Something Strange Happened

This morning I was minding my own busy, listening to Jay & Jack's Lost Podcast, when something strange happened. I captured the horror thanks to the computer's built in isight. Please don't judge me for trying to escape.

The Boy is Growing

It's happening way to fast.

He's beginning to develop 'the old spare tire' just like his dad.

Stretching for a Post

Your Linguistic Profile:

60% General American English

20% Yankee

15% Upper Midwestern

0% Dixie

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

My Ignored Cat

About 4 months ago our beautiful Rocky Mountain cat started having problems. It wasn't drastic at first but as time progress it became more and more uncomely. Last week we decided it was time to take her to the Vet and packing her into her crate I drove off.

The Vet is a very stressful place for an animal. First it's full of other smells and then you are brought into a room and poked, prodded and weighed. Scout (playfully named after Jean Louise in 'To Kill a Mockingbird') is not a fan, but we were prepared for the worst.

Finally, the diagnosis was in and to my great surprise our cat didn't have a fungus or skin disorder. She was in fact licking out her own fur. WHAT!??!!! I thought....Why?

As it turns out our cat, is depressed. And if she doesn't start getting better in the next week she's be prescribed Prozac (or some form of it).....I kid you not. I honestly am ashamed to admit I'm toying with the thought of a drugged pet. Wish me luck.

A Beautiful Wife & Child

It's Saturday and we are hopefully going to be snowed in by tomorrow. I do believe I am the luckiest man alive since I will be trapped with these two.

Pastoral Visitation

Yesterday, Pastor Brad stopped by our humble abode for a little face to face with our child. My wife and I deeply appreciated his inconveniencing himself and joining us for a cup of tea. It was good to catch up and to hear a little about his trip to Africa, Boystown and to begin the discussion about baptism vs. dedication.

Maybe next time we can discuss growing older gracefully.

The Bird Feeder

I like birds....I better retract that statement.......I like all birds but ONE. However this Blog is not about the ONE I loathe but the song birds I love.

Since I was a child my family spent many morning sitting around our dining room table watching the birds come and go from our platform feeder. The variety was often impressive from the bright red of the male Cardinal to the snootiness of the Blue Jay. There were times when the Mourning Doves would arrive so thickly we would question the bird feeder's integrity. Yet the feeder would always hold and we would continue our wonder.

Now it wasn't all sitting around, drinking coffee and pondering. In the corner of the dining room resided a Bebe Gun and its job was to encourage the squirrels to stay away from the bird's food. Now we tried many methods to discourage these furry creatures, but they were relentless in their pursuit of the sunflower seed. It truly was their own demise to climb the metal pole and plop their wintery lard on the feeder. Our only desire for these creatures was to scare them away and we would only pump the gun once. Yet to our great surprise this would only discourage them for a day or two. These squirrels had little self-control.

Today I have a feeder and have never seen a squirrel climb upon its platform. What I have seen are Cardinals, Nuthatches, Chickadees, Titmouse, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves and many other feathered visitors. Watching the birds brings me great comfort and another chance to sit in awe of creation.

On January 8th

I am now a father.

His name is Mathis Jon and my wife and I are trying to savor every moment we get with him. He was a bit over 9 pounds and 22 1/2 inches tall (I prefer this over the common 'long').

The best thing about having a big baby is he likes to sleep. Big stomach means longer sleep periods.

We are doing our very best and hope to be half the parents that raised us.

Names from the Past

10 years ago I spent my second year of University at Covenant Bible College in Strathmore, Alberta. There I resided, studied and caused trouble with about 86 other students from numerous walks of life. For me, it was 9 months of spiritual formation which has pressed me into my present life.

The bonds which I formed during this year are quite curious. I have kept very fleeting contact with most of my fellow alum, but for some unexplainable reason they all hold a significant place in my person. Yesterday, through unexpected channels, I came across a blog where some of them have begun to check in and post. I couldn't read fast enough.

This post will mean little to most of you, but for those who come across it from CBC's Class of 1997 go here...

Snow on Thursday

Western New York is known for snow. The people who live here expect to get dumped on day in and day out December - February. However, it is not uncommon to get snow beginning in October and ending April. This is one of the reasons I live in Chautauqua County. I love snow. I love playing in it, shoveling it, manipulating it into snowmen and best of all dispersing it with my snowblower. By 8PM Tomorrow we are supposed to have accumulated 12 inches...God doth smile upon me.

So far it has been the perfect start to December. My only concern is looming in a few days is the cursed warm winds from the South. Please if any of you have the power please crush those winds with the icy breeze of the Canadian Plains.

And to everyone who disdains that which brings me great joy. Happy Holidays.

Golf Makes Me Cry

I am not a golfer. As a matter of fact I have always thought negatively about people who choose to golf (curse its name). My mind moves to this question...How can sane person enjoy such a boring sport? I still don't have a good answer to this question, but my harshness towards the game has changed. I now loathe playing golf (curse its name).

Last week I went golfing with my good friend Lukas. In all his wisdom he suggested going to the driving range on Tuesday and play 9 holes on Wednesday, which is what we did. I have never had much trouble picking up 'sporting' activities, but golf (curse it's name) has become the thorn in my flesh. Here is a summery of my game. Driving: 75 yards (2nd swing), Playing the ball off the fairway: 20 to 50 yards), Putting: I can sink em if they're less than a yard). It is clearly apparent I am no good at golf (curse its name).

Now what a normal person might do is give up the game. However, because I have always had natural ability with sports I've become addicted to the idea of getting better at golf (curse its name). So here I am...addicted to that which I hate...What a cruel cruel world.

Earthly Woes

Western New York is know for snow. Those of us who live here have made the conscience decision to partake in the joys and hardships of this fact. However, lately we have been cursed by rain and warmth which has transformed our beautiful 24 inches into mush.

I WANT THE SNOW TO RETURN! So let the lake effect snow gather and let the wind chill drop! We need a better winter! Those of you with me please join me in the crusade to change the weather.

Childhood Lost

Can you believe an American has finally created a colored bubble? I am utterly amazed. If only Zubbles were available during my younger years my life would have been more complete. Not only is the color throughout the but the color wipes away clean once the bubble (or should I say Zubble) pops! Bummer I have to wait until spring before I can buy some.

Check out this Zubbles video.

A Phone For Fido

How sweet will your dog look rockin his own cell phone. And if he needs a little extra luck with the ladies add the optional camera. Yeah just watch the females come flocking.

This phone is equipped with a GPS to keep posted on your dog's Tom Foolery, a speaker so you can harass your dog from a far, and a call owner button just in case your dog feels the need to get back at you.

If you are interested in finding out more...Pets Mobility

A Calendar of Your Own

A friend of mine passed this site on along to me the other day.

Lulu

Here you can publish your own stuff. The one that catches the eye is the calendar. Upload your pictures and rock out with your very own custom calendar. My friend mentioned he was afraid of poor resolution but as long as the your pics are high rez your calendar will turn out.

It's Raining...

i was at walmart on a cell phone just like i should be and i see a familar family of 4. first thought is hello second is goodbye. i choose the later.

i was looking for fly traps and really any will do. it's hard to find anything in the at place. especially since there are so may people to look at. and not along the lines of a leer or pervasive glance. i mean these people are interesting. i couldn't find the fly traps so i gave into looking at dvds. i also found a couple puzzles.

i am addicted to everything i enjoy. it's hard having this personality...i refuse to try certain things since i know i will immediately enjoy them and use up time and money. i am addicted to puzzles. put one infront of me and i am wasted for its duration.

i hope it rains for another few hours. it oppresses clothing and makes a body heavy. being enclosed is comforting.