Lambert Polacek Dwyer

Obits

2009-06-05T17:44:00.004-05:00

DATELINE; JUNE 5, YEAR OF OUR LORD, 2009
EARLY TODAY THE BLOG PASSED ON TO OBLIVIOUS-DOM.
YES IT IS AS DEAD AS A CHRISTIAN IN A MOSKQUE
ALAS POOR BLOG I KNEW HIM WELL, THE BLOG IS SURVIVED BY NO ONE. AS THEY ARE, AS DEAD AS THE BLOG ITSELF. AT LEAST THEIR LIVES ARE OR MUST BE, AS THE BLOG ITSELF TESTIFIES TO. ALAS NO BLOGGER HAS THE MOST MINUTE PIECE OF NEWS TO RELATE. DEAD ,YES, ALL HAVE FAILED TO FIND ANY REASON FOR THE EXISTENCE GOD GRANTED THEM. THEY KNOW NOT WHY THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN LIFE SO THEY WASTE AWAY, LIVING DRONE-LIKE LIVES. WE CAN ONLY HOPE THEIR POOP SHOOTS DO NOT GET BLOGGED(OPPS TO LATE), I MEAN CLOGGED. FOR IT SEEMS THIS WOULD BE THE MOST INTERESTING THING TO HAPPEN IN, (WHEN WAS THE LAST POST?) oH, MY, I MUST RUN-- NATURE CALLS

European Ramblings

2009-04-03T14:26:00.001-05:00

Whenever I am in a new country, I always try to learn a few words of the local language. In Asia, it was always a bit of a challenge since the alphabets and languages were all so completely foreign. As I was riding into Paris on the train, I pulled out my handy dandy French, Italian, and German to English dictionary and began perusing the survival phrases. Much to my delight, there were several recognizable French words. Bonjour, au revoir, bon voyage, madame, monsieur, oui, merci beaucoup, excusez-moi, perdon, je ne parle pas Francais. When we arrived in Germany, the phrasebook offered guten tag, guten morgen, gute nacht, wilkommen, herr, frau, auf wiedersehen, sprechen sie Englisch, ja, nein, and danke. Because we use the same alphabet, unlike in Asia, I could even figure out some familiar words on signs and menus. Since I’ve mainly traveled in Asia, it caught me completely off guard when people in France and Germany spoke to me in their native tongue, not able to tell simply by looking that I was not a local. Then, when I said, “Bonjour” or “Guten tag” they would begin talking and I would have to ask if they spoke English. Most people that we encountered were fluent, but the initial thought that I was European was always kind of fun to think about…and it was nice, for once, not to stick out like the gaijin (foreigner) that I have been for so long.

The mixture of languages on the trip has been an experience along. A continual source of adolescent-minded giggles in German was the repeated use of the word ‘fahrt’. Abfahrt = departure, ausfahrt = exit, einfahrt = entrance. And even though I had no idea what it means, my favorite phrase is ‘gute fahrt”! (It turns out that gute fahrt means something like, “Have a good trip.”) When we were visiting with Manfred, he also used the word “kaput”. I guess I’d never thought about the origin of the word because I nearly laughed out loud every time he said it. Since we spent so long in Germany (compared to me quick jaunts into other places) and tried so hard to use what German we could, I got a little stuck with the German words. I found myself saying “danke” throughout the trip, even when I was in Barcelona. There, I was disappointed to find out, they use a local dialect of Catalan which is nearly as different from Spanish as Italian.

In the past, whenever I thought of Germany, I unconsciously linked it to the World Wars and, therefore, did not consider it a place that I wanted to go. Several of my friends in DoDDs had taught on the many bases scattered across the countryside and enjoyed the experience immensely, but I always assumed that they simply liked being close to the other European countries that I did consider worthy of a visit. But now, as I sat on a train rumbling through the breathtaking Bavarian Alps out of Germany toward Austria, my perspective was completely different. Germany is a beautiful country with many unique and beautiful places to visit. In fact, the snow-capped mountains hovering over cozy little villages that passed by my window made me wonder anew what heaven will be like since I can’t even imagine any thing more stunning than what I saw through the train windows along this trip.

On our first complete day in Germany, we were scheduled to meet a friend of Aunt Joanne’s. I have to admit that I was not at all looking forward to the outing. When I asked how she knew Manfred, she said that she had met him on a flight to Alaska nearly 15 years ago. When they arrived in Anchorage, Aunt Joanne offered him a ride to his hotel. He didn’t have a reservation and asked if they knew of a cheap place to stay. Aunt Joanne and Uncle George took him to the cheapest place they knew and waited while Manfred went inside. When he came out, he looked troubled. The hotel was asking more that Manfred wanted to pay. Aunt Joanne, in typical fashion, then offered him use of her guestroom. Manfred happily accepted, and Aunt Joanne and Uncle George spent the next ten days playing tour guide. They kept in touch over the years, and when Aunt Joanne found out that she was going to Germany, she called and made a plan to have Manfred show us around Limburg, his home town.

Manfred, it turns out, has the same gregarious personality as Aunt Joanne. Neither of them has ever met a stranger. Once introductions were made, Manfred and his girlfriend/wife offered us a tour of their home and then some wine. We then headed out to see the town. Our first stop was to a hotdog stand in the town square. We all got some delicious bratwurst and agreed that it was the best we’d ever had. Next, we headed to Marguerite’s house. She was in the hospital recovering from an operation, so Manfred was house-sitting. We were so grateful because her home was amazing…much better than a museum because it was an authentic home. We saw several treasures…Uncle George modeled World War I and II helmets while Aunt Carolyn marveled at the dolls from long ago. As we were shown from room to room throughout the house we couldn’t believe how large it was and how many rooms it had. Aunt Carolyn pointed out that must be how they were able to hide people during the war because the homes were so cobbled together that it was impossible to tell when a room was ‘missing’.

After Marguerite’s house, Manfred took us to the Limburg Cathedral. It was huge and dated back to the 1200’s. He had worked as part of the restoration team for 13 years and described the process. It was painstakingly slow, and he said that sometimes he would clear less than a square foot a day. After the cathedral, Manfred gave us a private tour of the cathedral museum where he works now. In addition to the regular museum pieces on display, he took us up to the depot and we saw all of the pieces that were in storage. It was really neat to get the behind the scenes tour. Overall, our day with Manfred was wonderful, and I am so glad that my wacky Aunt Joanne talks to everyone she meets!

For the rest of our time in Germany, we explored the Mosel valley. The little towns along the river each had their own cathedrals. We visited several and saw many more on the hillsides as we traveled from place to place. I was surprised to find that being inside the cathedrals, even in the Vatican, didn’t spark any desire to worship or pray. In fact, after visiting several, I realized that the cathedrals made me feel as sad as the shrines and temples of Japan. There, they had pretty buildings honoring false gods. In Europe, however, the pretty buildings were meant to turn people to God, but instead were just pretty pieces of architecture that people mainly went to as tourists. Several are now charging people to enter, and on cathedral even had a sign that said, “Church not open to visitors.” All of that has just made me understand more fully that God did not intend a church to be a building, but rather a gathering of people who love Him, and that makes even more grateful to be connecting once again with my church family in South Florida.

Well, my trip is coming to a close. Usually at this point, I get a little sad that the adventure is ending, but this time it is the opposite. Although I’ve had a wonderful time zooming through and exploring some of Europe’s famous cities, I’ve missed my family and friends and my home. I think God allowed me to take this trip by myself to allow me to see that although I can do things by myself, He made me to be in fellowship with others. The others He has given me for this season are in Florida and I am ready to return to them. I didn’t realize it when I was heading home from Japan because I was so focused on what I was leaving and what my next step would be, but this time alone has made me really miss my loved ones and anticipate the next chapter of life…including being an aunt – which I am very excited about.

That said, I am still nervous about what God has in store for me. I must admit that I have been worrying, but that has driven me into His presence to ask for His peace, which He provides without fail. As always, I am afraid that He wants me to be an administrator and I have always been terrified of that job. But I wouldn’t be surprised if that is the very reason He wants me in the position…I will need Him more than ever and therefore draw close to Him to depend on His strength rather than my own.

Random thoughts:
· After seeing several Kitty look-a-likes in France, I am more convinced that she is a beauceron.
· Nutella is so much tastier than vegemite…someone should tell the British and Australians!
· We saw lots of dogs in Germany…but not a single mutt! All were obviously pure bred and very well treated.
· The stark contrast between the Mosel Valley and Bavaria was immediately recognizable in the different architecture and in the wooden carvings found in all of the gift shops.
· Garmisch was an adorable little town in the Alps, but the Alps are so gi-normous that I was afraid to ski…especially without insurance!
· The hills of Salzburg were alive with the Sound of Music…especially when they began playing it on the tour bus.
· Venice, or Venezia to the locals, is very unique. I never realized that it is a city made up of about 100 islands, 400 bridges and 2000 alleys. The Grand Canal runs through the center of the city, but countless canals crisscross the rest. Because of that, there are no cars and all transportation is done by boat. I saw a garbage boat, ambulance boat, DHL boat, taxis boats, gondolas, and several police boats. Instead of a bus system, they have vaporettos, or giant boats, that work the same way. When I arrived, I booked a room, hopped on a vaporetto and set off through the maze of alleys to find my hotel. Happily, I stumbled upon it fairly quickly, checked in, dumped my stuff, and set off to wander around. I didn’t have a destination in mind, so it didn’t matter that Venice would be an impossible place to navigate. I just kept walking around, hopping on the vaporettos when I was tired and enjoying the sights.
· The further south you go in Italy, the less organized it is and the more run down the cities get. Although the entire place could use a coat of paint and some new roads, it is somehow still charming.
· After just a week of traveling by myself, I was so happy to have some company when I got to Naples. Mishel was a wonderful tour guide and drove me along the Amlafi coast…one of my favorite parts of the trip.
· I’ve never been overly interested in architecture, but the work of Gaudi in Barcelona is really amazing. His buildings are really eye-catching.
· Amsterdam had way more bicycle parking than car parking and people were riding everywhere. There were even little lanes along the stairs at the train station where people could push the bikes up and down.
· Why do people change the names of places from what the locals call them? Wouldn’t it make more sense for everyone to call Florence Firenze like the Italians do?

Hey, is there any world travelers that can post here?

2009-04-01T20:08:00.002-05:00

You would think that we all know how Germany and Austria look and we don't need any pictures.

How 'bout you post some?

A Poem

2009-03-27T11:50:00.002-05:00

My day old Son is plenty scrawny
His mouth is wide with screams of yawny
His ears seem larger than he's needing
His nose is flat
His chin's receding
His skin is very, very red
He has no hair upon his head
And yet I'm proude as proude can be
To hear you say
He looks like ME!

Jesus said in Matthew

2009-03-27T08:40:00.001-05:00

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

MARCH MADNESS

2009-03-04T16:50:00.002-06:00

Every year we hear about March Madness!
Just why does March get this distinktion? Other than the "beware the ides of March" I have no disrespect for the month that comes in like a lion and goes out on the lamb! But where is the madness? Unless it comes from cabin fever after being couped up all winter in the frozen northland, I just can't figgure it out. One could be gone mad all year from what I've seen. Well, I am forced to file this one under things that make you go Hmmm.

Icestorm in the south suburbs of Chicago

2008-12-28T12:48:00.002-06:00

We had an ice storm here a couple of days before Christmas. I took some pictures out my bedroom window and Valerie took some as we attempted to drive down the road to run some errands.

Click on the post title to see more.

MERRY CHRIST MAS

2008-12-25T09:47:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS BLOG FACES

Fa La La la la

2008-12-23T19:10:00.002-06:00

Christmas comes but once a year,
Now it's here, Now its here
Bringing lots of Joy and Cheer
Fa La la la la

Always Lookin Fer A Fight

2008-12-15T23:26:00.002-06:00

Todays fight is with ING Direct....

Dear Sir,I left my computer and when I came back I had a notice that my tax forms will be sent to me via SNAIL MAIL. I work for the United States Postal Service. We work very hard to ensure prompt and speedy delivery. I would venture to say I could mail and receive a letter faster than I can get my money away from you and back in my hand. So just who are you to call us SNAILs ? I am less apprehensive to put valuables in the mail than leaving them with you in these times, so tread lightly.I would also like to bring to your notice that the money I put in your institution comes from the Snail mail you so effectively insult.Please conduct yourselves in a business like manor.

Fish heads, fish heads, roly poly fish heads...

2008-11-28T05:23:00.004-06:00

I though you all might like to see what the Tsukiji Fish Market looks like to those of us who are sequestered in the Japanese world...

This is biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind (at least according to local folklore and wikipedia). I must say that I had heard that it was a must see and was a bit dubious as to why, but since we must continue to check things off of the gotta do list, I went and did. The whole experience was pretty interesting. The guys wandering around looking at the fish all had picks that they would swing into the frozen fish and then look at the holes. They also had little flaps hacked open and the guys would shine their flashlights and then scribble things down on a pad of paper. This went on for a while and then the auctioneers (three of them standing at different places in the warehouse) started ringing bells and then begans chanting, and shouting, and writing things on their little notepads. It lasted for about half an hour and then we made our way through the inner market where the fish are processed. In there were about a bazillion guys driving fish around on little trucks. Other guys were hacking up fish with machetes and still other carving them with saws. It was crazy, but interesting to watch. And all the while I had the fish heads song playing in my head!

Thanks-Giver

2008-11-26T19:45:00.002-06:00

Be a good thanks-giver , This year send God a Knee-mail. Get it? knee-mail... Oh Magooo you've done it again.

Liversauge

2008-11-22T17:39:00.002-06:00

A tube of liversauage never seemed so big till one tries to finish it alone.First add ketchup next time try pickels then a layer of cheese,lettuce helps and I always liked when the other half of sandwich was penut butter and some got on the liversauge side.mmmmmm. Still half of the tube is there to be put back in the fridge after ripping off some of that orange paper stuff. Lunch again! Or maybe I can put it on crackers and serve it on thanksgiving and call it pa-tay!

Strong Words In Isaiah !

2008-11-14T15:34:00.001-06:00

The LORD Almighty has sworn,
"Surely, as I have planned, so it will be,
and as I have purposed, so it will happen.

Ponderance;

2008-11-07T07:52:00.001-06:00

IF YOU DON'T STAND FOR SOMETHING
YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING

B.O. has changed things already

2008-11-05T19:46:00.002-06:00

Every night I go riding about the greater West Palm area on my very cool motorcycle. Which makes me...well you get the idea. Happy, yes,well as the price of gas started to drop I notice I am no longer the only one out and about. Sitting at a light I now have a few cars around me. Not that I'm antisocial but I let them be and don't let it bother me. Well come Elecion day I figgure I better leave Jason's about 9 pm you know before the drinking voters get wind of who won and comence to jump in their cars and see how many motorcycles they can cut off, turn in front of or just pull real close to at a light so the engine heat melts the leather jacket. Well the only flaw in my reasoning was how anxious these peeps are. You see they were alreay out in number waveing all those Obama signs they had stuck in the front lawns. Shouting Obama obama! You would have thought Moses had just told them Pack up we's heading for the Red Sea. Really if these peeps had as much joy for Jesus..well thats off point.
That brings us to tonights jaunt about town. First I goes to publix, pack some food into my jacket, blast hame to gobble it up and once full, off fer a nice ride. Whoa hold on thar whare has all this traffic come otta? I mean it's like rush hour or the week before Christmas. Who has set all these peeps free?
AS I ride along contiplating I figgers; These peeps all think they have just been set free! All the problems are gone and they need to leave the house and clutter my streets! Well I don't like them. They need to go home and watch survivor or some such trash. Instead here I am back home and alone cause Jean is out! Oh no there is the garage door opening gotta go. Bye.

Well Well Borack is in

2008-11-04T22:53:00.002-06:00

Good for the American Peoples They have gotten what they wanted. I'm not surprised. I would like to congratulate all democrates but socialists are the winners here. For me I'm just a visitor passing thru. I can't think on any president I have liked yet. Maybe politicks aint my Thang. After all even our lowest office of commissioner (who used to live on our block but is now in jail) race was a choice, of the governer's appointed boy or a lady from Talahassi who moved down here. I voted for her cause I'm hating the Governer for buying back the sugar land in the everglades for 7 billion that we don't have. The other three sugar companys can still carry on, I guess they do not bother the Govnr.
Well if B.O. is half the man he claims to be we should be just fine. I'm sure God will protect Isrial, just like he says.
And The Beat Goes On....

I Want to go Home My Pillowcase is Full

2008-10-31T20:20:00.002-05:00

Well now, I is been out Trick or Treating and I pertnear done the whole nerborhood, an my pillowcase is so full it drags on the grownd thru the snow! I'ma gone hame to unload. "Ma, whars them pots ta put my candy inta? I'ma guna hide it in the oven till I comes back!" Wha? why would I wana change costumes? Oh Ok this one is wet. OK SEE_YA wooden want ta be Ya!
Tricx er Treat!
Hey haven't You been here before? Na not me.
Trik er treet!
Hey aren't you a little old? Na just tall! Skip the next one, no one's home! Run before they close the door!
Wanna trade? No don't stop till we get hame.
Trick er treet.
Hey isn't it kinda late? Sorry.
Here just take the rest I'm going to bed.
Sucker!

Trick er treet
hey comeon the news is on. Soory Thanks
Don't step in the eggs. Got any soap?
My feet hurt. Where am I anyway? Let's just hit the corner houses >on the way homee! I'm on my way home, I'm going homeee! :>)

Baby Pictures

2008-10-14T10:45:00.004-05:00

You knew that the baby pictures were inevitable, didn't you. Well here they are. Proud Boppa (me) holding the baby, The happy big brother, Valerie thanking Amanda for giving her a new grandson, Jackson Cole Gaiser, and "Mother & Child".

Good news bad news

2008-10-12T12:42:00.003-05:00

The good news is that Jason and I just passed the Motorcycle Safty course. Jason was the first to go out of everyone. The fat lady said it made her confident to follow him cause he made it look easy. The bad news is I cannot get to the drivers licence place till Tuesday cause Monday is a holiday. Good thing I also have Tues & Wed off! Berrrp, Berrrrrp.

Color me intolerant

2008-10-09T18:46:00.003-05:00

Like Gag me with a spoon, I just saw a bite on TV, like the Gay people are tired of the new saying...."like that is so gay. Isn't that the gayest thing you ever heard of?
WE should all just stop using the gay in vain. What? Do they not say 100 times a day, "Oh MY God?" Let them use the Lords name in vain but hold me to be politicaly corect about sexual perverts? I used to be happy and gay but I can't be anymore cause now that makes me a sexual pervert. So what say we call a spade a spade. Or should we be tolerant cause it's not their falt,God made a mistake and made them that way. Even tho God calls it an abomination. He made them that? NOT.. Oh my gay'ds, They are wrong out loud. But what would you do about it? What would I do about it? Will we stand up for our Lord and maker? Or will we let them make laws to shut up our mouths and call it hate speech? LIKE HAS ALREADY HAPPENED IN COLORADO. thats right it is now ileagal to sell the bible in Colorado. It's a hate crime to sell the bible! Meanwhile they spit our Lords name out of their dirty mouths daily and it goes unmentioned. At work when someone says Oh my god or Jesus, I shout "Where? Oh I thought he came back". Other times I say "BLASPHIMY" or "thats no reason for blasphimy."
CAN YOU SAY PET PEEVE?

I Don't Want A Pickle

2008-10-04T21:23:00.002-05:00

I just want to ride my Motor cicle.
Clickhere (on the link above) and you will hear some real honesty from the most carismatic politician of today.
Then remember Jesus did not involve himself in politics.

Barack Obama, the traitor

2008-10-04T16:24:00.002-05:00

Okay, let's say you are right, John. Mr. Obama has been lying to the country about believing in Christ and dedicating this life to God's people. He has been lying to his wife and daughters about what they really believe. He hates America, will not wear a flag pin, not put his hand over his heart during the singing of the national anthem because he hates American and all Americans. He really is a closet Moslem, he hopes to become president so he can send us all to hell and bring on an Islamic state on these shores.

Tell me how he could do this. What would Congress do? What would you do? What do you think I would do? Would he try and sneak it past us so we do not notice? Or do you think the good people of this country would prevent it? What would be his plan to pull this off and get away with it? Maybe he would ban the national anthem? Maybe he would require the burning of the flag? Maybe all the time he has spent trying to improve the lot of Americans was a ruse to get himself elected so he could present us to Iran on a platter? I would love to hear from someone who promotes these things thinks they would work. Are they the only ones who love our country? Would the rest of us just go play with our Wii?

Butt Honking

2008-09-30T11:43:00.000-05:00

The horn on Jeremy's Dad's truck is hard to push so he has learned to honk it by using his behind. He was trying it here on my car. And showing off his new glasses and spikey hair cut.

I have been absent...

2008-09-28T14:14:00.002-05:00

There seems be be a resurgence of the family blog, and I'd like to participate! I just don't know if I can keep up with the intensity...I don't have that profound of thoughts or that witty of comments. But I'm here just the same. When I think of something exciting, I'll try to post the pic of the "yellow ribbon" celebration yesterday at PBIA for Jay.

I'm a little confused...

2008-09-26T15:08:00.002-05:00

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight.....

If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different."

Growing up in Alaska eating mooseburgers and going aerial shooting for wolves in the winter; a quintessential American story.

If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.

Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.

Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.

Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.

If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.

If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.

If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.

If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible.

If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.

If your husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA , your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now.

Motorcycle 09/14/2008

2008-09-14T19:08:00.001-05:00

Yup Thar it is- You should see how good the truck looks with this bike in the bed ! And yes I have been around the block a few times as has Jason who approves. Yup we put 3 miles on just today and will get a plate on Tuesday. See what a full moon will do?

Who wants a scooter

2008-09-14T11:34:00.002-05:00

As it turns out,I cannot park my motorcycle in the frontroom. So I need to make room in the garage and she will not give up her spot eather. So I need to move this scooter out. If'n any of you's want to take possetion it needs a battery. Otherwise I guess it'll be on the back porch. Time marches on...Yes I know, maybe I'll be taking the cycle battery from the twisted wreckage and need to scoot my-self along.

I bought a motorcycle yesterday !

2008-09-14T09:23:00.003-05:00

I bought a motorcycle yesterday !
Does it gooble?
No it's very good on gas.
Honda Shadow,600cc 1993 5023 miles or maybe 105023?
Now I will ned to work up the nerve to ride it.
Then I can race Sean.

How can we proclaim that God exists

2008-09-11T19:36:00.003-05:00

How can we proclaim that God exists
and then live life like he dosen't ?

Shouldn't we be the happyest bunch of mother Jonah's on this here planet? Shouldn't we tell those who are hellbound about Jesus? If God himself came back here to earth to try to save us all we should have Christmas every day! That's right I said came back. After all he used to hang with Adam & Eve right? Then he distanced himself cause of he hates being around sin. Then he gave us the law which we had to be perfect to do (and he knew that) so since he is the only perfect one he came back and showed us how. Then became the ultimet sacrifice(Isaiah 53).
Isaiah 43;14
This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"For your sake I will send to Babylon
and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians, [b]
in the ships in which they took pride.
15 I am the LORD, your Holy One,
Israel's Creator, your King."

16 This is what the LORD says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,

17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

18 "Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 45;7

I form the light and create darkness,
I bring prosperity and create disaster;
I, the LORD, do all these things.

8 "You heavens above, rain down righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness grow with it;
I, the LORD, have created it.

9 "Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker,
to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground.
Does the clay say to the potter,
'What are you making?'
Does your work say,
'He has no hands'?

10 Woe to him who says to his father,
'What have you begotten?'
or to his mother,
'What have you brought to birth?'

11 "This is what the LORD says—
the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker:
Concerning things to come,
do you question me about my children,
or give me orders about the work of my hands?

12 It is I who made the earth
and created mankind upon it.
My own hands stretched out the heavens;
I marshaled their starry hosts.

13 I will raise up Cyrus [b] in my righteousness:
I will make all his ways straight.
He will rebuild my city
and set my exiles free,
but not for a price or reward,
says the LORD Almighty."

14 This is what the LORD says:
"The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, [c]
and those tall Sabeans—
they will come over to you
and will be yours;
they will trudge behind you,
coming over to you in chains.
They will bow down before you
and plead with you, saying,
'Surely God is with you, and there is no other;
there is no other god.' "

15 Truly you are a God who hides himself,
O God and Savior of Israel.

16 All the makers of idols will be put to shame and disgraced;
they will go off into disgrace together.

17 But Israel will be saved by the LORD
with an everlasting salvation;
you will never be put to shame or disgraced,
to ages everlasting.

18 For this is what the LORD says—
he who created the heavens,
he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth,
he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,
but formed it to be inhabited—
he says:
"I am the LORD,
and there is no other.

19 I have not spoken in secret,
from somewhere in a land of darkness;
I have not said to Jacob's descendants,
'Seek me in vain.'
I, the LORD, speak the truth;
I declare what is right.

20 "Gather together and come;
assemble, you fugitives from the nations.
Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood,
who pray to gods that cannot save.

21 Declare what is to be, present it—
let them take counsel together.
Who foretold this long ago,
who declared it from the distant past?
Was it not I, the LORD ?
And there is no God apart from me,
a righteous God and a Savior;
there is none but me.

22 "Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.

23 By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.

24 They will say of me, 'In the LORD alone
are righteousness and strength.' "
All who have raged against him
will come to him and be put to shame.

25 But in the LORD all the descendants of Israel
will be found righteous and will exult.

Dude go back into Isisah a few books sooner and you can hear Jesus shout " so that you will know it is I. I am,,,,, and so that they will know it is me...
I used to read Isaiah like it was from God the Father talking but now I can hear Jesus. He says there is only one God... Get it? WOW

Gloom and Doom

2008-09-05T17:27:00.003-05:00

Well it looks as if we will all be oblierated once again. If you don't believe me just turn on the radio or tv news. Doom & Gloom and the only way to be saved is to buy batteries and water! Love the news.

Sarah Palin

2008-09-02T17:37:00.002-05:00

Sarah Palin, I understand that you are a proponent of only abstinence based sex education. How is that working out for you?

I am all for teen-aged children not having sex. But some of them do. Especially ones whose father is off working the oil fields and whose mother is very busy running a large state with a small population.

And how about abstinence for women over 43? Or other forms of birth control? Do you know there is a 1 in 100 chance of having a child with down's syndrome for women at age 40, and a 1 in 30 chance for women at age 45 (link here). I am not opposed to people with down's syndrome, they are loving people and can near normal lives but they have many additional health risks including heart defects, intestinal defects, vision problems, hearing problems, thyroid problems, frequent infections, leukemia, and seizures. Modern science has helped these people and they now have an average life expectancy of 55. But why would you want to take a chance on thing such as this?

Please note that I am not saying anything about Mrs. Palin's children, these are the choices of their mother, not theirs, that I am discussing.

Is it possible that John McCain did what he is known to do often? Make a sudden and emotional choice without looking at all the details?

Congrats to you Alaskins

2008-08-29T14:55:00.002-05:00

Alaska govenor to be vice President.
Great move by John Mcain ! I was hopein for Huckabee but didn't xpect it. She seems energetic. You woman should be happy.

My Past Eliminated !

2008-08-28T11:56:00.002-05:00

What is wrong with the city of Chicago? I just googled earth and lookied at Burnham Harbor where I learned to sail a short time ago and it's all been changed. The boathouse with all those sailboats is gone. Grass and a bench stand there now.Oh what a loss. Poor stupid kids will have no hope, no way to reinvent themselvs. Oh yes the yachts are safe from bangs and dings but so what. the yachts are parked differently also. So goes history, time stands still for no-one

Sunburn by Margret Fishback

2008-08-28T10:00:00.002-05:00

Blister your sholders blister your knees
Blister yourself anywhere you damm please
Turn yourself into an ash or an ember
But when you've done so I hope you'll remember
I shall not feel that my presence is vitial
No matter where you may stage your recital.

Well, not all poetry is nice.

by Odgen Nash 1932

2008-08-26T22:49:00.001-05:00

I think I shall never see
a billboard as lovely as a tree
indeed unless the billboards fall
I shall never see a tree at all.

Welcome Back, Kotter

2008-08-26T18:18:00.002-05:00

I, for one, am glad to see some posting action here again after a long hiatus. John, welcome to the world of blogging, where your every thought is shared. Bring it on. I love to read what is going on in that head of yours. For a while I tried to put on the screen the ravings of my brain, but I found that no-one cared what I thought. What if you had a blog and nobody read it. That was my problem.

But you have a way of saying things that can hold a person's attention. And blogging here is way better than yelling at the TV.

Glad to see you here, Bro.

Go to the Ant you sluggard

2008-08-23T20:28:00.003-05:00

How come you lazy peeps haven't posted much for me to read since spring?
Now, now that I can I will. Yes those who finish thier email and come by to see any new posts. There willabee new blogs now and here 2-4. Just as a thought pops into my head, POW, online it will flow. So inpoint and 4-2-with.......let it be known. Az-2- wit...
.
The Bible is not just for information. It's for Transformation.
.
There I've said it. Those of you who have become slow may re-read the last line.
The Bible is not just for information. Its for Transformation.
This is a nessisary to get into heaven.
You cannot go to heaven and Then become a Christ follower as some, who have been lied to, have thought. You must transform now. with a concious effort.
Start your self in your car or an empty room and shout real loud "Jesus Christ is King" If you shout loud enough, this may scare you, if not it will scare any near-by demons. Then remember to pray every day for 30 days. Pray every day. Then say "Jesus Christ is King" out loud. If you don't say it, Jesus said, even the rocks will cry out his name. So say it.
I want to be better than any rock.
(time is running ..

HA HA HA I'M BACK

2008-08-23T19:09:00.002-05:00

I'M BACK AND BIGGER THAN EVER ! SOOOO... YOU TOUGHT YOU COULD LOCK ME OUT DID YA? WELL , LOKKIE HERE, HEREEERS JOHNNY !
After countless times clicking and waiting forever for this page to ignite, I gave up and now have lighting fast DSL. look how fast I can type now. No one is better than me now. Why I usta could'nt even get comments to download. ever since that little episode about fl not getting any vote. Next thing I was ostrige sized. But now Flames of fire roar from my fingertips,@#$%%*&^)(_+?....See.....Yeah, SEE.
I THINK , I THINK ,
I THINK I LOVE MYSELF !

Indy Vacation

2008-07-18T21:45:00.002-05:00

Over the Fourth of July weekend Valerie and I went to Indianapolis to visit Marlana. Here are some pics from that trip.

At the Orland Park Farmers Market is a lady that makes and sells some nice things. Valerie noticed some of the head scarf things she had made and thought that a couple of them might make nice gifts to bring with us. They were only a couple of bucks each.

While we visiting there we realized that Marlana had lived in Indy since March but had done any touristy things. So on Saturday, the 5th we downtown to see the sights of our state capital. Her office is downtown, and we visited it, but she had never taken the time to enjoy the sights. We rented one of those paddle boat things and went up and down the canal then walked part of it again. She was wearing one of the head scarves, which went with her color real well. We stopped along the canal to snap a picture of her in it with some flowers around. The picture turned out real well.

Jay earns Joint Service Award

2008-07-16T15:12:00.001-05:00

Jay was honored this morning with a medal called the Joint Service Award. He is receiving the medal because of the following:

CORPORAL JOSEPH B. DWYER

2 FEBRUARY 2008 TO 26 July 2008

Corporal Joseph B. Dwyer, United States Marine Corps, distinguished
himself by exceptionally meritorious service as the Joint Task Force's
Landline Manager and Radio Operator, Joint Task Force Guantanamo from 2
February 2008 to 24 July 2008. Corporal Dwyer showed exceptional skill
as he maintained the Joint Task Force (JTF) Landline Telephone System.
He was the chief liaison between Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and
the JTF for landline phone systems. Corporal Dwyer's dedication to the
mission ensured timely telecommunication maintenance and repair.
Corporal Dwyer also maintained the JTF SINCGARS communication system.
His knowledge of the many types of radio configurations used on JTF and
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, greatly enhanced the capability for secure
radio communication over the entire Naval Base. Corporal Dwyer's
distinctive accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself, the
United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.

In addition to the Joint Service Medal they also presented him with an American flag and another medal called the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal!

From Wikipedia: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Commendation_Medal)

The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military award which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star , the Valor device ("V" device) may be authorized as an attachment to the decoration. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

The Commendation Medal was originally a ribbon, and was first issued by the Navy and U.S. Coast Guard in 1943. An Army Commendation Ribbon followed in 1945, and in 1949, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Commendation ribbons were renamed the "Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant." By 1960, the Commendation Ribbons had been authorized as full medals and were subsequently referred to as Commendation Medals.

For additional awards of the Commendation Medal, the Army issues oak leaf clusters while the Navy and Coast Guard furnish gold and silver award stars. The Operational Distinguishing Device is authorized for the Coast Guard Commendation Medal upon approval of the awarding authority.

The Commendation Medal is awarded by local commanders, requiring the signature of an Officer in the grade of O-6, allowing for a broad interpretation of the criteria for which the medal may be awarded. For instance, in the U.S. Navy and United States Marine Corps, the Commendation Medal is considered a somewhat-high decoration reserved for Department level officers, senior CPOs, and as a retirement award. The awarding of the Commendation Medal in the U.S. Army is not limited to senior service members, and is often awarded to NCO's and junior officers, or simply issued as an end-of-tour award.

The U.S. Air Force began issuing its own Commendation Medal in 1958 with additional awards denoted by oak leaf clusters. It was not until 1996 that the "V" device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal. Prior to that time, there was not a Valor distinction in effect for the Air Force Commendation Medal.

U.S. Marines have always been issued the Navy Commendation Medal and there is not a separate Commendation Medal intended only for Marines. This lack of difference was recognized in 1994 when Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton changed the name of the Navy Commendation Medal to the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

The last of the Commendation Medals is the Joint Service Commendation Medal which was created in 1963. This award is intended for senior service on a joint military staff and is generally considered to be a somewhat-higher ranking decoration. As such, it is worn above the service Commendation Medals on a military uniform.

Each of the military services also issue an Achievement Medal which is a lesser decoration.

(emphasis mine)

Congratulations, Corporal Dywer!

Test Your Awareness.

2008-07-08T15:28:00.001-05:00

Check out this You tube video, you have to have the sound on.

Click on the link,

http://www.dothetest.co.uk/

Ceramics

2008-06-26T19:00:00.002-05:00

My lovely wife has taken a summer class in ceramics. She excelled at it, by my estimation. I think you may agree if you see these pieces.

Day 2 - Liam and Mary's Wedding - June 8

2008-06-12T03:47:00.000-05:00

Today was the day of the wedding! We got ready (even though Jason didn’t have a man comb for dad to borrow) and headed over to the Airth Castle at about noon. When we arrived, we met even more family members than we had the night before, and all headed in to the ceremony. Liam was piped in to the Star Wars “Death March” and then the rest of the bridal party was piped in as well. The ceremony went without a hitch…until some of the flowers caught on fire because of the candle inside the ring. Happily, one of the people in the first floor saw it right away and jumped out of his seat to save the day. It caused a commotion, so the minister stopped and Mary looked over to see what was happening. Once it was all taken care of, she turned to the photographer and said, “Well, did you get a picture of that?”

After the ceremony, it was time for wine, pictures, and caricature drawing on the front lawn of the castle. Then we moved into the reception room for dinner. After piping in the front table, which was not the bridal party, but parents, friends, etc…, they piped in Mary and Liam. Once seated, Mary gave the first speech and then most of the front table followed suit and we toasted them several times.

Once the speeches were done, the haggis was piped in and then addressed by the Master of Ceremonies (AKA the wee Monopoly man) using a poem by Richard/Robert Burns. We couldn’t understand a word of it, but it was still an interesting ritual…which was followed by my first glimpse of haggis with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes). As they were serving us, Megan and I were asking the others at or table if they were going to eat their haggis, and every single one of them said that it is delicious, or lovely, or brilliant and that we needed to try it. We thought that they might be putting us on so that they could see our faces when we found it completely disgusting, but we decided to try it anyway. Megan and I were both shocked to find that not only was it not gross, but it was really good! We each ended up clearing our plates (well, I didn’t eat the neeps). Jason came back from smoking and went through the same ritual to find that he likes haggis as well. The rest of dinner was spent laughing and chatting…somehow it is easier to do that here than it is most places…maybe because I’ve met several of the people before and enjoyed them, so the new ones hold no threat and each is as fun and nice as the last.

After dinner we had a little down time while they switched the room around to accommodate the band and a dance floor. Once that was finished, they piped in Mary and Liam again and they did their first dance. After that, we did the Slosh, and even Aunt Nettie got up to do that one. Later in the night, I was dragged out to do the Gay Gordon with Alan (Zoe’s husband). Once the band was finished, most people left. Some, however, moved into the bar area to make a singing circle. Since it was full, Jason, Megan, Alana, Lewis, and I made a separate circle and chatted while the others sang. The funniest part was when Jason and Lewis both confessed to liking the game “Guess Who” when they were kids, so they decided to play the game using people in the room. We were laughing hysterically at them, and the singing circle couldn’t figure out what was so darn funny. We didn’t get to bed until about 3 am (and it still wasn’t completely dark outside). All in all, the wedding was lovely, and we all had a great time…and not only did I get to go to a wedding in a castle, but I got to spend the night in it as well!

Day 1 - Travel and Arrival in Scotland

2008-06-08T04:38:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe that I have finally made it to SCOTLAND!!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED! I was thinking on the way from London that this is the trip I have wanted to make ever since I can remember. It was never a question of if I would come…but when. Even long before DoDDS made travelling financially possible, I knew that I would someday make it here. My grandpa was from Glasgow and he used to tell me story after story about Scotland, sing Scottish songs, and make up wild tales about two Scottish horses (Clarissa and Fiona). He would visit his homeland every so often and come back with pictures and even more stories.

As if that wasn’t enough to spark an interest, there were the visits of Grandpa’s siblings and their kids and later the kids’ kids. As I was growing up, the visits were always eagerly anticipated and even when the visitors were new or unknown by me, it never took more than a second to feel like we had known each other forever. Since I have been looking forward to this trip forever, the past few weeks of anticipation have been at the approximate level of a four or five year old anticipating Christmas morning and the many presents left by Santa.

So it was with barely contained excitement that I embarked on this adventure. I left school on Friday, June 6th and sped a quickly as my gigantic van would take me to the airport. Only flight was delayed in my travels from Tokyo to Chicago to London to Edinburgh and I had two seats together on all the flights expect the last one (and it was only an hour long. The funniest thing about travelling was that as soon as I hit London, I kept hearing Maggie’s voice everywhere I went. And of course I knew that Maggie was not in London, but in Edinburgh, so that was impossible. I had to retrain my brain that Maggie is not the only person in the world with a Scottish accent. I thought it was only me, but my dad and Megan said they had the same problem at first.

The London airport was gigantic and I was starving when I arrived. Since I missed my connection I had time for breakfast…soldier eggs and toast..,a fitting first mean in the UK since Grandma and Grandpa used to make them for me all the time. In the airport, I saw some fun signs, one of which said, “Loo seat is wonky.” Another said, “Mind your head when standing.” There were others that made me laugh too, but unfortunately I can’t remember them. We have fun comparing British phrases with our American ones with the cousins too. For some reason they think, “JiffyLube” is really funny, but we laugh when they call soda pop “fizzy juice”.

After saying hello to Maggie and Colin, I needed to get to explore. Hearing the music and crowds, Dad and I headed over the Corstorphine Fair (held every two years and right out the back gate of Maggie’s house). There were thousands of people wandering around the park and listening to music. We meandered through the fair and then I took a walk through the neighborhood to take some pictures.

At about 5:00 pm, we headed to Airth Castle for the rehearsal dinner that was not a rehearsal dinner. ;) Basically it was all of the people in the wedding, out of town guests, and random other friends, but no wedding rehearsal was held. We saw all of the family and chatted and ate. It was great fun and we were there until about 11:30 pm…which felt like about 8:00 pm since it was light outside until about 10:30 pm! We then headed home to crash…at least I did since I hadn’t slept since the flight from Tokyo to Chicago however many hours ago that was… All in all, it was an awesome first day! :)

I also posted some pics at flickr.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennellinjapan/collections/72157605497908361/

A great idea

2008-03-27T12:52:00.002-05:00

This is not about politics. It is a great idea. It only takes a second or two but it means a lot. Click on the link to check out the video, tell us what you think.

Gratitude Campain

How do I look?

2008-03-24T07:59:00.000-05:00

I have been working out lately. I think it makes me look younger, don't you agree?

Hello, World!

2008-03-24T07:48:00.002-05:00

I really do not have anything of interest to blog here about, but I noticed that no one has posted in over a month, so I thought I would put something up here. Maybe YOU have something you would like to say, go ahead and tell us about what is new with you, Lambert, Polacek or Dwyer.

I love the beach

2008-02-18T18:21:00.000-06:00

Whether it is the 35th Street beach, Palm Beach, Lake Worth beach or the beach at Devil's Lake; I love the beach.

I have always loved the beach

2008-02-18T18:19:00.000-06:00

Whether it is the 79th Street Beach or Palm Beach or California, I just love the beach.

Florida Primary

2008-01-31T12:37:00.000-06:00

John, maybe I can clear up a few things for you. Primaries are a way for the members of a party to decide which candidate they wish to represent them in the General Election. The rules for each state are different and the party for that state can make different rules. Many states have a "Beauty Contest" that list the candidates names that a voter would prefer to be on the ballot in November. But the thing that counts more is to elect delegates to the national party convention, which is held in the summer. It is at that convention that the nominees for that party are selected as well as the "party planks" that represent the parts of the party's "platform" or program they wish to support. The rules that each of the two major political parties use differ, they get to write their own rules, parties are just affiliations of people who hold somewhat the same ideas, they are not creations of the federal government. Most states allow you to declare yourself a member of that party by voting in that party's primary, you can get a card from them if you donate to their party. In Illinois, for example, you are considered a Republican for two years if you vote in a Republican primary, you lose that affiliation the day before the next primary so you are free to vote in whatever party you wish the next time. But you have to tell them which ballot to give you, or "declare" your affiliation. You cannot vote for a party you are not willing to put your name on. It does happen sometimes that a Democrat will vote in a Republican primary to act as a spoiler and vote for a loser to make the Democrat candidate seem stronger in the general election, (or vice versa) but not often.

Each party gets to make their own rules about how they manage their convention. The Democrats, for example, have hundreds of "Super Candidates" that get to attend without being elected in the primary due to their being governors, or senators or the like. The ones we get to send represent us at the convention and are obligated to support the person we sent them there for. In some cases they only have to vote for that person in the first vote, but can be swayed later. It is called "politicking". In some states the conventioneers are sent in a winner take all, in some they are sent in a proportionate way. If 20% vote for Mike Hukabee, then in some states 20% of the conventioneers are obligated to him in others the whole bunch go for one person.

The caucus and primary season has been creeping forward. Iowa starts in December and New Hampshire soon after. Many stated have selected the first Tuesday in February. This means we have an election season that takes up almost an entire year, boring many people and costing millions of dollars. The National Democratic Party decided that they would support this Feb limit. They told states other than Iowa and New Hampshire that they would get to send NO delegates to the national convention if they went earlier. The Florida Democratic Party decided to hold theirs early anyway in violation of those rules. So Florida democrats can have a "beauty contest" if they like but will not be represented at the national. It was a way to try and slow this election season creep. These rules are those of the National Democratic Party, not those of the state, or of the federal government.

Boston Tea Party

2008-01-29T23:07:00.000-06:00

Well my friends, I may have stepped up to a new level, past Hippie or Sunday school Teacher to Anarchist! See what you think as you read a letter I sent, first to my Cogressman, then to my Senator. Oh yes I feel so strongly about having been trod on my rights I sent a copy to the Whitehouse. So if I am carried off in the night to guantonamo you will understand my reasoning.....
comments@whitehouse.gov oh no I deleated it...arrrgh hummmppph snort oh well it went like this.
dear govt dude,
I am very distrought that I could not vote on Jan 29 2008 in the primary.
I feel that as a citizen, if I do not proclaim my party affiliation I cannot vote. What happened to the secrecy of the ballot? Some say independents may cross vote to the other side. If that is how they want to spend thier vote than that is their choice. I personally like to vote for the person and not the party. Who has the right to negate my vote?
Should I pay my taxes?
Taxation without representation.
Rembember The Tea Party!
Remember this person who's vote did not count.
Remember all the Democrats who's votes did not count because the party did not like the day Florida voted on.
I am a red blooded american who's face is red and who's finger is not blue. Lets tell all the Irac people do not bother to vote, your vote will not count .

"WE'RE EATING"

2008-01-17T21:31:00.000-06:00

When I was a young lad, I often was lateor missed dinner because it wasn't real important to me.It was however important to my parents and I didn't know why. When we were eating and some friends would stop by my Father would yell through the open dinning room window We're EATING! Now, one could not see out the high window and if they asked how long or if we could come out later he would repeat WE ARE EATING. People could not understand that they were a hinderance to our eating. Now things progressed to If it was'nt your friends but a siblings friends then it was great fun to explain that WE"RE EATING!!! IF someone had been introduced to the family and all knew they were trustworthy then they would be allowed to wait in the parlor. But many found this to be too odd of an experiance and often left " to catch ya later". It was akin to waiting for an appointment I would guess. And of corse they would hear the dinner conversation. This of corse transfered to phone calls . But then the WE"RE EATING was directed to the sibling. My parents knew what we did not, A few moments together away from the world were precious indeed. Why then couldn't the man learn that a bowl of ice cream left, to soften would , and a nicly soft bowl of ice cream that was just melting away had to be gobbled before anyone could stop you.

Evolution as fact

2008-01-09T21:17:00.001-06:00

The school bd of Florida wants to bolster saging Sci & Math F-CAT scores so they want to teach Evolution as fact without any opposing views such as creation or sientific creation. For the next three days they have agreed to hear public opinion. Here is my letter to Mary.tappen@fldoe.org and commissioner@fldoe.org ...

I understand the school dist wants to teach The Theory of Evolution as fact and not give equal time to other theory's.May I project that since no one was around at the time one and no indisputable evidence exists, one can only have a faith that evolution happened. May I offer a quote from the most popular book of all time,The Bible. Ecclesiastes 11;5...As you do not know the path of the wind,or how the body is formed in a mothers womb,so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of all things. The bible has been passed down generation to generation protected from change by God himself. Evolution from the 1800's? Still God sticks by his word, how about the author of evolution?Until a final outcome has been concluded please teach my child all theories.I'm sure he can pick the truth. Thank you,John R Lambert

Operation Joshua

2007-12-26T22:19:00.000-06:00

Well Jennell goes ski ing and Joshua ends up in the hospital!
after being sick in the sawdust and throwing up Wed, Jean took Josh to Bethesda Hosp (where her fav doc, that did her bi-pass ,could be found). Well he had a cat scan done and by the time I arrived they were just comeing out and we wheeled him straight over to the OR. An hour later he's asking the nurse when there going to do it and she laughed and said your already done. should come home Thursday.

Merry Christmas from Bill & Valerie & Marlana & Manda & Jon

2007-12-24T11:26:00.000-06:00

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

2007-12-24T09:02:00.000-06:00

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
"Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
"Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
"Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

"VIRGINIA O'HANLON.
"115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET."

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

My permanent position in the yellow stationwagon

2007-12-21T22:38:00.000-06:00

I was stationed in the rear-facing seat along with baby brother Johnny. We entertained all the truck drivers and other peeps driving their vehicles. That was in the days before shooting people with your fingers was considered terrorist. We didn't know that it was causing us violent behavior. Also, I loved sleeping in the jump seat. It was perfect. The bad thing about being back that far was that you could not get any of the water from Mom's faucet in the front seat when you were thirsty. In fact, Mom didn't even know we were there, I don't think.

I NOT BABY

2007-12-21T09:54:00.000-06:00

Sir in 19 hundred and 58, I would have reached the ripe age of Three years which is hardly the infant described in your post. And yes I mosst certainly remember being sstuck in the hhhole an an and only got to ride in the back seat when the "older" kids weren't there. B B But I I I'm sure this h h ha had n n n n no p p p perm ant affect. Albeit, I may have been totally wrong about the year but this only proves that my memory is much more Superior than I had previously thought as apparently I can remember back further than I thought. Nanny nanny BOO BOO.
Nice find on the Picure, smaller than I remember.

1958 Plymouth Custom Suburban.

2007-12-20T17:15:00.000-06:00

Actually, John, that car was 1958 Plymouth Custom Suburban. It was yellow with white along the rear quarter panels, there was chrome on each side of the white part. This green one is a lower class one that is only a one-tone, not the two tone. Also, Dad's car had the transmission shifter was a serious of buttons on the left side of the dash, a weird configuration that, I have been told, could blow out at you if you tried to shift gears while the thing was running. Between the rear facing rear seat and the forward facing middle seat was a gap that you and were put in when you were a baby and later became a popular sleeping place for kids on long trips. This car made it to Florida several times, including the long way down thru Alabama. This was before interstates. It also got to Wisconsin and Michigan many times as well as upstate New York. The big V-8 drank gas like it cost only $.30 a gallon instead of the current price above $3.00. Oh... it did cost thirty cents back then.

Chrysler later sold the Suburban name to GM who uses it for those huge things that George likes in Alaska.

Member Dis?

2007-12-15T20:23:00.000-06:00

My dad had a Plymouth Stationwagon I believe he bought it brand new in about 1964 ad. It had a rear seat which if you sat in it you would be looking at the peeps in the car behind you (for some reason they would always shoot you with their gun finger). But on with my storie (story) sortie....
When we got back into the neighborhood my Dad would stop and role down the rear window and we would climb out and there were rubber steps you could stand on, on the bumper and with the window down you could hold on the window frame. Then my Dad would say "ready?" and we would lean in the window and say "yep!" Then my Dad would drive down the block and we would have the wind blow in our face and feel like Firemen on a hook and ladder. First just the older kids got to do it and we stayed inside. Then we got to do it too. I never saw anyone else's Dad's letting them do that and we all knew it was a dangerous step. But my dad let us do it even sometimes when he didn't feel like it and we hounded him "Can we Dad huh? Can we? He would just grin and reach down to push the button
and when the window started to go down and the car slowed to a stop then it was our turn to start grinning.

English Blogs in Japanese

2007-12-10T16:39:00.000-06:00

Someone here on campus has Blogger convinced that we speak Spanish. Whenever I go to Blogger from ITT it comes in en Espanol. At the signon screen, where I log on, there is a button that allows me to go back to English. There is a drop-down menu that lets me pick my preferred language. I usually take "Ingles -- English" but maybe next time I will take Japanese so that I can look at some unrecognizable scribbles. Anyway, maybe you can use the same drop down menu to get your good old characters back. It sorta makes you appreciate the Romans and their logic doesn't it. Well, at least till you try and add a column of figures using the Roman numerals, then you start to appreciate the Arabs and thier numbers. Even the Japanese use that system.

George has KNEEds

2007-12-05T21:20:00.000-06:00

George underwent knee surgery on Tuesday, and thought he was on easy street. But alas, the night came, and he reportedly had the "worst night of his life." Morphine pump didn't TOUCH the pain. Now he has a contraption which bends his knee while he's in the bed. Pray for him, he's a hurtin' puppy.

Katakana conundrum

2007-12-03T08:18:00.000-06:00

Jennell, I am glad to know that you are still alive and having more adventures. Your thanksgiving sounded so much more interesting than the same turkey, cranberries, and Lions football mixed with the same conversations as last year that we had. If it were not for your travels I would not know the difference between Saipan and and sampan. Now I have to look them up on Wikipedia (click on the post title for that wiki).

I was thinking that with all the trouble you are having with the Japanese maybe you should take a class in it or something. I think about my response to the Spanish speaking people that live and work in this country and how they ought to learn the language. Do the Japanese feel the same way?

Timing is everything!

2007-11-30T23:39:00.000-06:00

This video was taken in the Grotto. Monica had suggested I dive there but it required advanced certification. When I got there, I saw why. Walking down a million steps wearing all the diving gear, jumping across a gap in the rocks, diving, then jumping back across and walking all the way up the steps with the diving gear would have been way hard!

So I settled for swimming in the grotto...which was fun. I did fall trying to get back from the middle rock to the stairs, but the local kids helped me up and then told me when to try again...timing was a bit tricky...as you can see in the video.

Saipan

2007-11-30T19:18:00.000-06:00

Hey y'all...I thought I had posted some stuff in Saipan but apparently I was clicking the wrong Japanese (yep...blogger was in Japanese in Saipan too...must be my computer) buttons...Luckily it saved them anyway so I posted them.

I went to Saipan with several people from school...10 of us in fact. We stayed at the Pacific Islands Club and it was a really nice hotel. They had a lazy river, water slides, great snorkeling right from their beach, catamarans and kayaks, and one of those standing wave machines. I arrived late on Wednesday (actually early Thanksgiving) and we hung around the hotel all day Thursday. I was happy to find that they had a Thanksgiving buffet with yummy turkey and gravy. On Friday we went out for breakfast and did some sightseeing. Monica used to live in Saipan so she showed us her school and then we went back to the hotel and played.

On Saturday we went snorkeling in the morning and then I got to do two dives in the afternoon. The fish were plentiful...and some were fish I had never seen before. On Sunday I rented a moped to explore the island and it was lots of fun...until I got stuck in the mud...several times. I had turned around after nearly falling in the first mud hole, but the guy behind me said that the road ahead would be fine and that I was more than halfway through. He said he would follow me to make sure I got through. So I kept going...and going...and getting stuck...and slipping and sliding and getting dirtier and dirtier and by the end I was WAY tired and bruised and aggravated because when we got to the end it was too muddy to go up the last hill to the paved road and we had to go back. I was about to punch Mr. Keep-Going-You-Are-Almost-Out until he offered to ride the moped out and let me drive his car back. So that's what we did. The moral of the story is that if you think you should turn around, that is probably the best idea!

That night when I returned the moped I did a little shopping and was hurrying to catch the bus and didn't see some steps and blammo...fell and hurt my ankle. It puffed all up and is still swollen almost a week later. Oh well...it was worth it!

PS - I posted more pics on flickr and clicking the post title will take you to them. :)

We have found Jennell

2007-11-25T12:26:00.000-06:00

She was last spotted in Saipan. (she jumped out of the fire into Saipan). She claims this makes her happy!
Jean looked on Grandma's Globe but alas (atlas?) she could not find where on the world Jennell was. So I was comissioned to get on the internet and find longitude and latatude for Saipan. Which I did straight away (who ever thought I would have to use Longitude and laditude dude, and why do they teach you such stuff your never gonna use in school?). Well we found her ....close to Guam apparently.
Jean is making me put up lights on a luring windy day! and some guy is out in a new to the lake sailboat. Keeling to beat the band. I may jump into Saipan next. gotta go, gotta get out there... bye

I BOUGHT A TURKEY YESTERDAY

2007-11-23T18:35:00.000-06:00

IT WAS THE BEST THANKSIGIVING EVER AT JASON'S. We were an hour late gittin there with the bird. but still ate at around 630 or so I guess. Jason was not afraid to try deep frying the bird and it was yummy good .We had a gallon of eggnog and when we got home we put a gallon back in the fridge. Oh well, no one must have asked about nog or we would have remembered to pull it out I'm sure. All the food was great. Don't know how I missed the sweet paytaters but had some tonight, mmmmmm.
most imprtnt ting was the perfect windy marning......which resulted in fantastic sailing. Woosh soom up and across the whole lake and down with a splash turn and up again. woopee doo! yippy ki a . Really sumpin to be thankfull fer.
A great time was had by all.

Snorkelling at the hotel has been great...anyone know what kind of fish the little black and white one with the cirlce is?

2007-11-23T15:43:00.000-06:00

We had lots of fun playing on the perpetual wave machine.

2007-11-23T15:40:00.000-06:00

I knew that I was done for...once you get sideways the water just sweeps you away!

2007-11-23T15:38:00.000-06:00

They have hammocks all around the property...they have turned out to be a lovely place to read a book!

2007-11-23T15:34:00.000-06:00

A Month from last post

2007-11-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

Heard a good thought.....prayer isn't for giving God orders, (do this, do that, get him, stop her), prayer is for reporting in.

What on earth?

2007-10-02T06:23:00.000-05:00

So this is from Hawaii...yes, I am only just now getting to play with Hawaii pics. :) I need to know what that animal is...anyone have any ideas? We saw several that ran across the road and I have a guess, but I'm not sure...what do you think?

PS - I am getting really good at picking the right Japanese buttons...it is kind of a challenge. LIke taking out the garbage...just ask Josh! ;)

Not there yet

2007-09-26T13:45:00.000-05:00

Jennell, I tried to figure out a way for you to be able to get to the blogger site in the us. When I look up the IP for it and try to go to that site I get a general Google site. What is happening is that you are being directed to a mirror site in Japan.

I will keep thinking about a work-around though. Oh, and the orange one is the "publish post" one.

Random thoughts from Carolyn

2007-09-25T17:13:00.000-05:00

Thought #1: Jennell, congratulations on posting in Japanese! You were successful.
Thought #2: Did you hear about Dani's father, Giovanni? He passed away on Saturday, and the funeral is on Wednesday. George is presiding. On top of that, Mirella sold the pasta business last week. Pray for her.
Thought #3: Sean raced again this past weekend (in Virginia, where Dani was when she heard the sad news). He did well, again. Spent the weekend on the podium accepting awards. Jay drove up from the base to watch. Good thing he was there - he was able to take Dani to the airport so she could get home to her mom.

Yes, I noticed something different!

2007-09-25T06:23:00.000-05:00

I noticed that now that I am back in Japan, all of the buttons in Blogger are in Japanese! I have guessed correctly and gotten this far, but am currently wondering whether to choose the orange button or the blue button to try and post this. I tried changing the language in my web browser under tools, but it already said English, so I dunno what else to do. I thought you all might be amused to know of this issue which I suppose only applies to me...any advice Uncle Bill? That is alway why I didn't comment on Sean's news, even though I was totally impressed...and wondering how incredibly proud his mom was to read the quote in the article that gave me goosebumps. :)

Now to the point...I am grading papers (can't you tell???) and watching the Today Show (at 8:30 pm) and I hear that the Prime Minister of Japan resigned…curious and clueless, I checked out the web (because it was more interesting than the papers) and found http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070912/ap_on_re_as/japan_abe. Probably since you don't live here you don't care (I do live here and it was only a minor blip on my who-cares radar), but the most interesting statement on the page was something I can't imagine any American politicial (Republican or Democrat) saying and it kind of blew my mind:

"I find myself unable to keep my promises — I myself have become an obstacle to fulfilling those promises."

What do you think about that??!?!!

Sean is a Celebrity

2007-09-10T17:47:00.001-05:00

The famous Sean "D-WIRE" Dwyer is written up in an article published in the Road Racing World magazine for his amazing win this past weekend. Go to the website and read the article for yourself at www.roadracingworld.com ! Very exciting, and he gives credit where credit is due - to God (and his crew). FUN

HB JOHN

2007-09-09T20:45:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to John

Garage Sale

2007-09-09T00:44:00.000-05:00

This is Joe and Carolyn opening the garage door at 5:50 AM to prepare for the garage sale.

Garage Sale 2

2007-09-09T00:26:00.000-05:00

Here is a flash photo of them loading things out in the dark.

Garage Sale 3

2007-09-09T00:25:00.001-05:00

This one was taken much later, after the invasion by Haiti. You can tell because all the flat sheets are gone.

Garage Sale 4

2007-09-09T00:24:00.000-05:00

This looser tried to steal all he could even though we were offering him very low prices on things.

Garage Sale 5

2007-09-09T00:23:00.000-05:00

Lotta stuff for sale. We did not get it all out till after the Haitians and the Mexicans left, they were there at 7:30 AM and did not quit for hours.

Garage Sale 6

2007-09-09T00:22:00.000-05:00

Anybody know where I can get a cow creamer and sugar bowl?

Garage Sale 7

2007-09-09T00:21:00.000-05:00

Off to the Faith farm with the remainder.

Happy B'day, Jennell

2007-08-28T18:56:00.000-05:00

Been thinking about you all day! Hope it was a happy day.

We had an interesting weekend here in Florida. We attempted a garage sale of all "Grandma's treasures" -- what a nightmare! It was hot, humid, and chaotic. But we got rid of a lot of stuff and made a few dollars, divided by four. I'm personally glad it's over. But it was nice that Bill drove down to help, and was able to take some furniture home with him. He's on the road now, heading back to Chicago.

But here's the weirdest thing of the day. Today Joe and I got a letter from Italy, accusing us of not paying a toll when we were there in 2004! They want $$, of course. Can you imagine? I wonder what the statute of limitations is on toll-skipping in Italy! Let that be a lesson to you when you travel. If you don't understand the road signs, and you drive thru a ticket booth, make a note of it so you don't get caught a few years later, not being able to remember whether it happened or not!

Here I am!!!

2007-08-12T01:59:00.000-05:00

Yep, I am in Hawaii. It is SO pretty here!!!! I love it! We were in Kauai on Wed and Thurs, flew to Maui on Thursday, drove around, dove at the Molokini Crater today and then did half of the road to Hana! It was gorgeous!!! I love it here! We leave for the Big Island tomorrow afternoon and I am hoping to dive tomorrow night. We stay on the Big Island until the 14th and then head to Oahu. :) More info and pics to follow! Hope all is well in FL. :)

Jennell, Jennell....Where Are You?

2007-08-10T08:16:00.000-05:00

Please report in! I heard you were going to Hawaii! We MUST know!

I wanna play too!

2007-07-30T22:08:00.000-05:00

Since seeing you all last, I went to Vegas, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon (above) with my crazy friends. Now I'm in Oklahoma with my friend Nancy and it is sooooo relaxing!

I still haven't finished playing with the wedding pictures, but hopefully I'll get those all organized and CDs to anyone who want them.

Loving the pictures and news, btw!

Jay's new ride

2007-07-28T10:17:00.000-05:00

After Jason & Megan's wedding, Jay went out and bought a new car. This weekend, Laura drove it up to him at the military base in NC. He was glad to see Laura, but really happy he has his new car! It's a Dodge Charger, 2007 with a Hemi. (It's that same engine Uncle John has, where half the engine shuts down on the highway.)

2007-07-28T10:15:00.000-05:00

Blog this

2007-07-28T10:13:00.000-05:00

Caroly and I are testing the posting of pictures with Picasa.

Crabby Daytona Beach

2007-07-28T10:11:00.000-05:00

Carolyn and Joe chased this crab on the beaches of Daytona this past weekend.

I finally made it to England!

2007-07-23T18:45:00.000-05:00

A storybook trip - complete with Shakespearean theatre, cottage gardens, tea & biscuits, cathedrals, country lanes, and unknown relatives! We took a ramble in the beautiful Lakes District, explored castles and stone circles, shopped in Harrod's, and drove through LOTS of English villages. We saw Churchill's grave, Beatrix Potter's neighborhood, Wordsworth's church and garden. We visited Oxford and Cambridge, and attended worship with the locals. My favorite village was "Stow-on-the-Wold." 17th Century buildings! We drove on the left side of the road, rode the London underground (The Tube), took a boat ride down the Thames, and toured the city in a double decker bus.

We met relatives who live in a 450 year old house and are antique dealers. Their place looks like a museum. Their son is also in the antique business & owns an Egyptian mask from 400 B.C.! The other 2nd cousin lives in a 500 year old manor house with the 91 year old cousin of Gram L's. She remembered writing to Mom during World War I. Her daughter, Shirley and husband, Richard served us a delicious supper and entertained us for the evening.

George saw Hadrian's Wall, built by the Romans in about 600 A.D., I think. Joe enjoyed the hike through Sherwood Forest among the 500 year old oak and birch trees, Carolyn loved the tea rooms and meandering through the villages, and Joanne simply turned into a Brit. She claims she's moving there. Everything about the UK appealed to her.

After driving somewhere around 2,000 miles, we had bought too much bone china, suffered flat tires, walked too far, and ate too much. All the elements of a fine vacation. The time share, the Mariott Hotels (thanx, Laura) and the B&B were supurb - each a different flavor of accommodation.

I, for one, need a vacation from my vacation! And someone needs to help me get the pictures off my digital camera and onto the blog.

Calling all European travelers!

2007-07-18T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I am dying to hear about your adventure to England and Scotland! Help me out...blog! Tell me your stories! Spill it all, people!

Photographer's Photos

2007-07-09T17:07:00.000-05:00

The photographer published a few of the wedding photos on her blog. Go to debraw.wordpress.com. They are great!

Oh good!

2007-07-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

Whew...just checking to see that nothing embarrasing had popped up here yet! :)

2007-06-21T16:50:00.000-05:00

This is Carolyn trying to figure out the photo thing. Meanwhile, you all get to enjoy this picture of a very cute kid.

How do I post pictures?

2007-06-18T16:10:00.000-05:00

You can now upload photos using Blogger Images — the image icon in the post editor's toolbar lets you upload images to your blog(s):

When you click this icon, you'll get a window that allows you to select an image or multiple images from your computer. Just click the "Browse" button to locate the ones you want. Alternatively, you can enter the URL of an image that is already online and have it inserted into your post.

If you click on the link for choosing a layout, you can customize the way your images will appear in your post:

The left, center and right options will determine how the text of your post flows around the pictures. This size option lets you scale the pictures to different sizes within this posting area. Note that the picture will still be uploaded in its full size; this option just determines how it is scaled within the content of your post.