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.

Im back. We had to go off line for a while until we paid comcast somemore money.
Huntington decimated our account by letting a lawyer garnish money from an account that is solely from Social Security. This is a no no. The bank blames the lawyer, the lawyer blames the bank and they both say that I must spend money to hire a lawyer to fight this. In the mean time, we get screwed. Oh, by the way, that medical bill that they were garnishing for had already been taken care of.
What is the difference between and lawyer and a snake. The snake hates being put in the same sentence as a lawyer.

One week until Christmas.
They have now named the presidency of Bill Clinton. It will be called,"Sex between the Bushes".
Here is a Christmas greeting we can all associate with. "Moneys tight, times are hard. Here's your freeking Christmas card."

Gm and Chrysler are now looking at merging to keep from going under. Ford is doing ok but could use some help. No one is talking about Saturn. Is it possible that they got it right?

Granholm has said that she won't except a position of Obamas staff. I guess it is better to turn down the possibility of getting the job then to be left out in the cold.

Super stars and famous people have things thrown at them like flowers, gifts, and underwear. Bush has a reporter throw both of his shoes at him. Both shoes missed their mark, something like Bushes Iraq strategies. Since it has got so bad that reporters are throwing articles of clothing at him, all future press conferences will be done in the nude. "Will the real bush please stand up".

Lets start out another fun filled week.
Last week, Liz was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis of the spine. She has been in a great amount of pain, and has a hard time even walking. With all her other problems, this was not needed. We are waiting for the doctors decision on what to do next. The pain pills and shots do not work as she is still in a great amount of pain. This has kept me very busy taking care of everyone and everything.
Cat and Sean will most likely move into their apartment after the first of the year. When they move out, we will take their room since it is on the main floor and will be easier access for Liz. We might even do it before then.

Today I had to go with Cody for his pretrial hearing. He was caught fishing in a forbidden stream. There were no signs posted and nothing to show that it was a closed stream. When Cody went in, I was not allowed because he is 17, they found him guilty. It was posted in a book that he got with his fishing license. He is suppose to remember every stream. Ignorance is not a excuse. Here is a young man who decides to fish and stay out of trouble. He was hit with $120.00 fine. When we went to collection I asked how they expect him to pay this fine if he doesn't have a job? I explained that he is in high school. He should drop out of school, get a job so he can pay his fine. This is another great example of how our court system fails. If he doesn't find a way to pay this fine, they would put him a jail. I don't know who is more ignorant. DNR busting a young kid for fishing in a unmarked, and closed stream. I know, they were just doing their job. DNR's failure to mark the stream and use the excuse of, "it's in the handbook, you should have known." The court failure to look at the big picture and just be more concerned about not hurting the DNR's feelings. It is the courts rational that for example, the state does not need to post speed limits on the highways because everyone know what it is. You should not need to post no trespassing signs because it is understood that trespassing is forbidden. It's the law and we as citizens should know all the laws, speed limits, and other minor things, should be memorized. Ignorance is not an excuse.
If you spend time and listen to people at the county court house and you will understand how a system can go so bad. One women was there on an arrest warrant for shoplifting. When walking thru a store, her young daughter reached out and took a $1.50 pin. She was found guilty because her daughter is her responsibility. A man was found guilty because his dog got out of a fenced in yard. His dog was licenced, but because he was running free, he was fined over $100.00. The law is the law. this was the first time that his dog got loose.
We need reforms, not obscure fines that nickel and dime us to death. The next time someone says that our prisions are overcrowded, or that crime has risen, stop and see what laws are being violated.
I could have hired a lawyer to defend Cody, but that would be cost prohibitive. Once again they are hoping to feed the system. I was prohibited from defending Cody because he is an adult in their eyes, and since I was not a lawyer, I was not allowed in. These are some of the reason that crime has risen. People will just pay the fine and plead guilty. It is cheaper. Guilty until proven guilty.

I met a friend at the doctors office yesterday. You know you are getting old when you meet friends at doctors offices. This friend of mine had hurt his finger in his garage door, and all those broken finger jokes came rushing back. I held my tongue and did not share my lack of intelligence. Why is it that some of us will try to crack a joke at someones misfortune. Are we cruel by nature, or do we think that this is a way to cheer someone up. My friend, a man a great intelligence,would have laughed along because of his gregarious nature and kind soul, but I'm sure his finger still will hurt after all the jokes are told. I think that it might be that little devil in me because I know he will read this and have to respond with his finger either sutured or in a splint and that could cause a chuckle or two as he tries to type out a response.

It's December, it's snowing, and it's cold. Winter has really roared in this year.
Liz was helping me this week and hurt her back. Just what she needs, one more thing to go wrong.
Cody had his first basketball game last night. This was the team that I coached last year, started up, and had it taken from me from a teacher who gets first choice. They lost, and Cody sat the bench. He is one of the top guards in the area, he worked hard to get his knee in shape after having his ACL replaced, and the coach says that he need to try harder. He missed two practices due to doctors appointment and court. I feel this was more directed at me in a effort to say that he is in charge. The coach has now gone as far as insisting that the team call him coach. It drives him crazy when I show up to pick up Cody and all the team members were still calling me coach. I have done everything in my power to butt out and not offer my opinion. My biggest question is, " This coach has pretty much the same team as last year." " He now has a home gym(all our game last year were on the road), new uniforms (home and away), a team bus, a larger basketball budget to buy more basketball and other equipment." They look worse then last year and have not improved at all. The Question is, "Should I be smiling or shaking my head in disbelief?"

today is thanksgiving Day, 2008. As I look back, I have much to be thankful about. Family, Friends, and a wonderful wife. Aside from these, here are a few others

1- Thankful that George Bush can't run again.
2- Thankful that Granholm can't run again
3- thankful that the executives from the ailing big 3 can take their corporate jets to Washington to beg for money.
4- I'm thankful that the cost of heating fuel has not risen anymore. Who knows why the cost of heating hasn't gone down along with gas prices.
5- I am thankful that my kids can live with us. (That I am able to support them)

Have a happy thanksgiving

Shortness of breath, ache in shoulders and on left side, and blood pressure jumping all over the place. Most people would jump up and yell, "heart attack". In my world it is a little different. Last night I had one of my attacks. After laying down and taking my nitro, everything fell back in place. The blood pressure balanced out, and the pain and stiffness went away. The doctors call these angina attacks and usually are not a heart attack. If it doesn't subside after 2 0r 3 nitro tablets, then I am suppose to worry. I would be lying if I said it didn't scare me, and I know it scares Liz. She is usually burning up the phone lines with the doctors. By the time they call back, everything has calmed down, and their response is, "if you feel it is your heart, go into emergency or call an ambulance". I know that they can't diagnose over the phone, and by the time I do go in, everything is back to being fine, but in the mean time my mind has made the trip from "am I dying, or am I going nuts, to the point that this too will most likely to away". Now that my bloodpreasure has made the roller coaster ride, I am wiped out for about 24 hours.
I personally think it is God's way of telling me to slow down. I was busy yesterday and was thinking why I am disabled? This is why I am not at work and can't work. Everytime I think I am ok, and try pushing myself, the old heart jumps up and Say's "No way Hosea".
I am sitting back taking it easy today. This can also drive me crazy because I have so much to do and only I can do it.

wow, more snow. I was playing in the snow with my little dog. She just has a panic in the snow, enjoying it like a child. I remember that joy as a child, back in the days when you would press your face against the window to watch the snow fall. We are really so lucky to have fresh white snow falling around us. This year could yield a lot of snow and we may never dig out of it. Maybe I will go out and build a snow fort, make now angels, and just shovel the drive.

This week is thanksgiving. It is customary for us to host thankgiving dinner, or lunch , or whatever. Trying to get everyone together on one day is an effort, but well worth it. When everyone is around the table, eating turkey, mashed patatoes, carrots, and just alot of food. By the time we sit down to eat, the Lions have already lost their game, but hopefully no one has lost their appetitie.

For years my parents use to host thanksgiving dinner, and before that we would visit my cousins house and celebrate Christmas and thankgiving with my Moms side of the family. We would end up playing tackle football in the snow. It was a day that we all looked forward to. I now look forward to it as our kids get older, married, and soon present grandchildren.

Life is great.

Lions are 0-11. How pathetic can you be. When you look at a street corner in Detroit, who are you like to see panhandling. Auto executive or Lions football players. they are both behind the times, slower then everyone else, and unable to fight their way out of a paper bag. I think we need to bail out the Lions. I also heard that a casino in Detroit is loosing money and might have to close their doors. What is the difference in bailing out a casino or bailing out a wall street looser. They both gamble with other peoples money.

It is the time of year to anticipate the great arrival. No, we are not talking about the turkey, or the baby Jesus. The great arrival is Obama, riding in to cure American of what ails her. If he can do what he says, I'll eat my words, but one person cannot change the mess we are in.

The first snow fall is always pretty. Now it can go away. Yes, I know, I live in Michigan and can expect 6 months of this stuff.
I haven't written lately because nothing of significance has happened.
Last week, Liz and I went to small claims court. Liz won most of hers because the dentist had failed to get approval to do the the work. I lost mine with Mosleys. This did not surprise me. If you remember, Cody had a road test that went around the block and failed him because of one rolling stop. I presented our case with two things in mind. The tester was already heading back to the shop when the rolling stop occur ed. I claimed that he was already committing fraud by not planning on doing the whole test.(He was heading back, and had no intention of passing him at all) The judge ruled that no matter what, the tester has the right to end the test whenever he wants. I guess that gives them cart Blanche to break the law whenever they want. I also claimed that the state of Michigan has a guidelines for what is included in a test, and only a Small part was tested. Once again the judge ruled that the testers have the right to end the test whenever they want. In other words, the road testers have the right to commit fraud without any check and balance system. They can continue to charge for a road test that they have no intention to pass someone. This is the definition of fraud, getting something for nothing. This is something that the state of Michigan needs to change, but they won't.
Christmas will be tight for alot of people this year and we are included in this. Retailers are already bracing for a bad Christmas. I predict that there will be alot of business closing after Christmas. Most of these business won't get bailed out. The American auto makers can't make it and can't figure out why. Let's see. When foreign makers went years ago to economic and energy saving vehicles and the American automakers kept making big SUV's, gas guzzlers, and cars that cost more then most houses. The reason I bring this up, is that lawmakers once again dropped the ball. Lawmakers blame it on big business which blames it on lawmaker, when they are both in bed together. Government needs money, big business needs money, and the only people to pay is the taxpayers. One way or another, your wallet is being picked. If we bail out the automakers, or we don't, we will pay. Massive job losses will ill effect Michigan and put many auto associated business under. They were free to make massive profits, but cannot take a loss?
I could ramble on, but I won't. Our check and balance system wasn't followed and now we are in deep.

Today is Liz's birthday. She has had a rough couple of days with her health. Hopefully today will be a better day. She is off with Don Jr. this morning which frees me up to get some work done at church.
This week I have been working on remodeling the kitchen and I also took down the white fence. If I hadn't taken it down, the winter would have.
We had an estimate for replacing windows. 13 grand is alot of money. I guess I'll do this one window at a time.
Well, I got to get some work done so I talk at ya later.

The black guy beat the white guy. I'm sorry, the African American beat the Irish American. The young guy beat the old guy. Once again I'm mistaken, the youthful candidate beat the seasoned candidate. I'm just glad that the Chaney/Bush era will be over. Sorry again, I keep forgetting that Bush was president and Chaney was Vice President. This new presidency could be great for Michigan if Obama takes Granholm and make her maybe, ambassidor to Canada. I think she can see Canada from her house.

November 3, 1954, a day that will live in doubt. 54 years ago I slipped into this world. The reason I brought this up was the fact that I am 54 today, I was born in 1954, and my wife is 45. Maybe I should play those numbers in the lottery.
Tomorrow is the day we go vote.

Tuesday,October28
Cody's Mom stopped by today. She is out of prison, living with her boyfriend in
Wayland, and is clean for the time being. She says that she is back in school and is hoping to change her life around. She must have said thank you about 100 times. She said the fact that we forced her to look at herself is the reason she is changed. I hope this is for real and only time alone will tell.

Change ... Change -- Change!!!!!!!!!!

Not long ago I read a joke ... It said all the politicians running for president are promising change to the American people. We send them billions and billions of tax dollars and they send us the change.

Funny?

Not really; there is too much truth in it to be funny.

That got me to thinking ... They all promise change. How about if they run on a promise of restoration rather than change. A restoration that would take us back in time to a place where things ran better, smoother and life was more enjoyable. Change? That, in truth, is what they have been giving us all along.

We used to have a strong dollar ... Politicians changed that.

Life used to be sacred ... Politicians changed that.

Marriage used to be sacred ... Politicians are changing that.

We used to be respected around the world ... Politicians changed that.

We used to have a strong manufacturing economy .. Politicians changed that.

We used to have lower tax structures ... Politicians changed that.

We used to enjoy more freedoms ... Politicians changed that.

We used to be a large exporter of American made goods ... Politicians changed that.

We used to be an openly Christian nation ... Politicians changed that.

We used to teach patriotism in schools ... Politicians changed that.

We used to educate children in schools ... Politicians changed that.

We used to enjoy freedom of speech ... Politicians changed that.

We used to enforce LEGAL citizenship ... Politicians changed that.

We used to have affordable food & gas prices .. Politicians changed that, too. ... and one could go on and on with this list.

What hasn't been changed, politicians are promising to change that as well if you will elect them.

When, oh when, is America going to sit back with open eyes and look at what we once were and where we have come and say, enough is enough?

The trouble is, America's youthful voters today don't know of the great America that existed forty and fifty years ago. They see the world as if it has always existed, as it is now.

When will we wake up? Tomorrow may be too late. When will America realize ... Politicians are what is wrong with America?

Friday morning, according to the news, it could be black Friday. It is 9:13 am and the news media are predicting a rough day on wall street. Hey wall street, welcome to our nightmare. Even Alan Greenspan admits he was wrong about the economy. He is now calling it a recession. Wake up, we have been in a recession, we are now starting to talk depression.
Another thing that is happening is a political move called, "watch my hand". Misdirection is something politicians do to avoid a subject they don't want to address. To get your mind off Iraq, we will talk about the economy. To get you mind off the economy, take a look at the political race......... Spin doesn't work anymore.
Back to Wall Street. What does gambling and wall street have in common? Answer.....The House always wins.

Well here we go again............
Monday night we laid Samantha Anne Van Antwerpen( our cat) to rest in a special spot in out yard. Donald and Akiko came up and we had a Small service. Donald laid his cat to rest and did the honors of covering her up. Samantha has been his cat for 14 years. Now that Donald is married, Sams job on earth was done.

On Monday and then again on Tuesday I was in court to set up preliminaries for Codys fishing ticket and Lindsey's car issue. What amazed me was the volume of people that were there, until I started to hear the charges. One was a dog running loose ticket(30 dollar fine plus 70 dollar court cost). This guy pleaded guilty because he didn't have the time to fight it. He was out of town when his dog got out of a fenced in area. He suspects that someone let him out, but he pleaded out for 100 dollars which he felt it was better then fighting it. The other side of the coin showed people with many tickets and still having a drivers licence. Pay the fine and keep the licence.

I noticed today that India had it's first successful lift off of a flight to the moon. No, this is real and not a joke. The joke is how long it will take for them to put a customer assistance center on the moon. I believe their country is full of customer assistance.(try calling any customer, or help line and you will get someone in India).

Today at 4:40 PM Samantha left this world. She was too old and too sick, so we had to put her down. If we didn't put her to sleep, she most likely would not have survived the week, and always in pain. In the end she could not walk, and her systems were shutting down. We will bury her tonight. Samantha will be missed. Sam was Donald's cat.

Our oldest cat, Samantha, has been losing alot of weight lately, and now is skin and bones, doesn't want to eat or drink anything. She is 13 yrs old and is mostlikly at the end of her life. She has a vet appointment today at 4 pm, and then we will decide what to do. She is not in pain, but she is just wasting away and can hardly move around. Our middle cat, Tabatha, started to lose weight at the same time, but when we switched her to soft food, she has seemed to respond. Our youngest cat, Pauwz, is fat and very healthly. All three cat are indoor cats, and both have been spaded.
This morning at 10:45 we have tto appear with Cody to contest his ticket for fishing for salmon is a trout stream. There were no signs, and the DNR man said that anyone should know the difference between a trout stream and a salmon stream. Obviously the salmon and the trout are also confused. All the fish that Cody caught were salmon and there were no trout anywhere.
Kari's Mom keeps demanding that Kari return home, but everytime Keri tries, her Mom locks her out and says that she is not wanted. Her father and step father are the same way. They don't want Kari living with us, but they don't want her. I thought teenagers were mixed up, but these folks,....................... We were ready to go to church last night when her mom called. After two hours, her mom concluded that she did not want Kari, but would pray for her. That is two hours I will never get back.

It's Friday and I feel I'm letting Cliff down. This week has had little excitement as compared to other weeks. Let's see.................
Kari, was suspended from school for one day for swearing at another student. Cody has to serve a day in "In school suspension" for using his phone during school hours.
This week I have been putting up storm windows, and painting others. This also includes cleaning screens and putting them away.
Real excitement

By our standards this week has been pretty slow. Cat and Sean got home from their honeymoon yesterday morning. They had a great time and are now starting to look for a new place to live.
All 3 of our high schoolers decided to take the day off from school yesterday. One was suspended for the day, and the other two felt left out. Their joy was short lived when I put them all to work around the house and at church. They were helping also to clean and put up the storm windows.
I went down to the secretary of states office to straighten out the car that LJ uses. She got a ticket because the plate were wrong because her ex-boyfriend stole the title and got his own plates for the car. Well, even though the secretary of states office truly screwed up when they issued him the plates, they say that there is nothing that they can do about it because it is now a civil matter. Talk about passing the buck.

Sunday Morning waking up. After driving overr 300 miles yesterday, we returned home around 10pm. Cody was gratfull that we came and got him or else he would have had to sleep outside the bus terminal because non of his relatives have cars. (I'm not kidding). He got to see his grandmother and that is important. Now at 8 oclock in the morning I have to run over to church to make it ready for worship service. I ussually do that on Saturday, but for those hours spent driving, I could not do that.

Well, Liz and I are off to Bay City. It seems that Cody's family reunion hasn't gone as he hoped. Even though I had said that this would happen, everyone else said I was wrong. Guess what? I was right. Surprise Surprise. I should put togather a list of "I told you so", but that would just piss everyone off. Here is hoping that all goes well.

The people have voted. On Bolgspot and Live Journal the two who voted have agreed that I am nuts. Although no one has suggested a place for me to wear my nice white coat with the straps, crazy seems to be the best word. Well.............when I look at my friends, I feel in good company. I don't have to worry about losing millions of dollars in the stock market, because I am not invested. Now these people are really crazy. I would rather bet on black and let the wheel spin. The president of the United STates has no clue what going on, and he keeps giving the same speech on how everything is fine. Now that is crazy. The people of Michigan have a Governor that has driven the state into the ground, and she keeps blaming the other party, that is crazy. If she ran for re-election today she would most likely win, that is crazy. Open intersections, that is crazy. You can't catch salmon in a unmarked trout stream, but it doesn't matter if you are Indian, that is crazy. In a country where you are suppose to be innocent until proven guilty, 9 out of 10 times you are guilty until you prove your innocence, that is crazy. With all this craziness going on, if some had said I was sane, I might be offended.

I need to write a book. What happens around our house could make a best seller. Those of you who follow my post(Lord Knows why) know that this year we took guardianship of a 17 year old, had three marriages of my kids, my wife has been hospitalized, and I've had on going heart problems. I had thought that after the last wedding, things would calm down, but noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. I have a quack dentist taking us to small claim court for work that he botched back in 2002. That same day we have to appear in small claims because of Mosley driving school. They failed Cody after just driving around the block. I paid for a full road test, highway driving etc., and got a drive around the block. I stopped payment on that check. Cody went fishing this week and got a ticket from the DNR because he caught salmon from a trout stream. This stream was not marked. This ticket could cost up to 700 Dollars.
Last night Lindseys female friend was arrested because of unpaid fines and driving on a suspended licence. On her way to help out her friend she was pulled over by Roosevelt Park's finest. I had sighed the car over to her, but her boyfriend a stolen the title . I went down to DNV last week and reported it lost, and they issued a new title. I had asked them what would happen if someone else used the first title to try to gain plates, and they assured me that there would be no problem. Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Her boyfriend had used the title and went down and got new plates for the car, and since the plate now didn't match up, they were going to arrest Lindsey and the people in her car, impound the car and give Lindsey a ticket to appear in court. At one am in the morning I had to get out of bed, find my paperwork, and try to stop them from impounding the car. I was successful in avoid having the car impounded,no arrests, also talked him out of towing the car to our house (me paying the tow charge), and was able to drive the car home. The officer took the licence plate and still gave Lindsey the ticket to appear.
On top of all this, Cody wanted to drive to BayCity for a family reunion. I had to come up with $100.00 for a round trip ticket on Greyhound.
On top of this, we have another child with family problems that needs a place to stay. Her mother and father don't want her, but they don't want her living at home unless she gets a job, and give them all the money. She is still in high school.
For those of you who know us, we have always had an open door policy, and our home has always been a safe haven for trouble kids, and other friends of our children. Instead of running the streets at night, they have a safe place to stay.
Those of you who think I'm crazy, raise your hands.

Thursday morning. I've just gotten Cody, Lindsey, and Karri off to school. Yes, we have brought one more troubled teen into our house. I'm not sure how long this one will be here. She's a good kid and hopefully we can reunite her with her Mom. Both Kerri and her Mom are tired of arguing.

Cody's father called him the other day. Seems he has a women on the east coast and one in Muskegon, both baring his child. He pays no support for any of his other kids.

I'm off to church for a few hours to clean.

Most of us don't remember 1929. Many of us will remember 2001. 2001 was the last recession and 1929 was the last depression. Yesterday was the first time I have seen these two dates mentioned together in a same article. Our great financial figures are now starting two use these two dates. If you were to look back a ways in my blog history you would find I predicted this. Little ole me, who can hardly balance a check book, little ole me who thinks the word prime is what you do to a pump to get it to work. Now these wizards of wall street are starting to use word like recession and depression. They were afraid that if they used these words, it would then happen. Our fragile economy can be crushed by a careless use of a word? This isn't just happening folk, this has been happening for a while. People have been making fortunes off speculations. I call it capitalism gone amok. The one's who defend an unfettered free enterprise system are getting bailed out. You don't fix a problem by throwing dollars at it, dollars just burn and fuel the problem.

Unbelievable. My oldest daughter got married this weekend. This was two weeks after my oldest son got married. Being the parents of the bride, we had to pay to Lions share. Along with that we paid a bunch of Donald and Akikos and the first wedding we paid in full. In other words, I'm happy, and broke.
The rehearsals and wedding went off relatively without a flaw. By the end of the reception, I was in no shape to drive, or even walk and talk. I enjoyed myself to the fullest. I haven't drank that much, smiled that much, and danced that much in a long time. I guess the women wanted to dance with the drunk fat man. What the hell, I am so proud of my daughter, and so happy for her that I wanted to enjoy it to the end. Since I was paying for it............ it was party time. Liz was fantastic through the whole thing. She started to pick up at the end, and in her sweet way got everyone helping to clean up. We didn't get home until around 4am. (I think)
Catherine was absolutely beautiful and was the happiest that I've ever seen her. I was so proud walking her down the isle. My little girls was not playing dress up this time. One half of our family is married. Lindsey and Cody still have to get married, and hopefully that won't happen for a while.
I was upset that only about half of the people that rsvp ed didn't show up. I will try to save much of the food, and store the paper products until the next party.

It is the day before the wedding. Last night Liz and I had to go out to Revenna to pay the reception hall. This was the first time that I had seen the hall. It is very beautiful, but come on, it is way out in the sticks. We took the pickup truck so I did feel at home.
The church is already set up, so we don't have to worry about that. Today we have to purchase the food, table servings and set up the hall. Liz has to finish sewing some skirts for the flower girls. The rehearsal and dinner is tonight and tomorrow is the big day. Also today, I have to pick up Louie's "58 from the shop. He is chauffeuring the couple.

Did you ever have one of those days when you know that you are forgetting something. When trying to get this wedding going I need a list to remember things. I just keep losing the list. I always keep hoping it is not Alzheimer's. I realize it is most likly sometimers or brain farts. It could be the meds along with the stress. Why am I doing this? I can't remember.

Wednesday October 1, 2008.

Yesterday was the first time it has felt like fall. It was cold and rainy. Things were much sunnier on wall street. Without the bailout, they had a huge gain. The bailout bill is being changed, pork added, to try to get it pass the senate. Old habits are hard to break.

Now this is a plan I can support...




I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in
a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000
bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman
and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..

So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billon that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to g ive $425,000 to every person 18+ as a
We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free.
So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.

Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.

But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.
A husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do wit h $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college - it'll be there
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else

R emember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks
who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company
that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces..

If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out
a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG - liquidate it.
Sell off its parts.
Let American General go back to being American General.
Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale.. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.

Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work."

But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC .

And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned
instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

Here we go again. Wedding number 3 this year is upon us. I'm putting my list to gather and it just keeps growing. This wedding is so different then the last one in many good ways. First of all, it is my little girl. I get to walk my little girl down the isle. Second, it is local and not alot of traveling. Third, we don't need translators. I realize that Sean's family is from Twin Lake, but we can still understand them. The wedding itself will be as formal, but the reception will be different. There will be alcohol and the food will be more simple. In other words, much more laid back. I'm so excited.

How many of you watched the first presidential debates. I was not one many. I felt that the new products channel was more important. They were selling back scratchers.
I know I should be more concerned about how we are interfering in other countries business, but the automatic nose picker was much more exciting. Even watching grass grow in the dark would be more interesting.

This week my daughters get married. Catherine has busted her tail to put together this event. Right now her and her future husband are living with us. This is ok because they were able to save money for the wedding. They will most likely live with us until after the Honey moon. I am glad that we were able to help them, but it has to be a drag for them.

One more hectic week and then hopefully back to some semblance of normal.

When I was a young lad on the southeast side of Grand Rapids that was the world. People went to school there, raised families there, worked there, and lived their life out there. Aside from a few trips around Michigan or if you were fortunate, around the United States, everything was around the area. Very few of my friends left the area to go to college, deciding to go locally. When I decided to go to Ferris State College I was considered going a long way away. You would have thought I was going around the world when after College I elected to go and live in upstate New York.
Now, Most of my friends that I grew up with have moved away, many living abroad. I have friends that live all over the world, both old friends and new friends. Our little neighborhoods have grown. I could not have planned my life out. Marrying and girl from New York, living there, and in Michigan, and Indiana. Having 3 Children, and one child who we took guardianship of, and now watching them marry. My wife and I have endured major medical problems that has stop us from being Millionaires. So much has changed except one thing. My faith in Jesus Christ. Through it all, he has guided my hand and has lead, and is leading me on an incredible journey. I've learned to enjoy things, even when they didn't go my way, and enjoy them even more when they do go my way. I believe that the down times make the up times that much more enjoyable.
This weekend my oldest sister will celebrate her 60th birthday. To me this is incredible. The following weekend my oldest daughter will get married. Two of my three biological children will be married. My father is passed on, and now my kids look to me like I was a wise sage or something. I can't go back and ask my father his advice, so I have to give them my words of wisdom. Scary isn't it?

It was so good to hear our president talk about the recession. He talked about business failing, banks failing, home being foreclosed, people without jobs, and the housing market has stalled. Then you have the stock market losing ground and if the federal government doesn't bail them out thing could get worse. Wise up, this is a depression. Do I think they should be bailed out? Yes, but all the top executives should lose their jobs and pensions. The only difference between the great depression is that the top executives are not throwing themselves off the tops of buildings. Today, they have their golden parachutes to cusion the fall. Once again the small business looses money and has to go out of business because these big companies lost money , but are now being bailed out. Many of these big companies that are in trouble, have shipped their labor forces over seas. Wall street got in trouble last time because of speculative buying and selling. What the president doesn't realize is that the free enterprise system cannot work when greed is rampant and uncontrolled. There was a tea party in Boston where the protest was taxation without representation. Greed was the reason for that demonstration. Maybe it's time for another tea party?

Here we go again....... I still have more to say about this past weekend. During the reception, we gathered around the piano and of course I was asked to play. We had other instruments joining in. I suddenly remember an old song from 1963. The name of the song was"Sukiyaki". It was a number one song in the USA and was sung all in Japanese. Once I started playing it, all the Japanese people gathered around and started singing. They were all very happy and surprised that I would know that song. Through translaters I finally found out what the song means. The name of the song was put on by some American that could not speak Japanese. The only word they could speak was "Sukiyaki" which means food. The true words of the song means to walk with your head towards the sky so that your tears would not touch the ground. They had a great laugh when I told them what the song was named over here.
I guess later, the Japanese released an English version, but it was never released over here. It's no wonder they didn't release it over here after putting that title on it.

Well, I got the result from my stress test. As Data would say, "All system are working within required peramiters". They just adjusted some medications. In other words, they doubled my meds. I guess with one more wedding I may need them.

My son and daughter-in-law rock. Their Family from Japan rocks. The brunch yesterday turned into a lunch and dinner. We laughed, we talked, we ate, and we drank. I can't remember when I have had such fun. Donald and Akiko had to work overtime translating for us, but they did wonderful. To watch my son translating into Japanese was so cool.
When we left, Akiko's father, brother and daughter -in-law ran down to the end of the driveway to wave goodbye to us.
I didn't want the day to end. Here is a captain of industry, a real estate Mogul, bowing and showing respect for little ole me was unbelievable. If I'm representing the Americans to him, I sure hope I didn't fall on my face.
Have I ever said how awesome my daughter-in-law is. She is beautiful, gracious, intelligent, kind,awesome, and etc.............. On the scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) she is a 20 or above. My son is so truly blessed.
When we left, instead of bowing, we hugged. Wow, what a weekend.

WOW, WOW, AND WOW.

Yesterday was Donald's and Akiko's formal wedding. It started earlier in the week with people coming in from all over the country and the world.
Friday started with us picking up Eumeka, Akiko's friend, at the Grand Rapids airport. She now lives in Washington D.C. We had errand to run in GR so Eumeka came along. We then had to return to the airport to meet up with Donald and Akiko to greet her father, brother and his wife. We got there before Don and Akiko to find that their flight was going to be early. Thank God that Eumeka could translate as we were the greeting party. Don and Akiko showed up about 10 min later. The rest of the day was running errand and the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and then back to Muskegon around 1 am.
Saturday morning started with setting up the reception area at the Holland Arts Council, ladies getting their hair and nails done, and being to the church in Douglas by 12:30. Then it was decorating the church and pictures. When the guest started arriving, some of us paired up with an interpreter and introduced Akiko's to ours. After the service, that came off beautifully, it was back into Holland and the reception. Liz and I were at a table with my Mom, Rev. Andy Nacajima, and Akikio's family. Andy was our interpreter. It was a beautiful reception and we danced to music. The more we danced and sang the less we needed interpreters. Then they asked if I would play the piano along with other instrumentalist like drummers and other instruments for a mini jam session. I then played the 1963 hit, Sukiaki, and everyone joined in. When the reception was over, we had to take down, and then returned to Muskegon around 1:30 am. We have a brunch in Holland today around noon.

Well this should start a busy weekend. Today Liz and I have to get the church cleaned for Sunday. Tomorrow we start picking up people at the airport in Grand Rapids. Liz and Cat are making 50 dozen cookies with Akiko in Holland tonight. Tomorrow I pick up the rental car for the weekend and Liz and I are off to GrandRapids to start picking up people. We also have to pick up Sean and Cody's tuxes in Grand Rapids. The rehearsal is tomorrow night and the wedding is on Saturday. Then there is a breakfast on Sunday mornings, before we start driving people to the airport.

I'm still alive today. I had my stress test yesterday. Good news is that they didn't send me right over to the hospital. This was the first time is 6 years that I have been able to run the whole test. I still have to wait to see what is going wrong. My bottom number on my blood preasure is 94 and it should be around 65 or 70.

Some people are like Slinkies,
Not really good for anything,,,,,
But they still bring a smile to your face,,,,,
When you push them down a flight of stairs.

Well here is the latest update.

Tuesday I have to go in for a stress test.

Cody and I picked up his new car. It needs some work before it is road worthy. (Brakes etc...)

Next week is Don and Akiko's big wedding.

Today I have to go in and get the old ticker checked out. There has been some weird things going on in my chest. My wife is insisting that I get it checked out, so if it makes her happy, who am I to complain.
I went to Grand Rapids yesterday to drive the ladies for a bridal shower for Cat and Akiko. The shower was hosted by my sisters . Donald and I went out to eat while the ladies were at the shower. His and Akiko's wedding is a little over a week away.
It's so hard to believe that two of my kids are getting married and one is moving out, and Cody is driving and buying and trading cars. Definitely not the way I had imagined it as a child. It has been much more interesting.

One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides
>to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to
>take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, and reads her
>book.Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman
>and says, 'Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?'
>
>'Reading a book,' she replies, (thinking, 'Isn't that obvious?')'You're in
>a Restricted Fishing Area,' he informs her'I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not
>fishing. I'm reading''Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know
>you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you
>up.''For reading a book,' she replies,'You're in a Restricted Fishing
>Area,' he informs her again,'I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm
>reading''Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could
>start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up.''If you do
>that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault,' says the woman.'But I
>haven't even touched you,' says the game warden.'That's true, but you have
>all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment.''Have a
>nice day ma'am,' and he left.MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads.
>It's likely she can also think.

Well the countdown has started. 11 Days until Dona...
Well the countdown has started. 11 Days until Donalds and Akiko's wedding. They are being married in Douglas and this should be quite an occasion. Akiko's father and brother are coming up, plus a lot of Akiko's Japanese friends. This should be interesting because I do not speak Japaneese and Akiko's father does not speak english. Now I know that there will be many people there who can translate, but it still makes me very nervous. We also will have people coming from all over the world and the United States. I am so proud of Donald and Akiko that I hope I don't embarrass them too much.
On the 4th of October, Catherine and Sean get married here in Muskegon. Catherine has been working her butt off the set up this day. They are hoping to be moved out of our house by that time, but if they can't, they get to come home from their homeymoon to our house.
Lindsey has moved out to live with her boyfriend, so the house will come down to Liz,Cody and myself.

I awoke this morning to the same smell I smell every year at this time. It is the smell of defeat. The Lions(The Detroit Lions, a professional football team)got beat by the second worse team in the league. The Lions are the worst. They have become the joke of the NFL and an embarrassment to the state of Michigan. Even if you are not a sports fan, they are still an embarrassment to you. They are worse then the Tigers, but not by much. I don't get it. The Lions are a joke, the tigers are a joke, the presidential candidates are jokes, and the current president, congress senate,state of Michigan Governor are jokes. With all these jokes, no one is laughing.

Have you been waiting for what will next go wrong. Well here goes. I let Cody use the Stratus yesterday because it was raining and his car leaks. He got rear ended. They hit him in the same place that was previous hit and so the damage is minor. But the other damage is going to cost me . The accident cause a belt guard and one other part to fail so that we need about $500.00 in repairs. With two weddings, bridal showers, and LJ in the hospital this has been a fun week. Anybody got a spare grand or more?

It is Labor Day 2008. This is a celebration of the working American. How sad that only 1/2 of Americans are working. We can celebrate all the jobs outsourced to other countries. Maybe we can celebrate the worst economy since the great depression. There is great news on the horizon. We will either have the first black president, or the first female vice president. That should solve all our problems.