I love this picture because it reminds me of my daughter's two dogs, Major and Ruby.

I just had to post a comment today about some of the news items I have viewed. Shell announced that it has ONLY made a 25% profit from petroleum sales. Isn't that terrible, only 25%. And to think they buy most of their oil from OPEC... this is just shocking news. How will they maintain their lifestyle?

Another little tidbit concerning gasoline. A ranking official announced that there is no gas shortage... well, duh. That news alone should raise the price another 25 cents per gallon.

A sickening video I viewed on the Internet news the other day. A man took his "TWO" year old child and was forcing it to smoke pot. To further show off his intelligence he had it videotaped, then pawned the video player for money but forgot to take the tape out. The pawn shop owner found it, called the authorities and voila, someone is in jail for giving pot to a minor.

I have not had time to check too many blogs lately. The snow has quit for a couple of days and it is time to plant so everything can freeze. Got the garden spot rototilled yesterday, today is fixing water pipes and pruning the apple tree......................................... maybe.

Been sick, again, for about a week or better. Seems like any cold or virus comes around good old Tim has to catch it. The problem is that when I do catch it I get it worse than most people. Oh well.

Foam, how is that child doing? Yes, I would like to know what the medical problem is.

OK. Here is the question of the day posed by my wife Cheryl. In ballet if a female is called a ballerina, what is the male called? (I won't tell you what I thought it was but he smiles a lot.)

That is all for today now that I have you asleep at your computer.

Have a nice day everyone.

Just a quickie today. I read Pam's post and took one of those quizzes to see how romantic I was and this was the answer....

You're a hopeless romantic. You require ample doses of warmth and sentiment. You embroider your fantasies; they titillate you and lift you out of the ordinary. You're the cockeyed optimist of song, a dreamy, maybe impractical idealist, the willing victim of infatuation.

Hmmmmmmmmm.

Have a nice day everyone.

Someone sent me this picture and the way things are going I thought it appropriate to post.

What a spring we are having. Every day it seems we have a snowstorm of sorts and if it does not snow then we have winds that are very bad. I sure will be glad when the political arena settles down so the winds will at least calm down.

Took a group to Boise the other week and hit winds of 60 mph according to the radio. We didn't have snowstorms but we sure had very bad dust storms. A couple of times I seriously thought I was going to lose the bus from being blown off the road.

Cheryl is doing fine. We are still waiting to see a heart specialist and in the mean time the doctors are trying medicines to help her. She will not listen to me about slowing down a bit and it worries me but what can I do? She is a big girl and I cannot be around her all the time.

Only three more weeks of school and then I am not sure what I am going to do. I wanted to get a summer job driving charter bus but Cheryl doesn't want me to. I guess I will have to force myself to do more fishing. I have wanted to fish this spring but not with the snow and cold.

I sure miss my bud Foam. Heck I miss all my blogging buds and I thank you for your comments about Cheryl. Pam you put some of the most beautiful photos on line. I never think to carry a camera with me and I have seen some very good chances for pictures.

I guess all the kids are doing fine. When we don't hear from them that means they are ok or into mischief. (wonder why the spell checker tells me that ok or okay is misspelled?)

That is all for today. Nothing exciting in our lives here.

Have a nice day everyone.

Now how can I not love someone as crazy as this? My wife and her Red Hat Society. Hmmm.

My post today is for someone I know as "Diana" who lives back East. In your blog you have mentioned that one of your children is ill and I couldn't help but think this has been a long time for an illness to remain. What exactly is wrong? Do you have anyone coming over to help you and to look after him while you are gone? Don't try to be too stubborn and not get help if you need it.

About Cheryl. She is doing much better. We go see our own doctor this Friday and that starts the procedure of getting her to a heart specialist. She still gets tired easily and we have to keep a close watch on her heart rate but it only seems to jump when "I" come around. Now is that true love or what?

This week is going to be busy. I leave in a couple of hours for an overnighter in Boise, ID and then there will be runs every day with band, orchestra, baseball and track. It is a definite sign that school is coming to an end for this year. Then I will be crying because I don't have anything to do and Cheryl will have her "honey do" list a mile long. Oh woooo is me. (Okay, so I don't know how to spell whoa, whoah, wooa, and the list goes on.)

Read Foam's blog about a whole s___load of people coming to visit. That is the price you pay for being so darned popular. In my case we had some friends from California stop by our house a few years ago and they have never been back since. I think some of the anonymous phone calls we receive might be them checking to see if we are home. "Whew", they say, "It's a good thing we called or we would have been caught stopping. Keep driving honey!" (Just kidding Kay and Jon)

I knew this crazy weather would do just what it is doing. Two inches of snow last Friday morning and now it is very warm. Go figure. The baseball boys didn't know how to play in warm weather and got beat badly. There wasn't even a wind to make the curve balls really curve. There was enough breeze to stir the dust and make the umpires miss a few calls on our team though. I don't understand why the opposing team doesn't get those kind of calls.

Got to quit. Diana if you don't want to answer via the blog just email me about your boy.

Have a nice day everyone.

Yes Foam, my smarty pants friend, the shamrock pj's do exist and I am proud of them so there. PHHHHTTTTT!!!!

Thanks to all for your kind thoughts concerning Cheryl. She is home now and feeling much better but it definitely was a wake up call. She is extremely tired, rightfully so, and my daughter and I are clamping down on her activities for a few days. I have a couple of runs, one of them is an overnighter, so my daughter is coming to stay with Mom. Okay, enough about the crazy old woman I am married to. I want to talk about me, me, ME!!!

Well, that was a short conversation.

Pamela, wherever did you get the idea that you were not good looking? You are not only good looking but sophisticated, a genius, intellectual beyond words, and that is not bad for a person who answers to "Shorty".

Cindy, it is so good to hear from you again. How are things down in the great state of Colorado? Have I ever told you that we used to live in Greeley, CO? Lovely place if you like smelling cow feed yards with every breath you take.

Just finished watching the movie with Will Smith about the guy who became a stock broker. While the ending was superb, I found the movie depressing due to all the things that happened to that poor man.

Enough of this boring blog.

Have a nice day everyone.

No pictures today, just information. I know several people read my blog so they can keep up with Cheryl and I so here is some new information.

Last night Cheryl had, what we thought was, a heart attack. I have never seen her look so bad in my life so off to the emergency room we rushed. They were waiting for us and immediately wheeled her into the room and started performing all kinds of tests. Come to find out her heart rate in the atrium was around 200 and the heart rate in the (I think it is called the ventricle) was around 50. Needless to say she had no blood moving, no oxygen coming to the body and things were kind of scary. He was afraid more of stroke or clots than an actual heart stoppage. They pumped different drugs into her to slow down the atrial rate but it took all night to finally get it down to 80.

She is home now and doing much better. I think this was kind of a wake up call for her to realize she is no spring chicken (or even a German one) and that she cannot be doing things like she used to.

That was our excitement for the day.

Have a nice day everyone.

Yep, this is me with my beasty. We have had a lot of fun over the past two years. Guess I will post some more pictures.













It is old like me but still has some kick to it.














This is Grandpa's, better known as Papa, little dancer. She will be two this year.

I get a kick out the mothers in this picture, including my daughter.

Okay, so I might have jumped the gun about quitting blogging. It DOES get in your blood but breaks are necessary for me so who knows what will come later. Thanks for the comments though. It is interesting how you gain friends even though we have never met. I often worry about some of my comments and how they might be misconstrued. There are so many wierdo's out there in cyberland that make people nervous. I want you all to rest assured that even though I might make comments about how good looking you are or something of that nature, I am totally harmless. My wife often kids me that if some lady took me serious and made an advance of her own that I would run like a spooked animal.

Today we go to sign papers for our house refinancing. I will be so glad when it is all done and I know where we stand for a while. The company that was carrying the contract raised the interest to 9.25% and that is just plumb rediculous in these times. You would think that their goal is to repossess houses.

Today is clear and beautiful but cold. Spring is going to come here some day. Probably do like it did in California a few times, go from cold to very hot. I can't believe that I just swore on the blog. I said........................... shudder............................. California. Blech, aaagghhh, cough, choke.

That ought to be enough for today. Maybe one more picture that features the shamrock pajama bottoms.

Yes, I even wear them outside. It keeps the neighbors, dogs, kids, flies and mosquitoes away.







Have a nice day everyone.

Well, I just finished watching the LDS conference and was impressed with the advice given to young mothers to stop, smell the roses, and enjoy your family. As the speaker mentioned, sometimes we get too involved with extracurricular activities that takes us away from each other. Not all are that important... are they?

My goodness I am beginning to think that we are having one of those springs that will continue giving us snow up to the 4th of July. Wouldn't be the first time but it has been a while. The forecast is for snow all week. How much snow is yet to be seen, but never the less it is cold.

Took the girl's softball team on an overnighter where they played four games in two days. It was soooooooo cold and the wind blew soooooooo hard that it took all enjoyment out of playing and watching. Cheryl went with me on this trip and all she did was read her book all the time. Boring. Next time I am taking my girlfriend... her name is Cheryl too.

Been thinking of giving up blogging. I can't seem to think of anything interesting to talk about and lately I haven't even been getting any good pictures. I did receive a picture of a rattlesnake that had swallowed four golfballs but since I am afraid of snakes I didn't want to keep the picture. Now I am not sure I want to try golf either.

Have a nice day everyone.

I am sitting here in Provo, UT using my son in laws computer which is an I-Mac and I am having issues with it.

I woke up yesterday and what did I see? Snowballs dropping from the apricot tree. Spring had brought such a nice surprise. Snowballs dropping right before my eyes. Yep, we received 3-4 inches of new snow. The roads were full of ice which made driving about 40 mph and yet that woman of mine insisted she was still going to Utah. I would have worried myself sick so I decided to come along with her although there is absolutely nothing for me to do. Oh, the sad life I live.

Foam I detected a hint of grumpiness from your blog lately. Hope the smile fairy has visited your home again. Can't have an unhappy Foam. As I tell Cheryl, go take some happy pills.

Pam, thanks for the hawk picture. It was the very one you had mentioned and now I am watching. I liked the picture so much that I am using it for my screen background.

Took the baseball team for a trip to Burley, ID last Saturday. When they got off the bus the temperature was 20 degrees with a wind blowing about 25-30 mph. I figured the wind chill factor had to be about zero degrees. I got so cold just watching them that I forced myself back onto the bus with the heater running. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. The big sissy's only played one game of a double header and called the other one due to cold. Sheesh, kids are just not tough these days.

I am earning the name of deerslayer at my work. I hit another one with my pickup the other morning. When there are about 1000 of them all over the road it is hard to see all of them.

I would really like to think of something clever or funny to share but this old brain has gone. Sorry.

Have a nice day everyone.

I hope this works okay. I found an old video of Cheryl and I dancing. Enjoy.


You really didn't think it was me did you?

Have a nice day everyone.

Just Goofing Around

Movie Reviews

I was trying to post the picture that said what my blog reading level was. Pam said hers was a genius but mine was only grade school level. Sounds about right. I am trying to learn how all of you do some of the things you do but so far no luck.

Have a nice day everyone.

PS. Hey I did it. Now I can graduate to third grade.

Isn't this the gospel truth. Why speculators are allowed to run wild with prices on commodities is something I just don't understand. I guess that is why they are rich and sap's like me are poor.

I can truthfully say I just finished the bus run from Hell. The kids were great, the roads were great, Cheryl was with me and that was great so why do I say it was the run from Hell? I had two leaders with me, one for the cheer squad and one for the dance group and they fought like cats all the time. I felt like I had been scratched, bitten, kicked and all the other things cats do when they fight. Next time I am wearing a black and white striped shirt since I am the designated referee. I told Cheryl that this year was a learning experience and next year I will be a harda-s. I was so glad when the last person departed from the bus and I could go home. Now my boss is in the middle of a battle with the school hierarchy over the run. Good luck boss.

Enough of my whimpering.

How was everyone's Easter? Cheryl and I were so tired that we slept most of it after we returned home from church. Our daughter, Katherine, was here from Nevada and that was a pleasant visit. The weather did it's usual Easter thing in raining, snowing, sunshine and now we have fog.

I guess I am the only one who had not heard that song "I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore." I had never heard of the performer but Pamela, that elderly lady in Washington, said she knew of him when she was 10, I think. Mercy, does that tell ones age or what.:))

I apologize to everyone for not making comments on their blogs. Time has been a precious commodity lately and I just have not taken the time to write. I do read them though.

Well, I killed another (*&^%$#@!!! deer the other day. The things are all over the highways here. I had just left our home, in my pickup, and was going about 55 mph when out of the barrow ditch it came on a dead run. I hit the brakes but still got it with my right side. Now I have a headlight to purchase and fix. Could have been worse I guess. I sure will be glad when they decide to go back into the hills for the summer.

Do any of you ever get blog writers blackout? At times I can remember what I would like to write about but when the time comes to actually write I have forgotten everything. Boring... I know.

Guess I will close. Thanks to all who make comments on my blog. I feel like my day is not complete when I don't hear from some of you. Interesting how friendships develop without even seeing one another. Pam would you send me a picture of that hawk you mentioned a while back. I want to look for it here. (Bet you don't remember what I am talking about.) Sw--? Hawk or something like that. Foam, my bud, how are you getting along with all those kids now? Just think, summer is coming up real soon and it will be beach time or camping time with your favorite drink and your feet propped up. Alice and Lowa all I can say to the both of you is, "I Am Truly Sorry.", that you are from Canada and lead a sheltered life. By the way LOWA, I thought I had made a comment about your hair but it never posted so maybe I didn't. Alice, where are those "special" emails with the snowmen pictures or something of that nature. I miss those. Don't be turning good on me.:)) Spicy is good. Dana it is good to see you able to write again. You need to slow down lady or you are going to have health problems.

Enough for today. Cheryl took a picture of my bus and me and once I get it downloaded I will post it.

Have a nice day everyone.

I hope this works out. Alice, in Canada, sent me this clip. I wondered if she had met me and I didn't remember it. Enjoy, cause it is definitely me.

Have a nice day everyone, except Alice.

This is a rare animal and to be able to capture it on film is exciting. It was found in
Canada.

I have seen a sure sign that spring is almost here. Snowbirds are returning. Now for those of you who do not know what a snowbird is, they are a different kind of species that migrates south in the fall and returns in the spring. Now that in itself does not sound so different since a lot of birds do that but these birds are generally quite old, crippled, and rather than fly they drive themselves to warmer climates where they set around with other snowbirds and tell tall tales about their youth. They always seem to travel in pairs with the male being paunchy and generally bald and the female being grandmotherly with a white head. (Of course only her hairdresser knows for sure what color she should be.)

Our two snowbirds showed up last Tuesday. They had wintered in St. George, Utah. They play banjo's and love country western music.

I think my wife is taking advantage of me. Just because I did not have a run the first part of the week I have been assigned the tasks of washing clothes, carrying things downstairs, cleaning toilets, going to the post office and many other wifely tasks. What does she do? Gets up, gives me a cold breakfast and goes to work where she plays all day with little children. Yep, I am being taken advantage of. I haven't even been able to squeeze in a fishing trip or even get my gear ready. When the hour of her return is near I start to tremble and shake if I have not finished my chores 'cause she beats me for being lazy, or worse, she deprives me of my supper. I live an abused life, I just hide it well. I cannot even have my girlfriend come over to visit 'cause my spouse has spies throughout the neighborhood that watch our house almost 24 hours a day.

Did I mention that I have a LOT of Irish blood in me and sometimes the blarney comes out.

Time for my morning nap so will close. Hope everyone is well and happy.

Have a nice day everyone.

There is no reason for this picture other than I like it. I thought it was very special.

My run got canceled today due to bad weather so I had a chance to visit other blogs and finish a book I have been reading. It is called "The Eye of the World" by Robert Jordan. At first I didn't think I would continue reading because it started out kind of slow for me but the plot picked up as well as the action. This book has a lot of similarities to the Lord of the Ring series. Instead of a ring being the focal point it is three young men. Of course they encounter many kinds of beings, dangers and strange people in their travels to the eye of the world. Once again the world is in mortal danger from the "dark side" and they have to prevent it from being destroyed.

What I had a hard time with was the names of people and places. These names must be from old Celtic or Welsh times and I could not even begin to pronounce them. I must not forget the evil warriors that were much like those in Lord of the Rings. These are called Trollocs and seemingly undestroyable. There is a Dark Lord who has fire coming out his eyes and mouth and is a really nasty sort of individual.

There is no cussing, no sexual encounters, just good old fiction action. I liked it.

I also finished reading "The Golden Compass". Again the names and some of the words were hard for a poor uneducated person like me to read. I read this book mainly because there are so many religious groups who were opposing it and I wanted to know why so I could guide my grandchildren. I didn't find anymore wrong with this book than I did with the Harry Potter series... and I liked Harry Potter.

Now if I speak about authors that I really like then Louis L'Amour is right there amongst the top 5 or so. I love western reading. The hero, the heroine (sp), the bad guy, the horses, the guns, the whiskey, the fights, the romance. Oh John Wayne where are you when we need you? I always loved the part where the hero mounts his horse, tips his hat to the beautiful young woman and rides off into the sunset. "No, no", she cries but he keeps going and then pauses on the crest of the hill. (There is always a crest of the hill) "I'm sorry my dear, but my horse needs me more." And he rides away. Sighhhhhhhhhhh, what a man.

I also finished reading "The Teachings of Joseph Smith". Now whether you like the man and his organization or not he truly suffered a great deal at the hands of mobsters. I don't think I would have the stamina to withstand what he went through. It would crush me to have friends turn against me, family turn against me and the world thinking I am a bad person.

Okay enough with the book reviews.

Here in this area we have an unusual number of hawks that fly through each spring and fall. I have seen so many hawks lately and each one is fascinating. I even got to see a falcon chasing a bird and that was poetry in motion. While waiting in Boise one day two geese came in for a landing and performed it so smoothly that any pilot would be jealous. Beautiful to watch.

The *&^%$#@!!! deer are down from the mountains and they are an ever threat on the highways. If I seen one I know I seen a thousand the other day.

Guess that is about all for today. Remember when I first started blogging I said I was boring. Wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll, now you have proof.

Have a nice day everyone.

Ah, tis one of the best days of the year... the wearin of the green. Actually I think it is a day set aside for all Irishmen and Irishwomen to have an excuse to drink and frolic. Hmmmm, if only I drank and frolic'd. Now listen Foam, my friend, I was speaking about cabbage and beer being a deadly concoction mainly from listening to others speak of it. Well, maybe in another life I might have imbibed a touch but not anymore.

My goodness after reading the comments on my last blog maybe I should try corn beef and cabbage. LOWA I do like sauerkraut and cold slaw but that is the extent of my cabbage eating.

Since this is St. Patrick's day and I KNOW all of you are wearing green today, I will post some more pictures.

Now who can resist a lovely Irish lass with her fiddle and green hat? All of you must have a little Irish blood because I feel you are pretty too. Cheryl is all dressed in green and I CERTAINLY am although I would not want a picture taken of me. I have black pants with bright green shamrocks all over them and the word "Guiness" filling in the blank spots. My shirt is green striped. Bring on the fun.

Now for the life of me I cannot figure out why a green frog with a green hat. Cheryl likes to collect frogs... says they remind her of me. Hmmmm. Now one more picture that is more a self portrait than anything else.

Yep, that is me at my best, green eyes and all. (Just kidding of course)
What kind of blogger would I be if I did not talk about St. Patrick's day today? I have mentioned it before and I will mention it again... I am proud of my Irish heritage. They worked hard, played hard, and laughed hard. They loved music and so do I. My favorite song is, "I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore". (Thank you Alice)

Another hard week coming up. Another trip to Boise. I am beginning to know every bump on the road from here to there. Saturday we had a vicious snow squall come through that left about 10 inches of snow in a very short space, caused all kinds of accidents, left the roads icy as all get out for a while, and almost blew my bus into an 18 wheeler. I was really fighting the wind for a while. However the group of youngsters were an exceptionally good group and we had a lot of fun.

Saturday was Cheryl's birthday. Unfortunately I was not here to celebrate it with her but our two daughters got with her and they had a fun day; probably more fun than if Dad had been there. I gave her a couple of pins to wear. One was a Red Hat pin and the other was a frog under an umbrella. (She said she liked it.)

Last night the moon had a very large ring around it. If memory serves me correctly it means stormy weather is coming for about a week or longer. As I read the weather forecast this morning it seemed to bear out my convictions. I do know a small ring around the moon means it is going to be cold.

Okay, enough of my intellect. Remember Easter is coming next Sunday and while it is a commemoration of our Savior please don't forget to say, "I love you" to your loved ones.

Hope everyone is well and happy and don't forget that the most important thing to do today is... KISS AN IRISHMAN!!!

Have a nice day everyone.

I will try and sneak a post in today. The school has had me running hard and the only reason I have a few minutes today is because I don't leave until 4:00 pm.
Someone sent me this picture of a Canadian bicycle and I just had to post it. I have often wondered what made them different but now I am starting to see the proof.



I know most of you have seen this picture but I still find it funny. There have been times that Cheryl has wanted to put me up for sale but she didn't have enough money to pay someone to take me.

I don't care how you present this type of food to me I still don't like it. Cheryl claims I must not be a true Irishman because I don't like cornbeef and cabbage. You doggone right I don't like it. The only thing cabbage is good for is to cause a flatulence problem. Add some beer and you have the makings of a dangerous, dangerous, DANGEROUS situation.

Got to go. Have a nice day everyone.

This label had to be designed by a man. Way to go fella!! Should receive a prize for this.



This is a picture my friend LOWA should show her husband so she can get her own motorcycle. I don't know if any of the rest of you ride but you might consider this. I can just see Merle and Jen on this. Two free spirits.

This is my pal Foams travel car. She took this to Mississippi. Sigh... you got to give that girl credit for southern thinking and German ingenuity..:)












Not much to say this day so thought I would post these thought provoking pictures.

Be safe, be careful, and have a nice day everyone.

This is a picture I took some time ago with my new camera. I call it a cyclops dragonfly. I don't know if it would be good enough to enter in a Wordless Wednesday blog or not What do you guys think.

Just piddling around for a few minutes waiting to leave for a funeral of a good friend. She was an independent spirit who truly hated to have anyone help her, even when her health was failing. She will be missed. She and I had an interesting relationship in that I could say things to her that she would not take offense to yet if anyone else said the same thing she would blow up.

I lay in bed last night thinking how time changes people. When we were first married, and for several years after that, we would snuggle up to each other, kiss, fondle, and do the thing that married couples do at that age. Often the words would be spoken, "Ohhhhhh, that feels so good."

Now we lay there with our backs to one another, just enjoying the body warmth on our backs and still the words are the same. "Ohhhhhh, that feels so good." Young people, and some old ones, life changes as you get older and more brittle. The simple pleasures you enjoy at an older age are just as intimate but accomplished in a different manner.:)

Have been researching Merle and Jen's blogs for appropriate material to include in a religious lesson tomorrow at church. Those gals crack me up. Jen just told me that they have a law in Australia where cats are not allowed outside after 6:00 pm. Mercy, if they have laws like that for cats I wonder what the laws are like for children? In our town we have a 10:00 pm curfew for children but nothing for cats. I think I will bring that up to my council member next time I see him.

Time to go.

Be safe, be careful and have a nice day.

This is soooooo me. Sometimes I have to get after myself for not acting my age.

Cheryl is feeling better this morning. She was picking on me big time before she left for work. She also left an endless list of chores to do. It is plain to see that I am going to have to have an attitude adjustment with that woman.

By the way... welcome Gledwood and Angel to my blog and I hope you return often.

I think it was Jeanette who said she would like a siamese cat. Me too. Gledwood, those Australian women show up in the darndest places and the jokes they tell... whooooeeeee. Jen likes to pick on us poor Irishman though. Actually I am an American through and through but both of my grandparents were from Ireland, except one who was Welsh, and so I have quite a bit of Irish blood flowing in these veins. I am proud of my Irish heritage but in all honesty being an American is #1 with being an Idahoan #2. Just think of how terrible it would have been to be a Canadian. (Just kidding guys) I would have to like hockey, fishing, the Queen, and cowgirls. Three out of four ain't bad.

Angel you have come quite a ways from where you were born to where you live. Do you miss your homeland much? Sounds like you have a great attitude toward your husband and that is the way it should be. Even after all these years I would hate to think of life without my Cheryl.

I now have three big fat doves that are eating at the bird table outside. They are fun to watch and I was told that they are a type of South American dove that is not found in the US that much.

Last night I could have used a shotgun. Two cats decided to duke it out right underneath our bedroom window. Talk about a noise.

Well my sweethearts birthday is in the month of March and I am already planning a big dinner at the local truck stop. Maybe I will splurge and take her across the street to Taco Heaven or whatever the name is. Never, ever accuse an Irishman of not having romance in his blood.

Got to close and get some of these chores done. I am taking the brainiac's on a trip today to a competition. It is fun to watch these sort of things although I have not a clue as to what some of the questions they are asked mean.

Be safe, be happy and have a nice day everyone.

This is just how I feel. I met a Japanese man one time (his wife was Dutch) who said to me, "I don't drink, I don't smoke but by golly I am going to eat." and eat he did. I really enjoyed that couple and wonder what ever become of them.

Well the state wrestling tournament is over, the young men are back to school and the poor bus driver is still trying to regain his lost sleep. I have a serious problem when I take athletic teams anywhere... I like to watch the contests. Saturday I put in about 18 hours by the time they finished and I got them back home. To top it all off I hit a deer just outside of Preston. Not much I could do about it because it came at full speed out of nowhere. I can shoot animals and it doesn't bother me too much but to run over them, even a little mouse, I get a sickening feeling.

Strange weather the Canadians are sending us. Snow, rain, snow, sunshine, rain then snow again. It is like they cannot make up their minds as to how to punish us here in the US.

We are once again petless. (I know it is not a word.) Our new cat had attacked Cheryl and put a nice gash across her face which she will have a scar now and then it attacked me and scratched me fairly good on the hand. It only attacked when it did not like something we were doing with it but still it made us worry what would happen if the grandkids were here. Plus Cheryl and I have had serious allergies since it arrived... so anyhow it is now gone. I think if I get another cat it will be a Siamese kitten that I can raise and train right from the start. At least they don't shed like the others do, or so I am told.

I went to an Applebee's for the first time while I was on the trip. I really liked it. I had a bourbon street steak that was just delicious. I think I like Cajun cooking. Of course any restaurant is only as good as it's cook.

Did I tell you, Pam, that after you posted the picture of a downy woodpecker we had one in our tree. I wouldn't have known what it was if you hadn't have posted your picture. Thank you. We are going to purchase a book on birds of north America so we can identify them easier.

Good to have Foam back... no, I don't know why, but it is good. Foam is a good person... it is just that there are only two kinds of good in this world; no good and good for nothing. Bwah ha ha ha.
I love you Foam.:)

I know of others who read my blog but never make a comment so I will say "hi" to those "OLD " grannies down in Bakersfield, CA. Cheryl has been under the weather for a bit but she is doing much better now.

Sarah, I hope you read this, I would love to attend but I am not much at preparing something of that nature. If you knew my history you would find that reunions are not my strong point.

Well, who haven't I picked on. Got a fairly easy week this week so should be able to blog a little more often.

Be safe, be careful and have a nice day everyone.

This is my son in law, Robin, who is quite a character. As you can tell his kids think quite highly of him as well. That blonde one in the front is quite the character, heck, they are all characters.

I don't know why, but I was thinking about death and the many different ways it affects all of us. It is hard to lose the companionship of a loved one or a dear friend. They leave a void in our lives that is hard to fill if it really can be filled. Yet, all of us will have to deal with this emotion at one time or another. What does death mean? Is that it? Is there no more to look forward to?

If you are a believer in religion then the answer is YES, there is more to it than what we might know. If that is true then we all need to find out just what is going to happen and prepare for the next phase of life. I am not going to sit here and preach to anyone but it is important for personal relief to know some of the answers for questions that confront us. Me, personally, well I believe in Christ and His teachings. If I am mislead then I am in for a great surprise. I just cannot imagine enjoying my wife and family so much during this life to never see them again or be with them again when I die. Okay, enough on this subject.

Got another long week ahead of me. Taking the wrestling team to Boise, ID for the state tournament. Should be fun but tiring.

Oh, for those who might be wondering what I did do for Cheryl on Valentine Day I took her to the local truck stop for supper. Now if that is not romantic I don't know what is. She had a country fried steak with eggs and hash browns. I did not spare the dollars on this evening and topped it off with a piece of lemon pie. I am so pleased with myself. She is soooooo lucky to have married a romantic like me. When we finished we came home and watched TV.

I am always picking on poor Hillary but she does things that really bug me. First there was the crying act. Then there was the firing of her campaign manager and now it is the dirt slinging and accusations. Is that the kind of President she is going to be? When the going gets tough is she going to start crying? Is she going to start firing everyone because things did not turn out the way she thought they should? Will she start slamming other world leaders and calling them liars and thieves which should do wonders for the American image that is already torn to shreds.

Shut up Tim. This is not a political broadcast.

Due the the cold and snow we started putting out bird feed for the little ones. At first there were only about two or three that would come and eat. Now there are about 20 to 30 regulars with more in the trees. I even saw a downy woodpecker and was able to identify it due to Pam's posting of a picture on her web site. Kinda neat. We are noticing a few Robins lately which means spring is definitely on its way. When I see my first Killdeer then I will know it is here.

Of course we feed the squirrels also. Bunch of little pigs. At first we only had two that came everyday but now we have up to 8 or 9 that know when food is being served. Our cat just sits in front of the sliding glass door and never blinks his eyes. I think one of the squirrels stuck its tongue out at him the other day.

If I don't get to your blogs and make comments on them please forgive me. I do read them but sometimes I just don't have the time (or the ambition) to make comments. I do enjoy each and everyone of them.

Guess I will close for today. Got to leave at 8:00 am tomorrow and don't know when I will be back so this will be it for this week. Have a great week and be safe.

Have a nice day everyone.

Don't laugh too hard. All of us reach this age some day.

This will probably be my only post this week although one never knows what is going to happen. I do know I will be gone on an overnighter with the wrestling team but other than that I am not sure what I am doing. Took the cheerleaders and dance team to a competition last Saturday. I am always amazed at the level of competition and how good some of those kids are. I really enjoyed watching.

Last week we had some SERIOUS snow and wind storms. Roads were closed, schools were closed and, of course, accidents everywhere. I worry so much about Cheryl when she is out in those conditions but she seems to handle herself very well. Must be the training she received from her husband. Some of the schools were still involved in basketball tournaments and even though they were told it might be best to cancel they did not. The results... they spent time waiting in one of the schools and a local church for the roads to open. Some of our own kids did not get home until after 6-7 pm and then the only way was to have a snowplow go in front of the bus. It was very interesting.

Having snow days reminded me of when I was a kid. We used to have some jim dandy blizzards in Teton Valley where I lived. When we had a snow day I liked to strap on some skis or snowshoes and head for the canyon a couple of miles away. It might be raging out on the flats but the canyon was always so peaceful and quiet. One has to experience it to know what I am talking about when I say it is peaceful to snowshoe in virgin snow, listen to a bubbling brook and hear the wind blowing in the top of the trees. It is so relaxing.

Some days we would pop popcorn (the old way), read books, listen to "good" music and play games like Rook, or Old Maid. My sisters always cheated cause no one is that good. I would lie in front of the heat vent and sleep. Yep, those were the good days. When I had my ham radio I would spend time in my room just blabbing to everyone and anyone I could reach.

In our valley all the farming areas where certain families had settled had a name. Ours was called Darby, then there was Cedron, Chapin, Victor, Bates, Clawson, Felt, and Cache to name a few. If we met someone new and they said they were from Darby, for instance, everyone would know instantly where they lived.

Our valley used to be known mainly as Pierre's Hole because of the white man and Indian trading that would go on in it. It was known for outlaws, Indian wars and many other kinds of stuff. Now it is nothing but homes, homes, and more homes with the land posted for no trespassing. I don't go there any more because it just isn't home to me now. I go up the Darby canyon where I spent so much time as a kid and all I see are people, people and more people. It is called progress I guess. An area where the Crow and Blackfoot Indians had a major battle used to be littered with arrowheads and etc but now... homes and people.

That darned Cheryl came home with a cat the other day. After Gus died we swore we would have no more pets. She must have been absent on the day we had that conversation. We named the new cat Felix. We are noticing that where ever he came from he never learned to play. He is very protective of his food but I can live with that cause I am protective of my food as well. Almost had to give Cheryl a clout to the ear this morning cause she stole a piece of my bacon. YOU JUST DON'T STEAL A MAN'S BACON!!!

Pam and Foam I can just see you guys reading about blowing raspberries and setting there trying it to see how you do it. You had me a giggling there for a few minutes. I'm just glad I didn't mention the flatulence problem Cheryl has and the conversations we have over that. No, you don't need to try it and give me an example.:)

I guess this is it for today. I have laundry to do, wood to bring in and the list goes on. It is hard being married to a bossy woman. She even had to gall to tell me, no that was ordered me, to purchase a couple of new white shirts since mine are about 8 years old. Now if that is not bossy then I don't know what is.

Almost Valentine's day and I don't know what to get my sweetheart. Cheryl will get what I give her but my sweetheart gets something special. I guess I will give her a good dose of me. That would brighten anyone's day, right? Right!!

Hey Merle and Jeanette do you guys celebrate Valentine day in Australia?

By the way I think I have two OLD Grannies in California who read my blog, (Kay and Darla). If you do then you folks have a happy Valentine day also.

Have a nice day everyone.

Why this picture? Because Cheryl calls me her "Bear" and thought the picture appropriate.

Just got a few minutes this "am" before setting out again so thought I would mention a conversation between Cheryl and I last night. I am sure many people have similar conversations about things that make no sense what so ever.

Cheryl, of course, was teasing me and I blew her a raspberry. I do this when I can not think of anything wise or humorous to say. The conversation:

Tim: Did you know that when you blow a raspberry your upper lip vibrates?

Cheryl: (After trying her own raspberry), My upper lip doesn't vibrate, it is my lower lip.

Tim: Well dislexic people do things backwards. (Blows another raspberry), nope it is the upper lip.

Cheryl: If you say so but mine is still the lower lip.

And the conversation continues with juicy raspberries being blown at full steam.

Another conversation we had.

Tim: Did you know I can suck my upper lip up my nose?

Cheryl: Well why would I want to know that?

Tim: You're just jealous because you can't do it.

Cheryl: I can to. (Makes many feeble attempts to suck her lip up her nose... can't do it)

Enter our daughter Kim into the conversation.

Kim: You guys are weird. Look Mom I can suck my lip up my nose.

We all stand around doing strange things with our lips and noses.

Another conversation between Cheryl and I.

Tim: Did you know that if you take a worm and turn him inside out, then a robin comes along and eats that worm, the worm will actually think he is eating the robin.

Cheryl: Why would I want to know this? Why not turn the robin inside out?

Tim: You crazy old woman you don't get the big picture here.

Cheryl: Guess what? I don't really care either.

Now I am telling you we have very interesting conversations in our home. Do any of you readers have interesting conversations in your homes?

I smell bacon cooking so this must end. Hope your day has been brightened and you are safe and happy. Some of you had better be taking your med's and don't pull that headache stuff on your poor spouse.

Have a nice day everyone.

This is Clem and Hagatha's wedding cake.


Poor old Clem. You would have thought that he learned something from his wedding cake.

This will be my one and only post this week. I am back to work and my schedule has me running very hard for the entire week. Lucky everyone who reads this stuff.

Mercy, we have been getting the snow the past few days. I swear it put a foot down yesterday and is still snowing lightly. The mountains look so beautiful with all that white.

Today is a day of mourning for me. The Patriots lost yesterday. No, the Patriots got the snot kicked out of them. It was so evident who was fired up and who was not. Oh well.

I just cannot think of any wise and humorous things to say so will close and see all of you next week.

Have a nice day everyone. Oh, thank you for all the nice comments on Cheryl and my pictures. The stories I could tell on that wife of mine.:)

Yep, this was Cheryl when we were first married. One hot Mama.


Yep, this was me when I was about 24 years old.

Since I don't have much to say I will just let you enjoy:):)

Have a nice day everyone.

Genealogy; Why, What! and HUH!

1. My family coat of arms ties at the back. . . . is that normal?
2. My family tree is a few branches short! All help appreciated
3. My ancestors must be in a witness protection program!
4. Shake your family tree and watch the nuts fall!
5. My hobby is genealogy, I raise dust bunnies as pets.
6. How can one ancestor cause so much TROUBLE??
7. I looked into my family tree and found out I was a sap.
8. I'm not stuck, I'm ancestrally challenged
9. I'm searching for myself; Have you seen me?
10. If only people came with pull-down menus and on-line help. .
11. Isn't genealogy fun? The answer to one problem, leads to two more!
12. It's 2008. . . Do you know where your Great-Great-Grandparents are?
13. A family reunion is an effective form of birth control.
14. A family tree can wither if nobody tends it's roots.
15. A new cousin a day keeps the boredom away.
16. After 30 days, unclaimed ancestors will be adopted.
17. Am I the only person up my tree. . sure seems like it.
18. Any family tree produces some lemons, some nuts and a few bad apples
19. Ever find an ancestor HANGING from the family tree?
20. FLOOR: The place for storing your priceless genealogy records.
21. Gene-Allergy: It's a contagious disease, but I love it
22. Genealogists are time unravelers
23. Genealogy is like playing hide and seek: They hide. . . I seek!
24. Genealogy: Tracing yourself back to better people
25. "Crazy" is a relative term in my family
26. A pack rat is hard to live with, but makes a fine ancestor.
27. I want to find ALL of them! So far I only have a few thousand.
28. I Should have asked them BEFORE they died!
29. I think my ancestors had several "Bad heir" days
30. I'm always late. My ancestors arrived on the JUNEflower
31. Only a Genealogist regards a step backwards, as progress
32. Share your knowledge, it is a way to achieve immortality
33. Heredity: Everyone believes in it until their children act like fools!

Have a nice day everyone.

Okay, I have a question for all you ladies out there. How in the world do you get your whites to turn out nice and white when you live in hard water country? I have tried peroxide, bleach, baking soda and all to no avail. There has got to be a trick or product out there that will do this.

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland. Oh Yeah!!

Monday was a good old fashioned Idaho blizzard day. The snow was falling, the wind was blowing, the trees were swishing and I was watching and loving it all. Tuesday and Wednesday there has been no school due to winds closing the country roads. Here in town it is fairly calm. I just settle down to my good old computer, grab me a cool pepsi, maybe a snack or two and enjoy life. Cheryl is in Provo, UT with our daughter so the house is nice and quiet. I screen all my phone calls just in case Cheryl tries to call and give me a list of things to do.

My daughter went through her operation with flying colors. It was a little more complicated and serious than first thought but she is apparently doing fine. Grandma is enjoying being with the little one. Son in law is enjoying Grandma being there and cooking for him. Sure, leave the poor old crippled, sickly Grandpa at home to fend for himself.

Yes, sonny boy took all his medicines.

I have been such a good boy since Cheryl left that I think I will treat myself to a steak dinner tonight out at the local truck stop. Now before you go to laughing they really do have great steak dinners on Wednesday nights. Us country folks appreciate the little things in life.

Did you hear about the hen, in Mexico, that lays green eggs? I think I would be a little on the cautious side before eating them. Mexico is not known for having standards like some of us do.

So much for today. I am putting in my two cents now because I have a feeling that starting next week I will be busy again. I was just getting used to this lazy life. Speaking of which have any of you seen the lazy chair drill team? I am not sure if that is the actual name but it is a group of men dressed in underwear, socks held up by garters, panama hats on and they do a routine about how to use a fold up lawn chair. It is hilarious.

Have a nice day everyone.

Just a quick note today. I am setting here piddling around before heading off to church. A sinner like me needs all the spiritual help he can get.

Today's note is for Monique if she reads this. I have visited your blog and am intrigued by your screen writing abilities butttttttttttttttttttt, I would like to know more about Monique. Pictures are always good, how your day goes is good, what mischief you have been up to is even better and the list goes on. I mean it only took two years of intense blogging to learn Foams name and see a fairly good picture of her. Come on Monique don't be that way.

Lowa, I was thinking about Princess and wondered how a sweet little girl like that turned out to be a hockey player. That is something like my niece, Jeralee, who is a harpist and a boxer. I guess the two of them can get together and share pictures of teeth missing when they smile.

Gwen, Yes I was alone at the time. I think my problem was that I had not read any good Aussie jokes that day and was feeling down.

Sure have missed Pam lately. Hope she is doing all right.

Dana......... More about you. Brandon is a cute kid but his mother is also an awesome lady.

Alice P....... Oh what can one say about Alice? She is a fiesty Canadian who thinks she should be abducted by aliens. Little does she know they already did and stamped her... "REJECTED". Ha, ha, ha... I crack myself up.

Of course Merle and Jen in Australia are absolute crack ups, along with Gwen. They tell the darndest jokes. I have used some of them in talks that I have given. I have to censor them though cause some of these spiritual people might not understand the humor intended.

Time to go. Must account for my sins. Actually I go so others may have the pleasure of my company and know they were with one of the world's best... an Irishman.

Have a nice day everyone.

Now I don't want to hear another word about older people and their crossing the streets. This sign should be on all streets. (No, that is not me in the picture)

Glad everyone enjoyed the picture of the parrot flower and thank you Sarah for sending it to me. I found it very unique and beautiful also.

Well I had another close one the other day. I was sitting at the computer doing my genealogy thingy when all of a sudden I felt like I was in an earthquake. It felt as though the table top tilted up and was going to dump the computer and all my stuff on the floor. I instantly reached out to save the computer when I realized it was ok, I was the one going to the floor. Apparently I had a blood pressure spike. The rest of the day I could not regain my balance and was like a drunk trying to move around. (or so I am told they act that way:)) Cheryl asked me if I had taken my medicine and after much thought I realized I had not. To make things worse there was an atmospheric pressure change that was quite intense and it, too, affected me. Needless to say I am much better now.

Foam have you taken your medicine?

Not much to pass on today so will close. I didn't get up until almost 10:00 am. Feeling kind of tired so will just take it easy.

Have a nice day everyone.

My friend/relative, Sarah in Iowa, sent me this picture and I thought it was too neat to not share. This is a very rare flower in Thailand and this picture is probably as close as most people will ever get to seeing it. Quite unique.

Thank you Foam. If I had of known it was that easy I would have asked long ago. I really did like the Bertha though.

Cheryl has left me. I am all alone with nothing to eat, no one to wait on me, what will I do if I get sick?

I see that in Canada all the women in a town located in Alberta left for a week and the men had to cope with life, kids and all other things without them. What was funny that for a whole week there were no car accidents, telephones were always available and a few other notables. Hmmmm.

In Britain a bus driver kicked a girl off because she was being lead around on a leash by her boyfriend. The driver felt she was a safety hazard. Personally I wonder why she would want to be treated like that. She said she liked it. How degrading.

Here is a joke that Sarah passed on to me. Thought I would share it. *************************************************************************************

Ida, who belonged to a synagogue group devoted to visiting and helping the sick members of her congregation, was out making her rounds visiting homebound patients when she ran out of gas. As luck would have it, a gas station was just a block away.

She walked to the station to borrow a gas can and buy some gas. The attendant told her the only gas can he owned had been loaned out but she could wait until it was returned.

Since Ida was on the way to see another patient, and behind schedule, she decided not to wait and walked back to her car. She looked for something in her car that she could fill with gas and spotted the bedpan she always had handy for needy patients.

Always resourceful, she carried the bedpan to the station, filled it with gas, and carried the full bedpan back to her car which was decorated with many Hebrew decals and bumper stickers.

As she was pouring the gas into her tank, two men watched from across the street. One of them turned to the other and said:

"If it starts, I'm converting to Judaism."

Have a nice day everyone.

I still have not transferred pictures to this computer. Been too busy doing genealogy or I should say creating databases for genealogists. I thoroughly enjoy doing this type of work and I learn so much about people too.

Today is Foam day. For some reason I got to thinking that I did not know Foam's first name. (Probably never will knowing her) So I got to guessing what it could possibly be.

Bertha: Nope, that reminds me of an Olympic shot put person.

Gertrude: Nope, that reminds me of a goose.

Ingrid: Well, possibly, it reminds me of a cute barmaid.

Heidi: She would have to live on a mountain, herd goats, have curly hair and sing a lot.

Helga: Don't know what Helga reminds me of. Maybe a little old lady making bread.

Sorry Foam but I just had to say something.

Cheryl and I went to the temple last night and enjoyed ourselves. Afterwards we went to a steak and seafood restaurant which we found was VERY expensive. Our two daughters had given us a gift certificate for a fairly large amount and it only covered 1/2 of the cost. I guess I am not a fancy restaurant person. Give me the Golden Corral and I am a happy man.

Well, starting tomorrow I will be alone for over a week. Cheryl is going to our daughter's in Provo, UT to help out. Our daughter is having two large tumors removed which will prevent her from having anymore children. The one child she has is kind of a miracle child because of those tumors.

Excuse the Irish but DAMN it is cold here. I never have liked February coming since that is the coldest month of the year here. The poor old car has really been groaning about starting each morning. I have been groaning about having to start it too.

Time to close. I sure enjoy hearing from everyone who makes comments so if you visit let me know you were here.

Have a nice day everyone.

Merciful heavens it is cold this morning. I thought they would cancel school due to the temperature but no such luck. I was under the impression that if it got down to -5 degrees schools would shut down for student safety but Cheryl left for work and has not returned. Ah, another day of relaxation and loafing. That silly woman thinks I am going to vacuum the floors. HAH!!!

What to write about this morning. Hmmmm, the brain is dead. (Never mind the agreeing comments.) Just wanted everyone to know the rest of the body is not dead yet.

I had to do one of those safety thingys for a website the other day. What questions. What was your first car. Crap, when you get to my age you have forgotten your first car, your first date, your first kiss (well, maybe not that one), your first anything. Next question: what is your favorite food? Well duh. I didn't get to looking like I do by choosing "A" favorite food. I like many foods but bacon is either number one or very close. It used to be pizza but that has slid a couple of notches down the list. Now if I had access to shrimp then bacon would have a strong contender.

I was reading a blog by Heather and Logan and it brought back memories of snowshoeing, skiing, hiking and just having fun in the mountains. Oh that was another question asked: what is your favorite place to visit? You seen one city you have seen them all. Now the mountains always have something new to look at. Who knows when you might see a deer, elk, moose, whatever. Anyway back to my babbling. I kind of miss snowmobiling, the solitude of being in the mountains with no one else around and enjoying the quiet. Of course there are always the possibilities of seeing naked people suddenly like a group of boy scouts did one day. They were hiking up the trail and her come two women, completely naked. They stopped, looked at the boys, shrugged and kept on walking. You know that made for excited chatter from those young men the rest of the day and longer. I think one of the women's name was Alice.

I used to love saddling up the horse, taking the dog, a lunch and going up to a secluded spot where the horse grazed, the dog chased anything his imagination could come up with and just would lie there and gaze at the surrounding hills and sky. That was the life.

Enough of this blabber. Hope everyone is having a good day.

Have a nice day everyone.

Hmmmmm, this COULD be the scene from our home last Sunday.


Good morning. Last night I awoke with this thought on my mind... why it was on my mind I don't know. We had a visitor in our home, my sister in law, and it made me think of her one daughter who is a professional harpist and an amateur boxer (can't remember how to spell amateur). Now this is my thought on that matter. As a harpist she is all set for the day that she should die. She has her harp, can pick out a nice soft cloud to sit on and start her strumming. As a boxer she can beat the crap out of anyone who comes along and says she missed a note. That girl is smarter than she realizes.

Yep, I got the taxes done, the laundry done, the bed made, the car fixed and still had time for my nap yesterday. Am I good or what? So what does today hold for me... sleep, sleep, computer stuff and more sleep. Ah, it is good to be old(er) and have nothing to do. Of course that will all end in another week or so when I go back to driving.

Foam are you nuts? Cooking and cleaning for all those people. That is what a cleanup committee is for. It is fun though to have people over and have a good time.

LOWA if you read this you might also look for the book, "Tales of Despereaux". We listened to the book on tape and the narrator did a magnificent job. I liked it so well I have listened to it 2 or 3 times.

I watched the movie "Seraphim Falls" last night. It was okay, I guess, but different. We have the TV Guardian so it cuts out most of the swear words which makes our movie watching much more enjoyable. I think what I enjoyed the most about this movie was the scenery... simply beautiful.

It is now 8:20 am and Cheryl is off to work. I have babbled on boring all of you so will close for now plus it is time for my first nap of the day. OOOOHHH YEAH!!!

Pam I read your blog but you have so many that respond to it that I just make my comments here anymore and hope you read this every now and again. Same with Foam. You guys are so darned popular (which is good) that I don't comment much anymore. All I know is I enjoy reading everyone's blog whether I make a comment or not.

I don't know how things are going up in Canada. I haven't heard from Alice P for quite some time. Probably snowed in or frozen.

Okay, this time I really am stopping. My eyes are getting heavy and I can hear a harp playing in the far distance. Nope, it was a false alarm, I will be here tomorrow.

Have a nice day everyone.

A cheery good Monday morning to all. I have no pictures to post and for a good reason too. Last week, while right in the middle of some important work, my computer decided it was tired and quit. Come to find out the power supply burned up. In a panic I rushed out and purchased a new computer which has none of my old files or pictures on it. It will take a while but I will get things back to normal.

I don't know if the story is true but I received an email about the prime minister of Australia. In this story he was told those who did not like his country to get out since no one invited them there in the first place. He also said the home language is English and if that was not acceptable... get out. Way to go Mr. prime minister!!

How about them New England Patriots. Who would have ever thought ANY professional team could go through a season undefeated and possibly win the overall championship undefeated. What a feat. Sorry Green Bay. I was hoping Bret Favre would end on a higher note but when you are old (er) ...you feel the cold a little more than those younger guys. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that all cities with extreme weather should have an enclosed field so the players can play according to their talents, not what the weather allows them to do. The days of macho football weather should be behind us. It was hard to watch those guys out there freezing in sub-zero weather.

Hillary is a happy woman. Her tears brought much sympathy and now she is leading the other candidates. I think I am going to cry.

Hope this Monday morning finds all of you well and happy. I know all of you went to church yesterday and worshiped according to your beliefs. I went and pestered everyone I could.

Today I guess I will work on my taxes. Got the rest of my w-2's the other day and there is not any sense in putting it off. I love this time of year.

Cheryl and I watched the movie, "The Bridge to Terrabithia" and I kind of liked it. There was a twist I wasn't expecting but that is okay. I would recommend it to any young person.

Enough of my babble. Today is laundry day, tax day, put out the garbage day, sleep day, eat day and lie down until all this ambition passes over day. I think I will start with the last item.

Have a nice day everyone.

Hi gang,

A special howdy to Monique who visited my site. Monique is from the British Isles so be patient with her. How did you find out about my blog?

You know I started blogging so I could keep my kids updated on their parents. Who are the ones who never read Dad's blog? Yep, you are right, it is my kids. We will get calls asking where we are and what are we doing when all they had to do is visit my blog and they would know what we WANT them to know. Kids, you beat them and beat them and they still don't get the message. I think it comes from their mother's side... they are English.

Took Cheryl to the doctor yesterday so she could have an endecology. I hope I spelled that right. Her throat constricts and they go in and stretch it open. It really is not a bad procedure 'cause it never hurt me one bit. She came home and wanted to sleep all day but I could not allow that... after all who was going to feed me? Today she is up and doing things and being lippy and sassy. I guess it is time for an attitude adjustment. (I sound so mean and tough don't I?)

I still have two more weeks before I get to go back to work. I think cabin fever is setting in. Cheryl keeps telling me to get more but where would I go and what would I do. I don't hunt and the fishing streams and lakes are all frozen over. I have never tried ice fishing because I am afraid I will fall through the ice. (I am a little on the plump side.) Plus all the things I like to do are right here in the house... sleep, eat, sleep, computer work, sleep and eat some more. It is a great life.

Guess I will close for now. Cancers must have their rest to maintain their majesty and etc. Think I will go and see what jokes Merle has posted today. She is always good for a laugh. Oh, LOWA, glad you liked the Fablehaven books. Might try reading Inkheart which was fairly good. Another series that I read was about a girl who wants to become a vampire. For the life of me I cannot think of the name of it right now... actually there are three books. Twilight, Eclipse, and New Moon (I think that is the name of the last one.). Anyway you might enjoy them. I swear the TV show Moonlight is patterned after these books somewhat.

Well the noon time whistle just sounded and that means food is somewhere being served so I must go after which I will have to sleep it off.

Have a nice day everyone.

Can you imagine being out in the woods and a pack of these big fellows are chasing you with teeth bared, growling and eyes glowing like fire embers? I was surprised at how large wolves really are.

I am in a lazy mood so will post some jokes that a friend sent me about children. I think all who read this can relate.

KIDS ARE QUICK

TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America. MARIA: Here it is. TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America? CLASS: Maria.

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TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor? JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.

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TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell "crocodile?" GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L TEACHER: No, that's wrong GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it. =====================================

TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water? DONALD: H I J K L M N O. TEACHER: What are you talking about? DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O. =======================================

TEACHER: Name one important thing we have today that we didn't have 10 years ago. WINNIE: Me!

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TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty? GLENN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.

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TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with "I." MILLIE: I is... TEACHER: No, Millie. Always say, "I am." MILLIE: All right. "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet." =======================================

TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him? LOUIS: Because George still had the ax in his hand. =======================================

TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating? SIMON: No sir, I don't have to. My Mom is a good cook. =======================================

TEACHER: Clyde, your composition on "My Dog" is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his? CLYDE: No, teacher, it's the same dog. ======================================

TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested? HAROLD: A teacher.

I refuse to be held accountable for the format, the punctuation or the spelling. A teacher sent this to me....

Hope everyone is well and happy. Have a nice day everyone.