SeizeTheBlog

Saving Gasoline--Up North

2007-06-04T15:22:00.000-04:00

This is how we conserve energy in northern Michigan! When the few weeks of summer take away our snow we put our dog sleds on wheels. I spotted this guy and his dogs this morning on my way to work. He is probably keeping his dogs in shape until the snow comes back in a few weeks. I would guess that he is headed downtown so the dogs can relieve themselves on the parking meters. Wouldn't AlGore be proud of this energy saving mode of transportation?

FOR SALE: Carbon Credits

2007-03-03T16:48:00.001-05:00

I am offering for sale a bunch of Carbon Credits that you can use to offset your use of non-renewable energy. You can apply them to a trip you want to take, electrical use or anything else you choose. I am offering them for the low price of $5,000. If you purchase them I will park my big SUV for one day a week from May through September of this year and walk to work. That will save on gasoline, oil, tires, and carbon pollution that my SUV will spew into the air. I also planted four trees last year and I will throw the Credits for them into the deal at no additional cost! I got the idea last week while watching the Adoration of AlGore at the Oscars. I got goose-bumps when the Faithful of his church rose as One in standing applause. I was going to offer these Credits on Ebay, but I chose to offer them to my faithful readers instead. Grab this deal while you can, because it is first-come-first-served.

I am the Father of Anna Nichole's Baby

2007-02-14T15:02:00.000-05:00

Did that get your attention? I am sure that it also got the attention of many people who search the Internet for news about Anna Nichole Smith. She is among the most searched names along with people such as Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton. Many of the people who know the names of those women could not tell you the name of our Secretary of State. That is the sad state of our society. Condoleezza Rice has much more effect on our future than any of the women mentioned. She is also much more intelligent. An hour or so after Anna Nichole's death I mentioned it to a young man. Of course he knew who she was and was shocked. I did not ask him if he knew who our Secretary of State is, but I already know that he probably does not know. He is not alone. Many of our fellow citizens are more concerned about the current events of the Beautiful People in Hollywood than they are about history and the source of our freedom. Sadly, some of them also vote.

You Go Girl!

2006-08-14T10:25:00.000-04:00

Few kids her age can accomplish this amazing feat, but Lily proved that it can be done. I am proud to claim her as my great-granddaughter. This is just the first of the many accomplishments she will succeed at in her lifetime. I am sure that life is not boring for her mother and father, who by the way, contribute to her wierd behavior. Grandparents usually carry around cute little pictures of their offspring, but this is the one that I will proudly show to anyone whose attention I can gain. I am now sure that Lily will carry on the well established traditions of her heritage. Another positive advantage of her behavior is that it will keep the boys away from her door for some time to come. Ain't she cute?

The Story of the Signs

2006-07-18T17:41:00.000-04:00

Driving along Supply Road east of town today, a series of hand-made signs started to appear along side the road, nailed to trees. When I saw the first one that said "Brittan, we miss you," I assumed that Brittan had probably died in an automobile crash on that road. But then a mile or so later, there was another one with a different message, and then another one. Then I noticed they were on both sides of the road. The story of the signs began to come together. Brittan had not died, she was estranged from her parents for some reason. Their relationship had broken down and her frustrated parents were trying to reach her by posting signs along a road they knew she traveled. On the way back, I took pictures of some of them which you see above. The story is a lesson for us to remember. Don't allow the relationship between you and your children to deteriorate until you have to put signs along the road as a last ditch effort to get them back. Treasure this day with your kids. Today you are adding either positive or negative thoughts and actions to their personalities that will remain there tomorrow. You, and they, will reap the harvest--whether good or bad.

Mission Accomplished!

2006-06-14T11:05:00.000-04:00

During their college years Annie and Aaron got married and added Lily to their lives and hearts. Their determination to finish what they started never let up as they formed their young family. On May 19, 2006 they were graduated from Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, Missouri. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but they made it look as if it was. Their journey continues and as long as they keep their "can-do" attitudes and those smiles, it will be a fantastic one. For now, they plan to remain in Moberly. You can keep up with their activities at Annie's Blog, which, of course, is mostly about Lily, the sunshine in their lives. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. McDonald!

The Old Guy in Front of Me

2006-04-25T12:31:00.000-04:00

I looked around the crowd and noticed that many of the folks were much younger than me. Some of them looked like teenagers, but I guess they were in their twenties. There were many thirties, forties and some fifties. My salvation was the Old Guy seated in front of me. He was at least ten years older than me, and he had to get up often to go to the bathroom, something that happens to old guys.

I came to this Writer’s Seminar for at least three reasons. First, to learn something. Younger people are always amazed when we over-the-hill people still want to learn stuff. They don’t say it outright, but you can see it in their eyes.

Second, because this was the day of the release of a new book of which I am one of the contributing authors. It’s called People Stories: Inside the Outside. You can buy it at Amazon.com.

Third, and maybe most important, I came to see Keith Miller, one of my heroes. He is a best-selling writer who has written many books that have influenced my life. I clutched one of his books, The Taste of New Wine, that I purchased back in 1969, hoping to get him to sign it.

He was supposed to be here, but I couldn’t pick him out. I scanned the crowd of 200 or so people, but no one came close to the picture on the back cover of the book. Disappointed, I laid the book down on the chair next to me and concentrated on the speaker.

The next speaker told us to take a little break to introduce ourselves to the people around us. I wasn’t really in the mood for that, so I just sat there. Then the Old Guy in front of me turned around and stuck out his hand. “Hello, I’m Keith Miller,” he said. After writing in my book, he enthusiastically gave me a brochure describing his latest project. At 78 years, he was beginning a new venture!

That small gesture of this humble Old Guy inspired me as much as his books have. I felt very young for the rest of the day and focused on how I can complete my next dream.

An Evening at the Convenience Store

2006-03-28T16:45:00.000-05:00

He was a very tall man wearing an oversized baggy coat. The bow in his back suggested that he grew tall at a young age and compensated for it by slumping. His face and mannerisms led me to believe that he had never fully developed mentally. He circled the convenience store as if I were the pivital point of his circle. I became a bit uncomfortable as his circle became smaller, especially when I heard him mumbling something. When I went to the coffee machine to draw a cup, he came right up beside me and fumbled with a paper coffee cup. Then I heard him. Looking straight at the coffee machine and not at me, he said, "Have a nice evening." Then I realized that was what he had been mumbling all along. He just had to keep saying it until he was sure that I heard him. That had been his mission all along. "You have a nice evening also," I replied. He turned away and left the store.

Winter-time in Northern Michigan

2006-03-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

Some of you don't get to see much snow so I decided to include this picture. Like most of you, I prefer warm weather. However, there is something about the quiet beauty of fresh-fallen snow that refreshes your sense of being. It's not fun to deal with in your driveway or on the roads, but it does add an exotic beauty to our planet. Last month on a sunny day after a snowstorm, I waded through a couple of feet of snow to look at my garden. It is under the snow in this picture just waiting to come forth in a month or so. It seems like some of the art that our Creator gave us is short-lived and if we are to appreciate it we have to seize the moment while it is here. (The picture should enlarge when you click on it.)

Never Get in Line Behind Me

2006-02-15T15:57:00.000-05:00

If you ever see me in line at the grocery store, a convenience store, or the bank, never get in line behind me. I always choose the wrong line. Something happens every time. Someone in my line has a heart attack, a baby, or at the very least, they have to write a check and can't find their checkbook. Everyone in front of me never gets their method of payment out until the clerk is completely finished processing their purchase. Since I know that you are extremely interested in this subject, let me tell you about an incident that happened last Saturday. I went to the bank to make a deposit through the drive-up lane. There were two drive-up lanes and one car in each one. Now, I think it is logical to wait back a ways for the first one that opens up, but people who come to drive-up windows are not logical--just impatient. Well, someone came up behind me and I always look in the mirror to see how impatient they are. This guy was straining to look around me and bobbing his head around impatiently because he wondered why I didn't just pick a lane and pull up. One time I was waiting like that and a young guy pulled around me giving me a nasty gesture and grabbed a lane in front of me. Well, from then on, when I see the impatience of the person behind me, I just give in and pick a lane and pull up. That's what I did this time. I picked the right lane because that car had been there the longest--at least five minutes. When I got behind the car I saw there was an old lady inside and she was parked at least three feet away from the tube. Then I noticed that she had not even put her stuff in the tube! She was bobbing around in the car as if there was a mouse loose in there. I have no clue what she was doing. Finally, she lowered her window and reached out for the tube. Her hand only went about half way there, so she pulled it back in, opened the door, got out and got the container. Then it took her another minute or two to put her stuff in the container, get out again, and finally send it to the teller. Meanwhile, the guy that was behind me was just pulling out after finishing his transaction in the left lane. A second car completed their transaction in the left lane before the container came back for the lady in front of me. Of course she had to get out again to get it and get back in. I watched her bob around again for a minute or so (I guess the mouse was still loose), and finally she got out again to put the container back in the tube. Now, I have learned from experience that a woman will seldom simply put the car in drive and pull away after completing a transaction. This one was not an exception. She had to put the money in the right place in her purse (which was on the other side of the car), check herself out in the mirror, start the car, put it in drive, check the rear view mirror to see if there was anyone behind her waiting, and FINALLY SHE PULLED AWAY. As I pulled up to the tube, I noticed the third car pulling away in the left lane.

Does Stuff Like This Only Happen to Me?

2006-01-12T12:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had to mail a letter and I only had 37 cent stamps, and no 2's. Since the cost of postage went up I didn't want to take the chance, so I made a trip to the Barlow Street P.O. branch to get some 2's. My first clue that I had a problem was when I had to wait to even get into the parking lot. Inside, there was a huge line of people, most of whom had the same problem as I did. After waiting in line for 10 minutes or so, a friendly, older man appeared from somewhere and asked if we were waiting for 2 cent stamps. Many of us said, "Yes!" He said, "I have some out in my car if you want some." Six of us had the courage (or stupidity) to peel out after him and risk losing our place in line. So there we were, six people in single file following him around to the side of the building. It turned out that he was a rural mail carrier and when he got to his car he pulled out a small metal box. Our little group chuckled as he opened it and took orders. He didn't have many stamps, but he said he could probably take care of our needs for what we wanted to mail today. He also did not have much change. I was last in line and only had bills, so I borrowed 2 cents from the lady in front of me. When I got to him, he did have 20 stamps left so I bought them. When I went back in the P.O. to mail my letter, the lady that I borrowed the 2 cents from was just leaving, so I gave her 2 cents back. Meanwhile all of the other people in line in the P.O. just looked at our little band of six with puzzled eyes. This crazy incident gave me a smile for the rest of the day. As you can see, it does not take much to entertain me.

Have You Heard about "ICE?"

2006-01-10T13:37:00.000-05:00

Besides being frozen water, ICE means In Case of Emergency. This new program could be very helpful to you if you carry a cell phone. It was created by a paramedic from the UK. Many emergency first responders in the U.S. have been trained to look for ICE on your cell phone contact list. More will be aware of it in the near future. Adding this to your cell phone is quite simple, actually. Just add ICE next to the names of the person or persons you would like contacted in case of an emergency. For example: ICE-1 Bob, ICE-2 Mom, or ICE-3 Doctor. Besides notifying your loved ones in case of an accident or other health problem, the emergency personnel can also contact someone that can help with medical decisions on your behalf. The way I did it on my cell phone was to leave my present contacts the way they were and added new ICE contacts with their cell numbers as the first visible number. There is also a web site that sells stickers for the back of your phone to alert emergency workers if you choose. By the way, ignore emails warning that adding ICE to your cell phone makes it vulnerable to viruses. This is a hoax. No such viruses exist.

In Defense of the Freedom We Enjoy

2005-11-29T13:33:00.000-05:00

This is Pfc. Christopher Beaverson with his proud parents, Tami and Tony on his graduation day at Fort Benning, Georgia on 23 November, 2005. He just completed 14 weeks of basic training and advanced Infrantry training with the 2nd Battalion 58th Infantry Regiment. We all thank him and his Army buddies for their dedication and service to our country. As the speaker of the day, Lt. Colonel White, said, they are the best trained army in the world, prepared to fight any battle, anywhere. Chris is home on leave now, preparing for his Airborne training on his way to Special Forces training. Some of his friends will soon be in Iraq defending our country against terrorism and bringing freedom to the long oppressed people of Iraq. Some of our fellow Americans just don't get it. The invasion of 9/11 has faded from their minds and they are ready to retreat from the battle. Chris and his new friends have not forgotten. They volunteered to protect and defend all of us, whether we appreciate it or not. They are ready to sacrifice their time--and even their lives, so you and I can come and go as we please in the greatest country on earth. This young man is my flesh and blood and I know him well, but I looked into the eyes of many of his fellow soldiers and realized that each one has his own story, his own family, his own future plans, and his own reasons for his dedication to the mission at hand. I thank them all.

The Cycle of Life

2005-10-19T09:30:00.000-04:00

Most of the time we don't think much about it. Only when someone is born or someone dies do we ponder the reality of Life's Cycle. As Annie nurtures the newest member of our family we wonder what little Lily will face during her visit on this earth. Last June her great-grandfather Lacey ended his visit here to receive his reward, and as I write and you read, Lily Ann's great-great-grandmother Beaverson is fading into the shadows of this world getting ready for the next. Meanwhile runners continue to run until their legs give out, roofers continue to roof until they have completed the last one, preachers continue to preach until their voices fade, and postmen continue to deliver the mail until the last letter is mailed. Our time here on this earth is important, but not for the things we spend most of our time chasing after. The primary purpose for our days here is to prepare for the Next. As we search for this purpose during our Cycle, we may find that the Secret is in the Search. Meanwhile, we continue to run, roof, preach, and deliver mail, giving each task our very best effort

Faster Than a Speeding Bullet !

2005-10-16T17:27:00.000-04:00

Nothing but the best for Amber and Taylor, Freshmen runners on the Moberly, Missouri cross country team. Moberly took first place at the Hannibal Cross Country Invitational on October 13. Taylor (front row, right) took first place and Amber (back row, left) came in eighth. Since they are twins, they could switch numbers after the race and few would know the difference. They are following in the footsteps of their older sister, Katie, who runs for William Woods University. She recently took the American Midwest Conference individual championship title. She was also named MVP. It's in the genes, you know. Todd and Dawn are proud of their kids, and they should be! (I guess maybe I am a little proud also). Great work, girls. --Your gramps.

Okay! Okay! Already!

2005-09-22T11:42:00.000-04:00

For those of you coming back to my Blog looking for more info and pictures of Lily Ann, you can stop holding your breath. Here she is with her dad and mom. She is asleep here, but she will wake up just as soon as her parents go to sleep. Her grandfather, Tony, has been busy keeping us updated with daily photos. Although Lily doesn't seem to care right now, she was greatly blessed by being born into a happy home with great parents and an extended family that will encircle her with love and affection. Wouldn't it be great if all children could be born as blessed as she is?

Welcome to the World, Lily Ann

2005-09-14T12:43:00.000-04:00

Hee, Hee, my son and daughter-in-law became grandparents last night! (Oops, what does that make me?) Annie gave birth to Lily Ann at 7:22 p.m. Lily entered the world at 6 pounds, 8 ounces, while her daddy, Aaron stood by on wobbly legs. Doesn't she look like a smart kid? It's in the genes, you know. Her mother will be telling you all about Lily soon in her Blog.

I'm going to have to see this kid soon to set her straight on a bunch of things, such as who to vote for, which sports teams to root for, and the perils of boys that will come to visit her too soon.

2005 seems like a weird year to be born, doesn't it? That means that she will only be 95 years old at the dawn of the next century. It seems like my offspring always give their kids names with initials that spell something. Lily didn't have a choice but her's is LAM. I now have a BAM and a LAM. That could get confusing. I am sure that if her great-grandmother were writing this it would probably make more sense to you, but if you know her, just ask and she will tell you all about it. Otherwise, you will just have to write this post off as an excited, sputtering old man who doesn't know what else to say about this great day, Lily's first full day on planet earth.

We are Proud of You, Chris

2005-09-02T15:01:00.000-04:00

This young man joined all of the other men and women that are protecting and conserving our freedom by unselfishly serving in the armed forces. He began his basic training in the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia on August 19 (click on Fort Benning for Web Site). His ultimate goal is the Special Forces. He has a long, hard road ahead of him, but his parents prepared him well for this day. He, and they, would appreciate your prayers for him. Sometimes we get so involved in complaining about trivia such as high gasoline prices that we forget that our freedom and prosperity allows us to have an automobile in the first place. Thankfully, there are still many young men and women that are willing to give of themselves to protect and defend us and our right to complain. The next time you see our Flag, put his face on it for a moment. Thank you, Pfc. Beaverson! -- Your gramps. (P.S. -- you can see his training schedule here. His graduation day from basic training is November 23, 2005.)

News You can Use

2005-09-01T09:13:00.000-04:00

A good way to contribute to Katrina Hurricane Relief is through International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES). This reliable organization works with Christian churches in the area. Through them, you are assured that your funds will be used properly and efficiently. You can contribute online by PayPal or Credit Card if you wish. Click here for their Web Site, or you can send it to: International Disaster Emergency Services, P.O. Box 60, Kempton, IN 45049.
Also, you are now entitled to a free annual Credit Report from all three nationwide credit agencies. You can review your credit history, but even more important, you can see if you have been a victim of identity theft. Click here for the Web Site to get your free reports. Be sure to print them for your records.
Finally, you can check out your state-wide gasoline prices online. If you live in Michigan, the Web Site is at www.michigangasprices.com. Click here to go to it. If you live in another state, just substitue your state name for michigan. You might save some money on your next fill-up.

What Happened to the Cartoons?

2005-08-24T15:07:00.000-04:00

My Cartoons moved out!! They jumped over to a new Blog. I named the New Blog Toon Time. You can click here or I have a link to it in my Links on the right side of this page. For all of you fans of the Cartoons (both of you), you can visit there to see them in the order I made them. There are not any new ones yet, but there soon will be. I will reserve this Blog for my News and Stuff. Be sure to visit Annie's Blog once in a while. She is a great writer. You can monitor the progress of the addition to their family.

Chronicles of a Bad Week

2005-08-02T09:11:00.000-04:00

Rain interrupted our drought and flooded my basement.
The cat got sick.
My wife is in Australia.
Michael Moore was the local hero with his first annual Traverse City Film Festival. That made an already bad week worse. Click here for the article in the Traverse City Record Eagle.
Maybe it's time for a new Cartoon.

Northern Michigan Coyote

2005-04-25T17:12:00.000-04:00

I took this picture of a Coyote yesterday a few miles south of Traverse City. It was along side the road when I went by, so I turned around and it was still there, allowing me to take several pictures. Yes, that is snow on April 24th!

I Couldn't Help It!

2005-04-03T18:56:00.000-04:00

I just had to post this picture of one of the newest citizens of the United States. Her name is Gabrielle. She was born at about 12:30 a.m. this morning. Her parents are Dennis and Yolanta. Why am I so excited about this? It is because this family, from Rapid City, Michigan has "adopted" me into their family and I am now the "uncle" of Gabrielle. Her parents both speak several languages, so she will grow up being multilingual, and with me as an uncle, she can't go wrong!

What's New?

2005-03-18T11:17:00.000-05:00

Many of you faithfully come to my Blog to see if there is anything new. Well, except for the NCAA tournament and Congress wasting their time on steroid use by baseball players, there is not much news. So, I decided to post my latest watercolor painting so you know that I have not been completely idle. I named it "Illusion."

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A Story About a Grateful Iraqi Immigrant

2005-02-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

Marine Corporal Allan Klein

On January 26, 2004, 34 year old Corporal Allan Klein from Roseville, Michigan died in the helicopter crash in Iraq that killed 31 Americans. As his mother planned the lunchen for family and friends after his funeral she contacted a banquet hall owner, Louie Ishmail. It turned out that Mr. Ishmail had come to the United States in 1979 from Baghdad. He had grown up in Mosul after his family was forced from their village in northern Iraq. When he found out that Mrs. Klein's son died in Iraq, he donated the use of his hall and provided all of the food and drinks free of charge. He considered this a small token of his gratitude for the sacrifice that this family experienced to bring freedom to his homeland. I doubt very much that Michael Moore will include this amazing story in any of his "documentaries."

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The Purple Finger of Freedom and Courage

2005-02-04T10:42:00.000-05:00

What a great day for Iraq and the world! Millions of Iraqis defied suicide bombers last Sunday to vote in their first democratic election in 50 years. Many of them walked long distances with their entire families to vote. Elderly people arrived in wheelchairs. Several blind people found their way to the polls. A larger percentage of registered Iraqis voted than Americans on any given election. We grumble if we have to wait in line for 20 minutes. They risked death or injury to stand in line to vote for the first time in most of their lives. After voting, they had to dip their index finger in a bowl of dye to indicate that they had voted. The dye will remain on their finger for about a week, further endangering them should a terrorist see it.

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CONGRATULATIONS BAMS!

2005-02-03T08:36:00.000-05:00

This girl (who is a little older than in this photo) got married January 15th. My oldest granddaughter, Bethany, married a lucky guy named Rian. After a Honeymoon in Thailand, they went to Australia where they are establishing their home and lives together. Be well, Bams!

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Special Guy in Special Forces

2005-02-01T17:01:00.000-05:00

Still a Senior in High School, this young man has enlisted in the Army, and more specifically, the Special Forces. Chris has planned for this for several years. He will leave for basic training in August of this year. I am very proud of you, grandson. Our great country is privileged to have young men like you unselfishly serve us and protect our freedom. God be with you.

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We made a Statement to the World

2004-11-04T09:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. I received a phone call from a person in a small village in northern Thailand asking about the election results. It was 3:30 a.m. there! He could not sleep because he was concerned about the outcome. I told him that President Bush had just made his victory speech and an hour before Senator Kerry had acknowledged his loss. This citizen of Thailand was very happy to hear that. He said he could now go back to bed to get some sleep. Sometimes we get the idea that most of the rest of the world dislikes us and our President. Not true! The liberal elite in Europe are the same as the liberal elite here in the U.S. They are the darlings of the media and as a result, that is all we hear about. The truth is that many ordinary citizens around the world hold to the traditional moral values that many of us do. They recognized that President George W. Bush holds to those same values without compromise. We will never change the liberal elite, but we must remember that there are many ordinary people around the world that get it. They love us, our President, and what we have sacrificed and shared with the world so that they can enjoy the safety and freedom that we have here.

I have a problem

2004-10-22T09:31:00.000-04:00

I don't know who to root for in the World Series. I am an American League guy, but this year I have a dilemma. I was 100% behind Boston during the ALCS because they were playing New York. Anybody but the Yankees, I always say. But........since St. Louis made it into the Series and I have two sons living in Missouri and are Cardinal fans, I feel somewhat of a loyality to them. That is a plus for the Cards. However, they are still a National League team. That is a minus for them. Then there is Boston, which I think is still in Massachusettts, the home of two very liberal Senators, Kerry and Kennedy, who are Red Socks fans. That is a big minus for Boston. Although Kerry, who claims to be their #1 fan, probably couldn't name their starting lineup and even had to be reminded who their manager is. That is a big plus for rooting for Boston. In 2001, I had no problem rooting for the National League team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, because they were playing the Yankees, plus I have a daughter living there. But, that still doesn't help me this year. What am I going to do? The Series starts Saturday and I will have to decide before then. This weighs heavily on me because I am sure that my choice will effect the outcome.

V.P. visits T.C.

2004-10-22T09:19:00.000-04:00

Vice President Cheney came to Traverse City on Wednesday, October 20. He got a great reception at Howe Arena. He came right by my office going and coming from the airport to the Arena. I guess he just wanted to say "Hi." His limo is the second one behind the blue Police car. This was the best picture I could take under the circumstances. Mrs. Cheney waved at me coming in and the Vice President waved at me on the way out. I could see him say to his wife, "There is Larry's office."

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President Bush visits Arizona State

2004-10-13T10:26:00.000-04:00

This is my grandson Brandon (yes, the hair is real). He is a student at Arizona State in Tempe, AZ where the Presidential Debate is taking place tonight. GUESS WHAT! -- President Bush is staying with Brandon while he is in the area. Brandon went out a bought a brand new futon on which the President is very comfortably sleeping. Treat him well, Brandon, because he has four more years to lead our great country.

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Professional Baseball Coming to TC!!

2004-10-01T09:26:00.000-04:00

The Blair Township planning commissioner gave unanimous approval for a 4,500 seat baseball stadium near Chum's Corners. In May, 2006, the Traverse City Beach Bums of the independent Frontier League will begin playing there. Construction of the stadium will begin in November at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Rennie School Road. It will feature 3,500 hard seats plus table seating, 18 luxury boxes and grass seating beyond the outfield fences, office space, concessions, indoor batting rooms and two clubhouses. They will eventually build a 30-unit hotel to house visiting teams and umpires. This facility will be build entirely with private funds.

Alert!

2004-09-29T14:27:00.000-04:00

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for yet another catastrophic hurricane following on the heels of Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.

The Path of this hurricane zigs and zags and is therefore highly unpredictable. Experts predict that this one will cause the most damage to the United States than we have experienced in 40 years. It will blow a lot of wind!

They are naming this one Hurricane Kerry Flopper. Be advised, the only way for responsible citizens to protect themselves is by getting behind a Bush.

(I wish I had written this, but I didn't. One of those Internet things.)

Well, Well, Well

2004-09-29T13:55:00.000-04:00

The rich, fat, white-guy and creator of the socialist propaganda film Fahrenheit 9/11, Michael Moore, spoke at the Elk Rapids High School auditorium last Sunday afternoon. Sorry I couldn't make it, Michael. I had to take a nap. This speech began a sixty city tour raising money for local democrat candidates. I can't imagine that many democrat candidates that would want to be associated with this guy. Must be desperate. One of his million dollar homes is in nearby Torch Lake, and one can occasionally spot him on the streets of Traverse City. Just a regular blue-collar guy! If anyone wants to keep up with his hate-filled comings and goings go to: http://www.moorewatch.com/ or, http://www.mooreexposed.com/ or, don't bother if you aren't interested. He already gets much more notoriety than he deserves. Only in the America that he hates could a guy like this make so much money. There! I feel better now.

We Shall Never Forget

2004-09-11T15:57:00.000-04:00

We all remember that day, three years ago, when an evil enemy invaded our country taking the lives of innocent civilians. I sit here today thinking that I ought to be doing something in their honor. I can't think of anything at all worthwhile except to post this picture and offer a prayer for the young men and women who still fight the enemy. We who remain carry a bruise on our hearts that will never heal.

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Mom's Kittens

2004-09-09T13:33:00.000-04:00

Mom is not alone anymore! We picked up two kittens to come to be her companions. I call them Mary and Martha. They have the whole farm on which to roam, but so far they are sticking close to her. They should make her life a lot more interesting.

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Aaron's Lambs

2004-08-26T13:58:00.000-04:00

Occasionally you need to take some time to feed the lambs, as Linda did last spring at Aaron's farm. Similar activities erase the troubles of this world from our cluttered minds. She wasn't thinking about the war or the economy during this time of friendship with these hungry babies.

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Protesters

2004-08-20T15:39:00.000-04:00

Yes, there were protesters at President Bush's visit to Traverse City. Over 1,000. Many of them were responsible and polite, however some of them were rude. One group of young people had vulger statements on their signs and shirts. Three of them broke through the police line and ran toward the President's car. The police arrested them. A group carrying signs declaring that the President is a polluter, left some of their signs behind on the ground. How ironic! I talked with one very well behaved group of union workers carrying Kerry signs. They were surprised that so many people turned out to see the President. I wasn't.

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The President Speaks

2004-08-18T13:24:00.000-04:00

It was a fantastic day for an outdoor appearance by the President at the Traverse City Civic Center. He gave a great 40 minute speech to about 15,000 people. This photo was from where I spent most of the time. More on this later.

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Great Day with the President

2004-08-18T13:03:00.000-04:00

I spent most of the time with the White House Press Corps. I took this sign off the table after they left. With my yellow tee-shirt and Staff Badge I could go nearly anywhere I wanted. The next day, I saw some of the footage they took on CNN and Fox News.

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The Sign of the Times!

2004-08-16T08:45:00.000-04:00

Traverse City is buzzing with activity in preparation for the President's arrival this afternoon. I am a volunteer on the security detail. I went to a meeting last night for preparation, training, get my security badge and a bright yellow tee-shirt with a big "W" on the front.
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The President is Coming!

2004-08-13T13:40:00.000-04:00

President Bush is coming to Traverse City on Monday, August 16th. 12,000 free tickets became available this morning at 8:00 a.m. and they were gone by noon, but never fear, I will be there. I am a volunteer to help out with crowd control. We must re-elect this man. The alternative is scary.

Believe it or Not!

2004-08-13T13:31:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, this girl (my granddaughter) got married July 17, 2004. I suppose I should post a current picture of her, but I like this one better. Aaron is the lucky guy. Check out Annie's blog at http://welcometomcdonalds.blogspot.com/

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If You don't Blog, Do You Exist?

2004-08-13T10:06:00.000-04:00

If you don't Blog, do you exist? I think not. To verify my existance on this planet, I submit this Blog along with photo evidence. On the right is Millie who was responsible for my birth. Forty-seven years ago she turned me over to Linda to continue the project. Having abandonded the project a couple of decades ago, Linda now rolls her eyes a lot.

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