Backyard Christmas

I've really enjoyed the Christmas break and especially our own backyard. I took some pictures of wildlife in my backyard to share.

38 Years And Counting!

After 38 years of marriage to Mary Dan I love her more than ever. The memories we share are a testament to a relationship made in heaven, shared on earth and a future we both are excited to share together. I love you Mary Dan. "I Do" more than ever.

65th Battle of Okinawa Anniversary

65 years ago this year the Battle of Okinawa was fought. This was the last land battle of the Second World War. It also proved to be the bloodiest battle of the war. My Dad turned 19 just before he landed on the beaches of Okinawa. He had never shared much about his experiences until just the last few years. Being a "history nut" I constantly pick his brain for details. This past weekend I went home and Mary Dan and I presented him with a flag and certificate of appreciation for his service. The flag itself was flown over the Army post, Marine Base and Air Force Base on the island of Okinawa. The certificate was sent by the military recognizing his service and appreciation for defending our country at the battle of Okinawa. I want to thank him and let him know how proud I am of him. But not only Dad but all our service men and women who risk their lives everyday so we can enjoy the freedoms we most often take for granted. Your sacrifice is appreciated.

I also took Mom her 80th birthday present. It was an "old" football helmet from the "thirty's" that was signed by Colt McCoy. Mom is a huge longhorn fan. I want to wish her well on her birthday and hope I'm around when she celebrates 100! My parents are the best.

One last time for the birthday girls.

More Birthday Girls Memories

Just a few additional pics of the girls.

My Girls June 24th Birthday

June 24th is the birthday of two of my girls. Danielle my daughter and Nora my granddaughter. Time flies. Seems like yesterday that Dani was Nora's age. Mary Dan and I love them so very much. As I think about their birthday I'm engulfed with memories. Thought I'd post some pics of those memories. Happy Birthday Dani and Nora!

Everyone Likes It But Me...

My daughter has laid down a challenge on her blog that I decide to take. It's called, "Everyone Likes It But Me.." so here goes.

* American Idol. I appreciate music. I appreciate talent shows, but really. This isn't about the music as much as its about the judges. I know, I know. I'm an old dude. To me there hasn't been good music since the early 70's but if the show was about the music and talent, why have the ratings gone down since Simon said he was leaving the show? And we've had talent shows since the Ted Mack Amateur Hour.

*Sushi. No one can question my ability to eat. All my life I've eaten food. But the common denominator is if it's to be eaten then it's to be COOKED! To me only wild animals eat their food raw. Fruit I'm with. Veggies some what. But MEAT? Give me a break. Throw it on the grill, put it in the microwave, slide into the oven or even hold it over a camp fire, but for goodness sake, COOK IT!

* Rap or Hip Hop Music. I don't get it. Even the names of the artist turn me off. "Puff Daddy", "P Daddy", even they can't decide what they want. Music is suppose to "move you." Rap and Hip Hop only move me toward the dial to turn it off.

*MLB Division Playoffs. It's all about $. I do miss the old days when the American League Champion played the National League Champion in the World Series. I don't give a rat's a__ about watching eight different teams "playoff" for a place in the Series. Let 162 games decide the 2 teams to play.

* Instant Replay. We have officials who are suppose to call the game. There is a principle called "the rub of the green". Can you imagine how many great games would have ended differently if they had instant replay then. Sometimes the "breaks" go your way, and sometimes they don't. Live with it.

*Professional Football, Basketball and Baseball players who want to renegotiate their contracts. When Ted Williams hit .401 he followed that year with .387. He asked the Red Soxs to "lower" his pay because he didn't have as good a year. Do you think you'd see that today? A contract is a contract! It's your word. Let the players play for what they agreed to for as long as they agreed to.

* Celebrations in the end zone after scoring a TD, or making a sack, or catching a pass. Isn't this their job? If you score, act like you've been there before. If you make a sack of the QB just stare at him and walk back to the huddle. If you catch a pass, score or jump up after the tackle and go back to the huddle. I'm watching football and not wanting to watch a 350 lb. tackle do the latest dance.

*The National Anthem. I'm very patriotic. I just feel that "God Bless America" is a better song.

*Oprah Winfrey. I tired of her a long time ago. I guess it started when her boyfriend moved in with her. I finally tired of her sharing these worderful diet programs, exercise programs, books, etc. that seemed to come and go with her. Where have her personal trainers, dieticians, and Dr. Phil gone? Well, at least Dr. Phil has his own show. And that could lead me to another entry.

That's just some of the stuff most like that I don't.