17 Tuesday Dec 2019
Posted in Uncategorized
Hey all! My brother is coming into town on December 20, 2019 to hang out with the family. I’ll be shutting down from the 20th – 29th while he’s here to maximize time with him. I’ll be back up on the 30th, just in time to provide you my end-of-year autopsy and put out my goals for 2020.
I’ll announce this again on the 19th, but wanted to give you a head’s up.
Until next time…
Dave
14 Saturday Dec 2019
Posted in Bonus Content
Tags
Christmas, Gratitude, Holidays, Sacrifice, Separation, Service, Serving Abroad, Soldiers, Thanks
The Night Before Christmas
T’was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone in a one bedroom house, made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see: no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand; on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary. I found the home of a soldier, at once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping; silent, alone, curled up on the floor, in this one bedroom home. Not how I pictured a US soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read, curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon ’round the world, the children would play and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year, because of the soldiers like the one lying here.
I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye; I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, “Santa, don’t cry. This life is my choice.
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more; my life is my God, my country, my corps.”
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep; I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, and we both shivered from the cold night’s chill.
I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night, this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right, “Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.”
Scrapbook.com I do not know who the original author of this is, but wanted to cite the website I found it on. If you, or someone knows who the original author is, please reply in the comments, I will edit this and replace it with the original copyright owner. I had to share this. It warms my heart every time I read it.
12 Thursday Dec 2019
Posted in Thankful Thursdays
Tags
Christmas, Coffee, family, Friends, Good Conversation, Good Food, Good times, Grateful, Holidays, Movies, Snow, Thankful, TV
Today, I’m thankful for the holiday season. I don’t really care about the gifts and such, but I enjoy relatives visiting, the Christmas lights, the tree, the snow, and all the food that comes this time of year.
This year my brother and sister are coming to town and it’ll be great. We’ll watch movies, talk as a family in the living room, eat out a few times, and maybe even catch a movie at our local movie theater. Then there’s the Christmas dinner, which will be Mom’s recipe for roasted duck! Yummy!!
Obviously, the gifts are fun, but I get a kick out of people opening my gifts, not so much the gifts I get. It’s nice to get people something you think they’ll like. It’s also fun to just enjoy the vibe of the family being together, reminiscing about times past.
I realize we should all be giving to one another all-year long, but because this time only comes once a year, it is special; you know?
I realize for some this is a traumatic time of year. It brings back memories of family members who have passed and the gaping hole they have left in the family. This is just tough and my heart goes out to all of you who are experiencing this. That being said, I would recommend throwing yourself into a charity or volunteering. I’ve always found that when I give of myself, my problems fade a bit. I know this is probably a simplistic solution to your problem, but I wanted to throw that out there, in case you have never tried it. It works. At least it does for me.
Well, that’s it for today. I hope all of you have a great Thursday!
Until next time…
Dave
24 Thursday Oct 2019
Posted in Thankful Thursdays
Tags
Christmas, Eating out, Exchanging Gifts, family, Friends, Good Food, Holidays, Movies, New Years, Thanksgiving
Today, I’m grateful for the holiday season that is fast approaching. My family celebrates Thanksgiving and Christmas. I used to be a big New Year’s Day fan, but frankly, my religious New Year occurs on the 23rd of October, so other than watching the ball drop on TV if I remember, it’s not that big of a deal.
I think the best part of the holiday season for me is the ability to just do whatever on these days, eat what I want (think potatoes, cranberry sauce, pies, cakes, and cookies), and hang out with family that comes to town.
This year, my Brother is coming to visit for Christmas. Mom and Dad are obviously excited about their middle son coming home, but so am I and my sister who is also going to be coming up to hang out with us. It’ll be a grand time!
During the times family comes home we gather in our home theater and watch movies, hang out in our living room over coffee in the morning, and go out to dinner once or twice during their stay to give Mom a break from cooking. If my brother comes, it guarantees us to get in some time on the Xbox.
What is so interesting about this venue is the ability to interact with so many people around the globe. What are the holidays you celebrate in your part of the world, and what do you do?
Post these in the comments below!
Have a great Thursday, everyone!
Until next time…
Dave
21 Friday Dec 2018
Posted in Funny Friday
“Once I pulled a job, I was so stupid. I picked a guy’s pocket on an airplane and made a run for it.” ―
You have to love Rodney Dangerfield’s self-deprecation. He made a lot of money poking at himself. I really enjoy a lot of his stand-up routines.
I finished my Christmas shopping today. If you’re still hitting the shops, stores, and malls, be careful out there if you are in the U.S. We are getting crazy weather all over, particularly the East Coast. The closer we get to Christmas, the crazier the traffic and the stores get. Be safe, take your time, and pay attention.
I’ll be keeping my blogging schedule up through the holidays. Now that I have finished the big trip of the year, the rest of 2018 is a downhill slide. I hope this brought a little joy to your day. Enjoy your holidays, enjoy your family and friends. Now’s the time to take account of your life and begin looking at 2019. Keep an eye out for my goals for the next year.
Until next time…
Dave
18 Monday Dec 2017
Posted in Workout Routine
Well, folks, more disruptions to the schedule, a Dental cleaning, and the holidays are right around the corner. I did my 7-minute workout this morning and will continue on this path until the New Year.
I’ve got another cleaning tomorrow (Dentist is doing one “quadrant” at a time) and then the relatives will begin arriving and we’re off to the holidays.
Thanks for following my postings. It really does mean a great deal to me. It is motivating to have to “report” to my reading audience because it keeps me honest. I really do appreciate all of you.
See you tomorrow!!
Dave
