Extra boxes

Since Noelle and Seth are getting ready to move to Memphis for the summer and then on to Tucson, AZ in August, they have a few extra boxes, and a hole to peek out of too. I felt it was important to notify you of this fact.

It also appears that a member of the family is enjoying the move more than expected. I know I like boxes too.

It looks like they had a picnic and he found a dandelion to put in his mouth. Watch out kiddo, dogs like those flowers too.

It's been a long day so it's time to say goodbye. He's scrubbed squeaky clean and ready for bed. My sentiments exactly!

Nature and the human mind

There is something about the human condition which separates man from the animals. I heard a sermon in Church yesterday about beauty. The speaker said that beauty is something God placed in nature which only we as humans recognize. I personally see it when I go backpacking and climbing in Colorado. I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy the beauty in nature.

And, the interesting thing about it is, natural selection is not at the top of the food chain here, so to speak. Just because nature is beautiful we aren't more or less likely to survive. We aren't just another animal set in motion by the forces of nature. The beauty we see and enjoy, stands on it's own. We see beauty in nature because God created it for us to enjoy. I can grasp and understand things no animal can and this is why. I like what Pascal said 500 years ago, "By space the universe embraces me and swallows me up like an atom, by thought I embrace the universe."


The speaker talked about John Muir (who was a devout Christian by the way) and how he saw the beauty in nature. God did after all, plant something in all of us which sees things, appreciates the beauty, and somewhere inside we know He (God) was responsible.

Olympics

Headlines from Mexico President Felipe Calderon- Mexico Drops Out Of 2008 Summer Olympics President Felipe Calderon of Mexico has announced that Mexico will not participate in the Beijing Summer Olympics.He stated: "Casi cada uno que puede funcionar, saltar, o la nadada ha salido ya del parns."

Translation:"Pretty much everyone who can run, jump, or swim has already left the country."

A good friend

The good news about being in Idaho is that you can be there with good friends. Below is a photo of Ken Boyd. Since I moved to Denver Ken has become a good friend whom I deeply respect. Ken was a Colonel in the Army and no doubt was a true leader of men. I'm certain that under his command he did a very good job. I count him as a special friend. Now we work together and share ideas on how much better things could be. It isn't until you know the character of person and what's in his heart that you really understand who he is.

Coeur D'Alene meeting

I was in Coeur D'Alene, ID this week for a meeting. While it's in the high 70's in Denver I go to a meeting in Idaho and it's snowing with highs hovering around 37 degrees. You would think we could make a better decision than this. However, the resort was very nice and the food excellent, second only to the scenery.

Theory X & Y in Politics?

One of the things I do on my job is to help franchisees with their employee issues. I've observed franchise owners who are, according to McGregor, theory X managers and some who are theory Y managers. Each theory provides insight into why people do what they do.

Theory X managers don't trust their employees and will watch them closely, micro-manage, and generally believe that people are out to cheat and get away with things. They're the typical "boss" because they believe people are out to cheat them. Theory Y managers on the other hand believe that trusting people is the best approach and that we should empower and reward people for risk taking and trying hard, even if it means failure. X managers hoard information and decision making is centralized. Y managers communicate quickly and honestly to everyone, according to McGregor.

The former President Truman also wondered why "when a leader is in the Democratic Party he's a boss; but when he's in the Republican Party he's a leader." There's a reason for everything Harry.

A hike in the foothills

Another hike. Another ounce or two. I'm not a big fan of diets. You see, I never eat between meals because, for me, there is no between meals. I'd rather exercise. Diets are for people who are thick and tired of it. After Church we went for a little hike in foothills, because it's good exercise. That's me with Denver in the background.

The kids are moving

Good News! Noelle and Seth are moving to Tucson, AZ. Seth has been accepted into the Phd. program in English at the University of Arizona. He has accepted a position and will be employed as a Graduate Teaching Assistant teaching two classes each year. Noelle and Seth (and little Andy) will be moving in early August and beginning their time at the Uof A. The good news is we have so many friends and family nearby, they will be well supported and loved.

The Janitor

I read a new book I'd like to recommend. Being in the Janitorial business, I found this book especially good. However, it has little to do with the Janitorial business and everything to do with everyday common sense, many of us lack. It has a lot to do with finding balance in your life in difficult, challenging times and how to maintain your priorities. It's a great story taught by a janitor. Read the Janitor by Todd Hopkins and Ray Hilbert. Thanks to Ed Cook for recommending it to me.

What is a friend?

Along life's way, you encounter friends and well, people who just want to cause aggravation. Such people give your grandchild a Colts hat to wear. And, I'm over 1,000 miles away and can't do a thing about it. What is a friend anyway? A friend is anybody who forgives our good points. Like being a Bronco fan...not a Colts fan. My philosophy now is "do unto others just what you'd want them to do to you. But do it first! I never try to get even with such people, I just try to treat them a little better.

Sunday Morning Walk

This morning Nancy and I got up for our Sunday morning walk and were treated to lots of activity. This is the first crane we've seen at our little lake. He poked his head up as we went by.

Closer to home we watched this balloon drop from several thousand feet up and land between the hogback and our neighborhood. This is a common Sunday occurrence.

Here a balloon lands near the soccer fields just North of our house. Notice the other balloon in the background somewhere over Littleton.

This balloon landed on one of the trails near the lake on our way back to the house. We talked with the Captain and of course he invited us to come to the balloon festival coming up soon.

Good friends

Tonight we had dinner with our good friends Carolyn and Pat Smith. We had prime rib roasted for hours on Pat's infamous grill. Wow! Was it ever good. The Smith's also invited us for an inaugural run of their new travel trailer. In the same room all night with me? Wow! Could that ever be bad. But I know my friends. A good friend is a guy who walks in when everybody else walks out!

Mistaken identity, fawn, doe, I don't know

One of my readers pointed out that this is a doe, not a fawn, as I previously wrote. I stand corrected. I confess I never did that well in college biology, much to my father's great angst, I'm sure.

My Wyoming trip

The last couple of days I've been working in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Tough duty, I know. After dinner last night I drove home to the hotel and this little "doe" was standing near my parking place. I also saw more elk than I could count on the drive into town at the National Elk Refuge but my camera was in the suitcase.

On the way back to the airport today I took this photo of the Grand Teton shrouded in the clouds. Yes, it was still pretty cold up there and there is still lots of snow.

Latest grandson photos

Here are some of the latest videos and photos of my grandson Andy. We're continually amazed at how he eats his green beans and peas in spite of the fact he obviously dislikes them, as is apparent by the look on his face. Why wouldn't our kids swallow the stuff?

Crazy Colorado weather

One day we hike, then next it snows. Here is a photo taken from our back porch early this morning. It snowed until sometime after 11:00a. Now at 5:00p the sun is shining and the temperature on this same back porch is 60 degrees. Ahhh, we love Colorado.

Deer Creek hike

Deer Creek Canyon was almost right today. It was about 50 degrees and a little breezy. There was some snow on the trail in shady areas and Plymouth Creek was running nicely. Boy, are we ready for summer to kick in. Notice Nancy's new shoes?

Politicians

In 1990, Barbara Bush spoke to the graduating class of Wellesly College. She said, "Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House as the President's spouse. I wish him well." In the case of Hillary she is not a typical politician. Most politicians like to stand on their records. That way, nobody can see them! In her case she seems to stand on her husband's record. And, nobody can stand her! I think maybe I should run for President. It's inside work, and you don't have to do any heavy lifting.

Friendship

This week I've been in Albuquerque doing my job. I taught a class on commercial carpet maintenance and spent time with my good friend Ed Cook. While we sort through work issues, making Church work and a host of other issues, I've decided that a good friend like Ed is someone who is less interested in what someone can do for him and more concerned about what he has to give to others. I am very blessed to have many such friends. The challenge to me is, how can I become more like that.