We were in the town of Salt Lick, Kentucky (don’t even begin to say you know where this is at) on July 29 for the wedding of my niece Shon. It was probably appropriate the wedding took place in Kentucky because the length was not much more than that of the annual horse race in Louisville. A total of 12 lengths, I mean, minutes! Hey, end result was still the same for other weddings that take longer. They were still married.
Shon was marrying one Joseph Byrd. None of us up here in Indiana had the opportunity to meet him ahead of time. But he seems like a nice enough guy and I think he’ll take good care of Shon. He has a three year old daughter, Jayce, from a previous marriage, who he really adores and who adores Shon. So, we wish them the best.
While in town for the wedding, we had the opportunity to spend some time with Dorene’s brother, Robert, and his wife, Connie. They live out in the country in Kentucky where Robert has 6 horses. He currently is a truck driver, while not too long ago retiring from the National Guard. He just started the truck route and is really enjoying it.
We took the kids over and they cooked us dinner and then gave the kids rides on their horses. Anna rode Duke, the pony of the bunch. Cameron rode Duke and all the others, including BP, a very big horse. He didn’t want to go too fast because he said he didn’t have any cowboy boots. We rectified this problem the next day, although we weren’t able to return to the horses, so we’ll see if Cameron will still decide to go faster. Anna is city girl, Cameron is county boy, it’s as simple as that.
We stayed down the rode at the Journey’s End Lodge, a 16-room lodge located on a horse ranch. It was actually a very nice place, and cheap at only $65.00 a night. But it was well kept up, a nice pool, and the owners were very friendly. We’ll definitely be back.
After the wedding, we headed down to Lake Cumberland where Dorene’s parents have a cabin. We spent three days down there and Anna was surprised to no end by the appearance of one of her friends, Abigail. Abigail and her mom, Michelle and sister, Emma, visited from Tennessee. They at one time lived in South Bend but had since moved to Chicago, then Pennsylvania, and now Tennessee where Curt (the dad) works for Nissan. They drive a Ford minivan, but never mind. This is a wonderful family and we really miss them so it was really good to see them again, albeit for a very short time. We’ll have to make plans to visit them someday in Tennessee. They live just south of Nashville, so we can take in all the country music sites when we go there. Uh huh, yeah right. We’ll just go straight to their house.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Guilty after 17 Years
On Friday evening, a jury in South Bend found Jeff Pelley guilty in the 1989 slayings of his father, stepmother, and two stepsisters at their home in Lakeville, Indiana. After 17 years, justice was served. This case garnered some national attention and had certainly been making headlines in the South Bend area for a long time.
And now, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story.
The murders took place in April of 1989. At the time, I was living with my parents in Fountain Hills, Arizona, where my dad was pastor of a local United Brethren church. They had been there five years and had been wanting to at some point return to the Midwest. Well, such an opportunity had just presented itself.
So, in August of 1989, my parents moved back to Indiana to Lakeville, Indiana and took up residence in the parsonage where just four months earlier had been the site of one of the bloodiest murder scenes local police had ever seen. My dad was now the pastor of Olive Branch United Brethren Church.
Suspicion of the murders immediately fell on Jeff Pelley, who was 17 at the time. But he was never charged. A murder weapon was never found. There was no physical evidence inside the house because Jeff lived there. He had a seemingly airtight alibi in that he was at Great America in Illinois at the time.
Jeff came over to visit my parents once after they had moved in. He was a knife salesman. Yeah, that had to be a surreal experience. Someone suspected of mass murder showing you knives in the living room of the very house the killings took place in.
About a year after the murders, the tabloid magazine “Hard Copy” showed up and did a segment on the murders. I remember watching the show and the reporter asked my dad, “IS this a HOUSE of DEATH?” My dad responded no and that they had gone to great lengths to assure the congregation that they themselves had no fears about living there (many in the congregation thought they’d be running out of the house, Amityville Horror style, after the first night).
In August of 1991, I moved back to Indiana and for two years slept in the basement of the parsonage. Basically, I slept about 5 feet from where the bodies of the mom and two daughters were found. But, it never bothered me for an instant. I suppose if I had known the family, it would have been creepy. I guess it could have been creepy anyway, knowing such carnage took place so close to where I slept. But it never bothered me.
Years passed, and Jeff Pelley moved to Florida, then moved to California and got on with his life. He married and had a very good job. Never did he tell his new wife about that day in April of 1989. Meanwhile, my parents had retired from the church and moved to Fort Wayne.
In the summer of of 2002, my parents decided to return to Olive Branch church on a part-time basic. Ironically, shortly after returning, charges were finally brought up against Jeff Pelley and he was brought into custody. However, they held Jeff for too long without bringing him to trial, and he was released in the spring of 2003. More time passed, and it looked like that if Jeff was guilty, he would be a free man.
But, he was arrested again, and held for a while with a trial set to start in July of 2006. My parents were very skeptical about the trial even happening. By this time, they had decided to retire once again and return to Fort Wayne. They thought long and hard about it, wondering if they should stick around and be with their congregation through the trial. In another coincidence, their last day at Olive Branch church was on Sunday, July 2, and the jury selection in the Jeff Pelley murder trial began that week.
The trial moved fairly quickly. The case went to the jury on Wednesday, July 19. For almost three whole days, the jury could not come to a verdict. Finally, at 9:30 p.m. on Friday evening, the verdict was announced. Jeff Pelley was found guilty.
This was a case in which one couldn’t imagine how they could find Jeff guilty while at the same time couldn’t imagine how they couldn’t find him guilty. Everyone felt he did it, but the whole case was based on circumstantial evidence, so it was surprising in a lot of ways that he was convicted.
Thus was brought to a close a dark chapter in the history of Olive Branch United Brethren Church. They are searching for a new pastor now, and my parents are now fully enjoying their second retirement.
Meanwhile, Jeff Pelley sits in jail awaiting his sentencing hearing in September. The alleged motive for the murders? Jeff wanted to go to the prom and his dad said no. Well, Jeff did indeed get to go to the prom. I wonder now as he sits in jail, after being free for 17 years, if he thinks it was worth it.
And now, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story.
The murders took place in April of 1989. At the time, I was living with my parents in Fountain Hills, Arizona, where my dad was pastor of a local United Brethren church. They had been there five years and had been wanting to at some point return to the Midwest. Well, such an opportunity had just presented itself.
So, in August of 1989, my parents moved back to Indiana to Lakeville, Indiana and took up residence in the parsonage where just four months earlier had been the site of one of the bloodiest murder scenes local police had ever seen. My dad was now the pastor of Olive Branch United Brethren Church.
Suspicion of the murders immediately fell on Jeff Pelley, who was 17 at the time. But he was never charged. A murder weapon was never found. There was no physical evidence inside the house because Jeff lived there. He had a seemingly airtight alibi in that he was at Great America in Illinois at the time.
Jeff came over to visit my parents once after they had moved in. He was a knife salesman. Yeah, that had to be a surreal experience. Someone suspected of mass murder showing you knives in the living room of the very house the killings took place in.
About a year after the murders, the tabloid magazine “Hard Copy” showed up and did a segment on the murders. I remember watching the show and the reporter asked my dad, “IS this a HOUSE of DEATH?” My dad responded no and that they had gone to great lengths to assure the congregation that they themselves had no fears about living there (many in the congregation thought they’d be running out of the house, Amityville Horror style, after the first night).
In August of 1991, I moved back to Indiana and for two years slept in the basement of the parsonage. Basically, I slept about 5 feet from where the bodies of the mom and two daughters were found. But, it never bothered me for an instant. I suppose if I had known the family, it would have been creepy. I guess it could have been creepy anyway, knowing such carnage took place so close to where I slept. But it never bothered me.
Years passed, and Jeff Pelley moved to Florida, then moved to California and got on with his life. He married and had a very good job. Never did he tell his new wife about that day in April of 1989. Meanwhile, my parents had retired from the church and moved to Fort Wayne.
In the summer of of 2002, my parents decided to return to Olive Branch church on a part-time basic. Ironically, shortly after returning, charges were finally brought up against Jeff Pelley and he was brought into custody. However, they held Jeff for too long without bringing him to trial, and he was released in the spring of 2003. More time passed, and it looked like that if Jeff was guilty, he would be a free man.
But, he was arrested again, and held for a while with a trial set to start in July of 2006. My parents were very skeptical about the trial even happening. By this time, they had decided to retire once again and return to Fort Wayne. They thought long and hard about it, wondering if they should stick around and be with their congregation through the trial. In another coincidence, their last day at Olive Branch church was on Sunday, July 2, and the jury selection in the Jeff Pelley murder trial began that week.
The trial moved fairly quickly. The case went to the jury on Wednesday, July 19. For almost three whole days, the jury could not come to a verdict. Finally, at 9:30 p.m. on Friday evening, the verdict was announced. Jeff Pelley was found guilty.
This was a case in which one couldn’t imagine how they could find Jeff guilty while at the same time couldn’t imagine how they couldn’t find him guilty. Everyone felt he did it, but the whole case was based on circumstantial evidence, so it was surprising in a lot of ways that he was convicted.
Thus was brought to a close a dark chapter in the history of Olive Branch United Brethren Church. They are searching for a new pastor now, and my parents are now fully enjoying their second retirement.
Meanwhile, Jeff Pelley sits in jail awaiting his sentencing hearing in September. The alleged motive for the murders? Jeff wanted to go to the prom and his dad said no. Well, Jeff did indeed get to go to the prom. I wonder now as he sits in jail, after being free for 17 years, if he thinks it was worth it.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Daddy is Here to Stay
In all seriousness, Cameron asked Dorene the other day, "Are we going to keep daddy?" Dorene inquired further and Cameron wondered if "we were going to give him away." When pushed further, Cameron said that no, he didn't want to get rid of me, because I was a good daddy and that I was funny.
What exactly prompted that we have no idea, but either way, I'm here to stay.
What exactly prompted that we have no idea, but either way, I'm here to stay.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
A Sigh of Relief
In the midst of Diane's chemotherapy, Dorene has been struggling with chest pains, shortness of breath, and some rather severe insomnia. Whether this has been brought on by the high level of stress she's been experiencing we were unsure. She went through a number of tests but they all brought up nothing. Then, after a trip to the ER, a test was ordered to check her throat and stomach.
What this resulted in was that a bunch of polyps were discovered in her stomach. Were they benign or not? We didn't know. Coming on the heels of Diane's cancer, optimism was not exactly flowing freely.
After an excruciating time of waiting for the results, Dorene finally found out that everything came up negative, and that the polyps were in no danger of becoming cancerous. A huge sigh of relief.
What this resulted in was that a bunch of polyps were discovered in her stomach. Were they benign or not? We didn't know. Coming on the heels of Diane's cancer, optimism was not exactly flowing freely.
After an excruciating time of waiting for the results, Dorene finally found out that everything came up negative, and that the polyps were in no danger of becoming cancerous. A huge sigh of relief.
Monday, July 10, 2006
World Cup Fever
Hey, wasn't that an exciting game yesterday for the World Cup final? What, you didn't watch? But billions around the world did. Oh yeah, I didn't watch it either. I was at the beach with my family. Saw the highlights and evidently it all came down to penalty kicks. Kind of an odd way to end the biggest game that takes place every four years. Sort of like ending the NBA finals with each player taking free throws, or a field goal kicking contest in the Super Bowl.
So Italy won and denied France a chance for a repeat. Thus ends another World Cup. Tune back in 2010 when once again, soccer will be poised to "take America by storm!"
So Italy won and denied France a chance for a repeat. Thus ends another World Cup. Tune back in 2010 when once again, soccer will be poised to "take America by storm!"
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Rick C. Dennie, M.P.A.
Three years after marching in the commencement ceremonies, I finally received my official graduate degree, a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University South Bend. It's a long story, but the director of the graduate program took soooooo long to finally sign off on my completing the requirements. There had been an issue of one class and whether or not I needed to take it. It turns out I didn't, but he had me submit a research proposal, which started out as being just a couple pages and finally ballooned into about 15-20. So we kept going back and forth, back and forth on how much more I needed to do. I would submit a draft, then wait a long time and hear nothing back. I'd contact him, make some more changes, then wait some more.
Finally, this past spring, I found out the director was going to retire, so I pushed again. Finally, he gave the authorization for me to graduate. So today, rather unceremoniously I walked over to the Registrar's Office and picked up my diploma. Three years after the fact, but now I can finally put that MPA designation on my business cards.
Finally, this past spring, I found out the director was going to retire, so I pushed again. Finally, he gave the authorization for me to graduate. So today, rather unceremoniously I walked over to the Registrar's Office and picked up my diploma. Three years after the fact, but now I can finally put that MPA designation on my business cards.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Dad's Last Sunday
Yesterday was my dad's last Sunday as pastor of Olive Branch Church in Lakeville, Indiana. I attended as did my brother Steve and his wife Pam, who came up from Fort Wayne. Stu is a pastor in Ohio so he was not able to attend.
I should quickly alter that opening sentence and say it was my parents' last Sunday at the church. If you look up pastoral team in the dictionary, you will find a picture of my mom and dad. They have been a pastoral team for 33 years and have pastored at six different churches.
Now, my dad did not become a pastor right out of college. He didn't immediately go to seminary and go right into the pastorate. For many years, he was a school teacher. He taught in Pennsylvania until we made the move to Lake Havasu City, Arizona where he continued to teach. It wasn't that he didn't want to be a pastor. No, it's just that my mom wasn't too keen on the idea of being a pastor's wife, which can be the front line for any and all "constructive criticism" that lay people like to subtly inflict on the preacher by going through the back door that is the preacher's wife. Plus, she was happy as her job of secretary to the school superintendent. Why give all that up?
But, she eventually saw the light, or got hit by a donkey, or something happened. So, in the summer of 1973, we packed it up and moved to California. Oh yeah, hang 10, off to California. Okay, it was Pixley, California, land of . . . well, not much. We did have a pomegranite tree in our backyard.
Mom and dad spent 10 years as pastor of Pixley United Brethren Church. It was a great 9 years and 11 months. Then, things got ugly. One of the leaders had something stuck in his, uh, mind, that my parents were . . . .well, I'm not sure exactly anymore what the issues were. It was all stupid. Nevertheless, my parents never got the proper sendoff from Pixley. This really hurt them and I'm not sure I truly understood at the time just how much (I was off to college just after they left). But the years in Pixley were very fruitful.
To me, one moment typifies the kind of pastor my dad was and that all pastors should strive for. He was named Lions Club Member of the Year. What does that tell you? Well, it says that my dad was not just a minister holed up in his church. No, he was out there in the community mixing it up with people that may go to church and some that would never come close to one. But the award also showed the kind of respect he generated from these same people. I doubt many pastors receive this kind of award because they don't get that involved in their local community. My dad did, and to me that was a very proud moment. Oh yeah, as a side note, he made sure that when he attended Club gatherings, he always poured his own punch, because he knew it would make someone's day to throw in a little "extra" of something for the local pastor.
From Pixley, they headed to Fountain Hills, Arizona, where they had a very good five years. A good sendoff and everything. They loved being back in Arizona again but now felt the desire to return to the midwest where they started (mom in Ohio and dad in Michigan). It was the summer of 1989 and news came of a stunning tragedy at Olive Branch United Brethren Church in Lakeville, Indiana. The pastor, his wife, and two daughters were brutally murdered in their home on a Saturday. Their bodies discovered Sunday morning by parishoners wondering where they were at. It would take 17 years before the case was finally solved as the eldest son, Jeff was convicted.
So, my parents moved to Lakeville that summer and took over the church. It was a very good fit. They were certainly the best ones to guide the congregation through such a tragedy. They had a good six years before moving to Fort Wayne where they became the pastoral team at Third Street United Brethren Church. This church eventually closed itself one day through a vote by the board and later reopened as Anchor Community Church, which my brother Steve now attends.
After leaving Third Street, my parents were part-time at the United Brethren Church in Convoy, Ohio, a church whose attendance made the one in Pixley look like a mega-church. But, they really enjoyed their time there and eventually turned over the reins to Stu, who is still the part-time pastor there. By the way, after leaving the church in Fort Wayne in 1998, we had a "retirement" party for dad, but that didn't last long.
During this time, Olive Branch Church had a couple different pastors come and go. They were again without a pastor and my mom and dad decided they wanted to go back. Coincidentally, shortly after returning, Jeff Pelley was charged with the murder of his parents and two step-daughters back in 1989. But it would take a while before the case was finally settled.
In what was supposed to be a part-time job pretty much turned full-time. Initially, my parents would drive up from Fort Wayne on the weekends (having bought a house there). But as time went on, they were basically up here most of the time. It was wonderful having them here, especially for our kids. Cameron would go out there usually every other week to spend the day and help grandpa "shoot the blackbirds." Of course, dad also did a lot of work on our house which we appreciated a great deal.
But in 2006, my parents were longing to truly retire and spend some time in their new house in Fort Wayne. Which brings us to July 2, and their last Sunday at Olive Branch. The service wasn't necessarily anything special, just vintage mom and dad. My mom playing the piano and my dad leading the congregation in the singing of several hymns. My mom leading the children in singing a song from a 1970's musical, "I Like the Sound of America." This brought back memories because I was in this musical when we did it in California. It was my first stage role and after performing the musical at the town's annual Harvest Festival, we took it on the road. Okay, we took it to the city of Alpaugh. Not exactly the longest commute.
Anyway, in addition to the children's choir, my mom got out her accordion. There was never any doubt that she would play "Mansion over the Hilltop" and she did. Next, my dad had all the men go on stage to sing. I had a very good guess what song it would be, and sure enough, it was "How Great Thou Art." But, this was done in dad-style. What this means, is that on the last time through the chorus, you hold those notes. "Then sings my soulllllllllllllllllllllllllll . . . . " and then finishing with the flourish, "How great thou arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt, how GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT................THOUUUUUUUUUUU..........(hit that high note) ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!" I say this with all due respect because no one leads the old time hymns like my dad (and my niece Paula called on him to do the same with "To God be the Glory" at her wedding last week).
Finally, my dad took to the pulpit for his final message. He's never written any books, never gone on the speaking circuit, but doggone it, he's a very good preacher. Speaks it like it is, adds lots of humor, doesn't speak over people's heads, really connects with his audience and displays a lot of passion for what he does. He has served the pulpit well for 33 years and the pulpit will have an empty space now that my dad isn't there to fill it. Next to him all these years was my mom, who supported him every step of the way and was such an intregal part of their success.
After the service, several of us went to Christo's, a wonderful lunchtime buffet in Plymouth. My parents had made reservations for about 20 but it was at least double that number that actually showed up. This was where everyone could say their final goodbyes. Throughout the day, Steve took lots of pictures. He's kind of become the official family photographer and documentarian of family gatherings, which we all appreciate because he does such a great job with it.
After Christo's, we went back to the parsonage for one last post-church analysis where my mom took attendance. She mails out bulletins to those that weren't able to attend. She's done this from the days of the purple ink ditto machine in Pixley to the "advanced" technology of the mimeograph machine, and finally to the computer age. Although, if she had her way, she'd still type up the bulletins on her old reliable IBM Selectric typewriter. As we talked about the day, we were all extremely pleased at how everything turned out. It truly was a good finale for mom and dad and a proper sendoff.
Thus came to an end their pastoral run at six different churches: Pixley, Fountain Hills, Lakeville, Fort Wayne, and Convoy. Wait a minute, that's only five. Well, evidently, there was some very brief stint in the hills of Kentucky or Maryland at a church which I hear was a cross between something you'd see in "Coal Miners Daughter" with a touch of "The Beverly Hillbillies." I believe they were there for a week, maybe two. I have become sketchy on the details of this stint, so I'll need to ask them about this one again.
Meanwhile, my parents will be retired again. We'll see how long it lasts this time.
I should quickly alter that opening sentence and say it was my parents' last Sunday at the church. If you look up pastoral team in the dictionary, you will find a picture of my mom and dad. They have been a pastoral team for 33 years and have pastored at six different churches.
Now, my dad did not become a pastor right out of college. He didn't immediately go to seminary and go right into the pastorate. For many years, he was a school teacher. He taught in Pennsylvania until we made the move to Lake Havasu City, Arizona where he continued to teach. It wasn't that he didn't want to be a pastor. No, it's just that my mom wasn't too keen on the idea of being a pastor's wife, which can be the front line for any and all "constructive criticism" that lay people like to subtly inflict on the preacher by going through the back door that is the preacher's wife. Plus, she was happy as her job of secretary to the school superintendent. Why give all that up?
But, she eventually saw the light, or got hit by a donkey, or something happened. So, in the summer of 1973, we packed it up and moved to California. Oh yeah, hang 10, off to California. Okay, it was Pixley, California, land of . . . well, not much. We did have a pomegranite tree in our backyard.
Mom and dad spent 10 years as pastor of Pixley United Brethren Church. It was a great 9 years and 11 months. Then, things got ugly. One of the leaders had something stuck in his, uh, mind, that my parents were . . . .well, I'm not sure exactly anymore what the issues were. It was all stupid. Nevertheless, my parents never got the proper sendoff from Pixley. This really hurt them and I'm not sure I truly understood at the time just how much (I was off to college just after they left). But the years in Pixley were very fruitful.
To me, one moment typifies the kind of pastor my dad was and that all pastors should strive for. He was named Lions Club Member of the Year. What does that tell you? Well, it says that my dad was not just a minister holed up in his church. No, he was out there in the community mixing it up with people that may go to church and some that would never come close to one. But the award also showed the kind of respect he generated from these same people. I doubt many pastors receive this kind of award because they don't get that involved in their local community. My dad did, and to me that was a very proud moment. Oh yeah, as a side note, he made sure that when he attended Club gatherings, he always poured his own punch, because he knew it would make someone's day to throw in a little "extra" of something for the local pastor.
From Pixley, they headed to Fountain Hills, Arizona, where they had a very good five years. A good sendoff and everything. They loved being back in Arizona again but now felt the desire to return to the midwest where they started (mom in Ohio and dad in Michigan). It was the summer of 1989 and news came of a stunning tragedy at Olive Branch United Brethren Church in Lakeville, Indiana. The pastor, his wife, and two daughters were brutally murdered in their home on a Saturday. Their bodies discovered Sunday morning by parishoners wondering where they were at. It would take 17 years before the case was finally solved as the eldest son, Jeff was convicted.
So, my parents moved to Lakeville that summer and took over the church. It was a very good fit. They were certainly the best ones to guide the congregation through such a tragedy. They had a good six years before moving to Fort Wayne where they became the pastoral team at Third Street United Brethren Church. This church eventually closed itself one day through a vote by the board and later reopened as Anchor Community Church, which my brother Steve now attends.
After leaving Third Street, my parents were part-time at the United Brethren Church in Convoy, Ohio, a church whose attendance made the one in Pixley look like a mega-church. But, they really enjoyed their time there and eventually turned over the reins to Stu, who is still the part-time pastor there. By the way, after leaving the church in Fort Wayne in 1998, we had a "retirement" party for dad, but that didn't last long.
During this time, Olive Branch Church had a couple different pastors come and go. They were again without a pastor and my mom and dad decided they wanted to go back. Coincidentally, shortly after returning, Jeff Pelley was charged with the murder of his parents and two step-daughters back in 1989. But it would take a while before the case was finally settled.
In what was supposed to be a part-time job pretty much turned full-time. Initially, my parents would drive up from Fort Wayne on the weekends (having bought a house there). But as time went on, they were basically up here most of the time. It was wonderful having them here, especially for our kids. Cameron would go out there usually every other week to spend the day and help grandpa "shoot the blackbirds." Of course, dad also did a lot of work on our house which we appreciated a great deal.
But in 2006, my parents were longing to truly retire and spend some time in their new house in Fort Wayne. Which brings us to July 2, and their last Sunday at Olive Branch. The service wasn't necessarily anything special, just vintage mom and dad. My mom playing the piano and my dad leading the congregation in the singing of several hymns. My mom leading the children in singing a song from a 1970's musical, "I Like the Sound of America." This brought back memories because I was in this musical when we did it in California. It was my first stage role and after performing the musical at the town's annual Harvest Festival, we took it on the road. Okay, we took it to the city of Alpaugh. Not exactly the longest commute.
Anyway, in addition to the children's choir, my mom got out her accordion. There was never any doubt that she would play "Mansion over the Hilltop" and she did. Next, my dad had all the men go on stage to sing. I had a very good guess what song it would be, and sure enough, it was "How Great Thou Art." But, this was done in dad-style. What this means, is that on the last time through the chorus, you hold those notes. "Then sings my soulllllllllllllllllllllllllll . . . . " and then finishing with the flourish, "How great thou arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt, how GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT................THOUUUUUUUUUUU..........(hit that high note) ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!" I say this with all due respect because no one leads the old time hymns like my dad (and my niece Paula called on him to do the same with "To God be the Glory" at her wedding last week).
Finally, my dad took to the pulpit for his final message. He's never written any books, never gone on the speaking circuit, but doggone it, he's a very good preacher. Speaks it like it is, adds lots of humor, doesn't speak over people's heads, really connects with his audience and displays a lot of passion for what he does. He has served the pulpit well for 33 years and the pulpit will have an empty space now that my dad isn't there to fill it. Next to him all these years was my mom, who supported him every step of the way and was such an intregal part of their success.
After the service, several of us went to Christo's, a wonderful lunchtime buffet in Plymouth. My parents had made reservations for about 20 but it was at least double that number that actually showed up. This was where everyone could say their final goodbyes. Throughout the day, Steve took lots of pictures. He's kind of become the official family photographer and documentarian of family gatherings, which we all appreciate because he does such a great job with it.
After Christo's, we went back to the parsonage for one last post-church analysis where my mom took attendance. She mails out bulletins to those that weren't able to attend. She's done this from the days of the purple ink ditto machine in Pixley to the "advanced" technology of the mimeograph machine, and finally to the computer age. Although, if she had her way, she'd still type up the bulletins on her old reliable IBM Selectric typewriter. As we talked about the day, we were all extremely pleased at how everything turned out. It truly was a good finale for mom and dad and a proper sendoff.
Thus came to an end their pastoral run at six different churches: Pixley, Fountain Hills, Lakeville, Fort Wayne, and Convoy. Wait a minute, that's only five. Well, evidently, there was some very brief stint in the hills of Kentucky or Maryland at a church which I hear was a cross between something you'd see in "Coal Miners Daughter" with a touch of "The Beverly Hillbillies." I believe they were there for a week, maybe two. I have become sketchy on the details of this stint, so I'll need to ask them about this one again.
Meanwhile, my parents will be retired again. We'll see how long it lasts this time.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Paula Jo Mirkle
My niece Paula is now a married woman. Wow, that’s pretty cool. I won’t go into all the “but it was just yesterday when Paula was a little girl” mush. She met the man of her dreams and smart girl, made sure he didn’t get way. Tom is a wonderful man and is going to take very good care of my niece. He is a great addition to the family.
The wedding took place in Van Wert, Ohio. Van Wert is famous for, uh, I don’t know, not being too far from Lima, Ohio, which is famous for, uh, okay never mind. Van Wert is a little Ohio town not too far from the Indiana border.
We stayed the night before in a motel in Van Wert. Dorene and the kids attended the rehearsal. I was supposed to, but didn’t make it. You see, Dorene gave me directions. I sort of listened to them, and sort of didn’t. The part I heard was that the church was right next to a drive-in theatre that had been destroyed by a tornado. I didn’t listen to the part where she gave the name of the church. Why? Because I’m a guy. No, because I knew where that theatre was at. So that’s where I went. Nope, no church here. I ultimately just went to the motel. Dorene’s explanation was that, well, the church was by “something” that had been destroyed. Okay, fine.
We got to the church the next morning extra early for the wedding, because the junior bridesmaid was none other than our very own Anna Lynn. Cameron was not part of the wedding, which is a very good thing, because at some point, he would have ended up trying to swim in the baptismal.
The wedding started with a prologue of sorts, which consisted of a slide show put together by my nephew Jonathon, who is pretty good at this stuff. This day was also Jonathon’s birthday, a fact that Paula took a lot of (evil) delight in. Then came the parade of the wedding party. The last two in were Anna, who was escorted by my nephew Curt, who on this day was not wearing his AC/DC by way of Metallica inspired by Ozzy Osborne circa Billy Idol attire. We were nervous about how Anna would handle being in front of everyone. But on the way down the aisle she gave a wink to Aunt Joyce, so we knew she would be just fine.
Officiating the ceremony was none other than Paula’s dad and my brother, Stu. I wasn’t sure how he’d get through it without tearing up. Hey, this was his little girl! But he did just fine. If he did get choked up, he hid it well. He did a great job officiating the wedding. My dad led the congregation in singing “To God be the Glory.” During the ceremony, Anna spotted Uncle Steve in the audience and gave an oh so subtle wave, that I’m not sure anyone else saw. She completely kept her composure, and did the wave kind of under her bouquet so it wasn’t obvious.
The wedding was just the right length. Afterwards, we gathered in the church fellowship hall for the reception, which Joyce and company did a bang-up job of decorating. Oh yes, then there was the extra touch that Curt added. They had this chocolate fountain, and next to it were several items for dipping into it, such as strawberries, cookies, marshmallows, cake, and fish sticks. Yes, Curt had threatened Paula for a long time about doing this, and sure enough, fish sticks were there by the chocolate fountain. Paula was (mock) horrified at this and they were taken away before someone actually decided to eat one. Anna and Cameron each ate about 3 pounds of chocolate between them, which meant bedtime would not be coming anytime soon.
We eventually made our way to the parking lot and saw Tom and Paula drive off together to begin their new life. Stu wasn’t showing it, but I’m sure this part kind of got to him, because at this point, his little girl was truly grown up now.
The wedding took place in Van Wert, Ohio. Van Wert is famous for, uh, I don’t know, not being too far from Lima, Ohio, which is famous for, uh, okay never mind. Van Wert is a little Ohio town not too far from the Indiana border.
We stayed the night before in a motel in Van Wert. Dorene and the kids attended the rehearsal. I was supposed to, but didn’t make it. You see, Dorene gave me directions. I sort of listened to them, and sort of didn’t. The part I heard was that the church was right next to a drive-in theatre that had been destroyed by a tornado. I didn’t listen to the part where she gave the name of the church. Why? Because I’m a guy. No, because I knew where that theatre was at. So that’s where I went. Nope, no church here. I ultimately just went to the motel. Dorene’s explanation was that, well, the church was by “something” that had been destroyed. Okay, fine.
We got to the church the next morning extra early for the wedding, because the junior bridesmaid was none other than our very own Anna Lynn. Cameron was not part of the wedding, which is a very good thing, because at some point, he would have ended up trying to swim in the baptismal.
The wedding started with a prologue of sorts, which consisted of a slide show put together by my nephew Jonathon, who is pretty good at this stuff. This day was also Jonathon’s birthday, a fact that Paula took a lot of (evil) delight in. Then came the parade of the wedding party. The last two in were Anna, who was escorted by my nephew Curt, who on this day was not wearing his AC/DC by way of Metallica inspired by Ozzy Osborne circa Billy Idol attire. We were nervous about how Anna would handle being in front of everyone. But on the way down the aisle she gave a wink to Aunt Joyce, so we knew she would be just fine.
Officiating the ceremony was none other than Paula’s dad and my brother, Stu. I wasn’t sure how he’d get through it without tearing up. Hey, this was his little girl! But he did just fine. If he did get choked up, he hid it well. He did a great job officiating the wedding. My dad led the congregation in singing “To God be the Glory.” During the ceremony, Anna spotted Uncle Steve in the audience and gave an oh so subtle wave, that I’m not sure anyone else saw. She completely kept her composure, and did the wave kind of under her bouquet so it wasn’t obvious.
The wedding was just the right length. Afterwards, we gathered in the church fellowship hall for the reception, which Joyce and company did a bang-up job of decorating. Oh yes, then there was the extra touch that Curt added. They had this chocolate fountain, and next to it were several items for dipping into it, such as strawberries, cookies, marshmallows, cake, and fish sticks. Yes, Curt had threatened Paula for a long time about doing this, and sure enough, fish sticks were there by the chocolate fountain. Paula was (mock) horrified at this and they were taken away before someone actually decided to eat one. Anna and Cameron each ate about 3 pounds of chocolate between them, which meant bedtime would not be coming anytime soon.
We eventually made our way to the parking lot and saw Tom and Paula drive off together to begin their new life. Stu wasn’t showing it, but I’m sure this part kind of got to him, because at this point, his little girl was truly grown up now.
Monday, June 19, 2006
"Dennie Donates to Al Gore"
Yes, last night I donated money to Al Gore! It's okay, I haven't crossed over. I went and saw "An Inconvenient Truth," the documentary which basically consists of an Al Gore slide show on global warming. That may not sound like the most exciting way to spend your time in a movie theatre, but I have to admit, it was really good.
Does Gore make a case for global warming? Yes, he does. Although, it's not him making the case, but instead a litany of scientific facts that are presenting the case. I will admit to being rather skeptical of the whole global warming thing and have always seen it as something that will affect us in, oh, maybe about a 1000 years, so nothing to get too worked up about. But the facts are there. It's not the earth getting old on us, it's humans sending noxious gasses into the atmosphere. It is really hard to argue with the science presented here. Gore indicates that we can indeed do something about it, and cites the changes in regulations with aerosols that helped alleviate the problems with the depletion of the ozone layer. The problem with global warming is one that can be solved, but we have to want to do it. Yes, that means all those big bad corporations beloved by Republicans have to climb aboard. If you follow politics much, you'll know that global warming, and Al Gore's cause to alert us to it, have been the punchline of many a Republican gathering.
But what can we do about it? There were 6 of us in the theatre that night, and I don't think we all left deciding to make this our cause. The first thing I caught myself doing when I left the theatre was saying, "Hey look, there's a poster for the Pirate's sequel." I drove home in my non-hybrid car, turned up the air conditioning because I wanted it cool, and kept some lights on all night. Woke up the next day and went to work, kind of forgetting all I learned the previous night.
So even though I believe Al Gore and what he's talking about, I'm not sure what will happen. Republicans stay far away from global warming as a campaign issue and you didn't exactly see the Democrats embracing it during the Clinton/Gore years in the White House (the last major piece of environmental legislation was the amendments to the Clean Air Act during Bush I).
But, I see this as a potential issue . . . for the evangelical base of the Republicans! If they could get over the fact they'd be admitting to something that Al Gore has been warning us about, this is an issue they could basically steal from the left and make it their own. Gore says it's a moral issue, not a political one, and he's right. As Christians, are we not stewards of God's creation? What better way to express this than to get on board and make global warming our hot button issue (and for once, not abortion, gay rights, and school prayer).
Not sure if it would happen, but I would embrace such a seismic policy shift in the Republican Party. We'll have to wait and see, but I don't believe any significant change will take place unless it's the evangelicals leading the way, and wow, what a site that would be to have us at the forefront of this issue that truly affects millions, especially those in poor and underdeveloped areas of the world. Plus, this would just absolutely freak out the Greenpeace activists if the Republicans were suddenly at the forefront of the environmental issues.
Does Gore make a case for global warming? Yes, he does. Although, it's not him making the case, but instead a litany of scientific facts that are presenting the case. I will admit to being rather skeptical of the whole global warming thing and have always seen it as something that will affect us in, oh, maybe about a 1000 years, so nothing to get too worked up about. But the facts are there. It's not the earth getting old on us, it's humans sending noxious gasses into the atmosphere. It is really hard to argue with the science presented here. Gore indicates that we can indeed do something about it, and cites the changes in regulations with aerosols that helped alleviate the problems with the depletion of the ozone layer. The problem with global warming is one that can be solved, but we have to want to do it. Yes, that means all those big bad corporations beloved by Republicans have to climb aboard. If you follow politics much, you'll know that global warming, and Al Gore's cause to alert us to it, have been the punchline of many a Republican gathering.
But what can we do about it? There were 6 of us in the theatre that night, and I don't think we all left deciding to make this our cause. The first thing I caught myself doing when I left the theatre was saying, "Hey look, there's a poster for the Pirate's sequel." I drove home in my non-hybrid car, turned up the air conditioning because I wanted it cool, and kept some lights on all night. Woke up the next day and went to work, kind of forgetting all I learned the previous night.
So even though I believe Al Gore and what he's talking about, I'm not sure what will happen. Republicans stay far away from global warming as a campaign issue and you didn't exactly see the Democrats embracing it during the Clinton/Gore years in the White House (the last major piece of environmental legislation was the amendments to the Clean Air Act during Bush I).
But, I see this as a potential issue . . . for the evangelical base of the Republicans! If they could get over the fact they'd be admitting to something that Al Gore has been warning us about, this is an issue they could basically steal from the left and make it their own. Gore says it's a moral issue, not a political one, and he's right. As Christians, are we not stewards of God's creation? What better way to express this than to get on board and make global warming our hot button issue (and for once, not abortion, gay rights, and school prayer).
Not sure if it would happen, but I would embrace such a seismic policy shift in the Republican Party. We'll have to wait and see, but I don't believe any significant change will take place unless it's the evangelicals leading the way, and wow, what a site that would be to have us at the forefront of this issue that truly affects millions, especially those in poor and underdeveloped areas of the world. Plus, this would just absolutely freak out the Greenpeace activists if the Republicans were suddenly at the forefront of the environmental issues.
Friday, June 16, 2006
A Pleasant Surprise
Today was staff appreciation day at IU South Bend. The whole day is set aside for fun and games. At the opening breakfast, the Chancellor gives some remarks and then employees are recognized for their years of service (those for 5 years, 10 years, etc). Then they give an award to a staff member called the Spirit Award. This is voted on by the professional staff and goes to a staff member that best exemplifies going that extra mile for students, staff and faculty alike.
Well, this year, the award went to me. I was pleasantly surprised and also quite honored that my fellow colleagues viewed me in this light. I am not one that seeks the spotlight or looks to have my deeds at work constantly confirmed or uplifted (no ego to stroke here). But knowing I have the respect and admiration of those I work with really was a nice gesture on their part.
Well, this year, the award went to me. I was pleasantly surprised and also quite honored that my fellow colleagues viewed me in this light. I am not one that seeks the spotlight or looks to have my deeds at work constantly confirmed or uplifted (no ego to stroke here). But knowing I have the respect and admiration of those I work with really was a nice gesture on their part.
Rick, Table Tennis King (for now)
For a year and a half, I have been going to the South Bend Table Tennis club on Thursday nights where they have a round robin tournament. I played for years and years growing up but took about a 20 year hiatus from playing regularly and have now gotten back into the swing of things.
This is really a fun club. Only for the serious player. It is run by Dan Seemiller, a former U.S. champion and coach of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team. There are some really, really good players that come out. One of them is Mark Hazinski, who was on our Olympic team in Athens in 2004. Another is AJ Brewer, who is one of the top junior players in the nation (he is I think, 10 or 11). Dan Seemiller has a son (Dan, Jr.) who is also very good.
You play against other guys within your own ranking. So no, I'll never play Mark. For a year, I've always basically stayed on the lowest table. I'll sometimes win and get to move up, but then quickly move back down. I've been doing this up and down thing for well over a year. Just can't seem to take it to the next level. So, I was getting kind of discouraged and hadn't been to the club for a couple months.
Well, something clicked last night. I was placed in a higher group this time because there were a lot of first timers there. I went up against guys that all had higher rankings than me. The first guy I played I had no business beating, but did, 3-0. The next one went down, 3-0. Then another one 3-2. Then another, 3-0. I am not sure what happened. One of the guys I beat commented that I must have been playing a lot lately since I was doing so well. Truth is, I hadn't been. I just got in the groove and was suddenly unstoppable.
What this means is the next time the club meets, I'll get to move up to Table 2, which is one step away from where the Olympic players compete. I'll get massacred, but it'll be fun. The unfortunate thing is, it'll be 2 or 3 months before this happens because the club takes a break during the summer.
So, I'll have to wait to continue my quest for glory. Although, maybe this is a good time to hang it up and go out on a high note. So, yes, maybe I'll announce my retirement. Look on ESPN 2 or maybe your local public access channel and see if they cover the live press conference.
This is really a fun club. Only for the serious player. It is run by Dan Seemiller, a former U.S. champion and coach of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team. There are some really, really good players that come out. One of them is Mark Hazinski, who was on our Olympic team in Athens in 2004. Another is AJ Brewer, who is one of the top junior players in the nation (he is I think, 10 or 11). Dan Seemiller has a son (Dan, Jr.) who is also very good.
You play against other guys within your own ranking. So no, I'll never play Mark. For a year, I've always basically stayed on the lowest table. I'll sometimes win and get to move up, but then quickly move back down. I've been doing this up and down thing for well over a year. Just can't seem to take it to the next level. So, I was getting kind of discouraged and hadn't been to the club for a couple months.
Well, something clicked last night. I was placed in a higher group this time because there were a lot of first timers there. I went up against guys that all had higher rankings than me. The first guy I played I had no business beating, but did, 3-0. The next one went down, 3-0. Then another one 3-2. Then another, 3-0. I am not sure what happened. One of the guys I beat commented that I must have been playing a lot lately since I was doing so well. Truth is, I hadn't been. I just got in the groove and was suddenly unstoppable.
What this means is the next time the club meets, I'll get to move up to Table 2, which is one step away from where the Olympic players compete. I'll get massacred, but it'll be fun. The unfortunate thing is, it'll be 2 or 3 months before this happens because the club takes a break during the summer.
So, I'll have to wait to continue my quest for glory. Although, maybe this is a good time to hang it up and go out on a high note. So, yes, maybe I'll announce my retirement. Look on ESPN 2 or maybe your local public access channel and see if they cover the live press conference.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
A Day Not to Remember
Last Thursday was one of the stranger days I've experienced.
In the morning, I took our dog, Gabby, to the vet. On the way there, I stopped at BK to get something to eat. While there, I saw on the news that Al-Zarqawi had been killed. That is a huge development in Iraq. One can only hope that this finally helps stabilize things over there. But, I wasn't much in the mood to celebrate. Any other day, I've would've watched the news updates all day long to find out more.
But this morning, I was preoccupied as I was taking our dog to the vet. When I left Gabby, I figured it was the last time I'd see her (and in my post of June 9, that was indeed the case).
When I got to work, I had a messge to call Barbara, the secretary in the Social Work program. They were having an orientation for their new students that I was assisting with. I attempted to call her but she was not in. About a half-hour later, there was a lot of activity going on in the lobby. Something happened upstairs and the ambulance was brought in. What happened was that Barbara collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where she died shortly thereafter. One of our staff members, who is a nurse, ran upstairs to adminster CPR, but she was already too far gone.
Meanwhile, as this is going on, another co-worker had to rush out because her father was being taken to the hospital and as it turns out, needed open heart surgery.
Later in the afternoon, I get the call from my vet that Gabby has to be put down.
Then, we get a call from Chicago that Dorene's sister, Dianne, is not doing very good at all. She is in extreme, constant pain and the doctors are totally baffled as to why. She has been hospitalized all week and nothing seems to be working. She is on a pain-killer much more powerful than morphine and it doesn't seem to be helping. So, Dorene and her dad decide to head to Chicago the next day. In the midst of this, I call Dorene and give her the news on Gabby, which she expected, but still was hard.
Back at the office, I am helping the Director of the Social Work program with their orientation. All their students are huddled in our office area as they clear the main lobby to bring the stretcher through. When they asked us to clear out the whole lobby and shut the doors, you knew it was bad, and it was.
All of us are pretty rattled.
Another co-worker gets a call that a relative has lapsed into a coma in New York.
Back home, Dorene is experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. She isn't sure how much of this is physical or mental. She went to the doctor on Wednesday and got a clean bill of health, but she isn't absolutely convinced.
What a day, not one I wish to go through again.
Postscript:
On Monday, Dorene has not slept all night. She is still having the pains and is having a lot of panic attacks. I stay home so she can go to the doctor. Her regular doctor is not in because her father passed away over the weekend. Nothing is found wrong with Dorene. She is given some medication which only serves to make her very sick.
When I call in to work, I'm told that Jeff, in our career services office, will not be in because his mother passed away.
I get a call from my mom. She has been to the eye doctor and the bottom line is that she is going blind. Her left eye is beyond repair and her right away, while still healthy, is giving the doctors much to worry about. Could she have her sight for months or years? We don't know.
What is going on here? But a bit of good news. Diane is doing wonderful and is scheduled to be released today. It's been a wild few days with the steadiest stream of bad news I've ever encountered.
In the morning, I took our dog, Gabby, to the vet. On the way there, I stopped at BK to get something to eat. While there, I saw on the news that Al-Zarqawi had been killed. That is a huge development in Iraq. One can only hope that this finally helps stabilize things over there. But, I wasn't much in the mood to celebrate. Any other day, I've would've watched the news updates all day long to find out more.
But this morning, I was preoccupied as I was taking our dog to the vet. When I left Gabby, I figured it was the last time I'd see her (and in my post of June 9, that was indeed the case).
When I got to work, I had a messge to call Barbara, the secretary in the Social Work program. They were having an orientation for their new students that I was assisting with. I attempted to call her but she was not in. About a half-hour later, there was a lot of activity going on in the lobby. Something happened upstairs and the ambulance was brought in. What happened was that Barbara collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where she died shortly thereafter. One of our staff members, who is a nurse, ran upstairs to adminster CPR, but she was already too far gone.
Meanwhile, as this is going on, another co-worker had to rush out because her father was being taken to the hospital and as it turns out, needed open heart surgery.
Later in the afternoon, I get the call from my vet that Gabby has to be put down.
Then, we get a call from Chicago that Dorene's sister, Dianne, is not doing very good at all. She is in extreme, constant pain and the doctors are totally baffled as to why. She has been hospitalized all week and nothing seems to be working. She is on a pain-killer much more powerful than morphine and it doesn't seem to be helping. So, Dorene and her dad decide to head to Chicago the next day. In the midst of this, I call Dorene and give her the news on Gabby, which she expected, but still was hard.
Back at the office, I am helping the Director of the Social Work program with their orientation. All their students are huddled in our office area as they clear the main lobby to bring the stretcher through. When they asked us to clear out the whole lobby and shut the doors, you knew it was bad, and it was.
All of us are pretty rattled.
Another co-worker gets a call that a relative has lapsed into a coma in New York.
Back home, Dorene is experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. She isn't sure how much of this is physical or mental. She went to the doctor on Wednesday and got a clean bill of health, but she isn't absolutely convinced.
What a day, not one I wish to go through again.
Postscript:
On Monday, Dorene has not slept all night. She is still having the pains and is having a lot of panic attacks. I stay home so she can go to the doctor. Her regular doctor is not in because her father passed away over the weekend. Nothing is found wrong with Dorene. She is given some medication which only serves to make her very sick.
When I call in to work, I'm told that Jeff, in our career services office, will not be in because his mother passed away.
I get a call from my mom. She has been to the eye doctor and the bottom line is that she is going blind. Her left eye is beyond repair and her right away, while still healthy, is giving the doctors much to worry about. Could she have her sight for months or years? We don't know.
What is going on here? But a bit of good news. Diane is doing wonderful and is scheduled to be released today. It's been a wild few days with the steadiest stream of bad news I've ever encountered.
Monday, June 12, 2006
"Cars" Under the Stars
This past weekend, while Dorene was in Chicago visiting Diane, I took the kids to see the new Pixar movie, "Cars." To make it a little more fun, I took them to see it at the drive-in theatre in Plymouth, which is one of several in Indiana but one of only a few left nationwide.
This is a very family-friendly place. They search your car prior to entering for any alcoholic beverages. I have no problem submitting to that kind of search. Also, you have to pay $5.00 if you bring in outside food. The reason is that these theatres are strictly mom and pop operations and the vast majority of their revenue is based on concessions. So, if no one gets anything there to eat, they'll lose money. Also, to get in, it costs $7.00 per adult and $4.00 per kid, and that's for a double feature. So, the money is not rolling in with ticket sales.
We decided to help them out and get all our snacks at their concession stand. This is not your typical snack counter. They have the usual popcorn and stuff, but also burgers, brats, dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, cheese sticks and much more. They urge you to come early, which they claim is to get a good spot to see the screen, but it's actually so you'll also have dinner there.
They also have a playground, so the kids were very much entertained prior to the start of the movie, which got going around 9:15 p.m. (daylight savings time kinda reeks havoc on drive-ins). Prior to the start of the movie, they show theatre ads from the 50's and 60's, urging you to go to the snack bar, which is kinda cool. The one modern day touch is you no longer hear the movie from speakers attached to a pole that you place by your window. All the sound comes through your FM radio.
Back when I lived in Pixley, California, I went to the drive-in on occasion with my brother Stu and his wife Joyce. The one theatre we would go to was the Sequoia Auto Drive-in, which, if it still actually open, I'd be very surprised. It was a dump of rather epic proportions . . .but it was cheap. They charged by the carload, which I think at the time was $5.00. This was for a TRIPLE FEATURE. Of course, not a triple feature of first run movies. The first time I went there we saw the scintillating triple bill of "Love at First Bite," "Harper Valley PTA," and "Ffolkes." This was not the most family-friendly place. In fact, Stu would not let me go the snack bar by myself. But, for the money, definitely a bargain.
As for the movie "Cars," the kids enjoyed it, and I really enjoyed it. Not quite on par with "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles," but still top-notch entertainment. We didn't stay for the 2nd feature that night, which was "The Shaggy Dog." It wasn't starting until 11:30 p.m., which is just a little too late.
As for the drive-in, the kids absolutely loved it, so we'll be back. I enjoyed it too, brought back memories of the triple features at the Sequoia Auto. But at least at this place, when the kids get older, I think I'll be able to let them visit the snack bar without armed escort.
This is a very family-friendly place. They search your car prior to entering for any alcoholic beverages. I have no problem submitting to that kind of search. Also, you have to pay $5.00 if you bring in outside food. The reason is that these theatres are strictly mom and pop operations and the vast majority of their revenue is based on concessions. So, if no one gets anything there to eat, they'll lose money. Also, to get in, it costs $7.00 per adult and $4.00 per kid, and that's for a double feature. So, the money is not rolling in with ticket sales.
We decided to help them out and get all our snacks at their concession stand. This is not your typical snack counter. They have the usual popcorn and stuff, but also burgers, brats, dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, cheese sticks and much more. They urge you to come early, which they claim is to get a good spot to see the screen, but it's actually so you'll also have dinner there.
They also have a playground, so the kids were very much entertained prior to the start of the movie, which got going around 9:15 p.m. (daylight savings time kinda reeks havoc on drive-ins). Prior to the start of the movie, they show theatre ads from the 50's and 60's, urging you to go to the snack bar, which is kinda cool. The one modern day touch is you no longer hear the movie from speakers attached to a pole that you place by your window. All the sound comes through your FM radio.
Back when I lived in Pixley, California, I went to the drive-in on occasion with my brother Stu and his wife Joyce. The one theatre we would go to was the Sequoia Auto Drive-in, which, if it still actually open, I'd be very surprised. It was a dump of rather epic proportions . . .but it was cheap. They charged by the carload, which I think at the time was $5.00. This was for a TRIPLE FEATURE. Of course, not a triple feature of first run movies. The first time I went there we saw the scintillating triple bill of "Love at First Bite," "Harper Valley PTA," and "Ffolkes." This was not the most family-friendly place. In fact, Stu would not let me go the snack bar by myself. But, for the money, definitely a bargain.
As for the movie "Cars," the kids enjoyed it, and I really enjoyed it. Not quite on par with "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles," but still top-notch entertainment. We didn't stay for the 2nd feature that night, which was "The Shaggy Dog." It wasn't starting until 11:30 p.m., which is just a little too late.
As for the drive-in, the kids absolutely loved it, so we'll be back. I enjoyed it too, brought back memories of the triple features at the Sequoia Auto. But at least at this place, when the kids get older, I think I'll be able to let them visit the snack bar without armed escort.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Farewell to Christine
Yesterday at work, we said farewell to Christine Richardson, who had been Director of Career Services for the past 6 years. She was headed off to Massachusetts to join her husband, who had gotten a job out there with a local symphony (he had at one time headed the South Bend Symphony).
Christine had a phenomenal tenure here at IU South Bend. She built the Career Services office into a little corner office with virtually no student traffic to a little corner office with non-stop student traffic (hey, this is higher education, job may change, but space doesn't, even if you are doing more). Her efforts and those of her staff resulted in a huge benefit for students and alumni alike. It was truly impressive to see just how much she built up the office. I had the privilege of having her as my supervisor during my brief tenure as Director of Graduate Programs, which was brief because the office was closed.
Christine was a blast to work with, to put it simply. In our weekly Director's meetings, Christine could always be counted on to liven things up. She weathered a lot of good times, and not so good times in the Career office, and we were with her every step of the way. She was never less than 100% professional and the Career Office was a hidden gem withing IUSB, never more so than each March when they hosted a huge career fair which brought in hundreds of employers and job seekers.
For her going away present, I gave her a set of bumper stickers which I felt would make her feel right at home in Massachusetts, which I described as a "freakin' liberal paradise." You see, Christine is a hard core Democrat and I'm, well, not. Needless to say, I had a little fun over the past few years with the election results. But, I told her that I wanted her to feel comfortable where she was going and to remember that us right wing wackos have a sense of humor. The bumper stickers I gave her said:
* Save Our Jobs, Outsource Bush!
* Don't Blame Me, I Voted For Kerry.
* Bush, YOU'RE FIRED!
* Is it 2008 Yet?
* George W. Bush: No Millionaire Left Behind.
* I'm Tired of all the BUSHIT.
Needless to say, it wasn't hard finding these bumper stickers and there were lots and lots to choose from.
Christine had a phenomenal tenure here at IU South Bend. She built the Career Services office into a little corner office with virtually no student traffic to a little corner office with non-stop student traffic (hey, this is higher education, job may change, but space doesn't, even if you are doing more). Her efforts and those of her staff resulted in a huge benefit for students and alumni alike. It was truly impressive to see just how much she built up the office. I had the privilege of having her as my supervisor during my brief tenure as Director of Graduate Programs, which was brief because the office was closed.
Christine was a blast to work with, to put it simply. In our weekly Director's meetings, Christine could always be counted on to liven things up. She weathered a lot of good times, and not so good times in the Career office, and we were with her every step of the way. She was never less than 100% professional and the Career Office was a hidden gem withing IUSB, never more so than each March when they hosted a huge career fair which brought in hundreds of employers and job seekers.
For her going away present, I gave her a set of bumper stickers which I felt would make her feel right at home in Massachusetts, which I described as a "freakin' liberal paradise." You see, Christine is a hard core Democrat and I'm, well, not. Needless to say, I had a little fun over the past few years with the election results. But, I told her that I wanted her to feel comfortable where she was going and to remember that us right wing wackos have a sense of humor. The bumper stickers I gave her said:
* Save Our Jobs, Outsource Bush!
* Don't Blame Me, I Voted For Kerry.
* Bush, YOU'RE FIRED!
* Is it 2008 Yet?
* George W. Bush: No Millionaire Left Behind.
* I'm Tired of all the BUSHIT.
Needless to say, it wasn't hard finding these bumper stickers and there were lots and lots to choose from.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Gabby the Dog: 1997 - 2006
Just over a year ago, we had to put our cat, Max, to sleep. Yesterday, we had to do the same for Gabby, our collie mix that had been with us for 9 years. She had developed liver failure and other problemss which had caused her to stop eating and drinking, and the vet indicated there was no cure. The life expectancy for this breed was 10-12 years, so it was not a total shock.
We got Gabby in March of 1997. A colleague of Dorene's indicated she had a dog that had been abandoned along a roadside up in Michigan and they took it in. We went to visit to see if we wanted to take her home. At that time, her name was Callie. We immediately fell in love with her and brought her home.
Why the name switch? Well, she talked! When Britt, Dorene's colleague, called out for her to come in to the house, Gabby just stared at her and howled. This would be Gabby's trademark, and it was always funny to watch.
Although a full sized dog, Gabby liked nothing more than coming in at night and sleeping in our room. She did this every night. Never made a sound or got restless. When we opened the door at night and said "go to bed," she headed straight for the bedroom, plopped herself down on a blanked, and that was it. Same for trips. She loved going for a ride in the van. You asked her if she wanted to go "bye-bye" and she immediately got all excited.
We built a fence in our backyard so Gabby could run loose. She was not a dog that needed much entertaining. She just liked being outside and doing the usual dog things like barking at the mailman (which she did so ferociously). Although, her bark was likely worse than her bite. One day, she got out of the gate, barking at the mailman. The mailman yelled at her to get back in the yard, and Gabby slinked away. However, other people did not know if Gabby would indeed bite their arm off, so she was a good guard dog in that capacity. My grandma used to have a dog named King that I have no doubt would have bit my arm off, just for starters.
Gabby had a special bond with my brother Steve. When Steve would scratch her back, Gabby would just howl in delight. She did not do this with anyone else, just Steve. It was always hilarious to watch and Steve always got a kick out of it.
Last year, we got a puppy. A rat terrier named Daphne. Her and Gabby immediately bonded. We're glad that Gabby had a playmate for the last months of her life. They had a lot of fun together. When we visited Dorene's parents, Gabby loved to explore their big back yard. Daphne would just trail along, going wherever Gabby went like a faithful sidekick.
On Tuesday of this week, Dorene took Gabby to the vet and was told that we could choose to run some tests on her to diagnose the problem. We were given a 60/40 chance that it could come out okay. We were given some antibiotics to try out. After a couple days of this, it was obvious that the problems were very serious and the medicine was not going to work out. It was decided I would take her back in on Thursday to run the tests on her. On Wednesday, we both came to realization that this would be her last day with us. We spent a lot of time in the back yard with her, just sitting with her and petting her. Dorene took a midnight walk with her as her last activity. Going on a walk was what Gabby lived for.
On Thursday morning, Gabby was her usual excited self when I loaded her in the van. At the vet's office, she was very perky and wagging her tail the whole time. When it was time for her to go with the vet to begin her tests, she was very happy. Later that day, the vet called and told me the results of the tests were not very positive. We could choose to bring Gabby home and let her live this out for as long as we could, or, we could choose to remember Gabby as she was. It was clear that if we brought her home, her quality of life would be severely diminished. We don't believe in doing that to animals. So, I gave the go ahead to put her down.
Cameron asked me if Gabby was "smiling" when I left her at the vet's office. The truth is, she was. That was the last image I had of her and it's a good one.
We got Gabby in March of 1997. A colleague of Dorene's indicated she had a dog that had been abandoned along a roadside up in Michigan and they took it in. We went to visit to see if we wanted to take her home. At that time, her name was Callie. We immediately fell in love with her and brought her home.
Why the name switch? Well, she talked! When Britt, Dorene's colleague, called out for her to come in to the house, Gabby just stared at her and howled. This would be Gabby's trademark, and it was always funny to watch.
Although a full sized dog, Gabby liked nothing more than coming in at night and sleeping in our room. She did this every night. Never made a sound or got restless. When we opened the door at night and said "go to bed," she headed straight for the bedroom, plopped herself down on a blanked, and that was it. Same for trips. She loved going for a ride in the van. You asked her if she wanted to go "bye-bye" and she immediately got all excited.
We built a fence in our backyard so Gabby could run loose. She was not a dog that needed much entertaining. She just liked being outside and doing the usual dog things like barking at the mailman (which she did so ferociously). Although, her bark was likely worse than her bite. One day, she got out of the gate, barking at the mailman. The mailman yelled at her to get back in the yard, and Gabby slinked away. However, other people did not know if Gabby would indeed bite their arm off, so she was a good guard dog in that capacity. My grandma used to have a dog named King that I have no doubt would have bit my arm off, just for starters.
Gabby had a special bond with my brother Steve. When Steve would scratch her back, Gabby would just howl in delight. She did not do this with anyone else, just Steve. It was always hilarious to watch and Steve always got a kick out of it.
Last year, we got a puppy. A rat terrier named Daphne. Her and Gabby immediately bonded. We're glad that Gabby had a playmate for the last months of her life. They had a lot of fun together. When we visited Dorene's parents, Gabby loved to explore their big back yard. Daphne would just trail along, going wherever Gabby went like a faithful sidekick.
On Tuesday of this week, Dorene took Gabby to the vet and was told that we could choose to run some tests on her to diagnose the problem. We were given a 60/40 chance that it could come out okay. We were given some antibiotics to try out. After a couple days of this, it was obvious that the problems were very serious and the medicine was not going to work out. It was decided I would take her back in on Thursday to run the tests on her. On Wednesday, we both came to realization that this would be her last day with us. We spent a lot of time in the back yard with her, just sitting with her and petting her. Dorene took a midnight walk with her as her last activity. Going on a walk was what Gabby lived for.
On Thursday morning, Gabby was her usual excited self when I loaded her in the van. At the vet's office, she was very perky and wagging her tail the whole time. When it was time for her to go with the vet to begin her tests, she was very happy. Later that day, the vet called and told me the results of the tests were not very positive. We could choose to bring Gabby home and let her live this out for as long as we could, or, we could choose to remember Gabby as she was. It was clear that if we brought her home, her quality of life would be severely diminished. We don't believe in doing that to animals. So, I gave the go ahead to put her down.
Cameron asked me if Gabby was "smiling" when I left her at the vet's office. The truth is, she was. That was the last image I had of her and it's a good one.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
A Daniel Wannabee
I read an article in USA Today about a guy in Russia that lowered himself into the lion pit at a local zoo. He claimed that "If there was a God, he'd keep him safe." The man was immediately mauled by the lion.
Okay, I guess you could go crazy with analogies here on how God will protect us, how we shouldn't test Him, etc. But how about some simple words of wisdom. Uh, stay out of the lion cage.
Okay, I guess you could go crazy with analogies here on how God will protect us, how we shouldn't test Him, etc. But how about some simple words of wisdom. Uh, stay out of the lion cage.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Are you ready for some futbol?
It's about that time again. The World Cup is set to begin. So, once more, we'll be hearing the following:
- Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Maybe so, but not here in the USA. Okay, so we haven't gotten on board with what the rest of the world likes. SO WHAT! We got the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball, NASCAR and the Scripps Spelling Bee. In many countries, soccer is it. Soccer fever just isn't going to happen here.
- Millions of youngsters in the U.S. play soccer, which demonstrates just how popular the sport has become and is ready to take off as a spectator sport. Yes, many play it. But watch it? Not ever going to happen. Got that? Ain't never going to happen. Lots of people ride their bicycles. That doesn't mean we're going to have a "Tour de US" anytime soon that takes the country by storm.
- The U.S. is fielding a good team this year and could possibly make a run. Maybe so. If that's the case, I'll certainly watch, as many will, with interest. But after it's over, it's over. The Olympic hockey team winning the gold medal in 1980 didn't cause a spike in NHL attendance and overall hockey fever. The U.S. women's world cup victory in 1999 was one of the most exciting events I've ever watched, and then I didn't watch another soccer game for years. That particular game caused a brief spike in soccer interest, as a new league was formed. But that league recently folded.
- Soccer is the most exciting sport in the world. Even a 1-0 game is a thing of beauty. Yeah, it's real exciting. You ALMOST have a goal every so often. What sports fan in the U.S. doesn't hope for a 6-3 score in the Super Bowl, a 1-0 score in game 7 of the World Series, a 20-18 score in the NBA finals. Yeah, go defense!
- This will be the year soccer really takes off in the USA as a spectator sport. Uh huh. Kinda like back in the '70's when Pele came ashore and played here in the North American Soccer League. I do believe that league is defunct. Or in 1994, when the U.S. hosted the World Cup, nothing happened. Ever see Major League Soccer games broadcast in prime time? Soccer has been revived many times and it continues to fail as a spectator sport.
- Television ratings in the rest of the world would absolutely dwarf those of American Idol. Yeah, well I'd still rather watch Taylor v. Katherine than Ghana v. Czech Republic.
Once again, the U.S. will be chastised for not "getting it" as to the world-wide popularity of soccer. The thing is, we do get it, we're not interested. I'm not quite sure why we're supposed to feel guilty about that, but so be it.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Civil Political Discourse
Yesterday at work, during a reception for one of our fellow staff members that is leaving, several of us were talking politics. As to be expected in a state university, I was the lone Republican outnumbered by 6 Democrats.
We were talking about the 2008 election and who would run, what the issues would be, etc. All this was done in a very polite, non-confrontational manner. One of the staff members commented how nice it would be if all political debate could be like this, and not so divisive. I agree, it would be refreshing. But that will probably never happen, and both sides are equally to blame.
I did find it interesting that my fellow Democrats, which numbered 5 women and 1 man, all thought the idea of a Hillary candidacy in 2008 was a very bad idea. They don't think she can be elected. I agree, but figured that was just because most Republicans think that. I figured they'd all be in favor of her running, but they definitely do not feel that way. They are not sure who should run. I mentioned Al Gore, and they laughed. Someone mentioned Bill Clinton being allowed to run again, but no one wanted him back in either. I decided to have a little fun and said that maybe Jeb Bush will run in 2008. They obviously didn't think that was too good of an idea.
We were talking about the 2008 election and who would run, what the issues would be, etc. All this was done in a very polite, non-confrontational manner. One of the staff members commented how nice it would be if all political debate could be like this, and not so divisive. I agree, it would be refreshing. But that will probably never happen, and both sides are equally to blame.
I did find it interesting that my fellow Democrats, which numbered 5 women and 1 man, all thought the idea of a Hillary candidacy in 2008 was a very bad idea. They don't think she can be elected. I agree, but figured that was just because most Republicans think that. I figured they'd all be in favor of her running, but they definitely do not feel that way. They are not sure who should run. I mentioned Al Gore, and they laughed. Someone mentioned Bill Clinton being allowed to run again, but no one wanted him back in either. I decided to have a little fun and said that maybe Jeb Bush will run in 2008. They obviously didn't think that was too good of an idea.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
A new addition to the family
Okay, the idea was this: Diane wanted a new kitten. So, Dorene found one in South Bend and we took it to her this past weekend for her to have on a trial basis and see how it works out. To repeat, this was in no way going to be OUR cat, but would be for Diane. If it didn't work out for her, the kitten would go back to the owner.
So here we are a few days later and the kitten has just returned from the vet with it's shots and is now part of our zoo. How did that happen? I blame Anna and the kitten.
On the way to Chicago, this kitten was so calm. Didn't fuss at all. We had it loose in the van and she just sort of wandered around. But she really latched onto Anna. She would crawl up on her lap and just soak up the attention. She then went to sleep in a little makeshift hammock between Anna and Cam's car seats. All weekend, the kitten was constantly after Anna, wanting her attention.
So, before we even got to Chicago, I had decided that we'd keep the kitten if it didn't work out with Diane. As it turns out, Diane really, really liked the kitten, but there was a problem. She got scratched by it. During this time where she is going through chemotherapy, her immune system will be very low. A cat scratch could actually have a very adverse affect on her. We were going to explain this to Anna but she replied, "yeah, it's because her white blood cells are low." Okay, I guess she is learning things in school. So, right away, we knew the kitten had to go back.
Of course, when given the chance, why not have a little fun and torment my wife? Dorene really wanted this kitten. I mean, really, really wanted it. It looks like a siamese cat and Dorene has always wanted one. So, I kind of toyed with the whole idea, saying I didn't want another cat, etc.
Finally, I let her know we'd keep it. Of course, there was no way we could drive back and pry the kitten away from Anna. Not a chance.
The kitten's name is Gracie. We call her Gracie Girl, or GG for short. Anna's name means "full of grace" so it's a good fit. Yesterday was the one-year anniversary when we had to put Max the Cat to sleep, so it was also good timing.
The one condition I gave to Dorene about keeping Gracie? Diane was on her own in finding a kitten. We wouldn't be taking any to her on a "trial basis." Because, let's face it, I'm the sucker here for cute kittens.
So here we are a few days later and the kitten has just returned from the vet with it's shots and is now part of our zoo. How did that happen? I blame Anna and the kitten.
On the way to Chicago, this kitten was so calm. Didn't fuss at all. We had it loose in the van and she just sort of wandered around. But she really latched onto Anna. She would crawl up on her lap and just soak up the attention. She then went to sleep in a little makeshift hammock between Anna and Cam's car seats. All weekend, the kitten was constantly after Anna, wanting her attention.
So, before we even got to Chicago, I had decided that we'd keep the kitten if it didn't work out with Diane. As it turns out, Diane really, really liked the kitten, but there was a problem. She got scratched by it. During this time where she is going through chemotherapy, her immune system will be very low. A cat scratch could actually have a very adverse affect on her. We were going to explain this to Anna but she replied, "yeah, it's because her white blood cells are low." Okay, I guess she is learning things in school. So, right away, we knew the kitten had to go back.
Of course, when given the chance, why not have a little fun and torment my wife? Dorene really wanted this kitten. I mean, really, really wanted it. It looks like a siamese cat and Dorene has always wanted one. So, I kind of toyed with the whole idea, saying I didn't want another cat, etc.
Finally, I let her know we'd keep it. Of course, there was no way we could drive back and pry the kitten away from Anna. Not a chance.
The kitten's name is Gracie. We call her Gracie Girl, or GG for short. Anna's name means "full of grace" so it's a good fit. Yesterday was the one-year anniversary when we had to put Max the Cat to sleep, so it was also good timing.
The one condition I gave to Dorene about keeping Gracie? Diane was on her own in finding a kitten. We wouldn't be taking any to her on a "trial basis." Because, let's face it, I'm the sucker here for cute kittens.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
A Busy Weekend
This past weekend, being Memorial weekend, we crammed a lot of activities into the three days.
Friday
I got off work early and we headed off to Chicago to visit Diane. Dorene's parents also went, driving separately. We basically just spent the weekend hanging out. This was the first time we had seen Diane since her chemotherapy treatments had begun. She had just recently lost all her hair. When she greeted us at the door, she was wearing a pink wig, which the kids laughed at. They didn't seem to mind that she didn't have her long curly locks. Before we left, she asked if they wanted to see her bald head and both said yeah. Anna rubbed it and thought it was no big deal. Cameron wasn't sure, but she is still "Aunt Dee Dee," so in the end it didn't really matter.
We also celebrated Cameron's birthday that evening, with cake and presents. Cameron got a couple puzzles, a bat and ball, and a John Deere snowglobe for his room. Plus, a leaf blower. Not a toy kind, but a real one. In addition, he got a real extension cord to power it. When we were leaving the next day, Cameron carried the leaf blower in one hand and power cord in the other. Looked like he was leaving a construction site, and loving every minute of it.
Saturday
A big long lazy day. We just slept in, then stayed at Diane's condo all day long. Helped her plant some flowers and eventually went out for ice cream, but otherwise just stayed there. Early in the evening, we headed home, with John aboard this time. Carlene decided to stay for the whole weekend with Diane.
Sunday
Nothing too special. We went to church, then came home and stayed out of the heat, because it was HOT! Took the kids to a park with a water playground.
Monday
Headed off to Stu and Joyce's house for a Memorial Day cookout and birthday celebration #2 for Cameron. Stu cooked up some burgers, brats and dogs. Mom brought her great baked beans. We really wanted to play some intense volleyball, but the heat was just a little too much. We played a couple games in the heat of the day but it wore us all out. When it cooled off, we got in a couple more games, but that was it as people had begun to disperse.
For this birthday, Cameron got everything he'd possibly want. A motorcycle and some guns. That is, a battery powered motorcyle that he could ride and some squirt guns. He basically stayed on the motorcyle the rest of the afternoon.
Anna, we didn't hear much from all day. We brought along Tatum, one of her classmates from Veritas. We'll be doing this a lot. Anna is very, very social and likes to have someone to play with. Cameron doesn't really care, he just kind of does his thing.
We didn't get back home until about 12:30 p.m., so getting up for work Tuesday morning was not the easiest, but we made it. All in all, a very fun weekend. The next time we're all together, we say goodbye to Paula Dennie and hello to Mrs. Paula Merkle.
Friday
I got off work early and we headed off to Chicago to visit Diane. Dorene's parents also went, driving separately. We basically just spent the weekend hanging out. This was the first time we had seen Diane since her chemotherapy treatments had begun. She had just recently lost all her hair. When she greeted us at the door, she was wearing a pink wig, which the kids laughed at. They didn't seem to mind that she didn't have her long curly locks. Before we left, she asked if they wanted to see her bald head and both said yeah. Anna rubbed it and thought it was no big deal. Cameron wasn't sure, but she is still "Aunt Dee Dee," so in the end it didn't really matter.
We also celebrated Cameron's birthday that evening, with cake and presents. Cameron got a couple puzzles, a bat and ball, and a John Deere snowglobe for his room. Plus, a leaf blower. Not a toy kind, but a real one. In addition, he got a real extension cord to power it. When we were leaving the next day, Cameron carried the leaf blower in one hand and power cord in the other. Looked like he was leaving a construction site, and loving every minute of it.
Saturday
A big long lazy day. We just slept in, then stayed at Diane's condo all day long. Helped her plant some flowers and eventually went out for ice cream, but otherwise just stayed there. Early in the evening, we headed home, with John aboard this time. Carlene decided to stay for the whole weekend with Diane.
Sunday
Nothing too special. We went to church, then came home and stayed out of the heat, because it was HOT! Took the kids to a park with a water playground.
Monday
Headed off to Stu and Joyce's house for a Memorial Day cookout and birthday celebration #2 for Cameron. Stu cooked up some burgers, brats and dogs. Mom brought her great baked beans. We really wanted to play some intense volleyball, but the heat was just a little too much. We played a couple games in the heat of the day but it wore us all out. When it cooled off, we got in a couple more games, but that was it as people had begun to disperse.
For this birthday, Cameron got everything he'd possibly want. A motorcycle and some guns. That is, a battery powered motorcyle that he could ride and some squirt guns. He basically stayed on the motorcyle the rest of the afternoon.
Anna, we didn't hear much from all day. We brought along Tatum, one of her classmates from Veritas. We'll be doing this a lot. Anna is very, very social and likes to have someone to play with. Cameron doesn't really care, he just kind of does his thing.
We didn't get back home until about 12:30 p.m., so getting up for work Tuesday morning was not the easiest, but we made it. All in all, a very fun weekend. The next time we're all together, we say goodbye to Paula Dennie and hello to Mrs. Paula Merkle.
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