We gave him a cake, even though . . . .  

No birthday this year. 

Almost hidden from Raven 

Birth of a Blog

I hear and have seen with my own eyes that my father-in-law, one of the steady stalwarts against the often times too pervasive onslaught of communications technology, has started to blog. Being under attack for probably more than a year from his favorite (or at least in the top three) daughter, he finally relented and posted his own words for public display.

Being an engineer he has long had a great grasp of how things work. He’s able to fix anything, even the things that we manage to mess up around our house. And I’m sure that technology in general is quite comfortable for him. Things follow logical patterns, and given enough thought and determination, a solution can usually be found for anything.

But . . . , and you knew one was coming. When it comes to communications technology I’ve seen him drag his feet. Being a good “guy,” for many years he didn’t see the need to be bothered by a cell phone when he was out exploring the nation. Lewis and Clark did fine without one, and so can he. But his children whined and whined about not being able to contact him. And their persistence paid off. He weakened and will now talk on one of those small phones with buttons that are too small for the average guy’s fingers.

But blogging came slower. I’m not sure why. He’s been a lot more willing to contend with computers than either or my parents. (I’m the product of a more stubborn “German” mother who would love computers if she would only give them a chance, but still refuses.) As far as I can tell, he does quite well navigating programs and the internet. And he’s good at chatting through MSN messenger and the like. But blogging has been different. He's been fine reading and even commenting on existing blogs. But for him, a polite no thanks.

But now, in the early months of this new year, my favorite father-in-law has entered the blogosphere. And an official welcome is due. Please consider this it.

But (do you see a pattern in my paragraphs?) not only has he started blogging, he has not one, not two, but three blogs to his name. Wow, not to be out done by his daughter and her two, he has set the bar high. He has raised the standard. And he’s got me thinking again. For some time now, I’ve thought about starting a third blog, one which focuses more on my work in the construction trades, more specifically drywall. Maybe I’ve been inspired?

But, might this be another vain attempt like blog number two? (I still have hopes for that fledgling site.) I don’t know. But maybe it is worth a try. Its focus and purpose and look has changed a lot over the months as I’ve jumbled it around in my cluttered head. And besides, me, who doesn’t even have time to blog on “Blobjects” should probably not put anything more on my heaping plate. (I might try to eat it all and get sick.)

But we’ll see. For now, go read the father of the Swansmith.

Happy Valentine's Day (almost)

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. And I am immensely grateful that my heart is in the right hands. I’m blessed daily, but acknowledge it too infrequently. To show my gratitude to my better half and the One who has brought us together, I’ve written corny poems in the past. They go over well though, as women (at least the one who lives with me) seem to be able to overlook a lack of craft or originality. They make me believe that it really is the thought that counts. This year, instead of printing this out and placing it in a card, I thought I would give the Swansmith a reason to read my blog. Plus, I feel as though I’m saving the trees.

The subject matter of the verse was something that we shared. Even though we were apart, we were able to experience the wonder of that evening together. For, we saw the same thing. I only wish that I had my camera with me at that time. But, because I didn’t, you’ll have to illuminate this “ ) “ and turn it about 93 degrees. Good luck.


Running on E

Racing due west,
God smiled on me last night.
My senses were raised.
Was I truly in His sight?

I wonder if He was laughing,
But it seemed more like a grin.
I faced Him directly,
He knew where I’d been.

He would have been justified to laugh,
The way I did rush,
Trying to beat the amber
As it evolved into blush.

But the blackness of night
Made His smile evident.
hanging brightly near horizon
the farther western ward I went.

His face was tilted, but only slightly.
I imagined a nod--or possibly a wink
But could I, behind that pitch
Blackness, make such a link?

Was I getting closer?
Or moving farther away?
As I scurried and hurried
And worried--a moment to pray.

And now a new blanket of snow
Was given for this night
Gracefully covering my darkness
With a fresh coat of white.

And now red is the color
Of the new dawning day
With the seal of our hearts
Forever joined they will stay.

Stumbling in the Dark

I stumbled upon a great website, especially for cartophiles like myself. From a comment on a post I made about a British musical group from the 70s, I found a website containing information about the current whereabouts of a founding member of the group. Within this site was a link to something similar to Map Quest, only it has maps of the entire world. How cool is that?

I guess if I ever thought about it, it makes sense that there would be such a place. But I never pursued it. But now I'm no longer limited to MapQuest and looking only at US cities and roads. I can now explore the WORLD. Just call me Christopher.

Oh, I suppose I should mention the site. It is multimap.com.

Here is the picture you wanted, Suzi. Will this do for a Valentine's gift? 

I think IT is working

Suzi's picture (which I of course adore) is sinking fast. It's almost as if she were entering a swamp, taking a few steps off the beaten path, attempting to be a modern day Huck Finn. Will anyone come to the rescue?????

But Being at the Bottom is Sad

But being relegated to the bottom of the page is not to her liking either. So maybe it's wrong to make two posts in one day. Plus, what will people think.

People Are Tired

People are tired of seeing the Warden's picture at the top of my blog!!!! So says. . . . .

the Warden. So this post is part of an attempt to move the Swansmith's picture closer to the bottom of the page.

Back to high school