Letters to the wind...

Great Men

2011-12-26T06:06:00.002+13:00

I should be posting something spiritual today right? Something about the greatest man that ever lived...take this right please, that's not where my writer's mind is at today. No disrespect to the birth of the King, but my mind this morning has drifted 3,000 miles back to Ft. Lewis.

I was a new private attached to the 9th Division, 109th MI (LRSC). Airborne Infantry attached to an MI Battalion. I met a man who I still think of with great respect. If the Captain is the "old man," then Colonel Hughes was the "old old man." He was quiet, unassuming and respected. I remember my inbriefing to the 109th MI. He shared our history, our mission, and then thanked us all. The he dismissed all but the paratroopers. Praised our service, our toughness, reminded us of our fate should we be captured in combat. 20 years later I realize his speech was brilliant...he knew how to motivate men. He was honest, and honorable and worthy to be followed. He trusted us to carry out our missions.

We were paratroopers, and Colonel Hughes was the commander of a bunch of "Legs." He had wings I guess, and a combat patch, but how tough could he have been? We liked him, offered our respect, but often thought of him as the MI Colonel who knew little of infantry real army stuff. He tried to run with us...to keep up. We respected that...immensely. Even kept with us for the first mile of the Sound to Narrows. We respected that he tried to be a part of us, like a loving father teaching his son to play ball. He included us, and at times excluded us from the chores of post duty, and he worked us hard. No, he inpired our officers and NCOs to work us hard. We earned all that we received, and we gave of ourselves gladly.

Social media can be a great thing. I met the Colonel again three years ago. Wished him a Merry Christmas and shared a memory or two. Didn't think much of it... until the next year. I was curious how he ended up. Only then did he correct me...humbly with a simple link I read later that day. He was no longer Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, but rather, General Hughes. Lieutenant General Hughes - three gleaming heavy stars for all you civilians out there. I was shocked...that man we had the audacity to think of as the "old old man?" His career is impressive by any standards, and as hard as I thought I was at 20, I think he'd lost more by then than I've ever had. Read it if you like:

http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&biw=1400&bih=879&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnsu&tbnid=y7ez4NmHEqOycM:&imgrefurl=http://erkdemon.blogspot.com/&docid=59FyuNlOYaksjM&imgurl=http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/primer/morphologydiagram.jpg&w=747&h=570&ei=oUn3TujBGsXy0gHRx5HDAg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=352&vpy=290&dur=188&hovh=196&hovw=257&tx=108&ty=79&sig=104457694565069919495&page=9&tbnh=160&tbnw=210&start=200&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:200

Great things come in unassuming packages. Maybe that's why MI treated him so well? I'm a little awed that I stood at attention, and I stood casually shaking his hand, so many years ago...having no idea. And he wasn't pretentious enough to care who he was - at least it never showed!

So to General Hughes I say, Thank you for your leadership, your example and for your service.

But it's also time to turn back to the day at hand. There was another man, a greater man. The greatest man who ever existed. He was born in a humble manger, lived a quiet and blameless life, died for sin, was raised from that same death so that we may live. Unassuming, he was the King of kings...is the King of kings. I make no comparison between Jesus and my beloved Colonel who became a General...but this one. Sometimes it's worth the time to get to know a man. Especially if your life is in his hands...your eternal life is in His hands.

Merry Christmas

Moments with Tom Piazza

2011-11-21T02:37:00.001+13:00

We all have brushes with "fame," don't we? I for example, once stood as a soldier at the change of command for General Colin Powell. Granted, I was a parade field away, it was still very cool.

Somehow, I don't think my description as "fame" would be fully embraced by Tom Piazza, but I have no better word. Let me paint a scene for you. Black hair combed back, black boots, black pants, black jacket, black t-shirt, and a crisply pressed buttoned down white dress shirt - the contrast is a little striking. He's comfortable with the audience, and immediately disarming. Reading now. Engaging. Voice inflections that are somewhere between New Orleans (pronounced New Orlens) and Long Island. First chapter of his latest novel. We're immediately drawn in by the characters, by the story, and by the humor. A wonderfully complex and vivid imagination at work. Tom's body moves like water, movement and gesture taken to a new level. Each gesture presented with rythm, poise and flare. A man might open his arms for emphasis, Tom's arms open and his hands roll in the ripples of a stream of fluid thought. Like a painter using his voice as a brush, and words as the media, he reads. Then sing, "American Eagle..." in the voice of a character still being developed on a desk made from a door slab and sawhorses. Sixty dollars at Lowes, plus tax. We shook hands that evening, he signed our books, and we met his charming "better half." It was a delightful date night with my bride. It was the night WE met Tom Piazza.

My story is different. I built a house for Tom. We'll, renovated a house and built a living room. One might even say I knew Tom before we knew who Tom would be. Finding the house, drawing and planning the renovation, negotiating with the City and the neighbors. More drawing...a bigger room, fireplace, change the second floor... More negotiating...you'll flood my yard, where will they park... A hint, "I think you should sketch in a piano." I fought with the Architect, "There's no room in the budget for a piano!" The drawings came the morning I first met Tom in the run-down old place that would become the Trias House and the attached "tree house." And what did Tom immediately focus on? The Piano! "Of course I said, but I'm not sure it will be a baby grand." In retrospect, I think the hope for the piano is the only glimmer that he had to hold onto given the state of the house.

Fast forward several months...let's pretend the neighbors and the city and the threatening of the contractors never happened. 10 am Monday morning, the first day of classes. It's a "move that bus" experience as we give the keys to him. Paint still slightly tacky in places. A blue foam insulation door with hinges of duct tape still hanging just off the kitchen. The house was done. Beatiful. Wonderful. Four bottles of wine on the table, all the clocks eventually set to the same time. As close to home as I could make it...almost. Tom was appreciative and kind, but something was missing... It took two additional weeks to get the piano there. Some people think of dog as man's best friend. And others? It only became a home away from home the day the piano showed up!

So much I'd love to share, but privacy is so important. I'll keep those stories, those moments with Tom Piazza for myself. But I'll give you one hint as you wonder what Tom might have meant in the bottom left, when he wrote this as a thank you for a job well done...

The Future of Design

2011-11-14T17:26:00.001+13:00

Can one ever be sure where the future is going? Think about it, we have HAL who was there for the astronauts in a space Odyssey. The Terminator. Machines that think, that are aware, and who mostly...at least until they become self aware, useful and make our lives a little better. Like this guy below - forgive the gender assignment. The value is immesureable, and the design is perfect, right down to the target aquisition marker. I want one. I want it now. NO, I DO NOT DRINK TOO MUCH COFFEE...on second thought...

2011-11-13T16:39:00.001+13:00

Wine Appreciation
Responsible adults? LOL! OK, well I'm not really laughing out loud, but I am smiling. You see, a general message to the community went out, "wanted, responsible adults to temper the wine class." Stacey and I agreed to come. Date night. 80 students give or take a few. Some staff and facutly. And a bunch of wenches. The professors term, not mine. Wenches by his definition is a gender neutral term. We ended up at a table with six others. Two students, three recent HWS graduates and a new staff member. It was great! Youth is always invigorating. They have energy, life, and a perspective unencumbered by children, responsibility or experience! I've always found balance important...have someone older to mentor you, have someone younger to be mentored, or to challenge you, or both. So for the next six weeks we...um...drank : ) Red wines, white wines, a rose or two, French wine with a French woman. What a blast we had. Spilling on my clothes, sharing cheeses and stories and smiles. And for the last class, dinner. food and wine paired. Great wines. And as the evening closed I thought two significant things... Why, I thought, does it have to be over? And I smiled somewhere inside as I reviewed this photo on my Droid as I thought, noting the bunny ears, "who are the adults?!"

...aaahhhhhh!!!

2011-11-12T16:42:00.004+13:00

So, I'm driving down the road minding my own business. Couple of sweet girls in the back seat. Heading for the championship soccer game for our small school league. I'm a responsible driver. 72 in a 65. No texting while driving. Checking my side mirror...and then my rear view...aaahhhhhh!!!I nearly swerved off the road. Terrified. A monster in the back seat. And it get's worse. I mean look at that face. Well, not the blonde. My sweet Gavi. NOT!

Synthetic...um...turds

2011-10-20T23:06:00.002+12:00

Ever wonder how they test a toilet? I mean, do they line up a hundred lumberjacks after a hearty breakfast and see how things hold up...er...go down? Practical yes, but good science? NO! Once again, thank God for the versatile soybean. With this modern miracle, the peanut of our generation, a scientific method can be created. I didn't believe it until I saw it, a dozen Cuban hand rolled cigars...oops, I mean...hand(?) rolled...um...imitation turds. Not sure about the
Cuban.

Silly Americans

2011-10-20T15:23:00.002+12:00

"You silly Americans, not understanding how to take a Rose wine seriously." These words were spoken by a lovely woman with a charming French accent. Somehow, in that context it wasn't offensive. And my gosh, she was right. The rose was amazing! What's more, Amanda the lion woman loved it. She told me the wine would be spectacular, and she was right. I smiled as we clinked our glasses and exchanged smiles. It kills me to think the French might be right...even once...but I must say, they do make a delightful Rose

"Bucky"

2011-02-09T16:22:00.002+13:00

I called ahead. "I'll have half a Wills (corned beef, swiss, slaw and Russian), and she'll have...a Jerry's? Yeah, a Jerry's." I gave our last name, "Great, we'll be there in 10 minutes." Ahead of schedule, a plan, arrangements made...I was feeling pretty good about life. Isn't it amazing what a mouthwatering sandwich can do?!

We walked in to an empty deli. Perfect. "You called right," she said. "Yes." Is it Charles or Bucky?" "What," I thought, and apparently said out loud. I'm Charles (name changed to protect the guilty) but what's the order?" It was wrong. Hmmm...."What did Bucky get?" she read our order to the letter. "That's us." We grabbed our drinks, a bag of chips, the sandwiches and a good laugh.

I don't know what's funnier though, that she called me Bucky, or that we live in a town where being called Bucky doesn't even raise an eyebrow!

Perspective

2011-01-19T11:46:00.003+13:00

Perspective is everything isn't it. We all see the same things, but we each see it differently. Every week a new photo shows up on the Colleges website hilighting a new and exciting event. Some pass by me without event while others really grab my attention...like this one. Look closely, excluding the 1/3 of a man to the far right, what do you see? Ten dark coats and a light one? Two red scarves? One red tie? 11 closed jackets and one open one? The Obama children peering through the bulletproof glass? Just kidding on that one! Five from William Smith and six from Hobart? Maybe you noted that it's cold? Not me. I missed all of these things. All of them. I even missed the eleven and one third people in the photograp...but not the 12th. The twelfth man is the only one I really saw. Probably holding a 300 Winchester magnum with tripod and scope.

It's all about perspective isn't it?!

Don't step in the exhaust (my carbon footprint series #2)

2010-12-20T02:35:00.006+13:00

We live in the rural upstate NY town of Waterloo. The smaller town of Ovid exists some 15 miles south, with its rich Amish presence and that romantic horse and buggy culture. You see them frequently, distinct forms riding along the side of the highway. Along the roadside are sings for fine crafted canned goods, jams and jellies and of course those amazing quilts they make. Men in black hats and robin egg blue shirts with no buttons. The women so conservatively dressed. Perfect models of what a Utopian society could be...except, like the rest of us, they suffer from problems with their vehicular exhaust. I lie awake some nights sleeplessly wondering if I should care about greenhouse gasses? If I should buy a hybrid, or even a volt??? Am I wrong to be so selfish and just not care? But then I pause and look at "Utopia." The Amish with their amazing values...and I realize that they care even less. I mean, when it comes to vehicular waste products, at least I have a cataletic converter.

Note the handwritten silver pen-work below the wheels, "Please use the shovel." And to think, it's not just me who needs to be concerned about my negative contributions to the environment.

By the way, if you're ever in Ovid, be careful not to step in the exhaust!

God and Architects

2010-12-18T11:35:00.004+13:00

I heard a great joke today...
"What's the difference between God and an architect?"
"God doesn't think He's an architect."

The 1982nd Forward Surgical Team

2010-11-22T14:54:00.004+13:00

Did you ever say anything really stupid? Like, imagine this young woman in this photo as she walked up the jetway in Chicago. "Where are going?" I asked. "Afghanistan." "Ooh," I replied with concern in my voice." I sort of recovered with a heart felt, "Thank you." She said "You're welcome," and we parted. The exchange has haunted me since that moment in Chicago. These brave soldiers heading off to Afghanistan, and my last words to one of them was one of impending danger.

So, my penance...an hour of googling to figure out who these fine men and women in uniform were. I was hoping I'd remember the unit patch, instead I found her face, their faces. I'll find their address now, and this time I'll chose my words much more carefully as I write one letter to Specialist Ashley Richardson, and a second to the commander. They're brave, they deserve to know it, and they deserve more from me. As I read their story I realized that while I was being inspired by General Colin Powell (Ret.) at Greenbuild 2010, they're following another general.

So to all of you who serve or support the 1982nd Forward Surgical Team from Niagara County, NY, from a former Infantry LRRP, God bless you...HOOAH!

1803

2010-11-08T02:07:00.006+13:00

Honestly, I have no idea who this guy is. I'm just an itninerate blogger who shoots a few photos and embelishes them with words. We're not related, and as far as I know he has no historical significance. Who knows if anyone alive still remembers him, or where he's burried? I stumbled on this stone while out geocaching near the town of Cheshire, NY. There are a number of these clay stones...they're really quite unique and beautiful. What strikes me deeply about these old cemetary's (1803 +/-), is the reverence for God by those resting here. Maybe it was a sign of the times? Maybe in the 1800's reverence for God and acknowlegement of heaven was more important, or at least socially acceptable? There are a lot of these around upstate NY, actually around the country. I guess I found myself wondering about William Gooding, age 42. I even googled the text to see if it was an poem...

So, as William Gooding was ushered into eternity, the question that I pondered was this. Did he live up to these words now immortalized in stone, or did he just have a good speech writer...

This saint of God, that sleepeth here,

Will at the judgement day appear;

In shing garments will be dres'd

And live forever with the blest

While he lov'd here, had praying breath

Smil'd often when he talk'd...

His conversation soar'd....

What this vain world in...

October 31st

2010-11-01T04:00:00.006+13:00

I didn't write the name of the holiday up there, just the date. We don't really celebrate. But still, in the context of October 31st, I offer a few images...Right out of Psycho isn't it? Reminiscent of the Bates motel. And for the record, it is the Butler Psychiatric hospital. We stumbled on it geocaching yesterday.

To coin a phrase from my daughters, even "creepier" is the site right across the street. A short walk up a neatly hidden path leads to two discreet cemetaries for the patients. People who aren't worthy of names, but rather only numbers. 12" high plate metal markers with numbers raised on them. Life is but a vapor isn't it?

2010-10-28T14:21:00.004+13:00

Life is precious...every breath. Isn't it? Something happened this week to make it all clear once again. Life. It could be a minute. Could be 80 years. Could be two days. My blogging is simple for those who haven't read the early stuff. Take and post, or find, a picture. Write something about it. It's bound to be inciteful, or snarky...one or the other. Repeat. I still have my facebook account. Not sure for how long, but FB does get one thing right. The sanctity of life. I don't know a thing aout j-puff, but I do know about the baby. "Created." 3 months ago. Must be a pre-me to be photographed ; ) But created none the less!

Hug your kids tonight!

2010-09-13T14:31:00.002+12:00

I love the Great New York State Fair...the things that come out at the Center of Progress building is a mix of hucksters and great new ideas. I'm sure this photo represents one of those new ideas. Wire brush tires! For only $89.99 each, these tires not only roll down the highway, but they also scrub it whispy clean. And if you purchase by 2pm today you get 10 gallons of cleaner fluid to go with it...but wait, there's more!

OK, just kidding. Ever see the big black tire aligators on the side of the highway? This is where they come from. Kind of cool isn't it. I think the trucker doesn't feel the same. First - he now has to change the tire, and second - he had to put up with a car full of weirdo's passing and slowing and passing and slowing just so we could get this photo.

Funny, usually the family makes fun of my posting but not today. Today I heard a unanimous from the back seat, "you so have to blog about this day;" with a "yes hon'" from my foxy babe in enthustiac support!

Stand By Me

2010-08-20T13:58:00.003+12:00

"The kind of talk that seems important until you discover girls..."

Stand by Me

...is one of those movies that wraps so many wonderful ideas, memories and notions of what being a boy is all about. The talks, the adventures, the deep importance of everything. "If you could have only one food for the rest of your life..." for example!

And just before they discover the body the main character (whose name I'm too distracted to look up) is the only one awake in the morning. A deer stepped out into the clearing. The moment for him was magical for him. But like all magical moments a train like event takes it away. "The freight woke the other guys up and it was on the tip of my tongu to tell them about the deer, but I didn't. I kept tthat one for myself..." My advice for you...for me...find a few of those moments and just keep them for yourself.

The Bucket List

2010-08-08T16:18:00.002+12:00

I love the movie "The Bucket List." Jack and Morgan Freeman - a cast doesn't get much better than that. It's a great movie. It makes you think. It makes you feel. And it ends perfectly with Morgan Freeman narrating in just the right amount of detail...not a cloud in the sky.... Here it is, but don't take my word for it. Watch the movie.

"Edward Perryman Cole died in May. It was a Sunday in the afternoon and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. He was 81 years old. Even now, I can't claim to understand the measure of a life, but I can tell you this: I know that when he died, his eyes were closed and his heart was open, and I'm pretty sure he was happy with his final resting place because he was buried on the mountain, and that was against the law."

Redneck Lawnmower

2010-06-28T10:25:00.002+12:00

This is the best I can do for a photo...what we really saw was a fairly nice riding lawnmower... towing two running push mowers. I guess there are are many options to solve the same challenge. Now that I think of it, NYS could save hundreds of thousands of dollars. Instead of replacing those $40,000 mowers that have 60" decks and AC, we could simply have our states skilled mechanics rig four, or even six mowers to small and inexpensive riders!

My middle daughter and I drove up and down the road trying desperately to get a photo. Each slow pass he turned around and glared. On the last drive by he ducked off the road and out of sight obviously hoping to avoid a debut on youtube! But now we know he's there...and so will we be every Sunday afternoon until we immortalize him and his magnificent machine in digital imagery. Bet you can't wait for the real "redneck lawnmower!"

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T15:00:00.005+12:00

I don't like to clutter up Memorial Day with a lot of words. But the words are small so I offer a little help if you can't read this... It's from Henry the V by William Shakespeare, but applies to any soldier from any time. "Whoever lives past today and comes home safely will rouse himself every year on this day, show his neighbor his scars, and tell embellished stories of all their great feats of battle. These stories he will teach his son and from this day until the end of the world we shall be remembered."
Remember...

Walk This Way (revised)

2010-05-29T15:40:00.003+12:00

I didn't realize anyone really read my blogsite. I guess they do...I was thinking Steve Tyler, but wrote Steve Perry. At least two people corrected my obvious error. So to those who kept me honest, my gratefullness is "forever yours, faithfully!"
I went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH this week. It was worth the price of admission in the first ten minutes. Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis...Bon Jovi's Harley. Springstein's Corvette. All very very cool!

As a teenager, I loved Aerosmith. Even painted their logo on my wall (still can't believe my father let me get away with that one). I spent years trying to understand the words to "Walk This Way." But it all became clear to me two days ago. I saw the original lyrics to Walk this Way in Steve Tyler's own handwriting, and suddenly I understood. The song is sung exactly as it's written. Two days ago I learned that though Steve Tyler may be a talented singer, he's nearly illiterate! I'll give him this though, he can read. He sings it just like he wrote it (not sure that's a compliment)!

Tamara's church rap :)

2010-05-19T10:08:00.001+12:00

Tamara's church rap :)

Carlos Santana & Sarah Mclachlan - Angel (live)

2010-05-10T13:58:00.001+12:00

This is one of the most amazing performance I've ever heard.

2010-04-13T14:50:00.002+12:00

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death."
-Robert Fulghum

He is Risen!

2010-04-04T23:16:00.002+12:00

I know it's true, but I don't want to hear it

2010-04-03T11:42:00.003+12:00

I'm learning about dying these days. A few weeks ago, it was about the worthlessness of the question, "How are you doing?" to a family who's just lost a loved one. I still haven't arrived at the appropriate greetings, but at least I know one that doesn't fit.

And today, we attended the calling hours of one of the most beautiful people I've ever met. She's a believer who has a faith and a heart that make mine seem shallow. At 36 years of marriage, she died young. As I stood for a few moments with her husband, a dear friend, I asked him how everybody's been? His answer was interesting for lack of a better term. Interesting and obvious and insightful for all of us. She's on her way to heaven...actually, "absent from the body, present with the Lord..." she's there now. The thing I most dislike he said, is when people tell me, "She's in a better place now." He paused, and then in a serious and personal tone he spoke, "I know it's true, but I don't want to hear it."

I have a theory on calling hours...that it's the faces of those who come, not their words. Maybe we should all just show up and shut up. Someday I'll have an answer for you...I hope that day is a long way off.

Two Sets of Jones' - Official Music Video

2010-03-29T06:53:00.001+12:00

Awsome song...

The cat

2010-03-24T01:55:00.003+13:00

I filled out my Census 2010 (that's twenty-ten for those of you still engaged in the debate). Chris, age 44, male. Stacey...female. H,...female. G...female. E...female. I need a bigger garage! But then, just before I sealed the envelope I just had to do it; Skitty, Age 2, MALE! Do you think I'll get in trouble for listing the cat?

Late night poetry

2010-03-22T15:57:00.004+13:00

A link off the CNN site brings attention to the top 10 whiskeys. As luscious and amazing as this one sounds, I can't believe I never became a scotch drinker..."sweet seaweed." Who writes this stuff?! I read and write while listening to the House vote on healthcare...my children are better behaved...maybe that scotch doesn't sound so bad after all!

Lagavulin 16 Year Old

The prince of the Islay malts, this is deep and dark, with notes of fruitcake and sweet seaweed. A volumptuous texture and a fragrant, smoky finish. For drinking with poetry, late into the night.

43 per cent ABV

34 Brave Democrats

2010-03-22T15:48:00.001+13:00

Tango Uniform

2010-03-14T07:58:00.004+13:00

I learned something yesterday...an important lesson. There are very special places where people don't say to one another, "how are you?" Times when you laugh only because that's all you have left. Times when knowing that even the most well lived life just isn't enough comfort. Times when being a "wingman" means being there over that right shoulder, and the only armaments available are prayer. I appologize for all of you who don't understand this posting, but there is one man who does. And I'm sorry I can't write more but I need to go call my dad...

While I'm doing that, maybe you'll revisit this http://buttonwind.blogspot.com/2009/03/5-girls-and-grandfather-or-charlies.html

Racecars and Palindromes

2010-02-28T07:52:00.004+13:00

"Mom, what's a palindrome?" These words were uttered just minutes ago by my 8 year old. She was expecting an example, and my wife replied with one..."Mom, she said." "Oh, I was thinking racecar." What is an 8 year old doing thinking of palindromes anyway?

For those of you who have to look it up (like me), A palindrome is a word or sentence that reads the same forward as it does backward.

Personally, I like racecar. Like the one above - A 1973 Mustang Mach I. I used to have one, it was really fast and as I drove down the street it would cause me to accelerate quicly after having proclaimed, Was that car or a cat I saw?!

The Perfect Church

2010-02-20T17:13:00.003+13:00

I found it! I've finally found it. The perfect church! I'm so excited. I can't tell you how many years I've been looking...but I've finally found it. Of course, I'm the only member, and to join you must pledge absolute allegance to my version of church. Or scale the tripple concertina wire, the electrified fence, the guard dogs, and the motion detectors between you and my beautiful stained glass.

See you Sunday...or not!

2010-02-16T01:16:00.000+13:00

Spambot's

2010-02-16T01:12:00.002+13:00

I'd much rather be writing a review of Monty Python's Spamalot, but alas. Over the last four days I've noticed garbage comments to my blog. I guess I should be happy...I mean, it means I have an audiance right?! Anyway, I've added some minor security to my comment section to close the door to the incidious...

S P A M B O T !!!

Blogging - It's what I do!

2010-01-16T14:31:00.003+13:00

I like stories. I like to write stories. This blogging thing just came naturally for me. See something cool, photograph it if possible. Reflect and write it down when possible. Repeat. Now it's become part of my life, and I realized very recently, part of our life. Our means us, my bride, my kids and me. You see, we were experiencing something cool together when my wife suddenly burst out, "Oh you HAVE to put that on your blog!" And I will...as soon as I remember what it was! This photo captures it all so well... Oh, I'm so blogging about this...

Look what Twitter's done now (guns to a snowball fight)

2010-01-01T04:29:00.004+13:00

It snowed in DC...a lot. For a city that doesn't get blasted like we do on the northeast, I applaud them for their enthusiasm! Apparently after a flurry of twitters, hundreds of people gathered for a snowball fight. Everything was fine until an off duty police officer drove by in his Hummer. A perpetrator had the nerve to actually strike his vechical with squished up ball of the white stuff. Not to be made a fool of, or have his precious paint scratched?, he of course exited his vehical brandishing not a snoball, but a 9mm (artistic liberty taken with the weapon due to the blurry images). One eye witness was quoted as saying, "It was pretty fun, and then, you know, when the gun came out, uh, it just changed the tone of the thing a little bit." Changed the whole tone of the thing a bit?!

So, Hummer guy, I say lighten up a little and stop giving DC police a bad name. I sincerely hope the snowball fight went on after his departure. As for me, I have a Twitter account. Maybe I'll actually give it a try...you never know when you'll be invited to bring a gun to a snowball fight!

Mary, or Well behaved women...

2009-12-27T03:13:00.004+13:00

I wonder, when I get to heaven, if I'll get to meet Mary? You know who I mean...like Cher, only a first name is necessary...on second thought, NOTHING like Cher. I wonder if I'll recongnize her? My Catholic friends are probobally looking at me like I've lost my mind, "of course you'll recognize her, you know, the Lady with the big halo." I'm resisting the urge to be playful with that last sentence...today's a more serious post. I imagine meeting Mary in an undramatic sort of way. Walking down a dirt path by a river at morning. A pleasant day with birds singing in the mornings song. We're in heaven. A woman approaches, she's pretty - not striking, but there's something about her that's too glaring not to notice. We sit together on a bench and begin to talk. She's humble, soft with her words and beautiful...I now see it. And then in a split second I know it's her...it's Mary. "What was it like? I mean, what things did you treasure in your heart that night?" To my surprise she begins to talk...she shares all the things that night the Savior was born...The angel, the angelic chorus, the shepards, the delivery... I say nothing as she answers every question I have - though I never ask a single one. Then she stands and she walks away, leaving me with a Jewish blessing as she goes...

There's so much about Mary. Depending on your denomination I guess she ranges from Queen of Heaven to "just a woman." You can read about her words spoken in the bible, her position - or lack of position. But for me, it's intriguing to stop for a moment to just ponder in my heart who "she" was. A very young woman with a beautiful heart who has served and loved God from her earliest days. A thoughtful and contimplative woman. Listening more than speaking. Humble. Obedient and willing to do whatever her Lord requires of her. And this...this was a pretty big deal! An angel appears and tells her she's about to be pregnant. She travels while "great with child." The manger. The angel again. The angelic choir. The shepards...and all the while Mary simply treasures these things, and ponders them in her heart. That's what I wanted to know...what were those things she pondered?

In Seneca Falls, NY - two miles from my home, there's a sign. "Well behaved women seldom make history." They might be wrong. Merry Christmas...

Ring bell for outstanding service

2009-12-14T17:17:00.003+13:00

The sign might be a little tough to read given the poor camera on my phone, but this one was too good not to post. I'll try and get back with a real camera. Unfortunately, this bell is only good for the local store, if you want to let Arby's Corporate know, you have to dial 911. I wonder if they'll help you post bail?

Mary did you know

2009-12-14T09:34:00.003+13:00

There's a great song they play this time of year...a Christmas song. Mary did you know. My oldest daughter is singing it as I write. She has a beautiful voice. The song is profound if you pause and really think about. "Mary did you know...the child you delivered will soon deliver you?" She couldn't possibly know. She couldn't possibly understand how the ancient scriptures would be revealed. She couldn't fully predict that in just 33 years from her pondering, that He, her tiny baby, would bear the sins of the world.

I know Kenny Rodgers has overdramatized the song, and everybody in the world sings it these days. But the next time you hear 'Mary did you know,' pause and reflect... "Mary, when you kissed your baby's face you kissed the face of God." Prepare your heart for a Mary, I mean Merry, Christmas.

Breakfast Losers

2009-12-14T02:50:00.003+13:00

That's G to the right. E is to the left out of camera range. And me, I'm beside G. We don't know those guys across the room, which is OK, this blog is not about them...or us. We are definitely not breakfast losers! But we are breakfast goers many Saturday mornings. We know who has the best pancakes, who put's onions on the plate and the difference between homefries and hash browns.

It's hard to see, but there are three empty chairs at the end of our overlength table. The waitress, who we know well, asked, "would you mind if a couple joins you?" We were thrilled. We always welcome company. To steal my middle daughters words, "a stranger is just a friend we haven't met yet." She was willing (the wife), but he (the breakfast loser) decided to sit at the bar instead. "Are you sure," she said? He said nothing, but just sat. We were disappointed, but not that disappointed...we're good company, even if it's just ourselves! Withing a few minutes we paid the bill and walked out, whispering under our breaths as we passed, "Breakfast Losers!"

Master Chef

2009-12-11T00:37:00.003+13:00

Thanksgiving is a time for friends or family, and of course FOOD! Thankfully, this year for us was no exception. But this year was an exception. Typically we go to some family members house, hang out and make small talk, eat and then discuss the wine labels...last year it was "Running with Scissors." For me now, it's a toss up between which is cooler - "Running with Scissors" or "Mad Housewife Cabernet," but now I digress! This year we went somewhere truly special.

This year we were in the presence of a celebrity. A master chef. I watched in awe - that is - we watched in awe as he prepared masterpiece after masterpiece, each better than the last. Yams and sweet potatoes with pixie dust. Real cranberry relish with habenjaro peppers, oh my! Real NY maple syrup poured into something, and a turkey to die for. And when he was done...when the flury of whipping and stirring and roasting was complete, we stood in awe as if a great tornado has just passed, and delivered before us a priceless gift in return. The show was amazing. The food was fabulous. And family...it was great.

You may think of him as Mr. Button, VP of something for Macy's. You may stand amazed to learn that the clown chief for the parade is under his care. But to me, he's much more than these. He's even more than brother. He will forever be, Jeff the Chef!

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

2009-12-03T15:50:00.001+13:00

How can you not love the Muppets?!

Sorry for the PG here, I guess you had to have been there!

2009-11-17T14:01:00.003+12:00

Higher Ed - Words to Live By

2009-11-17T10:40:00.003+12:00

Today's Higher Ed word to live by is brought to you buy the Hobart Athletic Director. And I thought only academics had it ; )

How can you not love a place like Arizona?

2009-11-16T14:30:00.002+12:00

I was driving down the road, looking for geocaches...what else. When I came across this sign. The irony is striking, and really really funny. At least to me. Before you consider the sign, think about the hundreds of animals...small ones...maybe even cats...that cross this busy desert road! (Make sure you see the white paint on the road)

Arizona was made for geocaching!

2009-11-16T14:27:00.002+12:00

Tell me Arizona isn't made for Geocachers!

Ahhhh... or Geocaching, it's what I do!

2009-11-09T14:56:00.004+12:00

I was sitting in my office minding my own business. Reading a contract for a new athletics project. Pondering the conditions of lump sum agreements with guaranteed maximum prices. Contimplating steel order times and making sure the Letter of Intent for bleacher orders is in place so football can happen less than a year from now...and then I looked up. Ahhhh!!! There they were. Four of them in blaze orange, GPSr in hand photographing and writing down tracking numbers from coins in my window. What would you do if you were me? So I did the only thing I know how. I snapped a photo, put a funny caption on it and posted it on my cache site...and then on my blog.

PS-They said they were from Rhode Island and were heading for the Dinosaur...wish I was with them!

Achmed

2009-11-09T14:42:00.003+12:00

You know, Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Well, actually the photo is AchDEAD the non-terrorist. It's hard to make out, but the foam skull is crushed and now laying in state while we figure out how to ease the tears of an 8-year old. You may ask, "why is it that an 8-yr old knows who Achmed the dead terrorist is..." I don't have a good answer for that so let's just move on! Anyway, we don't approve of terrorists in this house, so my youngest simply decided that her new friend was Achdead the not a terrorist. A C H Phlem DEAD! (If you don't get it so far, just youtube Achmed...if you don't get the youtube reference ask an 8 year old).

I'll admit, it was my idea to have Achdead laid in state. I figured after playing outside for an hour she'd simply forget. Immagine my surprise coming home to a fancy box on the dining room table. "What's this," I said? There in a pirates chest... She gets it from her mothers side!

Geocaching...it's what I do

2009-10-22T13:36:00.004+12:00

I spent today at RIT at a sustainability conference. While there, I took the opportunity to get out and grab a few geocaches. I love it...in fact, geocaching is one of the first things I've really enjoyed in such a long time. Why? I'm not entirely sure, but given the number of geocaching "addicts" out there, I'm not unique! It's the treasure hunt for sure. It's the challenge of putting your wits against another cacher in making the find - and some are really clever. It's collecting the finds...racking up the numbers. It's getting out and walking. It's being outside with something to do. It's doing it with my family when they'll come. Meeting other people with a shared interest. It's phoning a friend to do a web capture in front of a statue to log the cache; not caring how silly you must look posing in the crowd to a camera 300' away! But there's something more. It's self reflective for me. Driving down some forgotten road and discovering a place of tall oaks and granite stones of people who passed on a hundred years before I was born and just wondering...

It's those moments that really make it worth while...discovering myself. Today was one of those days, I chased a cached called the catecombs at RIT. The place was pretty cool, students painted the tunnels with whatever moved them. And so I wandered for ever, turning right at star trek, finding the Wolverine, so many themes. While I walked though, I realized that no one spoke my language. I heard grunting, screeching, unusual sounds - and hand gesturing. The deeper I went, the more pronounced it got. Somewhere I began to understand that I was among the deaf. I was the lone voice, the minority - and they were at home. Talking, moving, gesturing...and I would be unable to communicate with them. I was the one who was uncomfortable. For those minutes while the cache placer was illuding me, I stood in a world that was outside of my comfort zone, and I'm a better man because of it. I don't know what the lesson was/is, but I know there is one and I'll wait for it to be revealed. Until then, I remain thankful for that trip through the labrynth.

Geocaching...it's what I do.

Auschwitz as the sun shines

2009-10-19T14:01:00.003+12:00

Bear with me if you end up on this page. It may seam like I don't know where I'm going, and the path may curve and rattle like then trains that carried so many Jews, but it will get there...to Auschwitz. I have a method for almost every entry - find a picture, write something. Simple. The problem here is...well, Google Auschwitz and see if you can post one of those pictures.

Ever since I saw that awsome movie (except for the predictable language), I've pondered my bucket list. Scuba dive - Check. Dozens of times...more than that. Pacific Northwest. It was amazing. Jump from an airplane. Check...more than 60 times. Find and marry a trophy bride. Check...did that at 2o something - figured I'd get it out of the way early! See the world. Does the Western Carribean on a Disney Cruise count? Write a book, find a thousand geocaches, buy a Harley...see Auschwitz. See Auschwitz. Can you feel the gravity of those words? I can barely breathe right now. It's heavy.

A friend of mine just returned. It crushed her for some moments...the shoes, the glasses, the hair, the chambers and the stack. The sunshine. Those words struck me. "It was a perfect sunny day," She said. "The sun isn't supposed to shine at Auschwitz." Like her, I had always imagined Auschwitz as it's supposed to be: gloomy, eternal black and white like so many photos, dismal, overcast and dreadful. But it isn't true, is it? The sun shines on Auschwitz, on Birkenau. Is it possible that even amidst the horror, that some found tiny slivers of joy in the sun when it shined? I guess I'd like to believe so. Words are not usually difficult for me... I don't know what to say. I'm thankful for that short vicarious visit through the eyes of a friend. I'm thankful for this deeply reflective moment. And I wonder this one more thing...on 9/11 after seeing Auschwitz, can a person whisper "Never Forget" the same way again?

Something lighter next post...I promise.

2009-10-07T13:10:00.002+12:00

Life is about balance isn't it? We'll, I just finished writing about the left wing Antique Sandwich Co., and I felt this tipping of the scales, this lack of centeredness...so I thought I'd share this plaque. No explanation necessary!

2009-10-07T12:50:00.004+12:00

Twenty-two years ago my friend and I went to this place. My Ranger Buddy. The food was good, and coffee was good, but what I liked the most was the irony of it. We were still in the army, paratroopers, patriots, adventurers...real men! And this place was filled with protesters, draft dodgers, free El Salvadorians. Folk music and Jonny Cash were mainstays. I'm not sure why we went other than when I look back, I think we both had (still have) the ability to hold opposing viewpoints in balance within our minds and hearts. Sure, we mad fun of the posters and sometimes the people, but still on occasion, we went. To this day, when I think of the Antique Sandwich Co., I think, "cool place." And it's funny that the place is so close to Defiance Point! I was reminded of it a few months ago. And again last week. My friend Gene was there...and somehow it's reassuring to know that The Antique Sandwich Co. hasn't changed. It's not El Salvadore anymore, but Johnny Cash still plays, and the posters are still on the wall. It's funny too, how life changes. I wouldn't call Gene "Ranger Buddy" material in the strictest sense. "Peace through superior firepower," are not words I ever imagine coming out of his mouth as he pulls away in his hybrid car sporting a Republicans for Obama sticker...and yes, I still wonder about that, and Gene for that matter. But his friendship means the world to me. The bible says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." I guess it's just nice to know that places like the Sandwich Co. are still out there after all these years!

You decide

2009-10-02T08:09:00.002+12:00

"The intellectual vibrancy of adjacency..." I work at a liberal arts institution, and this phrase won the sound bite of the day. There are those of you out there who will swoon at the sound of it rolling off your tongue like a fine wine swirling at your nose. And there are some who will now be certain that a BS degree stands for exactly what it sounds like, and that PhD really means 'piled higher and deeper.' I'll reserve comment and let you decide!

The dark side of geocaching

2009-09-13T14:18:00.002+12:00

A week ago I wrote about a statue of a lady in Chestertown, MD. This entry deals with that same steel lady...but in not so delicate of a way. I'm a geocacher. 170 finds today. According to my friend Gene (YowzaPA), 167 finds makes you officially no longer a rookie. As a now credentialled cacher, I now feel qualified to share the good and the bad. To share the depths a man will go to find that hidden treasure, to grab that cache, to log that find... I feel terrible. What your about to see violates everything my mother ever taught me. But then, to plagerize Dr. Seusse, 'A cache is a cache, no matter how small."

Oh I wish I were an Oscar Meyer Weiner...

2009-09-12T00:46:00.003+12:00

This is B O L O G N A !

Times is tough...

2009-09-12T00:00:00.002+12:00

Only in the back woods of Upstate NY, or somewhere in KY, WV, or the Carolina's...! Actually, I guess you could see this in so many places, but this happens to be Magee, NY. It's the sign that creates the humor isn't it? FOR SALE BY OWNER. The local VFD is selling it's firetruck to the highest bidder...should I be afraid? Either way, I had to turn around to snap the photo...

Back to the truck... It's bright and shiney and looks new. I mean, who wouldn't want spiffy firetruck to park in their driveway? Out for a sunday drive, great for parades, or just show it off to your friends. With competition like this, it's no wonder I can't sell the 88 Lincoln Town Car parked in my front lawn!

Girl with cannonball

2009-09-02T14:15:00.003+12:00

Chestertown, MD is filled with such wonderful history. It's an old town with beautiful old bricks and slate and iron fences. It's a step back in time in a modern way. Part of the charm of this old town are wonderful surprises in architecture, monument or art. When I was first in Chestertown, I met a girl. She caught my eye in an obscure alley, sitting casually on a circle of bricks. She's was young, beautiful and quite disarming as she gazed at a cannonball. I was immediately enchanted by her steely gaze. Though she's never spoken to me, over the years, we've become friends. Everytime I'm there I stop to see her. I wonder always what she sees. What she's thinking. And what's the meaning of the cannonball?

I know I could look it up with little trouble. I'm sure there's a story - but I don't want to know. I like to wonder. I like to ask her each year. Her answer is always the same...she simply smiles and looks on to places I cannot go. Her face is too happy for tragedy. Not joyous enough for play. It's something else that brought that cannonball, and the wonder is in the not knowing, isn't it. In the immagining. I make up a new story each year and now I'm afraid to know because the reality will be dull in comparison to the world I've created for her. And to think...I don't even know her name.

Harley Davidson... or, what's wrong with this photo?

2009-09-02T14:04:00.004+12:00

I hope my wife doesn't check my blog, because she definitely will not approve of this posting. In fact, when I took this photo her first reaction was to say, "that poor guy is going to end up on your blog isn't he." It wasn't really a question, but rather, a disapproving statement of fact. I took the fifth. Me, I don't own a Harley - wish I did. But there's Harley blood in our family of the rough tough kind. Leather and spikes and bandannas. Sturgis and going weeks without a shower. So, as the bike pulled up beside me, my first reaction was, 'nice sound.' Followed quickly by a, "What the...?" Must be a flood coming 'cause I see high waters. The velcro sneakers are classic biker and go perfectly with the light weight blue pants covering the frog like physique. Yes my friends, these are the cowboys who made the classic cast iron heads famous...wanted - dead or alive!

Children exchange

2009-09-02T13:58:00.003+12:00

I love my kids. I will admit, they're trying at times...but I love them. In fact, the thought of really ever getting rid of them has never crossed my mind. But I'm from NY. In New York I guess we do things a little differently. You see, we were recently in Maryland and Maryland apparently has a way of dealing with difficult children.

You can even park in the rear!

Message in a bottle...Pinot Gris

2009-08-22T15:17:00.004+12:00

Paris France is 3,931 miles and an ocean away. This week I spent nearly three days with two Parisians. We worked hard together, and we struggled through light cultural and language barriers. We all had dinner, then breakfast and then Pizza. It all ended with a visit to a winery. The red carpet tour...or is that, le carpet rouge? A walk through the gardens, a tour of the facility, and then the tasting. My new friend wanted to taste a pinot gris...but the winemaker said no. "It's not right, it's flat," he said. He wanted to try the wine...I wanted to try the wine for the sake of connecting. Instead, we left for dinner. On the wine list - Anthony Road Pinot Gris. It ended up on our table purchased by a friend who happened to also be there. It was a wonderful wine. Wonderful conversation. The world became just a little smaller for me these three days, and now I have friends across the sea. In this case, fthat riendship was the message in the bottle...

Re-activated ...or, why I geocache

2009-08-10T01:57:00.005+12:00

We've been geocaching for about a year now, and it's been a lot of fun (at least for me). Mixed reviews based upon the day from the girls! Today I want to share again why we do this apart from the pure fun of it...

From '84-87 I was in an airborne unit stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington. We were LRRP's. The unit was eventually deactivated and life went on for me for the next 22 years. But last month I "met" a cacher from Idaho whose son is now in combat. In our discussions we agreed that a travel bug I created to honor E Co. 109 should be placed in Afghanistan. Now it's there! And yesterday we agreed that the bug should remain with the Troop until their return home. I'm honored. I'm proud. And I'm proud of that young man who carries this tribute to my old unit as an encouragement to his unit.

Log into http://www.geocaching.com/ and put TB27GWP in the "search trackable items" box. I'll update as I learn more.

Brookgreen Allee

2009-07-24T12:58:00.002+12:00

Allee is a French word that means, 'a walk lined with trees.' Three cheers for the French who've given us wine & cheese, amazing pastries and cool words! I was just in Myrtle Beach, SC, and at Brookgreen Gardens. If you get to MB - take the time to go to Brookgreen, and take some time when you're there. Wander through the sculptures and the gardens and reflect at the pools. Flirt with the green/brown bronzed naked ladies! Catch a tadpole. Experience the wonder and beauty of it...and then have lunch. When you're done, save the live oak allee for last...

I was debriefing a meeting with a recently found friend and she asked, "how was your trip." I veered away from business... "I was a Brookgreen... it's beautiful... and the best part is this path flanked with ancient live oak trees. It's just such an amazing place to stand, reflect and find yourself - or whatever it is that you're looking for." Her reply caught me off guard, though it shouldn't have, "So, what did you find?" My answer was lame, "I found an hour with no responsibility." We both laughed, and went on with our business - but my mind, or perhaps my heart, never left.

What did I find this time in my beloved allee? Peace and wonderful aloneness that some probobally call solitude. Communion with God that most would call nature. And a wonderful sense of my mortality...that knowlege that life is so much bigger than I am, and somehow that thought brings me peace. The knowlege that everything is going to be OK. That I love and am loved. That I matter, and there are those who matter to me. That life matters and that my contributions make a difference even if to only one at a time. Those trees, if they had souls, could tell me of the hundreds of men and women who have stood there before me, pouring out their hearts silently into the wind. Perhaps that's what give life to these ancient live oaks? Life is hard sometimes, it's supposed to be, but if she were to ask me again what I found, my answer would be a little more precise, "me." I hope you all have this experience in that place that's called yours, wherever it may be. And I hope you find that in it all, you matter.

Fireproof In 60 Seconds

2009-07-13T13:44:00.001+12:00

I'm all in

What would the Lorax do? (...or Hitler's tree)

2009-07-09T09:57:00.005+12:00

This tree was planted by Nazi's during WWII with great pomp and circumstance to honor Hitler on his birthday. Hitler sent the seedling from his hometown to be planted here, and likely many other locations. Bands played, a ceremony was held and the tree took root. Two years later the Nazi's were forced out of the town that the left in ruin. The tree however, survives...and it's in the way. In the way of progress - a traffic circle. And in the way of putting autrocities behind. Some say it's not the trees fault (as if it has a soul). Some say burn it to the ground and spit on the ashes. My burning question is this... "What would the Lorax do?"

Follow the link for the story
http://www.thespec.com/article/588209

Small world

2009-07-07T13:06:00.002+12:00

Who knows where little events take us? I sent a travel bug out there. A set of my airborne wings from 20 years ago clipped to a modern army dogtag logo. I great friend dropped it in Tacoma Washington - it's mission was to go to Ft. Lewis, and then return home. If things go well, this bug is about to be redeployed...to Afghanistan! A soldiers mom picked it up - soldiers mom's are the best! She left a note that it would be fun to send, but safer to just move it to NY as planned. I wrote back..."send it overseas." So if the extraction mission goes as planned, the wings will be recalled to duty; HOOAH! I'm excited by this. I'm moved emotionally by it. And I'm humbled by these little connections my silly hobby sometimes makes.

More later I'm sure.

What the?

2009-07-03T12:15:00.005+12:00

Call me old school...I just can't get myself to type the last letter of the modern WT* so freqently used in todays e-world. And if you don't know what the last letter is, your really old school...like dirt old, like my father-in-law old. It must be a generational thing; gosh, I hope not. But it did make me think. I spent a lot of time with the Army. SNAFU was a household word...er...barrackshold word. Did you ever stop to think what that really means? No one does. You hear it all over. Do me a favor, don't!

It's a struggle. I've got one of those senses of humor that enjoys a crazy photo with a thought provoking note that invites you to use you immagination, ponder absurdity, throw your hands up in hysterical confusion. I even tried a few on for size... WOE (what on earth), OMG (oh my gosh), etc. None of them really work. So let me leave you with this as I ponder what the civil engineer was thinking when he/she designed this thing somewhere over Baltimore, on the approach to BWI...

WT*?

Fathers

2009-07-03T12:01:00.004+12:00

Prayer. Perhaps that's the answer to what fathers do best. Or at least that's what they should do. No, that's not his daughter - it's mine. He prays for her almost every day...and he prays for me the same. It's not her father - it's mine. She's comfortable on his lap, hands folded. And he's delighted to be with her. I think in this moment, there's no place either of them would rather be. Think of it from my perspective. My daughter, with my father, praying to our Father. For men of faith, there is no greater joy than this. If you don't share our faith, you may not get it all, but you surely must understand great love.

This is Father's Day, 2009. On the tomorrow of this day, they'll be leaving for Myrtle Beach. Rough life for a kid, don't you think. Today's an especially special Father's Day...can I share why with you?

Jennifer Lin or If you don't have anything nice to say

2009-06-21T01:32:00.002+12:00

I think you should listen to this young woman. The music is beautiful and moving and really quite amazing. What always amazes me (in not such a good way) is the need in others to criticize instead of celebrate wonder. I decided to post the following comment on the Youtube site...in case it's too far down the list when you see this, here's my contribution. I hope I recieve hate mail!

"Loser prima donnas. Her talent is amazing and the piece is amazing. Appreciate it for what it is and keep your criticisms to yourself. Didn't your mothers ever tell you that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?"

The Giver

2009-06-14T10:15:00.002+12:00

The cover is worn and slightly ripped. The Newbery Award sticker has seen better days. But isn't this what great books are supposed to look like.

"Sir?" Jonas said shyly.

"Yes? Do you have a question?"

"It's just that I don't know your name. I thought you were The Receiver, but you say that now I'm the Receiver. So I don't know what to call you."

The man had sat back down in the comfortable upholstered chair. He moved his shoulders around as if to ease away an aching sensation. He seemed terribly weary. "Call me the Giver..."

I've read The Giver a number of times now, and it gets better with each reading. The best times are when my bride reads it aloud to me...or to us. Today we all took turns reading to each other this provocative book about society and sameness and the the terribleness of conformity taken too far. Like Atlas Shrugged, but so much better. I hope you read it, or better yet, I hope you can find someone like my bride to read it to you!

The F-Bomb!!!

2009-06-14T10:06:00.002+12:00

I know what you're thinking. Why is a good conservative man like myself throwing the F-bomb around anyway? Well, let me tell you... One isn't supposed to mix religion or politics into social setting. They can be real wet blankets on conversation right? Who cares. I was in a discussion with another man a few days ago, we might have been talking about coincidences or something equally preposterous. It was a fun conversation when I did it. I didn't mean to...it just slipped out. Old habits are so hard to break... "Buddy, some times you just have to have FAITH!" No, I didn't mean the encouragement kind, I meant the God kind. He flipped, "I can't believe it. I can't believe you just used it. I can't believe you just dropped the F-bomb!" Somehow I think God will forgive me ;-)

Got the shoes... or Some Dads just get it - Part 3

2009-06-14T09:55:00.004+12:00

I know the drill...find a picture. Write something that's hopefully meaningful. Post it on my blog... I would, but I don't have a picture - just a verbal account. As men societaly, were often distant from our families. Wrapped up in work, or football, or anything but our kids and our families. But not all of us.

My friend gets it. And he's got the t-shirt to prove it. He's got girls, and they dance. The girls dance, the dads hang out and act cool while waiting to pick them up. At least that's how it was. this year my friend talked the dads into doing a number...you know, a routine...the dad's got up on the stage and performed for the girls. Choriography, costumes, practices and actual rythm (I'd of failed miserably!). Businessmen, engineers, truck drivers maybe - I don't know. What matters is they got up there and got involved in the lives of their kids...their daughters. Sons are easy (I think - I don't have any). But girls are wired differently. Girls take some figuring out. They're meant to be cherished and pursued and a little wrestling never hurts ;-). So if you ever run into a guy with a shirt on that reads, "Been there, done that...got the shoes" get a visual of him in costume with ballet slippers (tutu optional!), and then pat him on the back and say, 'nice job!'

White Flags...it's a French Thing

2009-06-08T14:25:00.004+12:00

This is Fort Niagara in NY. The castle and fort were built by the French, but taken by the British - it remains at that point in history. Notice the flags to the right of the photo. The fort flies the British flag (right), the American flag (middle) and the French flag (left). At this time in history the French flag didn't exist as we know it...the French flag was...white. I leave you with this question: Is it a coincidence that the French flag and the flag of surrender are one in the same? You decide!

For those of you who are French and great friends (met or not yet), forgive me. For any corporate officers for the company I work for, I'M ONLY JOKING...

Memorial Day ...this kind of sums it up

2009-05-26T02:36:00.004+12:00

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T04:43:00.004+12:00

I'm proud to have served this great nation. Thankful for what willingness to sacrafice has taught me. Better as a man because I know the brotherhood of service. Today as we walk through the festivities of Memorial day, I'll stop and pause at the monuments with my three daughters and remind them of the men and women who have given their lives that we may be free. Reflect on the image and remember. And then thank the veterans you meet, pray for the families of the veterans you'll never meet, and pause for a moment when you walk past our flag... For those of you who don't share these thoughts - thank a veteran for giving you that right.

Some dad's just get it - Part 2

2009-05-17T15:15:00.003+12:00

The school play was tonight and the girls have been begging me to go. We sat in the back together at first, then two of the three drifted over to their friends. I sat in the dark holding and roughhousing and hugging and snuggling with my middlest girl. We were in the last row, no one behind us...just enjoying the play, and enjoying each others company. Intermission came and I realized there was someone behind us. She tapped me on the shoulder, "I don't want to embarass you, but I just thought it's wonderful the way you're loving on your daughter." There was emotion in her face and she went on just a little more... "It's wonderful to see you, kind of a bear of a man being so gentle and loving." Hmmmm...I never thought of myself as a bear, and I'm not sure if that means I'm manly, or need to lose 50 pounds?! But it was nice to hear. I love my girls dearly, and I go to great lengths to associate with dads who "get it." Sometimes it's nice to be recognized as one of those men! Thanks...whoever you were.

Some dad's just get it!

2009-05-15T12:07:00.005+12:00

Like this one. This very young lady, who will remain anonomous, did not learn this from her mother...Awesome!

Star Trek

2009-05-10T15:11:00.004+12:00

We just saw the new Star Trek. Ten years after wrecking the classic 'Vette, Captain Pike challenges James Tiberius Kirk... "Your father was captain of a starship for 12 minutes. He saved 800 lives, including yours. I dare you to do better."

Awsome movie!!!

The Mom Song With Lyrics

2009-05-10T09:34:00.001+12:00

Once upon a time...It's what I do

2009-05-05T15:09:00.002+12:00

Swine Flew?

2009-05-02T13:09:00.002+12:00

Some said a black man would be president when "pigs fly." 100 days into Obama's presidency...Swine Flu (say it outloud).

Stand by me (click this title)

2009-05-01T02:15:00.004+12:00

I don't know how to embed this, but it's definitiely worth checking the link. Great song performed many artists across the world all together...Amazing!

LEED AP - It's what I did

2009-04-22T13:22:00.003+12:00

I've been either absent, or intolerable for the last 5+ days. Book in hand, printouts everywhere, flashcards, and a laptop permanently logged into the practice exam site. A USGBC class under my belt, and my head swimming with rainwater calculations, 14,000 CFM/SF, 95% FSC, 75-95-50, etc. etc. Little breaks to geocache. An hour drive to the test site and two long hours one question at a time. Check and recheck and know I failed too many times in those 80 questions. 8 seconds, 7,6,5,4,3,2,1...You have exceeded the time limit. Click "next." A long pause, and then the unceremonial screen. The number is burned in my head. The moment was surreal and euphoric at the same time. I wanted to laugh and cry and leap all at the same time. I passed. I passed the LEED AP exam! I know for those of you who passed the PE or the RA, this is like childs play. It's like flying the T-38 while the F-14s buzz the tower. But it's flying all the same! Who knows, maybe my perspective is wrong. Engineers and architects save the world from failure, rising heat, and bad design (most of the time!). LEED APs? Maybe we help save the world from ourselves...

My wife cried with joy (probobally relieved she wouldn't have to put up with another month of study!), and my kids... "Yeah dad, can we watch TV now?"

BA-K-47

2009-04-17T13:49:00.005+12:00

This is too funny to pass on! Click the BA-K-47 to follow the link.

I've got you babe... Letterboxing

2009-04-17T13:25:00.004+12:00

We've been geocaching for several months now, and really enjoy it. Tonight we were FTF (first to find) at a beautiful cache that overlooked the lake, through a vinyard at sunset. Breathtaking. Geocaching is a family event, and mostly a 'dad and the kids event.' So two weeks ago I took up letterboxing with just my bride. It's a similar game, find a cache online; follow the clues; find the tupperware. Here's where it get's different. The tupperware contains a log book and hopefully a handcarved rubber stamp. You bring a stamp...you find a stamp...and then you stamp each others logbooks. It's a treasure hunt, an artform and quality time with just my bride all in one.

That's us...we're Sonny and Cher. Look us up on http://www.atlasquest.com/ And if you chance upon us on the caching trail maybe we'll sing a bar of "I've got you babe..." It's our song, after all!

NAVY Recruiting Poster

2009-04-17T13:20:00.003+12:00

Through good guidance, and some abuse, I've found a blogging style that works for me. Flash a picture...write a few words and hit the "post" button. Today I'm going to let the picture speak for itself.

Brown M&Ms

2009-04-17T13:09:00.002+12:00

When I was a kid, Van Halen came to Syracuse, NY. In addition to trashing the hotel, David Lee Roth demanded M&Ms...with all the brown ones removed. I always thought that was funny. It's funny how it's stuck with me for so many years. Last week I was asked to speak to a small group of graduating seniors. A wonderful young lady sent me an email, "Is there anything you need for Wednesday night?" Without hesitation I responded simply, 'M&Ms, browns removed." I never gave it another thought...until Wednesday night arrived, and on my podium was a cup of M&Ms. I set up the computer, wondering who had left their candy there. The screen fired up and only then did I check the second cup out of curiosity...yes - filled with Brown M&Ms! I laughed outloud to myself, felt slightly embarassed, and really quite happy. I guess it's true what they say - you don't get what you don't ask for. Thanks Ashley!

Easter morning 2009

2009-04-15T23:34:00.001+12:00

Easter morning, 2009. 6:15 AM I got my youngest up. "Wanna geocache?!" A groggy, "Noooo. I want to sleep." "But there's a frog coin in the cache!" She leaps out of bed, and we're off. I'm in shorts, T-shirt and a light coat intending to go directly from the cache site to the church to coustume up for the Easter play. She's dressed more warmly, but her tiny body doesn't hold any heat. I'm pressing the speed limit as she reads the GPS and is methodically counting down tenths of miles and minutes to the target..." 9.3, 9.2, 9.1. Daddy, why does the clock say 06:30?" Because we're on a mission darling, now tell me the distance again, and what direction is the arrow pointing - are you holding the GPS straight forward?"

6 minutes 35 seconds. I calculate in my head and jump on the clover leaf. I've been watching the hints of sunrise in the rearview mirror since we left the house...there's time - Barely. No traffic, the car whips to the wrong side of the road and we stop overlooking the lake and let the morning take our breath away. Roll, roll, roll - snap - window back up and we're off again; still enchanted.

We got to the cache easily. Finding the box was a little harder however...in shorts...in 30 degree weather, laughing at the random flakes of snow falling. My gosh, it was cold. But we found it - signed the book and dashed home. "E," I said, show me the coin! "You've got it," she said. Have you ever tried to argue with an 8 year old?

I smiled, and remembered on this wonderful day, He has Risen!

PS-We went back and found the coin that she lost!

Pirates in Somalia: Chess 2009!

2009-04-15T03:25:00.004+12:00

Pirates board US ship...pawn move.

Captain trades himself for crew...strategic bishop move.

Pirates take captain on life boat...pawn move #2

US crew retakes ship...strategic knight move

Lifeboat runs out of gas...pawn move#3. Pirates are clearly playing move to move.

Navy SEAL team had parachutes in and takes up positions on the Bainbridge's back deck...CHECK,

The on-scene commander responds appropriately and decisively to clear and imminant danger by authorizing lethal force. The SEAL's deliver from 75 feet, with night vision on the rolling seas...CHECKMATE.

Appartently the negiotations ended at that point. Pirates flip the board over screaming that somehow they were cheated and that revenge will be taken. Good luck next time - Not.

Admittedly I stole this, and tweaked it. As a chess player I love the analogy. I love when the good guys win. And it really irritates me that the real tragedy here is the Myth of Jack Sparrow is being tarnished by these clown!

of Pirates and Snipers

2009-04-13T23:18:00.002+12:00

This summer I struggled with our design team on a project. It was the use of a word...well, actually two words that caused the conflict. Body count. It must be a carryover from the days when I wore green and carried an M-16! I learned a good lesson that day; listing the members of the team is not a body count, it's a meeting attendance list - an attendance list - an attendance list...OK, got it.

Though I try to get body count out of my mind, I find in yesterdays news that there are times when that term is appropriate and perfect...

Once upon a time

2009-03-27T10:22:00.003+12:00

Life for me happens in events, moments...chapters. At least that's how I categorize it. As my children grow we tell stories. Stories of growing up, stories of dreams...stories we make up. Life is a story. Life is so many stories that blend together, ever changing, always becoming new. And stories change with our memory, or new information - or simply convenience. The government changes it's story all the time so it must be OK!

A friend gave me sound advice. He said, "stick to the high ground." No, wait - that was Sun Tzu. My friend said, "Stick to what you do best Button - A photo and some words. You're writing your life for your kids to read someday." He's right. I find it interesting, I look at the statistics of the hits to my blog. It's interesting to me, but not necessarily important. I like to see a new state or a new country represented. I like to see the same city frequently. But in truth I know that I really write for me...and for them. With this blog I no longer have to wonder where I left my notebook, or that scrap of paper. It's here. And it's here wherever I am if I can find an access point. How cool is that.

Though I like the convenience of this keyboard, I still love the feel of real ink or lead on real paper. I like stories that start with, "Once upon a time..." I guess I really should think of how to create a backup though. Shane?

Geocaching in a nutshell

2009-03-27T10:14:00.005+12:00

Though I'd like to, I can't imagine what I could say that would improve this...

Spyfox5 out!

Geocaching...It's what I do

2009-03-20T12:43:00.003+12:00

Geocaching is a new thing for us. You take a handheld GPS device, look at a website for clues and coordinates, and then trek into the woods looking for a hidden treasure. I love the tagline on the geocaching.com page, "The sport where YOU are the search engine." We're doing it as a family and we call ourselves the Spyfox5. This day, Sunday March 8th we went out in the afternoon caching. The coordinates led us deep into a cemetary the snow had recently melted out of...to this. It left me speechless, and the geo-treasure dimmed in comparison.

The flags were all tipped, we straightened as many as we had time for and then moved on...moved by beauty and reverence and patriotism. Tonight we met Captain Jon and First Mate - but that's a story for tomorrow.

5 girls and a grandfather, or Charlies Frogpond

2009-03-17T12:29:00.003+12:00

I've wrestled with the title to this one for a while. Today I just decided to write it. Maybe I'll write another based on the same day, but a different theme. So many things can happen in such a short amount of time...memorable things.

I have three girls. My friend has two. Close in age...all five adorable. The get along - five girls who all get along; how amazing is that?! Breakfast is our thing, and we invite guests anytime we can recruit them. I managed to twist my friends arm to bring his Dad, the girls were a bonus! I wrestled with the place for a long time - it had to be right. Charlies Frog Pond in Rochester was perfect. We met on the street and headed in, my friend immediately took control of the place. Getting and arranging the table like a military operation. With all my good Army training, I'd never seen anything like it...at least not at breakfast. We all sat, the men on the outside, the five girls like sardines by the window. The sang and talked and acted silly. We were much more refined, doing "Top Gun" stories and carrying on. We looked at the girls suspiciously - they looked as us and whispered. It's good to have a healthy distrust of the opposite sex...especially when they're under 12 (or over 40)!

The grandfather was strategically place between us, and the girls. That way he could divide his attention as grandparents seem so able to do. And then it happened. The old stories. The old memories. A story my friend heard for the first time. One of those moments you put in the memory jar to keep forever. I learned about hope and perseverance and forgiveness. About prejudice and overcoming. I learned about love, and a little about magic. The girls are special...really special. But sometimes, just sometimes, it's the grandfather.
(Photo withheld to protect the innocent)

Buildings speak to us - A comment on Louis I. Kahn

2009-03-15T15:59:00.002+12:00

I just watched My Architect. Dull, but interesting movie (is that an oxymoron?). I'm fascinated by the notion that buildings speak to us. I find myself so often intrigued by the architcture of a city. The details, the shapes, the way the structure meets the skyline. Buildings do speak, and it's up to us to listen. They speak with their words - sometimes we need to understand the language...massing, form, use of light. But what is most moving is what buildings say with their soul. I realize this is a bit reaching, but buildings (in a non-spiritual sense) do have souls, don't they? Can't we feel them, or at least their presence? Or maybe it's more. Can't we feel the soul of the man or woman who created the building, the icon, the statement?

Louis I. Kahn was charismatic. Talented. Passionate. I should like one day to experience one of his buildings. I find them brutal and ugly and bulky. Not attractive. Dated. But I suspect that like the man himself, they have a nuance and a depth and intricacy that must be felt, not just seen. To experience a building you have to come with your heart - not just your eyes. But is L. I. Kahn and Icon? (Can't resist the play on words). I deeply suspect not. Kahn was a liar. An unfaithful man. A man who placed no value on family or committment. And a man of deep desire, but no committment. He had three families. Three women who idolized him - but none of whom he was committed to. He didn't comprehend night and day. Family. The stuff that matters. But he was provocative. He illicits deep emotion. I think I would have liked him, but I also believe I wouldn't have respected him. From a distance he would have bothered me - Close up I would be intrigued...even fascinated. But I also believe that the upon leaving his company - like I immagine leaving his building will be - I would find myself disturbed by his lack of fullness and committment.

Tomorrow I'm going to take my family to an intriguing building. I'm going to teach them to listen, and then I'm going to listen to what they hear. I'm going to chose the place carefully. Buildings do speak to us - but maybe not all of them are worth listening to?

Is this sacreligeous...or...the Church Brew Works

2009-03-13T10:08:00.005+12:00

It's a simple question, that's gotten such wide answers...often either passionate or passive. The place is called the Church Brew Works http://www.churchbrewworks.com/ in Pittsburgh, PA. So, whadda ya think?

A friend of a Rock Star's dad

2009-03-04T15:20:00.004+12:00

I'm laboring over a title for this one. It has to do with growing up. With getting older, but not getting old. And it poses the question, what was it like to be a friend of Mr. Morrison, Mr. Hendrix or even Mr. Jager (that is, Jim's dad, Jimmy's dad or Mick's dad). At work during lunch, we often all sit at a table reserved for the "other group." For years I've eyed suspiciously the group of old guys who sit near us. Today I relized that we're those guys. We've been doing this lunch thing for a long time now. But let me skip to Rock Stars. The topic lately has been Milo. Milo's the cool guy in the red and white stripes. Though Milo is one of the original members of RaRaRiot, I usually just think of him as "Tom's son." It's cool to have a friend who's the father of a Rock Star. It's great to watch Tom's excitement as he talks about the next city, the travel van, the free sneakers and the latest copy of Rolling Stone, or when he shares the next video or song before it's released...shhhhhh.... As I write these words I can't help think that Mick's dad had friends just like us. Friends who sat at lunch or coffee and talked politics and current events and listened to him brag on his son. I love it! But even if RaRaRiot becomes the next Rolling Stones, I suspect I'll always think of Milo as "Tom's son."

Bloom County AKA Guy Humor

2009-03-04T15:03:00.002+12:00

Bloom County, at least in my opinion, is one of the greatest comix in the world. I miss Opus. I miss Bill the Cat...Ack!

I don't have any idea why this is funny - but it is. It's really funny. Not roll on the floor laughing funny, but better. It's a deep slow whole face smile that comes from somewhere inside. The fact that women don't get it just makes it that much better!

God's economy

2009-03-03T10:59:00.000+12:00

A friend had this posted on her site and I thought it was very worthwhile to post on mine:We are living, as everyone knows, in an extraordinary time of economic fear. Warren Buffet says our economy is in shambles, and is not expected to recover for at least another year, if then. His Berkshire Hathaway stock has declined 44% since 12/07. Millions have lost jobs, homes, value in homes, investments of all kinds, and retirement funds, not to mention losses due to disasters, family crises, and personal health.History records a rich man who suddenly lost everything: his son's house, all his children, all his transportation, his entire business, employees, and investments, and then he painfully lost his personal health. At that point, his wife was so discouraged and bitter, she suggested he curse God and die.Thankfully, the man had not also lost his mind. If he took her advice, then what? To whom else could he possibly go for help, if not to God? He wisely replied, "Though He kill me, I will hope in Him."Only God knows the future, and what we will have to go through. Only He can rescue us from this worldwide financial catastrophe. It is prudent for us to not curse His Name and die, because He is certainly the only One who can save us."If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Sixth Grade Math...it's what I do (AKA "Facebook")

2009-01-28T14:14:00.005+12:00

I have a facebook page and 100+ friends. That's not unusual, in fact it's probobally kind of small given today's culture. There's one "friend" however, who after 31 years has once again made an impression. Let's just call him Mr. Sobierajski for conversation sake. I always believed he had our best in mind, despite his "...get with the program" attitude and Spock like precision and intensity.

I was lamenting in the Chris is... portion of facebook. 6th grade math. Fractions. Bleck! I've been helping my daughter/relearning 6th grade math. Imagine how 1977 flashed back when this message sprang onto my PDA: "Suck it up Button..."

That voice with it's Drill Sergeant timbre came back like a flood, and along with it so many thoughts that melted into a remembering smile. I hated math...but still appreciate Mr. Sobierajski. He may actually be the reason I passed Calculus - barely!