Meandering

History Repeats

2009-04-15T14:28:00.001-07:00

Don’t think for a minute that this economic crisis is something new, or even that the approach by our government is a new one. This is not new ground at all, but certainly not the worst place our economy has ever been. It just might be the worst response though. Even at the worst of the great depression, the government did not own banks or get very involved in salary or other corporate decisions. The shouldn’t have then, they shouldn’t now. This cartoon from 1934 pretty much says it all.

Clear Vision

2009-04-11T06:29:00.001-07:00

Glasses are a Godsend. Bifocals were invented by Benjamin Franklin, one of the writers of our United States Constitution. His intention with bifocals was go give us clear vision. The framers of the constitution wanted to give us a clear vision of liberty.

Liberty is more important than any other factor in the human condition. More important than the economy or global warming.

Almost Spring

2009-04-09T16:01:00.001-07:00

I keep wanting to think it is already spring, but not quite yet. It’s almost spring, a time for me that is harder than the last of winter. The sun comes out and it even warms up a bit at times. But then it is much like poor Charlie Brown, the football is pulled away at the last second. But soon there will be fresh apple blossoms and wonderfully green leaves. I can hardly wait.

WorldBook

2009-04-08T16:27:00.001-07:00

Remember when we used to use books to keep our information? I’m not saying that electronics are not as good, but there was something so good about having good references. Solid volumes that were leather bound and so clearly illustrated. You just can’t get that with an LCD screen and lithium-ion battery.

Sweets

2009-04-07T16:04:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just have to nibble on something sweet. I like pretty much all of the traditional Easter candies, even Peeps. Peeps are most fun in the microwave though, they grow and shake like a monster.

Emerging Life

2009-04-06T12:33:00.001-07:00

I love springtime, even though it is not really all that warm or welcoming. I need a bit of time to adjust to the idea of summer after that long winter. The temperature today is barely in the 40s but the wonderful signs of life are everywhere now. Birds are singing, trees are budding and life is beginning to emerge from the ground.

Simple Things

2009-04-04T17:24:00.001-07:00

Some simple things are the most useful. I’ve had this sewing kit for about 30 years, from early in my Army career. I have used it over and over. Lost buttons, torn sleeves, darning socks and even to repair a sad daughter’s stuffed toy. It puts a smile on my face when I see it.

2009-03-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

I am not that partial to cityscapes, but the night lights of Tucson looked pretty good to me tonight. Nothing special, just a warm glow.

Willing to Work

2009-03-27T23:53:00.000-07:00

I applaude anyone who is willing to work. There are some who find it beneath them to do the jobs that are not cool or "normal", and there for live on the public dime. Then there are guys like this one who do what it takes to be on a payroll. In the hot sun, in a lizard suit, on a busy street corner, dancing and playing air guitar with his sign. Making the most of what some would consider a bad job. My hat is off to you, Mr. Lizard.

Beauty

2009-03-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm not sure what really makes something beautiful, but to me the colors we find in flowers are beautiful. Today I was drawn to these flowers, I'm not sure what kind they are, but they just look so good to me.

2009-03-25T21:29:00.000-07:00

WWII aircraft seem so primative by today's standards, but were quite marvelous in many ways. Probably the most amazing thing is that so many were produced in such a short time. America pulled together in those days, it wasn't all about what the world could do for me but there was a sense of common goal. It truly was a better time for us.

Our History

2009-03-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

It is easy to think of America from the perspective of the Pilgrims or the mostly English and French that settled much of what we now call our own. In the south and particularly in the American Southwest, the Spanish were first and remain a strong influence. Today we visted San Xavier Mission near Tucson. It not only is a reflection of that history, but a genuine place of worship and reflection still in use after over two centuries.

Gila Monster

2009-03-22T20:58:00.001-07:00

It's not every day you see a Gila Monster, but I did see one today. And a rattlesnake. It was an amazing day of hiking in Arizona.

2009-03-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Not everyone likes butterflies, but I enjoy seeing them flutter around. This one was in the desert in Arizona. I was waiting to watch some raptors fly, the ultimate in natures flying creatures by many standards, but this gentle creature landed near me. There probably was more to that than mere coincidence.

Sonora Sunset

2009-03-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt of the existense of God for me when I witness events like the sunsets in the Sonora Desert. I cannot imagine anything more wonderful that man could make or even think of than what He provides for us.

Travelling

2009-03-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

I travel quite a bit, but it always seems to be an unnatural set of events. Packing always takes more space and time than you plan for. Getting to the airport at the right time is stressful and an inexact science at best. Once through airport security I am generally at ease. I ache for the “old days” when you just had to check your bags and go. I think the terrorists who attacked on September 11th must be smiling a secret smile now. They have affected much more than they could have hoped for.

Computer Guts

2009-03-18T19:05:00.001-07:00

Computer guts are not all that attractive. They are mostly

brightly colored wires and lots of things that make very little sense to the uninitiated. I started building my own computes back in the “386” days when computer didn’t need more than 640 kilobytes of RAM and computers cost thousands. Now I am more inclined to buy it ready-made.

Steeple

2009-03-17T18:29:00.001-07:00

Grand Rapids is a town full of churches. Many are your run of the mill buildings, but some have wonderful architecture. We were walking to our car and I spotted this one tonight. To be honest, the building shouldn’t matter much, but it is nice when those that worship do so with so much style. I’m guessing this church was built long ago, but it is a timeless design, with an even more timeless message.

Let’s hope that worship will always be as free as it is today here in America.

Spring Program

2009-03-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

This is the season all parents and grandparents love. School Spring Program season. There really isn’t much in this world that is cuter than a bunch of pre-school kids dressed up for a program and singing their hearts out. This one was perhaps the best run program I have seen. It started on time and was done in half an hour, 7 songs. By the way, Ckaya was the cutest.

Geocaching

2009-03-15T14:53:00.001-07:00

Geocaching has been described as a sport where participants use multi-billion dollar satellites to find tupperware hidden in the woods. That about covers it really. You go to a website to find coordinates and clues that you use, with your GPS, to find a container hidden by other geocachers. You don’t really get anything but a log entry to show you found it. It is loads of fun and gets us outdoors, we love it.

Ironwork

2009-03-14T19:15:00.001-07:00

Today we were walking around Grand Rapids, mostly along the Grand River. It was a glorious, almost spring day. Lots of sunshine and not all that chilly. There are several bridges across the river, but none quite like the Sixth Street Bridge. It was built in 1886 for $31,000 and remains the oldest metal bridge in Michigan. It was made well, but also has some artistry to the work. The railings are as beautiful as they have proven durable. We could use more of that today, pride in good work and artistry in the small details.

Seasons Change

2009-03-13T14:53:00.001-07:00

Very few things are certain, nearly none in the man-made world. In nature there is certainty in the fact that the seasons will eventually change. Here in Michigan, the winters are long. We really can’t depend on warmth to return until well into May, but sure enough, it will. That of course will be followed in turn by the cold again, but that is all good.

The Hurdy-Gurdy Man

2009-03-12T19:52:00.001-07:00

My friend Jim is a real hurdy-gurdy man. He not only plays it, but he built it. Tonight I was fortunate enough to be in the company of artists who write, sing and play music that comes from the heart. Drew Nelson released his CD, “Dusty Road to Beulah Land” tonight. It is wonderful, Midwestern, American-to-the-heart, rockin’ and folk music. Another piece of the fabric that makes America great.

The Birds

2009-03-11T18:04:00.001-07:00

The Birds was a classic Hitchcock movie. We say things are going to the birds when we want to comment on decay. I suppose that all the negativity is because some people are afraid of things that can fly around their heads. We love our birds though. They now have a new cage that they seem to like a bunch. It’s big and has their favorite treats.

My First Robin This Year

2009-03-10T17:27:00.001-07:00

I got a look at my first robin of the year today. My wife saw one several days ago, but this was the first with my own eyes. There is still some snow left in our yard, but this robin and the 3 others with it did not seem to mind. It really is getting to be closer to spring. Hope spring eternal.

Words to Live By

2009-03-09T19:11:00.001-07:00

I spotted this sign when I was watching a band from Ireland perform in Grand Rapids tonight. The music was very good, light and fun. It was uplifting and spirited, a good time for everyone, except maybe the wait staff. I spotted the sign across the room and smiled. I think I need a sign like that in my work area.

My Friend

2009-03-08T16:30:00.001-07:00

This is my friend, though I am not sure what his name is. He comes by for a quick bite and a little chat pretty much every day. Funny how we have so much contact with folks at times and know so little about them.

Rainy Days

2009-03-07T16:58:00.001-08:00

I like rainy days. I like how everything looks shiny, and how it sounds as it drums out a beat on the roof. I grew up in Washington State where we had world-class rain so I appreciate a good soaking here now and again.

Heading for Work

2009-03-06T16:13:00.001-08:00

Every morning it’s the same thing, drive to work through traffic. This morning the traffic was fairly light, but some days it is bumper to bumper and slower than walking. I miss living close enough to walk or ride my bike.

A Man’s Home is His Castle

2009-03-05T17:47:00.001-08:00

A man’s home is his castle. Having a home is central to feeling as if you are in control of your life, to feeling safe. It doesn’t matter if you rent or own, it is good to have a place to call home.

Some well-meaning politicians thought it would be good for everyone to own a home. In theory, a good plan. They made it possible to get a loan even if you were probably not going to be able to pay it all back. That was not such a good idea and was a big part of the reason the economy tanked. Sometimes it’s best to let business drive business, not government.

Organic Bananas

2009-03-04T17:58:00.001-08:00

We have been buying organic bananas lately. I think we tried them at first because they are supposed to be better for us or for the environment or something like that, but they turned out to just plain taste better. There really isn’t any reason to buy more expensive bananas unless they do, I suppose.

Old Fashioned Stuff

2009-03-03T16:30:00.001-08:00

We all love the nostalgia that having old fashioned stuff in our yards and homes gives us. Few people really use hand pumps or iron spoke wheels for anything but decoration, but that is a useful purpose too.

Nostalgia has no place in how the government spends our money though. This isn’t the dustbowl days or the great depression. We are in a global, modern economy that is based on free enterprise and capitalism. All the government spending can’t resolve the issues.

Eating light

2009-03-02T18:05:00.001-08:00

I am pretty happy with my general health right now. Kris and I have both lost over 60 pounds and have been living a fairly healthy lifestyle. That being said, lately we have slacked off a bit and some meals have not been that good for us. I am getting back on track now. Tonight I had a great meal, it even looked good. Tzatziki, fresh vegetables and steak. It isn’t everywhere in the world you can get this variety of fresh veggies anytime, any city. I love America.

Upside Down

2009-03-01T18:00:00.001-08:00

We watched some snowboarding “rails” competition today in Grand Rapids. It was a bunch of fun, we hadn’t seen that sort of competition before. It was very cold, but the sun was out enough to give us the feeling that spring was coming. But our toes told us another story. Anyway, it was a great day to be out and about.

Blue Sky

2009-02-28T13:36:00.001-08:00

This day has been a wonderfully sunny, blue sky day. After a long, dreary winter, it is a welcome sign of the spring yet to come. It was cold, not getting much above 25 degrees, but it had a hopefulness to it that was so pleasant. People were out shopping and enjoying the day, also seemingly hopeful. I love days like this.

Hohner Accordeon

2009-02-27T18:54:00.001-08:00

I like music and everything about it. I wish I could play, but I don’t seem to have much talent for that. When I come across a particularly beautiful instrument, I can’t help but wonder how it was made and love to look at every detail. This old accordion probably isn’t one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen, but it is interesting none the less. There are so many well made parts that all come together in an artistic finish. Life is full of these unexpected pleasures if you look for them.

Mmmmmm

2009-02-26T16:40:00.001-08:00

I really enjoy ice cream. I eat it almost every day. Some of my favorites are Rocky Road, Cappuccino Chip, Butter Pecan and Mint Chocolate Chip. Probably my most favorite though is vanilla with cherry topping from The Cherry Hut in Benzonia, Michigan. It’s just a little storefront during the winter, the main store near Crystal Lake shuts down then. It is an old, family owned business that still puts the homemade touch in everything. Doesn’t this look great?

Wish Books

2009-02-25T17:23:00.001-08:00

We used to call catalogs “wish books” when I was a kid. My brother and I would pour over the pages, carefully marking the things we wanted. We rarely ordered anything, but it was fun. Catalogs are sort of going by the wayside now with Internet shopping, but we still get a few in the mail.

The bottom line was: you can’t always get what you want. That’s still true today. That is unless you are in congress. The recent “stimulus packages” and the Omnibus Spending Bill are bloated bills that are loaded with earmarks. What are they thinking?

Branches in the Sun

2009-02-24T14:43:00.001-08:00

The pines in the backyard were bathed in early evening, late winter sun earlier. I’m a bit sick of winter, but it was a beautiful sight none the less.

It is times like this that I wonder how people can deny that there is a God. Man can’t come up with anything to compare. Life is good, even in the long winter.

Lighting the Darkness

2009-02-23T16:17:00.001-08:00

Darkness can hide so many things. Some of those things are beautiful and when you shine the light on them, they seem to come to life. Other things seek the darkness to be able to prey on the unsuspecting. I keep flashlights handy, I don’t like being surprised by things in the dark.

A responsible press is our light in the darkness that some in government would like to keep us in. Good journalists who research the facts keep us safe from bad things in the dark. Don’t let congress pass the so called “Fairness Act” that seeks to keep the lights darkened.

She Loves Me

2009-02-22T16:15:00.001-08:00

I truly love my wife and she loves me. She ran the snowblower today because I am recovering from hernia surgery and can’t. That’s not all that she does for me, but that’s what I have a picture of today. And I do love her.

13th Hole

2009-02-21T13:26:00.001-08:00

Some day soon we’ll be able to hit the links. This is how it looks from behind the 13th hole at a local golf course. I don’t golf, but I am looking forward to seeing people out there.

Jambalaya

2009-02-20T19:33:00.001-08:00

Jambalaya is Cajun for “just good food”. I got the andoule sausage and chicken at Delski’s, got the freshest produce I could find and made a big old pot of it. It was hot and spicy, just perfect after a long, cold week here in Michigan.

Staying Real

2009-02-19T21:02:00.001-08:00

Tonight we listened to David Molinari, Lauran Bittenger, and Michael Van Houten play at One Trick Pony. There is so much of what makes America great in this. These musicians played a wonderful show, we truly enjoyed it. This picture is of Michael playing a song he wrote for his son before he was born. One Trick Pony is a restaurant owned by real people, Dan and Lisa. The food is excellent and it is a great venue. These are local musicians who play songs they write as well as cover some of our favorites, but their own way. Nothing here is commercial, just people who live in our world and share their gifts with us. America is doing well here.

Seeing Clearly

2009-02-18T16:51:00.001-08:00

I suppose as I have aged my eyes have weathered the storm worse than some of my other parts. I am more nearsighted than I was, by far. To add insult to injury, now I need help reading and generally seeing anything up close. Glasses correct all of that and I’m glad to say that I got used to the progressive lenses quickly.

That doesn’t make me a “Progressive” though. I think that takes dark shades that don’t work well for reading.

First Signs of Spring!

2009-02-17T12:50:00.001-08:00

I was outside for a bit today and saw the most wonderful thing, fresh, new, green leaves coming up in the grass as the snow recedes. I can’t think of a better way to make a day better than to see this.

Still Winter Here

2009-02-16T03:57:00.000-08:00

It's still winter in West Michigan. I can't shovel right now, but my wife is taking good care of me. I am looking forward to spring.

Sweethearts

2009-02-14T17:02:00.001-08:00

I love Sweethearts. I like the cheesy captions, I like how they crunch and I like the flavor. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.

Electric Candles

2009-02-13T18:55:00.001-08:00

Electric Candles make a lot of sense. They don’t drip, they don’t smoke and you don’t have to light them or put them out.

Progress is funny that way. The more progress we make, the more we want to keep things as they are. Therefore we have electric candles. And “progressive” politicians.

Hey, got any acorns to go with this?

2009-02-12T12:14:00.001-08:00

I love the squirrels that hang out on the feeder near our window. They do seem a bit bossy at times though. When the feeder is getting low, they tap on the glass to let me know. Even when they have food they sometimes seem to be begging for more.

I sometimes feel that’s what Congress does. After all, it isn’t their money, it’s ours. Now they are spending not only my money, but my kids money, and my grandkids money.

Pain Management

2009-02-11T15:33:00.001-08:00

The catch phrase for today is “pain management”, at least for me. I had double hernia surgery yesterday. Today I am taking Motrin or Vicodin, depending on the level of pain I am feeling. It’s not as bad as I though it might be, but a bit uncomfortable at times.

Recovery

2009-02-10T12:02:00.001-08:00

I am resting comfortably at home now. I had a bit of surgery, it's amazing what they can do out-patient now. So at least for the next couple of days it will be: a good book, resting and the company of my best friend as I recover.

Hidden Hummingbird

2009-02-09T16:54:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in a restaurant when I spotted this hummingbird. I marvel at how some people are able to take such simple lines and colors to make such a beautiful thing. Some of the simplest things in life are the best.

The Old Car Ferry Dock

2009-02-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

The old car ferry dock near Elberta, MI on Betsie Bay is nearly gone now, but in its hayday was the hub of activity. Cars were not the best way to travel to the west side of Lake Michigan from this part of Michigan, it made sense to drive on to the car ferry for the 8 hour trip across in relative comfort. You could read a book, have a meal, and talk with your companions.

We really do have it good now with superhighways and jet airliners, but don't you think we lost something when the old steamers quit hauling cars?

Old Barns

2009-02-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

Old barns are some of my favorite things to see on a drive. They remind me of my youth, playing in the hay and also working hard on the farm. They are another special part of America, a part that is slowly disappearing.

Ice Bridge

2009-02-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

This ice bridge was formed as warmer weather broke some ice off from the Lake Michigan shore. These natural wonders amaze me. I hope everyone gets to see things like this, life would be so much less for me without them.

Cold Wind on Betsie Bay

2009-02-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

There is a cold wind blowing ashore at Betsie Bay on Lake Michigan today. The cold spray freezes against the channel marker near Frankfort, MI. There is a beauty to this place that pleases my soul.

Icy Blue Sky

2009-02-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

Today's sky was icy blue as I came home from work. I suppose I shouldn't complain, but I like 70s with my blue sky. I guess I've just had enough winter. This does give me hope though, at least it wasn't dark when I got home.

Stocking the Pantry

2009-02-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

Our pantry isn't stocked for long term survival, but it will take care of the short term and it makes our lives easier since we don't have to run out for every little thing. It is just one of the smarter things we do to insure that we are comfortable.

I wish our state and federal governments would keep pantry for us. They act more like kids, "Dad, can I have a dollar for candy", than the adults we want them to be.

World's Finest

2009-02-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Kids all over America sell World' Finest chocolate for fundraisers. We probably could make more of a difference if we just gave money to the kids, but there is something traditional about this. It's the the fabric of America.

What's in a Face?

2009-02-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

I had a chance to see some orchids today and enjoyed it thoroughly. There is nothing that we can create that comes close to what God gives us in the simple face of an orchid's bloom. At first glance it is almost comical, a caricature of a cartoon face. Spend even a few moments looking closer though and you see the beauty of the colors, the finest details that a hand could not paint.

Ready for Spring

2009-01-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

I'm ready for spring to arrive. The snow and ice on my windows is getting old. There is over 6 feet of snow on each side of my driveway. I enjoy the optimism that comes with spring the most. New growth brings the promise of warm and plentiful days. Well, Groundhog's Day is coming up. Let's hope for an early spring.

My Moneyclip

2009-01-30T16:35:00.000-08:00

Call me old fashioned, but I keep my paper money in a moneyclip. I don't carry much usually, today just a single dollar, but it's in the clip. I also carry a couple of folded up 3X5 cards to write notes on. An old habit that has served me well. I don't normally spend more than I have in my moneyclip on impulse buys. Sure, sometimes I overspend and overtip on a fancy coffee, but for the most part I don't spend what I don't have.

Old fashioned maybe, but what if congress acted the same way with my money that I do? Everytime they are tempted to spend on impulse (or media pressure), pull out the moneyclip and see if there is enough. Sure, they are bound to spend some on things that I wouldn't, but they would know what they have and spend only what has been saved up and set aside for that purpose.

Homemade Sauce

2009-01-29T16:50:00.000-08:00

Some things are just better when you make them yourself. I make my own marinara sauce and can it in jars the old fashioned way. It doesn't cost much and is really pretty simple. You do have to put the time in and use quality ingredients to get good sauce, but it's worth it.

I'm concerned about the Economic Stimulus Package that congress is cooking up with the help of the "head chef" President Obama. It is a complicated recipe, mostly pork and some unidentifiable things. It is coming with lots of marketing and it is sure to be in some sort of new-fangled package that you can't see through to tell what it is you are really getting. I think I like my sauce better.

Brightly Colored Straws

2009-01-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

Some days you just can't make sense of things. You know you should like the things you are seeing, mostly because other people tell you that they do. When you get right down to it though, it's kinda like a pile of brightly colored straws. They all look good, downright dazzling with the bright colors and all, but in the end they are just full of air.

Congress is good a making piles of brightly colored straws into what they call "Landmark Legislation". The economic stimulus bill currently being debated is just that, a brightly colored distraction with little or no function.

Afternoon Walk

2009-01-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

I took a walk this afternoon near our home. It was chilly and breezy but felt good. I had been working all morning, reading through tedious stuff for the most part and feeling like I had no air to breathe. This walk was just what I needed to get back on track.

I wonder if our lawmakers need to take a walk outside. Surely the tedium of trying to figure out how much more of my good money to throw after bad is making them feel like they have no air to breathe. Just the thought if it takes my breath away.

Grand Rapids at Night

2009-01-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

Grand Rapids is not like New York or Chicago. Life is a little slower at night, but it's good. And it's home. And right now it is downright cold. You can see that few people have ventured out to the deck to take in the sights while enjoying a meal at the BOB lately.

Boogy and Mumkin

2009-01-25T18:22:00.000-08:00

Boogalamoon and Mumkin are our parakeets. They are the best of friends. We have not clipped their wings, it just doesn't seem right. Freedom comes with liberty, you can't have liberty if you have wings but can't use them to fly because somebody else says so.

Give me liberty or give me death.

Start Your Day Right

2009-01-24T18:31:00.000-08:00

Breakfast is important. Eat some cold pizza, a banana or even some corned beef and cabbage. Or something more traditional.

Enjoy Life

2009-01-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

There are few things in life that are as satisfying as ice cream.

On Thin Ice

2009-01-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

We find ourselves on thin ice sometimes. It isn't that we try, but that's just were we wind up. It's not always a bad thing, we make it through, but I doubt that we always know just how close we are to taking a very cold swim.

You really should watch this...

2009-01-22T14:15:00.001-08:00

http://www.obamamustsee.com/

Beautiful Music

2009-01-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

There is something timeless and beautiful about a guitar. The wood grain is deep, the inlay around the sound hole is beautifully done, even the symetrical layout of the strings and frets lends to the beauty. Then there is the sound. I can't play guitar, but I do love to hear it play. Even a bad guitar sounds good enough, but the good ones can put tears in my heart or a smile on my lips.

The Shoes Make the Man

2009-01-20T15:08:00.000-08:00

You can tell a lot about a man by his shoes, my dad used to say. He didn't go on to tell me what to look for, but I do hold that it is true to some extent. Take these boots for instance. True, they are dirty, but look beyond that. They came back from Desert Storm with me, when I was a younger man. I walked off the plane with all of the soldiers that were assigned to me, and we all wore these boots. Lots to be proud of. I suppose I could keep them in my old footlocker in the basement, but somehow that seems wrong. Now I use them when I work in the yard.

Wonder what our new president's shoes can tell us about him? Where has he walked in his?

Change

2009-01-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

Change we can believe in. That's the theme for the new inauguration. I'm all for change, but I am always wary when it comes from a politician. I am even more wary when so many are counting on it. Let's hope that this man can live up to the hype.

In the mean time, this is the change I can believe in.

Produce is a Crapshoot

2009-01-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

Produce is a crapshoot. You lay your money down and you take your chances. Take these tomatoes for example: They are beautifully red, the vines look healthy and at this point in the winter we crave them terribly. But the flavor is just OK.

Meeting new people can be like that. The best looking of the bunch might not be so good inside, but the ones with blemishes might be the best you have ever known.

Working

2009-01-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

There is something satisfying about clearing the driveway after a good snow. This year I have a new snowblower that makes it a bit easier, but even when it was more work it felt pretty good.

Life is like that. The more you put into it, even the hard stuff, the better it is. I probably am a bit too lazy at times, but I don't think I will ever lose that good feeling that comes with doing things, even the ones that just need to be done.

Music to Warm Your Soul

2009-01-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

Jan Krist is a folk singer and songwriter who lives in the Midwest. Her voice is pure and beautiful, filled with a strength that comes from her heart. The words of her songs convey truths that you knew were there but didn't know how to say, sometimes with humor, sometimes with great sadness, always with clarity and intelligence.

I can't put a price on how much pleasure I get from sitting in the venues with folk artists like Jan, it has become an essential part of my life, a genuinely good part. I can hardly remember a time before Kris and I started to seek out events that range from coffee shop appearances of school teachers who just love to sing to professional folk festivals that involve entire towns. If you are looking for America, trust me, this is one place you are sure to find it.

Marshmallows

2009-01-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

I like Marshmallows. They are a simple treat, but good. I like the way they taste and the way that they feel when you chew them. I really like them mixed in with my ice cream.

Guess I don't have anything pithy to say about marshmallows, but they serve a purpose in my life, they give me pleasure. That's a good thing.

Beware of Ice

2009-01-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it pays to follow the instructions you see on highway signs. It was pretty slippery today, tempuratures in the teens, a little sun disappearing so anything that had been warmed and melted had just refrozen. This guy managed to have a spectacular wreck in spite of 30 mile per hour traffic.

Pay attention to the warning signs in your life. The ones that come from family and friends are probably the most important. "Are you sure you want to do that?" "Have you thought that through?" Think about it.

Banjo on a Bench

2009-01-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

There is something so right about American folk music. We are lucky enough to be able to listen to some great folk artists here, but I suspect that you can in just about any city, town or place where Americans gather. It is a part of the soul of this great country, sung and performed by our friends and neighbors.

If you get all your music from the radio, you are missing part of the fabric that binds us together. Check the paper or do an Internet search for local acts and give them a listen. If you have never listened to music in a coffee shop or in a county park, you are in for a real treat.

Papers

2009-01-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

What is it about newspapers that keep us subscribing? I find myself asking that question every time the bill comes in. We cut down from every day to just the weekends, but they still stack up. We often don't read them, but dutifully stack them in the garage until I haul them to the boy scout paper drive at the Church.

Papers are the most physical embodiment of the 1st Amendment to our constitution. You can hold one of the most powerful forces on earth in your hands. Our nation was born largely due to a popular movement that was informed primarily through articles in papers published by the great patriots of the time.

Newspapers now are largely owned by liberal leaning thinkers in this country, slanted to the left in many ways, but nonetheless, a voice for our people. They are an institution that, if gone, would leave a huge void in our liberties.

Candlelight

2009-01-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

There is something special about candlelight, even if it is not made by real candles. There is an elegance to it, more than just light.

Some people are like that. They give off a warm glow, not the normal reflection of what is around most people. That is a special gift that comes from giving rather than taking. Treasure those people in your life, learn from them.

Where America Meets

2009-01-10T12:39:00.001-08:00

America was born in the taverns around Boston and other cities in the young America. Today we still can enjoy that same atmosphere in places like this.

I guess I don't mind Applebee's or Denny's, but people you know own and run places like the Cottage Bar in Grand Rapids. It has been in business since 1927, probably the oldest bar in the city. The food is the kind that makes you feel glad that you ate there. You don't rush here, you slow down and enjoy it and the people you are with.

Small business is what keeps a the spirit of America strong. Stop in, you will be glad you did.

Things are not always what they seem.

2009-01-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

What is it? Flowing lines of modern art? The air intake for an air conditioner? Any other guesses? These are stacked chairs in a library. Things are not always what they seem. It's fun to find something interesting or beautiful in the everyday useful items around us.

It's not always good to find that things are not what they seem. Our elected officials are "saving" us from looming disaster, but what have they done? I think they have purchased some hope (and votes) with our children's money. This debt will likely not be paid for generations to come.

Hold it Together

2009-01-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we are so busy or under such pressure that we look to find some way to hold it all together. The best fix is something that lasts. Don't seek the quick and easy fix before figuring out whether that will really fix it or just patch it. Do you want to use steel or duct tape?

2009-01-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

Doves are the traditional and Biblical symbols of peace. These doves were seeking safety and trying to stay warm in our backyard this afternoon. I enjoyed their beauty and loved the sybolism of the peace that we hold dear here.

Peace, like the doves, can perish easily. We must keep the liberties that provide for peace safe. That is done by brave men and women in our military who are sworn to preserve the Constitution that ensures the continued safety of our people and those liberties.

The Pig Knows...

2009-01-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

We wonder some times if we have enough. Do we need something? Can we afford it? Should we save the money for a rainy day? What is enough?

We have such a great standard of living in America. We are in an economic recession now but for the most part there is a place to live and food for the vast majority of us. Our constitution guarantees us some rights, but it doesn't guarantee anything we don't earn. It states specifically that the government is to promote the general welfare, not generally provide Welfare.

Timeless Design 1911

2009-01-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

Browning put such timeless design elements into the .45 Cal Automatic he was commissioned to design for the US Military that it is still the preferred sidearm of many who carry for a living.

Let's hope that the right to bear arms as given to us in the Second Amendment to the US Constitution remains even though it is under pressure from well meaning Liberal activists.

If I Hold Really Still...

2009-01-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

This guy was thinking that if he didn't move, I wouldn't see him. Of course, I did, but I didn't tell him so his day is probably still good.

This sort of thinking is used by the unthinking type of Liberal in America. "If we just ignore the bad guys and play nice, they will leave us alone." Unfortunately, it is the rest of the "Anything is ok" livestyle in America that has the bad guys attacking.

Even the Trees Are Cold

2009-01-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

Even the trees are cold on this sunny but chilly January day.

January 2, 2009

2009-01-02T12:09:00.001-08:00

I took the Christmas Tree to the Public Works drop off point and spotted this tractor and was thinking that it is the ultimate snowshovel. Sometimes bigger really is better.

That's not the case in the Federal government though, bigger just means costlier and slower.

New Year's Day 2009

2009-01-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

This is the first post of the year, hopefully I'll get a picture in here every day for the whole year. This was taken at the Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids, MI, one of our favorite restaurants.

I would love to make some predictions for the coming year, but I'll probably come out looking goofy when the year ends. That has never stopped me before though, so here goes nothing:

America will not still be in love with Obama.
Blago who?
Russia will have maneuvered itself to further oppress the former Soviet Union countries such as Georgia.
Islamic Terrorists will not be any less a threat to us than they are today.

Happy New Year everyone!

Barstool Economics

2008-10-21T15:20:00.001-07:00

Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

· The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.

· The fifth would pay $1.

· The sixth would pay $3.

· The seventh would pay $7.

· The eighth would pay $12.

· The ninth would pay $18.

· The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers,' he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.' Drinks for the ten now cost just $80. The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay. And so:

· The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).

· The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).

· The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).

· The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).

· The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).

· The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings. 'I only got a dollar out of the $20,'declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10!' 'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I got' 'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!' 'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!' The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill! And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D. Professor of Economics University of Georgia

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Catch me, papa!

2008-02-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

“Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” Benjamin Franklin

2007-10-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

We are faced with a loss of genuine liberty in America today, mostly in the name of “protection from terrorism”. I guess I see two reasons for that, in my simple mind. The first is that we are an ignorant people for the most part, informed largely through 15 second sound bites and the compelling rhetoric of those with no real knowledge of any given subject. The second being that we live in a comfortable world for the most part. Giving up liberties is easy when you take the explanation of a politician as Gospel.
Will Rogers said “ Liberty doesn’t work as well in practice as it does in speeches.”. Speeches are how we learn from our politicians and other leaders for the most part, rather than by examining their actions and analyzing them against history. At the founding of our nation, John Adams said “There is a danger from all men. The only maxim of free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.” His point was that congress should keep an eye on the President, and that the courts should keep an eye on all of them. Unless we arm ourselves with at least a basic understanding of liberty’s history and with a genuine critical eye toward all that our government does, we will probably lose the most precious thing that is liberty.
What seems like liberty to many is really the warm comfort of our affluence. That comfort allows us to believe that liberty abounds when really it is slowly being removed and replaced by thin arguments of safety. D.H. Lawrence wrote “Men fight for liberty and win it with hard knocks. Their children, brought up easy, let it slip away again, poor fools. And their grandchildren are once more slaves.” I think this is really what is happening. Great men drawn from the heart and soul of our nation’s people fought wars and participated in the government that created a nearly universal liberty for most. Since then we are letting it slip away by not being part of that government, not being willing to fight, and by shielding ourselves with that blanket of affluent comfort. Can this continue to the point that the generations are enslaved and will need to fight to gain what we gave up without so much as a thought? The Patriot Act is only one such encroachment, but one we can defeat and gain back some liberty for that coming generation. The real work though, is to become a part of what liberty really is and live it. James Madison said “I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” He was right, and this truth still holds today.

Remembering Thomas Paine

2007-10-07T06:02:00.000-07:00

There are a few people in the history of America that are often quoted but not really remembered. Thomas Paine is one of them. I was reminded of that last week in a DAV meeting when my friend Terry mentioned him while lamenting the current state of politics in America. Probably my favorite quote is this:

"THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value." These words were printed in The Crisis on December 23, 1776. No truer words have been written.

Politicians are these summer soldiers, patriots only when the sun shines favorably on them. They live in the shadows of fear, not willing to put the moral courage into their convictions.

Welcome, life is a meander.

2007-09-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. I have found that life is best when you follow the meanders, much like rivers, to where they may take you. Mike