I just bought new Geneology software -- RootsMagic. I have only just started to play around with it. But last night, I clicked on Oletha Jividen (my great grandmother) in the software program, then clicked "Internet Search". It found her on a web site and allowed me to click through her parents, grandparents, etc. I found, on this site that RootsMagic linked to, a picture of my great-great-great-great-grandparents. I was pumped!
By the way, it turns out that I am French, as well as Native American, English, Scottish, and Irish! A true Heinz 57!
Now I have something to do when the weather turns bad!
D
8.28.2008
8.25.2008
Monday Musings
The Olympics are over. Hopefully NBC will now realize that they need to carry rhythmic gymnastics on a regular basis. I don't think I can wait until London to see this "sport" again!
Kimmie rode her motorcycle over 70 MPH. Her reason? She was afraid it would get dark, so she had to hurry home.
In 9 days the church starts serving supper again on Wednesday nights. The cooks are the midweek student's parents. Kim and I get to cook Lasagna. I love Lasagna.
Simpson Kansas had at least 1,000 people wandering its streets (or street) on Saturday. The event: Trapper's Bar and Grill 14th Anniversary. Good food, beer, and bands, all for $20. If you've never been to Trapper's, I highly recommend a trip for dinner on a Friday or Saturday. Arrive by 6:30 if you want a table.
We had our first BASEBALL meeting for next year. New coach, 4 new team members, and a whole new attitude. Practice starts in February.
Did I mention that I love Lasagna?
I mowed yesterday. I'm hoping for an early freeze.
We started planning for our cruise next summer. Should be a good time. I am really looking forward to snorkling. Kaylee asked why only Kim and I get to do the fun stuff!
5 days until K-State Football! We are taking the kids to the first 3 home games. They're excited, to say the least.
I am looking into a road trip to Texas Stadium on Dec. 20 for the final regular season game before Dallas moves into their new stadium next year. I'm as excited about that as the kids are about going to K-State.
D
Kimmie rode her motorcycle over 70 MPH. Her reason? She was afraid it would get dark, so she had to hurry home.
In 9 days the church starts serving supper again on Wednesday nights. The cooks are the midweek student's parents. Kim and I get to cook Lasagna. I love Lasagna.
Simpson Kansas had at least 1,000 people wandering its streets (or street) on Saturday. The event: Trapper's Bar and Grill 14th Anniversary. Good food, beer, and bands, all for $20. If you've never been to Trapper's, I highly recommend a trip for dinner on a Friday or Saturday. Arrive by 6:30 if you want a table.
We had our first BASEBALL meeting for next year. New coach, 4 new team members, and a whole new attitude. Practice starts in February.
Did I mention that I love Lasagna?
I mowed yesterday. I'm hoping for an early freeze.
We started planning for our cruise next summer. Should be a good time. I am really looking forward to snorkling. Kaylee asked why only Kim and I get to do the fun stuff!
5 days until K-State Football! We are taking the kids to the first 3 home games. They're excited, to say the least.
I am looking into a road trip to Texas Stadium on Dec. 20 for the final regular season game before Dallas moves into their new stadium next year. I'm as excited about that as the kids are about going to K-State.
D
8.21.2008
SCAM ALERT!
Thanks to my good buddy Joe for bringing this terrible scam to all of our attention!
"Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. Simply going out to get supplies has turned out to be quite traumatic. Don't be naive enough to think it couldn't happen to you or your friends.
"Here's how the scam works:
"Two very hot girls come over to your car as you are packing your items into it. They both start wiping your windshield with a rag and Windex, with their breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts. It is impossible not to look.
"When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say 'No' and instead ask you for a ride to another Home Depot. You agree and they get in the backseat. On the way, they start undressing. Then one of them climbs over into the front seat and starts crawling all over you, while the other one steals your wallet.
"I had my wallet stolen June 4th, 9th, 10th, twice on the 15th, 17th, 20th & 24th. Also July 1st, 4th, twice on the 8th, 16th, 23rd, 24th, three times last Saturday and very likely again this upcoming weekend.
"So tell your friends to be careful."
P.S. Wal-Mart has wallets on sale $2.99 each
A big thanks to Joe for this important information!
D
"Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. Simply going out to get supplies has turned out to be quite traumatic. Don't be naive enough to think it couldn't happen to you or your friends.
"Here's how the scam works:
"Two very hot girls come over to your car as you are packing your items into it. They both start wiping your windshield with a rag and Windex, with their breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts. It is impossible not to look.
"When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say 'No' and instead ask you for a ride to another Home Depot. You agree and they get in the backseat. On the way, they start undressing. Then one of them climbs over into the front seat and starts crawling all over you, while the other one steals your wallet.
"I had my wallet stolen June 4th, 9th, 10th, twice on the 15th, 17th, 20th & 24th. Also July 1st, 4th, twice on the 8th, 16th, 23rd, 24th, three times last Saturday and very likely again this upcoming weekend.
"So tell your friends to be careful."
P.S. Wal-Mart has wallets on sale $2.99 each
A big thanks to Joe for this important information!
D
8.20.2008
This would make the Olympics better...
I want to see someone climb the ladder to the top of the diving platform, drop his or her towel back to the floor below, turn toward the water, take a deep breath, yell "CANNNNOOOONNNN BAAAALLLLLLL", and jump off the platform...
That would be great!
D
That would be great!
D
8.19.2008
Here's a shocker...
"A Web site that claimed two Georgia men had found Bigfoot says the men's claim is a fraud. SearchingForBigfoot.com has confirmed that the two Georgia men who claimed they found Bigfoot were lying.
The Web site said that Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer delivered the freezer containing the reported remains of the Bigfoot the day after the press conference that they called for. It also said that Whitton and Dyer were given an undisclosed amount of money from Searching For Bigfoot before they went public with their find.
Searching For Bigfoot believes that their motive was financial."
Turns out that the "body" was just a costume. Huh, did anyone else see this coming?
D
The Web site said that Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer delivered the freezer containing the reported remains of the Bigfoot the day after the press conference that they called for. It also said that Whitton and Dyer were given an undisclosed amount of money from Searching For Bigfoot before they went public with their find.
Searching For Bigfoot believes that their motive was financial."
Turns out that the "body" was just a costume. Huh, did anyone else see this coming?
D
Ah Hah!
I knew it. I knew something was up at the Olympics... I mean besides that stupid trampoline competition that I happened to get stuck watching Monday night. I mean really... a trampoline competition... it was like a bad accident that I couldn't look away from. I would really rather see bicycle racing. But I digress.
I knew something was up with the swimming. I blamed it on the Chinese. I was certain that the pool was only 48.5 meters longs. It seemed as if you were a chump if you didn't shatter the world record in your event. In case you haven't heard, Olympic swimmers broke 25 world records at Beijing's Water Cube over the course of the nine-day swimming competition. There was no other explanation -- the Chinese decided not to use a regulation pool. I'm not saying they did it on purpose, maybe the contractor had smog in his eyes the day they were setting the forms to pour the concrete and he couldn't see his tape measure. Maybe he couldn't use his solar calculator because the sun couldn't penetrate the dense smog. Or maybe the polluted water made the concrete shrink. I don't know but something was up. 25 world records...
Well it turns out that it was none of the things that I speculated. It turns out that Speedo is to blame. Yep, those purveyors of skimpy male swimming briefs (No, I don't own one) have revolutionized the sport of swimming (again). Speedo introduced a new suit for these games -- you'd think the talking heads on NBC would mention that during the games, explain why all of the swimmers are cutting through the water like a torpedo.
Speedo's new suit is called the LZR Racer. It has seams that are ultrasonically welded and it reduces drag 38%. Here's the link to the entire story on the LZR Racer
I am going to start training tomorrow -- with this, I think I can beat Phelps. Fred Phelps that is!
D
I knew something was up with the swimming. I blamed it on the Chinese. I was certain that the pool was only 48.5 meters longs. It seemed as if you were a chump if you didn't shatter the world record in your event. In case you haven't heard, Olympic swimmers broke 25 world records at Beijing's Water Cube over the course of the nine-day swimming competition. There was no other explanation -- the Chinese decided not to use a regulation pool. I'm not saying they did it on purpose, maybe the contractor had smog in his eyes the day they were setting the forms to pour the concrete and he couldn't see his tape measure. Maybe he couldn't use his solar calculator because the sun couldn't penetrate the dense smog. Or maybe the polluted water made the concrete shrink. I don't know but something was up. 25 world records...
Well it turns out that it was none of the things that I speculated. It turns out that Speedo is to blame. Yep, those purveyors of skimpy male swimming briefs (No, I don't own one) have revolutionized the sport of swimming (again). Speedo introduced a new suit for these games -- you'd think the talking heads on NBC would mention that during the games, explain why all of the swimmers are cutting through the water like a torpedo.
Speedo's new suit is called the LZR Racer. It has seams that are ultrasonically welded and it reduces drag 38%. Here's the link to the entire story on the LZR Racer
I am going to start training tomorrow -- with this, I think I can beat Phelps. Fred Phelps that is!
D
8.18.2008
Are you ready for some football?
JD started practice today. 2 hours in the blazing heat, oh wait... it is August in Kansas but the weather was gorgeous. His team will go 5 nights a week for two weeks, then three nights a week through the season. JD worked mainly at tight end today, but they only worked on offense. Wednesday they wear full pads. They have 22 on the team so there will be an offense and defense. Not sure where JD will wind up, but I will keep you posted.
We also are preparing for K-State games. We got the kids tickets to the first three home games. They were pumped. Kay's reaction: "MONTANA STATE! JD, WE GET TO SEE MONTANA STATE!" WooHoo! I'm glad someone gets excited about the non-conference schedule.
It could be an interesting year. I just read that K-State has NO returning running backs and will rely on a juco walk-on, a red shirt freshman, and a true freshman. The true freshman is from Garden Plain and rushed for over 7,000 yards in high school. He supposed to be very talented, but I would feel better if the 'Cats had a veteran to provide him support.
D
We also are preparing for K-State games. We got the kids tickets to the first three home games. They were pumped. Kay's reaction: "MONTANA STATE! JD, WE GET TO SEE MONTANA STATE!" WooHoo! I'm glad someone gets excited about the non-conference schedule.
It could be an interesting year. I just read that K-State has NO returning running backs and will rely on a juco walk-on, a red shirt freshman, and a true freshman. The true freshman is from Garden Plain and rushed for over 7,000 yards in high school. He supposed to be very talented, but I would feel better if the 'Cats had a veteran to provide him support.
D
8.15.2008
Ladies and Gentlemen, The President of the United States!
Aren't we all proud of our Commander in Chief! He done did us proud in China.
D
8.14.2008
drills, cops, and holes
Whew... what a day. I was up bright and early this morning to trek to Ellsworth for some much needed repair work on a filling. Upon arrival I was greeted in the kindest manner by the Doctor's staff. Before I had a chance to warm up the seat of the waiting room chair, I was ushered to a very comfortable chair in preparation for my procedure. Soon Doc was administering anesthesia and preparing to drill. Prior to beginning, he commented that the drill was not coming up to speed, but he started anyway. Moments later it, the drill, was hopelessly lodged in my tooth. Well maybe not hopelessly, but it was stuck pretty good. Doc had to get a pair of pliers to remove it from my tooth. All I could think was "this is really going to hurt when he breaks my tooth". But to his credit, other than the awkwardness of Doc wrestling with the bit, I did not feel a thing -- except when water ran down the side of my face onto my neck and into my hair: It was cold!
After bidding the good people of the office g'day I stopped by Casey's for coffee. I got complements on my tooth sticker that Linda awarded me for being a good boy at the dentist! As I was leaving, an unmarked KHP pickup blocked-in an SUV parked at the gas pump and proceeded to talk to the driver and open the back door to question one of the passengers. Meanwhile an Ellsworth Police Officer arrived to assist. I had to drive off before anyone was hauled away... not sure exactly what was going on, but it looked like it was going to be the talk of the town today.
Besides the hole in my tooth, I saw another large hole north of town on 156. There were state vehicles (3), a backhoe, and a semi with a bulldozer just arriving on the scene south of interstate. Everyone was looking at what appeared to be a sink hole next to the road in the ditch next to an entrance to a hay field. As with the Casey's incident, I am not sure what was happening, but there sure were some odd things going on in Ellsworth County this morning.
D
After bidding the good people of the office g'day I stopped by Casey's for coffee. I got complements on my tooth sticker that Linda awarded me for being a good boy at the dentist! As I was leaving, an unmarked KHP pickup blocked-in an SUV parked at the gas pump and proceeded to talk to the driver and open the back door to question one of the passengers. Meanwhile an Ellsworth Police Officer arrived to assist. I had to drive off before anyone was hauled away... not sure exactly what was going on, but it looked like it was going to be the talk of the town today.
Besides the hole in my tooth, I saw another large hole north of town on 156. There were state vehicles (3), a backhoe, and a semi with a bulldozer just arriving on the scene south of interstate. Everyone was looking at what appeared to be a sink hole next to the road in the ditch next to an entrance to a hay field. As with the Casey's incident, I am not sure what was happening, but there sure were some odd things going on in Ellsworth County this morning.
D
8.13.2008
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Off to School We Go!
Another year of school started today. JD and Kay are great... they still love to go to school. JD was up at 6:30 and Kay was up before 7:00. She hasn't been out of bed that early since the last time she had to go to school. They both went to school last night and dropped off supplies and met their teachers. Both were happy with the classes they were assigned.
I always liked the first day of school: it meant my birthday was just a month away (now it means it's two months away!). It meant Thanksgiving and Christmas wasn't far behind. Now it means football season starts soon!
Dee
8.11.2008
I should be on HGTV!
Most of you know that my daughter has a bad, bad habit of writing on walls, and furniture and doors and just about anything else that does not move. She even wrote on the wall in the new bathroom down stairs hours after I finished painting it! She has no one surface or medium that she likes best. She writes on everything with whatever she can get her hands on -- pencils, pens, sharpies, crayons.
To combat the problem, Kim suggested we paint one of her walls with chalkboard paint. A black wall does not sound all that appealing and could hurt resale, but I was game. Jane suggested we get a frame and make a chalkboard to hang on the wall, but that seemed so dull. So after running ideas around my brain and a trip to Hobby Lobby for inspiration I present Kay's new chalkboard.
It is made up of four panels each hinged to the other. Each panel is a four foot 1 x 12. The chalkboard area on each panel is 12" x 32". It is painted to match her room and the hinges allow it to be folded and stored away if needed. She helped paint it but I didn't tell her what it was until I was done. She thought it was a divider to change clothes behind!
D
To combat the problem, Kim suggested we paint one of her walls with chalkboard paint. A black wall does not sound all that appealing and could hurt resale, but I was game. Jane suggested we get a frame and make a chalkboard to hang on the wall, but that seemed so dull. So after running ideas around my brain and a trip to Hobby Lobby for inspiration I present Kay's new chalkboard.
It is made up of four panels each hinged to the other. Each panel is a four foot 1 x 12. The chalkboard area on each panel is 12" x 32". It is painted to match her room and the hinges allow it to be folded and stored away if needed. She helped paint it but I didn't tell her what it was until I was done. She thought it was a divider to change clothes behind!
D
8.08.2008
8.06.2008
And the winners are...
MarketAide helped 7 candidates advance to the General Election. Two of them don't have General Election opponents, so they basically get a pass. The other five will be joined by at least four candidates that we have on board for the November 4th elections.
D
D
8.05.2008
Political Junkie!
It's 10:00 on Election Day, and I keep hitting refresh on my browser, checking to see how my candidate clients are doing. So far, it's mixed results, but it's still early. MarketAide has 10 clients that have primary opponents. I was hoping to get 9 through to the General Election, but I may not be that fortunate. Watch for complete results tomorrow!
D
D
8.04.2008
8.03.2008
Art lost.
A little over 7 years ago, I painted a series of small murals on Kay's walls that matched the John Lennon nursery theme we were using. I spent hours drawing, then painting the whimsical creatures on her wall. As she has gotten older, she added her own artwork to mine.
She never appreciated the time and effort I put into the work, after all, she's only seven. But she did make it clear that she wanted a change. Gone are the soft yellows and greens of John Lennon. In its place you will now find fuschia and bright green, accented by light pink. It truly is a girl's room. On the bright side, it is a LOT cleaner.
The changes to Kay's room were prompted by the remake that JD's room got two weekends ago. Gone are the blue, green, red, and yellow. It has been replaced with black, silver, and purple. His room is cleaner too. I threw out 4 trashbags of stuff that "I still play with, dad!" He hasn't missed any of it.
Next up? Kim's room!
D
She never appreciated the time and effort I put into the work, after all, she's only seven. But she did make it clear that she wanted a change. Gone are the soft yellows and greens of John Lennon. In its place you will now find fuschia and bright green, accented by light pink. It truly is a girl's room. On the bright side, it is a LOT cleaner.
The changes to Kay's room were prompted by the remake that JD's room got two weekends ago. Gone are the blue, green, red, and yellow. It has been replaced with black, silver, and purple. His room is cleaner too. I threw out 4 trashbags of stuff that "I still play with, dad!" He hasn't missed any of it.
Next up? Kim's room!
D
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