"Good by 2009"

Well it is the last day of 2009; wow has it gone by in a hurry.

We had the kids last night over to spend the night. It has been a week or so since we have seen them. We needed a fix so it was great to have them here. We had been to their house earlier that night to have Christmas. As you can see presents were the thing of the night. We also had supper with them and it was great. Seems to me that we just don’t do that enough anymore. Time will come when it will be said, “I wish…” Everyone seem to enjoy their gifts, even Bear had his gifts to open.

Tonight Pat and I are going to a movie and then to supper with Gary and Harriet Gregory. It will be and early night for us, but that is what “ole folks do”.

The finger is on the mend and thanks to my relatives who read my Blog and called. (Sister in law and son in law). At least I know I have two people who read it.

Well, Happy New Years to all of you! And may you be Blessed each day of 2010. And remember, be a Blessing to someone yourself.

This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

" Oh Well What's New"?

Sorry that I did not Blog yesterday but I have a good excuse. I want cutting some wood with my table saw and had an accident. I spent a few hours in the walk in clinic getting fixed. By the time I got home I did not feel like doing any Blogging. Because of the stupid meds I am taking I feel really bad so this will be short. I will return soon some time after the 1st.

Pat and I are going to a New Years Day party featuring the Florida Gators. That will be our entertainment for the night (Sugar Bowl). I hope that they end this season on a positive note.

The Marvin’s have all arrived home safely from their Christmas vacation. Doug and Tyler drove home and Darenda and Luke opted to fly. They will be going to the National Championship game soon. We will be watching the kids which is a better deal.
Take care and be Blessed.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33

Great Christmas

Christmas in Georgia was really great and the weather worked with us. It was cold enough to make us feel like Christmas but not too cold.

We had a great time visiting with my daughter Sandy and her husband James. Also with their five cats, who you never know are around. Not like dogs who bark at every little thing. They are so neat and really smart and lovable.

James cooked the turkey out on the grill and it was perfect. As you can see we all ate our share and enjoyed it. Maybe ate too much at times but that is what holidays are all about.

I could not get over the sunsets that we saw from their deck each night. I know that Fla has nice sunsets but these were really beautiful. Also they had plenty of deer come and eat at their feeder at night. I tried to take pictures but it was too dark and I could not get close enough.

They really live in a real nice neighborhood with beautiful homes. Their home is also beautiful and I am so happy for them. The picture is from their deck looking east up a little hill. Their home is about 900 ft above sea level so it is just perfect. The morning we left (Sunday) it was about 27 degrees cold….burrrrr!

The trip home was very quick, a little less than 8 hrs on the road with all the nuts in the world. I guess I am one of those nuts as I drove pretty fast also.

Well now that the Gator’s have solved the problem of coaches I hope they get right in their heads. The Sugar Bowl will not be an easy task for them to complete. I do wish them luck, they need to finish the year on a positive note.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Painted and Done

Well we are at the point that we can say, "whew".......! We will go shopping for carpet after Christmas and the we are done with the room. I think! As you can see the house has been painted and that was the last big project. Now the contractor will come and clean up the junk and level the ground. I hope that I can get my grass back to looking like a yard soon. It is a wonder we have not been kicked out of the neighborhood. With all that junk and a port a let in the yard for months, we looked like Sanford and Son.

We have not put up a Christmas tree or Christmas lights outside for the first time in 47 years. But it has not changed the true meaning of Christmas for us. we thank God for sending us his Son so that we may live with and spend eternity with him. God Bless all of you and Merry Christmas! We will get back on track with this Blog after Christmas.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:16-20)

Just got this picture from Darenda, I think the kids are in "hog heaven".

Canes Fall Short

Canes’ valiant effort falls painfully short

Manatee played their hearts out but, but it was not meant to be. We can all look at different things that happened, bad calls etc. But in the end it was Plant who took command in the first half and did not give way till the end. A second half effort by Manatee fell short as they lose 21- 14. Twice in the red zone and we came out with zero points. A 4th and inch in the closing of the game was the final stab wound to our hearts. The Jumbtron and 5 thousand Manatee fans saw what was a first down, with room to spare. But once again the Manatee game was decided by referees. Are we surprised? "Don't think so as I just continue to think about our luck in Lee county".

Well there will be another time, my heart goes out to the Seniors who have dreamed a dreamed only to see it fade. Congrats to all the kids, coaches and fans. Thanks for a great year and get ready for next season it will be here sooner than you think.

Have a Bless day and be Blessed.

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven” (Luke 1:76-78)

How Great is This?

OOH-RAH! Marines overseas salute Canes
Marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan salute their Canes

This just how strong the tradition at Manatee High School. It never changes it goes from generation to generation.

Manatee plays Plant High School tonight in the Citrus Bowl for the State 5A Championship. Talk about tradration, Manatee has been playing Plant for years. Back in the 50's Manatee was the smallest high school in the Western Conference. That conference included the like of Plant, Jeffereson, St. Pete and Hillsbourgh. We use to beat them like a drum, it will not change tonight. Manatee will have its 5th state championship, "Go Canes"!

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),” (Luke 1:68-70)

How About them Kids?

“Tis” the season to be busy, I think! Seems the days are flying by and I am getting slack on my Blog.

Last night Pat and I went to the Marvin’s church and watched the grandkids in a Christmas play. Tyler was a reader and Luke was a Sheppard. They both did a great job and it was enjoyed by everyone.

Today was the annual Christmas luncheon for the class of 1957 (my class). It was at Tara Country club and it was very nice. Seems as though we are all getting a little bit older, “duh”. I did get some news that startled me a little. George Henderson who was the best running back on our football team shared this. He said that he was in the band, and I never knew that.

The outside painting of our home started today. It is really going to look nice and I hope that is the last time. The final inspection on the room was done today. Now the only thing we have left is to carpet it and put it back together.
Be Blessed today and be a Blessing to someone.

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)

"Go Canes"...Manatee that is!

Sorry I have not Blogged for a few days but I have been busy doing nothing important.
Last night Pat and I went to Manatee High School’s football game. They were playing a semi final against St Thomas Aquinas from Ft Lauderdale. That team was ranked number 1 in the Nation with 37 straight wins. Manatee won 28 – 20 and now will play Plant High School for the 5A state championship. The game will be played in Orlando at the Citrus Bowl next Friday night.
Someone called me after the game and ask me this question. If you had your choice between Manatee’s game and last week’s Gator game. Which one would you take the win for and you cannot pick both. No contest Manatee wanted to win and played to win, so I go for Manatee as my choice.

This morning Pat and I worked in the room. Pat did some cleaning and I put up the blinds. It took much longer than I had planned so I will have to finish painting next week. Monday the painters that will be painting the outside will start. So, it seems we are getting down to the bottom of the list. Once we, oops I mean Pat; picks out the carpet and we have it installed we are done.

Tonight Pat is going to Winter Wonderland with the kids and Darenda. Then we are going to baby sit as they go out to supper. I am sure the kids will spend the night and that’s always a treat.

Take care and be a Blessing to someone today.

“But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)

Finishing up!

Well we are getting to the final touches on the room. Today the stucco as competed and the baseboards were done yesterday. I have to paint the baseboards and clean up the windows. The electrical guy will finish up on Thursday. The next step will be to put up blinds and have carpet installed. The entire house will be repainted and that will start on Monday.
As I stated yesterday we were in the middle of a cat fight for stadium lights at BCS. I was right, but we got through it ok as the council approved it 4-1. Some happy folks and some unhappy folks.

In the morning Pat will have some minor surgery so I will take the day off from Blogging.
Take care and be a Blessing to someone and be Blessed yourself.

The Lord said “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:5,8)

" What Ever"

Today was a “get nothing done day”. I was at City Hall about 7:15 AM and went over the upcoming agenda. Looks like we are going to have a cat fight over a decision on stadium lights at BCS. Some neighbors do not want them and some do, that puts us right in the middle.

I picked up my son-laws car and took it to a friend of mine for work. After several hours I had Pat come and get me as he had to order part. I will pick it up some time this afternoon.

I came home did some cleaning in the room and measured the windows. Pat has picked out blinds and I needed to be sure of the width. I guess I am going to hang them soon. (I feel like Popeye) As the old saying goes “I will get it done Newt”!

I picked up our tickets for Friday nights High school football game. Manatee is playing the number 1 team in the nation, St. Thomas. I have a good feeling about the game, our kids are ready. Tonight we will go the Beef’s and hear our coach talk about the game.

Be a Blessing to someone today and be Blessed.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Painting is DONE!

Wow what another great weekend for the Gallos. Pat and I went to Atlanta to see our beloved Gator’s get taken to the wood shed by Alabama. It seems that Florida decided not to show up for the game and it showed. If they are not carful at the Sugar Bowl it will happened again.
Our Manatee Hurricanes did show up and won another playoff game. They now will now play St Thomas this Friday night at Hawkins Stadium. This game is the semi finals to the State Championship game.

Darenda and Doug will be seeing the Nat’l Championship game in the Rose Bowl. Pat will be staying at their house with the kids while they are gone. That is not the way we had planned it, but I am very happy for them. I know that Darenda is very excited to go as she is an Alabama Alumni.

I hope to get the painting all done in the room today. Then all that will be left inside will be carpet, blinds and baseboards. “Man”, I cannot wait until it is all finished.

Well it is the afternoon now and I just finished up the painting…..YEA!

Take care and have a Blessed day and be a Blessing to someone.

“Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;”- John 11:25

Getting Close!

Well it is starting to take shape and getting close to being done. We hope to have it done by the end of next week.

As you can see I have been painting a little. I have put primer on the entire room and have already painted the ceiling. I have hung two ceiling fans and will be painting the walls next week. That will be the challenge for me, now comes the cutting in time.

There is a lot of good football to watch this weekend. Manatee travels across the state to play Bay Side. The mighty Gators will play the Ala Tide for the SEC championship on Saturday. What a came that will be as the winner will play for the National Championship.

Take care and be Blessed and be a blessing to someone.

Encouraging Words
“[The Validity of Jesus' Testimony] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12

SMILE...."God is Watching"!

I am sorry that I have not Blogged recently, but I am really busy with work and the room. I would like to share this with you, a friend sent it to me.
Let's see if you send it back. We all know or knew someone like this!!


One day, when I was a freshman in high school,
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.
His name was Kyle.

It looked like he was carrying all of his books.

I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?

He must really be a nerd.'

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.

They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him...

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.'



They really should get lives.

' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'

There was a big smile on his face.

It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before..

He said he had gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends

He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.

I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!

' He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..

When we were seniors we began to think about college.

Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never

be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship..

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.

<>I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation.

I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak

Graduation day, I saw Kyle.

He looked great.

He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.

He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.

He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.

Boy, sometimes I was jealous!

Today was one of those days.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.

' Thanks,' he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began

'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.

Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends.....

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story.'

<>I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

'Thankfully, I was saved.

My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable..'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions..

With one small gesture you can change a person's life.

For better or for worse....

God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way.

Look for God in others.




'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.'

There is no beginning or end... Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift.

What A Great Week !

What a week this past week was, Thanksgiving, Florida football and Manatee football. Also as you can see we now have drywall up in our room. Now I can start painting the ceiling and walls.

Manatee won another playoff game Friday night against St Pete. This Friday they are on the road to the other coast to play Bayside. When they win they will then play for the semi state finals game.

The Gators won another game against FSU this past Saturday. The next game up is the SEC Championship at Atlanta. Florida will play Alabama for that championship. The winner will play for the National Championship in the Rose Bowl.

Thanksgiving was really great this year. We spent some time with or daughters and their husbands and our two grandsons. We rented a cabin in Blue Ridge Georgia and had a great time as you can see by the pictures. The weather was great and the food and company was great. We ate well and watch a lot of football on TV. The trip home was too long as usual and too tiring for this ole man, 629 miles and 11 hrs later.

Today I just heard on ESPN that Bobby Bowden will retire. He has been a great coach but as us ole people are, time to quit.

I will be busy this week with the room so I may be a little lazy with the Blogging.

“[The Word Became Flesh] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”- John 1:1-2, 14

"BE BLESSED THIS THANKSGIVING DAY"

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- November 26, 2009

A Grateful Nation… In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.” Isaiah 12:4 A nation born out of the womb of religious liberty has much to thank Almighty God. We can thank Him that man's tyranny lives oceans away and we are free to worship, vote and treat our fellowman with civility and respect. “With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our fathers; you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish” (Psalm 44:2). He is the initiator and sustainer of our nation’s freedom. Without the Lord we lose. A large lump fills our throats with the memory of men and women whose blood saturated the soil of foreign fields to preserve our freedoms. A nation like ours that encourages free enterprise, free speech, free press and free worship comes with a severe sacrifice. When was the last time you thank the Lord for those on the front lines who risk their lives for your liberty? His blessing remains where gratitude is retained, so thank Him often. Indeed, it is a country with character that positions itself for God’s blessings. Therefore, don’t just ask God to bless America, but in addition thank Him for already blessing America. “With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD : "He is good; his love to Israel endures forever” (Ezra 3:11a). A grateful nation gives God the glory for His goodness. Out of our national appreciation the world wonders what God can do for them. So when the United States of America appreciates Almighty God, we become a shining light from shore to shore, as men and women around the globe take notice of our humble dependence on Him. Jesus described the collective role of God-fearing people, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).
If we extinguish our light by abandoning the faith from where we came, He will raise up other nations to take our place. However, He smiles when He sees a nation acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior. It sets a standard for those who admire our freedoms to see where they originate. Thanksgiving Day is the Lord’s Day to privately and publically give Him the glory and gratitude for His incredible favor and blessings on our nation. How can I lead our extended family in a sincere prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord? What are some specific freedoms I can thank God for in blessing my country? How can I pray for our President to be an example of a Christian leader the world will follow? Related Readings: Psalm 102:15; Malachi 1:14; Acts 10:34-36; Revelation 15:4
Transformational LivingWhat did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?
How will I respond?

Have a happy......

Well not much going on today, with the holidays coming up things have slowed down. I think that construction is going to keep me from putting all my outdoor lights up this year. It really is going slow with inspections and all that crapola.
I am going to stop the Blog until after Thanksgiving, so enjoy the feast and we will see you later.
Encouraging Words
“[Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continues to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

Soon to be "Turkey Day"

Well it was a real nice weekend weather wise and etc. Manatee HS won a great playoff game in St Pete and now face another St Pete school this Friday at Hawkins Stadium. They have a real good chance at playing for the State Championship.

Florida was on PPV and Bright House did not carry it. So we went to a sports bar in Ellenton where the gator club meets for a watch party. Here is a picture of the crowd that was there. It was ok but I would have rather watch it at home in my easy chair.
Have a Blessed and day and be a Blessing to someone today.
Encouraging Words
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:4-5

Tis the start of the Weekend!

My day off so I could just piddle around the house and do nothing. I cleaned up the stucco chips that I knock off the house a couple of days ago. I trimmed a bush so when we paint the house it will not be in the way. I tried to drill into the rock on my house to repair the storm drain down spout. I could not get the drill to go in the rock. I will have to see if any of my friends have a hammer drill. I took some of the concrete blocks that were stacked up and put them where I could use them later.

My contractor who was supposed to be here all day Friday has never shown up. He was supposed to have hung the door this week, oh well. The framer’s did show up and finish the job today. Of course not to my satisfaction as there are some mistakes. The electrician’s have just now shown up and are roughing in the electric.

Yesterday I forgot to mention that my high schools buds met for breakfast. We always have a great time shooting the bull and I mean bull! I remember going to restaurants and seeing a table full of ole folks. Now I am “them ole folks”, wow it has just flown by.

Hope all of you have a Blessed weekend and you are a Blessing to someone also.
Encouraging Words
“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” (Psalm 95:1-2)

Brain Surgeons Their Not!

Well as you can see we have another step completed in the room. They have insulated the outside walls and completed the firing strips. Look real close to the one picture up high in the corner. That little wire is the wire for my alarm system. It is suppose to be outside of the insulation. After the men left I went out and tried to pull it out. Guess what, it is so tight I would need a tow truck to pull it out. Now I will have to cut it and splice a piece to it. I hope that will work for the alarm people. Friday we are supposed to have the electrical done. I say suppose because nothing seems to get done the day I have been told it would. But I understand construction is a funny deal, getting people to show up is a trick.

I got an email from my daughter Sandy about the deer feeder. She says she may have to buy stock in Wal-Mart as they eat a 50 lb bag every couple of days. If it were me I would only fill it up once a week. They will continue to come even if it is empty for a couple of days.

I watched the Gators Basketball team last night. They kind of play like the FB team, not in sync. They have a long way to go to be a threat to the SEC. They will be on TV on Friday night again so I will get to see them again. Manatee HS is playing their first playoff game in St Pete that night. I will look at the Gators and listen to the Canes, what a combo!

I will only Blog and couple of days next week. I am sure most people will be enjoying their Thanksgiving with the family. So I will start again the following week, maybe that Tuesday. City Hall will be closed Thursday thru Sunday so on Monday there will be a lot of catching up to do.

Take care and have a Blessed day and be a Blessing to someone.

Encouraging Words
" Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

Slow day, Again.

Not much going on in the way of construction on the room. In the AM they are supposed to put up the firing strips for the drywall. On Friday the electrical work is going to be done so getting close.

The council meeting today was not much as usual. Things are really slow in the city these days. We did finally give permission to the owners of an old church to tear it down. Some people did not agree with that but you can not please everyone.

Take care be Blessed...
Encouraging Words

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

"WINDOWS YEA"!

You never know what you have to do to your house until you start remodeling. I am finding out that codes have changed and it applies to remodeling. The electrician came out today and I have found out I have to have an outside light at the back door. Never had one but now I will, no big deal sounds like a good idea anyway.

As you can see we now have windows, and they are hurricane impact. Which means I will not have to board these up during a hurricane.
I am going to have the entire house painted. I started looking at cracks in the wall and looked at what I found. You can see that the stucco in some places is bad. Somehow water got behind it and I had to chip it out. It will be repaired before we paint. Oh well what is next I ask myself?

The door that you see in the photo is being hung as I write. It is a wood door that is covered by fiberglass; it will not warp or rust.

I am now thinking that I might build a little screen room on the back slab. I can move my Bar B Q and fire wood from the front porch. I guess once you start there is no stopping.
Tonight we will go to the Manatee Radio show at Beef’s and listen to coach Kinnan. Manatee will be string their playoff games soon.
You be a Blessing to someone today and be Blessed.
Encouraging Words
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)