Countdown...4 days until Alaska

Countdown...4 days to Alaska. Although Heidi has been packing for nearly 1 month now, I have officially started putting things in a bag effective today! We are leaving town just in time, as this week the weather forecast here in Arizona is triple digits in the low 100's.  I'm still taking my Columbia Fleece to Alaska, as we will experience a 40 degree colder temperature variation up there. Also making arrangements to see Rob & Jude Johnson while up there.  At this writing, we are expected to meet at Denali and spend a couple of days together. 

Are you sure today is only Monday? My mind keeps wondering into vacation mode!

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!

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?

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!!! 

Medical marijuana dispensary opens near Catholic Church and school. Should this be illegal?

OK...have the City Fathers (and Mothers) of Owosso, Michigan lost their minds, or lost their will? Or, has political correctness contaminated the gene pool? Now, come on, a marijuana dispensary directly across the street from a school? And, what about "drug free" zones? Hey, we could not place an establishment that sells alcohol of any kind here, nor a dirty book store, or a gentlemen's club there. So, can anyone give any good reason why a marijuuana dispensary should not come in question in that location? This seems like a black and white issue to me. and the answer is that the City of Owosso, Michigan should find a different location on their zoning map to place this, and preferably not next to a school, church or residential district. Shut it down now! End of the report. Come on guys ( and gals of the city council), think about it, you might end up on the right side of an issue for a change! Medical marijuana dispensary opens near Catholic Church and school. Should this be illegal?: "A medical marijuana dispensary moves in across the street from a Catholic Church and school in Owosso."

A Week to Remember

February 26, 2011

Phoenix, AZ

This past week has been a delightful one.  At my age, many of us are not able to spend quality time with our elderly parents.  Many parents of my generation are confined to nursing homes, mentally and or physically disabled, or have long passed the surely bounds of Earth.  I am a lucky man indeed…as my Dad, at 88 years young, is taking in life almost as fast as it can dish it out. 

Although a bit slower in his step, he is still able to carry on an intelligent conversation about almost anything.  Politics, business, the world around him, good food and drink are all fair game as topics of discussion.  Best if done with a drink in hand; and his favorite drink is a Manhattan made with Canadian Mist, Southern Comfort, triple sec, sweet vermouth on ice with a dash of bitters.  No cherry needed!  He even still has all his natural teeth to eat a nice grilled steak.  Nothing puréed for my Dad to digest! 

Our week included a trip on the Phoenix Light Rail to Tempe, the home of Arizona State University.  The light rail allowed Dad to see how Phoenix has expanded from the days in the 1960’s when he would travel here to visit customers who were making swamp coolers.  Back then, he ran the Redmond Electric Motor Company, and this was “swamp cooler heaven”!  Several manufacturers for a growing hot dry climate.  Back then, Phoenix was nothing more than a cow town of about 40,000 residents.  A far cry from our current status as the 5^th largest market in the country! 

The Arizona Biltmore, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Wrigley Mansion were two points of interest to Dad.  Both are filled with history of the past and hope for the future.  With spectacular views and lush surroundings it was the perfect place to reflect and dream. 

We also had the chance to see the Del Webb museum.  Del Webb is the man who built it, and they came!  In the early 1960’s he bought some cotton fields 30 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix.  Back then, with only a 2 lane highway to get out there (US-60 the highway between Phoenix and Las Vegas), Del Webb built the original Sun City.  He convinced older citizens to leave their families behind to live an affordable and active life in the “Valley of the Sun”.  Never shovel snow again and drive your own golf cart to your country club, play as much golf as you can stand, and provide a club for nearly any hobby or activitiy you can think of.  Wow, what a life…and we are living it!

Dad and I even went on a day trip to Sedona.  Found the lot he almost purchased for a retirement home on the first country club in Sedona.  My parents were going to spend their later years with their good friends Don & Mary McCarthy.  Don retired as the Marketing Manager of Stroh’s Beer in Detroit and sadly both have passed, as has my Mom.  But for my Dad it was good for him to see what the neighborhood has become.  He remembered Sedona as the tiny villiage nestled in the magnificent towering red rock cliffs and mountains of Arizona where every turn is breath taking. 

 A great week…one filled with great moments and a lifetime of memories.  My only wish is that my Dad will return soon.  How about next month Dad?  I still have some Manhattan fixin’s left over we need to finish!

Glendale AZ "Glitter & Glow"

by Jennifer McClellan
edited from The Arizona Republic
Pictures by Mike Dvorak

For the past 15 years, the Glendale Glitter and Glow Block Party has marked Glendale's farewell to the holiday season.
The season finale adds the glow of more than 20 hot air balloons to the 1.5 million lights illuminating the city's downtown area. Each year, the festival gets bigger as organizers add more balloons, bands and attractions.
"The combination of lights covering that many blocks and the balloon's glow creates this cool atmosphere," said Kim Larson, spokeswoman for Glendale. "It's getting more competitive in the balloon world as more events like ours are popping up. We have to be creative and competitive to get the cool balloons."
Last year, the celebration attracted 90,000 people. Organizers expect even more this year, as out-of-town visitors come to the city for the BCS National Championship Game at the nearby University of Phoenix Stadium on Monday.  Sixteen downtown blocks will be closed for the festival.

From the balloons' choreographed flame pulses to the buildings and trees decorated with glittering lights, the atmosphere is what makes this festival one-of-a-kind.
"It's all about the glow," Larson said.

Our Digital Christmas Card & Dvorak Year In Review

NASCAR @ PIR 2010

Getting ready for an exciting weekend at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) for the Nationwide Series this weekend.  It is WypAll 200, 200 laps for 200 miles!

The day will begin at the Nationwide Corporate Village.  A "Chalet" tent outside the track area with food, beverage & gifts for all guests!  Maybe even a pit pass to enter the garage and see what goes on under the hood of these spectacular autos. 

A great vantage point to watch the race with my fellow Nationwide workers and even some from Columbus, Ohio, the home office of Nationwide.  An opportunity to rub elbows with the top brass and make new contacts.

Yesterday, our On Your Side Center kicked off the NASCAR Celebration in Phoenix, with an event featuring the Nationwide Show Car.  It comes with a simulator so you can race your car to victory lane.  Well, maybe with a crash or two along the way!  Believe me 120 mph is fast, even in a simulator!

So, I'm looking forward to a fast paced, exhilarating weekend at the Phoenix International Raceway.  Hold onto your hat and don't forget the earplugs!

Kodiak Jack

New pictures of Jack Jakob...otherwise known as Kodiak Jack. Snow has arrived in Alaska and nothing warms the hearts of grandparents as sweet grandchildren. So, here it is, a picture I like to call Army Jack...

The second is his birth announcement:

Grand kids are truly Grand!