Monday, May 30, 2011

Memoral Day 2011



Started my Memorial Day Celebration with a United States Armed Forces Dedication titled "Answering the Call to Defend Freedom."  Memorial Day is a day of remembering, honoring and commemorating the men and women who have died in the service to our country.

 Remember that our freedoms have not been granted by the preacher, politician, teacher, protester or news reporter. It comes to us by the sacrifice, dedication, commitment and lives of those who have fought for freedom in our military services!

A great speech from Colonel Jeffrey Weed, Vice-Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, here in Arizona.  He tied together those who have died in other conflicts with the most recent deaths in Afghanistan of 2 US Soldiers, who were ambushed by an act of terrorism, following a negotiation session on helping the Afghan Government to better provide for their people.

Another moving part of the ceremony was the 21 gun salute and the playing of taps!  It brings a tear to the eye every time.

As you enjoy your holiday today, please take a moment to think of the many who are serving and those have given the supreme sacrifice so that we can live in the land of the free and the home of the brave!

HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE MEMORIAL DAY!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

New Technology

So, I think that I have entered the new age of technology.  Well, for me, anyway, it seems new and exciting.  I am now able to video chat with my friends and family.  OK, I know, nothing new to you, right?  Well for me, it is a miracle.  I can now communicate as if we are together in the same room.  Talk, laugh, see what is new with each other and even have a drink together, as if there were no miles between us. 

Now this doesn't take the place of a good 'ole handshake and a hug, but from my perspective, this is as close to being there as you can get today.  Maybe the next thing will be a virtual computer room where we can program, say, dinner out with whoever, have a great time together with a few laughs! 

I had my first video chat the other day was with my buddy Doug.  He is one of my best friends since 7th grade.  I was getting ready to go to work, he was at home for lunch (a 3 hour time zone difference).  Got caught up on the lastest in my former hometown and what was going on in his life.   Clear as a bell, none of that time delay or shakey video from my past.  A high definition experience, almost like being there!

Then there was my chat with my nephew, who is half a world apart in Russia, teaching at a Christian Resource Center in Siebera.  ...NO, he gave up a perfectly great job at the University of Michigan to do this, believe it or not!  ...Anyway, we spoke for a good half hour.  He was getting ready for the day, I was getting ready to go to sleep the night before the day he was already in.  Does that make sense?  In other words, he lives 11 hours in the future!  Technology...and they say a time machine is just for science fiction!

I say let's video chat...who knows what it might bring?  I'm really hoping it brings my kids, grandchildren, more friends and mayby even my 88 year old Dad.  He is getting to know the computer thing, too.  I'm hoping he doesn't view video chat as some kind of complicated science fiction?

Friday, May 20, 2011

AZ Desert

OK...so here is my first attempt to paint a landscape of the Arizona desert.  Not too bad, for a guy who has never taken any painting lessons, if I can say so myself! Now I know why so many people do this, as it is very therapeutic.  Calms your stress and can be a lot of fun, too.
Anyway, for all of you art connoisseurs, don't steal my joy.  Constructive criticism only!!! Posted by Picasa