I am way behind the two of you and unlikely to be as successful.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
94% for Me, too!
I have visited these states (94%). I hope to cover the others in 2006.
create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Saturday, November 26, 2005
27 miles today [and an update on the deraileur hanger]
I went out for a ride today and went south on the river trail so I would have the wind at my back on the way home this time. Nice plan. Didn't work. When I turned around after eating my sandwhich at Liberty Park, I faced a wall of wind in my face. A couple of gusts tried to push me off the trail. By the time I got back to Whittier the wind was less intense. It was a nice day to be out in the sunshine.
UPDATE-- I went ahead and ordered my deraileur hanger from the deraileurhanger.com thing. It came, I am riding, all is well. Ernest at G's is still trying to figure out why he hasn't got the one he ordered for me. I guess when that one comes, I will have a back up.
UPDATE-- I went ahead and ordered my deraileur hanger from the deraileurhanger.com thing. It came, I am riding, all is well. Ernest at G's is still trying to figure out why he hasn't got the one he ordered for me. I guess when that one comes, I will have a back up.
Friends at the conference
James Chambers went with me to the CCDA conference this year. I am really glad that he went with me and I am really glad he is my friend.
We are posing in front of the conference banner standing on the platform--it was completely dark in there as the room was closed when not in use for a plenary session. So the sign in back is kind of dark and we are glad we did not get hurt climbing around in the dark.
We are posing in front of the conference banner standing on the platform--it was completely dark in there as the room was closed when not in use for a plenary session. So the sign in back is kind of dark and we are glad we did not get hurt climbing around in the dark.
Table of Plenty at St. Matthias
The Whittier Daily News did a story about the Thanksgiving dinner served at St. Matthias. You can read it by following the link.
A photographer was there are said that the photos may not show up on the website even if they were inthe paper. He said his assignment was for a page three piece--anyone see that in the Whittier Daily News?
A photographer was there are said that the photos may not show up on the website even if they were inthe paper. He said his assignment was for a page three piece--anyone see that in the Whittier Daily News?
Friday, November 25, 2005
Our Thanksgiving Day
On Thursday, Doris and Rob flew north very early in the morning to join family. The Wilsons went to Garth’s folks house. My parents in Ohio went to dinner with a friend at a local restaurant. I fixed an apple pancake, on a personal quest for one like the one served at a greasy spoon I frequented in Illinois. It made for a simple, special breakfast that morning, while we watched part of the Macy’s parade on TV.
Glen and I had several invitations to join other families, but we chose to go to St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Uptown Whittier to help serve dinner to the neighborhood. We worked from 11:30 to 2:20 and saw such a variety of guests, including our church friend, Mark. Many were dressed so nicely and so happy to get a meal and friendly company. Many seemed needy in simple and complex ways. A wide range of people -- homeless, poor, lonely, addicted, broken, and/or mentally ill -- and all were warmly welcomed in the Lord’s name. Some had just gotten off work, probably minimum wage jobs, and wanted to provide a nice meal for their families. We filled “to go” boxes with more dinners, and some guests really stocked up on those. It was all interesting, touching, and meaningful to us. It felt important to participate, sharing with others, when we are so blessed.
Driving home, we passed Whittier Village Theaters at about 2:25 and spontaneously stopped in to attend the 2:30 showing of “Walk the Line,” a story of Johnny Cash. I knew Glen wanted to see this, and I enjoyed it as well. Then we rushed to Black Angus for our traditional turkey dinner. The restaurant was crowded and it was fun to be with lots of families celebrating around us, and to have our dinner prepared and brought to us, because we were tired. We came home and relaxed with the dogs. It was a different Thanksgiving, yet still very meaningful, interesting, and fun. Fun to be together and grateful to the Lord for everything. We did think fondly of you all...loved ones in other settings that day.
Glen and I had several invitations to join other families, but we chose to go to St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Uptown Whittier to help serve dinner to the neighborhood. We worked from 11:30 to 2:20 and saw such a variety of guests, including our church friend, Mark. Many were dressed so nicely and so happy to get a meal and friendly company. Many seemed needy in simple and complex ways. A wide range of people -- homeless, poor, lonely, addicted, broken, and/or mentally ill -- and all were warmly welcomed in the Lord’s name. Some had just gotten off work, probably minimum wage jobs, and wanted to provide a nice meal for their families. We filled “to go” boxes with more dinners, and some guests really stocked up on those. It was all interesting, touching, and meaningful to us. It felt important to participate, sharing with others, when we are so blessed.
Driving home, we passed Whittier Village Theaters at about 2:25 and spontaneously stopped in to attend the 2:30 showing of “Walk the Line,” a story of Johnny Cash. I knew Glen wanted to see this, and I enjoyed it as well. Then we rushed to Black Angus for our traditional turkey dinner. The restaurant was crowded and it was fun to be with lots of families celebrating around us, and to have our dinner prepared and brought to us, because we were tired. We came home and relaxed with the dogs. It was a different Thanksgiving, yet still very meaningful, interesting, and fun. Fun to be together and grateful to the Lord for everything. We did think fondly of you all...loved ones in other settings that day.
Pre-Thanksgiving Fun
We went to Disneyland on Tuesday evening, and met Jeff & Erica Amann there. We enjoyed dinner and conversation at Naples, in Downtown Disney. Then we went to Disneyland, caught the Christmas parade, rode the Jungle Cruise (recently updated), got dessert, and watched the fireworks. This was our third time of viewing the spectacular 50th anniversary fireworks…. 20 minutes in length, using the whole park with laser lights, and Tinkerbell quite dramatically flying around. And then it snowed. Silently, fluffy puffs, falling like a gentle blizzard around us. I love that! I really miss snowfall at this time of year, so this helps.
On Wednesday, Glen had a meeting with World Vision in Los Angeles to discuss future business. We took the train to Union Station, and then the Red Line to the area near World Vision offices. We found a Thai Café for lunch. It was rated “A” and was busy, so I thought it would be a good place to eat. I had Yellow Curry Chicken and Glen had Pad Thai noodles.
Glen then walked me back to the train station, and I headed back to Union Station to wait for him to finish his meeting. There wasn’t an obvious place near World Vision to hang out, so off I went. Union Station was full of activity, being the day before Thanksgiving, so I had a great time people watching. I collected information and impressions to build characters and settings and mood for future books I may write. That is fun for me. I also read some, unwound and sat quietly, worked on this and that, and enjoyed a few hours to myself.
Glen arrived around 5:15 and I met him at Track 9A to catch the 5:20 train to get back to our truck and head home. He had a verbal contract with World Vision for the next year! We celebrated in our hearts and conversation and thanked God for caring for us step-by-step. This was a big day, a new work agreement, and affirmation of God’s blessing in Glen’s business, time in the city, unusual food, and a train ride. We had fun.
We attended the Thanksgiving Service that night at church. Glen read a psalm of Thanksgiving. Many people shared what they are grateful for, which is so encouraging to hear. We worshiped our God and joined together with other believers in a time of thanksgiving, which was important to us. We went out for dinner with friends after church. Juan Gonzalez, our young friend, waited on us, just a week or so into his job there, which Glen helped him get.
On Wednesday, Glen had a meeting with World Vision in Los Angeles to discuss future business. We took the train to Union Station, and then the Red Line to the area near World Vision offices. We found a Thai Café for lunch. It was rated “A” and was busy, so I thought it would be a good place to eat. I had Yellow Curry Chicken and Glen had Pad Thai noodles.
Glen then walked me back to the train station, and I headed back to Union Station to wait for him to finish his meeting. There wasn’t an obvious place near World Vision to hang out, so off I went. Union Station was full of activity, being the day before Thanksgiving, so I had a great time people watching. I collected information and impressions to build characters and settings and mood for future books I may write. That is fun for me. I also read some, unwound and sat quietly, worked on this and that, and enjoyed a few hours to myself.
Glen arrived around 5:15 and I met him at Track 9A to catch the 5:20 train to get back to our truck and head home. He had a verbal contract with World Vision for the next year! We celebrated in our hearts and conversation and thanked God for caring for us step-by-step. This was a big day, a new work agreement, and affirmation of God’s blessing in Glen’s business, time in the city, unusual food, and a train ride. We had fun.
We attended the Thanksgiving Service that night at church. Glen read a psalm of Thanksgiving. Many people shared what they are grateful for, which is so encouraging to hear. We worshiped our God and joined together with other believers in a time of thanksgiving, which was important to us. We went out for dinner with friends after church. Juan Gonzalez, our young friend, waited on us, just a week or so into his job there, which Glen helped him get.
Thanksgiving in Placerville
We had a nice day here in Placerville. It is raining this morning, but Thanksgiving was bright and comfortable. We had a full house of twenty year old guys. With Debbie, Doris, Cindy, Brianna, and Shawntea here, Beth wasn't as out numbered as in previous years. Lots of good food and company. Yea to Beth for preparing such a delicious dinner. And as a special bonus there are lots of left overs for sons to take home. Family members not present were missed but were here in spirit. All in all a great day.
Brianna is helping with peeling the apples for the apple pies. Beth, Doris and Andrew share a light hearted moment in the kitchen. Grandmother and her grandsons. Steve added an extention to the table to fit everyone. How blessed to have these moments together.
I am proud of all the guys. Each is striving in his own way to make it in this world. I am glad I get to see them and have some time to talk to them. I deeply appreciate times like these.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
In Indianapolis for CCDA--a few photos and memories
Here are some images from a few days in Indianapolis at the conference of Christian Community Development Association.
Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners was the plenary speaker on Friday evening. I talked to him briefly after his sermon to a packed house of 1,800 or 1,900 folks. When I told him that I had been Jeff Barneson's friend since third grade, he said that deserved a hug, so he hugged me. Jim said that Jeff is one of the most encouraging people in his life. It was nice to see Bob and Donna at church today.
I met Jeremy Del Rio, who I had previously only known from reading his blog. Here we are shown with Rudy Carrasco who blogs at Urban Onramps right after they had done a workshop on the next generation of leadership. More on that later.
Shane Claiborne, The Simple Way, Philadelphia and Noel Castellanos, CCDA Institute Director, posed for a picture with me on Saturday--I told them that I was really cheap and in search of souvenirs
Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners was the plenary speaker on Friday evening. I talked to him briefly after his sermon to a packed house of 1,800 or 1,900 folks. When I told him that I had been Jeff Barneson's friend since third grade, he said that deserved a hug, so he hugged me. Jim said that Jeff is one of the most encouraging people in his life. It was nice to see Bob and Donna at church today.
I met Jeremy Del Rio, who I had previously only known from reading his blog. Here we are shown with Rudy Carrasco who blogs at Urban Onramps right after they had done a workshop on the next generation of leadership. More on that later.
Shane Claiborne, The Simple Way, Philadelphia and Noel Castellanos, CCDA Institute Director, posed for a picture with me on Saturday--I told them that I was really cheap and in search of souvenirs
Friday, November 18, 2005
The Wardrobe, Lion, and Witch
With all the buzz about the pending release of the movie "Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," I recalled that I've actually seen the family wardrobe used as the portal in this story by C.S. Lewis. It was on display at Wheaton College, where I attended from September 1973 until I graduated in 1977. It is still there today, along with other valued and interesting items and works of a collection of fine writers. I feel privileged to have been made aware of the value of Lewis's and Tolkein's and MacDonald's works as a student. The pleasures of a liberal arts college education! Reading the web page www.wheaton.edu/learnres/wade/ renewed my interest in these scholars.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
While we are on the topic
I met this guy today at CCDA. He has been on Vicente Fox's cabinet. He introduced Mr, Fox to then Governor of Texas George W. Bush. 
His name is Juan Herndez and he spoke to the conference here about the justice issues surrounding immigration. Very interesting facts. Like this one from Exodus 23:9 “Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt."
I actually saw him on Bill O'Rielly. He said he left there pretty bruised up.
His name is Juan Herndez and he spoke to the conference here about the justice issues surrounding immigration. Very interesting facts. Like this one from Exodus 23:9 “Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt."
I actually saw him on Bill O'Rielly. He said he left there pretty bruised up.
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