It could have been worse.....

2009-05-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

Beating Glenn to the Idol punch......

2009-04-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hollywood - "Rat Pack" week showcased the "real" talents of the remaining finalists of American Idol Season 8 --- its so Vegas baby! Obviously, Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey topped the list!

After the astonishing performances of the hopefuls yesterday, an overwhelming "predictions" were made by the writers slash fans of the show -- that Matt Giraud will be eliminated tonight. Lets see....

Updates:

9:15 PM - The finalists are divided into two groups. Matt and Kris were placed on the left side of the stage, while Danny and Allison were placed on the right.

9:18 PM - Matt Giraud, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert are the bottom three! OMG -- Adam Lambert? Are you kidding me?

9:35 PM - Taylor Hicks on the Idol stage right now... He's still good! I can really see Danny on him, vice-versa.

9:37 PM - Taylor giving advice to "bottom" three for this week.

9:38 PM - Adam Lambert and Matt Giraud are the bottom two. Kris Allen is safe. OMG -- are we seeing a "Daughtry" scenario here?

9:43 PM -- Miley Cyrus "hater" Jamie Foxx performing, singing "The Climb" -- lol! Kidding.. He rocks!

9:46 PM -- Jamie giving his advice. Ohh -- that's sooo sweet!

9:48 PM -- I'm like dreaming, wake me up! Adam Lambert in bottom two? So crank!

9:52 PM - Kara and Randy on their "game" says Ryan Seacrest.

9:54 PM - 47 Million votes! Record breaker........

9:55 PM - MATT GIRAUD ELIMINATED!!!! ADAM is SAFE!

A feel good moment!

2009-04-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Gives jumping rope a whole new meaning!

2009-04-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Caddyshack Clip - License to kill gophers

2009-04-14T12:33:00.001-07:00

This is what is happening at the Finch Arboretum this week.....

News item:

SPOKANE - The city says there are hundreds of squirrels in Finch Arboretum in west Spokane damaging property by digging holes and tunnels, eating tree roots, and potentially spreading disease.

The Rodenator will be used by the City of Spokane to kill squirrels in Finch Arboretum.
So they're bringing in the “Rodenator”.
The city says it's a humane way to reduce the number of squirrels.
The Rodenator delivers a blast that kills the rodents, and collapses their tunnels.
City staff will be using the device all week long, so neighbors living near the arboretum should expect to hear blasts that sound like gunshots.
A visit to Finch Arboretum by KREM 2 News on Monday showed several squirrels popping out of tunnels, or just hanging out on the property.
The city says most years the ground squirrels are a minor problem, but this year they're out of hand.
The Rodenator cost the city $2,000.

Snowiest winter on record, heres a look back......

2009-04-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

Goodbye ER

2009-04-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

I have watched ER from the very first episode. 15 seasons. It's the only show I have ever watched this long from the very beginning. Tonight is the final episode.

For close to 28 years I have been selling pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. It was always fun to see if any of the stuff I was selling was in the show. A couple of companies I've worked for, had products placed intentionally.

Early on the episodes that related to the loss of a child left me dealing with our loss. I think it helped me to deal with my grief.

I was amazed how authentic the dialogue was and how they correctly used the equipment, etc.

I will miss ER.

Things from space.....

2009-03-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

I feel a need to comment.......

NEWS ITEM: Japanese astronaut tests stink-free underwear.

Koichi Wakata, the first Japanese astronaut to live on the International Space Station, is testing the clothes, called J-ware and created by textile experts at Japan Women's University in Tokyo.
"He can wear his trunks (underwear) more than a week," said Koji Yanagawa, an official with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Wakata's clothes, developed by researcher Yoshiko Taya, are designed to kill bacteria, absorb water, insulate the body and dry quickly. They also are flame-resistant and anti-static, not to mention comfortable and stylish.
Japanese astronaut Takao Doi gave the clothes a trial run during a shuttle mission last year. Even after a vigorous workout, Doi's clothes stayed dry.
"The other astronauts become very sweaty, but he doesn't have any sweat. He didn't need to hang his clothes to dry," Yanagawa said.
The Japanese space agency plans to make the clothes available to NASA and its other space station partners once development is complete. A commercial line also is in the offing.
Wakata, who arrived at the station last week for a three-month stay, said on Sunday that the clothes appear to be working.
"Nobody has complained, so I think it's so far, so good," Wakata said.

Okay, maybe this is a way to not pack so much for a space mission, but I understand there are plans to sell this underwear to the public. This is just SO WRONG. Will this be marketed to teenage boys who have "changing underwear" issues? Have these scientist addressed the 'stain" issue?

Astronaut Wakata is quoted saying "Nobody has complained, so I think it's so far so good." I've got news for you, if your waiting for folks to complain about the smell of your underwear before you change it, YOU'VE WAITED WAY TO LONG.................... Is he sniffing his underwear each day? I know college guys have been doing this for generations in their dorm rooms, (to find the "clean" pair), but thats a whole different blog.

Another thing, this underwear is flame-resistant. Why? I say if your shorts are burning and erupting in flames you have other issues. Are they lighting farts? Again, something teenage boys have been doing for generations. (There, I have used the word 'fart' in my blog)

I can hardly wait for the advertising campaign...............

I should have seen this coming

2009-03-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend Cathey and I are spending some time with her folks in Helena, MT. I don't think I could have wished for better "in-laws". They have made me feel a part of their family since Cathey asked me to drive her home for Spring Break 33 years ago.

I'm reflecting on our history together this morning as it has dawned on me that Cath is just a 'little' obsessive concerning sports. I should have seen this coming many years ago when we both discovered hockey.

Growing up in Eugene, I am not even sure where the closest NHL team would have been. I was vaguely aware of Portland and Seattle's tier 2 hockey teams. Eugene is not known for it's ice, unless it is coating everything in a freak ice storm. I think the closest ice rink was at the Lloyd's Center in Portland. The Lloyd Center Mall claimed it was the largest mall in North America at the time it was built in 1960. Oh, but I digress.

A friend took me to my first hockey game. back then they were the Spokane Flyer's. The speed of the game was incredible. Of course, the fights were also entertaining. I talked Cathey into going with me a couple of weeks later. She loved it.

The rest of that season we actually would plan weekend's with another couple and head up to Canada to watch them play when they were not in town.

The kids started arriving and our hockey obsession subsided.

Then there was the 1995 Mariners. Let me explain. My work keeps me on the road. In the car alone, I would listen to Mariner's baseball. When we travelled as a family they thought it was to boring. That is, until 1995 when the Mariner's won their first division championship. After that the Mariner's were welcome in our car and home on the radio and TV.

Don't get me started on WSU Cougars, Seahawk football. Of course, our daughter was active in her high school (Mt. Spokane) on the dance team and as a cheerleader. She also managed the Varsity baseball team. (Granted, I am sure Travis had something to do with the latter.) So we attended many high school football, basketball and baseball games.

Our son, Alex, played soccer, basketball and baseball. I think Cathey attended the majority of any of these games.

But, I must say, one of her major obsessions (beside fanasty football) is Gonzaga basketball. If you don't know, Gonzaga is located here in Spokane hence it's our local team, even more so than WSU. The Zags have gone to the NCAA Tourament the last 12 seasons. Making one run to the Elite Eight.

I dont think Cathey has missed very many televised game in years. (It was one of the things that got her through her Chemo, surgery and radiation treatments when she was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago.)

Now that Whitney works for Gonzaga she is elgible for two tickets for each home game.(Gonzaga has been sold out for years) Cathey and Whit have attended a couple of games each season together, as have I. Cath follows them religiously and has opinions on each players strengths and weakness's.

Last night we found a pub here in Helena that would let us commandeer their big screen to watch Gonzaga play Western Kentucky in round 2 of the NCAA tournament. We had discovered that the "local" Helena CBS affiliate was not going to cover the Zags, but was going to show the Texas/Duke game instead. (That's just not right!!) Anyway, as the game went on, we got louder. Halfway through the second half, I think the whole bar was rooting for the Zag's. Cath was, I think the loudest and was referring to them as "her boy's".

I love it, but she keeps beating me in our tournament brackets!!!!

Not a bad obsession to have.......

I guess I'll start to really worry if she starts to watch the WWF, World Wrestling Federation, swears it real, and starts calling them "her boy's". In the meantime its off to the Sweet Sixteen!

Celtic Sunday

2009-03-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

I grew up in a very conservative family and attended a Conservative Baptist Church as a kid. You know the drill, no cards, no dancing, no movies, no adult beverages, no electric guitars and NO DRUMS. Now being a kid who loved to go to school dances and was a drummer, well you get my drift.

We went to church Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings. Oh and lets not forget the Midweek prayer service and week long evangelist services.

I was a drummer in a band in high school that played in churches all over the state, except for my church. Those electric guitars and drums were banned, and we didn't do hymns.

I say all of this to explain that I love attending a church that has a Celtic Sunday complete with Irish dancers and the music from the Celtic Knots. Wow, dancing in church. Even though it felt weird to me, it was very cool and a great time of worship. And, I didn't get hit by a bolt of lightning........

Pastor Glenn gave us the background to Christianity and the Celtic way. Seems St. Patrick's used their symbols and traditions to teach them about Christianity. What a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

A passion for youth....

2009-03-10T13:59:00.000-07:00

I was on FaceBook today when I read a quote from Chris Sloan, our youth pastor, that he was enjoying the teachings of Mark Yaconelli. I chuckled to myself, thinking he meant Mike Yaconelli. No it's his son. Mike died on a stretch of I-5 south of Medford, Oregon on Oct 30, 2003. It has taken this long for me to find out. Although, I think I now remember Chris telling me this in passing a few years ago.

I got into youth ministry because of the ministry of Mike Yaconelli and Youth Specialties, started by him and Wayne Rice. I met him at a youth pastors conference held in Eugene in the early 70's and here in Spokane years later.

I had read his stuff in "The Door" and I knew we were like minded (a tad twisted and messy, but loving God) He spent one on one time with me and we had prayer together asking God to bless my ministry. (Which He has done abundantly!!) Mike's passion began to be my passion. My preaching and youth ministry was peppered with Mikes thoughts and ideas.

I have now been out of the Youth Ministry for ten years or so. I continue to harasse 5th-6th graders on Sundays, but that the extent of it.

A couple of quotes from Mike I would like to share....... and yes I am bummed to remember that Mike is no longer with us.

I'm in awe of youth workers, and I think Jesus is, too. I just wish the Church felt the same.

I am beginning to understand that faith is not the way around pain, it is the way through pain. Faith doesn't get rid of the opposition, it invites it over for dinner. Faith doesn't give you the winning point at the last second, it ties the game and sends you into overtime. Faith doesn't give you the solution, it forces you to find it.

A youth worker in our town was recently fired because he was reaching the "wrong kind of kid." I thought the wrong kind of kid was the right kind of kid. The elders insisted that youth ministry was not about bringing in the "riff raff" off the streets but working with the kids that were already Christians. I thought we were all riff raff...... I'm beginning to believe that if those who are called into youth ministry follow the lead of the One who called them, getting fired is inevitable. Why? Because, in general, the institutional church doesn't get it. The institutional church has become hopelessly corporate, hopelessly tangled in a web of secularism. Instead of the church being the Church, it has opted instead to be a corporation.

Mike, I will truly miss you.

If I were to have a heart attack right at this moment, I hope I would have just enough air in my lungs and just enough strength in me to utter one last sentence as I fell to the floor: "What a ride!" My life has been up and down, careening left then right, full of mistakes and bad decisions, and if I died right now, even though I would love to live longer, I could say from the depths of my soul, "What a ride!"
- Mike Yaconelli

From Time, couldn't have said it better myself....

2009-02-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

TECHNOCULTURE
Why Facebook Is for Old Fogies
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009
Facebook is five. Maybe you didn't get it in your news feed, but it was in February 2004 that Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg, along with some classmates, launched the social network that ate the world. Did he realize back then in his dorm that he was witnessing merely the larval stage of his creation? For what began with college students has found its fullest, richest expression with us, the middle-aged. Here are 10 reasons Facebook is for old fogies:

1. Facebook is about finding people you've lost track of. And, son, we've lost track of more people than you've ever met. Remember who you went to prom with junior year? See, we don't. We've gone through multiple schools, jobs and marriages. Each one of those came with a complete cast of characters, most of whom we have forgotten existed. But Facebook never forgets.

2. We're no longer bitter about high school. You're probably still hung up on any number of petty slights, but when that person who used to call us that thing we're not going to mention here, because it really stuck, asks us to be friends on Facebook, we happily friend that person. Because we're all grown up now. We're bigger than that. Or some of us are, anyway. We're in therapy, and it's going really well. These are just broad generalizations.

3. We never get drunk at parties and get photographed holding beer bottles in suggestive positions. We wish we still did that. But we don't.

4. Facebook isn't just a social network; it's a business network. And unlike, say, college students, we actually have jobs. What's the point of networking with people who can't hire you? Not that we'd want to work with anyone your age anyway. Given the recession — and the amount of time we spend on Facebook — a bunch of hungry, motivated young guns is the last thing we need around here.

5. We're lazy. We have jobs and children and houses and substance-abuse problems to deal with. At our age, we don't want to do anything. What we want is to hear about other people doing things and then judge them for it. Which is what news feeds are for.

6. We're old enough that pictures from grade school or summer camp look nothing like us. These days, the only way to identify us is with Facebook tags

7. We have children. There is very little that old people enjoy more than forcing others to pay attention to pictures of their children. Facebook is the most efficient engine ever devised for this.

8. We're too old to remember e-mail addresses. You have to understand: we have spent decades drinking diet soda out of aluminum cans. That stuff catches up with you. We can't remember friends' e-mail addresses. We can barely remember their names.

9. We don't understand Twitter. Literally. It makes no sense to us.

10. We're not cool, and we don't care. There was a time when it was cool to be on Facebook. That time has passed. Facebook now has 150 million members, and its fastest-growing demographic is 30 and up. At this point, it's way cooler not to be on Facebook. We've ruined it for good, just like we ruined Twilight and skateboarding. So git! And while you're at it, you damn kids better get off our lawn too.

Who are the World's Most Wanted?

2009-02-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

I enjoy reading the Sunday newspaper.

We do not subscribe to the weekly edition anymore, so I usually read Sundays paper 'cover-to-cover'. I love the comics of course. But for me the paper is a way to get more in depth coverage of a story.

Included in our Sunday paper is a supplement called "Parade".

Today's headline story in Parade was titled "Who Are the World's Most Wanted?" Wow, a story that tells me exactly who are the worlds worst, most nastiest criminals. Not only that, but it has their pictures and a caption under their names to tell what they are wanted for. Here are the worlds worst murderers, rapers, terrorists, embezzlers, etc. These people are really bad guys and gals.....

Listed amongst these evildoers was Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov from Russia. His crime that got him on this list?

"Indited in the U.S. for fixing pairs skating in the '02 Olympics."

I say.......What?????????????? This guy is on the Worlds most Wanted list?????

A good time was had by all...

2009-01-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

Whitney took me to the Gonzaga vrs St. Mary's basketball game last night. Two nationally ranked West Coast Conference teams playing for first place!

What a fun time. Gonzaga won 69-62. The Kennel was VERY loud.

The best part of the night was going to dinner with Whit. Its always a good time when we get together. I am a very proud dad, what can I say.... I was honored she asked me to go the the biggest game of the year...

GO ZAGS

Teachers can have sex with students..........1/13/2009

2009-01-13T18:10:00.000-08:00

NEWS ITEM:

SEATTLE - State law does not bar teachers from having sex with 18-year-old students.
That's the decision of a three-judge panel of the Washington Court of Appeals, which on Tuesday ordered the dismissal of a case brought against Hoquiam High School's former choir teacher. The teacher, Matthew Hirschfelder, was charged with first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor.

WHAT!!!!! Is this an
April Fools joke.....
Oh no its our judges....

The teacher-student relationship is like that of boss and employee, doctor and patient, or any other individual who holds economic, legal, or pyschological power over another individual. No matter how subtle it is, a sexual relationship in NOT APPROPRIATE. I do not care if the student is 18. Whether Mr Hirschfelder wants to admit it or not he had all the power in that relationship, and should have known better.

This means your kids are fair game at school now, to be preyed upon by teachers who can not control themselves... This is just great....... the great state of Washington.......

"Look, it's a run by fruiting!"

2009-01-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Found an interesting email in my IN BOX the other day.

Seems someone decided to dress up not as themselves, but anonymously dress up as someone different. Once they were sure no one would know who they were, they hid behind the fruit bowl and flung fruit. (Oh wait, that was a scene from "Mrs. Doubtfire", one of my favorite movies) The fruit wasn't thrown at me directly, but at friends of mine. For some reason this person decided EVERYONE should know how they feel.

I was very entertained. These types of anonymous "venting" have no effect on me, other than to laugh. Someone who hides behind "the curtain" (Oh wait, that was a scene from "The Wizard of OZ", another one of my favorite movies) gets no cred with me. And if you're a Christian it even isn't Scriptural. (Oh wait, that is a verse in the Bible, my favorite book.)

As you may or may not know, I umpire baseball. I have done high school, college, legion, etc. over the last 28 years. During our pregame conference with the coaches, I encourage them, if they have a question, to call time out and come out and ask. A coach who chips from the dugout anonymously gets no respect and is shutdown real fast. But, a coach that comes out to argue a call respectfully usually gets to see the last inning. These "discussions' usually deal with a 'point-of-view'. They have one and I have one ......... (Oh wait, I'm a little off topic, but baseball is one of my favorite sports ...)

If I knew who you were I'd say all of this directly to you, respectfully of course. An exchange of ideas so to speak.

Since I can't, I'll just ignore it, other than the entertainment value.....

A new career opportunity

2009-01-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

In the news......

SYDNEY (AFP) – Sarcasm may be the lowest form of wit, but Australian scientists are using it to diagnose dementia, according to research published on Friday.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales found that patients under the age of 65 suffering from frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the second most common form of dementia, cannot detect when someone is being sarcastic.

I can see it now... get your degree as a Doctor of Sarcasm Therapy Analysis

Chinook-Let the melting begin (For a couple of days!)

2009-01-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

A chinook usually occurs along the eastern slopes of the Rockies, the Chinook wind provides a welcome respite from the long winter chill. Few people spend very much time along the eastern slopes without experiencing these wonderful warm winds. The change can be dramatic. On Jan. 11, 1983, the temperature in Calgary rose 30°C (from –17°C to 13°C) in 4 hours, and on February 7, 1964, the temperature rose 28°C (51°F°), and the humidity dropped by 43 percent.

We are not experiencing quite these temperature changes, but it is in the 40's today and is expected to climb higher tomorrow when our rain gets here. It is a welcome respite. In fact my mood is much better, my skin clearer, my jump higher........

How about you? Feeling like a kid today??

"I could have used a little more cowbell..."

2009-01-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

Just a little experiment for NEXT Christmas.................

Can we find the true meaning of Christmas in a Northern town????

Winter 2009 video...

2009-01-02T23:13:00.000-08:00

I have run out of places to put the snow. I've also decided to purchase a snow blower before next winter!! But it sure is pretty.... the snow that is...

Happy New Year in our new home!

2008-12-31T08:29:00.001-08:00

New Years Eve will be celebrated in our new home. We've always wanted to build our own home on, now we can. No shortage of building materials.

Happy New Year !

To much snow for the Snowman...

2008-12-29T08:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday found me and Travis on our roof instead of being in church. The snowman told me there was way too much snow for him.... We also had tempuratures above freezing for the first time in a couple of weeks.

All of this snow, around 50 inches, is creating an ice dam on the edge of the roof. If you let it buildup, water will force itself under your shingle. This can cause water damage inside your home.

Most winters this is never a problem, not this year. Also, it rained all night and made the snow that was up there extra heavy, adding weight on the roof. Roofs have been collapsing all over town.

Tossing all that snow off the roof, we can now just jump off the roof. I don't think the snow berms around the house will melt until August.....

Just looked out the window, its snowing again!

A dog life for me

2008-12-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

Cathey, Whitney, Travis and myself, decided to get out yesterday for a while before the new snow storm comes in. We agreed to take in one of the movies that came out on Christmas day.

The choice?

Marley & Me (Life and Love with the world's worst dog.) A true story.
I admit am a dog person. Cat's don't do it for me, other than make me sneeze.

My father raised and trained labs, so we always had dogs around. One of my early childhood memories is hanging out with Butch when I was was three. For my dad, it meant added income and a hunting dog, but for me it was extended family. Our labs were never allowed in the house so I would go out and release them to play. I cannot remember a time when a dog wasn't in my life. My wife is a dog person (Except for the hair...)

Okay, back to the movie...

I thought it was great. I laughed, I cried. (Deb, don't let Bob see this movie with out plenty of tissues.......) The way they showed "on going time" was handle very well. Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson had good chemistry as husband and wife. If your not a dog person you will still like it.

I must say it ends........ sorry, don't want to spoil it. If you have young kids who are into dogs, you may not want them to see it without parental preparation! If you have a dog at home you will give them a hug when you get home.......

Did I mention its snowing again............

I found it!!!!

2008-12-21T03:40:00.000-08:00

WOW, I can still remember the first time as a child I heard the statement: "No two snowflakes are ever a like." For years I have tried to find the flakes that disprove this statement.

Well, yesterday I found it. A flake that was EXACTLY like a flake I found in 1956. I think a Nobel Prize is in order......or at least a government grant.

Okay, back to shoveling.

Speaking of flakes, in case you missed it.....

As animal hoarding goes, the 30 seized from Darlene Gardner's double-wide trailer home in Kootenai County, Idaho, last year weren't particularly noteworthy, even though two of them, deer, were living inside, each in its own bedroom. Authorities released the deer and other healthy animals into the wild and euthanized the rest, and Gardner's husband pleaded guilty to one animal cruelty charge. However, in November, Darlene filed a $2 million federal lawsuit against the county's "jack-booted thugs" who, acting without a search warrant, she said, had "killed my babies," referring to the animals that "were my life and my family."

SNOW 24/7 TV coverage.......

2008-12-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

If I see one more Spokane TV newsreporter stick a yardstick in a snowbank I think I'll scream.

Lots of snow, we know that..........

WOW, cabin fever after one day!

Don't get me started about the reporters using SKYPE as they drive around town shoving those yardsticks in snow.

I'm in the mood for love........

2008-12-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

From the same company that gave us the "Burger Virgin" commercial comes this: (BTW, it is sold out....)

Just in time for ~~your mom~~ Santa to toss this in your Christmas stocking, Burger King has released a limited-edition men's body spray that evokes the smell of freshly broiled Whoppers. But isn't this what they spray on the burgers already for authenticity? No! According to a press release, "The King is setting hearts ablaze for the holidays with his new scent of choice. FLAME™, a new men's body spray by Burger King Corp., features the scent of seduction with the hint of flame-broiled meat. Because nothing's more romantic than the scent of mass-produced beef patties...except maybe the sultry FLAME™ website, which is really putting us in the mood (for salad)

It started innocently enough...

2008-12-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

Just a few inches...... HA!

Yesterday............

This morning (12/18/08)

I blame Pastor Glenn for this.....

2008-12-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

Here are words I thought I'd never every say.....

"I am blaming our pastor for waking up this morning with the hip hop tune "Riding Dirty" going though my mind."

Now granted, yesterday I was under general anestheia and had my heart shocked, so maybe we could blame it on that. Nooooo...... Read Pastor Glenns December 13th post and watch the video. VERY very FUNNY....... Also, leave him a comment, he's donating canned food for comments.

Riding dirty.......

Christmas Music..... one drummers opinion....

2008-12-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

I love the Christmas season.

The tree, the lights, the decorations, the gatherings, the music and the reason.

I understand Jesus wasn't born on December 25th.

I understand the early church incorporated pagan ideas and celebrations to attract those outside the church to Christianity.

Today's Church is still doing that in a way.

The church I grew up in banned the use of electric guitars and any type of drums in the church worship. (Lets not even talk about interpretive dance..... ) The use of these instruments in worship??? No way. We sang from the hymn book, verses 1,2 & 4. I remember the Sunday night hymn singing services. I started leading music as a teenager on these evenings. Having a young person lead music brought some raised eyebrows, but thats another story......... I still enjoy the old hymns, but I think my worship is enhanced by the newer worship music. (BTW, the last time I visited this church, there was a full drum set being used in worship.)

I mention all of this as I reflect on yesterdays worship service at Timberview.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the Christmas carols as a worshipper, but as a drummer/percussionist, not so much. Its hard to really drum to most traditional Christmas music as its usually played.

Not yesterday...........

The worship team always says its not about the performance and it isn't. Speaking for myself, its a gift to those who are worshipping and to the Lord. Performing is the gift. Its a joy and a privilege, as a marginal musician, to play with such a talented group. For me, when I play, its just as much worshiping as singing.

Again, speaking for myself, I think we who attend Timberview are very blessed to have leadership that is willing to use "modern" worship music along with incorporating dance, drama and video to enhance the message God gives to Pastor Glenn each week.

Merry Christmas........

Christmas gifts ????

2008-12-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

During the 5 month long Christmas shopping season, (Of course, isn't that what Christmas is all about!!) one hears many ads for things that should be on our Christmas gift wish list. Electronics, clothing, jewelry, toys, hair removal, books, Starbucks...... ???? Hair removal???? I just heard an ad for the Christmas gift of laser hair removal.

This brings so many questions to mind..........

So, if you receive this gift, is there a hidden message behind it? Is the gift for you or for them? Was there nothing else on their wish list?

Granted, I didn't get the memo that stated that the hairless male was perfered over those of us with way to much hair. So how much hair removal does this gift cover? For some of us, this would be the first of many hair removal gifts........

Now I have to figure out how to wrap this for Cathey.........

Winter storm alert....

2008-12-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

Thirty-one years ago when I moved to Spokane, I loved the whole snow thing. I grew up in the Willamette Valley where we had very little snow. But now, not so much.......

I like the four seasons we have here in Spokane. But, I must say we usually have a short spring that lasts 3 days.
Well, here comes the first storm alert of the season. The weather dude is calling for up to 8 inches of snow by Sunday morning. I hope he's wrong.

Maybe I need a winter hobby that includes snow ...............

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T06:09:00.000-08:00

Well, we are on our way to see my "other brother" and his family. I volunteered to cook Thanksgiving dinner for about 18 people. Should be fun!! We all love spending time together.

I'm told by Travis that I am in for a few new experiences on Friday morning.......... YIKES

A bit of explanation: My "other brother" is Bob Schmid, a close friend I met at Northwest Christian University. In college, we put together a comedy act called the Osterburr Brothers (Named after an church elder, at McKenzie Bridge Christian Church, where I served as Youth Pastor) based on the Smothers Brothers. The Osterburr Brothers performed at Parent, Orientation, and college visit weekends at school. After graduation we continued performing at youth rallies. We once even performed at a national neonatal nurses convention. Ahhh... flashbacks from the past..

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and watch out for flying elbows.......!

We have so much to give thanks for. God is good!!!

God Bless.......

2008-11-24T07:26:00.000-08:00

Cougars win!!!!!!

2008-11-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

Well, with the Huskies being such favorite to win this game. The double overtime win was great!!

The Cougs still were the worst team in Pac 10 history, but this makes it a little easier to take.

Jonestown

2008-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, November 18th, was the 30th anniversary of the "Jonestown Mass Suicide". I had forgotten just how horrible this was until I went back and read an article on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/jonestown).

I remember when this happened thinking, how can this many people be so gullible. Their leader, Jim Jones, is referred to as a "Christian Pastor" in some of the articles. Wow, not sure which Bible he was reading... He encouraged all of the members of his 'church' to drink a strychnine laced grape Koolaid. The death toll was over 900.

I've noticed over the years that the term to "Drink the KoolAid", has taken on new meaning, ie. to get "on board" with the program. Last year, at our national sales meeting, our leadership told us that we needed to "Drink the Koolaid". This was their way to encourage us to get on board, to sellout, for something they felt was very important. I wrote a letter to that speaker and mentioned that for me, the remark was very offensive.

To me, the phrase "to drink the Koolaid" means to blindly following and not asking any questions.

I guess some folks would say that the Christian walk is just that, "Drinking the Koolaid" so to speak. Others, might point out that this past Presidential election and the candidate you voted for might be a form of "Drinking the Koolaid"

Think before you drink.............

Life list (Idea from Pastor Glenn)

2008-11-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

Having just watched the "Bucket List", Pastor Glenns blog today caught my attention. It is a list of "99 things to do in a Lifetime" that he got from his daughter. It was fun to figure out what I have "done" on this list!!!

1. Started your own blog-done
2. Slept under the stars-done
3. Played in a band - done many times...
4. Visited Hawaii- done
5. Watched a meteor shower-done
6. Given more than you can afford to charity- done
7. Been to Disneyland/world - done
8. Climbed a mountain - done
9. Held a praying mantis- done
10. Sang a solo - done
11. Bungee jumped - have no plan of doing....
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - done that
15. Adopted a child - done that
16. Had food poisoning - done that
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables - done that
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight - done that
22. Hitch hiked - done that
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - done that
24. Built a snow fort - done that
25. Held a lamb - done that
26. Gone skinny dipping - yep
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse - done this
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - done both
31. Hit a home run - done that
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community - done that
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - done this
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - done that
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - done that
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight - done that
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted - done this
48. Gone deep sea fishing- done this
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling- done this
52. Kissed in the rain - done this
53. Played in the mud- yep
54. Gone to a drive-in theater- yep
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business - yep
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen - yes
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies -
62. Gone whale watching - yes
63. Gotten flowers for no reason (Given them though)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - yes
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check - yes
68. Flown in a helicopter - yes
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy -yes
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - yes
71. Eaten Caviar - yes
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square- yes
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job - yes
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (In crazy traffic in Taiwan!) - yes
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - yes
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car - yes
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper - yes
85. Read the entire Bible - yes
86. Visited the White House (Sang there) - yes (outside)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - yes
88. Had chickenpox - yes
89. Saved someone’s life - yes
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - (Mark Rypien) - yes
92. Joined a book club - yes
93. Lost a loved one - yes
94. Had a baby (My wife helped) - yes
95. Seen the Alamo in person - yes
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit -yes
98. Owned a cell phone - yes
99. Been stung by a bee - yes

I knew it.....

2008-11-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hummm... a whole world on our hands.

For the gender that considers itself the more fastidious (and has the studies to back up the claim), women might be chagrined to learn that they harbor more varieties of germs on their hands than men do. Women's hands have more germ varieties

In fact, we all – male and female – have whole worlds on our hands, and they're more diverse than anyone suspected.

In a study published online last week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder, swabbed 102 human palms and found more than 4,700 species of bacteria.

A pleasant day indeed...

2008-11-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

Today its cold, wet, foggy and rainy outside. Reminds me of growing up in Eugene. This time of year dense fog would roll in for days on end. Certain days when I'd walk to school, (15 miles and up hill both ways!!) you could feel very alone in the fog. I understand where the term, 'in a fog" means.

Sundays are one of my favorite days of the week this time of year. Saturdays I usually referee at least 3 AAU basketball games. Last weekend it was ten..... Sunday is a day to kick back a little.

Of course, I still have the joy of teaching 5th and 6th grade Sunday School. I am still a firm believer that the church (Not just ours, but the church in general) does not give as much value to the Jr High age group as they do to the Sr High. To me, Jr High is the time you have the greatest impact on young people. When I was a Youth Pastor, the cornerstone of my ministry was the Jr High age group, if it was solid, your Senior High group would also be.

Its fun to spend the afternoon with family, enjoying football and conversation. Whitney, Travis and the grand puppies (training grand kids) are here spending the afternoon. Whitney and Cath are doing their casserole cooking marathon!

Update on freebies for voting......

2008-11-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

This is why I voted today!!!! (My apologies to Pastor Teal)

Starbucks is offering a free cup of coffee to anyone who reports.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is giving away star-shaped doughnuts, with red and blue sprinkles.
Ice cream maker Ben and Jerry's is offering a free scoop to anyone as part of a celebration of the election.
Chicago-based Eli's Cheesecake is giving voters a free slice of the dessert at the company's main store. Those who don't live in the Chicago area can get an election-related cheesecake deal online.
And....... adult toy store Toys In Babeland offered a free choice between two products for people who visit one of the chains stores in Seattle or New York.

Most of the giveaways don't require any proof of voting.

Smelly feet could be art!!!

2008-11-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

ANTWERP, Belgium -- One man's/woman's stink is another man's major art project. A piece by Belgian conceptual artist Jan Fabre at the Antwerp's MuHKA contemporary art museum is challenging the nose as well as the eyes. The installation "Spring is on its way" consists of onions and potatoes hung from the ceiling in condoms. And the vegetables are, well, spoiling. "It smells of onions, but I would not call it a stink." Eight years ago, Fabre covered some university pillars in Ghent in ham. Sure enough, after a while, the complaints came. "Fabre always says that art must be a bit smelly," said Weyts.

Does that mean that Travis is an artist............ ? (I know I'll pay for this later.....)

Duhhh

2008-11-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

Study is first to link TV sex to teen parenthood

Could the amount of sex teens see on TV predict whether they'll become a teen mother or father? A study in today's Pediatrics says it's a distinct possibility.

The study is the first to draw a direct link between sexual content on TV and the likelihood that teens who watch it will become parents. Researchers examined survey data from about 2,000 teens. They plucked out 23 popular shows and asked how much teens watched each. They coded the replies to established indicators of sexual content for each show — everything from nudge-nudge jokes on network sitcoms to full-blown intercourse on steamy cable dramas.

What they found: By age 16, teens who watched a lot of sexually charged TV were more than twice as likely to be pregnant or father an out-of-wedlock baby as teens who watched very little: 12% vs. 5%. The gap holds steady through age 20. Researchers controlled for parents' race, income and education and teens' total TV time.

As you vote remember........

2008-10-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

"You cannot help the poor, by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak, by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity, by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up, by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man, by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage, by taking away a mans initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently, by doing for them what they could and should, do for themselves."

Do you recognize the author?

Very, very wise words, and we still don't get it

Max & Moo and Us two...

2008-10-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

If you have read Cathey's blog, you know we were in Maryland this past week visiting Ben, Lauren and their kids, Max and Moo (Madeline). It was a great visit! I loved being awoke each morning as Moo jumped on our bed.

There were many firsts on this trip, I ate "Biscuits and Gravy", had a sandwich at "Chick fil a", ate lunch at "Pot Belly", had BBQ at "Famous Dave's"..... do you see a pattern here.... and gained 5 lbs.

One other thing about this visit that will stay with me, besides the trip to our Nations capitol, is our time with the kids Max and Moo. Moo just turned 4 and Max is 2. They are a kick! I was a little apprehensive at first with Max. He is autistic. Before the visit, I knew very little about autism. I now have greater admiration for Ben and Lauren, and what they do as parents. They have their hands full. Max does not communicate like we do. He has his own language and any new word he learns is a huge step for him.

Phillies win the World Series....

2008-10-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park. It was the first suspended game ever played in World Series history.

After a rain delay in the middle of the sixth inning on Monday night, the game was completed two days later, a three-and-a-half-inning sprint with everything on the line.

The very first "professional" baseball game I ever went to as a kid was the Eugene Emeralds, who were at the time a farm club of the Phillies. Larry Bowa was on that team.

Do you remember your "first"?

Also, I would like to point out the Phillies play OUTDOORS, as God intended.

Enough said......

"Mr. Cone Goes to Washington...."

2008-10-26T12:32:00.001-07:00

Today we went to church and then spent the afternoon in Washington DC at the Mall. It is a place I have wanted to visit all my life, and here I am.....

I must say it is very humbling to stand at each of the memorials. I was surprised at how big they are in real life. To stand on the steps where Martin Luther King gave his "I have a Dream" speech, let me speechless. When I was a kid, I can remember watching his speech live in black and white. I was moved then to hear it.......

I was surprised at how I reacted to the Vietnam Memorial. As a high school student growing up in Eugene, I protested the war at the University of Oregon (or as I call it now the Berkley of the Northwest). I hated the war because we were not there to win. It was VERY sobering to see all of the names on the wall. Solders who gave their life for what???? Such a waste. Standing there brought me to tears....

The Korean Memorial was very cool. It looked like a unit on patrol coming out of the woods.

Oops....

2008-10-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

Left the sprinkler on last night..........

High School sports and life......

2008-10-23T07:32:00.001-07:00

Being a high school sports official, I followed this story as it went through the courts, etc.

High schools sports DO shape an individual. Depending on how he/she handles adversity may be an indicator on how they handle life.........

" A former Colville High School wrestler who made headlines for head-butting a referee in 1996 pleaded guilty Wednesday in Spokane Superior Court to felony domestic violence.

Chad Hilderbrandt, 30, attacked his wife in April and later tried to intimidate her in a phone call from Spokane County Jail. Judge Sam Cozza sentenced him to 27 months in prison.

When he was 17, Hilderbrandt was convicted of fourth-degree felony assault for knocking official Bob West unconscious.

Hilderbrandt had just lost a wrestling match and was confronting his opponent when West tried to diffuse the situation, newspaper reports say. After being head-butted, West fell to the floor and remained unconscious for a short time. A video tape of the incident was widely broadcast, and West unsuccessfully sued the Colville School District.

Hilderbrandt received a 30-day jail sentence for that assault."

(Spokesman Review 10/23/08)

World Series

2008-10-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Rays and Phillies...........

In a DOME??????????

God did not give us baseball so we could play it in a domed stadium on FAKE grass.

Thought....

2008-10-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

I had a thought on yesterdays message.

If God speaks to us in a "Still, small voice." (Except for me, He uses a 2x4.)

How can we hear Him, if we are busy informing everyone of our great deeds on His behalf??

2008-10-19T06:21:00.000-07:00

The miracle of Seth

2008-10-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

We've said our final goodbyes to Seth over the last couple of days. Yesterday at the graveside service and today at his memorial service. Todays memorial service was very touching and Pastor Glenn's message was perfect.

I want to say thank you to Kathryn and Leland for allowing me and Cath to walk with them through this time in their lives. Its one of the miracles of Seth, bringing people together!

It's going to be tough to get through each day for a while. Some days you'll feel like its all going great and others, you just don't want to get out of bed. On those days, remember "the next day......."

The next day.....

2008-10-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

The Wall, the excavator

2008-10-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Spent this weekend building a new retaining wall that will be 52 feet long and 5 feet high when its finished. I rented a mini excavator. What a great way to deal with this "soil". I use the word soil loosely. Where we live you can not plant anything without removing rocks the size of basketballs or larger.

I realized as I started digging with the excavator that it was going to take a while to get the hang of the controls. Just then, Alex shows up from college, jumps on the excavator and makes short work out of it.

Dang, something else he's better at than me.

Sunday, after church, Travis, Whitney and our grand dogs (It's kinda like "training" grand kids) spent the day with us. While Cath and Whit cooked enough casseroles to feed a small army, Travis and Alex gave me a hand with the wall.

One journey ends....

2008-10-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

Seth went home around 5:30 AM this morning.

One journey ends and a new one begins.

I like to think he and Brandon have met and are already into mischief.

Can you get into mischief in heaven??

Hopefully, they have joined Mitch's youth group.......

Coffee with God

2008-10-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

I write this for me only, but your welcome to read it.

It's taken me two hours to write.

I am crying as I write it.......

Please do not read anything or anyone into it.

If you're easily offended PLEASE stop reading here.

I am thankful for Seth, Kathryn and Leland and up until a couple of weeks ago didn't really know them well. Oh, I would say hi to Leland in church 'cause our wives worked together, but that was about it. Not anymore. I love them.

Years ago, when Cath and I sat where Leland and Kathryn are today, I was one angry dad. I can remember it like it was yesterday.

Everyday in the hospital brought excruciating decisions. The time in the hospital felt like time stood still. It was hard to eat, sleep and breathe. It was hard to leave our son's room to go to the bathroom.

I was going to work out a deal with God. Hey, I was in the ministry. I had gone to Bible college, I had married a good Christian woman, I was an Elder, I didn't miss church, I...., I....., I..... AND, I had watched enough "Big Hair TV" (you know the channel) to know, that if you had enough faith, had the right oil, had the right people praying, our son would be healed.

Being an elder at the time, I asked that they come to his room and do what elders were supposed to do, anoint, lay hands, pray and have faith. I EXPECTED A HEALING MIRACLE. "God, just give me a partial one, but I know what I want it to look like."

I remember sitting in the room as the elders came and prayed as if it was last night. Everyday I prayed and looked for that miracle that I knew was coming for our son....WOW, what a story it would be.... Hey, I know God - take me. How about a trade? Could I trade for what's behind door number two instead?

I expected that miracle right up until I heard Brandon's last and final heartbeat.

Boy, was I pissed at God. How dare He not answer my prayer? It was the only one in my life He needed to answer......... I wouldn't ask for another thing.

It was then I scheduled "coffee with God."

At the time I first scheduled it, I wanted to tell Him just what I thought. Toe to toe, coffee mug to coffee mug, man to man. Oh that's right, He's God......... okay so I couldn't go "man to man"..... Got it. I JUST WANTED HIM TO HEAR ME OUT!!!!

He did. "and then we see clearly, not as a child"

Today, I still have "coffee with God" scheduled, I'm sure its on His Outlook. I'll tell Him I get it and then give Him a big hug. Hummm, that's a little to 'touchy, feely' for me. Okay, maybe we'll bump chests.

I've invited Leland to go with me, he's in...... knuckle shake..... end zone dance.

So much for my 401k

2008-10-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hummm, Red Sox's and the Ray's for the American League Championship........

These guys HATE each other. I think they have had a couple of bench clearing brawls this season. Should be very entertaining. Would love to umpire this series!

Seth

2008-10-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Cath and I tonight spent the evening with Kathryn, Leland and Seth up at the hospital. If you have been following Cathey's blog you know Seth's story. I was happy to encourage Cathey to support them, but I was determined not to get involved...... God had different ideas.

I played for Mitch Thomas's memorial service. Being up front and hearing the incredible sound of the packed sanctuary, I was sure this was what heaven would sound like. God spoke to me that Saturday afternoon and I went up to visit Leland, Kathryn and Seth alone in Ped's ICU after the service. (Cathey was out of town visiting her parents.)

Wow, it was like twenty years had been stripped away......

I thank Kathryn, Leland and Seth for allowing us to support them during this time. I have held Seth a couple of times. I'm grateful for that time. In a way Seth is helping me to heal..... Who would have thought it?

The Shack...

2008-10-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading The Shack.

A very interesting take on who is God. Don't agree with all of it, but, boy does it make you think.

Some are folks calling it heresy. Here's an interesting blog on just that: http://lifestream.org/blog/2008/03/04/is-the-shack-heresy/

I'm baaaccckkk!!

2008-06-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so its been over a year. I wasn't really sure if anyone really cared. I understand a couple of you do.

So I'll try and not be, to quote my neice Rachel, a Blog slacker!!!

"The new phonebooks are here....."

2007-02-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

"The new phonebooks are here....... the new phonebooks are here!! I'm a somebody!"

(my apologies to Steve Martin in The Jerk.)

Yes, the new church photo directories were available yesterday in church. I picked up a copy to, of course, gaze at "The Cone Family" picture and see how stupid I looked.

Hummmm, not to bad, hairs weird. Cathey looks great and Alex looks tall.

Wait a moment, there's something wrong with our family picture!!!

One, two, three, ..........our family looks smaller, someones missing!

Oh, there she is, in the Franklin Family photo.

Now I remember.........

Could it be..........

2007-02-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Could it be that spring is just around the corner?? I get giddy when the sun comes out and the temperature is above 50 degrees. This is the first time I've seen the sun in over a month.

Of course, with the snow melting, the residual of two Australian Shepard's and one mutt is revealed for scooping. Even the goldfish in the pond are basking in the sun today. I haven't seen them since it iced over in November.

The one thing about living here in Spokane is when the winter comes, all of your outdoor lawn/landscaping projects stop. Everything dies and turns a dirty tan/brown.

I'm looking forward to next weekend in Seattle with Cathey, Alex, and the Franklin's!! Alex is auditioning at Seattle Pacific University for a music scholarship and to spend the weekend on campus for a visit. The rest of us are going to play!!

Blogging slacker

2007-02-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

I've been accused of being a blogging slacker. Granted, I will acknowledge it has be a month or so since my last confession....I mean blog. But, to call me a 'blogging slacker' is just hurtful...... (smile)

I think I might be the father of Anna Smith's baby. Ok, that was random.......

I'm sitting here in the Salt Lake airport waiting to board my flight to Spokane. I missed my flight when I landed from Little Rock, y'all. Yes, they do talk that way down there.......

I didn't think anyone was reading my machination and random thoughts. I did read my wifes blog and she is looking forward to spending more time with friends after Alex leaves for college. I was hoping to spend more time with her, but I guess that will have to wait. Oh, you mean along with me?? Okay.....

Church.... churches mostly are a ok thing, but they can be a pain in the butt. I've decided there is no such thing as the 'perfect' church since they are full of people. Hummmm, a church without people, a church without a steeple.

Well, its time to catch my flight.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2007-01-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Aaahhh the Oregon Coast. I love it even in the wintertime. We drove with friends to Tillamook to spend what I think will be our last vacation at the Schmid family cabin on Cape Mear's. They have put the cabin on the market. I will miss staying there, but it won't stop us from our coastal journey's.

Other than the icy roads, we had great weather. Had a great time crabbing, beach combing, relaxing, squeaky cheese curd, visiting old haunts and game nights. What a great place to welcome in the New Year.

Alex's friend accompanied us. She is a kick to have around and is a great sport. I loved having a new victim to share all of my coast stories with. Having lived in Otter Rock for a year I have plenty of them!!

I must say that winter caught crab tastes much better than the summer caught crab. Although it might have to do with spending so much time on the bay FREEZING!! Boy, was it ever cold that morning....

Being out in the bay in a small boat brought back memories of my dad, mom and brother Blueback fishing on the Siuslaw river. (We didn't have the pea can though...)

Cone Christmas 2006

2007-01-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

This was the first Christmas for Travis and Whitney Franklin. They spent the night on Christmas Eve with us. (in order to be able to open presents early!!)

They had just returned from their honeymoon in St. Thomas. The whole day was just a riot. I fixed dinner, primerib with all the fixins. (I use my bar-b-que all year round)

2006 Christmas

2006-12-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the Cone Family!

Boy, what a year!

Wedding planning.

Basketball refereeing

Wedding planning.

Sydney had puppies.

More wedding planning.

Whitney graduated from Seattle Pacific University in May. She moved back to Spokane in July to find work and prepare/plan for “the wedding”.

Summer activities, ie baseball.....

Even more wedding planning.

Alex starts his senior year at Mt Spokane High School.

The BIG DAY....................

October 7th was the highlight of the year for Cathey, myself and our banker. It felt like we were planning this wedding for a VERY long time…………. Now, the wedding decorations are either sold or in storage. Cathey is making plans for a ‘craft room” in the new found bedroom. Now there are three of us.

I must say, reflecting back on the whole thing, it was a good deal of fun. What a joy to have family and friends gather to celebrate on Whitney and Travis’s wedding day. Our parents couldn't make it due to health considerations, but just about everyone else was there. Not sure where my brother was.

Hardest part of the day for me was getting Whitney down the isle., and answering the question: "Who gives this woman to be married to this man." I'm sure I waited at least an hour before stating: "Her mother and I do." I handed Travis "The Bat", and twenty minutes later she was a Franklin!!

Right before I escorted Whitney down the isle I gave her following advice I found in a 1950's Home Economics textbook. (Intended for High School girls, teaching them how to prepare for married life.)

Have dinner ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal - on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work- weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.
Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.
Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.

Some Don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day
Make him comfortable: Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind. Listen to him: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk.

Whit, how this working for you??
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Whitney is a meeting planner for an events company here in Spokane. Travis is teaching 6th grade at Colbert Elementary School. They will honeymoon on St Thomas the week before Christmas.

Alex’s senior year marks the end of our involvement with the Mt. Spokane High School Wildcat Marching Band. We will be going with the band on their spring trip to DisneyLand.

Summer found us involved with Alex’s Legion baseball team and planning for the wedding. I had a blast being the announcer for the July 4th tournament games that were played at Whitworth University. We tried to go to as many games as possible along with my umpiring responsibilities. As you can see, sometimes those two things combined and we found ourselves at the same field. (I don’t recommend this!!) That’s Alex at bat with me behind the plate. Travis was umpiring on the bases. His team finished 4th in the State AA Legion Tournament (No, I didn’t umpire in this particular tournament).

We’re now looking at colleges and anticipating having an empty nest. Right now though, along with Alex’s usual group of friends that usually hang out here, there’s a girl who keeps coming around…..hummmm

Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

"It's a girl!"

2006-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

I think back to that early morning in the delivery room. It was exhausting, exciting and scary all at the same time. After 68 hours and two hospitals it was time to see this new person that was going to be a part of our lives.

Dr. Hopwood at the ready to catch this kid.

"............it's a.............(Dr. Hopwood was loving this).................girl!"

What did he say??? a girl?

YIKES, what am I going to do with a girl.

Not having a sister I wasn't sure how I was going to interact with this stranger.

Okay, I've figured it out. No Barbie Dolls!! No Cabbage Patch dolls!! (okay I'm on a roll now...) No pink frilly dresses. She'll be an athlete. No cheerleader dancing stuff for her!! Yeah that's it!!

BOY'S... ha ha ha..NO WAY!!!! No makeup till she's at least 21. She can start dating when shes 25. Possible marriage after she turns 35. This will be easy.........

Well, I guess we now know how that went....

Mt. Spokane Wildcat Marching Band, Part 2

2006-11-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

Wanted to add a few more pictures.

Mt. Spokane Wildcat Marching Band

2006-11-13T06:58:00.000-08:00

This weekend marked the end of Mt. Spokane High Schools 2007 marching band competition season. They finished with a sweep of awards in Auburn, Washington. This is one of the few trips Cath and I have missed this year. It's been fun to watch Alex mature as one of the senior leaders on the drumline. Of course, there have been bumps along the way, but all in all theband/drumline has been a good experience for him.

I'm always amazed to watch the bands at these competitions. Being a drummer myself in a marching band in the late 60's, we were happy just to be able to form a couple of letters and play music at the same time!!

After 6 years of going to these type of competitions (Whitney was on the Drill team for two years) it will seem strange not to be going!!