There is agricultural land all over that are known as “farms” – big farms, little farms, corporate farms, family farms, and hobby farms. But of all the farms to be found in this great big country, only 160 acres in North Central Oklahoma is referred to as The (pronounced with a short “e”) Farm. The Farm was my boyhood play ground. It was the place my grandparents called home, and a magical place that I loved to visit.
Sunday, we had a reunion of sorts at The Farm. Two cousins from Arizona were visiting and wanted to have a day to reminisce and catch up. The weather turned just in time – the blazing heat subsided and made for a wonderful day. I ran around looking in every building, rummaged through the house – a house that is still in good shape despite being unoccupied for five years, and generally had a good time. Even though it was close to 90, the air under the shade of a tree was cool, aided by a breeze that always blows at The Farm. Even the hottest day is bearable in the shade at The Farm.
The Farm brings back memories that could have only been made there. A lot of the things that were a mainstay of my youth are gone. The three-wheeler, the sleds, the BB guns, the chicken coop that doubled as a club house, the hay stack, the horse, the cattle, and even two of the shade trees have been removed. I spent a lot of time riding the three-wheeler on dry, dead dirt simply known as the salt water ground. Many years ago, a salt water tank, holding the byproduct of oil production over flowed and rendered the soil sterile. Nothing grew there. That made it ideal for three-wheeling. Even that has been cleaned up and now boasts a modest crop of weeds and prairie grass.
Of course the best times were when my grandparents were alive. For a city boy from Kansas, they taught me valuable life lessons. I learned so much on The Farm: how to gather eggs, how to check oil in the tanks, how to brand a cow, how to bottle feed a calf, how to ride a horse, and how to catch a fish. I learned to hunt, bale hay, cut wheat, plow a field, drive a tractor, run a trot line, catch crawdads, and build fence. My papa taught me woodworking, dog shearing, bullshitting, knife sharpening, and gardening. I learned that my grandma made the world’s best fried chicken, fried quail, green beans, mashed potatoes, jello, and oatmeal. I learned to get up early, work hard, and have fun. Most of all I learned that family mattered.
The best times at The Farm were Christmas, and Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July. Christmas was quail, more gifts that a boy should get, family, and fun. Thanksgiving was family, turkey, sweet potatoes, hunting, and fun. The Fourth of July was firecrackers, watermelon, homemade ice cream, bottled pop, and lots of family and fun.
Sunday was great. I fished like times past. I brought home a box of mementos. I relived my youth. The barn is still there, but no haystack. The pond is still there, but the fish are smaller. The garage is still there, but grandma’s car is gone. The tools sit idle. The tractor seemed to call my papa’s name as I walked by. Even though The Farm has changed, it’s remarkably the same. My kids will never have the memories that I do, but I hope Sunday made a few that they’ll share some day.
D
6.30.2009
6.22.2009
In honor of Father's Day (a day late)
Top Ten Things You’ll Never Hear This Dad Say
10. Well, how ’bout that?… I’m lost! Looks like I’ll have to stop and ask for directions.
9. You know Pumpkin, now that you’re sixteen, I think you're ready for unchaperoned car dates. Have fun!
8. Son, I noticed that all your friends have a certain "up yours" attitude… I really like that.
7. Here’s my credit card and the keys to my new car - GO CRAZY.
6. What do you mean you wanna play football? Isn't figure skating good enough for you, son?
5. Your Mother and I are going away for the weekend… you might want to consider throwing a party.
4. How the hell should I know what’s wrong with your car. Probably one of those doo-hickey thingies - you know - that makes it run or something. Just have it towed to a mechanic and pay whatever he asks.
3. Sweetie, I think you should wear a shorter skirt and a spaghetti strap top, I think the boys like that.
2. Whaddya wanna go and get a job for? I make plenty of money for you two to spend.
1. Father’s Day? aahh - don’t worry about that - it’s no big deal.
Borrowed from another blog and edited by me.
D
10. Well, how ’bout that?… I’m lost! Looks like I’ll have to stop and ask for directions.
9. You know Pumpkin, now that you’re sixteen, I think you're ready for unchaperoned car dates. Have fun!
8. Son, I noticed that all your friends have a certain "up yours" attitude… I really like that.
7. Here’s my credit card and the keys to my new car - GO CRAZY.
6. What do you mean you wanna play football? Isn't figure skating good enough for you, son?
5. Your Mother and I are going away for the weekend… you might want to consider throwing a party.
4. How the hell should I know what’s wrong with your car. Probably one of those doo-hickey thingies - you know - that makes it run or something. Just have it towed to a mechanic and pay whatever he asks.
3. Sweetie, I think you should wear a shorter skirt and a spaghetti strap top, I think the boys like that.
2. Whaddya wanna go and get a job for? I make plenty of money for you two to spend.
1. Father’s Day? aahh - don’t worry about that - it’s no big deal.
Borrowed from another blog and edited by me.
D
Another weekend gone.
This weekend was exciting and fun-filled. The highlights follow:
Friday we had a garage sale. We moved a lot of junk. Almost everything was priced at a quarter, so we didn't get rich. We stayed open until 7:00 on Friday. Kevin, Cindy and Linda were kind enough to close up shop while we went to Kay's softball game. They opened again on Saturday, but rain held profits to about $2. By 10:00 they were hauling everything to Goodwill or the trash. The rain really slowed the traffic Saturday morning.
We couldn't help in the rain Saturday because JD had a tournament in McPherson. We started early to beat the rain, which was already there... We did finish our game, in the rain, with puddles on the field. After the 8:30 games they decided there would be a 2-hour delay. Finally at 1:00 they cancelled the tournament and rescheduled for next weekend. Good call since McPherson had tornadoes Saturday evening.
I was disappointed that the tournament was cancelled. I was going to watch the Miken Jaxx. They are sponsored by Miken, a company that makes baseball bats. I wanted to see what the fuss was about, but no such luck. Plus, they will probably not return next weekend. I imagine that the elite teams that were in the tourney will be playing elsewhere next weekend. Oh well.
Cancelling the tourney meant that JD could go camping as scheduled with Troop 22 instead of arriving late. We went to "shakedown" Saturday night. The boys were all supposed to bring their gear and forms to speed things Sunday morning before they left. I had never been to a shakedown and thought we'd show up, drop off our stuff, turn in the forms and be gone in 30 minutes. 1 hour and 45 minutes later I was bored to tears. We went through the boys foot lockers one by one to make sure that they packed everything they needed... are you kidding me? They gave us a list. We checked it. Shouldn't everyone be that responsible and not waste my time watching twelve year old boys get embarrassed when they pull their underwear out to show they packed it?
Sunday morning we dropped JD off at the appointed time -- 10:30 -- so they could leave at 11:00 AM sharp. We were even warned: "Be here because we will not wait on anyone!". At 11:30, Kim and I hugged JD and left. The boys were not close to leaving. You talk about a disorganized bunch. I hope they found Kirwin Reservoir!
After we left, Kim, Kay, and I headed to Manhattan for Father's Day. We ate at Buffalo Wild Wings. We walked around the mall where Kim and Kay both bought something -- Happy Father's Day! Then we went back to Aggieville for ice cream from Cold Stone and another purchase for Kim. I would have probably liked to have gone fishing or rode my Harley, but the heat, and humidity, was simply too much for extended outdoor activity. The kids bought me a watch. It's water resistant up to 100 meters -- for the cruise. Last night the three of us went on a 5-mile bike ride. All in all, the day was nearly perfect.
This morning I rode an additional nine miles. My total toward my 200 mile goal is 126. I think I'll make it. Then I'll have to set a new goal when I return.
To close this out, I got an e-mail this weekend that made me laugh. It's funny, at least to me. Spam is usually funny because the off-shore companies that send it don't understand English and create double meanings with the sentence structure. The offending spam said this: "Cheap Watches to match all of your clothing." I read this to say "cheap watches will match my cheap clothes." How do they know my clothes are cheap?
D
Friday we had a garage sale. We moved a lot of junk. Almost everything was priced at a quarter, so we didn't get rich. We stayed open until 7:00 on Friday. Kevin, Cindy and Linda were kind enough to close up shop while we went to Kay's softball game. They opened again on Saturday, but rain held profits to about $2. By 10:00 they were hauling everything to Goodwill or the trash. The rain really slowed the traffic Saturday morning.
We couldn't help in the rain Saturday because JD had a tournament in McPherson. We started early to beat the rain, which was already there... We did finish our game, in the rain, with puddles on the field. After the 8:30 games they decided there would be a 2-hour delay. Finally at 1:00 they cancelled the tournament and rescheduled for next weekend. Good call since McPherson had tornadoes Saturday evening.
I was disappointed that the tournament was cancelled. I was going to watch the Miken Jaxx. They are sponsored by Miken, a company that makes baseball bats. I wanted to see what the fuss was about, but no such luck. Plus, they will probably not return next weekend. I imagine that the elite teams that were in the tourney will be playing elsewhere next weekend. Oh well.
Cancelling the tourney meant that JD could go camping as scheduled with Troop 22 instead of arriving late. We went to "shakedown" Saturday night. The boys were all supposed to bring their gear and forms to speed things Sunday morning before they left. I had never been to a shakedown and thought we'd show up, drop off our stuff, turn in the forms and be gone in 30 minutes. 1 hour and 45 minutes later I was bored to tears. We went through the boys foot lockers one by one to make sure that they packed everything they needed... are you kidding me? They gave us a list. We checked it. Shouldn't everyone be that responsible and not waste my time watching twelve year old boys get embarrassed when they pull their underwear out to show they packed it?
Sunday morning we dropped JD off at the appointed time -- 10:30 -- so they could leave at 11:00 AM sharp. We were even warned: "Be here because we will not wait on anyone!". At 11:30, Kim and I hugged JD and left. The boys were not close to leaving. You talk about a disorganized bunch. I hope they found Kirwin Reservoir!
After we left, Kim, Kay, and I headed to Manhattan for Father's Day. We ate at Buffalo Wild Wings. We walked around the mall where Kim and Kay both bought something -- Happy Father's Day! Then we went back to Aggieville for ice cream from Cold Stone and another purchase for Kim. I would have probably liked to have gone fishing or rode my Harley, but the heat, and humidity, was simply too much for extended outdoor activity. The kids bought me a watch. It's water resistant up to 100 meters -- for the cruise. Last night the three of us went on a 5-mile bike ride. All in all, the day was nearly perfect.
This morning I rode an additional nine miles. My total toward my 200 mile goal is 126. I think I'll make it. Then I'll have to set a new goal when I return.
To close this out, I got an e-mail this weekend that made me laugh. It's funny, at least to me. Spam is usually funny because the off-shore companies that send it don't understand English and create double meanings with the sentence structure. The offending spam said this: "Cheap Watches to match all of your clothing." I read this to say "cheap watches will match my cheap clothes." How do they know my clothes are cheap?
D
6.18.2009
A black cat must have crossed JD's path
Back on June 10th, I updated you on JD's experience with the bungee cord. How all 75 lbs of him were drug across the basketball court as part of his strength training program. And about the very attractive strawberry it left on his hip...
Since then, he has continued to have minor-medical emergencies -- or should I say they are emergencies in his eyes.
Tuesday he cut his foot at the pool. When I arrived home from work he announced: "Look Dad, I cut my foot today. It hurt bad!" Kim said he used two band-aids on it before they got home. Now I'm as sympathetic as the next dad when it come to injuries, but I must admit that this was over-blown. I could not see it from a distance of three feet. JD had to put his foot within 10 inches of my face for me to even locate the "gash". It literally was about the size of a grain of rice. Seriously? Two band-aids for this? He survived by the way...
Last night at his baseball game he took a ball off his forehead. Not in the batters box. Not stealing home. Nope. JD was playing first. The catcher rocketed the ball his way to attempt to get the runner that was leading off first. JD attempted to make the tag but he forgot one thing. The ball. Milliseconds before the ball's arrival in his mitt, he applied the tag while the ball bounded off his head and went 8 feet straight up. Through tears he found the ball and and held the runner from advancing further than second. Still, first rule of baseball: catch the ball. One other thing... keep your feet on the ground. JD jumped to catch the ball. Had he stayed on the ground the ball would have sailed slightly over his head instead of hitting his head. He was OK, and the coaches had fun with it -- his new nickname is "Knot head" or "Lumpy".
Today JD called me: "Dad, I cut myself. What do I do?" "Cut yourself? What did you do?" Kim wasn't home, so the boy scout called me for help. "It's not bad" he says. "I was eating yogurt..." My son managed to cut himself eating yogurt! "...And I was trying to get all of the yogurt out of the cup and cut myself on the foil lid. It's between my middle and index fingers. And it's bleeding." I told him to wipe it off with a paper towel and wait until Kim got home. I was still stuck on how minor the cut must have been. I have never seen a foil cut that could rival a paper cut so it could not have been that serious. Again... he survived.
Next week I'm sending him to Scout Camp at Kirwin. I'll wish him well before he leaves and send lots of band-aids!
D
Since then, he has continued to have minor-medical emergencies -- or should I say they are emergencies in his eyes.
Tuesday he cut his foot at the pool. When I arrived home from work he announced: "Look Dad, I cut my foot today. It hurt bad!" Kim said he used two band-aids on it before they got home. Now I'm as sympathetic as the next dad when it come to injuries, but I must admit that this was over-blown. I could not see it from a distance of three feet. JD had to put his foot within 10 inches of my face for me to even locate the "gash". It literally was about the size of a grain of rice. Seriously? Two band-aids for this? He survived by the way...
Last night at his baseball game he took a ball off his forehead. Not in the batters box. Not stealing home. Nope. JD was playing first. The catcher rocketed the ball his way to attempt to get the runner that was leading off first. JD attempted to make the tag but he forgot one thing. The ball. Milliseconds before the ball's arrival in his mitt, he applied the tag while the ball bounded off his head and went 8 feet straight up. Through tears he found the ball and and held the runner from advancing further than second. Still, first rule of baseball: catch the ball. One other thing... keep your feet on the ground. JD jumped to catch the ball. Had he stayed on the ground the ball would have sailed slightly over his head instead of hitting his head. He was OK, and the coaches had fun with it -- his new nickname is "Knot head" or "Lumpy".
Today JD called me: "Dad, I cut myself. What do I do?" "Cut yourself? What did you do?" Kim wasn't home, so the boy scout called me for help. "It's not bad" he says. "I was eating yogurt..." My son managed to cut himself eating yogurt! "...And I was trying to get all of the yogurt out of the cup and cut myself on the foil lid. It's between my middle and index fingers. And it's bleeding." I told him to wipe it off with a paper towel and wait until Kim got home. I was still stuck on how minor the cut must have been. I have never seen a foil cut that could rival a paper cut so it could not have been that serious. Again... he survived.
Next week I'm sending him to Scout Camp at Kirwin. I'll wish him well before he leaves and send lots of band-aids!
D
6.17.2009
News times two
Yesterday, on my trip home from beautiful Southeast Kansas, I was routed off I-135 for an accident. At Newton, I was, along with all the other unfortunate individuals that were traveling north, routed off the interstate, through two round-a-bouts and back onto the interstate about a mile north. Kimmie would have never made it -- two round-a-bouts back-to-back... no way!
Anyway... do you think I can find out what happened? NO! No news reports, no video, no mention of it anywhere. It had to be news worthy. There were at least a dozen cops, tow trucks racing to the scene, at least 5 disabled cars (one against the railing facing south), and a semi hauling, and dropping, sand that had left a 2 mile trail down I-135. He was detained by a sheriff's officer a mile down the road from the point I re-entered the highway. So with no news reports my imagination is left to run wild. I imagine that the truck accidentally dumped a large pile of sand, creating a ramp that caused cars to jump Dukes-of-Hazzard-style, crashing into one another as the unsuspecting truck driver meanders down the highway never knowing the chaos he is causing behind him. It's probably something more mundane, but until I see it in print, that's what I'm going to say happened.
While browsing for the info I crave, I stumbled upon this: A student designed his yearbook cover and cleverly disguised "F*&@ You All" in the art work. Many were distributed before the offending art was discovered. School officials have suspended distribution of the book while it undergoes "cosmetic surgery" to cover the vulgarity. I have looked at the picture and can't see anything. I know my eyes are going bad, I even had a lengthy consultation with Dr. Lapierre about bifocals last week, but I can't see the "F" word anywhere. Sure, I see an "F", what looks like a "U", maybe a "K" is I squint, but I can't find a "C" to save my life.
I'm certainly glad I was not that immature when I was 18. What an ass I would have been. I stopped writing the "F" word after I was caught in third grade writing it on the bathroom wall...
D
Anyway... do you think I can find out what happened? NO! No news reports, no video, no mention of it anywhere. It had to be news worthy. There were at least a dozen cops, tow trucks racing to the scene, at least 5 disabled cars (one against the railing facing south), and a semi hauling, and dropping, sand that had left a 2 mile trail down I-135. He was detained by a sheriff's officer a mile down the road from the point I re-entered the highway. So with no news reports my imagination is left to run wild. I imagine that the truck accidentally dumped a large pile of sand, creating a ramp that caused cars to jump Dukes-of-Hazzard-style, crashing into one another as the unsuspecting truck driver meanders down the highway never knowing the chaos he is causing behind him. It's probably something more mundane, but until I see it in print, that's what I'm going to say happened.
While browsing for the info I crave, I stumbled upon this: A student designed his yearbook cover and cleverly disguised "F*&@ You All" in the art work. Many were distributed before the offending art was discovered. School officials have suspended distribution of the book while it undergoes "cosmetic surgery" to cover the vulgarity. I have looked at the picture and can't see anything. I know my eyes are going bad, I even had a lengthy consultation with Dr. Lapierre about bifocals last week, but I can't see the "F" word anywhere. Sure, I see an "F", what looks like a "U", maybe a "K" is I squint, but I can't find a "C" to save my life.
I'm certainly glad I was not that immature when I was 18. What an ass I would have been. I stopped writing the "F" word after I was caught in third grade writing it on the bathroom wall...
D
6.15.2009
Weekend in review
This was River Festival Weekend and it kept me hopping. The weekend went something like this: Softball, Festival, Steak Pita, Moreland & Arbuckle, Stuffed Cucumber, Homemade Ice Cream, Needfire, Lasagna, Harley Ride to Pawnee, Oklahoma, Family Reunion, Genealogy, Harley Ride back to Salina, Kinsey Sicks, Philly Cheese Steak, Chili Cheese Fries, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Frozen Cheesecake on a Stick, Beer, Church, Fine Art Show, Bought a Raku Vessel, JD to Baseball, Craft Show, Bought Kim a Pendant, Italian Ice, Kelley Hunt, and finally Up in 3-D.
The motorcycle ride was exhausting. I covered 430 miles in nine hours with a two hour break at the family reunion. The Iron Butt Association awards patches for SaddleSore & Bunburner which means you rode 1000 miles in under 24 hours or 1500 miles in under 36 hours! I cannot imagine. I rode a little less than half that and my butt was sore. I could not find a comfortable spot on my seat. Another 570 miles would have been unbearable.
I bought Kim a lovely pendant at the festival. It is a bronze, copper, and brass creation that said "Two lives, One Heart." It was hand stamped and assembled with rivets and has two people cut into the center dancing around a heart. It's cool. Ask to see it.
I also purchased a Raku vessel made by Texas artist Ed Taylor. It is stunning. The colors that he achieves with his glazes are amazing. And, you can almost see the fire licking the side of the vessel. I was pleased with my purchase. Next year, Kim suggested I become an Art Patron. An Art Patron agrees to spend a minimum of $250 on art. Done. This year I spent about $300, so next year I will be a Patron and be recognized for my purchases.
D
The motorcycle ride was exhausting. I covered 430 miles in nine hours with a two hour break at the family reunion. The Iron Butt Association awards patches for SaddleSore & Bunburner which means you rode 1000 miles in under 24 hours or 1500 miles in under 36 hours! I cannot imagine. I rode a little less than half that and my butt was sore. I could not find a comfortable spot on my seat. Another 570 miles would have been unbearable.
I bought Kim a lovely pendant at the festival. It is a bronze, copper, and brass creation that said "Two lives, One Heart." It was hand stamped and assembled with rivets and has two people cut into the center dancing around a heart. It's cool. Ask to see it.
I also purchased a Raku vessel made by Texas artist Ed Taylor. It is stunning. The colors that he achieves with his glazes are amazing. And, you can almost see the fire licking the side of the vessel. I was pleased with my purchase. Next year, Kim suggested I become an Art Patron. An Art Patron agrees to spend a minimum of $250 on art. Done. This year I spent about $300, so next year I will be a Patron and be recognized for my purchases.
D
6.12.2009
The Ritual Begins...
Last night the ritual began. The yearly migration of lawn chairs from back yards and garages all over central Kansas. Sometimes, blankets and coolers get swept along in the tide as well.
Of course, I'm talking about the Smoky Hill River Festival. The four-day-dress-down-have-fun-see-friends-eat-fried-food-drink-adult-beverages Festival of the Arts located in Oakdale Park right here in Salina, KS.
We attended the Festival Jam. It used to be the "unofficial" opening event of the festival. But when it regularly drew over 10,000 people it was obvious that Salina wanted to start the festivities on Thursday. So now... it's the official opening of the Festival.
Last night was average. I have seen better Festival Jams. I can't name years, but trust me... there have been. I started the evening with a lovely dinner of Crab Cakes and Coconut Shrimp. The proprietor was able to separate me from $15 of my hard earned cash, but it was good. For dessert, home-made ice cream. It was good too.
Today at lunch, I wandered over. The Salina Central Orchestra was playing and they did a fine job. Rock music set to strings done well! For lunch I had a bratwurst with kraut and chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick -- Festival food is always better "on a stick" and a lot of the food is served in that manner.
Tonight we'll get there late. Kay has a softball game at 6:00. Who schedules Parks and Rec games during the Festival? Entertainment is Mingo Fishtrap at 6:00 p.m., Moreland & Arbuckle at 7:00 p.m., and Needfire at 8:30 p.m. Needfire is a Celtic Rock Trio that has been here before. I am looking forward to it. Dinner my be alligator "on a stick" or maybe Cajun chicken "on a stick", I never know until I get there.
Tomorrow morning Kim and J.D. are running. Then I'm going to Oklahoma. I'll be back in time for the Fabulous Thunderbirds though. And in time to look at the art... always have to do that!
All this for $7. Can you beat that? I think not!
My one wish is that the people who call the park home for 12 hours a day for three days would learn to pick up after themselves. When I leave, my area looks as it did when I arrived. Last night, as we trekked back to the car it was obvious that others don't do as we do. There were hundreds of empty beer cans, soda cans, cups, plates, and trash of all shapes and sizes strewn about the park as if the other visitors to the park thought the event was taking place at the landfill or in their trailer park. Would you treat your backyard that way? Take some pride people. Pick up your trash so other people can enjoy the show too!
D
Of course, I'm talking about the Smoky Hill River Festival. The four-day-dress-down-have-fun-see-friends-eat-fried-food-drink-adult-beverages Festival of the Arts located in Oakdale Park right here in Salina, KS.
We attended the Festival Jam. It used to be the "unofficial" opening event of the festival. But when it regularly drew over 10,000 people it was obvious that Salina wanted to start the festivities on Thursday. So now... it's the official opening of the Festival.
Last night was average. I have seen better Festival Jams. I can't name years, but trust me... there have been. I started the evening with a lovely dinner of Crab Cakes and Coconut Shrimp. The proprietor was able to separate me from $15 of my hard earned cash, but it was good. For dessert, home-made ice cream. It was good too.
Today at lunch, I wandered over. The Salina Central Orchestra was playing and they did a fine job. Rock music set to strings done well! For lunch I had a bratwurst with kraut and chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick -- Festival food is always better "on a stick" and a lot of the food is served in that manner.
Tonight we'll get there late. Kay has a softball game at 6:00. Who schedules Parks and Rec games during the Festival? Entertainment is Mingo Fishtrap at 6:00 p.m., Moreland & Arbuckle at 7:00 p.m., and Needfire at 8:30 p.m. Needfire is a Celtic Rock Trio that has been here before. I am looking forward to it. Dinner my be alligator "on a stick" or maybe Cajun chicken "on a stick", I never know until I get there.
Tomorrow morning Kim and J.D. are running. Then I'm going to Oklahoma. I'll be back in time for the Fabulous Thunderbirds though. And in time to look at the art... always have to do that!
All this for $7. Can you beat that? I think not!
My one wish is that the people who call the park home for 12 hours a day for three days would learn to pick up after themselves. When I leave, my area looks as it did when I arrived. Last night, as we trekked back to the car it was obvious that others don't do as we do. There were hundreds of empty beer cans, soda cans, cups, plates, and trash of all shapes and sizes strewn about the park as if the other visitors to the park thought the event was taking place at the landfill or in their trailer park. Would you treat your backyard that way? Take some pride people. Pick up your trash so other people can enjoy the show too!
D
6.10.2009
World's Strongest Man...er, Boy!
JD, all 75 lbs of him, is taking a strength training program at the Salina YMCA. They don't do weight training, but rather conditioning. There's some running, some yoga, some aerobic exercises, etc. Nothing heavy duty, just things to strengthen what muscles they do have, and get them in better shape.
He's having fun. He's working hard. And according to the trainers, that's more than most. They said he tries hard at everything. He participates. Again, which is more than some. Apparently, some of the boys sit out and watch. I guess they're trying to strengthen their butts.
Today, they were using bungee chords as resistance. The way I understand it, Hope, the 105lb trainer with abs of steel and buns to match, brought JD a stretched bungee. He took hold, Hope let go and JD was yanked off his feet and drug across the gym at the chord recoiled. I may have some of the details incorrect, but what is obvious is that JD has a giant strawberry on his hip bone.
You would think he had cut his leg off at the knee. All he could do this afternoon was lay on his right side with his hip in the air. He wasn't sure he could play baseball. He certainly thought he could not run, or walk, or sit, or even bathe. He tried to get sympathy to no avail. Kim and I gave him none -- I try to slap it everytime I walk by. And to top it off... Kay says to him: "JD! Stop being a weenie." This coming from one tough cookie. Remember, she got five stitches in a gash on her head and never shed a tear. Well, except for when she found out she'd have to leave shcool.
"You tell him Kay!"
On a more sour note... I had a minor accident today. As I was leaving the Journal parking lot today, a utility pole jumped out in front of me. Darn pole! I hit it with the ride side of my front bumper and then knocked out the turn lamp and put a sizeable dent in the right fender next to the lamp. I wasn't going to worry about it, but have since decided to pony up the $500 deductible and have it fixed. It only has 74,000 miles on it, so it might as well look good. Kay doesn't believe that the pole jumped in front of me, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I was accused of facebooking while driving, but I can't even blame it on that... I just hit a pole -- that jumped in front of me...
D
He's having fun. He's working hard. And according to the trainers, that's more than most. They said he tries hard at everything. He participates. Again, which is more than some. Apparently, some of the boys sit out and watch. I guess they're trying to strengthen their butts.
Today, they were using bungee chords as resistance. The way I understand it, Hope, the 105lb trainer with abs of steel and buns to match, brought JD a stretched bungee. He took hold, Hope let go and JD was yanked off his feet and drug across the gym at the chord recoiled. I may have some of the details incorrect, but what is obvious is that JD has a giant strawberry on his hip bone.
You would think he had cut his leg off at the knee. All he could do this afternoon was lay on his right side with his hip in the air. He wasn't sure he could play baseball. He certainly thought he could not run, or walk, or sit, or even bathe. He tried to get sympathy to no avail. Kim and I gave him none -- I try to slap it everytime I walk by. And to top it off... Kay says to him: "JD! Stop being a weenie." This coming from one tough cookie. Remember, she got five stitches in a gash on her head and never shed a tear. Well, except for when she found out she'd have to leave shcool.
"You tell him Kay!"
On a more sour note... I had a minor accident today. As I was leaving the Journal parking lot today, a utility pole jumped out in front of me. Darn pole! I hit it with the ride side of my front bumper and then knocked out the turn lamp and put a sizeable dent in the right fender next to the lamp. I wasn't going to worry about it, but have since decided to pony up the $500 deductible and have it fixed. It only has 74,000 miles on it, so it might as well look good. Kay doesn't believe that the pole jumped in front of me, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I was accused of facebooking while driving, but I can't even blame it on that... I just hit a pole -- that jumped in front of me...
D
6.09.2009
Reality sets in…
I have no life of my own. Just work and kids' activities. That is my existence. Oh, and chores. I need a vacation. I need to get away and do nothing for an extended period of time. I need some time where the only thing I think about is whether I could get a colder beer or whether I should wear flip flops or sandals or whether I should shave or not or whether I should sleep in or stay up late or both. When does this cruise leave?
Friday the kids had three games combined. Saturday JD had two. Sunday, two more. Then off to work bingo – for the benefit of JD's team. Last night another softball game for Kay. I also managed to mow, take out the trash, change the cat’s litter, and fold clothes. Add in two late nights on Friday and Saturday and I was so tired from the non-stop going that I slept through my bike ride time this morning.
JD won Friday and went 1-1 Saturday and 1-1 on Sunday. Kay was 1-1 Friday, with two exciting games that were both decided by one run. Last night they got beat 17-9 but the team we played was a second year team. I was proud of them. One inning we held them scoreless and we hit the ball well.
JD has games tomorrow and Friday. Kay plays again on Friday as well. Then Saturday Kim and JD are running a race and I’m going to Oklahoma for a family reunion at Pawnee Lake. Just down and back Saturday. I’ll be back for the evening entertainment at the Festival.
MarketAide's move is complete, sort of. We have a lot of stuff in our old building that we don't have room for, so we still have to move it to storage. I now am in a cracker-box sized office at the Salina Journal. It is 9' by 11' and I have two file cabinets, one lateral file, two bookshelves, a guest chair, my chair, and my desk shoe-horned into the space. I feel closed off, as my employees are across the building from me and I have no windows. Well, I have one window that overlooks the circulation department so I blocked it off with the bookshelves. The walls are industrial grey and the floor is institutional tile. The bathrooms have no paper towels for drying your hands, they use newsprint end rolls. I hope they have toilet paper... I have no one to talk to without walking to "our area" and the parking is across the street. On the bright side, I do have my own thermostat. I've decided that I am going to be on the road as much as possible. Upcoming trips include McPherson, Wichita, Coffeyville, and other remote locations.
I need a break. Did I mention that?
Dee
Friday the kids had three games combined. Saturday JD had two. Sunday, two more. Then off to work bingo – for the benefit of JD's team. Last night another softball game for Kay. I also managed to mow, take out the trash, change the cat’s litter, and fold clothes. Add in two late nights on Friday and Saturday and I was so tired from the non-stop going that I slept through my bike ride time this morning.
JD won Friday and went 1-1 Saturday and 1-1 on Sunday. Kay was 1-1 Friday, with two exciting games that were both decided by one run. Last night they got beat 17-9 but the team we played was a second year team. I was proud of them. One inning we held them scoreless and we hit the ball well.
JD has games tomorrow and Friday. Kay plays again on Friday as well. Then Saturday Kim and JD are running a race and I’m going to Oklahoma for a family reunion at Pawnee Lake. Just down and back Saturday. I’ll be back for the evening entertainment at the Festival.
MarketAide's move is complete, sort of. We have a lot of stuff in our old building that we don't have room for, so we still have to move it to storage. I now am in a cracker-box sized office at the Salina Journal. It is 9' by 11' and I have two file cabinets, one lateral file, two bookshelves, a guest chair, my chair, and my desk shoe-horned into the space. I feel closed off, as my employees are across the building from me and I have no windows. Well, I have one window that overlooks the circulation department so I blocked it off with the bookshelves. The walls are industrial grey and the floor is institutional tile. The bathrooms have no paper towels for drying your hands, they use newsprint end rolls. I hope they have toilet paper... I have no one to talk to without walking to "our area" and the parking is across the street. On the bright side, I do have my own thermostat. I've decided that I am going to be on the road as much as possible. Upcoming trips include McPherson, Wichita, Coffeyville, and other remote locations.
I need a break. Did I mention that?
Dee
6.04.2009
Fifteen and Counting
On the 15th Anniversary of my wedding day, I would like to share 15 reasons I love my beautiful bride...in no particular order.
1. Kimmie lets me be a big kid and appreciates my sense of humor
2. My wife is a good cook and she makes the BEST lasagna
3. Kimmie shares my love of sports
4. I really enjoy spending time with her and miss her when we are apart
5. Kimmie has given me two wonderful kids
6. She motivates me to succeed -- in life and as a husband and father
7. She loves my Harley and she looks good on hers
8. We always have fun when we are together no matter what were doing
9. She has a wonderful smile
10. Kimmie knows how to flirt -- with me of course
11. She has soft hands that are great for holding
12. If I want to get away for a weekend, she's always up for a trip
13. She lets me drive
14. Kimmie is beautiful -- on the inside too
15. She is, and always will be, my soul mate
I could go on. There are so many reasons to love a wonderful woman like her, but I have to save something for anniversary number 16 and 17 and so on.
D
1. Kimmie lets me be a big kid and appreciates my sense of humor
2. My wife is a good cook and she makes the BEST lasagna
3. Kimmie shares my love of sports
4. I really enjoy spending time with her and miss her when we are apart
5. Kimmie has given me two wonderful kids
6. She motivates me to succeed -- in life and as a husband and father
7. She loves my Harley and she looks good on hers
8. We always have fun when we are together no matter what were doing
9. She has a wonderful smile
10. Kimmie knows how to flirt -- with me of course
11. She has soft hands that are great for holding
12. If I want to get away for a weekend, she's always up for a trip
13. She lets me drive
14. Kimmie is beautiful -- on the inside too
15. She is, and always will be, my soul mate
I could go on. There are so many reasons to love a wonderful woman like her, but I have to save something for anniversary number 16 and 17 and so on.
D
6.01.2009
Pretty in Pink
The Pink Panthers', Kay's softball team, season got off to a roaring start tonight. After several weeks of practice, the other coach and I were wondering if we would win a game all season. We scrimmaged another team and won 2-1. After that, we thought, "Hmmm. Maybe we'll win a game or two." Then we practiced again and doubt returned.
They can hit... not hard, but they make contact. But they have trouble throwing and catching, which is a problem if you want to make any outs. Then, almost as if the softball gods smiled on me, they started throwing accurately tonight. During the pregame warm-ups not a single girl threw a ball past me. Some of them did not get it to me in the air, but they all threw it on a line at me. During the game, we made two outs at first with good throws AND catches. Will wonders never cease?
Even with the defense, our hitting was letting us down. This is a machine pitch league. I pitch to my girls and the other coach pitches to their players. Normally throwing a one-hitter would be a good thing, but since I was pitching to my own team, it was not. I was painting the outside corner over and over, racking up 9 strikeouts in three innings. Then at the end of the third inning, I figured the machine out. I proudly announced to the other coach that I knew the secret of getting the ball over the plate. In the next inning, I put my new skill to good use. Pitch after pitch was right down the heart of the plate. Every pitch hittable. Every pitch right in the zone. We scored 5 runs in the 4th inning, held the other team scoreless in the top of the fifth, and won the game 5-1.
One down, nine to go. I am not naive. There will be loses, even a lopsided one or two. But this was an excellent start to the season. No matter how we finish, I already know that it will be a good season!
Oh, you may be wondering about the title. The coaches have jerseys that match the girls'. I pitched and coached in a hot pink t-shirt with number 15 on the back. I rolled up the sleeves so it would look a little more manly. Stop by Friday and you can see me, in pink, pitching up a storm. We play at 6:00 and 7:15 on field 2 at Bill Burke. I'll be the manly, good look one with the goatee and a pink t-shirt...
D
They can hit... not hard, but they make contact. But they have trouble throwing and catching, which is a problem if you want to make any outs. Then, almost as if the softball gods smiled on me, they started throwing accurately tonight. During the pregame warm-ups not a single girl threw a ball past me. Some of them did not get it to me in the air, but they all threw it on a line at me. During the game, we made two outs at first with good throws AND catches. Will wonders never cease?
Even with the defense, our hitting was letting us down. This is a machine pitch league. I pitch to my girls and the other coach pitches to their players. Normally throwing a one-hitter would be a good thing, but since I was pitching to my own team, it was not. I was painting the outside corner over and over, racking up 9 strikeouts in three innings. Then at the end of the third inning, I figured the machine out. I proudly announced to the other coach that I knew the secret of getting the ball over the plate. In the next inning, I put my new skill to good use. Pitch after pitch was right down the heart of the plate. Every pitch hittable. Every pitch right in the zone. We scored 5 runs in the 4th inning, held the other team scoreless in the top of the fifth, and won the game 5-1.
One down, nine to go. I am not naive. There will be loses, even a lopsided one or two. But this was an excellent start to the season. No matter how we finish, I already know that it will be a good season!
Oh, you may be wondering about the title. The coaches have jerseys that match the girls'. I pitched and coached in a hot pink t-shirt with number 15 on the back. I rolled up the sleeves so it would look a little more manly. Stop by Friday and you can see me, in pink, pitching up a storm. We play at 6:00 and 7:15 on field 2 at Bill Burke. I'll be the manly, good look one with the goatee and a pink t-shirt...
D
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