Chinchillas

Whoa...two posts in a day, let alone the same month!

Well I have done some research and for some strange reason I wanted to adopt some chinchillas. Rhonda is not too thrilled but I've promised to take care of them. Hopefully they will grow on her.

Audrey and Demi (no, I didn't name them) will be arriving before Thanksgiving, from a family in Maryland. Their daughter is at MSU and they are driving into town to pick her up and take her home. On their way through we'll meet and I'll pick up the girls.

While waiting for their arrival I've picked up a good cage, and supplies such as hay, and pellets, food dishes, water bottles and an assortment of toys for them to play with and on, and things for them to chew (chins are avid chewers).

I have two pictures of the chins from their onwers:

This is Audrey------>
This is Demi ------> I guess Demi's mom chewed on her when she was a kit (baby chinchilla) and nibbled off part of her ear. At least I'll be able to tell them apart.

Both girls are called "standards" because of their coloring and markings. I'll post more stuff and newer pictures after they arrive and we get acquainted.

Fall Camping

Geesh, has it really been since July that I last posted? Well, it's not that I haven't thought about, just haven't done it.

Anyway, we took our last camping trip in mid-October; going to Tawas Pt. SP, one of our favorite spots to camp. The previous weekend had been extremely hot in Michigan, especially for October. Our weekend (Friday thru Monday) was wonderful; temps in the mid 50s and into the low 40s for the evening.

That weekend was also the lighthouse festival weekend for Michigan lighthouses, so I had the chance to climb the tower of the Tawas lighthouse; something I've wanted to do for years. Wow, what a tight fit trying to get three guests and a host in the cupola. From the top you have a gorgeous view of the shoreline all along the point and bay. Surprisingly you can't tell that there is a campground nearby, everything is hidden by the trees.

There were many kitegliders (people who use kites to waterski/board) in the bay. It was windy for Friday and Saturday, but it didn't stop about two dozen people from taking turns in the warmer waters of the bay.

After returning home, the temps continued to fall so we had a quick time trying to winterize befall a heavy freeze, but we made it.

Can't wait until next spring/summer to head north again!

Kentucky Bound

Hello anyone and everyone!

The wife and I are headed south to Kentucky to visit daughter #2, Rachel. It's going to be a short trip but we hope to look for possible campgrounds and sites to visit again and again. We'll post again when we return.

July RANDOM Thoughts....

Well, the oldest has left for home in N.C., following the youngest kids high school open house...The kiddle in the middle is in KY having car troubles...The youngest is at his girlfriend's house...It sure is quiet in here...I wonder why?

The dog is old and moving slower every day. I wonder if he knows how much he's loved and how much happiness he's given over his 12+ years?!

Will I ever get an interview for an administrative position? All I want is just one, I don't even need to get hired...I just want an interview.

It's hot outside, but not so bad inside that I feel I have to turn on the ac...that's good!

How come my sweet tea doesn't taste like the sweet tea in restaurants?

Will the Great Lakes water levels come up soon (I hope so!)?

Why didn't I win the lottery last night? (I really have purchased a ticket!)

Would I ever want a ferret? They seem cute!

Well that's all of the weird and random thoughts I have for today. TTFN!

Summer Camping "07

Howdy all,

Well the DW and I had our first camping trip of the season at Tawas Point SP in late June. We had a nice mixture of weather, warm days and cool nights. The Michigan camping season was just beginning (since school had just gotten out for most families) so the cg wasn't too full.

We did see the most wildlife that we've ever encountered. We were walking back to the rear parking lot, along Lk. Huron and saw a momma fax carrying her young..very quickly into the brush. We also saw two deer in the brush, actually quite close to our site. This was the first time we've seen deer in the park! On our way into town we caught a momma and a fawn crossing the road, and then on a later trip a momma with two fawns crossing the road. This was more than we've seen on our other trips there totaled!

The level of Lk. Huron in down even more this season, but the park has added a nice walkway down to the water, and some benches to watch the sunrises and the lighthouse. We always enjoy our time there!

Next excursion...Straits SP in early August.

A GOOD Day for Education

Hello World!

May 5, 2007 marked my Graduation from Madonna University with a Master of Science in Administration, Education Leadership Specialty degree. Surrounded by classmates and my wife, I joined 700 other graduates in celebrating degrees bestowed. Now...on to find that administrators position. Anyone know of a school that needs an assistant principal?

I'll post my picture when it arrives, and maybe even my diploma!

Yeah! Go ME!

A bad day for education

Monday, April 16, 2007 --definitely not a good day for education in Michigan or America. The unfortunately shootings that took place at Virginia Tech University will leave a lasting blemish on the lives of many people. Why someone would take the lives of so many innocent students will remain a mystery I suppose.

With a daughter in college now and a son who will be attending one next fall, it hurts to think that my child, or anyone's child, could have their life ended so quickly and for what reason? There will be many people who will try and blame this situation, person, or organization, but ultimately the shooter is to blame. People will point to gun laws or the university police; what about his parents, do they not hold some share of the responsibility?

We make our own choices; to do what is right or what is wrong. So many people don't stop to think about the consequences of their actions, how they might affect other people, sometimes innocent people who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. How many students will be affected at VTU now because they will have to go through heightened security..seemingly little things but all people of the stupid actions of one person.

Here at home in Michigan a young girl in kindergarten was killed when a flagpole snapped off in the high winds of the morning and hit her in the head. Truly a mishap that you really can't avoid, again an innocent person in the wrong place at the wrong time. Who is responsible for this? People will blame the school, the principal and the teacher. Some will blame the person who installed the old flagpole, but I guess this will be left up to lawyers who will charge exorbitant fees and try and squeeze money out of a system that is already hurting for money.

Appreciate who you are and what you have because we never know when our life will end.

Spring Break in North Carolina

Hello anyone and everyone!

So far NO ONE has visited this blog...who will be the first?

Regardless, the wife and I just returned from North Carolina, High Point exactly, visiting our daughter, Michelle. The trip was great, the weather was so so and we're glad to be home in one piece.

Here's a picture of the wife and daughter at the Greensboro Grasshoppers ballgame. They won that night against the Lake County (Ohio) Captains, 12 - 1. Great family fun and little $$.

Enjoy!

Easter Break 2007

Wow...Happy Easter Everybody (or is it anybody?)

We're heading to visit our daughter, Michelle, in North Carolina this week. The weather is supposed to be great, unlike the snow we've been getting in Michigan this past week!

Enjoy yourself!

NYC Part Two

Hey, how come these don't stay in the order written???? Someday I'll understand things like this!

Anyhooooooo,
Here are a few more NYC pix.

My NYC Trip

Hello anyone????

Spent a few days in the Big Apple after the New Year and had a great time. Also went to see the B'way production of Spamalot and loved it.

Here are some pix of the trip.

Ummm...New Yorkers have big butts?







And we won't even touch this one..........................................................................