One Day at a Time

I'm Back

2007-06-09T08:13:00.000-05:00

I took this off for awhile and I'm back on with news from home. Unfortunately, there's really no news to write about. Here is a photo of lightning I caught last week during a thunderstorm.

Never a dull day!

2007-06-22T05:11:00.000-05:00

Never a dull day here!

I was drying clothes today and noticed that the exhaust hose from the dryer was separated from the little round opening in the wall leading outside. I looked inside a little and noticed several long twigs and leaves. Right away I thought a bird must be building a nest in the hose. I looked deeper in the hose and found a lot of twigs and leaves and three little blue eggs. One broke when I shook the hose to get the twigs out. Here are a couple photos of the nest I pulled out of the hose. The eggs were nice and warm when I pulled them out. Now I don't know what to do with them.

The other photo is sunrise a few days ago.

Wouldn't It Be A Funny World!

2008-01-18T13:11:00.000-06:00

After 18 years my children's book, "Wouldn't It Be a Funny World", is available for purchase at http://www.xlibris.com/! Soon it will be on Amazon, Borders, etc.
It was easy to write...finding an illustrator took all this time. Thomas McAteer did a fabulous job with the illustrations. To see more of his work go to: http://www.thomasmcateer.com/ He has three of my illustrations on his site under watercolors.

Description:

Bicycling bears in Bavaria? Paisley pigs in Peru? Get ready for a whimsical, fun-filled alphabet adventure with enchanting animals in a display of far-fetched and incredible activities around the world. This book takes the alphabet and geography to a new level of amusement and enjoyment. Linda Keller’s words come to life through the delightful and magical illustrations by artist, Thomas McAteer. Together they have given children of all ages a brilliantly entertaining book.

BBQ Time

2008-01-24T06:25:00.000-06:00

Tommy enjoying ribs at The Salt Lick BBQ and getting up close to the cows at the farm with Grandpa.

Graduation

2008-05-17T06:04:00.010-05:00

Jeff is now a college grad! We drove to Portland and attended the ceremony on Mother's Day. It is still hard for me to believe he is out of school...at least for now. He plans to go to grad school in 2009 to get a masters in Education. For now he needs a job. Greg Mortenson, Three Cups of Tea author, was the guest speaker. He is an amazing man.

Oregon is gorgeous this time of year as everything is blooming. Here are a few photos from the trip.

Baby wrens flew the coop

2008-06-07T08:28:00.004-05:00

When we came home from our trip to Oregon we saw a family of wrens had set up home in one of our hanging baskets on the back porch. We've watched them every day and it was so neat to see how hard mom and dad worked feeding and caring for their two offspring. A couple days ago we saw the two were emerging from the inner confines of the nest and were sitting on the edge of the pot. One was really anxious to leave the nest and kept jumping out. Gerald must have put him/her back in the nest about 10 times. We wanted to make sure they were up there over night as we have a lot of raccoons who would find them a tasty treat. Yesterday they officially left. It was sad to see them go off to the big unknown bird world and we sure will miss them. Here are a few photos of the babies.

New Family Member

2008-07-21T10:49:00.006-05:00

We have a new family member and her name is Sam. She's a 10 week old long hair Chihuahua. We just got her yesterday and she's already spoiled. She follows me everwhere I go and is now sitting next to the keyboard. Here's a couple photos of her. She kind of looks like a gremlin but I know she'll turn into a great beauty one of these days.

Who needs a maid?

2008-07-26T20:54:00.003-05:00

Who needs a maid when you have a little chihuahua to help?

She's always anxious to help put dishes in the dishwasher.

Here she is getting ready to clean my shoe.

Granddaughter is finally here

2008-07-31T16:26:00.003-05:00

Elizabeth Breen Ray finally made her grand entrance on July 29th at 9:11pm. Mom and baby are doing fine. Big brother is having jealousy issues. This grandma is flying to "help" out on Friday. Can't wait to get my hands on her. Here is a photo taken with her grandpa..looks like she has lots of hair.

Who is the Guilty One?

2008-09-17T12:45:00.002-05:00

So, I walked into the living room and this is what I found.

Who is the guilty one? Is it Chippy? Is it Kitty? Is it Piggy? I'm guessing it is SAM!

Waiting For Ike

2008-09-11T10:37:00.006-05:00

We're back from Albuquerque where we went to see the grandkids and to see Texas A&M play the NM Lobos. Poor Lobos lost by only 4 points.

It's tiring running after a 2 1/2 year old and cuddling a 6 week old...but so much fun!

Ike is headed for Texas...We better get some much needed rain from him. We've had only about 6 inches since January.

Sam, our 3 month old Chihuahua is growing and getting a nice coat of long fur. Here she is with her purse.

Headed Home

2008-08-12T18:18:00.004-05:00

After two weeks of bonding with our newest grandchild I'm headed home. I'm needed at home. The two men in my life can't handle my 2 month old puppy. I had her potty trained and they've let that go "to pot." Now she prefers the carpets to the pads and grass. AARRGGHH!

Went to the botanical gardens yesterday and here's a lovely sunflower against the blue-blue sky.

And a close up of sunflower and bee.

2008-08-08T07:46:00.003-05:00

Miss "Ellie" is such a sweetheart! All she does is eat, sleep and poop...never cries. Tommy loves his little sister and loves to hold her. I'm headed back to Texas next week...have to get back to rescue my house from my two big boys.

We got .2" of rain from Eduord...got more here in New Mexico!

Is this Texas or Arizona?

2008-06-24T09:06:00.003-05:00

It's way too hot here! For over a month now we've had temperatures of 99-101 every day. Here at our house we've had 2 inches of rain since January. Everything is dying. The oak trees have no acorns and their leaves are a gray/green color not bright green like they should be. WE NEED RAIN!

Hello again!

2007-12-02T06:51:00.000-06:00

I've been away for quite awhile and a lot has happened.

We've moved to Texas and we're enjoying retirement...so far.

Had two of three kids over for thanksgiving and we're in Orlando this week visiting Kristin who couldn't make it to Texas.

We went to see Joel Osteen on Nov. 30th and it was an awesome experience...very inspiring.

Texas Bound

2007-10-09T16:44:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I've posted anything. A lot has happened.

Was in a car accident in ABQ the day after I arrived there. Lexi's car is still in the shop...should have just totalled it.

Saw Toby Keith in concert and that was awesome...Big Dog Daddy Tour.

Had knee surgery Sept. 13th and am still hobbling around. The arthritis is the problem.

In Orlando now until the 16th when I go back to ABQ to meet Gerald on the 17th.

Drive to Texas on the 19th and have furniture delivered to new house on the 22nd

Start new life as retired couple! THAT should be interesting!

Something to Think About

2007-07-31T07:23:00.000-05:00

I was sent this in an email...something we should all think about.

If you're not a Jay Leno fan read what he wrote anyway.

My respect and esteem for him has really increased. "The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack orloss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen.

No wonder the world loves the U.S, yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain aboutwhat we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out?

The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safefrom terrorist attacks?

The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.

They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a "general" discharge, an "other than honorable" discharge or, worst case scenario, a "dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner?

The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

We are among the most blessed peoples on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative."

"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledgeof Allegiance?"

Jay LenoIf you agree pass it on. If you don’t just hit delete.

Only In Malaysia

2007-07-27T13:05:00.000-05:00

Malaysian teacher apologizes for pond punishment

Thu Jul 26, 9:39 AM ET

A Malaysian teacher has apologized for forcing 200 schoolgirls to squat in a dirty pond after they failed to own up to a sanitary pad found in a toilet bowl, a newspaper said Thursday.

The Star newspaper said in its online edition that the 27-year-old female teacher had been spared punishment after the apology to the parents of the students. (www.thestar.com.my)
"Everybody has forgiven her," the school's parent-teacher association chairman, Jimmy Kiu, was quoted as saying. "The incident is settled in good faith."

Newspapers Sunday reported that the girls were in the pond for an hour in heavy rain and the teacher, who was also a hostel warden, watched under an umbrella.

A picture showed the girls neck-deep in water.

A school official had said the warden was angry and punished the girls after she found the sanitary pad in the toilet bowl.

Lazy Days of Summer -- NOT

2007-07-26T14:08:00.000-05:00

This trip to the US has been anything but lazy! We spent a week in New Mexico, a week in Austin and now into our 2nd week in Florida.

Gerald has returned to Asia. I still have trips to NM and Oregon scheduled and I'm in the states until sometime in September. Don't know when I can get out as the planes are full. I refuse to fly economy for 14 hours!

We purchased a house near Austin and I wouldn't mind staying there but will eventually have to go back. We will finally move back to Texas in February. YEAH!

Driving in China

2007-06-28T18:31:00.000-05:00

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/06/28/247746.aspx

This link is to a news story about bad driving in China. After watching it I have to admit they are worse drivers than the people here. One funny sentence says that 45% of road accidents are due to poor driving. I would bet 100% are. Watching the video reminds me of playing a video game.

Don't Complain about YOUR TV Shows

2007-06-26T19:46:00.000-05:00

Don't complain about TV reruns! We get 10 channels and that sounds pretty good until you realize that each channel shows the same shows over and over and over and over 4 times a day everyday for a week...no kidding!

Here are some of our upcoming shows:

Discovery Channel:
Hour Asia - Made in Taiwan
Wild Discovery - Untamed Earth
Decoding Disasters - Trains

Animal Planet:
Tribal Animals - Apes
Tiger Shark Attack
Big Cat Country
Bat Rescue Mission
Life of Crabs

National Geo:
Baby Catchers of the Amazon
In the Womb - Animals
The Big Freeze
WOW! Gorillas from the Heart of Darkness

We do get Hallmark which I mostly watch. We're about 3 years behind in some shows and more in others. We do get pretty new Oprah if you can stand to see her 4 times a day. I do enjoy CSI (all three of them) even though they're not new and House. We had 3 lbs. awhile back and they took it off now it's back again and they're showing the same shows over.

So never complain you have nothing to watch on TV. A better alternative...surf the net or read a book!

New Passport

2007-06-26T19:39:00.000-05:00

On June 20th, I was stupid and kind of fell for a phone scam. I won't go into all the details, but as soon as I gave out my passport number I knew I had "almost" been had. At least I didn't give them my bank account information. I contacted the embassy and was told I should really get a new passport, report this to the police and notify my bank. I did all three.

Yesterday I got my beautiful new passport and it only took 4 working days. The new passports have a neat little microchip in the cover and nice artwork on the pages. Speaking of pages...there are 20 less in the new passports. I'm actually happy I had to get a new one since this one is so pretty. My photo sucks for this one as they said the embassy wants no smiles. Oh, well...only the immigration people will see it. Now I don't have to get a new one until 2017!

We are leaving on Saturday for the US...YEAH! Can't wait to get out of here.

June 17

2007-06-17T09:11:00.000-05:00

Today is Father's Day...too bad the kids aren't here to celebrate with their dad. Oh, well...next year.

We leave for the US in two weeks...can't wait!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Don't mess with the wife...

When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed. But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the truck, the car, playing golf - always something more important to me.

Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point. When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush. I said, "When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway."

The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.

Moral to this story :
Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is the husband!

On Vacation

2007-06-11T18:24:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my last day "working" at school. They are doing major renovations there this summer. I have my doubts it will be completed by the time school starts in August.