DANG NEAR FIFTY

Can you hear that clicking noise?  That's time marching on.  Or my bones when I try to get out of my chair, I'm not sure which.  In one week I will be a half century old.  I think back to all the things I've done (some not so smart... OK, most)  and some of the people I have met.  For instance, I once shook hands with Skip Stevenson.  Who's that you ask?  He was the star of a TV show called Real People.  OK, so you're not so impressed with that.  What if I told you I was on a tee box with Tiger Woods.  Yeah, now you're impressed.  I was lying but you were impressed.  Seriously though, I have had an event filled fifty years.  I saw 6 children die in a fire that I battled on Christmas eve,  I've traveled to remote locations and sat with a 38 caliber tucked under my leg to buy gold and silver from strangers, I've met and became friends with several millionares, married my soulmate and spawned a mini-me, ran my own business, found God, went to Africa to build and orphanage and am launching a writing career.  That is the tip of the iceberg, I wonder what the next 50 years will hold.  I have slowed down a little, but I don't let age stop me from participating in sports.  I'm still in the starting line up.  Here is a recent picture of me dominating on the field of play...

Gilligan's not to happy about me sinking his ship

But the week was not all fun and games.  We decided (Robyn decided) to clean the carpet in the house so Canyon and I moved the couch and love seat into the dining room along with all the accesories and then we decided (I decided) that Robyn should run the machine.  Check out the artistic low angle on this picture.  I am a photographical genius.  By the way, the carpet smelled very fresh from down there.

Scratch n sniff.  Put yer nose on the screen and smell the carpet.

While we were cleaning the carpet, I noticed that Canyon had gone missing.   So I set out on a search and rescue mission.  It wasn't easy but I found him pretending to do his homework.  In reality I think he was writing to child services to turn me in for the whoopin' he took in Battleship. 

Homework sucks!

On my way to pick Canyon up from work the other day, I noticed a small oil spot under his car.  Robyn and I told him that with cheap first cars you usually spend more on oil than gas.  We told him that we used to put a pan under the leak so we could reuse the dripped oil and save some money.  I saw this the next day on my way to work.

The money saved will help pay for insurance.

We had a friend stop by and spend the night.  Scott drives a truck and was heading through town so he stopped by to visit.  I took a picture of his truck so you could see the awesome paint job he had done.  

Got tagged in Florida

We took Scott to a resturant/pub where I could show off a couple concrete tables we made.  He kindly offered to buy dinner.  We were joined by some friends and had some wine and fun conversation.  When the check came Scott had a little trouble.  I noticed he went up to the bar to talk to the waitress.  As I walked by to use the restroom I saw him on the phone, holding his credit card and talking rather animatedly.  I knew that I would cover the bill, but I let him sweat it out for a bit.  I finally asked if he needed a little help with the bill and he said "Please!"  $145.00!  OUCH!  He went to the bank the next day and covered the cost.  Here is a picture before the pain.

He's laughing at my Cubs shirt.

Unfortunatly, while we were sorting out how to pay the bill, we forgot that Canyon was at drivers ed.  He called for a ride home but we were too far away.  He is going to be so happy when he can drive himself and not rely on us old people.  We're so lame.  Poor kid had to walk home, but we brought him leftovers.  He grumpily accepted the food as a peace offering.  He dosen't look like he has forgiven us in this pic..

I think he's still mad about that battleship thing

We have some family coming in for Easter.  I think several are going to go to church with us.  It should be great.  The church was packed last week so I hope we can get there early to get enough seats.  I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the month long series we have been doing.  It is to help us understand how big the impact of Jesus is in our lives.  When we begin to understand who He is and what He has done for us it changes everything.  

Then we will be joined by even more family for Easter dinner.  It's gonna be delicious.  

Oh, and I guess we are going out to celebrate my birthday while mom and dad are in town, so that will be something to write about, I'm sure.

Last time I blogged, I started a little game with you.  If you have to look back to see what I'm talking about, that's ok.  But here is a little hint as to what that thing was..

now it's starting to make sense, right?

Here are a couple pictures of a kitchen we installed today.  It is a dark gray color with mirror and black glass in it.  There are also a few black agates placed in it.  Unfortunatly, I didn't have my camera so I had to use my cheesy phone that I won from one of those crane games.  The tops came out pretty neat.  Check it out.

pictures don't do it justice

groovy

On the less bright side, I have had a pain in my back for a couple days, it was really bothering me today as we did the install.  One of the guys said it sounds like a kidney stone.  Let's hope that's not the case.   I would hate to not be able to attend my own birthday get together.  It's a b*#@h getting old.  I better rest up, got a big week-end coming up.

Peace

Dan