Click here for pics from the herf that was on Saturday night. Again, we had a great time, and hope to do another one soon.

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

Last night, since the girls are still up north, I headed out to Tobacco Haus to meet up with some of the folks on CigarLive.com who are in the area (SA/Houston/Austin). There was 10 of us who met, and after we closed the place, we headed to IHOP for an early morning breakfast.

I had a wonderful time, met some awesome people, and smoked some great cigars, to include a Cusano 18 Maduro, a Gurkha Fuerte, and a Rocky Patel/Drew Estate Java (which had a wrapper problem; first time I've had one with the Maduro).

Now, I had purchased the Cusano and the Java (along with a Camacho Corojo) from the store, but was given the Gurkha and an H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon by two of the others who came to herf.

It was nice getting out, hearing some live music (as they had two guys playing guitar), and putting real faces to screen names on some folks who I've only talked to via web forum. Hopefully I can make it out to Houston & Austin to join them at some of the shops there, as well as other future herfs at the Tobacco Haus.

Anyway, it was a great night, and again, got to meet some great people - Thanks to TX_Tuff and VegasGirl for getting it set up.

Take Care, Live Life (remember... in moderation!), and Pray Hard,
- DR

As a continuation of the previous post, here’s my view on the State Children’s’ Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). For those of you outside of the states, SCHIP is a program which allows the states to set up a program to provide health insurance to children of low-income families. Recently, the Democrat-run Congress wanted to increase the funding of this program, to include raising the level of eligible families from 200% of the federal poverty level to 300%, and allowing ADULTS and ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS to also receive benefits. Now, here’s the clincher: funding of this program would be received by an increase in tobacco taxes – from $.39 to $1 per cigarette pack, and from $.05 to $3 per cigar stick - a 6,000% increase! President Bush vetoed this bill; however the Democrats still want to get this 12 Billion dollar/year program passed.

The major flaw with this funding suggestion is this: taxes go up = smokers smoke less/quit = less funding coming into the program = something else needs to be taxed to continue funding. I found this interesting: “as the Heritage Foundation has estimated, to pay for the proposed expansion, Congress needs to encourage 22 million more Americans to take up smoking by 2017.” (found here)

So, in order for this program to work, the Democrat-run Congress NEEDS PEOPLE TO SMOKE!!!

Now, my view on this is that it shouldn’t be tobacco that gets taxed, as how many children do you see smoking cigars, but tax the items that actually causes childhood health problems – items with high fructose corn syrup, white flour, fast food, televisions, video games, etc. These are the real things that are causing obesity, diabetes, rickets, etc. in our children, not tobacco.

If Congress really wants to help children’s health, they’d pass legislation to have primary-level (elem, middle & high) schools fund proper health and fitness classes, in addition to other educational classes (as health & fitness also includes intellectual, and not just physical), instead of schools spending more money on extracurricular sports (i.e. football).

That's all I have for now; see above for what I did last night...

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

Welcome to another edition of "Rants 'n Rants", where I give my perspective on things in the news.

- British teacher in Sudan: Here's another case of extreme actions giving "religion" a bad name. Granted, the Catholic Church did its little thing when "Dogma" came out (remember "Buddy Christ"?), but calling for an execution?
(see article)
Especially when it was the students who were the one who named the teddy bear? IT’S A TOY! My question is this: When a person named Muhammad does an illegal act, is the judgment twice worse? (I give you death – twice!!!). Guess we should think twice about the “Religious Leaders Action Figures” line for Chrihaunyulanzaa this year…

- Parents killing their children: A couple in the Houston area have been arrested for the death of the mother’s 2-year old (some reports have the male as stepfather, others as boyfriend). (article 1)(article 2)
Supposedly because the daughter wasn’t saying “please” and “yes sir” in the way that the male thought that she should. So, after tossing her around, cracking her skull, and breaking other bones, they packaged her up in a plastic storage tub, and tossed her into Galveston Bay, where it washed up on a small island, and found by some fishermen. Oh, and the mother is PREGNANT again… Now, being a new father, I know that there will be times where children won’t do what their being taught – we’ve all been there growing up, but I don’t think I can ever cause any major physical damage to Claire or any other children that we may have. On that note though…

- MA considers outlawing spanking: Lawmakers in Massachusetts want to outlaw spanking (“corporal punishment”) any children under the age of 18, and if guilty, parents could be charged with abuse or neglect. This includes both in public AND IN PRIVATE (i.e. home) settings.
(article 1), (article 2)
Now, I’m a receiving member of the “hand to rear” form of discipline, and I think I turned out all right. One thing I have a hard time with is being in a store, and seeing a parent tell their child (10 times or more) “no, you can’t have that”, “no, it’s not for you”, “no, not right now”, “no, you need to wait”, “no, …”, and after a 10-min tantrum, the parents give up and give the child what they want. All this does is reinforce to the child that if they act up enough, they can get their way. We’re in the process of turning this country into a group of wussified sissies… Thank you ACLU.

I hope that in this coming election year, all legal, voting eligible residents of this great country of ours review the platforms of the candidates of ALL PARTIES, and more importantly, get out there and vote next November. This coming election will be one of the most important ones is this generation’s history, not so much of the fact that it could lead to over two decades of Bush/Clinton reign, but whoever is elected will have to contend with a continuing war against Islamo-fascists and others who want to see the destruction of the US and for what it stands for; the rebuilding of one of the oldest regions in the world; the possibility of a second “Cold War” with Russia; the possibility of a nuclear Iran, and their warfare (either verbal or actual) with Israel; continued degradation of conservative values caused by the left, thus taking away Constitutional and personal rights – right for religion, right to have real BBQ and cigars on 4th of July in my own backyard (can’t have the smoke going over the fence line into the neighbor’s yard…); a continuing effort by Congress to tax items for continuing programs that have no relevance to those programs at all (i.e. SCHIP – more on that on another post); illegal immigration and how to handle the millions who are currently here ILLEGALLY; and many other things that could come up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride between now and November, especially with those leading the packs doing the “flip-flop dance”.

That's all for now; stay tuned for "The SCHIP Files"!

Take Care, Live Life and Pray Hard,
- DR

To those here in the states, Happy Thanksgiving!

It is a time to reflect for all of the things that we are thankful for - family, friends, health, jobs, etc. We are spending this weekend with Amy's family, and then I'll be heading back down on Sunday, while Amy & baby spend some time with her family

Personally, I want to send my thanks to all of the men and women who are serving in our Armed Forces, especially to those in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, and all other locations worldwide in harms way. May you all have peace and safe travels while you're there, and Godspeed back to your families and homes, wherever they may be.

Without them, we wouldn't be able to do a lot of things that we take for granted - freedom of religion and religious activities, vote for who we want (and not who's "forced down our throats by the media"), choice of media (other than on/off), and many more things that make America the great country that we are.

Thank you.

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,

On the 6th, since the wife and baby were with the in-laws, I did a volksmarch in Luckenbach. Photos taken on the walk are on my Flickr account. There's not a whole lot there, but that is what gives the town it's charm. Aside from a couple other buildings, what you see in the pictures are pretty much it. The post office/general store/saloon are in one building (no longer a post office though), and then there's the dance hall and an attached "feed lot" ( which could be called the town restaurant). There's also an outdoor stage and seating area for concerts, a hat shop, and restrooms. And that's about it.

Yesterday, baby and I did one of the two walks in Universal City, while Amy, her mom and niece were working the Randolph Officer's Wives' Club "Deep in the Arts of Texas" craft show. Amy & I had worked on birthday, thank you, congrats, and other cards, decorating paper boxes, and other papercraft items since July/August timeframe for the show. We did alright, although not enough to cover the registration fee. Amy was a bit bummed about that, but considering it was her first show, I think we did alright. The walk was good, going through some of the residential areas of UC, and luckily, the baby fell asleep while on the walk, so she was able to get her morning nap in.

They left this morning to head up north, and the older girls will be seeing the Beach Boys in concert this coming week. I'll be picking them up next week Monday after work.

On a separate note, a question... how can someone who proclaims scientifically unproven theories as a "way of lifestyle" be classified in the same category as individuals like Mother Theresa, Desmond Tutu, Woodrow Wilson, Dag Hammarskjöld, and many others who have actually promoted peace, by word and action? Maybe it's not the "global warming" as a sign of the apocalypse, but this awarding...

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,

Yes, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is in it's final days, and although I wasn't able to make it this year, I was able to "visit" it courtesy of a couple sites on the web.

I first off found, via the STrib site, their fair blog on Buzz.mn, complete with a short video-cast of the fair, going day-by-day. The other one is a joint production between the fair and MPR, "FairWaves", which I'm listening to now.

Now, as state fairs go, I've only been to three of them - MN, CO, and TX. The Colorado one was all right, but since it's been about 15 years, the mind sort of gets fuzzy trying to remember back that far. The Texas one was nice; it's got a lot of art-deco buildings and statues, but it just didn't feel like a state fair. Maybe it's because of all of the years (7, I think...) that I went with the HS band, or the times going with family and friends down there (usually at least twice, as both like to see different things, and that way I can cover all (ok, most?) of the fair), but I feel more comfortable at the MN Fair... I know the layout, the booths, the foods (no fried donkey tail at the MN fair, but plenty of foods on a stick); everything that makes it the MN State Fair - butter busts of the "Princess Kay of the Milky Way" court, Giggles, the "All You Can Drink Milk" stand, the barns, and the crop art, among plenty of other things.

Anyway, hopefully we'll be able to head up next year, especially since the baby will be able to enjoy it more at that time.

Another "faire" that I'll be missing this year is the MN Renaissance Festival. We're hoping to maybe get down to the Texas Renaissance Festival outside of Houston this year, but we'll have to see how things go. I haven't been to the TX one yet, and hopefully we can get to opening weekend (since it's Oktoberfest). The only other stateside one that I've been to is the Colorado one, outside of Larkspur. Again, since it's been a while, I don't recall the CO one too much, although it did seem smaller land-wise than the MN one. A couple things of the MN Ren Fest that I miss is being with friends (and them "meeting" the occasional mud spot), visiting the oldest sister in her booth, seeing some of the shows (Zilch the Torysteller, My Lady's Cutlass, and attending the King's (aka "Renaissance") Smoker, enjoying the ales, sticks, and entertainment.

Now, having been to the mittelalter markts in Germany, of which some of them take place at either castles or castle ruins, I can say that the MN and CO both have many of the German ones beat in land area, but knowing that something like this probably actually took place on those spots... with real royalty in attendance... it can't really compare historically (especially with the beer choices at the US ones). I am going to miss being able to get the drachenblüt and mead "to go" (as they sold the bottles there in GE), as well as getting costume items that you don't see (yet) at the ones here (although unfortunately my ceramic flask broke when we were getting packed out). Anyway, there's next year, and by that time we'll be able to get an outfit for the baby to go along with her "rogue father". Maybe a tavern wench/barmaid outfit?

To all attending either the MN Fair or Faire, have fun, watch for changes in the weather, and have a drink for me. To all others, take care, live life, and pray hard...
- DR

Hurricane Katrina blasted New Orleans.

Two years later, parts of NO still look the same.

Why?

As the media reflects on the damage and destruction that Katrina accomplished in her fury, and broadcasts to the world that all is not right in NO, the question still remains... Why?

Why were the school buses parked in the lots, unused, flooded... instead of evacuating residents who couldn't leave the city on their own?

Why, after computer-generated models showed the damage of a direct hit Cat 3+ storm, weren't the levees improved in the years prior to 2005?

Why didn't Mayor Nagin do what he should have done - ensuring the safety of his residents prior to the arrival of Katrina?

Why is the city still not really New Orleans?

Why?

Today A & I headed up to Waco to see the baby, and to let A head up with her folks to N. Texas for this coming week. I'll be getting both of them back on Labor Day.

While being up there in Waco, I decided to go ahead and do the year-round volksmarch that is sponsored by the Trotting Texas Turtles. After signing in at the local Hilton, the walk followed the Brazos River, parts of Baylor University, past the Dr Pepper Museum, and other areas of the town - Photos will be up on Flickr in the next day or two. In finishing this walk, I completed my 5th walk under the RiverWalk America Special Program, which gets me the patch and a certificate stating that I'm a "Rafter". Next stop in this program (after five more walks) is "Rowboat Captain"!

Last night, A & I went out to Luxello Hall for my boss' retirement party. Basically the whole place was for the party, and something took place prior to the party with their beer & wine license (according to the bartender), as the beer was "pay by donation". I've been to bars here in the area where they just serve beer, wine, and set-ups, and you bring your own alcohol/mixers in, but they would have set prices for the beers. The only set prices that they had were for the sodas and bottled water.

My boss had his retirement ceremony earlier in the day, and I did the narration for it. Basically it's being the MC for the event, and reading the decoration citation as well as the appreciation certificates for him and his wife. While we were getting ready for it, it got me thinking about how much longer I want to stay in, since December will be my 20 year point, and things I want to do for my own retirement shadowbox, ceremony, and party. I guess a lot of it depends on where we're stationed at when that time happens. I was also thinking about making a list of people who I want to invite to the formal ceremony, and I know that I want to do a party at the folks' place for family & friends who can't/couldn't make it out to wherever we're at. What's nice is that my first boss and section NCOIC (from Kadena) are both here, and I know where some of the other past bosses/co-workers are, so it'd just be a matter of getting the word to them and seeing if they can come out.

I'm also taking a college math class (first test later in the week), and once this is done in October, I'll be able to get my Community College of the Air Force Associates Degree in HR Management. It's been a long time coming, and actually, it's something that should have been done years ago instead of around the 20-year point. At least it'll be done prior to my retirement, and then I can figure out what degree program I want to do for a Bachelors, and hopefully get some more classes done prior to retirement, and if not, that's what the GI Bill is for.

Anyway, with it being late, I'll sign off for now - for those attending the MN Renaissance Festival, stop in "Whimsey Winks", and purchase some penguins, dragons, and fairies from "Lady Goatface" - tell her "DrachenRogue" sent ya... well, maybe not, as she might charge ya double ;-)
And if you see either Lady Bianca or Mystle, give them a hug from me, as they're going through some rough times right now.

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

Tomorrow morning, I'll be on VACATION!!! After a drive up to the DFW area, we'll be flying up to MSP on Thursday for an almost two-week vacation. The main reason, aside from seeing/visiting family & friends, will be for Claire's baptism. I wanted to do this back home, instead of here in TX, so that the rest of my family can be there for it, since a lot of them couldn't make it down for our wedding.

It was a bit hard for me at her birth, with none of my immediate family being there, but Amy's family being there for it, and my folks seeing her the first time about a month or so after she was born. So far, outside of video and pictures, no one else on my side has seen her in person.

Claire is at the point now where she's starting to smile and laugh a bit; becoming a little flirt… I really need to take more pictures, especially since Amy wants to do the scrapbook thing for her. And, even if the scrapbook doesn't materialize the way how she want it right now, at least we'll still have the pictures for it, or for Claire if she wants to do her own.

Anyway, it'll be a nice break from here (especially from the heat), and I'll be able to recharge being around family and friends, and seeing the sights I grew up around. We're hoping to get to the Como Zoo and Conservatory, maybe a baseball game (Twins, Saints, or Brewers), or head out to a museum. The MOA is also on the list, as always, and I'm planning on doing a volksmarch there as well as in one of the surrounding towns. If I can get these two planned walks done, I should be able to bring the books into AVA and get my certificate, pin and patch for the 75 event level.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate with all that we have planned (or will plan) while we're there, as well as on our travel days to and from home.

Gotta go and finish the "to do" list...

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

In reading other blogs, I get a taste of what others think of various topics, to include life, work, national and international views, and the like. And knowing that in being in the military, we're allowing the freedom of speech that is granted by the Constitution.

I've got mixed views about next year's presidential elections… First off, I won't have to hear/read/see any more slams on President Bush. Granted, being the elected leader of a country probably isn't the easiest thing to do in the world, and there's a reason why our congress in 1947 amended the Constitution to include the two-term limit. But, considering the events prior to 9/11, would things be different?

- Would 9/11 have taken place if the "previous occupant" (to paraphrase Garrison Keillor) would have done something more than just lob a few cruise missiles into Sudan and Afghanistan after the US Embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya, without follow-up? Unfortunately, he was more interested in using his intern as a humidor than taking military action, even when, if accurate, the head of bin Laden could have been presented to him on the proverbial "silver platter"…

- Would we be in Iraq if Hussein had allowed weapons inspectors in as the world, on an international level, had requested via UN mandates? Since the end of Gulf War I, the international community had been requesting open inspections on facilities and the like, and the requests were either denied or approved with limits. Unfortunately, Iran's President Ahmadinejad is traveling that same road - if you're building nuclear facilities for power, then open them up for inspection! Show the world that you're not building them for nuke weapons, and the world might lay off for a while…

Remember, we didn't chose to start the war on terror; they chose US… and I would rather fight them elsewhere than here in the states. Unfortunately we can't do a real-life "Back to the Future" and see what would have happened if Gore won and 9/11 still took place, if it even would have taken place. We can only proceed in current time - 9/11 did take place, and although I do agree that we should have taken bin Laden out instead of Hussein, we have to accept the road taken, even if we do not agree with it.

Secondly, to go back to the elections…
- 42.45% - based on the 2000 Census, this is the percentage of eligible voters who actually voted in 2004. Less than 50%. In the recent French election, 85% of the eligible voters participated in the first round of voting. 77% of eligible voters participated in the 2005 German elections which elected Chancellor Merkel into office. Even our neighbors to the north (Canada, to those who are geographically limited) had almost 65% voter turn-out in their recent 2006 elections… And we can't even get 50%.

As of right now, I don't know who I've voting for, and probably won't know until right before the elections, depending on who has received the nomination for the various parties (and yes, there are more than just Republican and Democrat), and what their views are. Hopefully more people will get out and vote, especially so that we don't have the problems that we've had the past two times.

So far, none of the nominees, either Republican, Democrat or third party, have really made me take notice… And I don't know if that's a good sign or not. Between candidates who voted for the Iraq war without reading the justification and are now backpedaling to save face, to those who want to add more layers of bureaucracy to legalize illegal immigration (which is a separate entry in and of itself), it's still all up in the air, and even after the conventions in MSP, Denver, and other locations next summer, it may still be there. Just be ready for a messy, mud-filled next year and a half.

Remember, unless you make your voice heard (by voting), you don't have a voice...

- DR

Well, this weekend came and went, and first off I want to say thank you to all of the veterans out there, and to take a moment to reflect on those who have died in service, both past and present, to this great country of ours, which enables us as Americans to spend time with family and friends, doing the picnics, spending time at the lakes, parks, etc.

With Amy having a class at Archivers, the baby and I headed out to Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms to do the volksmarch on Saturday morning. With the weather clearing up from all of the rain that we received earlier, I decided to do the 10km. The walk went through some housing development areas, and then came back in the park where the farms are located. Although the stroller got a bit muddy, overall, it was a good walk. Hopefully we can get back up there when more of the "town and farm folks" are there doing the demonstrations.

On Monday, we did the 5km walk in New Braunfels, which is one of the YREs that the NB Marsch-und Wandergruppe hosts. In accomplishing the walks this month, it allowed me to get the Physical Fitness & Sports Month patch, which I picked up today at lunch. They also got me two walks closer to the 75-event level, of which after doing a SA walk this weekend, and the two walks planned for at home, I should be able to get after arriving back from the trip. Next stops: 100 events and 1000km.

Just basically wanted to get the weekend update posted, so I'll sign off for now.

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

Well, this weekend came and went, and first off I want to say thank you to all of the veterans out there, and to take a moment to reflect on those who have died in service, both past and present, to this great country of ours, which enables us as Americans to spend time with family and friends, doing the picnics, spending time at the lakes, parks, etc.

With Amy having a class at Archivers, the baby and I headed out to Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms to do the volksmarch on Saturday morning. With the weather clearing up from all of the rain that we received earlier, I decided to do the 10km. The walk went through some housing development areas, and then came back in the park where the farms are located. Although the stroller got a bit muddy, overall, it was a good walk. Hopefully we can get back up there when more of the "town and farm folks" are there doing the demonstrations.

On Monday, we did the 5km walk in New Braunfels, which is one of the YREs that the NB Marsch-und Wandergruppe hosts. In accomplishing the walks this month, it allowed me to get the Physical Fitness & Sports Month patch, which I picked up today at lunch. They also got me two walks closer to the 75-event level, of which after doing a SA walk this weekend, and the two walks planned for at home, I should be able to get after arriving back from the trip. Next stops: 100 events and 1000km.

Just basically wanted to get the weekend update posted, so I'll sign off for now.

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

It wouldn't be a DR post if I didn't include some rants...

Rant 1: Carbon Offsets - allowing people to purchase "offsets" for the amount of carbon emissions that they are releasing into the atmosphere. This recently came up when an article was printed regarding Al Gore's Nashville mansion (1 of 4, btw) using 20 TIMES more energy (in a year) than the average US household. Basically, it's a way of saying "I'm using XXX units of carbon, so I'll plant XXX trees to make up for it". The main problem that I have with this is the time difference between carbon emission (now) and when the trees can really be useful (5-10+ years, depending on the species). If people really want to help in postponing "global warming", start walking, biking, skating, etc., to and from places, install solar panel and windmills for home use, write to your congressional delegation (both state and federal) saying that you want more energy options (wind turbine farms, nuclear, solar, etc.) instead of just coal or oil plants, recycle what can be recycled (paper, plastic, wood, metal, etc.), grow your own vegetables and fruits (if possible), etc. There's a whole world of options out there to reduce the "carbon footprint" - find the ones you like and do them.

Rant 2: Excessive (frivolous) Taxing - recently the TX House and Senate passed a bill creating a "state cover charge" (not their terms, but mine) for entry into any "adult oriented entertainment business". Proceeds (around a third) from this "charge" will go toward various state programs, to include sexual abuse/recovery programs. Now, I'm all for helping those who need the help, but why tax someone upon them entering an establishment? I can see an additional charge for "gentlemen's clubs", but for mom & pop "adult novelty stores"? I could see adding an additional tax on merchandise sold, or even having an increase in licensing fees for all of the businesses, but having someone pay a cover charge just to look at a "novelty store?" Doesn't make sense to me… What happens when taxes are increased for "state programs", and then because people are overtaxed, they either a) get it elsewhere, or b) quit? Taxes stop coming into the state, and funding for these "programs" are now non-existent, thus either diverting funds from other programs or the programs being cut.

Rant 3: Elimination of Personal Rights (aka: "The Pleasure Police on Patrol") - slowly, due to frivolous lawsuits, our rights to enjoy life's pleasures are being taken away. Places to smoke are going the way of Route 66 - in some cities, you can't even smoke (or BBQ, for that matter) in your own back yard. Legislation in some states even want to eliminate smoking in shops that sell tobacco products… First it was alcohol (remember prohibition? It brought gangs, mobs, murders, illegal brewhouses and distilleries, etc.) and tobacco, then it was prayer/religion in schools/public places, and soon it'll be BBQs, fast food, candy bars and soda (oh, wait a minute, some places are wanting to regulate that right now…). It'll get to a point where no one can do anything because it'll offend someone… well, to me, I'm offended by the ACLU and the other similar organizations for forcing me to change my lifestyle to accommodate someone else.

I like the motto that Cigar Dave says in his radio show, and I think the world would be a better place if we all followed it: "Live the good life. Drink, smoke, gamble, feast, joke, fornicate and be tolerant of those who do. Take risks and thrive for the good challenge. Work hard and play hard without going over the edge. Live in the moment. Believe in moderation in all things, including moderation. Live it up!"

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

It's been quite a while since I've last posted, and I'm sorry for not doing it sooner. Between work (the *big* board finished last week), home (both baby and trying to do the usual in/outdoor homeowner stuff), and play (which isn't really that much of a player due to the first two), I just either haven't been in the mood to post, or too tired to do it.

Anyway, we'll be heading up to MN in a couple of weeks, primarily to do Claire's baptism, a "meet the baby" party for family and friends, and attend a graduation party. I'm hoping to do at least two volksmarches while I'm home; one in Shakopee and one at the MOA while Amy & Claire are "window-shopping". If anyone wants to join me at either, let me know.

I'm hoping to do a walk in Austin (TX, not MN) this weekend while Amy is doing a class at the Archiver's in town. Since they prefer no small/young children at the class, I'll be taking Claire on her first walk. I hope that the weather cooperates, as they're currently saying "40% chance of thunderstorms"… I've also given Amy my list of walks that I want to do for the rest of the year - SA in June, Brooks City Base in September (AF Global V'march event), Luckenbach in October, either NB or Lockhart in November, and either Boerne or Fredericksburg in December, depending on if we're in MN for Christmas. July and August are open to accomplish one of the local walks (either in NB or SA, or possibly Houston, Austin, or one of the other towns). If I can accomplish all of these, I should be able to get the 2007 petal for the "10 in Texas", as well as also getting my 75 event patch/pin/certificate.

I'm hoping also this weekend (probably on Sunday) to get more photos up on Flickr, especially more of Claire, as I do have some from when my parents came down, and hopefully I'll have some from the Austin walk.

Other than that, not much else taking place.
Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

Last night our little one scooted across her play mat; now granted, most kids do, but as early as 9 days old?

And, today at work, I got the call: "She lost her belly button!" Well, actually the umbilical cord stub, but needless to say, it's one more sign of our baby growing up!

We're currently watching episodes of "Jack of All Trades", more for Amy's mom's viewing, as she hadn't seen any of the shows before. For those who don't know, "JOAT" was the follow-up series for Bruce Campbell after "Xena" and "Hercules", and it gave him a way to keep the spirit of Autolycus alive with the one liners and the "all women want me, they just don't know it yet" attitude.

More updates will be posted on the baby as they happen.

Take care, live life, and pray hard,
- DR

Well, we're finally home after a long weekend... After a couple of days going to the hospital for some checks, we went in Friday morning at 3am after Amy's contractions started coming about 5 minutes apart. About 10:30 am her water broke, and at 11:59 am, our daughter was born. 20" long, 7 lbs, 2.4 oz. Pics will be posted at a later date.

Right now, both mom and daughter are sleeping..., and after getting some dinner, I'll probably be heading that way also.

The miracle of birth is a beautiful thing; even more when it's one of your own...

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

So, we're watching the Oscars, and a commercial starts with a ring...
I know all but one of the actors/actresses, so the first question is who it is, and secondly, which is where the game begins, what are the clips all from?

1. Lucille Ball
2. Jackie Gleason
3. Humphrey Bogart
4. Paul Newman
5. Jerry Lewis
6. Marilyn Monroe
7. Clark Gable
8. Peter Sellers
9. Steve McQueen
10. Richard Dryfuss - American Grafitti (?)
11. (need some help here!!!)
12. Betty Rubble
13. Robert Redford
14. Michael J. Fox
15. Harrison Ford
16. John Cusak - High Fidelity
17. Audrey Tautou - Amélie
18. Kevin Spacey
19. William H. Macy
20. Dustin Hoffman
21. Will Ferrell
22. Sarah Jessica Parker
23. Jeff Bridges - The Big Lebowski
24. Billy Crystal
25. Cameron Diaz - Charlie's Angels
26. Samuel L. Jackson
27. John Travolta
28. Robert DeNiro
29. Ben Stiller
30. Michael Douglas - The American President
31. Mr. Incredible - The Incredibles

So, if you know who the mystery person is, or if you can fill in the movie blanks, let me know, 'cuz inquiring minds are interested!!!

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR

And then comes Baby!!!

I know it's been a while - between studying for promotion tests, trying to get the house ready for baby, having my old laptop's video card die, and then getting a new laptop (new MacBook!) and transferring everything over, it's been a busy time.

Anyway, hopefully since I've got the site bookmarked again, I can start updating the blog more often.

A few rants: Al Gore wants to put on concerts to make awareness of global warming... From what I've heard, 24 concerts (one for each timezone) - probably in outdoor arenas (Wembley Stadium, soccer stadiums, etc.) or fields/open areas (ala Woodstock). On average probably around 80-90K per event... So, what's needed for concerts of this size: power, food, drink, bathroom facilities, accomodations, transportation for bands, singers, etc., as well as audience... So now we have: a crunch on local energy grids to power the event (lights, sound, etc.), noise pollution (since they'll be outside), biodegradable (human) trash, nonbio trash, air pollution for transportation of both entertainers and audience... Yes, a *great* way to make awareness of global warming...

Second rant: Why do people want to "wipe clean" the history of others? NCAA says that any Native American references for teams are "un-PC", as they're now making the University of Illinois mascot "disappear"... And, they're still working on Univ of North Dakota to get rid of their mascot... So, let me guess, will the states themselves, as well as most towns in the midwest/central states have to change?
Also, the whole flap with the Confederate flag on the grounds of the SC capitol... It was moved off of the dome to a memorial for Confederate soldiers still on the grounds... History is not supposed to be white-washed!!! It is to be remembered, so that we can learn from the mistakes of the past. In the case of the Native American mascots - is it because some small group of people think that it's offensive, when it all actuality it could embody the spirit of the tribe that the team is named after? A HS in Arapahoe, CO had the local tribe come in and help revamp their mascot as well as blessing it.

I just wish people would quit being so "PC" on things like that... especially since if you whitewash something too much, people lose all memory of it, and in turn, it can come back and bite you in the A$$ later on...

Anyway, take care, live life, and pray hard,
- DR

In my quest to accomplish 10 volksmarches in Texas prior to the end of the year, I did a walk at the Flat Creek Estate Vineyards and Winery outside of Marble Falls, TX. The walk started out and ended at the visitors center, while heading out on some of the roads in the area as well as a perimeter walk of the vineyards, and I was able to get the first stamp in my Winery & Brewery walk booklet! Overall, it was a nice 10km walk in the Texas Hill Country.

One reason for getting the 10 walks done prior to the end of the year is that the TX Volkssport Association offers a "10 in Texas" patch for those that accomplish 10 walks in Texas per year. I figure, since I'm here, I might was well see some of the sights, as well as get some sort of credit to show for walking them. After doing the 10 walks per year for 10 years, they also have a "20 in Texas" patch for completing 20 walks per year. The other reason is for my own health - gotta be healthy for our child, especially since I'll be in my 40s/50s when he/she gets really active, as well as any other children that we may have.

With Thanksgiving taking place on Thursday, remember to keep all of our military service members in your thoughts and prayers, especially for those overseas who are not able to be with their families, as their service allows us here in the states to have the freedom to be with our families and loved ones while we enjoy the parades, football games, food and drink.

Take Care, Live Life, and Pray Hard,
- DR