No word yet on going to Kentucky. We're sending another type of team up there on Sunday, Feb 1, 2009. Nothing new on whether any of my immediate co-workers are going anytime soon.
Jay and I made a run to Jackson today, to attend the Capitol City Hamfest. Basically it's just a big flea market for amateur radio stuff. I got a new toy, but need a day or two outside in good weather to play with it.
While in town we went on a geocaching run. My online geocaching photo album was updated with our adventures today. Feel free to click the link and visit.
And not promoting anything in particular, but if you're not part of Facebook online, do it. In the past few weeks I've found a ton of old friends and distant co-workers. Its fun keeping up with them now.
Its late and I'm road-weary. More this week....
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Frozen Bluegrass...
We're on standby for the Commonwealth of Kentucky for environmental health and special medical needs shelter teams. Could be a two-week trip to the Bluegrass State after they went into deep-freeze in the past few days.
Will keep you posted.
Will keep you posted.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Life is good...
A friend of mine sent me this...thanks JBW...
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6 You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24 The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone, everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36 Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield..
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6 You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood, but the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24 The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone, everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36 Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield..
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift
Monday, January 26, 2009
Marhaba
My job is essentially to prepare for, and respond to terrorism events, or suspected terrorism events, and any other event that has the potential to affect public health. Because of the terrorism aspect, we're frequently given opportunities to study both domestic and international terrorist history.
I spent the majority of the day enjoying the lecture of a Los Angeles Police sergeant, who is also a former Jordanian. The LAPD is gracious to allow him to work closely with the various United States Attorney's offices to deliver lectures on Islam and the wider Arabic world, and we were privileged to have him in north Mississippi today.
If you've never given yourself to take an honest look at Islam, let me encourage you to do so. By no means am I promoting their system of belief or faith, but the history of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism aren't all that far apart.
As I sat through the lecture though, contemplating both the similarities and differences in our faiths, I recalled a conversation I had with a gentlemen last week. One thing we talked about was, as Christians, do we try to put "too much" human influence into what is, at its most basic, a very simple faith.
Over the weekend I found a small pocket-size Bible at a Jackson bookstore. I'd been looking for one for a while that would fit several parameters - physical size, translation, text size, cover durability, etc - because it would be the Bible that would get thrown around in my bags while traveling. When I got to the truck and thumbed through it, it opened first to the following passage:
My faith is as basic as it was one Monday afternoon when I was in the third grade (I think). We had RA's on Monday after school, and that one day Bro. George saw something missing in me, and led me to that redemption and salvation. In the years since then, the basics have remained...I'm a sinner, always have been and always will be. But God loves me just the same, and since that very day..."Their sins and lawless acts, I will remember them no more" (Jer 31:34) Is it correct to say my future sins are forgiven? No, they're not, and I'm called to live to a higher standard. But God's grace is sufficient and faithful in my falls.
This has been a bit rambling, but you'd have to fully understand my last week. Then add on the lecture I sat in today and it left me asking a lot of introspective questions. The last tidbit of the day was a sign in front of a country church on the way home "God will take your mess and make it a message." I loved it!
Marhaba - you are welcome....
I spent the majority of the day enjoying the lecture of a Los Angeles Police sergeant, who is also a former Jordanian. The LAPD is gracious to allow him to work closely with the various United States Attorney's offices to deliver lectures on Islam and the wider Arabic world, and we were privileged to have him in north Mississippi today.
If you've never given yourself to take an honest look at Islam, let me encourage you to do so. By no means am I promoting their system of belief or faith, but the history of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism aren't all that far apart.
As I sat through the lecture though, contemplating both the similarities and differences in our faiths, I recalled a conversation I had with a gentlemen last week. One thing we talked about was, as Christians, do we try to put "too much" human influence into what is, at its most basic, a very simple faith.
Over the weekend I found a small pocket-size Bible at a Jackson bookstore. I'd been looking for one for a while that would fit several parameters - physical size, translation, text size, cover durability, etc - because it would be the Bible that would get thrown around in my bags while traveling. When I got to the truck and thumbed through it, it opened first to the following passage:
Accept those whose faith is weak, without quarrelling over disputable matters. One person's faith allows them to eat everything, but another person, whose faith is weak, can only eat vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted that person. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master they must stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. Romans 14:1-4 TNIVWhere am I going with this? I'm not totally sure, but it may be that I'm questioning how much of our religious activity has been developed by us - imperfect humans - as a means of self-satisfaction. But Romans plainly tells us to not hold our brothers and sisters in self-serving contempt for their weak or strong faith. We should accept others, and encourage them. But we cannot make anyone grow or change, that is solely of themselves.
My faith is as basic as it was one Monday afternoon when I was in the third grade (I think). We had RA's on Monday after school, and that one day Bro. George saw something missing in me, and led me to that redemption and salvation. In the years since then, the basics have remained...I'm a sinner, always have been and always will be. But God loves me just the same, and since that very day..."Their sins and lawless acts, I will remember them no more" (Jer 31:34) Is it correct to say my future sins are forgiven? No, they're not, and I'm called to live to a higher standard. But God's grace is sufficient and faithful in my falls.
This has been a bit rambling, but you'd have to fully understand my last week. Then add on the lecture I sat in today and it left me asking a lot of introspective questions. The last tidbit of the day was a sign in front of a country church on the way home "God will take your mess and make it a message." I loved it!
Marhaba - you are welcome....
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
39 Words
Casting aside all political emotions and feelings....
Two men stand across from each other, with only a podium, a proud wife, and a Bible between them. Their right hands raised, with one's left placed on that Bible.
In less than 30 seconds, the recitation of 39 words offered by the Chief Justice of the United States** changes the course of American history. The man opposite of the robed Justice is quietly transformed from an "ordinary" citizen to the most powerful person on Earth.
"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, (so help me God.)"
The phrase "so help me God" is not included in Article II, Section I of our Constitution. George Washington added it when taking the oath for his first term, and all presidents since have repeated it.
Today a relatively young Chief Justice offered that phrase as a question, "so help you God?", to which an equally young man affirmed "so help me God."
Then three more words, and a handshake from the Justice, "Congratulations, Mister President."
Wow. Just wow.
And even more wow is that only 44 men in all of history have done that, and every single one did so under peaceful circumstances.
No matter who bears the title "Mister President", the events surrounding the granting of that appellation give us pause to consider that our transition is practically rare in this world.
39 words is all it takes.....
Two men stand across from each other, with only a podium, a proud wife, and a Bible between them. Their right hands raised, with one's left placed on that Bible.
In less than 30 seconds, the recitation of 39 words offered by the Chief Justice of the United States** changes the course of American history. The man opposite of the robed Justice is quietly transformed from an "ordinary" citizen to the most powerful person on Earth.
"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, (so help me God.)"
The phrase "so help me God" is not included in Article II, Section I of our Constitution. George Washington added it when taking the oath for his first term, and all presidents since have repeated it.
Today a relatively young Chief Justice offered that phrase as a question, "so help you God?", to which an equally young man affirmed "so help me God."
Then three more words, and a handshake from the Justice, "Congratulations, Mister President."
Wow. Just wow.
And even more wow is that only 44 men in all of history have done that, and every single one did so under peaceful circumstances.
No matter who bears the title "Mister President", the events surrounding the granting of that appellation give us pause to consider that our transition is practically rare in this world.
39 words is all it takes.....
**Note: there is no requirement that the Chief Justice of the United States administer the oath. In fact, anyone authorized and capable of administering an oath may do so for the President. U.S. District Court judges have administered the oath. The politically/legally least significant person to ever administer the oath was a Notary Public, John C. Coolidge, to his son, Calvin Coolidge at the senior Mr. Coolidge's home in Vermont upon receiving news of Warren G. Harding's death.**
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Looking around
Jay and I did another geocaching expedition today. We had plans for Leland, Greenville, up Highway 1 in Bolivar County, and Cleveland. Those got cut short though, due to a family illness that required my attention in Winona. Everyone is doing ok right now, just got one member in the hospital overnight for tests.
If you ever get up around Greenville, take a little time and drive a few miles north of town on Highway 1 to the Winterville Mounds State Park. It's a small park, with free admission, but a rich story to tell. The lady that was manning the park museum today was delightful, and full of information. The most interesting thing I found about the park is the mounds haven't been attributed to any single tribe yet. Most of the area is Choctaw country, but they haven't determined "who" the mounds were built by. They have multi-tribe events there from time to time, and they're worth making plans to attend.
Here's our geocaching photo album. The photos have the dates listed, but feel free to take a look at them all. You can also leave comments if you like!
If you ever get up around Greenville, take a little time and drive a few miles north of town on Highway 1 to the Winterville Mounds State Park. It's a small park, with free admission, but a rich story to tell. The lady that was manning the park museum today was delightful, and full of information. The most interesting thing I found about the park is the mounds haven't been attributed to any single tribe yet. Most of the area is Choctaw country, but they haven't determined "who" the mounds were built by. They have multi-tribe events there from time to time, and they're worth making plans to attend.
Here's our geocaching photo album. The photos have the dates listed, but feel free to take a look at them all. You can also leave comments if you like!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
????
No clue....just hadn't posted in a few days. Man I'd hate for anyone to suffer DT's.
I've been involved in an all-out assault against some variety of microorganism that has taken up temporary residence in my sinuses and nasal passages. Pesky little buggers! Sudafed and bendaryl to the rescue though. Yeah they don't really "treat" the problem, just the symptoms. But I think I've gotten by pretty good. Just hope they don't come back in a bad mood!!! We'll have to go to full biological warfare then.
I started walking again, and throw a little running in also. It's feeling really good, and a nice way to unwind after work. I missed today's though....too danged cold, plain and simple.
Later folks.....going to bed. Keep the comments coming, I like them.
I've been involved in an all-out assault against some variety of microorganism that has taken up temporary residence in my sinuses and nasal passages. Pesky little buggers! Sudafed and bendaryl to the rescue though. Yeah they don't really "treat" the problem, just the symptoms. But I think I've gotten by pretty good. Just hope they don't come back in a bad mood!!! We'll have to go to full biological warfare then.
I started walking again, and throw a little running in also. It's feeling really good, and a nice way to unwind after work. I missed today's though....too danged cold, plain and simple.
Later folks.....going to bed. Keep the comments coming, I like them.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Just a cool story about doing it right...
This is how it's supposed to be in my industry...
N.C. Officer and EMTs Go Extra Mile for Local Citizen
Donna Swicegood
Statesville Record & Landmark, N.C.
Jan. 4--Legally blind and a brittle diabetic, Jo Gallo relies on a low-vision machine to help her see and to regulate her blood sugar and insulin doses.
On the afternoon of Dec. 19, Gallo, who will soon be 80, realized the light was blinking on her low vision machine, an indication that something was wrong.
She picked up the phone to call her service provider, and instead found all four of her phones dead.
Gallo said she was worried. "There was no way I could get out and get help," she said.
So she waited for the postal carrier to come, and when she heard the mail come through the slot, she called out to the carrier.
"I told her my phone was dead," Gallo said.
The carrier placed a call to the Statesville Police Department using a cell phone.
A few minutes later, Officer James Robinson arrived.
Robinson did more than just listen to Gallo's problem. He took action.
Robinson went to the phone box on the outside of the house, and checked the wires.
Iredell EMS was called to check Gallo's blood sugar and to help her with her insulin doses.
While paramedic Angela Hobbs checked Gallo's medical condition, the other paramedic, Ian McCarthy, along with Robinson, went back to work on the phone lines, and got one phone working.
Robinson, Gallo said, also called the service provider for her low-vision machine and learned a repair person couldn't come out until after Christmas, some six days away.
At that point, said Statesville Police Department Chief Tom Anderson, Robinson did some research and discovered it needed a new bulb and he could get one at Lowe's.
Robinson drove to Lowe's, got the light bulb and went back to fix the machine.
For Gallo, that meant she could check her own blood sugar, read on a limited basis and feel secure about her health.
Robinson also placed a call to Gallo's phone provider, and explained she needed assistance right away. A repairman came out the next day, she said.
Gallo said she was thrilled with the actions of Robinson, Hobbs and McCarthy.
"They were just extremely nice," she said. "The three of them worked together to help me out."
Anderson said the police department chose to honor Robinson with a meritorious service award for his actions to help Gallo.
"He went above and beyond the call of duty, and provided a valuable service to one of our citizens," Anderson said.
Gallo said this isn't the first time emergency service providers came to her assistance.
Once, she said, she heard the smoke detectors beeping and, through her cloudy vision, thought there was smoke in the house.
The Statesville Fire Department came out and discovered the smoke detector batteries were the problem and there was no smoke in the house.
"They replaced the batteries and told me to call any time I needed them," she said.
Gallo said she's glad to live in a community with people such as Robinson, Hobbs and McCarthy to answer calls for help.
"I just can't say enough about them," she said.
N.C. Officer and EMTs Go Extra Mile for Local Citizen
Donna Swicegood
Statesville Record & Landmark, N.C.
Jan. 4--Legally blind and a brittle diabetic, Jo Gallo relies on a low-vision machine to help her see and to regulate her blood sugar and insulin doses.
On the afternoon of Dec. 19, Gallo, who will soon be 80, realized the light was blinking on her low vision machine, an indication that something was wrong.
She picked up the phone to call her service provider, and instead found all four of her phones dead.
Gallo said she was worried. "There was no way I could get out and get help," she said.
So she waited for the postal carrier to come, and when she heard the mail come through the slot, she called out to the carrier.
"I told her my phone was dead," Gallo said.
The carrier placed a call to the Statesville Police Department using a cell phone.
A few minutes later, Officer James Robinson arrived.
Robinson did more than just listen to Gallo's problem. He took action.
Robinson went to the phone box on the outside of the house, and checked the wires.
Iredell EMS was called to check Gallo's blood sugar and to help her with her insulin doses.
While paramedic Angela Hobbs checked Gallo's medical condition, the other paramedic, Ian McCarthy, along with Robinson, went back to work on the phone lines, and got one phone working.
Robinson, Gallo said, also called the service provider for her low-vision machine and learned a repair person couldn't come out until after Christmas, some six days away.
At that point, said Statesville Police Department Chief Tom Anderson, Robinson did some research and discovered it needed a new bulb and he could get one at Lowe's.
Robinson drove to Lowe's, got the light bulb and went back to fix the machine.
For Gallo, that meant she could check her own blood sugar, read on a limited basis and feel secure about her health.
Robinson also placed a call to Gallo's phone provider, and explained she needed assistance right away. A repairman came out the next day, she said.
Gallo said she was thrilled with the actions of Robinson, Hobbs and McCarthy.
"They were just extremely nice," she said. "The three of them worked together to help me out."
Anderson said the police department chose to honor Robinson with a meritorious service award for his actions to help Gallo.
"He went above and beyond the call of duty, and provided a valuable service to one of our citizens," Anderson said.
Gallo said this isn't the first time emergency service providers came to her assistance.
Once, she said, she heard the smoke detectors beeping and, through her cloudy vision, thought there was smoke in the house.
The Statesville Fire Department came out and discovered the smoke detector batteries were the problem and there was no smoke in the house.
"They replaced the batteries and told me to call any time I needed them," she said.
Gallo said she's glad to live in a community with people such as Robinson, Hobbs and McCarthy to answer calls for help.
"I just can't say enough about them," she said.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sidney J. Harris
From a "quote of the day" subscription I have...
"A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past, he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future." - Sidney J. Harris
"A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past, he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future." - Sidney J. Harris
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Oh yeah, almost forgot...
I mentioned earlier some of you have left comments to my postings. In one of my very first blog posts I said I'm the only one that can see the comments. Well that's not the case any longer, they're all wide open for the world. But PLEASE don't let that cause you to refrain from commenting. You can always leave them anonymously. Or own up to them and sign your name!
Just a pretty sunset
Grabbed this on the way home from Jackson the other day. I was moving down the road when I took the pic, so it's not quite as pretty as it could have been. But nice enough to share. I love the hills where I grew up, but the Delta does out-do the Hills when it comes to sunsets!
Writing
Several of you have either commented on here, or emailed me directly to let me know your appreciation of my blog. Thank you. I don't see my writing as all that impressive; your kind words are appreciated.
I've never been one to write in a "journalistic" style like this, but I'm finding it cathartic. I also like the interaction this medium gives - regardless of whether you reply back to any of my posts, I'm aware that there are readers. My first real foray into this style of writing was after Hurricane Katrina, when I started an ongoing email diary for a limited set of friends and family members. Of course the times then were very difficult and trying; the emails provided me an outlet and an opportunity to reflect on the many, many stimuli we were exposed to in those months. I kept those emails, and from time to time will go back to them, just to remind me of where I've been.
Knowing where one has been also allows one to see where they're going. You're aware I'm going through a profound change in the course of my life, and being able to look back gives me a new perspective on what I want to see in my future. While I can't necessarily make a formal list of those things, you may be able to pick up on some in these writings.
So to you who read this on any regular basis - my thanks, again. As I've said before, I enjoy your interaction, so feel free to provide comments.
Now on to more important things......
Jay and I made a quick run to Jackson to he could pick up some things from BassPro. He's been terrorizing the pets with his new game camera. He tested it on the house cat last night, and I think he's planning to spy on the dog overnight. Deer are probably soon to make his list. I've asked for copies of his pictures when he sees something interesting, and I'm sure I'll post them on here.
Along the way we logged a few geocaches, but rain kept us from getting all we had on our list. One place we found quite interesting was Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City. If you've never been there, stop by sometime. The cemetery is very large, with distinct sections. The legendary Yazoo Witch's grave is there, as is writer Willie Morris. And although we weren't aware of it, there is a mass Confederate grave site somewhere on the property, and descendants of Declaration of Independence signer John Hancock are buried there. The witch story has gone around the Delta for a long time, and Morris even included her as a character in his book Good Ole Boy: A Delta Boyhood. The legend says in 1884 a young boy, Joe Bob Duggett, was passing the witch's house when he heard an unholy groaning coming from the house. He peeked in the window to see the bodies of two men, and the witch dancing over them. Upon telling the sheriff what he'd seen, they broke into the house finding the bodies but not the witch. They heard her outside and chased her into nearby swamps. They found her trapped in quicksand, sinking. As she sunk into the quicksand, she exclaimed to the sheriff and the boy that she would break from her grave on May 25, 1904 and burn the city down. Authorities later retrieved her body. When she was buried the sheriff ordered chains be placed over and around her grave, stating that "If she can break through that and burn down Yazoo, she deserves to burn it down."
Guess what happened on May 25, 1904? Miss Pauline Wise discovered a small fire in her parlor. A sudden wind caused the fire to grow and spread to neighboring houses, and later businesses. Firefighters from Greenwood and Jackson were called to aid the city, but the conflagration destroyed many homes and businesses. The next day, elders of the town went to the cemetery to find the chains of the grave broken, just as the witch had promised.
Cool, huh?
I've never been one to write in a "journalistic" style like this, but I'm finding it cathartic. I also like the interaction this medium gives - regardless of whether you reply back to any of my posts, I'm aware that there are readers. My first real foray into this style of writing was after Hurricane Katrina, when I started an ongoing email diary for a limited set of friends and family members. Of course the times then were very difficult and trying; the emails provided me an outlet and an opportunity to reflect on the many, many stimuli we were exposed to in those months. I kept those emails, and from time to time will go back to them, just to remind me of where I've been.
Knowing where one has been also allows one to see where they're going. You're aware I'm going through a profound change in the course of my life, and being able to look back gives me a new perspective on what I want to see in my future. While I can't necessarily make a formal list of those things, you may be able to pick up on some in these writings.
So to you who read this on any regular basis - my thanks, again. As I've said before, I enjoy your interaction, so feel free to provide comments.
Now on to more important things......
Jay and I made a quick run to Jackson to he could pick up some things from BassPro. He's been terrorizing the pets with his new game camera. He tested it on the house cat last night, and I think he's planning to spy on the dog overnight. Deer are probably soon to make his list. I've asked for copies of his pictures when he sees something interesting, and I'm sure I'll post them on here.
Along the way we logged a few geocaches, but rain kept us from getting all we had on our list. One place we found quite interesting was Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City. If you've never been there, stop by sometime. The cemetery is very large, with distinct sections. The legendary Yazoo Witch's grave is there, as is writer Willie Morris. And although we weren't aware of it, there is a mass Confederate grave site somewhere on the property, and descendants of Declaration of Independence signer John Hancock are buried there. The witch story has gone around the Delta for a long time, and Morris even included her as a character in his book Good Ole Boy: A Delta Boyhood. The legend says in 1884 a young boy, Joe Bob Duggett, was passing the witch's house when he heard an unholy groaning coming from the house. He peeked in the window to see the bodies of two men, and the witch dancing over them. Upon telling the sheriff what he'd seen, they broke into the house finding the bodies but not the witch. They heard her outside and chased her into nearby swamps. They found her trapped in quicksand, sinking. As she sunk into the quicksand, she exclaimed to the sheriff and the boy that she would break from her grave on May 25, 1904 and burn the city down. Authorities later retrieved her body. When she was buried the sheriff ordered chains be placed over and around her grave, stating that "If she can break through that and burn down Yazoo, she deserves to burn it down."
Guess what happened on May 25, 1904? Miss Pauline Wise discovered a small fire in her parlor. A sudden wind caused the fire to grow and spread to neighboring houses, and later businesses. Firefighters from Greenwood and Jackson were called to aid the city, but the conflagration destroyed many homes and businesses. The next day, elders of the town went to the cemetery to find the chains of the grave broken, just as the witch had promised.
Cool, huh?
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Going Cachin'
Caching Run #3
Jay and I are making a road trip, a common event lately. We've taken up geocaching (http://www.geocaching.com/) as a little sideline hobby. Its really a lot of fun, we see new places and things we probably wouldn't have otherwise gotten off the beaten path to see. If you've got kids and a GPS, take a look at the hobby.
The target area for this weekend is between Indianola and Jackson. We're ultimately headed to BassPro in Pearl, but figured we'd make a few stops along the way and log some caches.
In the past few weeks we've seen a few new things like zebras and alpacas - who knew they were in the Delta?
Here's a map/photo album of our recent outings. You can zoom in on the map and click a photo to view, or click the link below to go to the map's home page.
Jay and I are making a road trip, a common event lately. We've taken up geocaching (http://www.geocaching.com/) as a little sideline hobby. Its really a lot of fun, we see new places and things we probably wouldn't have otherwise gotten off the beaten path to see. If you've got kids and a GPS, take a look at the hobby.
The target area for this weekend is between Indianola and Jackson. We're ultimately headed to BassPro in Pearl, but figured we'd make a few stops along the way and log some caches.
In the past few weeks we've seen a few new things like zebras and alpacas - who knew they were in the Delta?
Here's a map/photo album of our recent outings. You can zoom in on the map and click a photo to view, or click the link below to go to the map's home page.
Take a visit and have a look around. If you'd like to go out "cachin" with us, let me know. We'd be glad to show you around.
If you're a reader in the Jackson area, give us a call Saturday - we'll be around Pearl at BassPro and looking for a few caches in town. We'd be glad to see you for lunch or something.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Voice of the Virgin Islands
I'm sitting here listening to radio station VP2VQ, a guy named George down in the British Virgin Islands on Tortola. I love the dialect, bouncy and cheerful. He's wishing so many people a happy new year and extending greetings and blessings from the tropics. He's on the radio all the time and is always the happiest guy. I'm going to try and attach a recording of some of his conversations today. You'll probably enjoy his little commentary.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year, New Stuff
I've put a few new gadgets on my blog page for you. If you'll look over in the column to the right, you'll discover that you can opt to receive blog updates via email or by RSS feed. It sure makes life easier to get stuff "pushed" to you, instead of having to go hunt for it on a regular basis. So sign up!
Also, right under each blog post you'll find an opportunity to provide comments, and even "vote" on how you like the post. I love feedback, so give me some!
I've got to learn how to get into a better routine of posting. Give me a little time and I will get the ball rolling.
I hope you have a great new year. I started mine off with two beautiful blondes. Pictures below.
Also, right under each blog post you'll find an opportunity to provide comments, and even "vote" on how you like the post. I love feedback, so give me some!
I've got to learn how to get into a better routine of posting. Give me a little time and I will get the ball rolling.
I hope you have a great new year. I started mine off with two beautiful blondes. Pictures below.
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