On Old-Time Music

Yesterday, I ventured over to the old one-room school house that the Johnson County Historical Society has restored. Every Sunday afternoon they have an old-time music jam there. I don't get over there often enough.

Yesterday we had a banjo player, a mandolin player, a couple of fiddlers, a standup bass, three guitars, an autoharp, and the lady with the harmonica collection. What a wonderful time we had.

The music we play is from before the time when most Americans could write. It was a time when history and legends where passed using music. People have gone to great lengths to record and document this old music. The movie Songcatcher is a great example of this. If you haven't seen it check it out. (Iris Dement is in this movie.)

Some of the people at the Jam session know the history of their favorite songs. When it is their turn to pick a song they'll also tell the story. We'll play the song in a bluegrass style. That means you play it through singing verse and chorus. Then play it through again with instruments taking the lead. You do this over again until all the verses are exhausted. Plus we play old fiddle tunes where there is no singing, just instruments taking their turns on lead.

This week I'm going to venture over to the music store and buy a collection of these songs. I just don't know enough of them. But I can't wait to learn.

Jeff, if you're ever near the 'Burg on a Sunday afternoon, give me a call. I've got a guitar you can borrow.

The Sick One

I spent the day at home with our sick 16-month old, Isa. She took a three hour nap on my chest. I hate it when she's sick, but I love it when she sleeps on me. She woke up feeling better, more like her little spunky self.

This evening I went out to give some guitar lessons and returned home to find some good repartee between Jeff and Myron in the comments of the "Meet Willa" post. They were basically talking about 'Nature vs. Nurture.'

Now, I'm not an education or early childhood expert like those two. (I'm sure that Myron's wife and mine would both have something to say, too.) But when I think about 'Nature vs. Nurture' as it applies to my children, I just want to be able think that I nurtured them enough that they had every opportunity to use all that nature gave them.

And who did I nurture today? In twenty years Isa will not remember today. I will. I will always remember the feeling of holding the warm little baby on my chest. I will be reminded of it someday when the grandchildren come along.

For Isa, our time took care of some of the needs that have to be fulfilled if she's going to be able to reach her potential. For me, it was more spiritual. It was more of a completion of my being.

I'd like you to meet Willa

It's time I introduced the youngins. This is our eldest daughter, Willa. She is a joy. Her compassion is truly what sets her apart. She loves reading Junie B. Jones. She thinks Albert Pujols is the best baseball player ever. Jimmie Johnson is her favorite Nascar driver, but she also likes his teammate, Jeff Gordon.

She loves dancing, singing, and making up songs. She's also undefeated against Jason in Monopoly Junior. She can hit a ball pretty far (although not as far as her cousin Parke). Plus, she's pretty good at jumping rope.

Like Wade, she loves "Mary Poppins." She loves to dance with the chimney sweeps. But her favorite movie is "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." We are looking forward to the remake this summer.

Her favorite concert was the Mr. Stinky Feet concert at her school. Somehow she commandeered the microphone and sang the "Bop Bop Dinosaur" song with Mr. Stinky Feet.

One of the most interesting things about Willa is her fear of mascots. She loves them, but she is also deathly afraid of them. You have to be careful when you take her to a game. If you get too close to a mascot she just trembles.

Willa has been a wonderful blessing for Shelly and me.

Daily Deep Thought - Tuesday 2/22/2005

"I guess one of the funniest memories of my grandfather was the time I was at his house and that tied-up man with the gag in his mouth came hopping out of the closet and started yelling that HE was really my grandfather and the other guy was an imposter and to run for help. Who was that guy?! Oh, well, never saw HIM again."

Daily Deep Thought - Monday 2/21/2005

When I found the skull in the woods, the first thing I did was call the police. But then I got curious about it. I picked it up, and started wondering who this person was, and why he had deer horns." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Daily Deep Thought - Saturday 2/19/2005

"It's true that every time you hear a bell, an angel gets his wings. But what they don't tell you is, every time you hear a mousetrap snap, an angel gets set on fire." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

They've got a Bathroom and Card Table in there too

Jeff and his wacky family win the "Wacky Family Award" from the Lincoln County Journal. HIs lovely wife, Lania, is right above him. Joel (13) and Daniel (11) are kneeling in front. This photo gives you lots of insight into why Jeff is the person he is today.

Only Two Days Until Daytona

Carl Edwards spun twice at Richmond ('04) but still finished in sixth place. I will be rooting for Carl this weekend at Daytona. He's a young Nascar driver from Columbia, MO.

If you are in or around Troy on Sunday join my family and me at Myron's House for the race. I hear Lexi has something special planned for us.

Willa will be rooting for Jimmie Johnson in the 48 Car.

Daily Deep Thought - Friday 2/18/2005

"If you're at a Thanksgiving dinner, but you don't like the stuffing or the cranberry sauce or anything else, just pretend like you're eating it, but instead, put it all in your lap and form it into a big mushy ball. Then, later, when you're out back having cigars with the boys, let out a big fake cough and throw the ball to the ground. Then say, 'Boy, these are good cigars!'" - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

A Great Idea

I have spoken with one of our blog connoisseurs. She told me that she had been tempted to comment a couple of times. She also said she loved meeting Wade.

First, I'd like to encourage any and all of the readers out there to comment. The people who comment now are leaving great stuff. Many of the comments are better than the posts. My buddy Jeff has left some snippets of verse when he's felt inspired. I love it. It's really an opportunity for each of us to play a little larger role in the lives of people we care about and will never get to see enough.

I loved seeing that airport through Howdy's eyes. I loved being able to respond. I enjoyed the comments left on both of our posts.

Second, I think we should continue with Howdy's idea of introducing the children. Reading about Wade was great. Reading about all the other kids would be great, too. Many of the people signed up to contribute have children to tell us about. Let's hear it! I'll do it too.

Plus, if you aren't signed up to post on here and you want to do it, just let me know. Email me. Or call me. Or put it up in comments. All I need is your email address to invite you on board.

Basically, I just want to encourage participation. The comment process has been fixed, so it's easy and quick to leave a short comment. Posting isn't much harder than fixing up a word document.

Honestly, I've been surprised at the affection I've developed for this blog already. Really it's not for the blog. It's affection I already had for the people reading and writing this blog. I've just found a way to unlock a little bit of it.

And of course, keep the humorous anecdotes coming. We are fun to watch.

Daily Deep Thought - Thursday 2/17/2005

"If you're in a war, instead of throwing a hand grenade at some guys, throw one of those little baby-type pumpkins. Maybe it'll make everyone think of how crazy war is, and while they're thinking, you can throw a real grenade." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

One Special Willa

Yesterday Willa said to her Momma, "My new bus driver is mean, but I tried." Her curiosity piqued, Shelly asked, "You tried what?" Willa said, "I told him Happy Valentine's Day." "What did he say?" Shelly prodded. "He smiled and said thank you."

She's not the same kid she was back in August when we first shuffled her off to kindergarten. She would hardly speak to anyone. Now, she's engaging mean bus drivers with good wishes.

They grow up right in front of you, and you hardly realize it.

Soldiers in Airports

This isn't easy for me to write. Mainly because I've enjoyed posting in third person so much lately. Seriously though, I've been in airports in the same situation of those people that Howdy writes about. Let me say right away that I was lucky. I came away from the war with nothing but funny stories (maybe I'll post a couple some time). But when you're standing in that airport, you don't know. You just don't know.

I wish the politicians could look in the faces of these people before they make their arguments. You know what they would see? They would see why they need to play it straight with the American people.

I believe that Americans can take facts and reach rational decisions. They don't need arguments puffed up like Macy's Parade balloons. Arguments held aloft only by fear.

Americans need the truth. And not just truth about why we need to go to war, but they need the truth about what war is.

When the current administration comes in a few months asking you to support the bombing or invasion of Iran, find a soldier. Look in his face. Tell me what you see.

Hot Concert Announcement: Paul and the Violent Farmers

On Friday, March 4th my buddy Paulie and his band (which usually consists of a capo and a pint of beer) will take the stage for the Giant Amer-Asian Day Celebration at the Island Bar in Lee's Summit, MO. You don't want to miss this. You too can be a Violent Farmer.

Check out his new website (click on the tomato). And don't miss the bio.

If any of you guys make the trip up here I'll offer free lodging. I'll also offer to play golf on Saturday with you.

Don't miss it! Paul's stuff is hilarious. It's also NC-17 which I know makes it more attractive for you perverts.

Daily Deep Thought - Wednesday 2/16/2005

"It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Daily Deep Thought - Tuesday 2/15/2005

"I guess of all my uncles, I liked Uncle Cave Man the best. We called him Uncle Cave Man because he lived in a cave and because sometimes he'd eat one of us. Later on we found out he was a bear." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Four Days to Spring Training

Only four Days until Pujols (manchild) and his teammates report for Spring Training. How will they do? I have a poll for you!

Six Days to Daytona

Joe Nemecheck celebrates his victory at the 2004 Nextel Cup race at Kansas Speedway. This picture was take by Myron.

Daily Deep Thought - Monday 2/14/2005

"I remember one day I was at Grandpa's farm and I asked him about sex. He sort of smiled and said, 'Maybe instead of telling you what sex is, why don't we go out to the horse pasture and I'll show you.' So we did, and there on the ground were my parents having sex." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Daily Deep Thought - Sunday 2/13/2005

"If God dwells inside us, like some people say, I sure hope He likes enchiladas, because that's what He's getting!" - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Blog Daddy's Foray into the Pastures

Blog Daddy emerged from the Pastures on Friday afternoon smiling smugly. Not only had he silenced Jason, the loquacious one, but he had improved on his best score by two shots. Blog Daddy would say this bodes well for the new season. Blog Daddy's wife would say it proves he should only play every two months.

Some would claim Blog Daddy's fine day was due to the diligence of the Keepers of the Pastures. Efforts by them to repair tee boxes left many of the holes playing shorter than usual. While this has an element of truth, Blog Daddy knows he played well.

And while he crushed Jason, Blog Daddy thought. He thought he would make a change to his blog. He decided it would be good to fine the evil doers. They probably will learn nothing from any punishment anyway, so Blog Daddy might as well get something out of the it. Henceforth, all violations will be met with fines. Violators will be fined barbecue, beverages, and golf. Or anything else Blog Daddy finds entertaining.

Eight Days to Daytona

This is what the parking look will look like at Daytona this weekend. Almost every flag pole stands above a hot barbecue. If you haven't been to a race, buy a couple tickets. I'll supply all the barbecue and beverages!

Daily Deep Thought - Saturday 2/12/2005

"It's easy to sit there and say you'd like to have more money. And I guess that's what I like about it. It's easy. Just sitting there, rocking back and forth, wanting that money." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Happy Howdeshell's!

Michelle and Wade smile for the camera.

Blog Daddy Speaks

Blog Daddy has been counseled. A certain member suggests he think through the blog's intentions and reconsider previously stated positions. Today Blog Daddy will take this advice. He will retreat to green pastures where spring-like breezes will caress him. He will use funny sticks to send a dimpled ball shooting down these pastures. He will be filled with joy when the ball is not imparted with the dreadful side spin. He will be filled with despair when the dimpled sphere bends toward the tree line.

And he will think.

But he won't be thinking about the blog's intentions. Not at all. He will be thinking about how the impudent one is toiling away in his little office while Blog Daddy basks in the early spring sun. Yes, he will think deeply.

Nine Days to Daytona

Willa has projected a winner.

Daily Deep Thought - Friday 2/11/2005

"I think a good gift for the president would be a chocolate revolver. And since he's so busy, you'd probably have to run up to him and hand it to him." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

A life all its own

And already the child has turned on its father. It didn't take long for the outsiders to inject their poisons into the veins of the blog. But their nefarious actions shall not go unpunished. Myron is hereby placed on blog probation for craptacular use of photoshop. No one thinks that hair on my head looks real.

Jeff would be on probation too for committing fantastical tales to the blog and pretending they have some basis in reality. But since he tried to burn his house down to get on the blog, he built a rather large store of blogger immunity.

Of course the harshest punishment will be dealt out to Howdy. He dared to impugn the integrity of the Great Albert. A voodoo doll is being created in his likeness. Giant six-inch needles are being purchased. With these tools I will mete out the horrible, painful punishment until he begs to be sent to Gitmo where he belongs.

During their punishments all will be allowed to continue posting. Keep in mind, any further violations of the undocumented, ever-changing blog rules, will result in much harsher penalties.

In addition to these punishments I am arming myself to fight. I will be heading to the Walgreen's scanner with my yearbooks. Be very afraid. You could be next.

Jeff Sings

Jeff Arrigo, alias "Raffi", strums and sings Baby Beluga! (I posted this for Howdy who is having trouble posting pictures.)

Daily Deep Thought - Thursday 2/10/2005

"I hope that after I die, people will say of me: 'That guy sure owed me a lot of money.'" - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Daily Deep Thought - Wednesday 2/9/2005

"If I ever get real rich, I hope I'm not real mean to poor people, like I am now." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Newest Member of the Blog Team!

I would like to introduce the newest member of the Blog Team! He first posted last night. He is much closer to adhering to the original grooming standards of this blog. Of course, that's not by any conscious choice that he's made.

He will post about whatever he wants. If you know him, you know that he always does whatever he wants anyway. He will be our first token conservative. We're hoping to get at least one more. Despite his pleas for a 'fair and balanced' blog, I think he'll probably spend more time on humorous anecdotes than he will arguing politics.

So ladies and Gentleman, Here's Howdy!

Remember Howdy, we want to see some pictures of Wade!

Daily Deep Thought - Tuesday 2/8/2005

"If your kid makes one of those little homemade guitars out of a cigar box and rubber bands, don't let him just play it once or twice and then throw it away. Make him practice on it, every day, for about three hours a day. Later, he'll thank you." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Daily Deep Thought - Monday 2/7/2005

'Broken promises don't upset me. I just think, why did they believe me?' - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Daily Deep Thought - Sunday 2/6/2005

'When you die, if you get a choice between going to regular heaven or pie heaven, choose pie heaven. It might be a trick, but if it's not, mmmmmmm, boy.' Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

She's Strong to the Finish

Have any of you met our daughter, Popeye? Click on this one to get the full effect. This photo was taken by my Father-in-law, Gary.

Daily Deep Thought - Saturday 2/5/2005

'When I die, I would like to go peacefully, in my sleep, like my Grandfather did. Not screaming and yelling like the passenger in his car.' - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

New Feature: Daily Deep Thought

"Some friends of mine got me a sweater for my birthday. I'd have preferred a moaner or a screamer, but the sweater was OK." - Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Newest Member of the Blog Team!

I'd like to announce the newest member of the blog team. He posted last night for the first time. He flagrantly flouts the strict grooming standards that the rest of the team adheres to, but since the rest of the team is just me, we decided to let him on board anyway.

His focus will be science, politics, his lovely kids (Abby and Alexis), his lovely wife, NASCAR, and the lack of competence in my golf game. He will be focused like a laser on all kinds of different things.

If you find his posts insulting, go hit a bucket of balls. And then sign up to blog against him.

We will probably relax the grooming standards since we've already had to make an exception. But we still prefer Bald Guys.

Anyway, what was I doing? Oh yeah, introducing the new guy.

Here he is ladies and gentleman, The Great and Powerful Myron!!!!

Tids and Bits

Hey guys! Just catching you up with a few things gleaned from the comments and from the news.

Howdy is thinking about posting some info about the lastest rounds of space exploration. Encourage him to do so. Maybe Myron and Lou could help him.

Jamie is looking for guys interested in a golf trip to the Lake area in April. Contact him if you are interested. Of course I've already let him know that I'm definitely interested.

I'm still looking for people who want to blog with me. It's really simple. You don't need any html knowledge. There's even a nice IM app which publishes the pics for me. Come on! I want to see some of your kids too! Contact me if you're interested.

And for my lovely wife, I read this today. Donald Driver told the press that he thinks Brett Favre will retire. I know that will be hard for Shelly and her family. They watch Brett play with the same wonder and joy that Willa and I have when we watch Pujols play. I hope they get one more year.

Smashing Daddy!

Here are a couple of girls squishing their Daddy. That is one of their favorite games. Daddy enjoys it too.