Talking points

In the interest of learning more about each other, and who we all are, I’d like to suggest a number of varied topics to comment about. This should help define how each of us feel about a specific topic as well as help us to recognize what we have in common.

Let’s vote on a topic and then I’ll introduce a question to further explore that topic.

Ground rules: Openness to others opinions, non-personal discreditations of those views different than your own, a learning experience for all.
Let’s vote:
1. Global warming
2. Purpose of life
3. What makes a happy person
4. What you’d do different next time
5. Price of fuel and how it affects you
6. Who or what is ‘God’ to you?
7. Recent new story: i.e. "Bitten while on toilet, woman drowns rat"
8. ?????

The order has no preference.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of topics, but rather a starting point. You can be “deep as a saucer” or “sharp as a tack.”

Jim

I almost caught an image of the photog!!!!!

Gracie - Threiiiz

Aint she beautiful?

look and see who i saw on the train

We lost our dog too...

If you go down a little, Sandi wrote a great tribute to our 'Lucky' dog.
Jim
http://sandihooper.blogspot.com/

Jim's Name

We'll, sometimes mistakes are made when naming a baby. There also could be a mis-translation, like one of our very own could be the more accurate, 'second favorite son'.

Or....God may have a plan. Remember the disciple Peter was renamed from Simon, which meant 'a reed shaken in the wind'. The Apostle Paul was renamed from Saul, meaning 'desired'. While Paul means 'small'. Since Saul had everything going for him (but looks and speaking ability), he needed that name to keep him in his place.

Ok, let's all figure out a good name for Jim. Any ideas out there? Peter

Words mean something

Illa: Latin: The famous
Benjamin: Hebrew Meaning: Son Of My Right Hand (Favorite Son)
Bonnie: BONITA Meaning: Pretty
Richard: English Meaning: Powerful
Glenda: Scottish Meaning: Divine Goodness
Suzanne: English Meaning: Lily
Darryl: French Meaning: Of Airelle (or From Airelle)
Chuck: Greek Meaning: Christ-Bearer
Lili: English Meaning: Flower
Jesse: Hebrew Meaning: Wealthy
Alicia: English Meaning: Truth or Of noble birth
Sandi: Greek Meaning: Defender Of Mankind
Jim: Hebrew Meaning: Skinny dipping Supplanter*
Karen: Greek Meaning: Pure
Peter: Greek meaning: Stone
*A little liberty on this one

ok time to check in

So Darrly and I are planning on getting married this summer. Man living with a man is not easy. There has been a few times I had to decide if I actaully like him or not. But we've come thios far and I guess I'll keep him.

Now my problem is ... the wedding. I guess he wants a real one. You all know how I feel about marriage and all that... But I guess we'll do the whole I do's ! My proble is now .. with the reunion to go to; everyone has there time cut out and planned. So I guess I'll set a date and just hope so of you who are close will want to come. This is a pretty big step for me .. you know to actually make a real committment!

So any ideas of time lines any of you might be avialable or be able to come for it. I will have it at our home. That way his freinds from OPDx can come if they wish as well.

Outside of that .. well I've been too busy to think straight !

Same ole life ...

Suzanne

Hello From San Francisco

Believe it or not I have tried to blog a couple of times and couldn't get it to post. I think Peter has helped me finally figure out what I have been doing wrong. So here I am on the blog and I can't think of anything to say!! I have two Wednesday's off from school so I am really loving the rest. What makes it even more exciting is that Lydia coming out from Tucson on the 19th and will stay until the 25th. I am so excited for her to come and see our new home. She has been very homesick for about 5 months, but because of the Holidays (she works retail) and then getting a 2nd job at Target she did not feel the time was right, until now, to ask for time off.

OK - can't think of anything else to say, but I want you all to know that I love you and I will try to think of something exciting to talk about.

Reunion

so, for the next reunion i see a group foot picture in the making. Jim your in charge.
Dick

Aptera

As long as we're taking donations.......3 cents per mile to run. 80 mph. 120 miles to the charge. Jetsons,watch out!! Yep, it's electric. only $30,000. Click the title.
Jim

Im taking donations.

click the above title.
I want to have one before the next reunion :)

The weekend. No, don't pull my finger, just click the title.

Mmmm....it was a great picnic.
Jim

speaking of feather

Bros' of a feather, must stick together!

NOT Jims feet

OK so i never claimed originality.
Drove to Cannon beach and then down to Tillamook today. it was sooo nice. The only thing is that when i got back i felt my stress level go up about 200%. Did i mention, I hate Portland.

Why do we love

Have you ever wondered what makes us love, and why ? Is it what we are feeling or is it because of what we see and the enjoyment we receive from the experience ? From one point it seems to actually be a selfish act, for what we can receive doesn't it ?!
And think of it, we can love so many different things, people and animals. We should all realize by now that anything we love will be changed with time for many reasons. Yet we open our hearts for the emotions which churn inside and change even as we begin to feel and realize they are there.
Then the anguish as the thing we love vanishes as if enveloped in the mist. The pain as our heart breaks, bends,melts shatters. We know we can never open our heart again to such terrible pain, yet in time .......
Have you ever wondered what makes the heart work ? Why we have a heart to be broken ? How to repair a heart ?
Have you ever wondered why we need to feel pain once in a while, to remember that we can love ??

Come on, news, news........bring it on.

Is everyone out there waiting anxiously and holding your breath for another picture of my feet?
Jim

Calif. Gardens in Winter

Hey Jim!!! I did get your card. I like beer gardening too. yes i do plant my plants backwards after a few. :)
And no problem about george. And no i havnt heard anything yet.

Wow! All these new posts. They're great! This is WAY better than another picture of my feet!

Gracy Learning to Sew from Grammy Karen

signs of weather changes

Alicia phone

My mom gets bored at home. When you all can, please call her. She can't always call long distant. It's good for her to hear from her brothers and sister. love you all. Oh Justin turns 18 in a few weeks. I can't believe it. Crazy.......

From Lueria, Alicia daughter

Alicia Davis
1-360-353-3321

Please Read this is so true.....

Very touching... good read for my motorcycle friends!


Body: I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant when you saw my bike parked out front. But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children. But you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you stare at my long hair. But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.

I saw you look in fright at my tattoos. But you didn't see me cry as my children where born or have their name written over and in my heart.

I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you yelling at your kids in the car. But you didn't see me pat my
child's hands knowing she was safe behind me.

I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you race down the road in the rain. But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But you didn't see me trying to turn right.

I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But you didn't see me leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you go home to your family. But you didn't see me. Because I died that day you cut me off. I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But you didn't see me.

Repost this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community

No grandkids but...

but there are other things in life to enjoy.
This was from last weekend at a shooting event with a bunch of guys that like to plink.
and yes it is fully automatic

March 1, 2008

For all of you that would like to bee at the beach........don't look. It was windy and cold. Better to take a little catnap and watch for Aleutian Geese flying over.

Burney Falls

I wanted to show you we have more than moles hills here. This is about 40 miles west of here.

In spite of it all, or maybe, because of it all, Peter landed on his feet!!

help getting a setup for a camera

I am looking for the brains to let me know what I need to do. I have a Konus K J-7 60 mm. I want to get an adapter to place the digital camera on it. I went to their web site to try and see what I need, but am as confused as before. Any of you able to tell me what I need ? I am interested not only at shots of the moon and stars, but day shots also.

Ben- name this location.

Busy week!!

There are some days and weeks where I feel like a 33rpm record living in a 78rpm world. Today, this week, has been one of those days/weeks. I feel like a I'm barely staying ahead of a monstrous snowball bearing down on me. I'm kinda like a floating duck; calm on the topside, but paddling like a crazed drake on the inside. But, I'm staying ahead of it!! To make myself feel better, and, like everyone else in the family, I'm going to take a 'sick day' and get our tax info together. I hate to waste my sick days being sick!

Lili left a message on the answering machine. I tried to call and email her back, but not sure if I have her correct phone number and email. Anyone have the latest info on her?
Jim

Red At Night

Hope the red in the sky shows up !!

Playin' in the snow Elk Camp Trail foray 2-23-08

Rachael, Andrew, and I went up to the snow. For some of us who don't live in the snow, we have to visit the snow. Is that a good thing, or a bad thing?
Jim

NOW I know where it went! This guy has my share too!

Click on title.

nothin

Dick

Drops floating to the sky

Sorry, but Animoto is just too fun.
Jim

OK, please remind me what the dates are for the reunion.

"Talent, on loan from God"

Karen and I listened to Rick's promo production, "When time runs out". It really caused us to appreciate how much talent God can put into one person! It is incredible how many gifts Rick has. I should remember Bonnie here too, she did a wonderful job as well. But this is a little less remarkable since women are usually drama queens anyway. It was hard for us to believe that all those voices were done by just two people.

As for their objective to minister to truckers and others who might listen to audio books, we found it encouraging and uplifting. As a long time believer, it's hard for me to imagine how an unbeliever would evalute this, but one thing is certain, they will see that believers have a great hope in the end of the world, and the return of our Lord. PnK

a little grass

It's OK, my Carbon Credit footprint savings have been offset by Andrew's new, used (oxymoron) PU.

Click on the title to hear the rest of the story.

Summer '07

Just to get everyone thinking about this year.

hmmm

I think this is what jim is evolving into. I really kind of envy him. I think he was the coolest of all the older sci-fi creatures.
Dick

Elk Creek Cleanup

bonnie

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO ALL OF YOU, I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH.

AND YES TAXES ARE DONE!!!!!!!!!

Don't worry, I got it off!!!

Evening paddle

This evening was so nice I had to go for a paddle. There are a bunch of herring in the harbor and quite a few seals and sea lions were enjoying the feast.
Jim

SHAME SHAME SHAME ON YOU MR BENJAMIN

I AM SURE YOU KNEW YOU'D GET MY ATTENTION WITH YOUR SUGGESTION HOW TO FIX A CAT.
I JUST TOOK IN A STRAY CAT AND WAITING TO SEE IF SHE IS PG BEFORE I GET HER FIXED BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO KILL ANY BABIES SHE MIGHT HAVE. ALTHOUGH IF SHE DOES HAVE BABIES IT IS GOING TO BE VERY HARD FOR ME TO GIVE THEM UP.
I TOLD DICK I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE HIS CAT BUT GETTING IT HERE MAY BE PROBLEM. I HAVE A STRAY HERE THAT LOOKS JUST LIKE GEORGE THAT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TAME. WE HAVE WOODS AND A CREEK HERE SO IT SEEMS TO BE A PERFECT PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO DROP OFF THEIR CATS. AS LONG AS THEY LEAVE MY BIRDS ALONE THEY ARE WELCOME.
I WISH RICK COULD FIND A JOB LIKE DICKS, I WANT HIM OFF THE ROAD. HE HAS A REAL PROBLEM STAYING HEALTHY. I REALLY WORRY ABOUT HIM. WE KEEP RACKING OUR BRAINS TRYING TO THINK OF SOMETHING WE COULD DO TOGETHER, WE HAVE SPENT TO MANY YEARS WORKING TOGETHER.

CATS CATS CATS

Dick offered anyone who wanted a cat to take his. He didn't post it on the blog, so I thought I might. I can testify, it seems to be a great cat. My problem is, any cat around here gets eaten! No, not by me. Though I am not emotionally or theologically opposed to eating cats, I don't. That can't be said of the local Owls, Hawks, Coyotes; and I hear Bigfoot likes cat too. So cats have a short life around here.

Isn't it interesting that our emotional attachment for something gives it value? Some oriental cultures keep crickets in match boxes as pets. God help you if you accidentally should step on their pet! I suppose this is why there are so many abortions. One girl thinks little of killing a baby, another is devastated if the baby is stillborn. Does the baby have intrinsic worth or not?

Here in the West we are indoctrinated to value different things. Generally they are attractive, soft, cute, intelligent or large things. I think that's why mom liked Dick the best (not the large part). Don't kill a bear or a whale, they are large. Killing a cow is ok, since they are stupid. Can't kill a Dolphin, they are intelligent.

A writer for a newspaper came up with a great idea for making money with very little overhead: Raise cats and rats. Since both are very prolific, feed the rats to the cats; skin the cats for the pelts and sell them. Feed the leftover cat carcases to nourish the rats - to in turn feed new cats. One problem however, don't kill a cat, they are cute and soft. And, for heaven's sake, don't make a coat of them!

Dick has the same problem as that money making scheme: for a dollar I can have enough fuel to gather approximately 1000 cats! I once did carpentry work for a lady who was very fragile and could barely stand. She had lots of cats. When she would walk outside they would scamper around her feet, almost tripping her. I was a little concerned for her, so I said, "let's eat those cats". She said, "I don't know how to fix them". So, anyone out there know how to fix cat?
Peter

TAXES DONE

Taxes done, e-filed, and 13 days with no cigarettes. Have to admit I rrealllly realllllly wanted one today. Good thing Ben stayed out of the way. hanging in there. love to all. b&I.

Click here to see more pics

HI YA'll, Just got back from the Dr. and I got a clean bill of health, they got all the skin cancer. What a relief.
We had some wind here but nothing bad, we are in a pretty protected by the Smokey Mountains. If you see a map of East Tenn. look where I81 and I26 meet, we are in the SW corner.
Now that we will not be moving out West, I expect to get some visits from you guy's, we have a guest room.

Dick, I wish you would post and let us know how you are. don't be another Chuck. His not wanting to communicate is hard enough on all of us.

Hey Lili and Lisi, how about a post from you.

Miss ya, love ya all.

Bonnie and Rick, just saw the news..............

don't you want to reconsider that moving thing? That weather looks pretty scary!!!!!!!
Jim

Playing with a new way to post pics

This is a short clip of when the guys and I hiked the Chilkoot Trail out of Skagway, AK in 2005. It's actually pretty easy to put together something that looks somewhat like a video clip from digital images. It even has a limited library of music, or you can add your own if you have music stored on your computer. You can control the volume by using your computer volume.

Check out this online program: Animoto

HI HA ALL, MY HONEY BUN HAS BEEN HOME SO I HAVE BEEN A BIT BUSY. HE GOES BACK TO WORK TOMORROW.
WELL ANOTHER CHANGE IN PLANS. TIMING IS NOT RIGHT TO MOVE, EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE HOUSE HALF PACKED.
WE WOULD END UP GOING BACK WITH NO MONEY AND TO MANY OTHER THINGS WERE NOT WORKING OUT. AS MUCH AS I WANTED TO BE NEAR ALL OF YOU AND WORK WITH SUZY, THERE WERE TO MANY THINGS STOPPING US. I THING I AM JUST GOING TO HAVE TO SETTLE IN HERE AND CHANGE MY HEART AND ADDITUDE ABOUT TENN.
I STARTED UNPACKING THEN DECIDED IT WAS A GOOD TIME TO DO SOME OF THE PAINTING AND WALLPAPERING WE HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO. RICK IS GOING TO BUILD ON ANOTHER ROOM FOR A SEPARATE UTILITY ROOM AND A DOOR OFF OUR BATHROOM TO THE HOT TUB AND ENCLOSE IT. SO I HAVE PLENTY TO DO TO KEEP ME OUT OF TROUBLE WHEN HE IS WORKING.
HEY BEN AND ILLA, IT'S SUPPOSE TO BE 70 DEGREES HERE TODAY. ALSO GOOD GOING ON YOUR PROGRESS. DO YOU FIND THAT FOOD TASTE BETTER YET. JUST THING 6 MONTH FROM NOW YOU'LL LOOK BACK AND PAT YOURSELF ON THE BACK ON YOUR SUCCESS AND HARD WORK. I AM SOOOOOOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU TWO. YOU DESERVE A BRONZE STAR OR MAYBE A NEW BIKE. YA.

Our House

This what our house looks like. We had horrific winds last night also. Sounded like a freight train coming thru. Power was out for about 3-4 hours. House stayed fairly warm. Illa

Carpe diem, baby, carpe diem!!!!!!!

Sandi and I entered the the 3 mile "Clam Beach Walk and Run" in Trinidad today, complete with live music. She saw 'Run,' I saw 'Walk,' and, but, never-the-less, I said OK to entering. The short story, we did do it. The one-man bagpipe ensemble was in fine form, not warming the environs, but yet enjoyable. I don't know if this is standard fare for running events (since this is the first one we've entered), but it did tend to take ones mind off the weather. Maybe, it's some kind of Scottish thing. My perception of Scotland remains that it is cold, windy, and escaping to the pub for a draft and bagpipe "music." My only complaint is that I wish that they would have ordered up a little bit better weather.

As you can see from the pictures, it was cold, windy, and wet. But, also as you can see, we weren't the only fools out there. I never have claimed to be too bright. I was just a little bit more of a fool than most people, as I wore my running shorts, of which I used only 1/3 of the way. Not that didn't wear the shorts for 2/3 of the way, it's just that I only ran 1/3 of the way.

It's just one of the small-town Americana traditions that I think should be supported, complete with excellent chili served up after the run, cooked by the town mayor, of which we partook and enjoyed.

To all familial readers out there, especially Dick, (since you're most likely reading, but not posting): go ahead, MAKE MY DAY, share your comments, and / or better yet, post the eventful and / or uneventful events of your day. Let us all know what "revs your jets, "fires your rockets." or, "incites your interest." But, more important, let us know your health status. We are, indeed, family, sharing many of the the same genes and chromosomes. Come on, I've left enough of the "tease factor." Tease me, please me, give me some digs! Must I really tell the really embarrassing stories?"

Jim

New tourist attraction in Crescent City!!!! A dead Sperm Whale

Today I took my class on a field trip to a place about 1-1/2 hours from here in Takilma called 'Treesort.' Basically, a evolution of a rebellion to classic homes. In the late 60s and early 70s this was a mecca for the long-haired hippy-type freaks. What it has evolved to is about 12 houses built in trees, and rented out as a bed and breakfasts. I guess we all must grow up. We took a tour and the kids were able to play in the snow.

What the image is of though, is a dead Sperm Whale that washed up on South Beach last night. Actually, a novel event, in spite of the fact that we live on the coast. As I remember, this is only the third whale that has washed up on the beach in Crescent City. Sad to see how life take its course, but amazing to think that warm-blooded mammals such as this migrate off our coast. It's kind of neat in the timing of it though, as we are studying about whale migration in science. Here's a link to the story: http://triplicate.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=7492

Jim

The 'Nod' factor.

Yes, I'm watching the Democratic Debate tonight. Is anyone considering the 'Nod' factor; the number of nods of which candidate agrees with the other the most?

Jim

3 DAYS!!!

Well, it has been 3 days now. It is harder today than before. But still going. Haven't killed anyone yet but seems like things bug you easier. Hope it gets easier. I don't want to go thru this again. Illa

Paradigm Shift

Thanks, Peter. I took off the ZAPWORLD.COM logo and put on the 'Paradigm Shift' lettering this evening. It's just what I had in mind.
Jim

Jim- did you know...

Of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence, the following were known to be members of a Masonic lodge:
William Hooper, member of Hanover Lodge, Masonborough, North Carolina.
I just thought it was interesting that he was a mason. What a proud heritage you have.
http://www.calodges.org/no406/FAMASONS.HTM#g
D.

Lisi, it's meDear everyone

I am doing fine, been down for a couple of weeks, but bounced back up. Thanks for everyones concern. I love you all, and it keeps me going. I've never quite, I keep fighting. Back on my meds, I stopped them for a week, to clear my system out, because I quite smoking, and the pills we upsetting my system. Feeling great and a little restless, my sister can share information on the blog, but when she posted, I had not let her known at that time, so she could not share, but she was able to connect, on the blog, because of the laws in Washington, concerning care givers, and I had not let her know at that time, her statement was true. Now she can, as I am posting this... I keep on fighting, my sister, is typing this for me, so I can connect, would like to have any family visit me, if ever, have plenty of room for family members.... love you all sister Lisi

Ever wonder what people do in Crescent City when it's raining?

MISSED IT BY THAT MUCH !!

I saw someone try and drive onto the place finally. The barbed wire across the road stopped them. They didn't get out of the vehicle though, rats. So, instead of talking to them I took the lap top and took a couple pictures.

Low news day. That's a good thing.

Did you know that cats do yoga? I think that this is called the 'Upward Stare,' followed by the 'Downward Glare.'

Jim

JIM - BIGFOOT MOVED TO MARS!!

This is untouched image from the NASA Mars rover. You can see the full image by clicking on the Title above. Peter

Another try !

Since nobody posted I though I would. This is the 5th. day for Illa and I on trying to quit smoking again. We have reduced it from 3 or 4 cigarettes an hour to 1 every hour and a half. That is actually a BIG step for a smoker. We also walk along the fence line each day to get in a bit of exercise. Not as nice as a walk on the beach, but, it is exercise !!

WE need another picture of my feet.

They are looking a little sun-distressed aren't they? I took this pic this evening as the moon was peeking through the trees and was wondering what you (all of you) were doing at precisely 5:00 this evening.

Sandi and I went to Cave Junction this afternoon to see the snow as I needed to check out a place I'm taking my class on a field trip on Feb. 1. While it wasn't real snowy it was nice to get out of town for at least the afternoon. It was a very beautiful drive. We have a favorite place to eat lunch (Taylor's Sausage)in Cave Junction, OR, (in the event that you're driving down Hwy 199, and are hungry) that has a VERY good lunch menu. We had to turn around on a favorite logging road because the car couldn't push any more snow with its bumper.

I think that I must be getting more experienced, (unlike Peter, older) as I'm more interested in the political scene. Yes, that's right, I'm listening to Presidential candidate debates.
Jim

वही इस आईटी कमिंग उप लिके this

why? dont know
Dick

the twins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, thanks to the help of Peter, and Ben, love the past, this is sis Alilia, Lili, I am in I think, can you believe, you see this, laugh! I'll see if it works, you hear about twin sis, you will need to call her or email her, I do not post on here about her, it's job requirments, with the job and state, OK......

this is good

this is justin and our Dog coming home from a trip.lol.

From Lueria Alicia daughter

I'm back

I have been busy with moving to a salon. I have been looking at the blog but I could not find the pass word. lol. I'm a dork. I know. Rich is doing good and still looking for a job. He is still working and its better. But he has not given up in finding a retirement with a job.

I just moved salon's. I know God found this place for me. It has taken me 3 years to find it. Now I'm trying to trust all my client with follow. But no worries my husband said "if we loose it all we will just move to an apt.". I love him. We are doing great thru all this.

Mckenzie is in soccer and turning 13 on Jan 27th. Justin is turning 18 in March. He is a Junior and still with his girlfriend Bethony.

It's fun reading this blog. Thanks for doing this blog. Hope all is well. Love you all. For the reunion we will only be there for the weekend. Fri-Sat. We are not taking the boat and will be just hanging around and visiting. We don't want to deal with the running back and forth. Rich might I hope, have a new job. So he might not have the time off. If he has to work, I will be there with the 4 kids.

See you soon. Love to all of you.

Has anyone watched, 'An Inconvenient Truth,' by Al Gore?

If you have, I'd be intested in hearing your perspective.

You'd think that as much I've been online today I've just been sitting on the computer all day. Actually, I returned the splitter, worked in the yard, planted two 10 gallon potted trees, went to see the unveiling of the new ZAP car dealership, and am now watching the Giants and Packers game.
Jim

Tsumani alert in CC

If you click on the above link it'll take you to an old CNN story on a tsunami alert in CC. Towards the end of the video there is a short clip of a sign I made for the Tsunami Landing area in CC.
Jim

Who has watched, 'Sicko,' by Michael Moore?

If so, I'd be interested in your comments. Jim

51st state

Jefferson? Did someone say 'State of Jefferson?'

Reminds me of the time....................







when Andrew and I went over to Seiad Valley before Christmas to go fishing. This monument has been there for about 20 years and I've always wanted to take a picture of it. Notice though, I'm not wearing my lucky blue sweatshirt. I think someone stole it!

On other news, how many of you have an electric car dealership starting up in your neighborhood? NO, it's not me. I just read in the paper that a guy is starting a ZAP car dealership in Crescent City. Can you believe it, we really are a progressive town. I don't think he'll make it, but it's a good start. Especially considering the fact that there is already a dealership 80 miles away, and our PK is still the only one in town. My next electric car: aptera.com. I have to wait on those lottery winnings before I'm able to buy a Tesla.

Better guard your internet connection, it's the weekend and I'm feeling some opinions coming on. I'm sitting here watching the Disaster Channel (History Channel) and actually feeling pretty good as to where we live. They just said that a person is more likely to die from an asteriod hitting the planet, 1:20,000, than die from a tsunami, 1:50,000.

By the way, if you're in the neighborhood this weekend, stop on by. We're having a wood splitting day tomorrow. I've rented a splitter and we plan to split about 2 cords of wood. Not coming, aye? I didn't think so. But, if you get bored............

Have a good week,
Love,
Jim

hey!!

what are you talking about apples. To show you that im not completely ignorant.
Ill let you use it. Oh wait your in "California".

Hey Petro

I liked Sandi's idea. You should have heard what I suggested to Ben about what to do about his THE FENCE SITUATION. But of course I don't think ANY OF US would do any of those things, but now BEN, well he is BEN, get my drift.
Oh ya, we had 3" of snow here yesterday but warmed up here today, tonight is suppose to get down to about 9 degrees. That is so funny Ben, I was also looking for degree key on the computer. I did spell the word right to thanks for spell check, I use that a lot.

Carpe Diem

To me, what everyone is saying, is embodied in 'carpe diem.' Yes, enjoy the day and even every essence and experience of every day. It will never happen again. For whatever reason, and all reasons, enjoy the day.

Henry David Thoreau said it best, "None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm."

Even Martin Luther King said that Henry David Thoreau was one of his molding influences.

Jim

"Come on, it's another sunny day, let's go for a walk!"

Sorry, Ohmah, I'm too tired tonight. It's been a long day, maybe tomorrow.

We saw the sun three days in a row!!!!!!

Some of us were so happy they kicked up their heels. Sandi, Ohmah, and I took a walk up Crescent Beach Road this evening. It was a little cool, but no wind. Stellar!!
Carpe diem,
Jim

We saw the sun!!!

After about about a month of not seeing the sun it came out just like a summer day, sans fog. It was beautiful so Sandi and I had to take a walk to one of our favorite local places. It made her really happy because she had always thought the Cadre Loop was 3.2 miles and to her surprise it's 4.2 miles. It was such a nice evening I made a fire out in the grill and be grilled last night. Harbingers of summer to be sure.
Jim

Bonnie Said

OK JIMBO, TELL US ABOUT YOUR LUMBAGO, WHATEVER THAT IS !!!!!!

During the time of Christopher Columbus and the exploration of the New World...........

there was a belief that if one sailed out of sight of land they would drop off the edge of the known world into the abyss of the unknown and be eaten by serpents that inhabit these regions. It appears, as a family, we have reached that edge! It seems as if our known 'family world' has dropped off the edge of the cyberspace world. In other words, traffic is at a standstill, so, I'll have to share with you 'my world' as uneventful as it may be.

Today, Andrew, Rachael, Gunner, and I tested out Andrew's Christmas present. We had bought for him a used, and possibly slightly abused, aluminum boat, electric motor and trailer. We went to town today and purchased those items that were missing; battery, tie-downs, drain plug, and ball receiver. Then, we went to Dead Lake and informally 'Christened' (sans champagne) the noble craft. Basically, backed it into the water for the first time and took a spin around the lake. First Mate Gunner did very well, except for the fact that he didn't want to be in the boat and wanted to get out ASAP!

I took the kayak out and paddled around with them. This lake known as Dead Lake was in fact an old mill pond that was used as a log pond for one of the many (27) lumber mills in Del Norte county in its heyday. In fact, the mill employed 500 employees when I was a teenager. It caught fire around 1980 and was never rebuilt back after that. I hadn't thought about it before, but, I wonder.........

Now it is only the home of a few beaver and migrating birds, but it is still a nice place for an evening paddle.


Jim

Just a I love ya all message

Hey is anyone out there. I guess everyone is busy after the holidays, but hey I miss ya all and just wanted to say hi.

"A picture is worth a thousand words," so I won't write that much, except for the latest on my gizzard and lumbago.

Not enough snow, too much snow, snow's too mushy, no snow (here), it's hard to please everyone isn't it? The good news is that we're still here to complain, the bad news...there's still not the right kind of snow! We have rain. Is anyone interested in some extra rain? 4.6" here since Jan. 1. See, boring?

I took this pic about 2 weeks ago in our backyard in between a break in the rain showers. It's (was) a leaf of a Sweet Gum tree we have in the backyard. There was a break in the clouds, a lull in the wind, and the stars and moon were in line, and I happened to be in the backyard getting wood for the wood box.

It's good to see more of us online and back in the cyberspace world. These last two weeks for us have been, busy and playing catchup with getting rested up. The last week we had Calvin, Sandi's nephew, up here visiting us. He was MaryLou's son, and is now living with his dad in Santa Rosa. He has Aspergers Syndrome, so has a hard time socializing with others. We met his father in Garberville (150 miles, the halfway point) yesterday and came back to CC last night.

So, back to school tomorrow, and so, back to the routine. Unfortunately, I think I could get used to this sleeping in thing. God must know that I would abuse it, and so I must get up and go to work every day.
Jim

I'M BACK

Hey, I'm back,thanks Benito, I thought I tried that but guess I did something wrong.
I love this new laptop, it's a SYSTEMAX, has anyone heard of one.
Glad to hear everyone is surviving the bad weather. Rick has been going through some bad stuff but wont take any chances. He wanted to send a message on the blog when he was home but couldn't because computer was on the blink. He said to say hi and send his love.
I'm really excited, I'm trying to plan a trip to see Suzy soon. I have to do it when Rick can be home for the dogs.
Hey Jim, are you saying you don't know what my old email name means. LOL

Back from Colorado

It was a good trip. Hey, and I finished the doll house! We got back to cold and rainy weather, you know the kind that chills to the bone. We already miss our kids. Looks like Ben and Illa are going to have a good amount of snow soon. PnK

'Hepy,' Healthy New Year to all!!

Evidently, according to the blog traffic, everything is pretty low key. I'll take that as "no news as good news." I've been dealing with a persistent cold and my back has been acting up some. I did go to the the doctor and she gave me some muscle relaxant pills, which work, but make me pretty docile (think slug). Even college football games are now interesting! I have to force myself to get out out the house and do things. We did go up in the hills (same place you and I went, Dick) and found a tree to cut up. Not high enough elevation to have much snow, but we did get out. But, this isn't really newsworthy. Pretty soon I'll be relegated to telling you about my lumbago and bowel habits! See, not much has been going on. Yes, I've really enjoyed this break. I guess I really needed the break.

Anyway, Happy New Year!!! The last couple of days I've had moments of reflection and planning for this year, but I've managed to not make too make commitments. A person doesn't want to rush into these things in a moment of weakness, pressure, or guilt from anyone. But, I did mention to Sandi that there's a Trinidad to Clam Beach run/walk for her to enter, and she signed me up too. Talk about plans backfiring! I guess I need to get off my duff. Lucky for me she signed me up for the 3 mile one. See, she does love me.

Rambling, that what I'm doing. After a crab dinner that Calvin helped prepare we had a dominoes game. Calvin is Sandi's nephew and is up visiting with us for the week. We didn't make it up until midnight last night. We watched the the ball drop in New York on TV, toasted with Randy, Claudia, and Calvin, shot off some fireworks on the back deck, kissed HB and were in bed by 9:30. See, pretty boring.

Our cold snap is somewhat different than in other parts of the country. It froze last night, 31* and 55* during the day. No complaints.

Anyway, if anyone had any resolutions and/or noble plans for this year, 'lemme know. Maybe that'll motivate me. If I don't hear anything, prepare yourselves to hear about my gizzard and lumbago!

Love, Jim

Final rain total for 2007: 85.7"
Rain total for 2006: 107.9"

The Pacific Northwest according to Jeff Foxworthy

1. You know the state flower (Mildew).
2. You feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash.
3. Use the statement "sun break" and know what it means.4. You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.
5 You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.
6. You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant or to church.
7. You stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "WALK" signal.
8. You consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it's not a real mountain.
9. You can taste the difference between Starbucks & Seattle Best.
10. You know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon.
11. You know how to pronounce Sequim,
Haceta, Yaquina, Yachats, Oregon,
Yakima & Willamette.
12. You consider swimming an indoor sport.
13. You can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food.
14. In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark while only working eight-hour days.
15. You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.
16. You are not fazed by "Today's forecast: showers followed by rain," and "Tomorrow's forecast: rain followed by showers."
17 You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.
18. You know that Boring is a town
and not just a state of mind.
19. You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see them through the cloud cover.
20. You notice, "The mountain is out" when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it.
21. You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but still wear your hiking boots and parka.
22. You switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the socks on.
23. You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.
24. You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.
25. You buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time.
26. You measure distance in hours.
27. You often switch from "heat" to "a/c" in the same day.
28. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.
29. You know all the important seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still
Raining (Spring), Road Construction (Summer), Deer & Elk season (Fall).
30. You understood these jokes and will probably forward them.

ANGER MANAGEMENT

Sometimes when you are angry with someone,
it helps to sit down and think about the problem. ILLA

Boys and Girls Differences - (feel free to add other observations)

I can't help but notice most the girls have dropped off the blog. There's probably several reasons for this. First, women never stop working, so they usually don't have as much time. As for my wife, she doesn't even know how to turn the computer on.

Another reason might be that boys play a little rougher than girls. Girls like soft, pretty and phu phu type material - even on the net; while boys like guns, motorcycles, and beating up on each other. Generally girls seem to always need reassurance, and can't seem to tolerate any type of communication which, right or wrong, could possibly be construed as personal. For instance, I'll be looking at my wife thinking , "man am I a lucky dog to be married to such a wonderful wife". She'll notice me looking at her, and she'll say, "you think I'm fat".

Besides, average boy/girl differences. I think we still have to learn to trust one another. What we don't want to happen until we are all in geriatric wards, is the old syndrome of feeling of having to walk on eggshells when communicating. Unfortunately that is easier said than done. Trust is a hard thing to learn; but just because you've been burnt doesn't mean you should never start a fire. Life can be very cold that way.

In the meantime, I'll try to be a little softer. PS, Lueria is an exception for motorcycles.

Did someone say we should have a winter time reunion?

I didn't think so.
Jim

I can hardly wait.............

Our heart and home to all of you !!

Merry Christmas !!

While it is only a date to all unite and think of the birth, it is good to have a specific date we can all use, no matter the name of God. I think. It is up to God the events and destination,between just Him and the one individual but still, I pray for each one of you as well as myself. I thank Him for the blessings He gives each of us. I guess that is why I like some of the "older" songs. Like now, I sit here alone ,but not alone, and look at the moon and think of, The Wonder of it All !! I thank God for each of you and yours and for Him letting me learn more each day !! Ben Illa, I will love you always !!

Merry Christmas Eve..............MistleTOE

In all seriousness, and I'm deadly serious about this. On this eve of the birth of Christ (not that I question the birth, but rather the date), I wish all a very happy, healthy, and happy Christmas to be enjoyed with family. Sandi and I send our love to you and yours. We'll be thinking of all of you.
Jim