Christmas Day!

I love Christmas! As a matter of fact it is almost impossible for me to become upset anytime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is by far my most favorite time of the year. Why? For several reasons. First of all I love the joy that this time of the year brings. The joy of celebrating the birth of the Messiah, the joy of the pageants that so beautifully tell the story of the Christ child, the joy of giving to others, the joy in knowing that even grouchy people seem to warm up a little during this time of the year, the joy of all of the Christmas lights that decorate houses and buildings at this time of year, the joy of our grandsons' anticipation of Christmas morning as they count the days and keep our "Days Until Christmas" blackboard right up to date, the joy of having both of our daughters live so close by, the joy of watching our grandsons grow into fine young men, and the joy of seeing their faces on Christmas morning as they can hardly contain themselves with excitement (a joy that only parents and grandparents can truly feel) and the joy that is felt from a loving family. And...I guess, finally, I love the joy of the gathering around the table for Christmas dinner. In the picture above, in addition to our two daughters, son-in-law, and three grandsons, is my wife's brother and my 90 year old mother. The joy of blessings that only come from above, from a loving and bountiful God...the joy of the best time of the year!

Christmas!

Yesterday, I read with a great deal of interest the most recent data from the Rasmussen Report that 64% of Americans celebrated Christmas as a religious holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. Another 27% celebrate Christmas as a secular holiday, 3% don't have a clue how they celebrate, and only 6% of all Americans do not celebrate Christmas. Now, lets look at that last number again...6% do not celebrate Christmas. If you listen to or read most media outlets you would think that number was 60%. I don't think I have ever seen such a concerted effort to reduce our National Holiday of Christmas to something a group in Washington state called "Winter Solstice." Now really! I also find it absolutely incredulous that anyone...no matter what their belief...would ever be offended by someone wishing them Merry Christmas...a greeting that is offered in love and peace. How could a hope of Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward men ever be construed as anything but uplifting...how could it ever be offensive. Even if someone disavows the birth of a Savior, how can they not be comforted with a wish for their inner peace and goodwill offered by someone with no ill will in mind, but rather reaching out in a spirit of love. For those of us who do celebrate the gift of God's Son let us pray for and love those whose sole intent is to steal our Joy and not let it happen. Remember, God sent his Son for all of us...and all means all even those who continue to "kick against the goad."

THANKSGIVING!

Without a doubt, Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays. Unfortunately, because you don't have to buy anything (except food) to celebrate this wonderful day, the business world in general just kind of gives tacit acknowledgment to the fact that something special is happening on the last Thursday of November. This is very sad. As our family gathered around the table this past Thursday I thought about all that I have to be thankful for. There were nine of us representing four generations...all the way from my mother who is 90 to our youngest grandson, Christopher who is 8. What blessings! I thought about the God who gives all good things...especially His very own Son who died and rose again to make eternal joy possible. I thought about our freedom...and those who are trying so hard to take it away. I thought about the uncertainty of the coming days, but thankful knowing that through the grace of God and the will of the American people we will survive...and not only survive, but be stronger for the effort. I do hope that all of you were able to rejoice and give thanks on one of the most wonderful days of the year!

Election Day

What a day! Delinda and I worked at precinct 149 as poll workers on election day. Delinda was one of four ladies who checked everyone who came in to make sure they were registered voters and at the right precinct. I was an Assistant Clerk, which means I had to be trained in all of the disciplines of the day and could assist or relieve anyone. I spent a lot of time handing out ballots and trying to keep things running smoothly when we would get a room full of people all going in different directions. I would heartily urge everyone to work as a vollunteer at a polling place during a presidential election just to see how our system that elects our leaders works. We saw all kinds of people: young people who were voting for the first time and wanted to make sure everything they were doing was correct, people who brought their sample ballot with them to make sure they made the choices they had previously thought through (very smart since this was a long two ballot day), those who came in, voted for President, and left, and one elderly couple who appeared to be from India originally and had probably just become US citizens as he so proudly told me that this was the first time he has been able to vote. He and his wife took quite a while to make sure they fulfilled their new privilege in a proper way. I was amazed that even though the lines were long, the tempers were not short. Everyone was very pleasant even those who had waited an hour or more just to get inside only to find out that their names were not on the rolls and had to wait up to another hour for our computer operator to check with the Elections Supervisor's office to make sure they were eligible. Even after all of this time when I would give them their ballot they were pleasant and just proud to be able to participate in this wonderful opportunity of freedom. It was a long day for us. We arrived a little after 5:30 AM and didn't leave until after 9 PM. We were tired, but glad that we had been there and contributed to the democratic process. Whether or not you agreed with the outcome...the system works. In our precinct John McCain was a clear winner....obviously, there weren't a lot of other precincts where this was the case. God Bless America!

U of F Homecoming

For the past few years we have made it a habit to attend the Homecoming festivities at the University of Florida. Both Delinda and I, as well as our two daughters, are all graduates of the good ole U of F and getting back to Gainesville once a year is always fun. We get four tickets to the football game and the Alumni Bar-B-Q (the O'Connell Center is inside and air conditioned and right across the street from the stadium) We take the motorhome and go up on Thursday and then just enjoy a couple of days relaxing and reminiscing as we stroll around campus and see all that is new...as well as all that is exactly like it was when we were there 45 years ago. Of course when the Gators play as well as they did last Saturday, it makes it an even more enjoyable time. Our daughter, Stacey and middle grandson, Andrew joined us on Saturday for the game...and this made things even better. Family...both natural and collegiate...make for a wonderful weekend.

WPDQ Control Room

Unless you were in the radio or record business, this photo probably doesn't mean a thing to you. However if you ever were associated with the most exciting business of radio, you recognize this 1960's era control room. This is the first control room I worked in after I graduated from the University of Florida and Delinda and I moved to Jacksonville, Florida to work at WPDQ. The studios were on the 13th floor of the ACL building in downtown Jacksonville, right on the St. Johns river. Back then we actually used all four of those turntables...and...of couse this was decades before computers. Notice the large machine up on the right...this was referred to as the "window shade" and was use to record commercials and jingles and play back by sliding a bar across the "shade." I loved this studio and want to thank Bob Dillehay for sending this picture.

Where Are The Real Gators?

Being a graduate of the University of Florida and having all of the immediate family being Gator Alums, I have, obviously, been a part of the Gator Nation for quite some time. So, it is easy to imagine the frustration last Saturday when the good ole U of F stumbled in a game that they should have easily won. What happened? In my humble opinion, I think that the Gators have more talent and speed and better athletes than ever before evidenced in the football program...and that goes all the way back to before "Bear" Wolf (remember him?) However...I have noticed in the first four games that even though the Gators have this wonderful array of talent...they just are not in-sync! They are just not playing with the reckless abandon that they did two years ago when they won the National Championship. I don't know if they are trying too hard to protect Tim Tebow from the pounding he got in the past two years, or what. But...it needs to stop. You can't play the game of tackle football in the SEC and walk on egg shells at the same time. They seem to be playing with caution instead of confidence, finesse instead of fierceness, and expectations instead of execution. If the coaches who are paid millions of dollars a year can't figure this out we are doomed to more disappointing Saturdays...but...if they do....look for Florida to be playing in January...maybe even in the National Championship Game!!!

House Bailout Vote

Now, really....have you ever seen so many grown adults acting so childish in all of your life? And...these are the people that their communities send to Washington to watch out for and take care of the people of this country. Are you kidding...the only image that I could come up with was that of the sea gulls in "Finding Nemo" just walking along and their only communication was, "mine, mine, mine!" Never have I seen such finger pointing, distortion of the truth, partisanship and total misuse of political power and authority in my life. I guess it is true that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. So many honest individuals go to Washington with high goals and noble ambitions, but it seems that almost instantly the infectious disease of power and corruption begins to seep into the very mind and souls of these well intentioned people until, like the frog in the beaker over the bunson burner, they are totally boiled to death without even knowing that the temperature has gone up...deception and greed has become the norm instead of qualities to be detested. Power more important that the people....getting elected more important that what is best for the country. Maybe it is time to clean out the whole bunch and start over again...this group sure doesn't deserve our support!

First Debate

In my opinion, there was no clear cut winner in the first Presidential Debate. I don't think anyone who had already made up their mind had it changed...and those who were truly undecided, didn't get enough overwhelming information to make them sign on the dotted line for either candidate. I do think that McCain fared better in a format that is much more favorable to Obama than a lot of people thought that he would. I was also surprised to see how often McCain had Obama on the defensive, rather than the other way around. McCain certainly drove home his point that he was the one with the experience to deal with the current world problems, and Obama was entirely too inexperienced and naive to be put in charge of the world's most powerful and influential nation. However, it is hard to judge just how much the current horrible financial crisis will be a benefit to Obama, even though it would be a benefit by default, certainly not earned or deserved, but a plus none the less. This next month may be the most important 31 days in the history of this wonderful and great nation.

Time to Go Home

Today is our last day at Lake Toxaway. We will begin the journey home bright and early tomorrow morning. Today we divided up...Delinda headed into Highlands to do some shopping and I played the delightful little nine hold golf course that winds its way in, through, and around the property. It is so lovely and the weather this morning was absolutely perfect...not a cloud in the sky and the temperature around 68. Tonight is dinner at a favorite Italian restaurant that has really good veal piccata (can't wait.) This week has just flown by. It is always so difficult to leave this idyllic spot with its beautiful views, perfect weather and very nice people. Relaxing and visiting with old friends, just perfect. But...its down the hill and back home tomorrow.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Today we took a delightful drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and had lunch at the historic Mt. Pisgah Inn. On Thursday during our visit with the Amslers, Dave suggested this circle route around Brevard that would include the Parkway as well as some beautiful waterfalls and also suggested the Pisgah Inn for lunch. Sounded good to us and today was the day. How magnificent these mountains are. You truly feel like you are experiencing God's handiwork up close and personal. We drove slowly, stopped often and enjoyed every single minute. We ended the tour at Dolly's Ice cream (recommended by Susan Amsler) and boy, was that good! The pictures are a typical view of the Great Smokies, Delinda outside the Pisgah Inn Restaurant with the view we had during lunch behind her, and the delightful, world famous Dolly's Ice Cream. If you are ever in Brevard, NC, you must stop at Dolly's!

Lake Toxaway Reunion

Yesterday was a very special day for us. I still find it hard to believe that my two very best friends from my youth both live right here in the Asheville area. I grew up in Gainesville, FL where in the 9th grade I met Shannon Ginn who I discovered had the same birthday as mine which might explain why we became such fast friends. When the family moved to Lakeland, FL before the beginning of my 10th grade I met David Amsler whose family had also just moved to Lakeland and lived right down the street. Dave and I were kind of joined-at-the-hip for those three final years at good old Lakeland High School. Well....yesterday, Delinda and I were able to visit with both of these dear people. We had lunch with David and his lovely wife, Susan, in Brevard and learned that they are planning a delightful trip to the Tuscany area of Italy in the near future. We also look forward to returning to this very special part of the world someday. Then we drove another 15 miles to the lovely golf community of Cummings Cove to spend some time with Shannon who is one of the owners and developers. He gave us an extensive tour and what is planned there is most exciting. The views from the home sites are absolutely breath taking. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this very special day. The pictures above are of David and Susan with Delinda and me at one of our favorite restaurants, The HobNob in Brevard. The other picture is Shannon in front of the new Club House at Cummings Cove.

Current Financial Crisis

It seems to me, once you strip away all of the spin, the smoke and mirrors, that the match that started all of these financial fires is the same one that has always brought about such destruction and devastation...greed. Everyone always seems to want more than they can afford and will try anything to get it. And...just like the loan sharks on the street corner who think they can make a fast buck off of theses mindless creatures...the greedy financial institutions made loans to people who never had a chance to repay. Why are we now bewildered by what has happened. People who never could repay what they borrowed have seemed to totally surprise those who so eagerly gave them money hand over fist. So what happened...those who couldn't repay, didn't...and those who gave them money were left holding the bag. However...in this case, it was not just the greedy that got hurt...it was the prudent. Those who used sound financial reasoning and only bought what they could afford must now pay to bail out the inscrutable. Is it fair...no. Is the the price we sometimes pay for capitalism, still the best economic system in history...yes. So, prudent people...ante up, you have another debt to pay.

Answer to Yesterday's Trivia Question

When the Miami Dolphins went 17-0 in 1972, I was living in Miami and lucky enough to attend all of the home games. We thought the season was finished with Deacon Jones put a hit on Bob Griese that broke his leg and ended his season. (Almost) Earl Morrell, who had played for Don Shula in Baltimore, came in and led the Dolphins to that most remarkable record that is still celebrated each year when all teams have lost a game. Whereas Bob Griese did return to start the Super Bowl, Earl Morrell was named MVP that year...and he well deserved it!

Lake Toxaway...Day 1

Well...here we are! We left Windermere with the high expected in the low 90's and when we arrived here at Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, the temperature was in the high 60's and it felt wonderful. The weather today was not as nice as yesterday with the final 100 miles or so in overcast and sometime "showery" weather. But, as always, this place is beautiful. This is one of our favorite RV Resorts anywhere. We have found that all of the Outdoor Resorts in which we have stayed are just a touch above most others. We also noticed while driving today that the gas prices seem to be receding. Most regular unleaded was around $4.oo to $4.09. I had to fill up the motorhome with diesel and for the first time in four years the price of diesel ($3.99) was less than regular ($4.05) I can't believe that I was actually happy with $3.99 a gallon for fuel. We just happend to still have the receipt from the same QT station last year when we filled up and the price...one year ago...was $2.79! I noticed that the price of a barrell of oil was down to about $94...makes you wonder when the price of fuel will drop back to prices of a year ago. I know...fat chance!!

Today's Trivia Question

In 1972 when the Miami Dolphins went 17-0...who was the NFL's MVP?

On The Road Again

Finally! Retirement is so strange...Delinda and I retired when we did to be able to do more traveling. However...it seems we have stayed so busy that we are probably out in the motorhome less now than when we retired eight years ago. But, here we are...on the way to Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. We usually go for a week in October, but this was the only seven day period between now and Dec. 31 that we could squeeze out so we may miss the changing colors of the leaves, but we expect to find it a little cooler with forecasts running in the 50's and 60's and that's fine with me. We are in Perry, Ga tonight at the RV Park that we always use on this trip. I don't mind the 10 straight hours of driving coming home because the last two hours are on the flat Florida Interstate and Turnpike. But, I don't want the last two hours to be in the winding mountain roads of North Carolina, so we stop half way, here in Perry, and will "head up the hill" tomorrow. Beautiful weather today, and, I don't know if the price of fuel has anything to do with it, but we sure didn't experience the traffic that we usually do.

Notes for a Friday (9/12)

Did you see the picture of Michael Phelps in the USA Today? He was visiting the floor of the New York Stock Exchange and was dressed in a suit....and flip flops!!!! What were you thinking, Michael??

Reflections

I am one of those unusual people who really enjoy the early morning hours. I love the peace and quite...the time to reflect and study before the whir and blur of the day gets into full swing. I usually get up about 6:15 each and every morning. This morning as I was going out to get the papers I noticed that the sky was particularly clear following the night's rain and the stars were particularly bright. Right above my head, as it always is this time of year, was the constellation Orion. It dawned on me that the stars that make up this easily recognizable constellation are the same stars that were seen by George Washington, Alexander the Great, Moses and Job. They have always been there...never changed as have the other stars that make up all of our wonderful constellations. Now...I ask you...did all of this just happen by chance? Did a "big bang" really randomly throw all of these stars and planets into these perfect arrangements? From the smallest enzyme to the most towering red woods...from the majesty of the Great Smokey Mountains....to the beauty of a rushing Alaskan river...coincidence...I think not!

Sarah Palin

It seems to me that the Democrats just don't know what to do about Sarah Palin. Everything they try seems to backfire and blow up in their face. You would think that sooner or later someone would suggest that Obama is running against John McCain and focus their efforts in that direction. The more they attack Palin, the deeper the hole gets. I also wonder how Hillary Clinton feels knowing that in a six day period Sarah Palin became the most important and influential female in national politics.

The Beginning

Having never been a "blogger" this is all new to me. I hope in the days to come to share some thoughts that you may or may not agree with. I welcome all opinions that may differ from mine as well as those that concur. My wife, Delinda, and I like to travel in our motorhome as well as cruise and will be sharing these adventures with you as well. I love photograpy and will include as many pictures as I can. I hope to be updating several times a week.