Can't get enough!

I can't get enough of Maine's natural beauty. I am enjoying the Maine summer more and more. Now that a record-setting winter is over and we are finally getting a break from record rainfall, I want to spend more and more time outdoors.

There is still a sense of child-like wonder about places and scenes I have not yet experienced. Celebrating (sorta) the second anniversary of our move to Maine, I realize there are many nooks and crannies yet to explore. And every new discovery takes my breath away with its grandeur. I see the creative hand of God everywhere!

Being a long way from what I will always think of as home (South Florida), there are still days that I miss my childhood moorings. But most of the time I thank God for "sending me out on a voyage." I have been allowed to see so many places, and have opportunity to make so many good friends all along the way. GOD IS GOOD, AND I AM BLESSED!

'g's Five

The idea is to name the book which is your life. Give your book (your life) a title. Or, if your life were a book what would the title be? Next come the chapters. Some of these chapters will be uglier, funnier, better or worse than others. For each of the time frames listed, try to name that chapter in your life. You don't have to, but if you wanted to expand on the reasoning behind your titles, that would be great. Also, if you have a chapter in your life that isn't represented here, please feel free to add it. I was just trying to keep to the MI-5 format.

Your Book Title - "A Ride with Mr.Toad"








Chapter Titles -

Birth to 5 Years - Small-town Community
I grew up in a small coastal town of South Florida where it seems my family knew everybody. I know we didn't, because many were "snowbirds" coming from all over the Northeast during winter months. But there was such a strong sense of community and belonging there. It was somewhat like South Thomaston seems to be for her natives.

Elementary Years - The Best Ever
For those who grew up in our town, the place was paradise. We often rode our bikes to the beach at the crack of dawn only to return at dusk ... AND NOBODY WORRIED ABOUT OUR SAFETY! I spent most of my early life with the taste of sea salt on my lips and grinning from ear-to-ear.

High School Years - "Anybody Got a Light"
High School was a 'blur' - if you know what I mean. I have many times regretted some of the choices I made back then. Only now am I beginning to put all that into perspective. I recently discovered classmates.com and started learning what has become of some of my schoolmates. I would just say, in many cases "it ain't too pretty".

College Age - A Miracle Has Occurred
I went to 'tech school' to begin a career in the fire service, then started college to increase professional opportunities. Somewhere along the line I grew complacent about education and gave it up. Then at 38 I sensed a calling to change my vocation and start on a new adventure. I went back to school 'full-time' with a wife and 3 kids in tow ("thanks again" Jos), only to discover what "remedial" classes are all about. My first semester didn't even count toward a degree ... I needed the classes just to pass entry exams. But I stuck it out, studied hard, prayed A LOT and "miraculously" graduated from an 'accredited' college.

Present Age - Still On The Ride
Momentum is good and I am right where I want to be! My kids are now grown up and out on their own. I have freedom to pursue the opportunities afforded me at this stage of life. I continue leading and influencing others in a way that is (I believe) very positive. And when I see all of us changing and growing in life ... it feels great!

Cool Bike

This has GOT to be the most innovative bike I have ever seen. Almost the entire structure of the bike (at least the frame) is made to look like bone. In fact, it was called, "The Bone Bike". I saw it at the Peterson's Automotive Museum and took several pictures of it - from all angles. Its one of those works of art that requires a long study to appreciate the planning, costs, and labor required to build it. And I'm sure I don't know the half of it. The build was not only done well, but the creativity was masterful! BTW; Its powered by a 4 cyclinder Ford engine.

A Good Day!

Sunday was an 'awesome' day at Harmony Church. It was "Biker Sunday" - and it was a gas! All the 'biker' church members rode in for the Sunday morning service, and some friends from the community joined us too. The weather was perfect!

At 12:15 we had a Bike Blessing where prayer was offered for a safe riding season, followed by a time for CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) members to pray over individual bikes. I have been to a few of these things, and I am continually amazed at the response of fellow bikers. I suppose we all know (deep-down) that motorcycles are dangerous. My paramedic friends used to call them "murder-cycles". And God knows I have seen my share of hair, teeth, and eyeballs on the streets. Its no laughing matter.

The mid-day activity was capped-off by a short ride to the Town of Camden and a stop at The Helm for lunch.
It really was an AWESOME day!

Five from "g"

1.  A new planet has just been discovered.  And you get to
name it.  What name do you choose and why?
Parastratiosphecomyia stratiosphecomyioides ... This is
the longest scientific name for something, and this planet
will be a 'long-long way' away from earth. Fits well, don't
you think?

2.  What would be your 3 main laws (rules) if you ran your
own country?
1) Worship God 2) Love your fellow man  3)Honor the
President (even if you didn't vote for him) 

3.  What villain from literature or history do you relate
to the most? Frodo; Lord of The Rings.  
Why? He represents people who try really hard to live up to 
their calling in life, but find it difficult at times.

4.  What, if any, is the value of optimism? At the very
least, it helps one keep a positive outlook on life.

5.  What annoys you most about technology?
All the 'stuff' one needs to remember. Especially where
software is concerned. I do alright with things I do on
a consistent basis. But remembering codes and things a year
from now ... NOT LIKELY! If I don't write it down somewhere
(& remember where I put it), then I'm in trouble. 

Me Mudda & Brudda

Well, I'm feeling very connected to my family once again. Seeing my kids (& grandson) last week got me thinking about my dear ol' Mom living in South Florida. And my mind went back to my last visit with her before moving to Maine. That's when this picture was taken.

She is such a WONDERFUL mother! She knows how difficult it is for me to come and see her right now, so she made plans to visit me in Maine ... all the way from South Florida. I almost can't believe it! She's going on 90 years old and has chronic back pain, but she is still willing to attempt the trip.

My older sister and her husband are making the trip too. Mom is flying to my sisters in Virginia, then they will be taking a road for several days visiting other family in New York. The big trip ends with us in Maine. I feel SO blessed, and I can't wait to see my mother again!

Words of Wisdom

Last week I took a few days to visit my kids in Virginia. Josey and I took my grandson for an afternoon, and decided we would go to the new Marine Corps Museum (www.usmcmuseum.com) at Quantico. It actually opened a few years ago while I still lived there, but I never got around to visit it. I passed it every Thursday morning as I went on base for a Bible study, but never stopped in until now.

Something I heard there really stuck with me as I listened to a video of an old WWII veteran. He served in the infantry (a foot-soldier on the front lines) and was telling about a particular time when his company was fighting a very tough battle. He said they were low on food and ammunition, and they feared for their lives. And then he said something profound. He said, "But we did what we had been trained to do, we moved toward the sound of enemy gunfire."
WOW, can you imagine?

As I have given that more thought, it dawned on me that there is great wisdom in those words. Not just for warfare, but for life itself. Not many people I have known would square off with formidable opposition. And I confess it would not be my first inclination. But what a difference it would make if we all disciplined ourselves to move toward the challenges in life - as these Marines moved toward opposing forces. What courage! What bravery! What guts! What heroes!