wow, I'm enjoying a moment of quiet and solitude. Ok, thats enough, got a lot of things to do. Have to finish up the laundryroom with Cat. She has worked her butt off on the laundryroom and bath. I hope to have it done before Christmas, but stuff keeps popping up. This week two dear friends our ours passed away, one here in Muskegon, and one in Florida. They were both in their 80"s a God had blessed them with a wonderful and spirit filled life. With a funeral on Tuesday and Christmas Eve service, as janitors, we will have a full week on setups, cleanings, and teardowns. (Don & Liz)

Four weddings in 2 years. How should I feel. Happy, sad, wait ...I know...poor. I now have the females in the family married off. Girls are the most expensive. We had 40 rsvp's returned and 175 people showed up. Fortunately I decided to plan for 150 as this was my best guess. We still fed everyone and had no leftovers to try to get rid of. We finished cleaning up the church around midnight after starting the day at 7am. That was a long day. Louie used his truck as a lemo for the bride a groom. They thought it was BA. Monday we took Don Jr. back to Ohare for his plane ride back to Japan. He had come up to surprise his little sister, and that he did. She was so surprised that I was glad she didn't miscarry. Now everything is getting back to it's chaotic state, never back to normal, and we can know prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thank God for Prozac.

Here we go again. Today, my youngest daughter is getting married. This will be the fourth wedding in two years. Donald came home from Japan and surprised his little sister last night. Before the wedding , we still have to finish setting up the reception, putting together food, setting tables, and all the other stuff that goes with a wedding. This promises to be a busy weekend as we will end the weekend by driving Donald back to Chicago for his flight back to Japan on Monday.

Michigan wind power and alternative energy. Our great state government decided that it is time to look into alternative energy to help Michigan grow. Alternative energy would create new jobs, and help out the state. They put togather plans for a great big windmill, that combined with others would create cheaper energy. The construction of said windmills would create new jobs. Wind energy to the rescue..... opps... they gave the construction bid to Canada. The only wind I see is from Lansing. Last person out, please turn off the lights.

I love stupid people. I especially like people who are suppose to be smart but are really dumber than dirt. I know for a fact that I am not the smartest bulb in the pack, but at least I have some common sense and am able to use my brain for more then counter weight to keep my head strait. For years I use to listen to Rush Limbaugh's radio show. Although I did not agree with him on all topics, I did respect his knowledge,until now. I know that his show is all about ratings and making it interesting for people to listen. Love him or hate him, he just wants you to listen. He's a clown, a show man, an antagonist..... he what you want and what you hate. Why do people care what Rush has to say. His show is alot like professional wrestling, fake but with great athletes. Rush tries to be all things to all people. Either you love him and listen, or hate him, and listen. What people understand is that it is entertainment, nothing else. Once gain we give an actor credit for the role he is playing. I don't go to DR. Gregory House for medical advice so why should I go to this actor for political advice. The dumb people are the ones that faithfully follow him like a person follows a soap opera. Soap operas' professional wrestling, and Rush Limbaugh are not real. Why does the media give him so much attention? Ratings.

Wednesday morning and you can tell tht fall is in the air. Now the weather has me thin kin that I need to put the storms up. I turned on the heat yesterday for the first time.
I talked with the people at Westinghouse, about my fire in my TV. The moment I mentioned fire, they were making arraignments for it to be shipped to them and a new one sent back to me. A flat screen HD tv that is less then 2 years old should not catch fire. I have had great success with my tvs, and they all came from westinghouse should it should not surprise me that they don't want a bad one starting a fire. I'm sending ours back to them today, and they will send out a new one. They are also paying the shipping cost and all I have to do is pack it and ship it. I'll update how things go.

It just keep coming. This weekend our main tv caught fire. It's a 32" flat screen and it was less then two years old. Fortunately nothing else caught fire. The lead abatement people said we won't get our house done until next year. Lindsey's baby is due in April so I hope next year means before then. If her husband to be doesn't get work before the wedding, they may be living with us on (Walton's) Van Antwerpen's mountain. Cat and Sean are looking to move out in October, but if they don't, we will have room for everyone.
We talked with Don and Akiko in Japan. We use Skype for two way visual communications. They are doing great and love it there.
We are in the middle of sending out invites for Lindsey's wedding in November. Have you ever heard the story of a man who made a pot of soup out of two stones? This is what I feel like, paying for a wedding with little money and short notice.
Cliff asked me how I do it? I'll get back with you on that one.

Boy, is this a year. I've had more happen in the last 10 years of my life than I could dream up. Although I have had a very interesting life, lot of travel, wonderful kid, and a great marriage. Yes, this was interesting, but not like the last 10 years. When I was 47 I was suppose to be having a mid life crisis. Instead I was dead for a few minutes with a massive cornary. I few months later I lost our home to a expert swindler. WE lived in an apartment for a while until I found our new home. During this time, my wife has serious medical problem that leaves her unable to work. I also am unable to work. My oldest son get married and moves to Japan, my second child marries and her and her husband move in with us. My youngest daughter has announced that she is pregnant and is getting married in November. My youngest son want to fight MMA. I have become a pastor, married many couples, almost excomunicated by another pastor and now am playing the piano for a praise team. What a wild ride.

What a day. My daughter Lindsey told Liz and I that she is pregnant and will now be moving up her wedding date to November. I am very happy for her and Chris and looking forward to becoming a Grandpa. I know I look way too young to be a grandpa. She is due April 16, the day before Liz and my anniversary. So, within a year and a half we will have had 4 weddings and a grandchild on the way.

This bad economy brings out the strangeness in people. My daughter Lindsey has a small dog call Gigi. This dog is about the size of most cats. We licenced her the first year. This past year when didn't because money was tight. By the time you pay for her shot, and her licence you are talking over $200.00. This little dog is always inside and does not roam the neighborhood. Vector Control is now harassing us to licence her at all cost. They have sent a citation and a ticket to appear in court to make sure we license our dog. If we don't comply, we can be arrested and jailed. They haven't even stopped by to see if the dog is alive or still living with us. She is alive, and living with us. She is in great health and is very happy. Still they want their money to save their jobs. People are losing their jobs, going broke, and don't have extra money to spend. Crime rates are up, health care is down, and we are worried about a small dog having it's licence.

It's hard to believe that it is already September. What a year so far. I do misss the chapel and all of our friends from their. I Miss hearing the golden vocals of cliff. What a voice and mind.
I miss Don and Akiko. They are now in Japan. I talk with them regularly on Skypes, two way video. After teaching his first day of school, they closed the school for a week. No, he did not cause it, swine flu did. So his first week is a paid vacation. This swine flu thing might end up being a bad as predicted.
With all this debate over nation health care, and can't but wonder how people can outright lie about nation health care in other countries. As I said, my son and his wife are in Japan which has national health care. They love it, their friends love, everyone loves it. I talk with Canadians, they love it. I cannot find a real Case of people hating it, except people who get rich off it. Getting rich off sick and dying people is.......well............ sick. Oh, by the way, this depression or recession that we are in was caused by the greed of the rich, not the poor. The people who don't want a national health care is because of greed, not because of government, bad medicine or any other thing that they would concoct.

Today, a new day is dawning at Westwood. Our new pastor start his new calling with us. I have worked with him this week and he seems to be a wonderful person. He seems easy to work with and very down to earth. Westwood has shrunk over the last 10+ years and is in need of new life to be pumped into it. We have taken time to look at ourselves, our calling to the community, and our relationship with God. There will be changes, and changes are difficult, but sometimes necessary. I will be learning to play as part of a praise team,( can you teach an old dog new tricks?), plus helping to maintain the old hymns, maybe in a livelier tempo. May God bless us a we renew are faith, in his honor and to his glory.

My tribute to Ted Kennedy. Thank you for not becoming president. Thank you for being a senator from Mass. and not Michigan. His record for winning battles is below average. He is from a troubled family that has had a fair share of adversity. Everyone who worked with him says he was vicious in battle and gracious in in victory or defeat. He was a devoted Catholic, and had a history of bad behavior. He was truly a man of contradictions. He lavished in wealth and fought hard for the poor and downtrodden. If anything Teddy, you were good press. God Bless.

I talked with Don today on Skype. Video conferencing is very nice. Him and Akiko have moved into their apartment in Tokyo and are now trying to get settled in. We got a video tour of their apartment.

I have returned. Many things have happened since I last blogged that have kept me off line. First of all, the computer shorted out and had to be repaired.
Don and Akiko have arrived safely in Japan. We just set up our skype connection with them. This enables us to talk face to face with them, for free. Liz and I bought their car from them, so once again we have car payments for a while. Don and Akiko had to trim down all they had, to two suitcases and two carry on bags each. I'll have more later, as this blog is very cathartic.

Yesterday, two people in the entertainment industry died. Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Most of the attention goes to a black pedophile over a white christian. Michael didn't want to be black, didn't want to be a grown up, and played with children and prescription drugs. But wait, he was an entertainer so that makes up for everything. Even when he admitted that he slept with children, he bought his way out of trouble. By the time the results of the autopsy are in, we will know that he abused prescription drugs and his heart couldn't take it. Elvis Presley syndrome. Farrah, on the other hand, fought a courageous battle against cancer. She would be alive today if she had agreed to a colostomy. She decided to get treatment outside the United States because it wasn't approved here. This was called, "The Steve Mcqueen syndrome." They both made beautiful corpses.

How Hot is It?

Is it hot enough for you?

These are just some of the weather related question often asked yesterday. It was so hot that 14% of our residents didn't go to work. It was so hot that republicans were blaming the democrats for leaving the heater on. The democrats were blaming the republicans for trying to make a profit off the heat. It's a government conspiracy to make people more dependent on the government. Idiots.

President Obama introduced his effort to offer government assisted heath care. The insurance companies say that statistic don't support an overhaul. They claim that 8 out 10 peoples are happy with the insurance that they are paying for. What they fail to say is that the other 90% can't afford health insurance. Idiots.

Last week our esteemed governor announced the introduction of new jobs. Bad news is that they won't be available until nest year. She also introduced her wind powers jobs, but local ordinances won't allow these things to be constructed. For more information call the republican headquarters which are now located in India. Idiots.

Summer Celebration announced that if you don't purchase a ticket for the concerts, you have to purchase a pass just to walk around the fairground. For those of us that live near the concert fair will have to pay more because we get to hear the garbage for free. Idiots.

40 years ago we landed on the moon. I thought about this when I heard that NASA was trying to figure out how to go back to the moon. You would think they would have left a map. It reminds me of Captain Kirk asking Scotty if he found the engine room? Mr. Scotts reply, "right where I left it". The moon was right where we left it. In a world wide case of CRS, we forgot about the moon.
This , I believe, is the perfect example on how everything comes around. You would think that after 40 years, NASA would come up with a better way to get to the moon. I don't mean by "transporter", or "warp drive", but come on, the same Apollo rocket. Well at least we left the rover up there, just recharge the batteries. Just a thought, "If we use the same technology to get back to the moon, is disco and platform shoes coming back?" I wish I had my old leasure suit.

Fathers Day 2009

To all you fathers out there, Happy Fathers Day. My father is no longer alive so the emphasis is a little different. Now my kids fight over what I am going to do on this day. This will be the last time for a while that Donald and Akiko will be in the States on Fathers Day so they want us to spend time with them. Catherine and Sean want to share the day with his father and with me. Lindsey is visiting with her boyfriend's father, and I'm not sure about Cody. I always wondered why my father was agitated on Fathers Day. I always thought it was the tie I made him. I guess I'm pretty lucky, I could be sitting alone at home wondering why my kids don't care.

I read in the "comical" that the insurance industry want the government to pass a bill requiring all americans to purchase health insurance. What people don't realize is that they are asking for a bailout. By making it illegal not to have health insurance they are forcing everyone to help them. I have to laugh when people don't want a government run health care system, call it socialism, and want to tell the government to stay out of their business. In Michigan, the government forces everyone to purchase auto insurance. They call it no- fault insurance.
We are told that the Canadians are lining up at the border to come to the States because of their goverrnment run healthcare system. They can't wait to dole out their money for insurance that gives them less coverage then they have already. The insurance industry is already trying to stick it to the middle and lower class people by determining their insurance cost by their credit reports. People that have fallen on rough times, are now paying more insurance because they have missed a few bills. Foreclosures are on the rise and the insurance companies want to charge more.
I apologise to the insurance industry. I have just picked on you, but there are others who do the same thing. For years the auto industries forced gas guzzlers on the American market. They have given lucrative jobs and have forced the cost of buying a new car out of reach for many. They have padded the wallets of the petroleum industries buy failing to make fuel effecient vehicles. The list goes on and on. When will some of these people wake up.

A full weekend and now the new week. I performed a small wedding on Saturday, did my music stuff on Sunday. On top of this I cleaned the church and the house, with some help.
Liz goes in for her shots in the spine tomorrow and hopefully this will help her a lot. She is almost immobile because of her back. Since we don't have proper insurance, we had to come up with $600.00. This is her second round of shots. The first lasted about a month.
We are still waiting to hear from the county as far as lead removal. They did the paperwork, and the examination of the house which revealed a lot of lead. We are waiting for an estimator to come out and then the work is put out for bid.

Let's see. This depression was caused when gas prices escalated past three dollars pergallon toward the five dollar mark. Here we go again. The automotive industry is in chaos, jobless rates are at an all time high, homes are being foreclosed left and right, and the petroleum industry is going for more profit. General Motors is now government motors because of the profit greed. I saw this starting to happen in the 80's. Back then we called it the east coast philosophy. Make your profit today, make your profit tomorrow, and keep making a profit everyday. We call it the "now" generation. It started with the dot com business and spread from there. Instant profit at all cost.

Proofreading is a dying art, would you say?
Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter
This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
No, really? Ya think?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------




Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Now that's taking things a bit far!
-----------------------------------------------------------




Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
What a guy!
---------------------------------------------------------------




Miners Refuse to Work after Death
No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!
------------------------------------------------------




Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
See if that works any better than a fair trial!
----------------------------------------------------------




War Dims Hope for Peace
I can see where it might have that effect!
----------------------------------------------------------------




If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
Ya think?!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------




Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
Who would have thought!
----------------------------------------------------------------




Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide
They may be on to something!
------------------------------------------------------------------------




Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
You mean there's something stronger than duct tape? Oklahoma's new construction program!
----------------------------------------------------------




Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge
He probably IS the battery charge!
----------------------------------------------




New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
Weren't they fat enough?!
-----------------------------------------------




Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
That's what he gets for eating those beans!
-------------------------------------------------




Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Chainsaw Massacre all over again!
***************************************************




Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
Boy, are they tall!
*******************************************




And the winner is....
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

Did I read that right?

> An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard.
> I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was
> well taken care of.
>
> He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head;
> he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the
> hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.
>
> An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.
>
> The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed
> his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour.
>
> This continued off and on for several weeks.
>
> Curious I pinned a note to his collar: 'I would like to find out who the
> owner of this wonderful, sweet dog is
>
> and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my
> house for a nap.'
>
> The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his
> collar:
>
> 'He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to
> catch up on his sleep.
>
> Can I come with him tomorrow?
>
>
>
>

I know, I havn't updated in a while. We have been very busy with birthdays, graduations, and house work. I am once again the main music man at Westwood. Since Louie hit the road, the chapel has closed, projects going on around the house, it lucky if I find time to retire.
I have watched the gasoline prices rise over $1.00 per gallon over the last few weeks. The news people are trying to excite us by telling us that gas prices are down $1.00 vs. last year.

Donald and Akiko have been busy raising money for their move to Japan. They will be moving in the end of July.

Liz's health is still not good. She will be going back for more shots in her back which is really limiting what she can do.

My health is ok.

The dogs are doing better since they can spend more time outside. This also makes the cats happy.

I just don't have time to sit and blog anymore.

The first half of this month is very busy. Young Don, graduated from Hope College this past weekend. This involved alot of running back and forth from Holland. This week was also the beginning of Tulip Time, so traffic was terrible.
This week is Cody's 18th birthday, Mothers Day, Catherines birthday, and the openning of the Star Trek the movie.

My son is graduating from Hope College this Sunday. I am so nervous. This is another first in my life. I have never had a child graduate from college. I know what it is like to be proud and humble at the same time. Here is the bragging part. I have the greatest son a father could ask for. He has followed his destiny and has made a man of himself. He has a beautiful and intelligent wife and a great future full of travel and adventure. I am soooooooooooo proud. The many nights I spent praying for him and God has answered these prayers and more. Now I get to watch him walk down the aisle in a college graduation. I thank all the people who helped shape his life, as Liz and I did not do it alone. For those of you who mocked and ridiculed my son, I feel sorry for you. You lose. nanana. My son is truly the greatest

April showers bring May flowers, and allergies. It seems like it is taking forever to warm up, and for the leaves to come out on the trees. Once it starts to bloom, we will be complaining about allergies.
Liz and I went by the chapel yesterday. It is now called, "the Bluffton Chapel". Their worship service is 11 am on Sunday morning. It may be a while before I could check them out, as it conflicts with Sunday obligations on the keyboards. I miss the people that worshipped together and hope that we can reunite sometime.
On May 3rd, my oldest son,Donald, graduates from Hope College. I am extremely proud of his achievements. My oldest daughter just graduated from her nursing assistant class, and did it by being the best. She now has to take her state boards.
Lindsey is trying to finish up her high school GED and is hoping to complete it before Cody does. I see MCC for both of them.
This summer we are hoping to do a complete overhaul of our house. New siding, new windows, new plumbing etc...
May also bring birthdays for Catherine and Cody. Cody turns the big 18, and Catherine becomes a year older.
Well I believe that covers it all for now.

Today is Wednesday.
Cody goes in for knee surgery today. He is having a ACL put in. He is very nervous about this. He had his other knee operated on last year.

The sun is shinning and the temperatures is rising. Mid seventies by the end of the week.

Louie resigned as the music man at Westwood. I am waiting to see what happens in respect to who they hire or what style karaoke machine they will use.

Twenty-seven years ago, I married a beautiful Irish girl from upstate New York.Who would have thought I would not only be fortunate enough to marry her, but remain happily married for 27 years. It is wonderful that she still loves this fat boy with heart problems. What is our secret? ................. What part of the word secret don't you understand? Maybe because we are both nuts?

Give me a break.
Yesterday, in different cities, they reenacted the tea party to protest taxes. For most of the people, it was a non partisan event. To some others it was a chance to slam our president. I use the word"our" because we elected him. He has done just what he said he would do to straighten out the mess we are in. Our free enterprise system needed to be bailed out. This country is made up of "we", not me, and Obama is trying to show this. The "me" crowd got us in this situation. Now the "me"crowd is yelling at the government, which is like yelling at yourself. The government is the people. The one thing that is true is that the IRS is an antiquated system that should be dissolved. Eliminate income tax, and tax all goods that are sold. No tax exempt and all people pay taxes according to their needs. You could start this by taxing all non foods. If not enough is raised then you can start taxing non essential food stuff and then maybe a small tax on food. This should more then cover the needs of federal, state, and local municipalities. Give the president a line item veto to get rid of fat.
This is so simple it is laughable.

Happy Easter

I am excited about this Easter. This may be the last Easter we as a whole family have together for quite a while. In August, Don and Aki move to Japan for a couple of years. Today we will all gather together and eat food. Every year there is change in participants. My brothers and sisters have moved on to their own family, Dad is gone, but this is the first years for Don and Aki, and Sean and CAt as married couples. Liz still puts together Easter baskets for the kids. Last night we had a big bonfire and will most likely have one again tonight. Life is good.
Tomorrow Cat will start her classed for nursing assistant. After 2 weeks, she can take her state boards and seek employment. God is good.

Hello everybody. I have a spring cold. I hate colds. When you are on cardiac meds, there is not much you can take to ease a cold. For the most part you have to grin and bare it. Plenty of fluids, sleep, and feed a cold.
Thousands of you out there know that I am a sports fan, and now that march madness is over, pro basketball is winding down, and baseball is starting up, it has to warm up so I can go outside. My alternative is to watch baseball and golf, which is slightly more entertaining then watching grass grow. That reminds me, I have to plant grass this year.

MSU MSU MSU MSU

fOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS, I AM TALKING COLLEGE BASKETBALL.

Michigan State University is in the final four in the NCAA tournament. They will play this weekend for the national championship. This is something good happening in Michigan. The final four will be held in Detroit, another plus for Michigan.
It's almost April and there is snow on the ground. Hopefully this will be the last of it.

Just a little side note for those of literary excellence and biblical expertise. My son,Don, has started a blog. He will be going to Japan this fall to teach English and to be a missionary. His blog is http://amorcineris.blogspot.com. Check it out

Don't it make you wonder. The great state of Michigan, highest jobless rate, in the middle of a depression, and it's governor"s claim to fame is that she is on a list of "hot"female Governors. That should bring new jobs to Michigan. In all fairness, she might be in the top 10.

Insurance companies, the root of the problem in the medical care business needs to be bailed out. If our medical system and health care are better off then other countries, why are they going broke?

What crisis has hit the oil industries. Usually it takes a hurricane, war, or other catastrophes to make the gas jump up in price? Greed?

Just when Louie sold off the chapel, it was on the news that Heritage Reformed Church in Hudsonville is being auctioned off. The interesting thing about this church is that they had just gone to a contemporary worship service with karaoke and screen. Many other churches are going out of business and the same solution is to appeal to the young people. It sounds like they are trying to become a better social club.

It's Friday and the sun is shinning. I officially have spring fever. I want the warm weather to get work done outside. This summer will be different without the chapel on Sunday nights. I no longer can hear Cliff wax eloquent, Brian explore new areas of interest, and have a podium to express my beliefs. I enjoyed the Hammond and the piano together with Lou and Cliff. We got to hear from some very interesting people and heard great music from different people and great groups. The chapel is now history, and the subject of great reminiscing. Will the story's expand? Most likely. Even though, it was a great run with great friends.

Is the honeymoon over for Obama. A lot of people, especially Republicans, are saying that. If you are calling a few days during the inauguration a honeymoon, then the answer is yes. That party is over. We have seen every president go through this in their first 100 days. The Republicans and the Democrats battle for strength of party and everyone else can go to hell.
Our last Democratic President, Wild Bill Clinton, went through a similar 100 days. The difference is that George Bush 1 left the country in better shape then George Bush 2 did. We are now in a depression and drastic measures need to be taken. We gave little George 8 years to get it right and he did to the country what he did to his other business projects before he became Governor and then President. I know very well that one man can't take all the credit or all the blame. We need people who are open minded enough to realize that this is not a game. The trickle down economics did not work. and that was from one of my favorite presidents. You don't give a thief your money(bailout) after he has stolen from you. He will pocket the money and continue to steal from you.
The last heartbreaking story is that the list of billionaires has shrunk. I wonder if it is because they are in jail for ponzi schemes.
Speaking of schemes, here are come legal schemes to look out for.
1- If you are on social security, the law states that no one can garnish your funds. The scheme to get around it is to get a garnishment order from a judge, give to the bank, and the bank will garnish the account. This way the bank blames the lawyer, the lawyer blame the judge, and the judge blames the bank. Meanwhile if you want to fight it, you have to hire a lawyer. now the reason for this law, to protect the poor, has been circumvented.
2-Pork barrel spending. Need I say more.
3- Credit ratings for car insurance.

More to come on later blogs.

Have you noticed how many experts there are about the state of our economy and how to fix it. This reminds me of the panhandler in Las Vagas telling people where the hot slot machines are. What amazise me most, is that we were here back in the twenties. We knew what caused it, we know what fixed it, and we know what we have to do. The handbook is already written.
The republicans thought they found the "holy grail" with the trickle down theory. The only thing that trickles down is bull*##&. I believe that 70% of the business done in the United States is through small business. So what do we do, bail out big business, and let the little business fail.
The bail out bills are so full of pork that it will be a surprise if it get off the ground. Simple solution, Line Item Veto, problem solved.
We are the laughing stock of the world when it comes to health systems. The independent system has shown that it cannot continue without government support. It needs government regulation and control. Canada and Japan have an excelent health care system that is run by the government. The joke is on us, not them.

It seems a little strange, Sunday night and no chapel. This day was full of unusual happenings. First, this morning, it started by turning the clock forward. No big deal, except that I usually have to call Louie to remind him. This Sunday he is off driving his new truck. Last I heard was that he was in Oregon. This meant I had to fill in for him at Westwood. This also meant directing the choir while accompany on the piano. The service at Westwood has added a video screen so that people can sing the songs off the screen instead of the book. They are still getting the bugs out of the system and sometimes not all the words are on the screen. It almost like playing the organ during an old movie. I've never done that before but I've seen old footage of people doing that. The day's of the church organist or pianist are numbered because of the automation and electronics. Once again, computers are taking over the jobs of the musician, that is until the power goes out.

WOW


I turned on the news yesterday and I still haven't recovered. All it was saying was how bad the economy is. We, Muskegon, have the highest unemployment numbers with more and more business laying of workers. Muskegon was listed as the worst place in the nation to live. Employment and chance of improved economy was taken into consideration. Churches are reporting that giving is way down, and food banks have long lines.
My wife and I have our daughter and her husband living with us. Both of them are down to part time work, and the money they do earn helps out his father who can't work. Cody and LJ are finishing school while living at home, and they can't find part time work.
Liz and I have health problems that limit us, and we are thankful for disability SSI.
I know of people who saved and saved for their retirement only to find out that their savings are gone due to the economy or some swindle.
Some Doctors are now requiring that all deductibles are paid in full before surgery is done. Liz has a great family doctor who supplies her with prescription samples, other wise we would be completely broke.
With the government stepping in, business are failing because they have to live up to rules. We as a country relay too much on wall street, and need to invest in main street. Wall street is nothing but a lavish Las Vagas.
General Motors have said that they need 30 billion dollars to survive or they will go bankrupt. Sappi has used the economy as an excuse to close their plant. Some companies have gone to 4 day work weeks in an effort to not lay off people and incur the cost of paying their unemployment. Who was the person that said that the technology age would benefit everyone?

Our next door neihbors are having the lead removed from their house. A program thru the federal and state government is footing the bill. The reason that they qualify is that they have a small baby, they have lead, and the area they live in. Many house have this dangerous lead paint and windows including ours. We don't qualify because are children are older. We are trying to reapply because we do watch a small girl. Wish us good luck

The times, they are a changin. That song once again proved prophetic. Yesterday was the last service for Lakeside Lighthouse Chapel. Louie and Earlaine decided to sell the building to another growing church. LLC never managed to bring in large numbers or money to support itself. It did bring together a unique group of people. Last nights announcement was a shock to us all. I had to honor of delivering the last message for LLC. If I had known it would be the last, I would have made some changes. Thank you all for the memories.

My list of favorite voices of radio has diminished with the passing of Paul Harvey. When as voice matches the personality of person, I call that a true art. I know when listening to that voice, I can trust him like my best friend. Paul Harvey was a friend to me, and million other people. I never met the man in real life, but I will miss him. I just watched an interview he did with Larry King, and it was wonderful.
My other two voices of radio that I deemed great, are still alive. My number two man behind Paul Harvey is Buck Matthews. Once again, a man who matches his voice. I have personally known and met Buck and his late wife.
My number three man, I have known for a few years. I never heard him on the radio, but have heard him speak many times. His name is Cliff Martin. He has that professional voice that only the men of radio have. Wisdom and sincerity are important in their delivery.
These men are the true genius of the lost art of radio.

Winter blues have really set in. I want to work on my car, but it is too cold. I want to work on the house, but it is too cold outside and too crowded inside. I'm tired of the dogs and cats being on top of us all the time. I can't wait to open up the windows and let the warm breeze of spring and summer take me away.
I hear people bitching and complaining about the economy, the jobless rates, the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. I just feel better when the snow is gone. I know, why do I stay in Michigan? It gives me a reason to bitch

Well, it's me. I haven't been on line for a while because I had the computer in for repairs. This doesn't mean that life has calmed down around our place.
Liz got her shot in the back of cortisone. She has been able to walk around a little better but still is having problems.
I was able to get my taxes done and now that monkey is off my back.
I have been feeling good lately, as once again modern medicine has masked what ever problem I was having.

Well

I am alive a doing fine. For those of you you didn't know, last week I had another heart attack. The difference with this one is that while they were treating me for a heart attack, my pressure and pulse were elevated as well as all the other signs of a heart attack, the machine(ekg)said I was not. When the "attack" was brought under control, I was transferred to ICU. After 24 hours of testing, the doctor concluded that the heart was fine, and that no confirmed attack has happened. The stress test, blood work, and all other test showed no problems. So after 3 days in the hospital, I am recovering from a heart attack that didn't happen. I guess medicine is a practice.
Today I get the truck to get it's brakes repair. They also failed last week. Cody and Liz both have doctors appointment tomorrow to schedule their possible surgeries. Cody's is for his other knee (torn ligament), and Liz for her back.
A special thank to my friends and family that helped out this past week.

Well the saga continues..............
Cody has been unhappy at Waypoint Academy and wanted to transfer to Orchard View adult education credit recovery program. Once he transferred there, he found out at he had to be with a bunch of older people and not anyone close to his age. We then transferred him to Muskegon High School. I found out today that he can't attend Muskegon HIgh because he is considered a Senior already and they can't take seniors halfway through their senior year. In other words, Waypoint has screwed up his credits so bad we may have only one choice. He are transferring him to Mtec to finish up his senior year. He needs 23 credits to graduate, and an average year is around 12 credits. The fact that he has been in HIgh School for 4 years and he is 17 and would in fact be a 2 year senior at the age of 18. This would put him in adult education. If you are confused, stand in line behind me. If you understand, "you are a better man then me Gungadine." Hopefully by the end of the day I will understand a little bit better.

For all of you who have received these emails................
>
>
> I just want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the
> past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of
> recovery.
>
>
>
> I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel or
> have them put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the
> bacteria on the lemon peel.
>
> I can't use the remote in a hotel room because I don't know what the
> last person was doing while flipping through the adult movie channels.
> I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what
> has happened on it since it was last washed.
>
> I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because
> the number one pastime while driving alone is picking ones nose
> (although cell phone usage may be taking the number one spot).
> Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only
> imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.
>
> I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor
> of a public bathroom.
>
> I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about poop in
> the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every
> envelope that needs sealing.
> ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same
> reason.
>
>
> I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny
> Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.
>
> I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive
> the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOLare sending me for
> participating in their special e-mail program.
>
> I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking
> out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish.
>
> I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant
> freaks with no eyes or feathers.
> I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a
> water buffalo on a hot day.
>
> BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can
> remove toilet stains.
>
> I no longer can buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the
> car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.
>
> I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these
> products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans.
>
> I no longer use Saran Wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
>
> AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the
> microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face... disfiguring me
> for life.
>
> I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be
> pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
>
> I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a
> perfume sample and rob me.
>
> I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually
> Al Qaeda in disguise.
>
> I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our
> American troops or the Salvation Army.
>
> I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a
> number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda,
> Singapore, and Uzbekistan .
>
> I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have
> their recipe.
>
> THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown
> African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when
> it bites my butt.
>
> AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't ever pick up $5.00 dropped in
> the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester
> waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.
>
> I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy gas from certain gas
> companies!
>
> I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the brown
> recluse and my hand will fall off.
>
>
> If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70
> minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m.
> tomorrow afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back,
> causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it
> actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's
> ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician . .
>
> Oh, by the way..... A German scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered
> that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail with
> their hand on the mouse.
>
> Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.
>

President Obama has come out swinging. He has told lobbies to be prepared for less business. He has told Americans to strap their belts tight and gather together. I hope he is right, but I've heard that rhetoric before.
The other rhetoric that I'm so tiered of hearing are the people who say that he wants socialism. The republicans for years have said, "It's, mine, Ive earned it, and I'm not sharing it." I can understand when non christian people say it, but when I hear christian people say this I get sick to my stomach. A true christian knows that we own nothing, everything is God's and we are the care takers. Also in our care is our fellow man,"What you do unto the least of these my brothers, you do unto me." And for the person who doesn't want to "support the lazy people", don't forget the story of the prodigal son. For the non christian, remember how quickly you would let a poor man go off to war to defend your fortunes. How many poor people died for you to get your materialistic things. It's time we became the America of old. Give us your tiered and weary. Lets give our people affordable health care. If you don't like the Canadian model, improve on it. We are only on this earth for a short time, lets make the best of it. You can't take it with you.

Well, the stratus is home. After the accident, Staffords towing towed it to their yard in North Muskegon. The driver said he was only authorized to bring it to their garage. Then they were closed all weekend, and i couldn't get to the car until Monday($25.00 pr. day storage). Their bill to tow and store the car was $500.00. I asked them to get me a price for the car as scrap, and they said all they could get was $200.00. I paid another $65.00 to have it towed to our house and put it in the garage. This is now my project to put it back on the road. The engine runs fine, and the drive train seems to be in one piece. I have knock out the dent in the roof.
This is what needs to be done to get it back on the road
2001 Dodge Stratus SE coup 2 dr. (6 cyl)

1- Front grill work $173.00
2- Headlights $158.00 each
3- Drivers side front fender $198.00
4- Driver side mirror $69.76
5- Rear window $300.00
6- Oil change
7- Check starter
8- Change plugs
9- Alignment
10- Fix tires
11- Knock out rear driver side fender
12- Check underside and wheel wells and casing
13- Fix inside roof
14- Cover seats
15- Clean insides
16- Paint
The prices are retail prices for new pieces that I have found so far. I will be getting parts from a salvage yard where possible.

...and now for the continuing saga of"As the Stomach Churns."

Last night, Friday night, Cody rolled the Stratus. He was coming home from North Muskegon when he was rear ended and forced off the road. The car went into the medium and flipped about 8 times (maybe more like a roll) Him and his friend were not hurt, but the Stratus is pretty bad. I went to the crash site last night and by looking at the car in the dark, the word "Total" kept coming to mind. Although witness' said that a vehicle rear ended them, they could not give a discription of the vehicle. The officer wrote it down as a hit and run. I believe it was a miracle that no one was hurt. I will try to see it if not today, maybe Monday morning.

As our soap opera continues..........

Liz got her report on her MRI. It looks like she has two bulging discs, and two herniated discs. Her doctor is refering her to a spine specialist. She is still in alot of pain.

Happy New Year

In a few weeks we will have the first black president. It's about time. I really hope this man can turn things around, not because he is black, but because he is not a Bush.( or republican).

The banks and the car companies have been bailed out. They will be sitting fine, and the rest of us can window shop.

Catherine is trying to go back to school at Ross. Should this work out, she will drop to part time and her and Sean will be with us at least 6 more months. Sean is still working at Game Stop.

Lindsey is returning to Mtec to complete her senior year, I hope.

Cody is trying to switch schools before his senior year. He wants to go to Mona shores or Orchard View with school of choice.

Liz had her MRI this week, and we hope to find out soon why she has difficulty walking. Although she has been diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in her spine, the MRI will show the extent of the damage and what,if anything , can be done.

Donald and Akiko are doing fine. He will finish up Hope College this spring and graduate. Akiko is working full time translating.

I just keep moving on. No rest for the wicked.