40th Class Reunion

Last month I returned to Onawa for my 40th high school class reunion. It's almost unbelievable that it's been 40 years since I went through the hell known as "high school". Strangely, it was soothing to be able to visit with people I hadn't spoken to, or even thought about, since 1969. It was good to see that the years hadn't really changed them all that much. Through all the love and hate; births and deaths; the achievements and set-backs; the sorrow and joy of living for 50 some-odd years, they were still the kids I knew way back when. There were the nerds, the partiers, the goofballs and the watchers all laughing and crying and talking at once. It was almost too much to take in.

My class was defined by the war in Viet Nam, hippies, sex, drugs and rock and roll. We questioned everything - and every one. Especially authority. We were wild and wildly inspired. We partied hard and studied harder. We were driven to greatness by our need to change the world. And we succeeded. Boy! Did we succeed.

Our class produced engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, nurses, college professors, teachers (ho-boy, were there teachers!), business owners and even an admiral (ret.) in the navy. We've traveled the world and now we're home again. Mostly retired, but still active in the every day business of making this world a better place.

I had an epiphany during this weekend. These people were my friends - had always been my friends. They'd been there for me, even through all the angst of teenage yearnings and fears. They knew me and accepted me for what I was and what I've become. That's one of the good things about attending a small school. You literally know everyone in your class - there is no hiding in a sea of nameless faces, known only to your clique. All your classmates know your good points, and your bad. But it's nice to know that they still liked me even then.

Here's some of the pictures taken during that weekend. Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

New Raised Flower Bed

I've hated the spot on the north side of the garage for years. It's been nothing but a weed patch. So this year I decided to put a raised bed in there where I could have a pretty flower garden. (And, yes, I know I need to paint my garage again. Maybe next year...)

All things considered, I think it turned out pretty well. Of course, I had some help (thanks again Della and Don!). I did unload 136 landscape blocks from the back of the pickup by myself though. Gary and Bettina stopped by to see our progress as well. I won't post the picture of Bettina flipping me the bird - lol.

So, if you've been wondering just what the heck I've been up to - here are the pictures.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Perpetuum Jazzile - Africa (live, HQ)

This amazing a capella choir uses their hands to simulate an African rain storm.

Celtic Bagpipes

For those of you who like a little more "traditional" celtic pipe music, this guy is pretty darned good.

Red Hot Chili Pipers

I saw these guys over at Sawdust and Cowpies. Man - those Scots really know how to kick up their...um, heels. LOL!

Sheep Art

For those few people who aren't following LOTD, here is a cool video Cary featured the other day. Amazing what some talented people can do with money and time.

Baltimore Oriole

A Baltimore Oriole! Isn't he beautiful? I think an Orchard Oriole was at my feeder today too. Not as bright as this guy, but very pretty as well. He and the grosbeak were squabbling over who should get to eat first. My neighbor has a "regular" oriole feeder and two days ago I saw two males going at it over feeding rights. That's what prompted me to put out an orange and see if I couldn't entice one over to my yard. And it worked!

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Look what came to my feeder today! I've never seen this kind of bird before, but he was easy to identify. His mate was on the feeder earlier (I'm assuming since it was another bird that I've never seen before either), but she couldn't hold a candle to this bright boy!

We Didn't Start The Flame War

Good stuff from CollegeHumor.com.

Watch We Didnt Start the Flame War and more funny videos on CollegeHumor

Allman Brothers Band

This is a video shot in 1982 of an outdoor concert - somewhere. Not sure where, but I wish I would have been there. The Allman Brothers are my all-time favorite band, and this song is my favorite song. This isn't as "slick" as the studio version, but I like it more because of that. Dickey could really make that guitar sing! (Be sure and turn off my embedded player over there on the left.) Enjoy -



...and I just found another one. I guess this was in Gainsville, FL. Here they are playing Statesboro Blues -

Ameriquest Commercials

Ameriquest is the corporation that got into loads of trouble for their subprime mortgages. At least they used some of their money for funny commercials.

George Carlin - Saving The Planet

God, I miss this guy.

Not Dead - Yet

Just a quick note. I had my gall bladder taken out on Wednesday and I'm not exactly bouncing right back like I thought I would. Gah! The trouble with getting older is that your body mutinies on you when you need it the most.

I can't sit at the computer for very long and so I haven't been visiting your blogs like normal. But I did want to say a few things:


Cary - Stop making me laugh!! Please!!!


Tanna - I hope you are feeling better. Flu sucks.


Mari - I love the rain too and I'm glad you're finally getting some.


Reenie - She's lucky to have you as a friend. I know how hard this is for you too. My thoughts are with you both.


Tammy - Leave your poor husband alone! LOL


That's it for now. Sorry about that. I love you all and miss reading you. I'll be back soon - I promise!

eTrade Baby Outtakes

One of my favorite Superbowl commercials last year was the eTrade baby sitting at his computer and talking. Well, he's back again this year with more pearls of trading wisdom. Here is a video of the baby's outtakes - things you won't see during the big game. Heh.

Check it:

40 Inspirational Speeches in Two Minutes

Damn you Cary. You always find the cool videos first. I don't care because I'm going to post this one too. Thanks kiddo! ;>

I liked the Star Wars one too, but you can check that out yourselves if you like. Enjoy!

Verdi - Traviata

I just saw this over at Cake Wrecks and thought it was just too cool not to share! Enjoy.

Still Here!

Tanna recently told me that I've been "pretty quiet" lately. Hmmm...guess I have! There's been various reasons for that. Maybe it's the below zero temperatures with double digit (minus) wind chills for the entire month of January. Or, maybe it's the snow up to my ass.

Bettina snapped this picture of me filling the bird bath the other day. Yep, we have THAT MUCH snow. Oh, and I don't want to forget the layer of ice that's under it making it treacherous to walk or drive. I haven't driven out of town for weeks (I'm a scardie cat driver).

It's cabin fever, folks. The dogs and I are ready for some warm, DRY weather! Shorts, tank tops and flip flops. Uh huh. You know what I'm talking about.

Here - this might help. Go watch Jay and the guys cook chicken and dream about that summer sun.

There now. Isn't that better?

Snow Dogs

We've had a "bit" of snow here this year. So far we've got well over a foot of snow on the ground. Here are some pictures of the boys playing in the snow. And, yes, it's over Elvis' head! It looks like he was using his nose to tunnel.

Cool Videos

Here's a couple of videos I saw today on Cary's List Of The Day that I just had to share. And, while I'm at it, I'd like to encourage you to subscribe to LOTD. Always entertaining but sometimes not safe for work.

The first video is a tribute to John Williams (Star Wars for those of us who might not be in the know). The actual singers are a group called Moosebutter, but I like what the kid has done with it even if it's just lip synching.

Rush's YYZ

This next clip is obviously from a recital. Where or when, I have no idea. But this chick rawks the electronic organ. The next time your kid complains about taking piano lessons, show them this clip and tell them to quit their whining.

(Don't ask how I managed to do this double video thing because I have NO IDEA! Hey, at least they're working.)

A Gift From Tanna

Look what came in the mail today.  My Play It Forward gift from Tanna at My Kitchen In Half Cups.  On the left is a Lemon Tea Cake, center is Mom's Filled Cookies and right is Mandel Bread.  I've sampled them all and, boy! are they delicious!  Thank you sooooo much Tanna!  Happy Holidays to you too!