Thursday, June 17, 2010
canon a1100is
In the olden days, you rarely saw me without a camera, and I think I had a fairly good handle on basic photography; did some pro shooting, weddings, art shots, etc., yada, yada, yada. Somewhere on the road to here I put my equipment down and walked away from the craft, losing my skills in the process.
Now, it's "back to the future" with my Canon A1100is. Follow along on my road to recovery, if you will!
I'll keep you posted.
snicker ...
Now, it's "back to the future" with my Canon A1100is. Follow along on my road to recovery, if you will!
I'll keep you posted.
snicker ...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
off kilter
I know they don't realize that they're doing it, but that doesn't make the pain of rejection any less.
It just occurred to me that I'm a bit of a pariah in the only social circle I have right now.
I'm not a regular in the crowd, but the homeschool/drama circle frequented by my children and wife is about the only social exposure I get these days. With work and school and trying to keep two households in check, its a bit of a strain to get out and about lately.
I've felt fairly uneasy at recent events, noticing too many quick glances and far too many folks who don't look me in the eye or speak to me unless I speak first, and receiving a minimal to moderate response in reply at best from many of them; not all, but enough to notice and enough to feel uncomfortable. I'm the guy who walks around the circle, never quite fitting in; a stranger in full view.
I should have expected it, I suppose, and I probably deserve some of it. My wife and I have been separated for a bit over a year now and its common knowledge that I'm the husband/dad who "left". I'm the guy, preceded by far too many other guys, who "has a problem", "left his family" and "walked away". I'm the guy the girls mention when they're "going to dad's house" or talk about "staying with my dad for the next two days".
I'm the guy who "caused" the depression, anxiety and I'm the husband who is forcing his wife to get a job instead of being able to stay home with the kids. I'm the guy perceived as behind my wife's tears.
It must be puzzling to some, I'm sure, to see me walk up to my wife, put my arm around her and give her a quick peck on the cheek. It must be even more curious to see her respond in kindness to my overtures and to see the two of us together at times, coming and going, and seemingly enjoying each others company.
But they can't help it, I'm still "the guy" who has a problem staying with his family, lives alone and only sees his kids a couple of days a week.
They can't help it, but they don't hear the phone calls, see the support or have any way of knowing the entire picture, that I haven't "walked away" and didn't "leave my family". I continue, as always to support them financially, keep the roof over their heads, feed them, hold them close when I can and cry with them and for them when I can't. They can't see or know that I'm always there when called or needed, always there in a rush, always looking for ways to help out and keep the stream flowing, losing precious sleep and fighting a physical, mental and emotional strain that I think would topple many men. They only know what they hear and they imagine the rest.
Some of my wife's friends, even some who don't know me personally, are tender hearted and compassionate and I love them for it. They greet me and treat me with mercy and I suspect they mention me in their talks with our Lord, at least I hope so. A few of my daughter's friends always have a smile for me and a kind word to me; they can't know how much that means to me.
I'm the guy who "lives in a van down by the river", not because I want to, but because, for now, it seems to be the only thing to do. I'm the guy who cries in the dark, along with my wife and children. I'm the guy in pain with nothing to hold me together but Jesus. I'm the "guy" who could use, and needs, a little kindness.
I'll erase this in a day or so, I just need to throw it out into the night. One of my girls is having problems sleeping and she needs to know her daddy is up and watching over her so she can sleep. I give up my sleep for hers, any day, any time; that's what dad's do.
Good night and happy Fathers Day.
It just occurred to me that I'm a bit of a pariah in the only social circle I have right now.
I'm not a regular in the crowd, but the homeschool/drama circle frequented by my children and wife is about the only social exposure I get these days. With work and school and trying to keep two households in check, its a bit of a strain to get out and about lately.
I've felt fairly uneasy at recent events, noticing too many quick glances and far too many folks who don't look me in the eye or speak to me unless I speak first, and receiving a minimal to moderate response in reply at best from many of them; not all, but enough to notice and enough to feel uncomfortable. I'm the guy who walks around the circle, never quite fitting in; a stranger in full view.
I should have expected it, I suppose, and I probably deserve some of it. My wife and I have been separated for a bit over a year now and its common knowledge that I'm the husband/dad who "left". I'm the guy, preceded by far too many other guys, who "has a problem", "left his family" and "walked away". I'm the guy the girls mention when they're "going to dad's house" or talk about "staying with my dad for the next two days".
I'm the guy who "caused" the depression, anxiety and I'm the husband who is forcing his wife to get a job instead of being able to stay home with the kids. I'm the guy perceived as behind my wife's tears.
It must be puzzling to some, I'm sure, to see me walk up to my wife, put my arm around her and give her a quick peck on the cheek. It must be even more curious to see her respond in kindness to my overtures and to see the two of us together at times, coming and going, and seemingly enjoying each others company.
But they can't help it, I'm still "the guy" who has a problem staying with his family, lives alone and only sees his kids a couple of days a week.
They can't help it, but they don't hear the phone calls, see the support or have any way of knowing the entire picture, that I haven't "walked away" and didn't "leave my family". I continue, as always to support them financially, keep the roof over their heads, feed them, hold them close when I can and cry with them and for them when I can't. They can't see or know that I'm always there when called or needed, always there in a rush, always looking for ways to help out and keep the stream flowing, losing precious sleep and fighting a physical, mental and emotional strain that I think would topple many men. They only know what they hear and they imagine the rest.
Some of my wife's friends, even some who don't know me personally, are tender hearted and compassionate and I love them for it. They greet me and treat me with mercy and I suspect they mention me in their talks with our Lord, at least I hope so. A few of my daughter's friends always have a smile for me and a kind word to me; they can't know how much that means to me.
I'm the guy who "lives in a van down by the river", not because I want to, but because, for now, it seems to be the only thing to do. I'm the guy who cries in the dark, along with my wife and children. I'm the guy in pain with nothing to hold me together but Jesus. I'm the "guy" who could use, and needs, a little kindness.
I'll erase this in a day or so, I just need to throw it out into the night. One of my girls is having problems sleeping and she needs to know her daddy is up and watching over her so she can sleep. I give up my sleep for hers, any day, any time; that's what dad's do.
Good night and happy Fathers Day.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Monday, June 07, 2010
wasp spray
author unknown
Sounds like a cheap, and an effective way to protect yourself!
Never thought about this before but important to know!
Yes! I keep one of these at every entry door both in the house and in the shop. I am ALWAYS armed but who knows when........
You can see its not too heavy so you could carry one on your walks. Will stop hornets, dogs and two legged varmints in their tracks!!
I know some of you own GUNS but this is something to think about...
If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you. Did you know this? I didn't. I never really thought of it before. I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.
Wasp Spray - A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.
The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. Thought this was interesting and might be of use.
On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self defense experts have a tip that could save your life.
Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School . For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.
Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."
Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades.
It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray. "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out." Maybe even save a life.
Please share this with all the people who are precious to your life
Did you also know that wasp spray will kill a snake? And a mouse! It will! Good to know, huh? It will also kill a wasp.!!!!
Sounds like a cheap, and an effective way to protect yourself!
Never thought about this before but important to know!
Yes! I keep one of these at every entry door both in the house and in the shop. I am ALWAYS armed but who knows when........
You can see its not too heavy so you could carry one on your walks. Will stop hornets, dogs and two legged varmints in their tracks!!
I know some of you own GUNS but this is something to think about...
If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you. Did you know this? I didn't. I never really thought of it before. I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.
Wasp Spray - A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.
The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. Thought this was interesting and might be of use.
On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self defense experts have a tip that could save your life.
Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School . For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.
Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."
Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades.
It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray. "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out." Maybe even save a life.
Please share this with all the people who are precious to your life
Did you also know that wasp spray will kill a snake? And a mouse! It will! Good to know, huh? It will also kill a wasp.!!!!
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Three New Navy Ships
USS REAGAN
Seeing it next to the Arizona Memorial really puts its size into perspective.... ENORMOUS!
When the Bridge pipes ' Man the Rail' there is a lot of rail to man on this monster: shoulder to shoulder, around 4..5 acres. Her displacement is about 100,000 tons with full complement.
Capability
Top speed exceeds 30 knots, powered by two nuclear reactors that can operate for more than 20 years without refueling
1. Expected to operate in the fleet for about 50 years
2. Carries over 80 combat aircraft
3. Three arresting cables can stop a 28-ton aircraft going 150 miles per hour in less than 400 feet
Size
1. Towers 20 stories above the waterline
2. 1092 feet long; nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall
3. Flight deck covers 4..5 acres
4. 4 bronze propellers, each 21 feet across, weighing 66,200 pounds
5. 2 rudders, each 29 by 22 feet and weighing 50 tons
6. 4 high speed aircraft elevators, each over 4,000 square feet
Capacity
1. Home to about 6,000 Navy personnel
2. Carries enough food and supplies to operate for 90 days
3. 18,150 meals served daily
4. Distillation plants provide 400,000 gallons of fresh water from sea water daily, enough for 2,000 homes
5. Nearly 30,000 light fixtures and 1,325 miles of cable and wiring 1,400 telephones
6. 14,000 pillowcases and 28,000 sheets
USS BILL CLINTON
The USS William Jefferson Clinton (CVS1) set sail today from its home port of Vancouver , BC
The ship is the first of its kind in the Navy and is a standing legacy to President Bill Clinton 'for his foresight in military budget cuts' and his conduct while holding the (formerly dignified) office of President.
The ship is constructed nearly entirely from recycled aluminum and is completely solar powered with a top speed of 5 knots. It boasts an arsenal comprised of one (unarmed) F14 Tomcat or one (unarmed) F18 Hornet aircraft which, although they cannot be launched on the 100 foot flight deck, form a very menacing presence.
As a standing order there are no firearms allowed on board.
This crew, like the crew aboard the USS Jimmy Carter, is specially trained to avoid conflicts and appease any and all enemies of the United States at all costs.
An onboard Type One DNC Universal Translator can send out messages of apology in any language to anyone who may find America offensive. The number of apologies are limitless and though some may seem hollow and disingenuous, the Navy advises all apologies will sound very sincere.
In times of conflict, the USS Clinton has orders to seek refuge in Canada .
USS BARACK OBAMA
This ship will be used to ferry illegals across the Rio Grande to pick up their welfare checks as advance payments for their democratic votes.
Details are as vague as his past, his economic policies and his credentials to lead.
But don't you worry......he has a plan!
Seeing it next to the Arizona Memorial really puts its size into perspective.... ENORMOUS!
When the Bridge pipes ' Man the Rail' there is a lot of rail to man on this monster: shoulder to shoulder, around 4..5 acres. Her displacement is about 100,000 tons with full complement.
Capability
Top speed exceeds 30 knots, powered by two nuclear reactors that can operate for more than 20 years without refueling
1. Expected to operate in the fleet for about 50 years
2. Carries over 80 combat aircraft
3. Three arresting cables can stop a 28-ton aircraft going 150 miles per hour in less than 400 feet
Size
1. Towers 20 stories above the waterline
2. 1092 feet long; nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall
3. Flight deck covers 4..5 acres
4. 4 bronze propellers, each 21 feet across, weighing 66,200 pounds
5. 2 rudders, each 29 by 22 feet and weighing 50 tons
6. 4 high speed aircraft elevators, each over 4,000 square feet
Capacity
1. Home to about 6,000 Navy personnel
2. Carries enough food and supplies to operate for 90 days
3. 18,150 meals served daily
4. Distillation plants provide 400,000 gallons of fresh water from sea water daily, enough for 2,000 homes
5. Nearly 30,000 light fixtures and 1,325 miles of cable and wiring 1,400 telephones
6. 14,000 pillowcases and 28,000 sheets
USS BILL CLINTON
The USS William Jefferson Clinton (CVS1) set sail today from its home port of Vancouver , BC
The ship is the first of its kind in the Navy and is a standing legacy to President Bill Clinton 'for his foresight in military budget cuts' and his conduct while holding the (formerly dignified) office of President.
The ship is constructed nearly entirely from recycled aluminum and is completely solar powered with a top speed of 5 knots. It boasts an arsenal comprised of one (unarmed) F14 Tomcat or one (unarmed) F18 Hornet aircraft which, although they cannot be launched on the 100 foot flight deck, form a very menacing presence.
As a standing order there are no firearms allowed on board.
This crew, like the crew aboard the USS Jimmy Carter, is specially trained to avoid conflicts and appease any and all enemies of the United States at all costs.
An onboard Type One DNC Universal Translator can send out messages of apology in any language to anyone who may find America offensive. The number of apologies are limitless and though some may seem hollow and disingenuous, the Navy advises all apologies will sound very sincere.
In times of conflict, the USS Clinton has orders to seek refuge in Canada .
USS BARACK OBAMA
This ship will be used to ferry illegals across the Rio Grande to pick up their welfare checks as advance payments for their democratic votes.
Details are as vague as his past, his economic policies and his credentials to lead.
But don't you worry......he has a plan!
Thursday, June 03, 2010
author unknown
unattributed quote alleged to be from the Czech Republic
"The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency.
It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president.
The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America.
Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."
"The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency.
It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president.
The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America.
Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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