our being. Only when we begin to feed the Spiritual self do we grow in that area. Just thinking....
But, there is more to us than just the physical and the Spiritual. There is also the mental and the emotional. We are made up of four aspects to our nature. Rare is the individual who is truly rounded in all of those aspects -- the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. What if we truly nurtured and fed all of those aspects of our being? Could that be the "fullness of LIFE" that we should be experiencing but, don't?
Hmmmm....too far into the deep end for me. I'd better return to the shallower water. I might find something important if I keep going.....
Today, I posted the following on Facebook.
"If Jesus came to give us life -- and not only that, He wants us to experience it in all its fullness -- why do we settle for mediocrity??"
Yeah, it seems a little strange to quote yourself, but, in the interest of accuracy, I am quoting my "status" on Facebook from earlier today.
Do you ever wonder what He meant by experiencing life in all its fullness? I do.
I think sometimes that it was a reference to the purely Spiritual. At other times, I think He was referring to experiencing a small piece of the Kingdom of God while still on this earth. Then, at times, I wonder if He meant something else altogether.
I guess that's where I was today when I posted that. OK, I guess that's still where I am. I think He meant something that has been lost in the jumbled thinking of today.
Perhaps it is that same jumbled thinking that makes me wonder about the concept of the fullness of life. Maybe I'm pulling a little science fiction/fantasy into my thinking. Or, maybe science fiction/fantasy, in one of its many manifestations, is drawing from a reality that we are only sometimes vaguely aware.
The Matrix, for example. Does it touch on a reality that we somehow sense? I don't mean literally that there is a world of machines that controls the human race -- what we think, do, say -- but, does it touch on the Spiritual aspect of our being? Is there a duality to our nature? Is there a Spiritual realm to which we are attached and yet only occasionally vaguely aware?
What if we could learn to more deeply touch the Spiritual? I don't mean seances or talking to ghosts or something like that. I mean truly getting in touch with LIFE -- that aspect of living to which Jesus referred. Life Everlasting. Eternity. Our Spiritual being.
We are so trapped and therefore blinded by our physical self that we fail to nurture the Spiritual aspect of our being. Only when we begin to feed the Spiritual self do we grow in that area. Just thinking....
But, there is more to us than just the physical and the Spiritual. There is also the mental and the emotional. We are made up of four aspects to our nature. Rare is the individual who is truly rounded in all of those aspects -- the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. What if we truly nurtured and fed all of those aspects of our being? Could that be the "fullness of LIFE" that we should be experiencing but, don't?
Hmmmm....too far into the deep end for me. I'd better return to the shallower water. I might find something important if I keep going.....
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Into the Deep Water
Walk with me now
Into the deep water
Where only by faith we can go;
Where held in the warmth
Of supporting embrace
The strength of our God we will know.
Walk with me now
Into the deep water
Where love and forgiveness shall reign;
Where cleansing begins
To take out the stains
So only the light will remain.
Walk with me now
Into the deep water;
A place we are never alone.
Where hope lights the fire
Of life in our hearts
Reflecting the power of God's throne.
Walk with me now
Into the deep water
Where Jesus has traveled before
To draw us into
His presence so pure
And dwell with Him there evermore.
Into the deep water
Where only by faith we can go;
Where held in the warmth
Of supporting embrace
The strength of our God we will know.
Walk with me now
Into the deep water
Where love and forgiveness shall reign;
Where cleansing begins
To take out the stains
So only the light will remain.
Walk with me now
Into the deep water;
A place we are never alone.
Where hope lights the fire
Of life in our hearts
Reflecting the power of God's throne.
Walk with me now
Into the deep water
Where Jesus has traveled before
To draw us into
His presence so pure
And dwell with Him there evermore.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Safe Haven
When life's storms seem to overwhelm
As though we may have lost the helm
There is a place where we can sail
With love so deep it never fails;
A place of peace,
Of safety, blessed;
Where we can go
To find our rest.
When candle's fire is burning bright
And either end is shedding light;
As in our quest for happiness
We find our fire is growing less,
We've need for peace,
Of safety, blessed;
Where we can go
To find our rest.
Though some may look askance and say,
"This should not be, there is no way
That peace could come from such a place,"
They've never known abiding grace
Where we find peace
And safety, blessed;
Where we can go
To find our rest.
From such a place we leave recharged
To face the world, our faith enlarged.
Though part will linger in that place
We rise and feel upon our face
A lingering peace
From safety, blessed;
Though now we find
No longer rest.
For now we know the storms will come;
Our path is sure, from safety sprung.
And strength is ours though heavy laden
As on we charge from our Safe Haven.
As though we may have lost the helm
There is a place where we can sail
With love so deep it never fails;
A place of peace,
Of safety, blessed;
Where we can go
To find our rest.
When candle's fire is burning bright
And either end is shedding light;
As in our quest for happiness
We find our fire is growing less,
We've need for peace,
Of safety, blessed;
Where we can go
To find our rest.
Though some may look askance and say,
"This should not be, there is no way
That peace could come from such a place,"
They've never known abiding grace
Where we find peace
And safety, blessed;
Where we can go
To find our rest.
From such a place we leave recharged
To face the world, our faith enlarged.
Though part will linger in that place
We rise and feel upon our face
A lingering peace
From safety, blessed;
Though now we find
No longer rest.
For now we know the storms will come;
Our path is sure, from safety sprung.
And strength is ours though heavy laden
As on we charge from our Safe Haven.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Construction in Kenya
Challenges, innovation and creativity. That's the best way to describe our construction project in Kenya.
We divided up into teams. Our team had two projects: 1) The construction of offices to be used by a number of pastors in the area. It will also include a small library. 2) A Bible Conference for the women leaders and pastors of a number of area churches.
I want to describe the construction project.
The plans that we had received from the pastor with whom we were working in Kenya, consisted of an outline sketch on a piece of notebook paper and a list of supplies with costs. Much was left to the imagination.
Fortunately, our team included someone with construction experience that could head the project. He had developed more detailed plans before we left, but, being versed in U.S. construction techniques wasn't necessarily the qualifier for Kenyan construction. To begin with, 16" centers don't translate well when supporting metric width sheet metal.
The first task was to purchase the material that we needed to build the structure. Unlike a trip to Lowe's or Home Depot, shopping for building materials was an adventure in itself.
We began at the Timber Yard. Yep, a sawmill. We had a choice of Blue Gum or Cypress. The Blue Gum was less expensive and preferred by the Kenyan crew. So, that's what we went with. It is extremely dense, tight-grained wood. It was green. It was purchased by the linear foot. The lengths varied greatly. The thicknesses also varied. A 2 x 4 in the U.S. is of standard thickness and width and can be purchased in uniform lengths. Not so the lumber from the Timber Yard! Well, we had to adapt.
Then we went shopping for the sheet metal for roofing and siding the building. The hardware store was the place to purchase all metal items such as the sheets of siding, the nails, hinges, windows, etc. You went to a window similar to a teller window at the bank and ordered the items that you needed.
Next we arranged transportation for the items we had purchased. Apparently the locals felt they could take advantage of the mazunga (white people) and sought to charge an exhorbitant amount for the use of a lorry (truck). We negotiated for awhile and ended up walking away. Fortunately, others saw our need and came to us to attempt to get our business. We ended up hiring a couple of small pickup trucks and their drivers to transport the items.
Green wood warps. Because the slab was still wet, we decided to build panels for each of the walls and then erect and fasten them together on the slab. Oh, I left out that we had sent ahead instructions to plant j-bolts in the slab for anchoring the walls. Didn't happen. So, they were inserted after our arrival. With the high sand content, we could basically just push them into the slab. Not very stable. But, back to the wood. What a challenge. Every board had to be cut for length. Every board was warped -- sometimes in multiple directions. Every board contnued to warp as it dried. Remember, it was fresh cut wood. Have you ever stopped to consider that a 90 degree cut on a warpped board is not going to sit flat on the board to which it is to be fastened?
Oh, and tools. No electricity so Mark, our construction foreman, brought a battery powered saw and drill from the U.S. along with extra battery packs. The dense wood killed the batteries in a matter of minutes. The packs wouldn't re-charge thanks to the different current of the electrical circuits there. So, hand tools were the order of the day. Most of the tools of the Kenya crew had seen much use and were in need of replacement. Our fearless leader purchased a new handsaw for our use, but, in Kenya, the teeth are not set. they are in a straight line. The also have not been sharpened. Needless to say, sawing was time consuming and laborious.
Did I mention that the lumber was crooked? Holy Cow! Squaring the building was quite the challenge. But, eventually, it was satisfactorily accomplished.
Hopefully the photos that I have included will give you some sense of what was built. I know that nothing is adequate to fully convey the experience.
We divided up into teams. Our team had two projects: 1) The construction of offices to be used by a number of pastors in the area. It will also include a small library. 2) A Bible Conference for the women leaders and pastors of a number of area churches.
I want to describe the construction project.
The plans that we had received from the pastor with whom we were working in Kenya, consisted of an outline sketch on a piece of notebook paper and a list of supplies with costs. Much was left to the imagination.
Fortunately, our team included someone with construction experience that could head the project. He had developed more detailed plans before we left, but, being versed in U.S. construction techniques wasn't necessarily the qualifier for Kenyan construction. To begin with, 16" centers don't translate well when supporting metric width sheet metal.
Fortunately, the Kenyan construction crew (some volunteers from the church there plus a few hired laborers) had mostly completed the slab. The proportions used for the concrete were not what we would have mixed. It was much too high in sand content, making it very soft. It also was not dry. In fact, they were still pouring when we arrived.
We began at the Timber Yard. Yep, a sawmill. We had a choice of Blue Gum or Cypress. The Blue Gum was less expensive and preferred by the Kenyan crew. So, that's what we went with. It is extremely dense, tight-grained wood. It was green. It was purchased by the linear foot. The lengths varied greatly. The thicknesses also varied. A 2 x 4 in the U.S. is of standard thickness and width and can be purchased in uniform lengths. Not so the lumber from the Timber Yard! Well, we had to adapt.
Then we went shopping for the sheet metal for roofing and siding the building. The hardware store was the place to purchase all metal items such as the sheets of siding, the nails, hinges, windows, etc. You went to a window similar to a teller window at the bank and ordered the items that you needed.
Next we arranged transportation for the items we had purchased. Apparently the locals felt they could take advantage of the mazunga (white people) and sought to charge an exhorbitant amount for the use of a lorry (truck). We negotiated for awhile and ended up walking away. Fortunately, others saw our need and came to us to attempt to get our business. We ended up hiring a couple of small pickup trucks and their drivers to transport the items.
Oh, and tools. No electricity so Mark, our construction foreman, brought a battery powered saw and drill from the U.S. along with extra battery packs. The dense wood killed the batteries in a matter of minutes. The packs wouldn't re-charge thanks to the different current of the electrical circuits there. So, hand tools were the order of the day. Most of the tools of the Kenya crew had seen much use and were in need of replacement. Our fearless leader purchased a new handsaw for our use, but, in Kenya, the teeth are not set. they are in a straight line. The also have not been sharpened. Needless to say, sawing was time consuming and laborious.
Electricity was found at a nearby orphanage. They told us we could use their electricity. So, for drilling the holes in the wall plates, the boards were carried across the field to the orphanage. This was a great improvement over the brace and bit that was not quite complete! I say it worked well. It did until it was found that the holes on one of the completed panels didn't match the bolts in the concrete. So, the panel (weighing many times what a similar panel of yellow pine would weigh) was carried across the field to be re-drilled. Hmmmm....electricity is not reliable in Kenya. The power supply is intermittent and unpredictable. OK, the panel was carried back un-drilled. A properly functioning brace-and-bit was sent for and eventually found. The holes were drilled.
Then, our time in the village ended and we had to head back to Limuru and Nairobi in preparation for our return home. The Kenyan team was left with the materials needed to complete the construction -- or most of it anyway. We hope to receive pictures soon of the completed building. I did receive an e-mail indicating that the roof and siding had been completed. I'm anxious to see what it looks like.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Kenyan Economic Development Zone
I have to thank my friend Dan for the title to this piece. His Rice University education is an indicator that he has quite a bit going on between his ears. His dry sense of humor slips past most folks.
In our recent trip to Kenya, travel across the country was a very exciting event. We flew into Nairobi and were taken to the Brackenhurst Resort. We spent the first night there.
On day two however, we drove west across the "White Highlands" and the "Great Rift Valley" to the "Western Highlands" near the Uganda border. Our destination was the village/town/small city of Kakamega.
As we progressed west across the beautiful Kenyan countryside we were treated to what might be termed Grand Prix driving, Kenyan style. The first concern is that everyone is driving on the wrong side of the road! Having been a former British Colony, the traffic laws require that you drive on the left -- not on the right as we do in the U.S.
The wrong-sided driving wasn't too bad, but, there were potholes in the roads. The further west we traveled, away from Nairobi, the more numerous and larger the potholes. So, at 80 kph and higher speeds, we dodged potholes. The drivers that we were meeting did the same. It was a high-speed game of "chicken" with oncoming traffic weaving across lanes and around potholes while our driver did the same.
To complicate the matter, there was a high volume of pedestrian traffic on the sides of the highway (a term used loosely). Oh, and there were bicycles and motorcycles and donkey carts and cattle and flocks of sheep and people crossing the road at random places. Not to mention that much of the oncoming traffic was lorries (trucks for you Americans).
The travel was quite exciting. The front seat -- "shotgun" -- was NOT the place to be. I let those who had difficulty with the occasional car-sickness sit there. Interestingly, the passenger riding shotgun to Kakamega chose NOT to ride in the same spot on the return. Oh, did I mention that the "shotgun" rider sits on the wrong side of the vehicle. I was forever trying to get in on the driver's side.
As if all of those things weren't enough, there were occasionally traffic policemen standing beside the road waving down the occasional vehicle. It usually wasn't for traffic violations but, for the supplemental income that it provided to them.
But, of all things, there were frequent "Economic Development Zones." Well, that wasn't what they called them. They were speed bumps placed randomly and frequently along the road. Since the traffic cops didn't have vehicles, it was probably the only way to slow traffic. The interesting thing about the speed bumps was that at each of them, there were roadside vendors who swarmed the vehicle with various items to sell. If you wanted a souvenir -- just roll down the window and see what was being offered. Hungry? -- how about a banana or a bag of plums or perhaps roasted corn-on-the cob -- oh, wait, that's maize-on-the-cob. What to us is corn is maize in most of the world.
So, after describing the journey across Kenya to Dan, he said, "It sounds like the speed bumps should be dubbed "Economic Development Zones!" I think he's right.
In our recent trip to Kenya, travel across the country was a very exciting event. We flew into Nairobi and were taken to the Brackenhurst Resort. We spent the first night there.
On day two however, we drove west across the "White Highlands" and the "Great Rift Valley" to the "Western Highlands" near the Uganda border. Our destination was the village/town/small city of Kakamega.
As we progressed west across the beautiful Kenyan countryside we were treated to what might be termed Grand Prix driving, Kenyan style. The first concern is that everyone is driving on the wrong side of the road! Having been a former British Colony, the traffic laws require that you drive on the left -- not on the right as we do in the U.S.
The wrong-sided driving wasn't too bad, but, there were potholes in the roads. The further west we traveled, away from Nairobi, the more numerous and larger the potholes. So, at 80 kph and higher speeds, we dodged potholes. The drivers that we were meeting did the same. It was a high-speed game of "chicken" with oncoming traffic weaving across lanes and around potholes while our driver did the same.
To complicate the matter, there was a high volume of pedestrian traffic on the sides of the highway (a term used loosely). Oh, and there were bicycles and motorcycles and donkey carts and cattle and flocks of sheep and people crossing the road at random places. Not to mention that much of the oncoming traffic was lorries (trucks for you Americans).
The travel was quite exciting. The front seat -- "shotgun" -- was NOT the place to be. I let those who had difficulty with the occasional car-sickness sit there. Interestingly, the passenger riding shotgun to Kakamega chose NOT to ride in the same spot on the return. Oh, did I mention that the "shotgun" rider sits on the wrong side of the vehicle. I was forever trying to get in on the driver's side.
As if all of those things weren't enough, there were occasionally traffic policemen standing beside the road waving down the occasional vehicle. It usually wasn't for traffic violations but, for the supplemental income that it provided to them.
But, of all things, there were frequent "Economic Development Zones." Well, that wasn't what they called them. They were speed bumps placed randomly and frequently along the road. Since the traffic cops didn't have vehicles, it was probably the only way to slow traffic. The interesting thing about the speed bumps was that at each of them, there were roadside vendors who swarmed the vehicle with various items to sell. If you wanted a souvenir -- just roll down the window and see what was being offered. Hungry? -- how about a banana or a bag of plums or perhaps roasted corn-on-the cob -- oh, wait, that's maize-on-the-cob. What to us is corn is maize in most of the world.
So, after describing the journey across Kenya to Dan, he said, "It sounds like the speed bumps should be dubbed "Economic Development Zones!" I think he's right.
Carrot anyone??
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Enough Said
John 14:12-14
12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Getting Ready
We leave Saturday for a trip. Not just any trip. We are headed to Africa.
I've been to Africa before. To Niger. Think desert. Poorest country on earth. Extreme poverty. Islam.
This time it is to Kenya. Equator. Jungle (at least part of it). Over 7,000 ft. altitude. Temperature range this time of year where we will be headed is 60-80 F. Poverty, yes, but, not as extreme. Large percentage of Christians. Stable for the last few years.
Packing. Leave Saturday and arrive late Sunday. Building project during the week. Church on Sunday morning before flying out late Sunday night. Home late on Monday.
One checked bag (50 lb. limit) and a carry on. Pack light.
How in the world do you pack for a place you've never been??!
Hopefully there will be a full report with pictures upon my return. You may have to remind me....
I've been to Africa before. To Niger. Think desert. Poorest country on earth. Extreme poverty. Islam.
This time it is to Kenya. Equator. Jungle (at least part of it). Over 7,000 ft. altitude. Temperature range this time of year where we will be headed is 60-80 F. Poverty, yes, but, not as extreme. Large percentage of Christians. Stable for the last few years.
Packing. Leave Saturday and arrive late Sunday. Building project during the week. Church on Sunday morning before flying out late Sunday night. Home late on Monday.
One checked bag (50 lb. limit) and a carry on. Pack light.
How in the world do you pack for a place you've never been??!
Hopefully there will be a full report with pictures upon my return. You may have to remind me....
Monday, January 3, 2011
Good Times
Good times make memories
For Father and Son
Shooting some pool or,
Just having fun.
It's not what your doing;
It's just hanging out.
'Cause the time your together
Is what it's about.
For Father and Son
Shooting some pool or,
Just having fun.
It's not what your doing;
It's just hanging out.
'Cause the time your together
Is what it's about.
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