Tuesday, December 24, 2013
12 Songs Of Christmas - Day 12
12 Songs Of Christmas - Day 11
12 Songs Of Christmas - Day 10
12 Songs Of Christmas - Day 9
Friday, December 20, 2013
12 Songs Of Christmas - Day 8
Til Next Time.......Cheers!!!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
12 Songs Of Christmas - Day 7
Til Next Time......Cheers!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
This Holiday Season, Remember..........
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
The WestJet Christmas Miracle
Sunday, December 18, 2011
A Beach Tree: A Break From Ordinary!!!
The writing has been rather sparse lately. There have been a multitude of reasons for that. Work, trying to start a new business, and life in general has a way keeping you from the important stuff sometimes. We'll see what we can do about changing that. In the meantime, I happened across this a few days ago and it has captured my imagination ever since. I'm not sure I would do this every Christmas, but I certainly want to try it once. Not sure if I could do it this well, but it would be a blast trying. It's out of the box thinking and a definite spin on the traditional. Once in a Blue Moon is obviously very talented. Check out her blog through the link below and leave a comment. She'd love to hear from you!
...once in a blue moon...: a beach tree for me...
Til Next Time.................
Friday, September 2, 2011
A Long Three Day Weekend!!!
For those of us in the working world, this weekend is one of those highly anticipated and much appreciated three day events called "a long holiday weekend!" Where ever you happen to be this Labor Day weekend, I hope you're able to make the most of it and have a great time! For those of you who don't have the luxury of a three day weekend, we'll pop in once or twice over the weekend, otherwise, stay safe and we'll see you back here on Tuesday!!!
Til Next Time...........
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
An "OctoMom" Halloween!
Okay....I know it's probably a little early to be starting this, but I have a feeling this is going to be the rage this Halloween. Last year It was Obama, this year OctoMom. The only this missing is the spandex and a huge "red" O on both of them!
til next time.................
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Question At Christmas Time....
Frosty The Snowman's
Baby Picture
LOL! Merry Christmas Everyone!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Christmas With You, December 23, 2007
This year, there seems to be a plethora of new Christmas songs out there. Not "re-makes" or "covers" of songs that have been around for years, but instead, original songs that are timely for the days in which we live. One e of those songs comes from a person who hasn't had a hit record in many years, but still packs'em in at concerts. Rick Springfield has always been one of my favorites. Even though he hasn't had much commercial success lately, his recent songs all tell powerful stories of his life experience. None of his new stuff demonstrates this more than his current Christmas release called "Christmas With You." You can view the video below. All proceeds from the recording of this song donated to support the US military veterans organization American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
Originally posted12-23-07 on Yahoo 360
Saturday, October 4, 2008
New Year, New Gig, New Attitude! January 24, 2007
I'm Back.........Finally! The day after my last entry something not totally unexpected, but still a jolt to the system, occurred. For the first time in my life, I was unemployed. I and over a dozen other employees in two locations were told that "our services" would no longer be needed and that we "were not being retained." No explanations, no thank you for your time and work, no nothing. That said, I'm not going to waste time bashing these people because quite frankly my time is more valuable than that and more importantly, even though it real easy to go down that road....it just isn't my style. I do, however, want to publicly acknowledge some people and things that happened that day. First off, our general manager, who was also "not retained," was the one who had to break the news to us. From my perspective and to his credit, he handled the whole distasteful affair with a grace, dignity, and style that is often missing in today's corporate environment. As for our former employer, Regent Communications, I just can't say enough about the class they showed through this episode. Not just with their words of support, but with their actions well. I'm not going to get into the details, but suffice to say, I walked away from my time with this company with nothing but repect for the whole organization.
So November 30th, I started a relaxing 30 day vacation by laughingly saying to my wife that the new owners must not have seen the humor in my last blog. Oh well, it's their problem not mine. I spent the next month, including a wonderful Christmas and New Years, relaxing, enjoying some real quality time with my family, and just re-energizing. Ahhhhhh! That felt good!
Then, the first week of January I set my sights on my next adventure. It took about three weeks to get all the details worked out. This past Monday, I signed the agreement and yesterday I started. Even after all these years, the first day of a new job still feels like the first day of school after summer vacation.....and more so when you consider that some of my new co-workers were also co-workers at various points during my last job. Yep! "The Band is Back Together".......or at least partially anyway.
So there you have it......THAT'S WHAT I DID ON MY CHRISTMAS VACATION!
Now it's a New Year with a New Gig and a New Attitude!
Til Next Time!
Originally posted 1-24-07 on Yahoo 360
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thanksgiving...A Frame of Mind, November 23, 2006
Thanksgiving......It's a holiday that is many things to many people. It has a colorful history that in some cases goes back to a time before organized religon. Recorded history shows us that Thanksgiving celebrations were held by the Ancient Greeks, Hebrews, Romans, Chinese, and Egyptians.
Throughout the history of the human race, people (especially farmers) in many parts of the world held Thanksgiving/Harvest Festivals because they believed that their crops contained spirits that caused their crops to grow and die. They also believed that when their crops were harvested, these spirits would be released to take revenge on the farmers who harvested the crops. Many of these early Thanksgivings were celebrations of the defeat of these spirits.
In the United States, the first Thanksgiving (the one we all learned about in school) took place in 1621. Contrary to "revisionist history", this first Thanksgiving included BOTH Pilgrams and Native Americans. It would be two centuries later that President Abraham Lincoln would declare Thanksgiving an offical national holiday.
Today, Thanksgiving holds different meanings for different people. For many, it means food, family, and football. For others, it's not much more than just a day off. Some don't celebrate at all because they don't feel they have anything to be thankful for or they don't like the "pagan-like" origins of the original Thansgiving celebrations.
For me personally, Thanksgiving is more of a frame of mind. It's being thankful for not only what I have, but for what I don't have as well. Since my time in the military and seeing some of the things I've seen, it has also become a "frame of mind" that I try to carry with me throughout the year, not just on the last Thursday of each November.
For each of you on this Thanksgiving Day, my wish is that you have a safe and happy holiday....celebrating in the way you choose, with all the friends, family, and happiness one could hope to have.
Happy Thanksgiving....Til Next Time...................
Originally posted 11-23-06 on Yahoo 360
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Talking Old Soldiers, November 10, 2006
Today as the rest of America celebrates Veterans Day, my thoughts wandered back to a time a few summers back and to a stranger whose name I would never learn, but a man I would come to respect immensely. It was a summer when money was tight at times and car problems of one sort or another seemed to pop up every other day. On this particular day, we were trying to fix another of those problems and getting frustrated because things with the car just weren't going well. At the point where I was about to walk away in total frustration, this old man appeared from out of nowhere and offered a hand. After a few short moments, the problem was fixed and needless to say, I was very happy. We shared a cold drink while the old man and I chatted for a while. During the course of our conversation, I learned that he was a vet from the Korea and Vietnam eras. He saw and experienced more during his service to our country than most people do in a lifetime. And though he denied it, it was obvious from his appearance and what he was carrying with him that he was homeless. I tried to pay him for his help, but he refused. Like most veterans down on their luck, his pride would not allow him to accept the money. I was so enamored with his story that I never thought to ask his name. I did, though, see him walking up and down the street over the rest of the summer. We would always exchange greetings or handshakes and general conversation, but he was forever reluctant accept help saying that charity should be reserved for those who were worse off than him. As we entered fall and the weather cooled, we found where he was sleeping and tried to keep up with him and make sure he was ok. Then at Thanksgiving, we were planning to have him as a guest for our holiday dinner.....but we couldn't find him. We never saw the old man again and I have no idea what happened to him. That was several summers back, but to this day he still crosses my mind every once in a while.....especially on days like today. So for that old friend (where ever he may be) and all the other veterans out there (where ever you may be) I'll say a prayer of thanks and gratitude for you and your service. And of everyone else, I ask only that you say thanks to vet. Shake their hand and look them square in the eye as you thank them. It's a simple gesture that only takes a moment, doesn't cost a thing, and will mean more than almost anything else that he or she will experience that day.
"Talking Old Soldiers" Elton John & Bernie Taupin
Why hello, say can I buy you another glass of beer
Well thanks a lot that's kind of you, it's nice to know you care
These days there's so much going on
No one seems to want to know
I may be just an old soldier to some
But I know how it feels to grow old
Yeah that's right, you can see me here most every night
You'll always see me staring at the walls and at the lights
Funny I remember oh it's years ago I'd say
I'd stand at that bar with my friends who've passed away
And drink three times the beer that I can drink today
Yes I know how it feels to grow old
I know what they're saying son
There goes old man Joe again
Well I may be mad at that I've seen enough
To make a man go out his brains
Well do they know what it's like
To have a graveyard as a friend
`Cause that's where they are boy, all of them
Don't seem likely I'll get friends like that again
Well it's time I moved off
But it's been great just listening to you
And I might even see you next time I'm passing through
You're right there's so much going on
No one seems to want to know
So keep well, keep well old friend
And have another drink on me
Just ignore all the others you got your memories
You got your memories
Saturday, June 14, 2008
For The Fathers No Longer With Us, June 18, 2006
Father's Day is a day of celebration for many families across the country. A day of gifts, meals, and time spent in the company of loved ones. For those of us whose fathers who have passed on, it is also a day of reflection. Reflection of good times and times not so good. Reflection on lessons taught and learned. It's a day of hope.....hoping that we have turned out the way that they hoped we would and hoping that somewhere they are smiling in approval of the way we turned out with their teachings. And it is also a day of wishing......wishing for just one more opportunity to say the things we didn't say nearly enough when they were with us. I lost my father sevral years back in an on the job accident. He was a carrier for the U-S Postal Service. He was a relatively quite man who taught things to me not by his words, but by his actions. He was always mindful of those around him too, especially if they needed help. The day of his death was no expection. In the process of delivering mail to an elderly lady with a broken hip who lived alone on his route, his car was struck broadside and knocked into a tree as he turned into her driveway...................................... That was my dad, always going that extra mile for just about everybody and always trying to do the right thing. Always trying to teach us kids by his actions, for those always speak much louder than the loudest words. Even if the end result is not always what we expect. In a world full of men that speak way too much but have nothing to say, it many times are the quiet ones that have the biggest impact on those around them. My dad was one of the quiet ones. For that I love my dad more than any number of words could convey. Thanks Dad! I couldn't do what I do today without you! I love you!!!!
For all the fathers who are no longer with us, this from another online friend is for you. Know that you'll never be forgotten!
What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there
Today.
Everyone to meet.
Class. To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly
Passed.
With that, her little hand reached up,
Mother stood in tears.
For she stood up for the love
Straight into the crowd.
A Day of Celebration, June 14, 2006
Today has been a day of celebration for patriotic Americans for a couple of reasons. Not only is today the 229th anniversary of our Flag Day observances, but it also the 231st birthday of the United States Army. To learn more about this years Army celebration and to read the birthday letter from the White House, click here and check out the Army's Birthday Page! The following are two pieces that I think best capture the feelings and emotions that come to mind when we celebrate holidays like Flag Day. The first piece is the lyrics to "Ragged Old Flag" as written by master storyteller Johnny Cash. This well crafted piece of music is without a doubt at least partially responsible for Cash's induction into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. The second piece is a rather emotional poem written by former Green Beret, Captain Jon Townsend, USA-Ret. Now that the introductions have been made, grab your cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy. When you're finished come back and click the link for the Flag Quiz and test your Stars and Stripes knowledge.
By John R. Cash, © 1974 House of Cash, Inc.
I walked through a county courthouse square,
On a park bench an old man was sitting there.
I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down."
He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town."
I said, "Your old flagpole has leaned a little bit,
And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it."
"Is this the first time you've been to our little town?"
I said, "I think it is." He said, "I don't like to brag,
But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag.
Washington took it across the Delaware.
And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key
Sat watching it writing Say Can You See.
And it got a bad rip in New Orleans
With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seems.
"And it almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on though.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag.
"On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha gun.
She turned blood red in World War II.
She hung limp and low by the time it was through.
She was in Korea and Vietnam.
She was sent where she was by her Uncle Sam.
"She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,
And now they've about quit waving her back here at home.
In her own good land here she's been abused --
She's been burned, dishonored, denied, and refused.
"And the government for which she stands
Is scandalized throughout the land.
And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin,
But she's in good shape for the shape she's in.
'Cause she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more.
"So we raise her up every morning, take her down every night.
We don't let her touch the ground and we fold her up right.
On second thought, I do like to brag,
'Cause I'm mighty proud of the Ragged Old Flag."
OLD GLORY by Capt. Jon Townsend, USA-Ret. (Green Beret)I have seen "Old Glory" unfurled and waved,
Moths flying everywhere.
It has been put away too long
Well , since last there was a scare.
I have heard "God Bless America"
Being sung strong and loud,
Why must there be a tragedy
To make us finally proud?
I have heard the people sing
"The Star Spangled Banner"
Who never sung before
With hands placed over hearts,
They let their voices soar
As tears run down our cheeks
And shivers up our spine,
We honor how freedoms were won
And paid for, time after time
We've sent our young soldiers into harm's way,
When freedoms were in doubt,
To battle evil in the world
And to help the victims out.
Korea, Vietnam and Iraq,
World Wars 1 and 2,
American blood was shed to combat evil,.
That's what Americans do.
Now we were the targets of terrorists,
And, as time will surely tell,
Whether you are for or against us, know this!
America will prevail! When terrorism is defeated
And wrongs are ultimately righted,
I pray that moths don't again get Old Glory,
And again the soldier slighted.
"Old Glory" is my flag
And I am filled with pride,
I choke up when I see her wave cause I know
She waves o'er heroes who died.
God bless America.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
This Memorial Day Weekend, May 27, 2006
"We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or the coming generations, that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided Republic. If other eyes grow dull, and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well long as the light and warmth of life remains to us."-General John Alexander Logan, (1826-1886)
United States Union Army, General Order No. 11
May 5, 1868
As far back as the mid 1800's, General Logan and men like him knew exactly what it would take to keep America free and strong. He knew that it would take the selfless dedication and sacrafice of untold numbers to keep this great nation free and strong. The influence of his actions and words remain with us today as we celebrate this Memorial Day, a holiday he is credited with creating.
Since the creation of this great nation, over one million men and women have made the ultimate sacrafice in order to ensure that we all continue to live in the free society that men like General Logan fought so hard to preserve. We are the beneficiaries of their selfless sacrafices made to rid the world of tyranny and oppression.
General Logan realized that freedom never comes without a price. Today's military leaders know the same thing. An insurmountable toll has been and will continue to be exacted upon our men and women in uniform so that we may continue to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave AND so that others around the world may experience what some of us here unforunately take for granted...........FREEDOM AND THE PROMISE OF NEW LIFE THAT COMES WITH IT.
This weekend take the time to honor the fallen by offering a prayer of thanks, for they have paid for your freedom with their lives. If you see someone in uniform, thank them for their service and for what they mean to this country. For without them, we could very easily end up just another third world country.