tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39459940153658616232023-11-16T07:38:03.880-05:00MINISTRY OF BLABDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-34083082469691207992012-03-26T10:32:00.013-04:002012-03-26T10:56:42.337-04:00Firefighter's Parade - Delray Beach, Florida<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cVr7Kl6rbg9IU4hvqCvfNH9QERa7KfFjktqjSS1X9wgO4aDWcJF987SiZCphn-N4QSuShu0HQ0WYPKrvjeaB3-BniWV5Fzlp7ztX6BicwQcxDMKWjvFpYXeDaPpVKSkjV21poLAsFdMJ/s1600/Vacation+2012+305.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cVr7Kl6rbg9IU4hvqCvfNH9QERa7KfFjktqjSS1X9wgO4aDWcJF987SiZCphn-N4QSuShu0HQ0WYPKrvjeaB3-BniWV5Fzlp7ztX6BicwQcxDMKWjvFpYXeDaPpVKSkjV21poLAsFdMJ/s320/Vacation+2012+305.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724214896608288370" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvgYQI9l6Z_FXK3Au0Xm25mdNUJtSRJBvw-4b_Hka-eUWnwHRD41hqL9yPylkjjRnATwZ9dLMG1eIc78sZ9mBJsOSsfK3Ns91bcEj90H1zPXf9uJXSfiSgcpMuRjkyxlTAD3I68y6hhYD/s1600/Vacation+2012+312.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OMf7PYuvDBleI6MiWST7Wwz9-dluo24_FZip2d2spKiqtaH6DqtodshmZLuLhstfgX_RPPsl_QpJ9uqETOfCrdEX-hxGoBKZEoIwx90L48JP2Ft_BGfFzxxC7yT6WelO5e5Clim88Mqq/s1600/Vacation+2012+298.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This year I had the pleasure of attending the St Patrick's Day firefighter's parade in Florida. Not only did I meet up with some old friends and co-workers, but I saw some really neat apparatus there too.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OMf7PYuvDBleI6MiWST7Wwz9-dluo24_FZip2d2spKiqtaH6DqtodshmZLuLhstfgX_RPPsl_QpJ9uqETOfCrdEX-hxGoBKZEoIwx90L48JP2Ft_BGfFzxxC7yT6WelO5e5Clim88Mqq/s1600/Vacation+2012+298.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OMf7PYuvDBleI6MiWST7Wwz9-dluo24_FZip2d2spKiqtaH6DqtodshmZLuLhstfgX_RPPsl_QpJ9uqETOfCrdEX-hxGoBKZEoIwx90L48JP2Ft_BGfFzxxC7yT6WelO5e5Clim88Mqq/s320/Vacation+2012+298.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724214316371929762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Its been quite some time since being around the fire service. But after spending much of my 12 year career as a Driver Engineer, I have a soft spot in my heart for the machinery. Below are some samples of the fine pieces from firefighting history gathered in Delray.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDOmniislDPldVCO6ATDVR_eiTUivev_x8rVwevueCGNgL8cnra0RwlQExNF6tK2H9aMuX2cpTQhjTymGm4fnwJAaXCnFPZKNNkF2K4v1BcKyv4-oiW15Ff_UMZeJTePoUvbdyoWRedei/s1600/Vacation+2012+394.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDOmniislDPldVCO6ATDVR_eiTUivev_x8rVwevueCGNgL8cnra0RwlQExNF6tK2H9aMuX2cpTQhjTymGm4fnwJAaXCnFPZKNNkF2K4v1BcKyv4-oiW15Ff_UMZeJTePoUvbdyoWRedei/s320/Vacation+2012+394.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724218162934951410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvgYQI9l6Z_FXK3Au0Xm25mdNUJtSRJBvw-4b_Hka-eUWnwHRD41hqL9yPylkjjRnATwZ9dLMG1eIc78sZ9mBJsOSsfK3Ns91bcEj90H1zPXf9uJXSfiSgcpMuRjkyxlTAD3I68y6hhYD/s1600/Vacation+2012+312.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvgYQI9l6Z_FXK3Au0Xm25mdNUJtSRJBvw-4b_Hka-eUWnwHRD41hqL9yPylkjjRnATwZ9dLMG1eIc78sZ9mBJsOSsfK3Ns91bcEj90H1zPXf9uJXSfiSgcpMuRjkyxlTAD3I68y6hhYD/s320/Vacation+2012+312.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724214635153157666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4o2TdpvKzl3YrWCRC1Zx6evStzx9SNkVseNPOk__2p8tzuYI-CaENNGAWtSPPvuCsNwNEu21nIm4U957MktbIIRINWPD3hfSU0HWgOt6p5QcEMfW0th1XCkfgccDzEOmnU3XkLubi6WV/s1600/Vacation+2012+352.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4o2TdpvKzl3YrWCRC1Zx6evStzx9SNkVseNPOk__2p8tzuYI-CaENNGAWtSPPvuCsNwNEu21nIm4U957MktbIIRINWPD3hfSU0HWgOt6p5QcEMfW0th1XCkfgccDzEOmnU3XkLubi6WV/s320/Vacation+2012+352.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724215989230310818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRybH0KTyyRXLk4lZghed6qtr6h1hvwpwGWz9w-NsQTM5acAm11sxUQOT1tZ4EftGd4QChBKn4DVTYBTI8WQXSvmjtjVeV5mXLzmC-bPdLLoP0z63f4CppchTS0pNOhrgqyBP9s3nAc55/s1600/Vacation+2012+353.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRybH0KTyyRXLk4lZghed6qtr6h1hvwpwGWz9w-NsQTM5acAm11sxUQOT1tZ4EftGd4QChBKn4DVTYBTI8WQXSvmjtjVeV5mXLzmC-bPdLLoP0z63f4CppchTS0pNOhrgqyBP9s3nAc55/s320/Vacation+2012+353.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724216328596375314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wAcBC7b4PQmnVfQke_XqkEHApMLYfJhHN6W8K7rk69LlEZPPn2z8obY8XN613GoDf7yjL6lk9cZ9AoXwdP8tbeISHXybTS0w20HrV02QKFhPq1gCuO-KiGp-nuUihPUyGfVLS-2kTzFy/s1600/Vacation+2012+318.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wAcBC7b4PQmnVfQke_XqkEHApMLYfJhHN6W8K7rk69LlEZPPn2z8obY8XN613GoDf7yjL6lk9cZ9AoXwdP8tbeISHXybTS0w20HrV02QKFhPq1gCuO-KiGp-nuUihPUyGfVLS-2kTzFy/s320/Vacation+2012+318.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724217827371264850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufFI1-IhwC96K_AH9PboaghvwGtNDKmnlkd6DUi9cGrhg-j2BzpyeADvpjo0QzYC5f4GiR-8_S07gSJ8XWMxm7synJ9Vo9WKquu4bZtMJw5TMat1IRYdAAgf1p4XHfQ6Dszgz-wjtSZGi/s1600/Vacation+2012+378.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufFI1-IhwC96K_AH9PboaghvwGtNDKmnlkd6DUi9cGrhg-j2BzpyeADvpjo0QzYC5f4GiR-8_S07gSJ8XWMxm7synJ9Vo9WKquu4bZtMJw5TMat1IRYdAAgf1p4XHfQ6Dszgz-wjtSZGi/s320/Vacation+2012+378.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724218636020267170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was told this truck from FDNY is one of the first to respond (& survive) the 911 World Trade Center disaster. It has been decommissioned and is now making appearances around the US in memory of those lost. It has a powerful impact on the crowd, and people didn't know whether to cheer or say a prayer when it went by.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKFlExp_G8SORTOgGLf7aTucLRGsuE2TqerXJVDRfU19cqH291K1o4k-HAZEfy3hXpPx-Y3q3wLYF7sQDTvCF4-PAT1jq3rKRfaFK-ARZS5ybzLHa1hBQx8eP-r9lxIgEgyl47Fn0EDyE/s1600/Vacation+2012+315.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKFlExp_G8SORTOgGLf7aTucLRGsuE2TqerXJVDRfU19cqH291K1o4k-HAZEfy3hXpPx-Y3q3wLYF7sQDTvCF4-PAT1jq3rKRfaFK-ARZS5ybzLHa1hBQx8eP-r9lxIgEgyl47Fn0EDyE/s320/Vacation+2012+315.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724216893057673266" border="0" /></a>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-11825428555593326842012-03-19T17:14:00.010-04:002012-03-19T18:25:15.953-04:002012 1st Quarter ReportI regret it has come to this. I seem to be able only to manage a quarterly post to this blog. Actually, I have been quite busy and have much to write about. But busy-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ness</span> means I don't have as much spare time as before. But I JUST GOTTA tell about our vacation that ended yesterday.<br /><br />We went on this trip by the grace of God and Phil Waldrip Ministries. The folks at PWM have been a tremendous blessing to us New England pastors for several years. But this was definitely "over the top".<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ4lZqBVI0ejoZbcZjnELk8IZtStGEMmeJFGsl32nWxBN96hb5mJeI4dkreE-louivWjBNeoG8AScqD_9g5QpCR82FxlfQdOrsau45YjU6rikb_zHE4VyG3c6M3YeDH2vMGr8ZftFf3eV/s1600/Vacation+2012+072.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ4lZqBVI0ejoZbcZjnELk8IZtStGEMmeJFGsl32nWxBN96hb5mJeI4dkreE-louivWjBNeoG8AScqD_9g5QpCR82FxlfQdOrsau45YjU6rikb_zHE4VyG3c6M3YeDH2vMGr8ZftFf3eV/s320/Vacation+2012+072.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721731697716570946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Josey and I just finished up a 5-day Caribbean cruise that was HEAVENLY. Its the second time we have 'cruised', the first being for our 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> anniversary (12 years ago) when we went for three days to the Bahamas. The weather couldn't have been better this time - as the summer humidity has not yet settled in near the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">equator</span>. Other than some rough seas and upset stomachs, it was nearly perfect!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBQ5J4kWRHfavjHbO-xCsGkJPU4HrV_rbYzStwn-Kk4VdIGReafIAm_4mfhMMDO57GSsXGVTi4csH1kyPuywoPdxF_qERLc9rGLL-GtgYv7JxxelY5jLnO0o_qP9V097NL-pzwrs3IgGm/s1600/Vacation+2012+015.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBQ5J4kWRHfavjHbO-xCsGkJPU4HrV_rbYzStwn-Kk4VdIGReafIAm_4mfhMMDO57GSsXGVTi4csH1kyPuywoPdxF_qERLc9rGLL-GtgYv7JxxelY5jLnO0o_qP9V097NL-pzwrs3IgGm/s320/Vacation+2012+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721721127606490994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We laid around the ship's pool most days, interrupted only by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">scrumptious</span> meals where we probably ate too much. For the most part, we made healthy dietary choices. But its SO easy to eat more often when you don't have to prepare anything. You just have to show-up when they say its ready! And now I am afraid to step on the scale.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq9ZtH18F8dsSs1KZVPcnaZrehaKwa_b-3oXCTxEHIIyAFOiie676CQQqq8V10XZBrtS0ml4iyNcX_z9N5FNv3vVuOaSh3O12isfha7uwvzuH0yiOIV-wF2P3jZNK3PXYENiVJLGkeU1d/s1600/Vacation+2012+085.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq9ZtH18F8dsSs1KZVPcnaZrehaKwa_b-3oXCTxEHIIyAFOiie676CQQqq8V10XZBrtS0ml4iyNcX_z9N5FNv3vVuOaSh3O12isfha7uwvzuH0yiOIV-wF2P3jZNK3PXYENiVJLGkeU1d/s320/Vacation+2012+085.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721722619703353138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There are some real 'artists' that work on these cruise ships. I really is AMAZING what they do with food. I find the food does not always taste exceptional, but the presentation is outstanding. We saw some beautiful ice sculptures and food prepared every way conceivable.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KAoQ0hqOtG0-xeq1o4XfPySj5tqH1nSBQ4nhDKMDcTTwU8XrJmVtdxK9w9GnHPOs9ftqQxxjVZ7UUPV2HMMUfq36781MugBR-ygMFcLIk0Pwv9NyUln4jmB-ClT2ssBv99i58YBPQYDp/s1600/Vacation+2012+222.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KAoQ0hqOtG0-xeq1o4XfPySj5tqH1nSBQ4nhDKMDcTTwU8XrJmVtdxK9w9GnHPOs9ftqQxxjVZ7UUPV2HMMUfq36781MugBR-ygMFcLIk0Pwv9NyUln4jmB-ClT2ssBv99i58YBPQYDp/s320/Vacation+2012+222.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721725069208595442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Then there is the decadence of it all. This giant "Leaning Tower of Chocolate" was more than I could stand. I began to take a big bite when Josey stopped me from causing a scene. But you have to admit, it made a pretty good picture. I could have made myself sick right then & there.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxYHaYYhEQvAslrKLytkWqm1PGmO69GbZN2S1TYagtdKR-Ve-jMX-nB07BlwPy7MOmOAZJHtJZUbE535b0-3pdtOwaQkyx8yjRy3rUHhqFyKGjGUJJN3cThyphenhyphenLcRUy0VN0as_rSjdbHqJi/s1600/Vacation+2012+114.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxYHaYYhEQvAslrKLytkWqm1PGmO69GbZN2S1TYagtdKR-Ve-jMX-nB07BlwPy7MOmOAZJHtJZUbE535b0-3pdtOwaQkyx8yjRy3rUHhqFyKGjGUJJN3cThyphenhyphenLcRUy0VN0as_rSjdbHqJi/s320/Vacation+2012+114.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721726106190979618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shore excursions were fun too. We disembarked on Jamaica and Grand Cayman. The flowers and plants were really pretty. We saw many native plants, flowers, and animals. They cause me to think of God's diversity and awesome creative power.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-2wrT3jVe-ljVXbis8WwUKNRSFkwk66eYhS32r7gZHBS5CrnTuaEHrzFVtACeLqIfGulR44_HU_Mhz-szISP24lEC4DnLWItbT73YZZ_CLuJ8Sf6qAFe1M2aY_FbEB2AThoAXc9PCkoQ/s1600/Vacation+2012+068.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-2wrT3jVe-ljVXbis8WwUKNRSFkwk66eYhS32r7gZHBS5CrnTuaEHrzFVtACeLqIfGulR44_HU_Mhz-szISP24lEC4DnLWItbT73YZZ_CLuJ8Sf6qAFe1M2aY_FbEB2AThoAXc9PCkoQ/s320/Vacation+2012+068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721729171939404290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We mixed it up as far as island visits were concerned. We climbed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dunns</span> River Falls while in Jamaica. Our guide was a "wild man" whom seemed to be entertained by making the tourists fall into water over their head. We were soaked to the bone and a little cold. But I must admit, we laughed a lot! And he taught me some Jamaican slang; When asked how I was doing, he said I should say, "Me irey mon" ... it means I'm doing fine or really good!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiasJyU6tq_Yke0K0Y47MCCYykj6ZXboRTKlUYM0dek2hGqSjSyWiFl_D91Ds4TSu2cMwiPfSQdCD3HdqZEOnuw60rHPRJ-aFZIKODaL7E7dPz_KY3ZRwY6gCSuChbchLn6mP8xUeOU4M_/s1600/Vacation+2012+151.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiasJyU6tq_Yke0K0Y47MCCYykj6ZXboRTKlUYM0dek2hGqSjSyWiFl_D91Ds4TSu2cMwiPfSQdCD3HdqZEOnuw60rHPRJ-aFZIKODaL7E7dPz_KY3ZRwY6gCSuChbchLn6mP8xUeOU4M_/s320/Vacation+2012+151.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721728750459929746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Maybe the most interesting was a swim with stingrays offshore in Grand Cayman. They take you out about two miles from shore in a smaller boat, then chum the water up with fresh squid. The rays come in from everywhere ... and some quite large! At first, I was a bit uncomfortable handling them - as these are the same variety that killed the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Erwin a few years ago.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CevtzDNMxs6C0qiQ5FYpD156xUV1EDOB0hJ8Yywfu61WvmSXK4MZtNXj4pfTB5Uhl2inBgkPj7CULlzTp_QFd0i2qGxP2l-Y4qCDWbtr-TBge5QcrtpNmzUEiit6OZanT392Juwordow/s1600/Vacation+2012+090.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CevtzDNMxs6C0qiQ5FYpD156xUV1EDOB0hJ8Yywfu61WvmSXK4MZtNXj4pfTB5Uhl2inBgkPj7CULlzTp_QFd0i2qGxP2l-Y4qCDWbtr-TBge5QcrtpNmzUEiit6OZanT392Juwordow/s320/Vacation+2012+090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721736303747698018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So now its "back to the real world". Its gonna take some time - I know. But we are SO THANKFUL to have had this opportunity It was a "God-thing" no doubt. "THANK YOU, LORD"!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-51178595389332411522012-01-17T09:13:00.005-05:002012-01-17T09:58:40.466-05:00There are a few things of great value I have experienced in my life. One is entering into intimacy with Almighty God by faith in Jesus Christ. It is difficult to put into words just what that means to me. But the closest earthly comparison I know, is the relationship I have with my loving wife. When we communicate well and are transparent with one another, there is nothing sweeter than to 'know' and be 'known'. The natural outcome of that kind of love was the creation of three beautiful children and a wonderful family. And looking back over the last 30 years, I feel deep satisfaction with that blessing.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvRVK4OLvxxYozie0gpF8ERaIJtgAPMUxMchyv6gk0dhQC7frzf9uDh1Gsujw9V_oi0OMGYDORFc41SZpaqD51X48iZKWMOUvfcnEQqYm56qPYJzd3gbIEiwKoA7-cSvfce-JuP4wi6eY/s1600/Good+Times.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvRVK4OLvxxYozie0gpF8ERaIJtgAPMUxMchyv6gk0dhQC7frzf9uDh1Gsujw9V_oi0OMGYDORFc41SZpaqD51X48iZKWMOUvfcnEQqYm56qPYJzd3gbIEiwKoA7-cSvfce-JuP4wi6eY/s320/Good+Times.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698606852617223586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This picture of the Faith, Cassy, & Harley takes me back to a very special time of building a new home and child-rearing in the western burbs of Royal Palm Beach, Florida. It was a wonderful time of adventure and challenge. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL2KJQInujlp5tS__LiBuZcZSZCTp0WYBd3vL6dpPjIhDGOC2FsVk0kAi5LvGmVgCZ32qnTHolUUmLBwt89glep-S7TzaH27UIFdsxgAVyWrURxOIG9PtgmdYYxqVT-9LK5CBRFHFJoBs/s1600/Kids.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGL2KJQInujlp5tS__LiBuZcZSZCTp0WYBd3vL6dpPjIhDGOC2FsVk0kAi5LvGmVgCZ32qnTHolUUmLBwt89glep-S7TzaH27UIFdsxgAVyWrURxOIG9PtgmdYYxqVT-9LK5CBRFHFJoBs/s320/Kids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698604459401766498" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19CP5gE9UFROrJX5013Anr_dMiKKXqcuZqWzRMUD8w5sj_gDaM8dR4DmxfRv-aCOOJAcGTyGfvAavhu6BEQuPY4TF9OkaxP3I-H-70P-ycxQaZ-C5NOLo4Tv_6fxjY3eKCYJxZuzFIHlp/s1600/Good+Times.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We had some great times over the years, and the three of them have been so much fun. They could add lots of laughter to family vacations, and have a good time almost anywhere. Capturing moments of bliss while eating smores, its too bad the cameraman didn't get the date set properly on his camera. But that doesn't detract from the experience and good memories.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYK1aQP2sYSlXDvgoCnZFRERW6b3hwft1RO-obAkLra3_CBpcLxyU6AamqzB8gJuTAybTP6ajx71DoZ2Ey8pRyRaenhWjlMuK2zMpJS_pgUYpTHp5SIpv1CEE8HkuxHHPL1Ht7eDWRHCl/s1600/LewisFamily2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYK1aQP2sYSlXDvgoCnZFRERW6b3hwft1RO-obAkLra3_CBpcLxyU6AamqzB8gJuTAybTP6ajx71DoZ2Ey8pRyRaenhWjlMuK2zMpJS_pgUYpTHp5SIpv1CEE8HkuxHHPL1Ht7eDWRHCl/s320/LewisFamily2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698604682224321570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Powerful feelings are evoked in thinking about how far we have come on the journey called life. I look at an adult family and realize how long it has really been. I don't feel old - but I am definitely older. And with the addition of little Ethan to our family, I am reminded again how blessed we are. Thank You, Lord.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-67711332089856488582011-11-23T11:11:00.006-05:002011-11-23T11:48:10.215-05:00Wolfboro Regatta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirhky-7P22KYkcpdlOJrOogq2NYcX5kr51ZIrJM44KXxkH6nSOOwkDzU28LMIigYhPFJmocuhcQgWYTxMGBphroz2sUH5DGGKTk4VGBy6AHOT9eRf3QwaQBYEGQKCiauDsFuYurO0DGDQ/s1600/Regatta_Wolfeboro+011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirhky-7P22KYkcpdlOJrOogq2NYcX5kr51ZIrJM44KXxkH6nSOOwkDzU28LMIigYhPFJmocuhcQgWYTxMGBphroz2sUH5DGGKTk4VGBy6AHOT9eRf3QwaQBYEGQKCiauDsFuYurO0DGDQ/s320/Regatta_Wolfeboro+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678225439171092818" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The most fun I've had in a long time was attending this year's Wolfboro Regatta in Wolfboro, New Hampshire. It's a wonderful meeting of antique boat owners and retired race boat drivers at the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee<span class="st"><em></em></span>. And the weather was PERFECT!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhh4wUX2VbpJL3hVT9mTGVdmvwiSZmFqIVU8pIVtBhmPDP6gxx5BX3e2Q6bkon4HAu8_55JWEP7hmoQXoUfuXBB6pxIPOGjDVuYszAYks-cFagTUyigWl3jhbhRSSucENDj9VNSxcZnhY/s1600/Regatta_Wolfeboro+025.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhh4wUX2VbpJL3hVT9mTGVdmvwiSZmFqIVU8pIVtBhmPDP6gxx5BX3e2Q6bkon4HAu8_55JWEP7hmoQXoUfuXBB6pxIPOGjDVuYszAYks-cFagTUyigWl3jhbhRSSucENDj9VNSxcZnhY/s320/Regatta_Wolfeboro+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678227410576935650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Many of these boats were top competitors in their day ... a few were World Record holders. And the current owners still take speed very seriously. The boats are in race-ready condition - some with more horsepower than ever before. And they really FLY around the race course.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR1_iM-apnlxMYeaCiUKQELAG3d8V47luegjDff8LEbdpvNVYKlGVVBdepJ1uTeTLoYHH56Tdk6zxy4jBGuDpr1U0oQfB5TddL2yG6o0DNsjpA9dUMpmrhSoNWfVrQkBUK0MISAV5elQk/s1600/Regatta_Wolfeboro+067.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDR1_iM-apnlxMYeaCiUKQELAG3d8V47luegjDff8LEbdpvNVYKlGVVBdepJ1uTeTLoYHH56Tdk6zxy4jBGuDpr1U0oQfB5TddL2yG6o0DNsjpA9dUMpmrhSoNWfVrQkBUK0MISAV5elQk/s320/Regatta_Wolfeboro+067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678229295452766290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It has been many years (40?) since I went to Miami Marine Stadium to watch these old-school hydos run. They are as much fun to watch now as back then. These pictures were taken from a dock in the pit area - right in the apex of a turn. But the water was good and drivers were getting them to skim the water at about 150 mph in the straights.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzvJwH__GCUGCs7y8wLTKzflmBGRngy0Uz2X1htxuH2iDbNXsaxLx2i3_eDeqwF1fBw1iS41uWzP0sCVxXV0AC3RxmlmUGCd9lx3SAyOI3JooikGjo_vRNCTakIS6UHa8jmvCYyxo76Ch/s1600/Regatta_Wolfeboro+018.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzvJwH__GCUGCs7y8wLTKzflmBGRngy0Uz2X1htxuH2iDbNXsaxLx2i3_eDeqwF1fBw1iS41uWzP0sCVxXV0AC3RxmlmUGCd9lx3SAyOI3JooikGjo_vRNCTakIS6UHa8jmvCYyxo76Ch/s320/Regatta_Wolfeboro+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678231109520855058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This Switzer Craft really brought back memories for me ... haven't seen one in a VERY long time. When I was a kid (late 60s), I used to go to our neighborhood bridge over the Intercoastal Waterway and watch these boats run in the Miami Marathon. Running up over 100 mph, they were always first to come through. It was SO EXCITING!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt78DeC9xKqyOVKX-Wc-QTadE5atU1WljPwGZUUn9R3MQBLM7kjKOkW0CjVW-9YaZxG6G2lwC9RK-GwIbbtgd-D_TtA5iDJ_vAd22Vxy5yu4C2WqWv45-tvw18NFUjxVMg03_xQzr92Xv/s1600/Regatta_Wolfeboro+004.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt78DeC9xKqyOVKX-Wc-QTadE5atU1WljPwGZUUn9R3MQBLM7kjKOkW0CjVW-9YaZxG6G2lwC9RK-GwIbbtgd-D_TtA5iDJ_vAd22Vxy5yu4C2WqWv45-tvw18NFUjxVMg03_xQzr92Xv/s320/Regatta_Wolfeboro+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678232985966570226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There was some really 'sweet' lake boats there too. These old beauties are a work of design art, and took hundreds of hours to build. There is a club in the Wolfboro area that provides a wonderful resource center for those working to keep these old relics afloat. Some of them are worth $$$$$.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-4968253880284149342011-06-18T21:00:00.009-04:002011-06-18T21:38:34.388-04:00Laconia Bike Week 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfPAoigQl0nD8A5AJ6O846oTtXl9xsCQrudLMvjibeTDkjHKZThQz2X50MEq0uYXn0tJdxaz_AdqXrYl72_ohv4drlKJlsnw7sUnGbsw8SZXDYFRfpLSi2vaoQTNKIf8B52U8Xb2ZEoHP/s1600/100_1154.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfPAoigQl0nD8A5AJ6O846oTtXl9xsCQrudLMvjibeTDkjHKZThQz2X50MEq0uYXn0tJdxaz_AdqXrYl72_ohv4drlKJlsnw7sUnGbsw8SZXDYFRfpLSi2vaoQTNKIf8B52U8Xb2ZEoHP/s320/100_1154.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619729611725473746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Getting ready and loaded-up for the trip down to Laconia was REALLY exciting. This year I decided to trailer the bike down - instead of making the ride there and back. IT'S MUCH BETTER THIS WAY!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUJ5KBJWvGEMcYbEEOiCEeBNaofqIfv3g7wnJ47byebcwZGY3L_Ki6F-l4t9XPv0CCQq5B7acpwfcDi6RVVay-WMu3tFH0g6s4fkGKyq8gpuLUg7NBzB5Q2P_51Xk2tBA85BJVlI1QKBO/s1600/laconia_weirsbeach.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUJ5KBJWvGEMcYbEEOiCEeBNaofqIfv3g7wnJ47byebcwZGY3L_Ki6F-l4t9XPv0CCQq5B7acpwfcDi6RVVay-WMu3tFH0g6s4fkGKyq8gpuLUg7NBzB5Q2P_51Xk2tBA85BJVlI1QKBO/s320/laconia_weirsbeach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619729806051613410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Each year I get more time away to participate in the activities of Bike Week, and can't wait til the next year. Something about seeing the Weirs Beach sign each season makes my heart run a little faster. Of course, if you've seen the sign during Bike Week you have been stuck in a major traffic jam. Took me almost two hours to get through there on Wednesday afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWaTFYyycszhyphenhyphenULIzr95YqUY2Sp2vjR-o2AVhaGlsfG2VQrZRyTICsRQIatag8ZAZ6OeX96MiHbSqFzX6RdJuVjnLB0DcJPb0CtcrOsbSZsInTAq47KNR7rBNpRz25cqxt_uSUyxMeeN9/s1600/100_1117.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWaTFYyycszhyphenhyphenULIzr95YqUY2Sp2vjR-o2AVhaGlsfG2VQrZRyTICsRQIatag8ZAZ6OeX96MiHbSqFzX6RdJuVjnLB0DcJPb0CtcrOsbSZsInTAq47KNR7rBNpRz25cqxt_uSUyxMeeN9/s320/100_1117.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619730179225544002" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A brother from the CMA lives a few miles outside of Weirs Beach and let me camp-out on his property (free) as part of the Christian Motorcyclist's ministry for Bike Week. The picture is a bath-house with hot running water, showers, and refrigerators built specially for his camping guests.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_UzkRkJX5RtLyWiSwuNBaO8MSWc4uk8UNBejAcFyhe11w6i-vvQlz6i7z12Au_cuOfliUEZ_BCvLfytPSCsqT-iO0d5ubsZpFgS50qCkpy5tUl3WOBlLAhXh97Nkci4cJliS8asODhDi/s1600/100_1118.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_UzkRkJX5RtLyWiSwuNBaO8MSWc4uk8UNBejAcFyhe11w6i-vvQlz6i7z12Au_cuOfliUEZ_BCvLfytPSCsqT-iO0d5ubsZpFgS50qCkpy5tUl3WOBlLAhXh97Nkci4cJliS8asODhDi/s320/100_1118.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619730676465342210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Most of the campers are riding big touring bikes pulling mini travel trailers. I choose the "low-buck" approach by sleeping in the back of the SUV on an air mattress. Not the most comfortable - but very mobile. It rained while I was there and mosquitoes were very active. Not a problem for me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKZNuA4XQGQZazRfwvkjB-t8Yniwmiu6ud2ieVHdceP234zKFvWCxaxBP6fYFqq_m2WkOFTWfn-CUzuaPO8VY3y2usodM468j-pS1o91mu0fOR6ol7sz32o5yUDv23qjI8dbphAX5n6S4/s1600/100_1153.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKZNuA4XQGQZazRfwvkjB-t8Yniwmiu6ud2ieVHdceP234zKFvWCxaxBP6fYFqq_m2WkOFTWfn-CUzuaPO8VY3y2usodM468j-pS1o91mu0fOR6ol7sz32o5yUDv23qjI8dbphAX5n6S4/s320/100_1153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619731767083398642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Annual Hill-climb was an awesome experience. It was my first time attending this event. There was hundreds of spectators, and about 99% came to the event on a bike. It was a sea of motorcycles ... and a huge audience stood on the hillside for hours watching crazy people defy death.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqe4Zh24o7MBl3jsfV2pdKPQuc6t2SzoPf-UeTvi_bqssvsFA_U46IUV1dbuaDDV_D9kfbyi5zb9YWFQJnMtpFLSAf_9oEns44NaG6KMASnX5D5cNg8Wz2Q75MZESTzH1SFfU3ogsysEkD/s1600/100_1142.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqe4Zh24o7MBl3jsfV2pdKPQuc6t2SzoPf-UeTvi_bqssvsFA_U46IUV1dbuaDDV_D9kfbyi5zb9YWFQJnMtpFLSAf_9oEns44NaG6KMASnX5D5cNg8Wz2Q75MZESTzH1SFfU3ogsysEkD/s320/100_1142.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619731395505975170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Best of all, the CMA represented with a highly visible display canopy - giving away free ice-water, a few hundred gospel tracts, and several Bibles. Doing evangelism this way among Hells Angels, Outlaws, and the like makes my adrenaline run. We were there talking about Jesus and praying with people all day, but the time went by in a flash. Our motto is, "Riding For The Son", and that is EXACTLY what CMA-ers do.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-1698053199425785652011-04-08T10:16:00.007-04:002011-04-08T10:41:29.585-04:00April Fools<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOm-5GzM8dwNJbBq688C3SkfP30dhyPEZxf9fdfkra0J1iNEyo9HpgBtHFXtibufZ-NIW0so7rCk4KnN4UqxFGtPEHbjsj8gOVgzinCpSctYcBZshbG6VhyRyIp4-JhbCgHdJmGI6FQzAi/s1600/DSC01447.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOm-5GzM8dwNJbBq688C3SkfP30dhyPEZxf9fdfkra0J1iNEyo9HpgBtHFXtibufZ-NIW0so7rCk4KnN4UqxFGtPEHbjsj8gOVgzinCpSctYcBZshbG6VhyRyIp4-JhbCgHdJmGI6FQzAi/s320/DSC01447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593217761801351602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />As we were talking about the end of a long winter and spring finally arriving, the bottom fell out! Visions of those beautiful Mid-coast Maine summer days were dancing in my head. But "April Fools Day" fooled us all! In blew some more of the white stuff, and there was a big surprise in store for those of us living in Northern New England.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoc6dzU5ZXF_5WCidm71OiG7VX_n8Us1NrQXLb_oLhyphenhyphenJxe1E4ycOq2uAqNG7LQSFFU0EINQIytXn6p9Kmn1An6A94ONGpjEx91-H_EAOsG6TdK4n1B-ztfbXGqTBbHFVDMsIh9JXV6pf2/s1600/DSC01448.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoc6dzU5ZXF_5WCidm71OiG7VX_n8Us1NrQXLb_oLhyphenhyphenJxe1E4ycOq2uAqNG7LQSFFU0EINQIytXn6p9Kmn1An6A94ONGpjEx91-H_EAOsG6TdK4n1B-ztfbXGqTBbHFVDMsIh9JXV6pf2/s320/DSC01448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593218014581699554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My little Toyota does not drive so well on slippery roads. And this day was no exception. I was unexpectedly 'home-bound' for the day as the snow just kept coming! We had about 8 inches of accumulation at our house, and I had to go searching for my snow boots just to get the mail.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFhKwcpj5NOZm4GuumjY_ZklL2jJvWgo4xcYisYzjXpujQCkYGFxteQU22g943sD75WRNMaL9CpRAfHRaFNLStXk-ruAc29riZIjMSEUhoI62Gkvfvl5yr1h5zJZYIqTxZTWBLBAHuB4H/s1600/DSC01449.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFhKwcpj5NOZm4GuumjY_ZklL2jJvWgo4xcYisYzjXpujQCkYGFxteQU22g943sD75WRNMaL9CpRAfHRaFNLStXk-ruAc29riZIjMSEUhoI62Gkvfvl5yr1h5zJZYIqTxZTWBLBAHuB4H/s320/DSC01449.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593219089047497202" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I actually got out some lawn equipment the last Saturday in March -preparing it for use again. Previous snows had melted, and the grass was turning green . I even cranked up the motorcycle. But that was all premature, as this spring 'nor-easter' kept pounding away. You just never know ....Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-23307754325648999232011-02-28T16:30:00.003-05:002011-02-28T16:55:29.117-05:00New Addition to The Fam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcdmli3UHk8P4E3s4YhNSfHqYnMz2EZw5Ugl_nRfdg_8VLuR-dS9r-WAiyzPOiI3Y47hOuUR40AGRfJRUq5LfaeK8FVI-oEET-AJvTTodmiTi0Lneb-zR8_4sz5AaQY3-PU2pclR-FLHx/s1600/Roxee+2-11+011.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcdmli3UHk8P4E3s4YhNSfHqYnMz2EZw5Ugl_nRfdg_8VLuR-dS9r-WAiyzPOiI3Y47hOuUR40AGRfJRUq5LfaeK8FVI-oEET-AJvTTodmiTi0Lneb-zR8_4sz5AaQY3-PU2pclR-FLHx/s320/Roxee+2-11+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578856143778076882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Meet Roxee! This 5 yr. old brindle & white English Bulldog is the latest addition to our family. With her super-broad shoulders and under-shot jaw, she looks like she could be REALLY mean. But she is really mellow and shy. We are having fun welcoming her into our home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNTm4LLKbzaidVpwBwkxDuPcf64AF2os2_A-kBZGWuFBj9taXCQ6PwkGnJeQSEMF28dwu-Is4xDYpvBMa30mSz27ULyksAM5Qnre-83Lw4qEdtVN0oVbdMxHfSpXGhUKjp7lhUU0naSbE/s1600/Misc+Pictures+080.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNTm4LLKbzaidVpwBwkxDuPcf64AF2os2_A-kBZGWuFBj9taXCQ6PwkGnJeQSEMF28dwu-Is4xDYpvBMa30mSz27ULyksAM5Qnre-83Lw4qEdtVN0oVbdMxHfSpXGhUKjp7lhUU0naSbE/s320/Misc+Pictures+080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578856466860707618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Roxee is the sweetest dog I've ever met. We have owned several dogs over the years, and our first (33 yrs. ago) was a male English Bulldog that looked very similar. We've wanted another for quite some time, but just couldn't spend the bucks to get one. Then we discovered a bulldog rescue group online.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpz-eTnT15CCRwNcYYZdmNmf-ue8eCGYIh8F1NMlIA4-C8roT70AwhyphenhyphenlqBW38rnZ3ilYnuBnfufWj6Cxg9l2NWNp3wExqNUAzfqtfHwPJaExZap7s5L_WVQrgZJU4gOaHH3nBK3mEfAVCp/s1600/Misc+Pictures+084.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpz-eTnT15CCRwNcYYZdmNmf-ue8eCGYIh8F1NMlIA4-C8roT70AwhyphenhyphenlqBW38rnZ3ilYnuBnfufWj6Cxg9l2NWNp3wExqNUAzfqtfHwPJaExZap7s5L_WVQrgZJU4gOaHH3nBK3mEfAVCp/s320/Misc+Pictures+084.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578856787291658850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Roxee's previous owners had to move and could not take her to the new location. They obviously did a great job training her. She is well-behaved, obeys commands (pretty well), and has been easy to care for in the transition. She already brought joy to our home - as we get a real 'kick' out of watching her. Let's face it, she "has a face only a mother could love."Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-3182963280838192152011-02-17T20:51:00.007-05:002011-02-17T21:15:47.563-05:00Spirit of America Les Paul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGBcL7cCqeemhQ7vnMgExOrNvUIf5ZexjVSFZGJGnkixZNgUBqu0QOf8MSE1d75OKlPnuB8fG496fpGC6YbkjoF1Jzk__1980KD8AWuzIq_98dxrn6wNWB2iJ-gKI5M4B11DZKiR7Oyl-/s1600/NYC+082.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGBcL7cCqeemhQ7vnMgExOrNvUIf5ZexjVSFZGJGnkixZNgUBqu0QOf8MSE1d75OKlPnuB8fG496fpGC6YbkjoF1Jzk__1980KD8AWuzIq_98dxrn6wNWB2iJ-gKI5M4B11DZKiR7Oyl-/s320/NYC+082.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574843649551933522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For all my friends that enjoy guitars as I do, you gotta check out the Les Paul I saw on display in NYC. If memory serves me well, I think it was in the lobby of the Empire State Building. This has GOT to be one of the coolest custom guitars I have ever seen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkRbH3bGru9NO2sqxWhdUCxG-xPX_3bwFiftP5NfftaEtv_KLr20R7zUTcA-LNnKDpyImpisGRxEpLvVEcBTUsNrXk6nE27pgfrvgJvAaFp5Otlu8kVCiZ5mn23dKX-PCfSKFhfMgwCYb/s1600/NYC+081.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkRbH3bGru9NO2sqxWhdUCxG-xPX_3bwFiftP5NfftaEtv_KLr20R7zUTcA-LNnKDpyImpisGRxEpLvVEcBTUsNrXk6nE27pgfrvgJvAaFp5Otlu8kVCiZ5mn23dKX-PCfSKFhfMgwCYb/s320/NYC+081.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574841791358206306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The display itself was a work of art. I don't remember the details, but parts of the guitar (& display?) came from the rubble of the Twin Towers after the World Trade Center attacks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwlO363Fr2dV_1GixjxIQqssn1hmM3HNIG1sHgtNn3vHG90yN90sb0HovgwNeon1VsYu5ucUr2ACUloteXfPuPLbq76o85czYD2fq4QeEBMoBooufIFJvrLM21uowrvFqDHQF3N07BVyq/s1600/NYC+083.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwlO363Fr2dV_1GixjxIQqssn1hmM3HNIG1sHgtNn3vHG90yN90sb0HovgwNeon1VsYu5ucUr2ACUloteXfPuPLbq76o85czYD2fq4QeEBMoBooufIFJvrLM21uowrvFqDHQF3N07BVyq/s320/NYC+083.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574843943763135106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I think you can click on this pic to enlarge the shot and read about the guitar ... maybe. It was so inspiring to see what people have done in remembrance of those who lost their lives there in 2001. Can't believe its been ten years already.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-25874207412155900492010-12-08T18:56:00.003-05:002010-12-08T20:20:37.095-05:00Dude, that's a car!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhvJZ384LzQgRt7jnLdL_xKFFwFz4Zbh9f_ECSiY7VLEyJGx1spV8NrWqYtzj0uxC0KCXwv_8fytrEjL5fZnndmvbKKNDErNtLgRXn3f0o6u19zHmrkBEArgFjEtanC75AXOUDU1KJSZT/s1600/DSC09011.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhvJZ384LzQgRt7jnLdL_xKFFwFz4Zbh9f_ECSiY7VLEyJGx1spV8NrWqYtzj0uxC0KCXwv_8fytrEjL5fZnndmvbKKNDErNtLgRXn3f0o6u19zHmrkBEArgFjEtanC75AXOUDU1KJSZT/s320/DSC09011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548465004559659586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Some people string up popcorn, some beads, and some lights. This guy strings up his car for Christmas. Yup. Today I was driving on a coastal back-road and glanced over to check out some Christmas decoration. I looked back to the road in front of me and shouted, "Dude, that's a car"! I broke out in uncomtrollable laughter and didn't stop until reaching Rockland.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB6__0XLlBr-XsnH9NJCOyLXWv9gCtEHbL0-gja2v6S05X408gtCpWLigFO5BQthAJKBLXQ_7WRC31QxfoZh80iIVQObp4yTPxI5UpqjaYK3RMhyphenhyphen08zRCiBj8sNO_sJLnixWwRDjxAP13/s1600/DSC09012.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCB6__0XLlBr-XsnH9NJCOyLXWv9gCtEHbL0-gja2v6S05X408gtCpWLigFO5BQthAJKBLXQ_7WRC31QxfoZh80iIVQObp4yTPxI5UpqjaYK3RMhyphenhyphen08zRCiBj8sNO_sJLnixWwRDjxAP13/s320/DSC09012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548465003168221106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Later I had to go back the same way, so I took the camera along. I figured nobody would believe me if I told them about it. This HAD to take some good ingenuity and hard work. I think I will drop the guy a 'thank you' note. The sight of that car sailing through the air with Santa driving REALLY made my day.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-10892774930256279292010-11-23T20:10:00.012-05:002010-11-24T08:36:14.347-05:00New York, New York!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm0MBGgec6qlIh0DpcQRGWWsRa-rIaqRuqcNNhPsMjZQwm-FJrudWMJgo9S_UdBTY5z6UEOxcdPhws50P5elwLhd2_xvSNZR2ApjGjv723fHMY6AcStOS0dShIGF_GU3lGvJxPSoOuRIx/s1600/NYC+004.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm0MBGgec6qlIh0DpcQRGWWsRa-rIaqRuqcNNhPsMjZQwm-FJrudWMJgo9S_UdBTY5z6UEOxcdPhws50P5elwLhd2_xvSNZR2ApjGjv723fHMY6AcStOS0dShIGF_GU3lGvJxPSoOuRIx/s320/NYC+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542917634543220546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Time Square ... What a fun place!<br />We took four days off (all Jos could get) and headed for "The Big Apple" for some R&R. Life in the city is hardly restful, but we had a really nice hotel retreat over in New Jersey. So we walked around until exhausted, and headed back over the Hudson to rest. NYC is a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8w5agzwiffVrVL-Rmj7d1GRh3THjVLKHjAXgTX_If6sBpwmp_jA0gdHqa9bl1N5NNuBlpPCa7KxjJJPlGu-2hmUg3o2S5paD0cMPH9qtBqgifQ6gStKLhJ-Cv3UTypxr4o3QOKB5m_pa/s1600/NYC+086.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8w5agzwiffVrVL-Rmj7d1GRh3THjVLKHjAXgTX_If6sBpwmp_jA0gdHqa9bl1N5NNuBlpPCa7KxjJJPlGu-2hmUg3o2S5paD0cMPH9qtBqgifQ6gStKLhJ-Cv3UTypxr4o3QOKB5m_pa/s320/NYC+086.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542919751640022850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I always wanted to visit Ellis Island where my ancestors were 'processed' when migrating from Germany. From there they only traveled a little distance into up-state New York to settle. It felt very strange walking over this floor knowing there was so much history. If those old tile floors could talk - what stories they could tell.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jlOtbqumia9ZlMFh_cHJxxlODNfaV6qFiJ-N3cnJRVXrUK42FW54GTn9D1oykPeeEUKFtVR45C-6JoudT5T71h4-nC4mTcg9vr786USKvfiZZTfl4us9V8Fd5umENq0kOR2BiDqcspt4/s1600/NYC+135.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jlOtbqumia9ZlMFh_cHJxxlODNfaV6qFiJ-N3cnJRVXrUK42FW54GTn9D1oykPeeEUKFtVR45C-6JoudT5T71h4-nC4mTcg9vr786USKvfiZZTfl4us9V8Fd5umENq0kOR2BiDqcspt4/s320/NYC+135.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542920972862561746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We went to BB King's club in Mid-Manhattan and took in a show by a remnant of the band called, Asia. Musically, it was the 'pits', but I liked the venue. I would love to go there and see a good show by a complete band. Its almost like being on stage with the musicians.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGPHOPe0fO7LKWxVNtTsIdS884QAtMrRwIDsJhCs_HOlbp5OCvi3tgLmxlbVPVM16FdJ6W_wFSzWlhmnHX9QSHaeIzGVRsN1EVOxQcrFkk8256B87siMv6PBe2l-i4BIKSTkanuQ2Rfrk/s1600/NYC+030.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGPHOPe0fO7LKWxVNtTsIdS884QAtMrRwIDsJhCs_HOlbp5OCvi3tgLmxlbVPVM16FdJ6W_wFSzWlhmnHX9QSHaeIzGVRsN1EVOxQcrFkk8256B87siMv6PBe2l-i4BIKSTkanuQ2Rfrk/s320/NYC+030.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542928887549147794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was a very powerful experience walking on the hallowed grounds of the World Trade Center. As you can see, this was a clear blue day - just like 9/11 when the planes hit. As I walked around the grounds of this new structure being built, I could imagine the chaos on the streets that day. I could see the fire trucks parked around the block, firefighters yelling to one another about needed equipment, and hear the constant noise of verbal traffic coming over portable radios. It was surreal and overwhelming. Glad to see they are rebuilding.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKbjbYR9b81LbV8fwdH9Ziwi339RURPMWC7by3wwfz1qp49RgNBayTSuRmdYQOKqwa5_WU2Ar4jHiJv-NBGY24jaAP3WluB8bX_R5MJQksYNcPxEI4PfYw1BsCoEOAzHbMFGsi38x1VLc/s1600/NYC+034.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKbjbYR9b81LbV8fwdH9Ziwi339RURPMWC7by3wwfz1qp49RgNBayTSuRmdYQOKqwa5_WU2Ar4jHiJv-NBGY24jaAP3WluB8bX_R5MJQksYNcPxEI4PfYw1BsCoEOAzHbMFGsi38x1VLc/s320/NYC+034.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542922978231708386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I was very emotional while visiting this firefighter's memorial in the twin towers museum. As a former firefighter, I knew very well the sentiment of those who donated department patches, notes, and special trinkets. The feelings were strong and impact profound ... and they live on today.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-51901943673390468242010-09-07T11:51:00.006-04:002010-09-07T12:22:21.482-04:00Labor Day Ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6iWukvjCLx-U0uOQBZutrPSndkHJ6aZ9gLyla4vrY9x9qiijLcGu8b3dDIZV4ofxw7vavwkVzzwl7y2k0cX2c86yOI52V10EfepJb_LS0A7T1ViVu-vIZZ86G_NouO8IuYnmqJpGsAPn/s1600/DSC08544.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6iWukvjCLx-U0uOQBZutrPSndkHJ6aZ9gLyla4vrY9x9qiijLcGu8b3dDIZV4ofxw7vavwkVzzwl7y2k0cX2c86yOI52V10EfepJb_LS0A7T1ViVu-vIZZ86G_NouO8IuYnmqJpGsAPn/s320/DSC08544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514201829880427330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What a ride! Up on Cadillac Mountain on Labor Day. The views were spectacular!! You would never know a hurricane came through 48 hours ago. The air was so clean and clear, you could almost see the curvature of the earth. And there was LOTS of people in the park.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianfXJrtHtJwZgjwEO-YvJkD6l85NvqTk7afoRIVrh1QB9uRw5l-z9Kj3yNCYII_dpC0DlJCxzhKtWHCeiBeShsfkRADaGGvhPjVQfnKvIo3MRX-xIbuLM7R5faYt7vbJ4yeYvFWLJaPQ-/s1600/DSC08540.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianfXJrtHtJwZgjwEO-YvJkD6l85NvqTk7afoRIVrh1QB9uRw5l-z9Kj3yNCYII_dpC0DlJCxzhKtWHCeiBeShsfkRADaGGvhPjVQfnKvIo3MRX-xIbuLM7R5faYt7vbJ4yeYvFWLJaPQ-/s320/DSC08540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514200403432507666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Josey and I spent the entire day on the bike. A little over 2 hours to get there. We got lunch in Bar Harbor, and then began touring the coast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HAR6gkHArUfD82OwmQeYT58gVJbC1d27EHK1tAPhecgjXZSCiqmkyqOozkEjOWphHfB_0__Kl2LAacViahRja23XiDF74O_dYAq1HC4_xaYtBUKScWPp3sOcB_YrX_Sza7hTXqLi4VKE/s1600/DSC08523.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HAR6gkHArUfD82OwmQeYT58gVJbC1d27EHK1tAPhecgjXZSCiqmkyqOozkEjOWphHfB_0__Kl2LAacViahRja23XiDF74O_dYAq1HC4_xaYtBUKScWPp3sOcB_YrX_Sza7hTXqLi4VKE/s320/DSC08523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514205744308198514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We got off the bike a few times to try and take in the sights. It always feels good to give the 'backside' a break. It was about 60 degrees up there, so soaking up some sun is nice too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYgcGjRCN7__zvlutR1EgWrwsaoYdJ2w_f81GHj59jqNoXfkCEzweP320VfxKr1vzpkfSBkMuQp2ZEKhIho3bf6Xxb86kovJDS6_L3qqk7Rae9Zx1ddMIJIjmqmC9pIKYD6p_jyTzoN1l/s1600/DSC08596.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYgcGjRCN7__zvlutR1EgWrwsaoYdJ2w_f81GHj59jqNoXfkCEzweP320VfxKr1vzpkfSBkMuQp2ZEKhIho3bf6Xxb86kovJDS6_L3qqk7Rae9Zx1ddMIJIjmqmC9pIKYD6p_jyTzoN1l/s320/DSC08596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514203187508546418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In late-afternoon the sun shinning on the water makes it sparkle ... I really love that. Its almost surreal, and feels magical. As usual, its really difficult to capture the beauty with a camera. But it sure was nice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLp-CgIzxf2HWkpctAb5fq9oXmTIrmdOpC44xAmiTIKxH4FqyXY38UWxouzJalFEDWMRDqkQW9by3zZndU9iZEKfxLRNk6rbqPXAbFWHEsBEQeZLAfrzqkdzqoInw010De3v2jilpOmBI/s1600/DSC08598.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLp-CgIzxf2HWkpctAb5fq9oXmTIrmdOpC44xAmiTIKxH4FqyXY38UWxouzJalFEDWMRDqkQW9by3zZndU9iZEKfxLRNk6rbqPXAbFWHEsBEQeZLAfrzqkdzqoInw010De3v2jilpOmBI/s320/DSC08598.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514204398168037426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Got off the mountain at low tide ... not the prettiest time of day in the park. And the smell was not all that great either. Extreme tides always expose sea life ... the kind that is best enjoyed when underwater.<br /><br />We got home about 6pm feeling quite wind-blown and road-weary. But what a day! Its good to be 'tuckered out' on a holiday.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-38625008026832849412010-07-12T15:40:00.003-04:002010-07-12T15:57:09.414-04:00Big Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4dKhcQS4Vpun0SG8XbmR4hSURO3YALBdu6dA7OqPCW3SFRQFKlfA6DTBkR0aYCEkpoSjlHhhgCqcsHokS-vI5jKYY_pvP0LgAPerC-EOk_ZBAqD5nFTf76H3IaLvpoYH_GovBqNj7Crt/s1600/big_fun.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4dKhcQS4Vpun0SG8XbmR4hSURO3YALBdu6dA7OqPCW3SFRQFKlfA6DTBkR0aYCEkpoSjlHhhgCqcsHokS-vI5jKYY_pvP0LgAPerC-EOk_ZBAqD5nFTf76H3IaLvpoYH_GovBqNj7Crt/s400/big_fun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493107256531777794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now I have to say, those Spaniards gotta a good thing going for tradition. The annual Running of The Bulls looks like "big fun" to those of us who enjoy a little adrenaline rush with our recreation. I'm not real familiar with bulls. But I tangled with a 400 pound sow once and lost. So I can only imagine what its like to have one of these 'big boys' breathing down your neck while running for your life. It must get the ol' ticker beating fast!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CrboH3PH5cDJmqYRRmakjFsbeL3UA96SZWsL7iwpvMCqEGyLTzgfrzy3K1OlVvC-OZmA9AngE0jETC7baObhFy8X8fY_zUoiG1haLJTejdV9gzlxcUGlfRfBh8gZIasJLZopHZOC9n9S/s1600/big_fun2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CrboH3PH5cDJmqYRRmakjFsbeL3UA96SZWsL7iwpvMCqEGyLTzgfrzy3K1OlVvC-OZmA9AngE0jETC7baObhFy8X8fY_zUoiG1haLJTejdV9gzlxcUGlfRfBh8gZIasJLZopHZOC9n9S/s400/big_fun2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493110715876367586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Found this picture of some white lady giving it a go - which I think is really cool. The article said she was a Canadian tourist, and this just doesn't seem to be something our french speaking neighbors would typically do. But I gotta give her credit for taking one in the kidney for the sake of adventure. She's a right rugged gal!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-55708662136212375622010-06-15T16:51:00.005-04:002010-06-15T17:19:18.351-04:00Laconia 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGZOV6j-hwXhQrbph5isOuEVoCJE-6GW5vFtqVEpiQzwFXdpPeVZI-V3InptYRnAzaF4PiaNpixfkJJyFfPGLgP-8wrgBcdOzCZ2zkOm3J7zMDEuCtU7NUFkSAsLvBi9tnrgxhf5bTKf3/s1600/laconia_weirsbeach.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGZOV6j-hwXhQrbph5isOuEVoCJE-6GW5vFtqVEpiQzwFXdpPeVZI-V3InptYRnAzaF4PiaNpixfkJJyFfPGLgP-8wrgBcdOzCZ2zkOm3J7zMDEuCtU7NUFkSAsLvBi9tnrgxhf5bTKf3/s400/laconia_weirsbeach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483106141016125042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I finally made it to Laconia for Bike Week! After three summers in nearby Maine, I finally found a free day to go. Although I only spent a few hours there, I can say it was "quite the experience".<br /><br />I rode nearly all day to get there and then back home (about seven hours on the road). And I was blessed to have skirted a few major rain showers along the way. In fact, I rode most of the trip on flooded roads - but never felt a single raindrop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvHz6UE8Fb_gQiA9izAgW3rCjs-36GtVJqlsmzPJjOrNqEr8f9kqDSrA95ivsWsJ3ztvulKAr2enfYNe8MSILQv9Rqfypk0L9bVbXonwn4xqdp8cujveJnIegrEPiQzxrAFlOzACB_vro/s1600/laconiamotorcycleweek.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvHz6UE8Fb_gQiA9izAgW3rCjs-36GtVJqlsmzPJjOrNqEr8f9kqDSrA95ivsWsJ3ztvulKAr2enfYNe8MSILQv9Rqfypk0L9bVbXonwn4xqdp8cujveJnIegrEPiQzxrAFlOzACB_vro/s400/laconiamotorcycleweek.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483108000469642690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I spent some time hanging out with fellow CMAers, the group was well represented. Bikers from the CMA are always at the "white church" on Weirs Beach strip. But I saw the colors being worn up and down the boardwalk. I saw a Hells Angels and every other breed too. And OH ... so many nice bikes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3yrmEu5eHNsoFI-Yj4zJ10IAVIANV7oxDXENE5cmHBBjlZGMS9h6ViQ6llk8zLJieS3HoiKPdE8MniR_38lyIo3n2EEn0zRzVW3TMkoP84wW7-cMqCMYienqCvzbwUraiJmmc_plgJaw/s1600/laconia_bikeweek.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3yrmEu5eHNsoFI-Yj4zJ10IAVIANV7oxDXENE5cmHBBjlZGMS9h6ViQ6llk8zLJieS3HoiKPdE8MniR_38lyIo3n2EEn0zRzVW3TMkoP84wW7-cMqCMYienqCvzbwUraiJmmc_plgJaw/s400/laconia_bikeweek.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483108442426635970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This type of event is so good for me to experience. It gets me out of the 'church' and into the 'world' ... to be reminded of how some people really live. I live a terribly sheltered life. And the feeling at bike rallies is raw and real. People don't pretend to be anything, they just go wherever their urges (or intoxication) takes them. You can see some pretty WILD stuff there. But I draw the line at sundown, I don't stay around after dark when the big party starts.<br /><br />So now, "I've been there, done that, and got a T shirt". The event isn't even over yet and I can't wait for next year. "COME ON LACONIA 2011."Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-19094710192535102512010-03-29T10:55:00.002-04:002010-03-29T11:19:28.239-04:00New Family Member<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5U0wbybjpTVM6FIDZpp6zvFzGE1hpvCzDNAmgvmFa91_fm3qYgsf2H3GozWrHvMzSCD70eiFHtel8Y4HAV0AEb3kepgNeOxLhPevpoyipQc1p2f6CLwbiS4H1DIFn3xARD76eswwlx8P/s1600/Pam_Den_Kids.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5U0wbybjpTVM6FIDZpp6zvFzGE1hpvCzDNAmgvmFa91_fm3qYgsf2H3GozWrHvMzSCD70eiFHtel8Y4HAV0AEb3kepgNeOxLhPevpoyipQc1p2f6CLwbiS4H1DIFn3xARD76eswwlx8P/s400/Pam_Den_Kids.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454070004817284802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Please say "hello" to a new family member, Timothy (he's the one in mother's arms). Tim was born and lived in China, but as of last week lives in New Jersey with my niece, Pam. Her and her husband, Dennis have opened their home to this little fellow whom REALLY needed a family.<br /><br />We are excited about Tim's arrival, because we believe God gave Dennis & Pam vision for this adoption, as well as all the grace needed to love him unconditionally. And as you can see, he has a few new brothers that love him too.<br /><br />Its a beautiful thing to behold when God gives someone vision for such a thing. A burden started the process of investigation. And investigation fostered a desire to help. Now after three years of prayer and preparation, we see that vision become reality. ITS AWESOME !!!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-30560682451928202762010-03-05T19:03:00.002-05:002010-03-05T19:16:13.394-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl60JvZshto2m2z-iKXJSbiNn5cGS4UD2WE9Jxh47uLZO-tEBp0YI-03A6RmLuemDw5DBRz37Bz0Ms6LRn7RLBOYN5bJM5pIkH3cVKfKgr7lZFV5jh3i3nYje6RVDiGqyTJjDLI1f8TIj/s1600-h/Johnson+1957.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl60JvZshto2m2z-iKXJSbiNn5cGS4UD2WE9Jxh47uLZO-tEBp0YI-03A6RmLuemDw5DBRz37Bz0Ms6LRn7RLBOYN5bJM5pIkH3cVKfKgr7lZFV5jh3i3nYje6RVDiGqyTJjDLI1f8TIj/s400/Johnson+1957.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445304849866368578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I just LOVE this picture because it reminds me of my youth. I had a '57 Johnson (35 HP) just like this one - on an aluminum Lonestar boat of the same vintage. It was an unusual boat for South Florida where the extremely salty ocean eats up everything metal. Obviously it was somebody's lake boat from the north, because it was still in great condition by 1970.<br /><br />I had SO much fun running up and down the Inter-coastal Waterway in that boat. I remember the battery often going dead so the electric starter would not work. Having to crank it by hand was a real chore. Those old motors had some SERIOUS compression, and I was a little kid then.<br /><br />Sun-up to sundown we burned all the gasoline we could buy. I went through hundreds of gallons (really cheap gas) as we water skied and explored Florida's waters. It was WONDERFUL ... wish I could go back to that time.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-32950106380096450992010-02-18T09:55:00.002-05:002010-02-18T10:13:44.977-05:00Mission, According to JesusReading some interesting stuff on the internet concerning the church in contemporary society. One author points out : "Jesus Christ used salt and light as metaphors of the influential characteristics of His church in the world. Historically, salt has always been a valuable commodity used, among other things, as an antiseptic to withdraw infection. ... Likewise, the presence of the church in the world is Christ's antiseptic to sin, an influence of God's righteousness that tends to displace the infection of evil."<br /><br />This is a fresh perspective on a very old metaphor. And as I think on it, I believe the writer is right. I have seen examples where a healthy church that is influencing its community has a real (often measurable) affect upon it. In addition to things like repaired family relationships and restored marriages, there are other more "social" changes. The least of these was a reduction in crime rate.<br /><br />One may choose to argue about such statistical changes and attempt to attribute it to something other than the influence of a church. But when many of those former criminals are discovered IN the church ... that is having become an active member, the reason behind change becomes quite obvious. This is 'regeneration' in its most primitive form.<br /><br />So are we (the church) salt and light? Take a look around next meeting. Who's sitting next to you?Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-57443344392811721062010-01-27T11:33:00.002-05:002010-01-27T12:00:06.464-05:001913 Bi-Autogo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iKC77h6OmC8ZoTX1jQU6Hyd212z4yHeJQ3l74lykonPipTCg9dq4DHnpstizY7C7ePUr5bndKNbPb08oFY7R35iFL8_4DPn96lt2ljgE4lO7TpAJox82ghBirZbvM9I2WAr-_x2sO1Tt/s1600-h/Bi-Autogo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iKC77h6OmC8ZoTX1jQU6Hyd212z4yHeJQ3l74lykonPipTCg9dq4DHnpstizY7C7ePUr5bndKNbPb08oFY7R35iFL8_4DPn96lt2ljgE4lO7TpAJox82ghBirZbvM9I2WAr-_x2sO1Tt/s400/Bi-Autogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431458820647676386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For all my biker friends in cyberspace, you just gotta check this one out. Its gotta be the most bizarre looking motorcycle ever built. And "yes" it has retractable training wheels (wood) for stopping at those pesky intersections -when you can't easily slide over to get a foot down.<br /><br />In original condition, its pretty rough - but all there. This machine is definitely a work of artistic design and craftsmanship. It was a prototype, so as far as I can tell "its one-of-a-kind." And in "the day", it was SOME KIND of hotrod! Somebody wanted to go fast, cause they slipped the biggest motor they could find in it. That's something like putting a blown hemi in the trikes of today. And on wooden spokes and tire rims ... no less!<br /><br />This ride is currently on display in the Owls Head Transportation Museum (www.ohtm.org) in Owls Head, Maine - along with lots of other choice antiques. The museum has an AWESOME Vintage Motorcycle Meet the first weekend in September, and people come from everywhere. The area literally becomes a biker-town over night, with a good deal of old stuff running up and down the streets.<br /><br />September is my favorite month in Maine ... EXCELLENT riding on the coast that time of year. If your interested in coming up, put that scooter in gear! Join hundreds of bikes and go for a scenic ride ... and DEFINITELY check out the Bi-Autogo.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-43947732716448796212010-01-15T16:13:00.001-05:002010-01-15T16:13:59.437-05:00Pray for New England<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NIFifZUgUB0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NIFifZUgUB0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-47764979580814536442010-01-08T10:43:00.000-05:002010-01-08T10:44:07.132-05:00Reverse the Order<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/42E2fAWM6rA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/42E2fAWM6rA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-27409360998808762572010-01-04T13:06:00.006-05:002010-01-04T13:35:49.467-05:00Awesome Architecture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvK1UuJKisayWMfDPRqJ9AXQMtp2oRWtm8KoHEh0ztKF35ZYvt_lQiieOpJ4wElDtxmQnjcp-m8iavyd4BVBjqWlFPySUJtHuXrirkJplmGuWYSUlfBfA0TkyWWOgZHBw6QdBYSQ6pFlg/s1600-h/Burj+Kalifa3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvK1UuJKisayWMfDPRqJ9AXQMtp2oRWtm8KoHEh0ztKF35ZYvt_lQiieOpJ4wElDtxmQnjcp-m8iavyd4BVBjqWlFPySUJtHuXrirkJplmGuWYSUlfBfA0TkyWWOgZHBw6QdBYSQ6pFlg/s400/Burj+Kalifa3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422947731910530546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Burj</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Khalifa</span> is twice as tall as the Empire State Building and towers above the City of Dubai. This "world's tallest building" is nothing short of an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">architectural</span> masterpiece. And to think it is right on the ocean and will have to withstand all the maritime winds and foul weather is truly amazing. As one whom has dabbled in construction work, I can only begin to comprehend what went into building this monumental structure. Its really beyond me to imagine it.<br /><br />With that I would say, these workers pictured below must have nerves of steel! The title of the picture was "The Last Panel". Boy! ... the pucker factor must have been high that day. Those yellow safety belts might have been to keep them from floating off into space instead of falling to the ground. And I'm surprised they didn't need supplemental oxygen up there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AvaESSYXG-zMEmcHOusuR-CJ7s68SG4aVlD5QJBHIVffNM9fx4KE_cJSMXnsFTh3m2rKKen6Uez5Qh0xZLVBXyfmq3XFfdIV7Et95K0OKk1m_4QUqrshZnhchRfbZOhmvN2ORMbFMOmI/s1600-h/Burj+Kalifa1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AvaESSYXG-zMEmcHOusuR-CJ7s68SG4aVlD5QJBHIVffNM9fx4KE_cJSMXnsFTh3m2rKKen6Uez5Qh0xZLVBXyfmq3XFfdIV7Et95K0OKk1m_4QUqrshZnhchRfbZOhmvN2ORMbFMOmI/s400/Burj+Kalifa1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422951841539993186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />There is a restaurant on the top floor being advertised. I would think the view is quite good. The question I have is, "Could I get over a queezy stomach to enjoy a meal up there"? AND ... can I see the Space Shuttle's docking station from my table?Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-84499900724902938252010-01-02T10:35:00.004-05:002010-01-02T11:29:35.671-05:00Wintah is back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsBURyYRR1LofDrQlfpEQx6UanlyZ7GRlEBEH8vVXeIKRNNJN0mb2Cik_g3XaKFkXJPg8_h30fahw497ZON6yl3hImcimb-2N6kDKScg0rObJd0m4d628GQ_Jwng9iCwVWhcN_L2s8uyo/s1600-h/DSC05327.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsBURyYRR1LofDrQlfpEQx6UanlyZ7GRlEBEH8vVXeIKRNNJN0mb2Cik_g3XaKFkXJPg8_h30fahw497ZON6yl3hImcimb-2N6kDKScg0rObJd0m4d628GQ_Jwng9iCwVWhcN_L2s8uyo/s400/DSC05327.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422167135807523554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yuh, 'wintah' is back! Its one of those days (weekends) in Maine when I pace around the homestead trying to keep from thinking about the fact that I am pretty-much "encarcerated" for a while; giving up the freedom to come and go as I please. The walls start closing in and the house feels 'smaller' this time of year.<br /><br />I remember when -in years gone by, I longed for an unexpected day off like this. The demands of two jobs and requirements of a good deal of volunteer work kept me running steady. And there was the challenging responsibility of parenting my three children. That was in South Florida where the weather never really changes your plans, and days run into weeks with a constant and uninterrupted flow of the time line.<br /><br />But all that has changed now. The kids are grown and out on their own (thank God). And now Josey & I call the extreme Northeast; "home". So I spent the morning digging out the vehicles and clearing the driveway of snow - just in case there is a pressing reason to risk my life out on the roads. Funny thing is, its so often redundant. The fact is, its supposed to snow all day and I'll probably be digging again in a matter of a few hours.<br /><br />On the positive side, I can get caught-up on some of the unfinished tasks. As a pastor, "planning" for the church is a constant need - but one in which I never seem to feel content. Along with weekly sermon prep and othere regular responsibility, there is an on-going requirement to envision the future and put actions plans into place. Then there is the requirement of planning how to communicate and motivate for action. All this 'stuff' requires a tremendous amount of energy (unnoticed by most people) and a good deal of time. I suppose I could ignore most of it and still draw a paycheck. But that's not me ... and its certainly not good leadership.<br /><br />So, "This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it" ... and PLAN! ;-)Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-89357277850730057962009-12-16T17:05:00.003-05:002009-12-16T17:25:12.843-05:00An Old Connection<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyT6uWutCTy52jCsY4GDw1QqbeeQpkHKz-Bf2IWBJMx2LxQz-nFBiEwm4ctYqC5VBWXWHa3ZF9xV9lbMTJ19i3bW2bWuA1r6xq4K-68hyphenhyphen_Gxy-ZUKt85WFILCWtU-sNoA6r_iMewz4A72/s1600-h/blossom_garden_01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyT6uWutCTy52jCsY4GDw1QqbeeQpkHKz-Bf2IWBJMx2LxQz-nFBiEwm4ctYqC5VBWXWHa3ZF9xV9lbMTJ19i3bW2bWuA1r6xq4K-68hyphenhyphen_Gxy-ZUKt85WFILCWtU-sNoA6r_iMewz4A72/s400/blossom_garden_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415958724140518850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today I got re-connected with some wonderful memories of the past.<br /><br />Back in the 80's I had friends in South Florida who were native Jamaicans. On a vacation and visit to the homeland, they discovered one of the orphanages was is in tremendous need of help. Upon their return they rallied a few of us to return with them and help out.<br /><br />A small group (I think 8) made a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica with this couple, and made our way in a rental van up the mountain to Blossom Gardens. What we discovered was nothing short of emotionally"devastating". Somewhere I have a VHS video of our arrival, and every time I watch the video brings me to tears.<br /><br />During our stay in Jamaica, we were able to repair plumbing (fix toilets), rebuild a gate (to keep free-roaming livestock out), and install their very first electric clothes washer for all the diapers (previously washed by hand). We made about 60 children and a few staff workers very happy. People there were not resistant to our help like the typical American. They welcomed us with open arms (literally). We all cried several times during our visit. It was a life-changing experience. And I will never forget it!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-44153257437296176002009-12-09T14:26:00.005-05:002009-12-09T15:01:33.942-05:00A Special Visit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKoDRdDl4EySWw_3N0xfcnGhVZnkyAECN_k0NljjRmV758ZCJ8QkOzzi5iqeXjLlTF_kIq402HhaE1utLNPM6jdWUdeTrybUmUBEwbzVGngFBUDJJYwRkEBXbv6fOgUNC4uCIXSI6hYJm/s1600-h/Fox_visit3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKoDRdDl4EySWw_3N0xfcnGhVZnkyAECN_k0NljjRmV758ZCJ8QkOzzi5iqeXjLlTF_kIq402HhaE1utLNPM6jdWUdeTrybUmUBEwbzVGngFBUDJJYwRkEBXbv6fOgUNC4uCIXSI6hYJm/s320/Fox_visit3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413320478732884338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yesterday I had a new friend over for lunch. This beautiful fox stopped by to dine on apples in my back yard. Since the house backs up to lots of undeveloped acreage, we often see deer passing through. But this was the first visit by a fox. And "boy" was she hungry!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0dSR1PHQQ4zzKY-9ykfpZewNiITeBsn1Od1yOrBoj_ode8Nuiirn0uAM9xJmS8LGD-HGtYwT1T89IheeuZiMuo608CQi9QyxC7BGlS-VFYhfNai2HJkPIJobFoXAaDjAQmjVkjOeBLnR/s1600-h/Fox_visit.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0dSR1PHQQ4zzKY-9ykfpZewNiITeBsn1Od1yOrBoj_ode8Nuiirn0uAM9xJmS8LGD-HGtYwT1T89IheeuZiMuo608CQi9QyxC7BGlS-VFYhfNai2HJkPIJobFoXAaDjAQmjVkjOeBLnR/s320/Fox_visit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413322208985552386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After lunch I asked if she could stay a while. Mrs. Fox made herself right at home and found a comfy place against a warm rock. Though she wouldn't let me near, I'm wondering if she may have been a pet at one time. She didn't seem to mind me checking on her and taking a few pictures ... as long as I kept my distance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PP2jGKNdevyGVwsIy8K5fdP3cGsFTBGM0q3OfViSVOdC3afoQ3-etfP9PUBOGB4Q1hf-Ft79NGQIAx7CEdeKYThRL8qPkHyqmdcrhvz_Sr0ZQQSoUFRsema8vQnewqb5pVzjg8AHFKXH/s1600-h/Fox_visit2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PP2jGKNdevyGVwsIy8K5fdP3cGsFTBGM0q3OfViSVOdC3afoQ3-etfP9PUBOGB4Q1hf-Ft79NGQIAx7CEdeKYThRL8qPkHyqmdcrhvz_Sr0ZQQSoUFRsema8vQnewqb5pVzjg8AHFKXH/s320/Fox_visit2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413324774364817282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />She must have felt at-ease. She moved over to some taller grass and curled up for a nice long siesta. As the sun went down she could still be seen curled in a ball and snoozing away. It wasn't until late at night that I shined my flashlight and noticed she had moved on. It was one of those simple events in life that does the heart good.<br />"Thank you", Mrs. Fox.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-2746090595823035152009-12-01T10:23:00.001-05:002009-12-01T11:07:01.820-05:00The Existence of God<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mrMSbta2bY0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mrMSbta2bY0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945994015365861623.post-7559949688536438372009-11-30T14:31:00.003-05:002009-12-01T10:53:08.075-05:00Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04487994275707581325noreply@blogger.com0