1 Year Ago (part 2) - What I remember

With this being the 1 year anniversary of finding my dad after he died I wanted to post a few photos that epitomize how I will always remember him. He was not the same man who fought depression and alcoholism the last years of his life. He was someone who always got excited about our annual trips to Kings Island or the Zoo. Those were places where he shined and was somewhat the star of the day. He was the guy who took over my baseball team and quietly coached us to another 1st place finish when our head coach was called away on business much of that year. He never yelled or made a scene with us. He was the one we all knew we could go to with any electronic or mechanical problem because we knew it wasn't a matter of 'if' he could fix it but rather 'when' he would fix it. That was the Dad I missed for years before his passing. But I always let him know how much I loved him and how thankful I was for the job he and Mom did in raising me because I am so happy with my wife, kids, job, friends, and faith. They were the major guiding hands in getting me to that point. My poor dad had a hard time believing that so I didn't mind telling him every time I saw him. Miss ya Dad.

1 year ago (part 1) - A moment of clarity?

Well, it was 1 year ago today that my dad died although I wouldn't know it until I found him the next day. His official date of death is Nov. 29th because that is when the coroner pronounced him dead, but we know that he died sometime on the afternoon of the previous day (Nov. 28th, 2006). It's a very bittersweet day (obviously) for me because I am reminded of so many wonderful memories mixed with the painful memories of dealing with dad's problems the past several years. He was in such poor health the last year that he was alive and unfortunately we were not able to get him to take better care of himself. "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him stop drinking..." Dad sought comfort in escaping from his problems through alcohol but was unable to escape that prison. Not only is it poison to your mind, it is poison to the body and that is what took him from us. Fortunately I have tons of great memories to fall back on. I only wish he had taken his problems to the Lord. I know he'd still be here with us still. My only comfort is my hope that he had a moment of clarity as he passed from this world.

Christmas coloring

Here's a photo of John and Katie Grace coloring in Christmas activity books during a break in the school day. Katie Grace really got into it. She ran back to her room and put on her red velvet dress and a Santa hat.

Cross in the sky

I couldn't pass up this shot. I went outside of the church where John was playing basketball and looked up at the beautiful sky when I noticed the steeple piercing into the depths of the atmosphere. Wouldn't this photo make for a nice album cover?

Last of the red tree

Well this past week saw the downing of most of the leaves from the neighbor's beautiful maple tree. At least I think it's some kind of maple tree. I'm no arborist... Anyway, here are a few photos taken just before the tree shed it's Fall coat. -

Skating Party

John got to go to his cousin Jacob's birthday skating party yesterday and had a blast. He had never been on skates before so it was going to be interesting. The party was a success and John managed to learn to skate pretty well. He took several spectacular falls however! He is hobbling around pretty sore today! He even gained an "admirer" who kept following him around the rink all afternoon; this girl in a bright yellow shirt was pretty obvious in trying to skate with John. She was not there for the party and when the birthday group only was asked out onto the floor she waited patiently for John to finish so she could go skate with him again! However, I don't think he was totally comfortable with having a skating date! Nonetheless, a great time was had by all.

Groucho Claus is coming...

Now that Thanksgiving is over you get to mess with the Christmas season shopping! Yippee! It brings out the best in all of us. We turn into grouches as we have to wait 20 minutes in line...and that's in the express lane of Wal-Mart! Anyway, this grouch is not gonna mess with it. I'm going shopping in the off-hours you see. Groucho Claus is coming to town y'all! Nobody better mess with me!

JFK Assassination

This is the 44th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas back in 1963. Having done extensive reading on both sides of the conspiracy theory fence for decades, I come down on the side of the conspiracy theory argument. 'Theory' is a bit of a misnomer because my decision was based purely on physical evidence; films and photos, bullets, wounds, timing, distance, speed, eyewitnesses, doctor testimonies and notes, autopsy photos, documents on Oswald, etc. The physical evidence is so overwhelmingly in support of a conspiracy that it takes a greater leap of faith to believe Oswald acted alone. You have to defy physical evidence to accept this position. Who had JFK killed is up for speculative grabs. I just wanted to take a moment to remember the last time an American president was killed in office. As much as people profess to hate President Bush (or hated President Clinton), I sincerely hope that there resides enough respect for the office and the person who holds it regardless of ideological differences to avoid seeing this happen ever again.

Goodbye Joe Nuxhall...

Ye Olde Traditional Feaste

Back in high school our chorus would put on an annual Christmas feaste set in 17th century England. It was a full production of music, entertainment, and serving food all dressed in the costume of the day. A lot of work went into preparing for the Feaste. We'd begin rehearsing the music usually in mid-October and then building sets and decorations throughout the month of December. The Feaste was started in 1978 by choir director Mr. Krueger and it continued until his retirement after the 2004-05 school year. When she was 9-years old Melinda attended the very first Feaste as a guest at the head table since her dad was president of the music association at the time. Years later, she would participate in 4 Feastes (1983-86) as a member of the high school choir. I was only in choir our Senior year and so I was only in the 1986 Feaste. We have been back to several more since graduating including the final Feaste in December of 2004 here are some photos from back in high school and then at the last Feaste. Fortunately, there doesn't exist any photos of me with my pony tail, knickers, and white stockings that I wore the year I was in the Feaste...

The leaves are falling!

That time of year again...the leaves are falling (finally) and that means that the kids will be out raking and playing. Here are some scenes Melinda captured today in the front yard of the kids enjoying the season.

Wrestlemania!

OK, so I work all day staring into the emptiness of a computer screen...what do you think I could do to get rid of some of that pent up energy? How bout fending for my life against two maniac kids bent on clobbering their dad? Sound like fun? It does to me. Every once in a while I get ambushed in the living room by our two "wrestlers" and on other occasions I ambush them! I remember wrestling with my dad when I was little. As I got older it became harder for Dad to wrestle with me because my knees started finding his nose from time to time. Ouch! But I still remember how he'd get me down and apply the dreaded tickle. That would drive me nearly to tears for laughing so hard! Well, I better get going. You never know who's lurking around the corner ready to pounce!

New guitar

Well, I finally pulled the trigger on buying a new acoustic guitar to replace the one I have been using for 10 years. I liked the old one (a Goya) but it was a smaller scale guitar and lacked the big, robust sound most guitars have. It also didn't have a pickup in it. The one I got on Friday, a Takamine (pronounced "tock-a-MEEN-ee") was a steal of a deal. Found it at a Willis Music warehouse sale at nearly 75% discount. It's "last year's model" essentially but I don't care. It has a beautiful blue tint that fades to black and has a built-in pickup. Plays like a gem and has a rich sound that I have wanted for years. For me, Christmas came in November this year! My fingers have been working overtime since Friday playing the guitar all around the house. Even broke it in Monday morning at our church's men's meeting where I led the singing of worship with it. The fact that I have begun recording songs that I have written and stored up over the past several years makes the timing of this purchase even better. It's gonna be put to very good use.

Horses & deer

Melinda snapped these two photos a few days ago of a couple of deer prancing around some grazing horses. They were young deer and spry as can be. The horses didn't seem to even notice. Pretty cool photos nonetheless. They were taken from a long distance (probably 100 yards or more) so that is why they are not as crisp and clear as we had hoped. Click on 'em to see better detail of the deer on the right hopping around.

The ladybugs are fooled.

The pretty weather we've been having has fooled the ladybugs who were already hunkered down for the long winter. They were out in droves this past weekend and Katie Grace took advantage of it. She went outside and played with them for a good long while. She'd get them to crawl all over her while they wondered if it was Spring yet. This happens from time to time. They'll be OK. God has programmed them to go back to a cozy spot and ride out the winter. For the day, we enjoyed seeing them out for one last Autumn joyride. See you next Spring ladybugs!

The best Fall ever?

This has to be ranked up there as one of the most beautiful Fall seasons I can remember. Warm temps; blue skies; leaves of all colors. We can't put down the camera. Whenever we take a drive we keep the camera with us. Here are a couple of nice shots of the leaves around here as of the second week of November. Mel snapped the one of the road and I took the leaves photo. Hope you enjoy (click on the photos to make them bigger).

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Veteran's Day

This coming Sunday is Veteran's Day (observed on Monday in some instances). Too often we look forward to it only because of the day off work but we must pause and truly appreciate what this day is all about. It's more than just special savings at the mall or a time to get out and prepare the house and lawn for the upcoming winter. It's about honoring America's military veterans. Some history: November 11th is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice treaty that ended World War I in 1918. The Allies and Germany signed the agreement that ended "the war to end all wars." Armistice Day was born in 1926 when Congress passed a resolution calling for November 11th to be the day of observance of the treaty. In 1938, November 11th became a legal holiday and in 1954 the name of the holiday changed from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day since there had been two additional major conflicts (WWII and Korea).

My neighbor across the street where I was raised fought at Iwo Jima during WWII in the Japanese theater of operations. The famous photo (left) from that battle is familiar to everyone. Willard Griffis told me the story of how so many of his fellow soldiers died that day the photo was taken.

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I also grew up mowing the yard of a neighbor and WWII veteran named Kenneth McKesson. He was shot down over the jungles of one of the islands near Japan. While he survived, he was left with scars both physical and psychological. After I would finish mowing he would invite me in for a Coke and I would sit and listen to his stories of fending off those giant spiders and snakes as he awaited either rescue or capture. Fortunately, he was rescued. Ken and his wife were never able to have children as a result of his injuries and so for a few years I became like a son to him. He passed along dozens of stories and also a pocket knife that I will treasure forever. He died about 10 years ago.

Melinda's grandpa Ralph Rogers served on the USS Indianapolis which was sunk by a Japanese torpedo during the last days of WWII. Tales of the fight for survival of the crew are epic and well documented on several movies and TV specials. He fought off sharks, the blazing sun, no water, and other sights and sounds unimaginable.

Lastly, about a year and a half ago I was walking into a convenient store and saw an older gentlemen walking with a cane and wearing a hat that had the name of a ship that served in WWII on it so I asked him if he served on that boat. His eyes lit up and he proceeded to tell me the story of how he survived an attack in the Mediterranean Sea during the mid 40's and that he suffered an injury that day (he held his cane up at that point) which would affect his walk ever since. I thanked him sincerely for sharing his story and for his service. I saw his wife behind him give me a look of gratitude that I took the time to ask and listen. Too often we don't. We just pass by without a glance. How arrogant considering the sacrifice they have made for us!!!

So, the next time you see someone old or young in military gear please give a minute of your time to hear their story. After all, they likely have given years of their life for you. Happy Veteran's Day.

Now and then...2007 & 1987

I love taking photos from the past and matching them up with current photos. This past August we had Trish over and Melinda took a photo of me and her. I went back and found another photo Melinda took of me and Trish 20 years ago. It was taken when we were getting on the subway in downtown Toronto during our senior year high school chorus trip to Canada and Niagara Falls. I don't think I even look like the same person but Trish looks the same! The more things change, the more things appear the same I guess.

Josh's last football game

Our friend Josh who lives a few houses up the street tried out for his high school football team during this, his Senior year and he made the squad! John and I went to see his last game this past weekend with his mom Marla and had a blast. It was Senior night so Marla got to walk out onto the field with Josh prior to the game. While the team lost, Josh had a good game. He was in on kickoffs and totally levelled someone during a runback. In the 4th quarter he made several catches during the final 2 drives of the game and almost had a touchdown catch but the ball was overthrown a bit. All and all, we were so proud of him especially since this was his first year playing! Keep up the good work in everything you do Josh and you will go far! Here are some nice game and pre-game shots.

Crane

I craned my neck to Bobserve this cool crane while out taking a drive through the southern part of the county. OK, so I'm easily entertained...

Only Love Remains

For me and Melinda, this will always be "our song". It's Paul McCartney's "Only Love Remains" from his 1986 lp Press To Play. The album was pretty much a dud but this song was a standout and always a favorite of ours. This is a live performance from a British TV show. Ah, it warms me heart...that is until he breaks into "Shake Rattle & Roll" at the end.

Fall day at the park

We spent the other day driving around the county and enjoying the spectacular beauty of the Lord's creation! After that we stopped by the local park at supper time and there was hardly anybody there. So, this gave us a license to be silly. Sillier than usual. Above are some photos taken by Melinda of us being goofy.