To Jeannie's mountain house we go!
We need to get away- and the best place at the best price is to good old TN. We are heading out and not looking back (although I will be working remotely from there). Actually, that is a complete lie since I am paranoid to even say I am leaving town with the amount of break-ins that have been occuring in our area. So, to all of the thieves and crooks who read this blog my house is armed and my neighbors are watching!
What a terrible feeling- to be affraid to leave your home unattended for fear of vandalism. We live in a nice area, but that does not necessarily mean anything anymore.
Enough about that-
I am going to the mountains to kick back and relax- Bailey will get some water therapy and I will get some R&R. I packed the camera so just maybe a photo will appear on this blog!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Wacky Monday
Is anyone else as shocked that Bear Stearns went belly up this morning as me? I can't believe that after 80+ years as a reputable bank on Wall Street they have fallen. For those of you who don't recall, that was my place of employment less than 1 year ago. WOW. That is nuts. My heart goes out to my old manager's whose profit sharing disintegrated over night. What does this say about the state of our economy. Everyone knows it is bad, but really- how bad is it going to get? I know I am a bit shocked and nervous today.
On a seperate note- I have recieved some requests for photos. Well, I don't have many, but I stole this one off of Jo's website to post here.
We had a fantastic time when D, J and K visited us a few weeks ago. We hope to see them again real soon!
Remember a while ago I mentioned the dogs Adirondog chairs? Well- here is a shot of one. It turns out that they are also great kids couches!
This one is not so flattering, but it at least reminds you what we look like. I know it has been ages since either of our faces has appeared on this blog.
My sister will be in town this weekend for Easter, so I will get the camera out for that.Thursday, March 13, 2008
In loving memory- by MW
All,
On this day, four years ago, a patrol from B Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, from the 1st Infantry Division was ambushed in the streets of Tikrit Iraq. While driving down a street known as “RPG Alley” at 0300, the second vehicle in the patrol was attacked with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and small arms fire that mortally wounded CPT John “Hans” Kurth and SPC Jason Ford.
As the Company Commander, CPT Kurth constantly made sacrifices for the soldiers in his command. On this night, only two weeks into the unit’s one year deployment, Hans assigned himself the midnight patrol. Being the third patrol of the day and the middle of the night, this was the hardest patrol to conduct. It was also the most critical, because it helped demonstrate to the good people in Iraq that coalition forces would not allow insurgents to move freely through the night and conduct acts of terror at will. Hans was a leader and always led from the front. This night was no different. Only, on 13 March 2004, Hans made the ultimate sacrifice, not only for his unit and his men, but for his country (each and every one of us). Hans was a father to a beautiful young boy, a great American Soldier, and a dear friend to many.
As the commander, Hans knew the strengths and weaknesses of each soldier in his unit and subsequently selected the best soldiers in the unit to accompany him as a part of his regular patrolling force. Not only was SPC Jason Ford selected to join the patrol, he was selected as the Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) to manage communications in commander’s vehicle. Jason was an outstanding soldier who knew his trade better than most. He knew how to manage the command group’s difficult communications setup, had a masterful understanding of all the weapons within the convoy, and was an expert marksman. Jason jumped at the opportunity to join this patrol group. Not only because he wanted to show that he was the best, but he knew that this group, led by CPT Kurth, would push itself to its limits to accomplish their mission. He knew that this group would be responsible for a positive impact on tens of thousands of lives in Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit, Iraq as they eliminated the violence and acts of terror that were present from insurgent forces. On 13 March 2004, Jason also made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for his country. He always had a positive attitude and was fun to be around. The officers and non-commissioned officers admired his motivation and the soldiers loved his sense of humor. He was a fine soldier and also a friend to many.
While I could write about how these great men and that night have impacted my life, I will not. There are over 3000 American soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in our current war on terror. Each have people whose lives they touched who could write a novel on their behalf, but that is not why these individuals choose to serve. There is an old phrase that is used everywhere from country songs to Hollywood movies stating, “Freedom Isn’t Free.” The freedoms that many of us take for granted were earned by the sacrifices of our forefathers over two hundred years ago and are maintained by our brave men and women in uniform today. Whether you agree with our current military campaigns or not, the service members and their family members are making tremendous sacrifices on a daily basis for each and every one of us. If you see a soldier, sailor, airman, marine, or their families…just take a second to say “Thank you” for the lives that they have chosen and the sacrifices that they have made.
There is no need to reply or forward this e-mail. The intent of this e-mail is to ask each of you to take a minute during your day today to stop and reflect on your own lives. Be thankful for the family, friends, and freedoms that each of us hold dear. This day is especially important to me since it is the anniversary of when a close friend lost his life and serves as a time for me to pause. All I am asking is that you add meaning to their sacrifice. Take a minute to appreciate all of the little things in life and remember what it takes for each of us to be able to enjoy them. Thank you for your time.
On this day, four years ago, a patrol from B Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, from the 1st Infantry Division was ambushed in the streets of Tikrit Iraq. While driving down a street known as “RPG Alley” at 0300, the second vehicle in the patrol was attacked with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and small arms fire that mortally wounded CPT John “Hans” Kurth and SPC Jason Ford.
As the Company Commander, CPT Kurth constantly made sacrifices for the soldiers in his command. On this night, only two weeks into the unit’s one year deployment, Hans assigned himself the midnight patrol. Being the third patrol of the day and the middle of the night, this was the hardest patrol to conduct. It was also the most critical, because it helped demonstrate to the good people in Iraq that coalition forces would not allow insurgents to move freely through the night and conduct acts of terror at will. Hans was a leader and always led from the front. This night was no different. Only, on 13 March 2004, Hans made the ultimate sacrifice, not only for his unit and his men, but for his country (each and every one of us). Hans was a father to a beautiful young boy, a great American Soldier, and a dear friend to many.
As the commander, Hans knew the strengths and weaknesses of each soldier in his unit and subsequently selected the best soldiers in the unit to accompany him as a part of his regular patrolling force. Not only was SPC Jason Ford selected to join the patrol, he was selected as the Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) to manage communications in commander’s vehicle. Jason was an outstanding soldier who knew his trade better than most. He knew how to manage the command group’s difficult communications setup, had a masterful understanding of all the weapons within the convoy, and was an expert marksman. Jason jumped at the opportunity to join this patrol group. Not only because he wanted to show that he was the best, but he knew that this group, led by CPT Kurth, would push itself to its limits to accomplish their mission. He knew that this group would be responsible for a positive impact on tens of thousands of lives in Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit, Iraq as they eliminated the violence and acts of terror that were present from insurgent forces. On 13 March 2004, Jason also made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for his country. He always had a positive attitude and was fun to be around. The officers and non-commissioned officers admired his motivation and the soldiers loved his sense of humor. He was a fine soldier and also a friend to many.
While I could write about how these great men and that night have impacted my life, I will not. There are over 3000 American soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in our current war on terror. Each have people whose lives they touched who could write a novel on their behalf, but that is not why these individuals choose to serve. There is an old phrase that is used everywhere from country songs to Hollywood movies stating, “Freedom Isn’t Free.” The freedoms that many of us take for granted were earned by the sacrifices of our forefathers over two hundred years ago and are maintained by our brave men and women in uniform today. Whether you agree with our current military campaigns or not, the service members and their family members are making tremendous sacrifices on a daily basis for each and every one of us. If you see a soldier, sailor, airman, marine, or their families…just take a second to say “Thank you” for the lives that they have chosen and the sacrifices that they have made.
There is no need to reply or forward this e-mail. The intent of this e-mail is to ask each of you to take a minute during your day today to stop and reflect on your own lives. Be thankful for the family, friends, and freedoms that each of us hold dear. This day is especially important to me since it is the anniversary of when a close friend lost his life and serves as a time for me to pause. All I am asking is that you add meaning to their sacrifice. Take a minute to appreciate all of the little things in life and remember what it takes for each of us to be able to enjoy them. Thank you for your time.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
One hour. Big Change.
Mark this on your calendar- two posts in two days!
I just received a notice from the World Wildlife Foundation that I wanted to share with everyone. It reads:
On March 29, 2008, cities around the world will join together to literally turn off the lights for one hour to offer leadership and symbolize their commitment to finding climate change solutions. Individuals, local businesses and corporations will also be asked to turn off their lights. Will you join in?
I thought this sounded pretty neat- but then I realized that the time is from 8-9pm. So, 8-9pm where? EST, Central, What? I guess the idea is great even if it is on a rolling time clock. I think it is a simple way to join a cause and thought you may be interested.
So, mark your calendars to sit in the dark on 3/29 from 8-9pm!
...and by the way Earth Day this year is on April 22nd- don't forget to plant a tree!
This is Kermit the frog here reporting for the usual blogger that fills this space.
Have a great day- and remember "It's not easy being green!"
I just received a notice from the World Wildlife Foundation that I wanted to share with everyone. It reads:
On March 29, 2008, cities around the world will join together to literally turn off the lights for one hour to offer leadership and symbolize their commitment to finding climate change solutions. Individuals, local businesses and corporations will also be asked to turn off their lights. Will you join in?
I thought this sounded pretty neat- but then I realized that the time is from 8-9pm. So, 8-9pm where? EST, Central, What? I guess the idea is great even if it is on a rolling time clock. I think it is a simple way to join a cause and thought you may be interested.
So, mark your calendars to sit in the dark on 3/29 from 8-9pm!
...and by the way Earth Day this year is on April 22nd- don't forget to plant a tree!
This is Kermit the frog here reporting for the usual blogger that fills this space.
Have a great day- and remember "It's not easy being green!"
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Bad blogger
Hey everyone- We have been super busy and I have not posted in a while. I do have some photos on my camera I need to post.
We have completed phase I of painting the inside of the house. I will post pictures one day. We also had a visit from Jo, Deric, and Kai two weeks ago. It was great fun seeing old friends. We hope to be able to see them again soon.
I took my first business trip last week and went to Detroit in Chicago. It was exhausting. I am glad to be back.
Bailey and Sam are doing well. Bailey is walking even better than before. I am so excited that he has shown new strength! I was starting to worry that he had fully healed with the limp, but my wonder dog is still proving to have more healing to do! Soon we should be able to take him swimming.
Bailey and Sam are doing well. Bailey is walking even better than before. I am so excited that he has shown new strength! I was starting to worry that he had fully healed with the limp, but my wonder dog is still proving to have more healing to do! Soon we should be able to take him swimming.
Speaking of dogs- check out this pup! He was working hard to help build his dad's waterfall in the back yard, but he got so tired...
He took a puppy nap. Not to be confused with a cat nap!
Hope all is well.....
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