tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69133396167908124532024-03-13T12:01:44.189-05:00Student of LifeDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-16257726728297550872012-06-26T08:03:00.005-05:002012-06-26T08:43:07.678-05:00Q and A<br /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7447160680_8d9f5f9c3f.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7447165920_e9a2edec31.jpg" /><br /><br />Click <a href="http://rockinm.blogspot.com/2012/01/rules-of-engagement.html">HERE</a> for Mindy's version. :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-3280899466969870882011-11-21T19:31:00.003-06:002011-11-21T20:08:54.790-06:00A Thanksgiving Story - Tommy Turkey<br /><br />I happened across these gummy lumps today and thought I'd share. These are by my daughter, Alissa. I'm not sure the picture and story were done at the same time, but probably so. Hope you enjoy as much as I did!<br />
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<img alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/11_11_21_Tommy_Turkey-3-1.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /><br />
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One cool, foggy, breezy morning just as the sun was coming up Tommy arose in a cheerful mood. Tommy stood sleepily and opened his eyes. He saw all of the Thanksgiving decorations. Then he started to shout, "It's here! It's here! Thanksgiving is here! Oh my gosh what am I going to wear? Maybe I'll finally meet Uncle Herman. I'm forgetting the best part, the food. This year I'll have mashed potatoes and corn and..."<br />
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Josh the lamb interrupted, "You're not going to eat the food, you're going to be too busy being the food." Tommy had such a thundershock all of his feathers fell off right as he said that. At first he didn't believe him but when he looked through the window and saw where each food as going to go mashed potatoes, corn and turkey, Tommy knew it was true. Josh was right. He was going to have to get a plan and get out of there ASAP.<br />
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He knew he wouldn't escape with all of the watch dogs guarding the fence. Tommy decided he should use a disguise. <br />
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He took his blanket and thought what could he shape out of this. Tommy could be the Whites' daughter! Tommy knew they couldn't consume their own daughter. He pressed the buttons on the sewing machine and it started to make it CH-CH-CH! When it was done he put it on. First he slipped on the blue dress with white lace. Then he put on a blond haired wig with two blue ribbons. After that he struggled on his black shoes. They were so tight it felt like a crab pinching his feet! "If I must," he thought. He just hoped it worked.<br />
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First he was scheming in the mirror to make sure the Whites would really believe that he was their daughter. Tommy decided he better drill on what he was going to say to the Whites. Wait a minute! He didn't know what to say! He started scampering around and around until he felt something on his foot. It was the piece of paper that he had wrote of what he was going to say. He walked up to the door. Tommy was so nervous. He barged right in the house just like it was his. He could hear Mr. White's grouchy voice from the kitchen. Tommy told Mr. White that Jan her friend had invited her over and said she would like to attend. Mr. White said she didn't look so good but he finally said it was okay. "How long are you going to be gone?" "Till six," Tommy replied. But he knew he wasn't going to come back ever.<br />
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Tommy was so happy. He started to march proudly toward the forest to seek his turkey family. He decided to be wild and free just like his pa. As he was taking his journey he thought he should be more careful of who he trusted and didn't trust. On most of the trip he was daydreaming about how wonderful it was going to be spending time with his family again. Once he got there he could hear Mr. White yelling and screaming miles away. Tommy started to run around rejoicing that he wasn't going to be eaten! The other turkeys heard him and started to hide.<br />
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Alissa Harkins, 11-12-02 (Age 9)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" style="border: currentColor;" /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-53053032740428510532011-09-24T13:41:00.002-05:002011-09-24T14:28:40.219-05:00And Then It Dawned On Me<br />
I decided to take some time today to catch up on a few things around the house. While picking up the kitchen, I noticed an empty bottle of Dawn dishwashing liquid and decided to take it to the recycle bin.<br />
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<img alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/11_09_24_Dawn-1-1.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /><br />
<br />
But wait. First, I'd better start a grocery list and include the Dawn on the list, lest I forget to buy more.<br />
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I went to the drawer in the kitchen where I keep pens and paper. While searching for paper, I noticed an old phone directory. Good grief, I haven't used this thing in years! All my addresses and phone numbers are either on my computer or in my cell phone now. Trash it.<br />
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Once again I began rummaging through the drawer in search of paper. Would you look at all this crap in here! I decided the drawer could use a good cleaning out, so I began taking everything out of the drawer and sorting. This goes to the garage. I need to take this to the office. Trash. This needs to go back in the drawer. More trash.<br />
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This was one of four "catch all" drawers in my kitchen. Do you have a catch all drawer? Some place where you just put things to get them out of the way when you're quickly straighening up and don't have the time to take them to the right place? <br />
<br />
Anyway, after I straightened drawer number one, I made the mistake of opening drawer number two. Oh dear! Then drawer number three. Then four. Sorting. Fixing. Throwing away. Putting things in their rightful place. Next thing I knew, a couple of hours had passed. The drawers look a lot better, though. They're no longer "catch all." They only contain the things that really belong there. Good!<br />
<br />
I turned around and noticed an empty bottle of Dawn dishwashing liquid. That needs to go to the recycle bin. But wait. I don't want to forget to buy more, so first I'd better start a grocery list. I'll need a pen and paper. <br />
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And then it dawned on me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" style="border: currentColor;" /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-49662349211425615102011-08-17T19:49:00.005-05:002012-06-26T08:47:15.135-05:00Taking That First Step<br /><br />It's hard to get started back blogging after letting it go for so long. It's very much like trying to get started back on an exercise routine after you've let yourself get all flabby and out of shape. When that happens, the best you can do is just make yourself take that first step. May, June and July went by without a blog post and I'm determined to not let August get by me as well. So here goes nothing!<br /><br />I'm very sorry you haven't heard from me, but life has overwhelmed me lately. I wish I could say it's slowed down but... not so much. It continues at break neck speed.<br /><br />One of the problems is figuring out where to start. So much has happened that I couldn't possibly do it justice. By the time I could find the time to tell you about all that, more stuff will have happened. So here's the abreviated synopsis. Maybe I'll find time to come back and fill in the details. But, if I don't, at least you'll get the overview. In no particular order.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5879617844_f90c35b4e7.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>Our Turn</strong><br /><br />I purchased a ten acre property in Poetry, Texas. This is the place where Mindy and I are building our future together. For now, we call it "Our Turn." Someday, we'll just call it "home." It's kept us very busy. It had a three-piece manufactured home on it that had to be moved. Then there was tree clearing, digging a pond, leveling a pad site for our future home and building a fence and a pier. And more tree clearing. And more cleaning. And... you get the idea. This place will keep us busy for years!<br /><br /><strong>Up In Smoke</strong><br /><br />You may know there were a lot of wild fires in Texas earlier in the year. Well, my deer lease was among the casualties. It is located just south of Possum Kingdom Lake, an area that was hit very hard by the fires. My travel trailer and all the contents were completely burned up. Also, one of my blinds, a trail camera and some other items. My travel trailer wasn't covered by insurance, but the contents were. (Although only after a large deductible.) Recovery took quite a lot of my time. First I shopped for a new travel trailer. When I found one, it needed quite a bit of work. And, of course, there was shopping for contents and dealing with the insurance adjuster. Then taking the trailer to the lease, setting it up, etc. All this was very, very time consuming, but I'm almost back to square one with the exception of one blind.<br /><br /><strong>Punta Cana</strong><br /><br />Mindy and I took a vacation to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic with my mom and my daughter. We stayed at the Iberostar Grand Bavaro resort. It was fabulous! The food was wonderful, the people were friendly and the service was fantastic! I highly recommend it!<br /><br /><strong>Roadkill Chili Cookoff</strong><br /><br />Mindy hosted the 6th Annual Roadkill Chili cookoff. I won second place (behind Mindy's mom, Phyllis) with my wild hog chili recipe. A good time was had by all!<br /><br /><strong>Grandma</strong><br /><br />I lost my 89 year old grandma last week. The funeral was yesterday. I feel kind of bad "glossing this over" because she was a wonderful, sweet lady and deserves all the honor I can bestow upon her. She had been in a nursing home and was suffering from dementia brought on simply by old age. Bless her heart, she just wore out. <br /><br />I guess I'll share just this one thing... One of the things I remember about grandma from my childhood is long goodbyes. We would go to her house and, when it was time to go, she just wouldn't let us! To tell you the truth, it was a little annoying at the time, but we all knew it was because she loved us. It was during those long goodbyes that she would tell me, "David, I pray for you every day, every day, every day!" I later learned that when something is repeated in scripture, it's to add emphasis. I don't know if that's where grandma got the "every day, every day, every day" thing, but I do know she read her bible a lot, so it's a good theory. <br /><br />Anyway, the point is, she really meant that she prayed for me every single day. And I have no doubt that she did. I really don't have any way of knowing what my life would have been like without all of grandma's prayers, but I'm grateful. Years later as an adult, I heard the song "Somebody's Prayin'" by Ricky Skaggs. I couldn't help but think Ricky was singin' about my grandma. And I still think of her everytime I hear that song. When he sings the part, "Lord, I thank you for those people prayin' all this time for me," well... I do feel a little emotional. Thanks, Grandma!<br /><br /><strong>Everything Else</strong><br /><br />The above is just a part of everything that's happened over the last few months. I turned 50 years old. We lost a very special chicken. My mom broke her leg. And more. So much has happened! But I'll stop there. Remember, I was going to be brief!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-81896780927056013302011-04-08T08:01:00.002-05:002011-04-08T08:30:23.572-05:00More Pics of Warrenton<br />I have more pictures from Warrenton and realized my time is running out to share them. So without further explanation, look see!<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5590619852_81c25c122d_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5590020995_731750c24d.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5302/5590038955_6a39aa335d.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5590630202_cb05830525.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5590633744_fb9ae5bfa6.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5590047279_15ee227676_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5590641974_0f5b6825fa.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5590054943_321d3a2f90.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5590061147_c07096d38c_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5590655764_1859a989cc.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5590067967_dbe6a88742_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5590075177_b651466082.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-46469156279530974462011-03-30T21:12:00.003-05:002013-06-03T15:52:58.304-05:00Glimpses of Warrenton<br />Thought I would go ahead and give you a glimpse of what's going on in Warrenton. Believe it or not, I haven't taken that many pictures. It seems like I stay very busy.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5572619949_7e5a3599f9.jpg" /> <br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5572662341_ff1c5a1694.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5573227510_0ed7443413.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5573240918_5f864a2886_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5572654439_c7b14b2f7c_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5572673445_f427b3f4e3_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5573263870_6631940a83.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5573268938_c3d217860b.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5573287550_b21c80f5ed.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5572702223_13a025624d.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-15297356975152554672011-03-21T21:42:00.005-05:002011-03-21T22:02:58.258-05:00Time Is Running Out<br />I'm sure you know that the big antique show in Warrenton is fast approaching. <a href="http://rockinm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mindy</a> and I were there last weekend doing a little last minute preparation. <br /><br />Well, while we were there, we found a Killdeer sitting on a couple of eggs.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5548428589_2958f17324.jpg" /><br /><br />Here's the mama Killdeer...<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5548419373_b54512d0e4.jpg" /><br /><br />And here are her "babies"...<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5548412591_1e83dab069.jpg" /><br /><br />Mama Killdeer tried to lure us away from her eggs by feigning injury...<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5548425313_9bfba5fe0e.jpg" /><br /><br />Unfortunately, the nest is right in a main driving area for the many trucks and travel trailers that will be rolling into this field in a few days. Eeeek!<br /><br />Come on, babies, hurry up and hatch! Time is running out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-45729863410364866602011-03-09T21:55:00.002-06:002011-03-09T22:34:32.963-06:00Goal Met!<br />On January 9th, I told you of my goal to run an elliptical half-marathon to celebrate turning 50 years old this year. Well, I am happy to report that goal has been met as of last night. Here is a log of my progress.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/EHMTL.jpg" /><br /><br />I didn't start out last night with the idea of necessarily doing the whole 13.1 miles. I mean, that thought was in the back of my mind, but not really my plan. As you can see, my previous longest distance was 9.1 miles and I had sort of set 11.1 miles as my next target. I figured if I reached 11.1 and felt really good, I could go for it all. But that, most likely, I would save that for another day.<br /><br />The first 6 miles or so went very smoothly. Around the 8 mile mark my right knee started hurting and for a little while there, I entertained the thought of stopping at 10.1 miles. After all, that would be a respectable improvement over my previous longest distance and I didn't want to risk further knee injury.<br /><br />But by the time I got to 10 miles, my knee wasn't really hurting any worse than it had been for the previous couple of miles, so I decided to press on. At mile 11 my quads were burning so badly that I hardly noticed the knee pain anymore. Around that time, the thought of the pain that would be required to get me back to that same point on another day seemed greater than the pain that would be required to just go ahead and wrench it out for 2 more miles right then and there. So that's what I did.<br /><br />So how hard could 2 more measly miles be? Let me tell you, those last 2 miles seemed to last forever! Every tenth of a mile was like a little milestone. Gruelling is what it was! But around 12.9, I started smiling.<br /><br />After reaching 13.1 and getting off the machine, all I could say was "Holy cow!" Over and over. "Holy cow!" Because I was hurting! To say my quads were on fire is an understatement. They were in serious pain. I took three ibuprofen and within an hour, the pain had subsided. But the smile remains.<br /><br />Goal met!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-78491374834913246022011-01-14T17:16:00.004-06:002011-01-14T17:52:35.004-06:00Sazon Tangy Baked Fish<br />They say that necessity is the mother of invention. That may be true, but not wanting to go to the grocery store is a pretty good motivator as well! Maybe a second cousin of invention or something. <br /><br />Anyway, I invented this tangy baked fish recipe today just because I had thawed out some striped bass and I didn't want to go to the grocery store. <br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/10_01_14_Sazon_Tangy_Fish-3.jpg" /><br /><br />It turned out pretty darn good! I would make it again. I mixed in a bowl 1/4 cup Miracle Whip, 1/4 cup Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing (from a bottle) and 1/2 cup Wish Bone Italian Dressing. I tasted that and decided it needed a bit more kick. A friend recently turned me on to this stuff...<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/10_01_14_Sazon_Tangy_Fish-5.jpg" /><br /><br />I whipped one packet of Sazon Goya con Azafran into the mixture and it gave it a nice flavor and turned it a pretty orange color to boot. Then I lined a cake pan with foil, layed my fish in the bottom of it and spooned my mixture on top. Then sprinkled liberally with California Style Lemon Pepper.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/10_01_14_Sazon_Tangy_Fish-2.jpg" /><br /><br />I baked it at 325 for 30 minutes. It has a sort of tangy southwest flavor. I ate a lot of it. Sorry about the anemic looking asparagus! It was frozen and I zapped it in the microwave a little too long. Oh well.<br /><br />I guess I'll call it Sazon Tangy Baked fish. That is, unless you can suggest a better name. What say you?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-1314169692221355472011-01-10T19:56:00.003-06:002011-01-10T20:01:22.487-06:00Fire in the Sky<br /><div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snakelover/5344938728/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5209/5344938728_dca0a966a6.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snakelover/5344938728/">Fire in the Sky</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/snakelover/">Snakelover61</a>.</span></div><p><br />Friday's sunset made me gasp! I ran for my camera and took this photo. This was taken from my backyard looking west toward Lake Ray Hubbard. Wasn't it beautiful? Honestly, my photo doesn't do it justice.<br /><br />The best part...<br /><br />I know the artist personally.</p><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-91179898141980060802011-01-09T17:39:00.012-06:002011-01-09T18:26:22.859-06:00Running in the House<br />I know I haven't blogged in a long time. Between deer season and the holidays, I guess something had to give. And it seems that blogging is the thing I’ve most neglected.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/Running_in_the_House.jpg" /><br /><br />If you remember who I am at all, you may also recall that last summer I set a goal to run a half-marathon to celebrate my 50th birthday. During training, I promptly injured my knee. Namely, a proximal medial tibial stress fracture. Ouch! This, combined with cartilage damage in both knees that I have dealt with for a long time, brought my running to a screeching halt.<br /><br />After I was finally able to walk pain free, the doctor released me to exercise and recommended I use my elliptical trainer to strengthen my knees. I’ve been doing that, but have never really gotten back to the point I was before the injury. I am very concerned about these jacked up knees of mine!<br /><br />One of my friends recently had double knee replacement surgery. I talked to him in depth about how his knees were originally injured, how they slowly degenerated, the lifestyle changes that were necessary as the result of his bad knees and his experiences with the knee replacement surgery and rehabilitation. While I’m very happy for him that he is able to walk normally again, I definitely do not want to follow that long and grueling path.<br /><br />All this to say that I’ve come to the decision that high impact running is just not worth the risk of further injuring my already not-quite-right knees. I plan to take my original knees with me to the grave. <br /><br /><center>So I am officially refining my goal:<br /><br /><strong>I will still run a half-marathon.<br />But I will do it on an ELLIPTICAL.</strong></center><br /><br />Don't tell mom, but I'm running in the house! I will certainly not be the first to do this. Lots of people run 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons and even marathons on ellipticals. And it makes great sense! It has ALL the cardiovascular benefits of running but with MUCH less risk of injury. And I'm sure my knees will love me for it!<br /><br />The first step was finding out what resistance setting on the elliptical is the cardiovascular equivalent of real running. This was relatively easy to do because I had been wearing a heart monitor when I ran and had collected the data for time, distance, calories burned, etc. So all I had to do is wear my heart monitor on the elliptical and find out (by trial and error) which resistance level would cause me to burn the same number of calories while running the same distance in the same amount of time as I did when I was actually running. It takes a resistance setting of 12 (out of 15) on my particular machine to equal the same amount of calorie burn as running.<br /><br />I have already begun training for my elliptical half-marathon. So far, I have worked up to 4.0 miles. That's a long way from the 13.1 miles of a half-marathon. But it's a start!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-73523575595040386282010-12-08T22:35:00.006-06:002010-12-08T22:54:38.652-06:00"Someone"<br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5231731843_efeba2d4bc.jpg" /><br /><br />First of all, the picture has nothing to do with this post; I just hate posting a blog without including a picture. I got to talking to someone online tonight about paranormal experiences. I told them the following true story. Having already typed it all up, I decided to share it with you as well.<br /><br />I will warn you that what I'm about to tell you might seem strange to some. Heck, it's strange to me too! You may draw different conclusions than I do and that's ok. You may just say to yourself, "Then David got weird for a while." I promise to return to normal.<br /><br />About 23 years ago, I experienced something that I can't fully understand, but was very real to me. It was at a time when my first marriage was on the rocks. I was very distraught. One night I lied awake for a long time thinking about all this before I finally started to fall asleep. <br /><br />As I entered that semi-sleep state, I became aware that "someone" had sat down on the edge of the bed right next to me. I wanted to open my eyes, but I couldn't. Nor could I move. But I could feel the mattress slowly sink in on that side and I was very much aware that someone had begun sitting there. So close that I could feel them against me. I'm not sure, but I think they placed a hand on my arm. But they did not touch my skin directly, as there was a sheet and blanket over me.<br /><br />I was simultaneously aware that my wife was still lying on the other side of me and I knew that we had been alone in the house with the doors locked. I was very aware of time and place and that I was in a semi-sleep state. The strange thing is I was not at all frightened. In fact, I instinctively knew that this "someone" was there to comfort me. No words were spoken. I did not see them; my eyes were closed the whole time.<br /><br />Try as I might, I could not fully awaken myself. But I remained in this semi-sleep state and aware of the presence for what seemed like a long time. A peace gradually came over me and I eventually fell into full sleep. <br /><br />When I woke up in the morning, I could remember it distinctly as happening several hours prior. Which is very unlike dreams for me. I usually have a very hard time piecing together dreams once I awaken, even when I was having them immediately before awakening. This was very different than any dream I've ever had.<br /><br />I can't explain why, but I knew it was someone of the male gender. I feel that this was either a relative that had died, an angel or Jesus himself. In any event, I'm grateful to this "someone." They helped me through a very difficult time.<br /><br />OK, that's the story. I'll get right back to normal now.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-40384220577690784072010-11-03T14:36:00.006-05:002010-11-03T15:14:28.218-05:00Photo Published<br /> <a href="http://bighugelabs.com/onblack.php?id=264563245&size=large" target="_blank"> <img src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/k9_blog.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a> <br /> <br />I had one of my photos published in the October/November 2010 issue of <a href="http://www.k9copmagazine.com/index.cfm" target="_blank">K-9 COP Magazine</a>. It's included in the article "Rattlesnake Vaccination," by Jo-Anne Brenner, Tim Crowe and Steven Mensack. Click <a href="http://bighugelabs.com/onblack.php?id=264563245&size=large" target="_blank">here</a> to see the photo that they used. They sent me five copies of the magazine in appreciation. And, of course, it includes a photo credit... "Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Photo courtesy of David Harkins." Imagine that!<br /><br />This is not the first time I've had my "work" published. (It seems silly to call it "work," thus the quotation marks.) But this is the first time it's been used in something that I could actually hold it in my hands, which makes it feel more real.<br /><br />Anyway, it feels good and I wanted to share. High five! Don't leave me hangin' now!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-43159080322806667272010-10-29T09:36:00.005-05:002010-10-29T09:58:28.708-05:00f-stop Friday - Buck Fawn<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snakelover/5081415079" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5081415079_991ed3064c.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a> <br /> <br />I took this picture three weekends ago while sitting in my bowhunting blind in Stephens County, Texas. I didn't see any deer that I wanted to shoot with my bow, but I did manage to shoot quite a few with my camera. This one's my favorite. <br /><br />Hope you have a fabulous weekend! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-39227063955407858032010-10-25T13:53:00.006-05:002010-10-25T14:07:39.386-05:00Call Me Senator<br />This is funny spoof on California Senator Barbara Boxer's "Call me Senator" moment! <br /><br /><object width="500" height="280"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=16072732&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=16072732&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="500" height="280"></embed></object><p> <br /><br />Early voting is cool. Happy Monday!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-10298469740313172952010-10-06T11:51:00.003-05:002010-10-06T12:00:30.252-05:00Pent-up Fun!<br />Thanks to <a href="http://moonlighthollow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Malisa</a>, Lurch and Rhonda!<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5056486696_565700c602_b.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://rockinm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mindy</a> and I enjoyed our <a href="http://moonlighthollow.blogspot.com/2010/09/be-there.html" target="_blank">Pent-up Photo</a> session!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-11336345280939947562010-10-05T11:15:00.006-05:002010-10-05T12:06:09.788-05:00The Camel Tree<br />What is the camel tree you ask? <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8LuJYvrPvHo/TKtTMQXZlQI/AAAAAAAAAOs/LF9rDWhFarY/s1600/camel-silhouette.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8LuJYvrPvHo/TKtTMQXZlQI/AAAAAAAAAOs/LF9rDWhFarY/s400/camel-silhouette.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524600837916693762" /></a><br /><br />It's a tree that <a href="http://rockinm.blogspot.com/">Mindy</a> and I always see on our way to Warrenton. From a distance, it looks to us like a camel in silhouette. So we started calling it "the camel tree."<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/Camel_Tree-1.jpg" /><br /><br />It's gotten to the point where it's become a sort of landmark for us. We actually look forward to seeing it each trip.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/Camel_Tree-2.jpg" /><br /><br />Do you see the "camel?" It's laying down in the shade of the big oak.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/Camel_Tree-5.jpg" /><br /><br />Of course, as you get closer, it starts to look a little more like a tree and a little less like a camel.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/Camel_Tree-4.jpg" /><br /><br />After seeing it so many times, we finally decided to pull over and take a few pictures.<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/Camel_Tree-3.jpg" /><br /><br />And that, my friends, is the camel tree!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-68950381436927668862010-09-27T10:43:00.013-05:002010-09-27T14:42:56.824-05:00Faces of Warrenton<br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5029076133_fd9661b50f.jpg" /><br /><br />I thought I would take a quick breather from all the excitment at the big show in Warrenton to share a few of the "people pictures" I've taken so far. You might just recognize a few of these faces...<br /><br /><object width="500" height="500"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fsnakelover%2Fsets%2F72157624921105141%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fsnakelover%2Fsets%2F72157624921105141%2F&set_id=72157624921105141&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fsnakelover%2Fsets%2F72157624921105141%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fsnakelover%2Fsets%2F72157624921105141%2F&set_id=72157624921105141&jump_to=" width="500" height="500"></embed></object><br /><br /><em>Edit:</em> I believe the slide show requires a flashplayer that may not necessarily be installed on everyone's computer. In case the slide show is giving you fits, here is a link to view the set the old fashioned way... <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snakelover/sets/72157624921105141/with/5029693030/">Faces of Warrenton 2010</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-64913416838406443192010-09-20T21:30:00.005-05:002010-09-20T22:06:07.265-05:00Wild West<br /> <a href="http://bighugelabs.com/onblack.php?id=5010082239&size=large" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5010082239_237608543d.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://rockinm.blogspot.com/2010/09/cow-pasture-treasures.html" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5010605024_21ba39f288.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><em>Stephens County, Texas</em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-17447614760440432492010-09-08T19:22:00.014-05:002010-09-13T10:13:00.711-05:00Where Is It?<br />Life has been extra busy lately. And that has made it hard to find time to comment on your blogs, much less post on my own blog. I'm sure you know how that goes. <br /><br />Anyway, it's all GOOD stuff and I'm certainly not complaining. And I'll try to fill you in on the latest as I have time. In the meantime, I blew the dust off my camera last weekend and took a few pics.<br /><br />All the pictures on this blog post were taken at the same place. Anyone recognize the scene?<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4966257862_1492e91d5d_b.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4965655477_92740e7453.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4965655319_7330304d19_b.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4966257158_ec21156c09.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/4965655197_4a8ba32fe6_b.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4965654819_bf9fca5634.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4966258096_ebc0966d6e_b.jpg" /><br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4966256776_eb4307d181.jpg" /><br /><br />It's just for fun. There's no prize if you get it right. We're low budget here. <br /><br /><br /><em><strong>9/12/10 UPDATE!</strong></em><br /><br />Thanks for playing along! In case you haven't figured it out yet, these pictures were taken at <a href="http://www.tipsytango.com/index.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Tipsy Tango</strong> </a>in downtown Quinlan! <br /><br />Mindy and I stopped in for her big Labor Day weekend customer appreciation sale! Great stuff at great prices! FUN! <strong>Thanks, Patty!</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snakelover/sets/72157624819257929/" target="_blank">Click here to see more pictures!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-18117672826258646952010-08-27T10:19:00.006-05:002010-08-27T10:58:19.370-05:00First Amendment, The Original Version<br />Do you know what The First Amendment really means? If you've formed your opinion from what you've heard from the media, you most likely think The First Amendment has something to do with keeping God and all things spiritual out of the government and all public institutions. But that's simply not true.<br /><br />This video makes it very clear that our founding fathers intended for The First Amendment to mean something very different from the self-serving, twisted interpretation most commonly presented by the media and our current government leaders.<br /><br /><object width="500" height="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dlfEdJNn15E?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dlfEdJNn15E?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="400"></embed></object><br /><br />Please pray that our leaders will return to God and the freedoms and beliefs that made this country great in the first place.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-32526550146773797062010-08-12T20:34:00.006-05:002011-01-09T19:58:18.680-06:00My Running Injury (MRI)<br />I've been meaning to bring you up to date on my knee. As I mentioned in my last blog post, I had an appointment with the orthopedic specialist on Thursday, August 5th. It didn't take him long to figure out that my jacked up knee was caused by a stress fracture. He put me on crutches and scheduled me for an MRI on Monday, August 9th and a follow-up appointment with him today.<br /><br />I got to see the MRI images today. Here is one of them...<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4887009430_c532069d7c_z.jpg" /><br /><br />You are looking straight at the front of my knee, but beyond the knee cap. The red arrow is pointing to the problem. You see that dark area inside the bone? Well, it's supposed to be the same gray color as the rest of the inside of the bone. <br /><br />If you could see the other "slices" of the MRI, you could see that it's at least as deep as it is wide or tall. It's just below the growth plate of the tibia and is called a proximal medial tibial stress fracture. And it will heal... over the course of 6-8 weeks.<br /><br />There is also cartilage damage inside the knee joint, but I already knew that. It's an old injury but now I know a little more about it, thanks to the MRI. The good news is the cartilage damage isn't in a place that is likely to be be aggravated by running. It's in the groove that the knee cap slides over. It mainly hurts when I'm on my knees.<br /><br />I have another appointment in three weeks. At that time, he will take a regular x-ray and assess my progress. He will then decide whether I can start working on the eliptical or bike riding to strengthen the surrounding muscles and tendons. It will be weeks later before I can do any high impact exercising like running. And even then I will have to ease into it very gradually.<br /><br />But over the next three weeks, he just wants me to get to the point where I can walk normally without pain. Baby steps.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-26470278838170526442010-08-02T19:55:00.007-05:002011-01-09T19:58:45.146-06:00Up to my knees in RICET.<br />Those of you who read my last blog know I set a goal to run a half-marathon. <br /><br />The first day of training, I ran and walked 2.2 miles. Lordy, it was harder than I thought! It was a pain in the shins, but I figured that was to be expected. <br /><br />I gave it a day or two of rest and then ran and walked 3.3 miles. It was again difficult and somewhat painful, but I felt like I did pretty well that day. <br /><br />I gave it a few more days rest and then ran and walked another 3 miles. I felt good after the run, other than a little pain under my right knee. Then I drove home. <br /><br />When I got out of my truck... OH MY GOD! Yeah, I apparently hurt myself royally! I have had knee problems for almost thirty years and hadn't considered how the high impact nature of running would affect that old injury. Yikes! In layman's terms, my right knee is <strong>JACKED UP</strong>!<br /><br />That was last Wednesday. Since that time, I have been on RICET therapy...<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4855377180_155104ef81.jpg" /><br /><br />Perhaps you have heard of RICE therapy? The "R" stands for <strong>R</strong>est, the "I" stands for <strong>I</strong>ce, the "C" stands for <strong>C</strong>ompression and the "E" stands for <strong>E</strong>levation. <br /><br />Well RICET therapy is just a slight modification of RICE therapy. It incorporates all the elements of RICE therapy, but with one additional element. The "T" stands for <strong>TEQUILA</strong>! Preferably, mixed in a margarita! Mindy's friend, Cindy, who is a runner, came up with RICET therapy and I have adopted it for my own use.<br /><br />If you read my last blog, you know that I signed up for the Hottest 10K on August 15th. Well, guess what? That's NOT going to happen! I have an appointment with an orthopedic specialist on Thursday morning to get a diagnosis beyond "it's jacked up." Hopefully, I will find out what needs to be done for my knee and whether running is even a possibility. Stay tuned.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-30325565900748320732010-07-21T08:14:00.025-05:002011-01-09T19:59:08.837-06:00Running My Race<br />I am 49 years old. On May 3rd, 2011, I plan to turn 50. I say “plan to” because I could be run over by a bus or Jesus could come back. But barring any unforeseen or unusual circumstances, I will be a half-century old in less than a year. Five-0. That, my friends, is a milestone birthday if there ever was one! And cause for celebration!<br /><br /><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-TOP: #000000 2px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #000000 2px solid" alt="" src="http://i561.photobucket.com/albums/ss52/Snakelover61/Blog%20Posts/forrest-gump-running.jpg" /><br /><br />How should I commemorate such an event? Well, I may mark it in many ways and I reserve the right to add to the list as I go along. But I have been giving this some thought and have decided on at least one fitting element of the celebration... good physical health.<br /><br />After all, I have much to live for and a lot of great living ahead! Have you met my girlfriend, <a href="http://rockinm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mindy</a>? Yep, she will keep me busy enough! And then there are my kids! And perhaps… one day… grandkids! So, going forward, I see my life filled with a lot of fun, youthful activity. There’s just no way around it. <br /><br />To put it simply, I’ve got things to do. I am quite certain there are many tall mountains left to climb and all that mountain climbing could make me tired and out of breath if I don’t take good care of my body. I will. It's important.<br /><br />And so I have decided that, among other things, I would like to celebrate my 50th year with a physical challenge. Something that makes a statement about the life that still lies before me and what it will require of me in order to enjoy it to its fullest potential. I want to do something that quite literally propels me into the next season of my life.<br /><br /><br /><center><strong>My Goal: Run a half-marathon.</strong> 21 kilometers. 13.1 miles. Uh huh. </center><br /><br />Being that I have never been a runner in my life, I do not feel qualified to even consider a full marathon. Of course, the word “marathon” has that romantic ring to it. I can almost hear the soundtrack from “Chariots of Fire,” can't you? But as someone who has not yet run his first race, I must learn what it is I am even asking of myself. I feel a half-marathon is a realistic goal. I can envision it. It “feels” attainable. A half-marathon. Goal set. Check.<br /><br />But one does not just get up off the couch one day, walk outside and run 13.1 miles. You have to work toward it. At least that’s what I have been told. Remember, I am not a runner... yet. On the other hand, I am not a couch potato either. I work out. I lead a relatively active lifestyle. And I believe I am in reasonably good physical condition. So how do I start the process? I jump in with both feet. (Pun intended.) I commit. That’s all I know to do at this point. So here goes nothin’...<br /><br />I am now registered to run the “<a href="http://www.hottesthalf.com/index.html" target="_blank">Hottest 10K</a>” on August 15th at White Rock Lake in Dallas. A 10K run is 6.2 miles. I might have been inclined to start with a 5K, but one doesn’t happen to be offered at this event. So 10K it is. <br /><br />I’d better get to runnin’!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6913339616790812453.post-34039055929419524582010-07-07T21:00:00.004-05:002010-07-07T21:10:06.983-05:00If that's what you're looking for, that's what he's got.<br /><object width="500" height="304"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q-RLqLx1iYI&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q-RLqLx1iYI&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="304"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/328/B3CCC080D2E53733D92BEE3BF3FF673A.png" /><br /></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505971079477231658noreply@blogger.com6