2/24/2007

Why Arizona?

We grew Weary of being in the cold and wanted to be where even the Cactus looked sun burnt. This beautiful Prickly Pear Cactus was seen growing along the road and I just had to get a picture.








As we flew over western Kansas the view from our plane window was a coating of snow and it looked as cold as it had been most of January


Here is Barbara on our first day out in the flora and Fauna of Arizona. Shortly after this picture was taken she shed her sweatshirt.


We had a couple of days with cooler weather but compare to the scenes of the snowstorm blowing across the heartland I think we made a pretty good choice.
My nose thinks it is a water faucet as it drips and drips. So far there is nothing but clear snot but I really do wish it would dry up and blow away. Oh well, I can't be in the nicest place in the US and not have a few problems. MUD

Finally

Barb and I are at Fort Huachucha, AZ. We left the Heartland to escape the cold and bad weather. Unfortunately yesterday was cold and windy here and not near as much fun as we expected. To make matters worse the cold I avoided in Kansas came with me and I carry a box of Kleenex to avoid the dribbles. I will try to post some pictures later today. I had a major meltdown of my computer AT&T software and lost most of my e-mail addresses. I will work on getting them re-established when I get home.
Better get on with the day. Write if you get work!
MUD & Bobwa from the Desert Southwest

2/15/2007

Cinnamon Rolls

Went to the local school at 6 Am and made 1200 cinnamon rolls for a fund raiser tonight. Man do I smell like a bakery. I am going to go get cleaned up and get a haircut. I will stay off my feet as much as possible as it took 7 hours to make all the rolls. SMELLS so sweet, feels so beat, has aching feet, can we all go to Tecumseh South on Tecumseh Street. Actually the fund raiser is at Shawnee Heights Elementary School but hey, I'm not going. MUD

2/14/2007

To all of the Ladies out there

Happy Valentines Day! I cannot imagine living in a world where there were not women. You give us the ability to be ourselves without all the posturing. You unconditionally love us and give us a good reason to show our nice side.
I have spent 39 wonderful years with Barbara and I think this is one of the first I have not sent a Valentine. I don't remember if I sent one in 1969 but I'm pretty sure I was home shortly after that to share our 8X38 rolling love machine. (OK, it was a Rolla Mobile home and a not too pretty one at that.) It was sure a lot more important to have us together than it was where we were together.
Barb and I will have a special Valentines Day meal next week in Tucson where the warm weather will rule. We will probably take our cameras and shoot the flora and fauna ad nauseum.
Spent the day in a Language Arts Class with Sophomores and Juniors. It was a good time had by all (OK, I had fun) It was kind of Ironic that I failed Freshman English in High School and here I am teaching it.
I'd better get back to the game. I love you Barb. Dennis

2/12/2007

Get the Hell out of Dodge

Barb and I celebrated our 39th wedding Anniversary yesterday and we started to look for opportunities to get out of town to place/places warmer than Kansas. We have decided that Tucson looks pretty darned good for next week. The waiting for a couple of weeks made the air fares drop by 50% so we are going to wait a few more days. It is not like after 39 years that a week one way or the other will make a lot of difference.
Speaking of cold weather, have you had your February shock looking at the gas bill? For years we heated and cooled this joint (3000 sq ft) for around $100 a month for gas and electricity. Our gas bill alone was $170 this month. Mom keeps the little house up nearer 78 and her bill was $200.00 What a shock... The good news is she can afford to pay that bill. I worry that there are a lot of people out there that can't.
Monday and Tuesday this week are Teacher in-service days so I won't get called. I am fairly committed for the rest of the week. On the 15th, I am going in early to make cinnamon rolls for a school dinner that night. The real reason is I love their rolls and I want to know how to make them. You never know when I might want to open a chili/cinnamon roll parlor. Top that off with a big cup of coffee in the winter and an iced tea in the summer and perfection. There will always be the big ol'e glass of milk available and orange slices (if the prices ever come back down after the California freeze.) I want it to be something like the soup Nazi kitchen on Seinfeld but with laughs. I just can't abide hateful people even if their food is good. One of my friends (yes, there are a few out there) owns a Taco stand that puts him right out there meeting the public and he loves it. I love to visit him and laugh at ourselves for getting old. I'm not sure if we are laughing at ourselves or if senility has set in and we laugh because it isn't manly to cry.
I am in the laundry chair today because I didn't finish the job yesterday. I figured that with Monday and Tuesday off, I could delay a little bit. Barb did a couple of loads yesterday. Did you know that you should sort the colors by fabric type? Never saw that one coming? Learned a lesson by asking why Barb was using a different setting on the dryer. It was pointed out to me that cotton fabrics are on high and synthetic fabrics should be on a more moderate heat. Crap, I thought not washing the red stuff with the white stuff was enough.
Oh well, Have a great week. MUD

2/11/2007

Border War!

The hype of the Missouri - Kansas basketball game on Saturday was so over done that I laughed most of the way through the second half. If the Hawks score more than 80 points they can beat anybody. If the score near 60 they will get whipped. Most of that is their own attitude and confidence more than the other team. One announcer did make a statement that rang true. Right now there are probably only three teams that can beat Florida. Kentucky, North Carolina and Kansas (Perhaps we are on that list because we beat them?) I would love to see the final Four be Texas A&M against Kansas and North Carolina against Florida. Follow that with a North Carolina Vs Kansas where Kansas beats "Roy's boys" and my season would be complete. What will happen? Who Knows but hang on the season is getting to the fun part and will be over way too soon.
MUD

Movies I have seen and Loved

Strange thing boys and girls, as much as I love to read, I also love to see a good movie. There are a few that I found noteworthy. Here are a few of them.
  • I could not start a list without the latest I saw last night. It was "Hannibal Rising" a horror flick about the beginning of the notorious Hannibal Lecter. One strange young man in a strange movie that I am not sure I would have enjoyed had I not read the book first. But I did and they did a good job bringing the horror to the screen.
  • If you want the crap scared out of you you have to watch Jody Foster in the "Silence of the Lambs". This is the first time Hannibal comes to the screen and is one scary movie. The basement scene near the end is just scary as hell.
  • One of the most graphic and accurate movies I have seen is "Saving Private Ryan". At least three times I had flashes where I wanted my helmet and a rifle. You cannot watch without being involved.
  • If having your arghhhh factor kick in is important to you, I would have to say that "ARACHNIPHOBIA" scared the living crap out of me. At least twice I had to go out of the theater and get my blood pressure back under control. Simple story but real spiders.
  • I think I have seen every John Wayne Movie out there and don't think there is one where the Duke doesn't play the Duke. Strange thing is I don't seem to mind. Ya' know what I mean? His best had to be the "Walking Man" where he was an American boxer returning to his roots in Ireland. I know that Maureen O'Hara helped make that movie special.
  • Strange movies, the Sergio Leone Spaghetti westerns, "Fist full of dollars, For a Few Dollars More and the Good, the Bad and the Ugly" are just almost too good to pass up. I got to sit through all three at Fort Sill, OK one weekend and it let me escape what was a tough place at a tough time. Turn the corner on the decade and Clints "Dirty Harry" movies are just as much fun for me.

Do you see a trend here? Not many romance movies make my list of favorites. I have been happy with several of Denzel Washington's movies but the "Crimson Tide" (Duh, a movie about the Navy) leads that list. Gene Hackman's character made it even better.

Just as I cited John Wayne for being one dimensional, one of my favorites is John Lithgow because he never plays the same role twice. His Transsexual nurse on "The World According to Garp" couldn't be different from the Professor he played on TV's "Third Rock From the Sun" (Ok, I'll admit that the Kristen Johnson role of the Male Officer trapped in the Female Body also tickled the crap out of me)

I'm not sure where Tom Hanks got to be such a good actor but he has done some pretty nice roles. If you didn't laugh at "BIG" you are dead from the neck up. His role in "Cast Away" carried the movie. Look up Tom Hanks on the net and the movies he made pretty much are on my list.

that's All Folks. MUD

2/10/2007

Four Days Off

Thanks to two days of Inservice Monday and Tuesday of next week, I will manage to decompress from substitute teaching most of last week. That combined with my "mail-in" drug company not sending me my blood pressure medicine in a timely manner made Thursday and Friday less fun that I wanted. I am trying to decide if my headache is a residual of the high blood pressure or due to the exposure of germs from the hundred or so snotty noses.
Barb and I will celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary tomorrow. It was a long time ago in a far away place that Barb and I made our vows at the "Chapel of the Bells" in Las Vegas. Where has the time gone? Seems like we have been on the journey of life so hard that time just flew away. Oh well, this is just the start of another 39. In case you can't tell, I love her.
Somewhere in the past, I have read about men that purchase practical items for gifts. I struggle with the idea that Barb has everything she needs and money enough to buy anything she wants. I could always purchase candy and flowers but now that she and Barb are doing the weight watchers thing that is not the best move. Oh well, I'm sure that spending some time with her today will help her to understand that need for the down coat with a hood or a new Computer is just the ticket for an anniversary gift. What do I need? Nothing really. I would like to have an airconditioner in the truck and a paint job but Barb fully supports me and it is my own damn fault I don't have that done. I would like to win the lottery (Why I really don't know) and buy my own tickets.
I loved the sign that Mom had on the back of the door in Arkansas. It was, "Happiness is not getting what you want, but wanting what you have." I have so much that I am starting to hate the clutter. I really understand the modern look but wonder what they do with the junk they removed to have that look. Don't tell me to store it. I have a storage space and a garage (actually two if you count one bay at the rental house) full of stuff. I actually have tools I thought I needed and have not used. I have dogs that I don't play with and an outside cat that must wonder what the hell is going on. Food shows up but we don't seem to cross paths. There are a pair of birds upstairs that just make one hell of a racket and a mess.
If you really want to see what the future looks like, do some work at the local elementary school. You will come away with a full understanding of how much work it is to help shape the future through the kids. They truly are what is going to make tomorrow great. I am going to figure out a way to help the fifth grade teacher get a rope around that fifth grade class be better citizens. It is my duty to help not just complain. I'm sure their parents love them and want the best for them.
MUD

2/08/2007

Geez Louise!

To all of the K-State Fans out there, You can keep the character building, we want wins. in spite of all the things the K-State fans said, they were humiliated last night in Lawrence. Everything they tried to do well was a bust. The shots from the outside, the ball handling, their inside play most went for naught. They did have one guy that could drive and score but other than one guy they couldn't hit a bull in the butt with a base fiddle. Yes, I'll wait until next year when you are better but don't hold your breath. We won't get another shot at Texas A&M but we will again come to your home and do our best to help you build character as we win again.
Today I was a substitute with a sorry group of fifth graders. They were rude, noisy and just down right sloppy. They created a mess in the room that was just not right. I really feel for their teacher. She has her hands full and need to be given some relief.
Oh well, when the wife gets home we are going out to dinner. Write if you get work... Dennis

2/06/2007

My list of me!

I AM: Nearing the age of 60. I am growing older and watching my youth slip away. I can still ride my bike and with the wind blowing through my hair, smile at the joy. I am not the man I once was and sometimes,I am not the man I was, once.
I SAID: I believe in truth and hate it when people are not truthful. I am rude to people that say things that are not true.
I WANT: to continue to have everything I need and having most of what I want. I never want to have everything I want because that would make me stale and unwilling to do things to finish that wants list.
I WISH: Everyone was willing to get out there and struggle, fight and work for better days. It is when you give up that fight or never start fighting that all is lost. There does need to be a time that you have enough of what you need. Hopefully there is a Walmart store nearby for those things you want. (This is a metaphore people- don’t jump on me because of your own personal preferences. If you don’t want to shop there, don’t)
I HATE: To hate… Why can’t people just get along and do their own thing.
I MISS: very darned little. In fact, I wish I had fewer things to rubble up my life.
I FEAR: that I have little fear. Sometimes I wonder how close I come to not living to the next day because I sometime don’t step away from situations and things that could get me killed.
I HEAR: A constant ringing in my ears because of tinnitus. Years in the Artillery and high blood pressure will do that to you. Thank god I can still read lips.
I WONDER: Just how long I have to live. I will live to the end and be glad for the time I had.
I REGRET: Not being able to see the alternative futures I could have lived. I have often wondered what my life would have brought if I had gone to flight school. I treasure that I met Barbara but still wonder what “might have been if?”
I AM NOT: Much, but what stands before you. I am darned straightforward, outspoken, loving, caring and sometimes hard. But, I am not devious.
I DANCE: very little on the outside but often I soar in my dreams.
I SING: As much as I can as often as I can. I think I love the pre-school work because they sing and dance and laugh with you and never at you.
I AM NOT ALWAYS: kind. I often scare myself at how ruthless I can be.
I Made: a lot of money in my lifetime and Barbara knows where most of the gold is buried.
I WRITE: as much as I can to learn and let the words escape. I think my spelling gets better because of spell checker kicks all my stupid words out with a red squiggle.
I CONFUSE: names because I am getting old. Not that I was ever all that good. I loved the Military where we all wore nametags.
I NEED: (See Wants above and you will understand.)
I SHOULD: keep trying to be a nicer person.
I START: A lot of things and finish some.
I FINISH: the absolute necessary and some of the fun and avoid the dull drab and un fun.
I BELIEVE: That in the end, the person with the most things, still dies.
I KNOW: That every day I don’t learn something new, I do not progress. For example did you know there is a second verse of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, knees and toes. I think it is something like neck, hips, back and legs. I also know that I am not young enough to do the fast version of Head and shoulders. But I can joyfully sing and laugh and smile when we do.
I CAN: Take a group of people and solve about any problem. I love to watch people grow and achieve.
I CAN’T: abide people that absolutely refuse to grow or move from where they are in their life.
I SEE: a lot of things in black and white. I believe in justice and not fairness. In fact, I often shout that no one ever said life was fair. Yellow snow is seldom lemonaide.
I BLOG: Because Becky harassed me until I did. I continue to Blog because I find the outlet refreshing.
I READ: as much as my eyes will allow. I love WEB Griffin and a lot of horror books. I don’t read mysteries because they make feel stupid that I didn’t know it was Col Mustard in the Study with the candlestick..
I AM AROUSED BY: Not near as many things as I once was. I still admire the female figure but not near as much as I once did.
I FIND: A lot of things that I have lost and didn’t even miss them. I often lose things and find them because I stumbled onto them in the process of my life.
I LIKE: Dogs, most pets, warm days and bikesI LOVE: Barbara, David, Dave’s wife Barbara, the thought that someday they too will have everything they need and most of what they want.

2/03/2007

Chores

Normally I have time during the week (and energy) to do daily chores around the place. Because I have been working a lot this past couple of weeks I have fallen behind. Is that a symptom of old age? Fallen behind? This morning I started with making sure that all of god's creatures were fed. The cockatiels, the cat, the outside birds, Barb and me... I can write my name on the inside of the windows from the accumulated dust and grime. There is a family of dust bunnies behind the furniture here in the basement that could overpopulate any residence. For the sake of my sanity I won't mention the floor in our bathroom.
I can see the flights of birds landing in the feeder to the south of the downstairs. They line up in the trees and stage closer and closer until they get to swoop in and get a seed. They re-stage and keep moving closer bird after bird. You can always tell a newcomer as they try to sit in the feeder and eat. They soon get chased out and learn the pattern. I haven't seen any hawk kills in the yard lately. The hawks like big fat juicy blue jays and I have watched as a hawk swooped in and killed one of a pair that regularly came in to eat.
I notice that it will be almost 20 degrees warmer in Idaho and Elko, NV today than it will be here. There is a winter front attached to the jet stream that has drug single digit overnight lows to Kansas. It takes a lot of sunshine to overcome that low. The snow squeaks when you walk on it. The truck sits outside and it cranks v e r y s l o wwwww. Even Dave called and asked if the power steering on the Olds needs looked at because it is so slow when you first start up the car. I told him that the slush and dirt probably has the seals on the rack and pinion steering so grimy that it takes a while to overcome the frozen ice. The truck steers like a truck but, duh Dennis it is a truck. It seems like weeks since I have seen a clean car in Topeka.
Oh well, better do something before Barb asks me again what am I doing. MUD

Say What?

As I read one of the Blogs today, I read that Barak Obama is trailing Hillary in the Black vote. It seems that he is not "Black" enough for some people. Somewhere, it seems, people have lost sight of the fact that our goal is to not have him described as a black man but the "Senator from Ohio". He happens to be black but that should not be the defining thing about him.
Senator Obama is the American born son of an African and a White woman from Kansas. He is a little more liberal than I want him to be but way less liberal than Hillary. Whomever is the next President will have their hands full righting the ship of state and putting us back on the path for success. Do too much for the people and they will lose their initiative to work. Do too little and they will not go fight for "theirs". Stop spending as much and the economy will grind to a halt. Continue to spend too much and the $ will devalue and we will continue to decline against the world currencies. I think the biggest thing our government needs to do is to help our businesses produce the goods our consumers want and need. Let China sell their electronics to the Arabs for Oil. We need to produce items that generate renewable energy (Solar, wind and water) We need to build more efficient cars and houses. We sure as hell need to pay our teachers what they are worth or start forgiving their student loans as they teach. The improvement in our society will need to be built on a strong foundation of education. It makes me sad that we are willing to pay a suspected doped up Baseball player 15 million dollars a year (Barry Bonds) and pay our teachers $30,000 a year.
I have been working in the "Special Ed" room for most of the last month and have really found a love for the kids as they work. I have been a taskmaster but most of the students have responded to me with hard work. I don't find ability linked to color. There are a lot of little kids that will continue to work hard and overcome or they will be trapped in jobs that don't include a lot of writing and math. Is that all bad? Someone had to do those jobs. I am going to return to being a regular substitute teacher starting next Monday and I'll miss all my little friends. Even if the do reverse their B's and D's. To the Wesley's, Rickies, Kylas's and Brads out there good luck.
MUD

1/30/2007

My list of 10 things!

My list

The following is just 10 things, in no specific order, that cross my mind as I sit here trying to think of 10 stupid things to put on the site:

1. I think it is cold to help us appreciate the really nice weather in the spring and summer.

2. When are we going to wake up and realize that teachers should be the high paid people in our society not athletes?

3. In the long run, wouldn’t it make sense for Gates to give us the new operating system and charge for updates? Why would the average person change their operating system other than when they buy a new system?

4. When is someone going to come out with a magazine for us old car nuts that stresses how to build a 57 Chevy that gets 30 MPG not run a quarter mile in 12 seconds? Yes, I want a heater, a radio and an air conditioner in there also.

5. Why do we spend so much time teaching Algebra and no time teaching kids about real money? How to budget and save is very important. One piece of info I read told kids they should budget at least $100 per month for food. I asked most of them if they would eat out at lunch and most said yes. I asked them how much a typical lunch was and most agreed that $5.00 is about the average. They also agreed that they eat out around 20 days a month while working. Heck, that’s $100.00 right there and there are a whole lot more trips to Burger King and Pizza Hut during the evenings and weekends. Stupid books!

6. The number one equation in life needs to be, Income must be equal to or greater than Outgo. You can tip this upside down a little while but in the long run you must make more than you spend. Did I mention that you also need to save?

7. The other day one sports broadcaster said something about a loss bringing a moral victory or lesson to the loosing team. Is he nuts? we want wins not moral anything. Beat their butts like a rug on the close line. Sports are about winning and the joy of cheering when we win. Moral victories are like wetting your pants in a dark suit. It gives you a warm feeling and most of the time you hope no one else notices.

8. Anything your wife doesn’t see you eat doesn’t count while on a diet. If a man tells a story in a forest and no one hears, is he still wrong?

9. At the end of your life you aren’t likely to say, “Gee I wish I had spent more days at work.”

10. Thank god for Statins and blood pressure drugs. I might live long enough to have Barb retire and get in a little traveling.

OK, enough of this. “Breaks over, back on your head” Maybe next time I’ll tell you the joke not just the punch line.

Don't want to get started

I have a lot of ideas but little desire to get started working off my "To Do" list. There are a couple of things I have to do but most are "Round Tuit" kinds of things. Ya know, when I get around To it.
The birds aren't making friends yet. They seem to eat the seeds and stuff I feed them and appreciate the fresh water each day (I think). They don't seem to want to do much but fly to the back of the cage when I come in the room. 1st thing in the AM they chirp like crazy.
I think I mentioned that I went to the inactivation ceremony of my old battalion last weekend. I am still kind of sad about that. It was nice to get to see all my old friends but I will miss the idea of being able to stop in Ottawa and visit my old unit. They replaced it with a Truck Company. I guess the Army needs a truck company and Kansas can always use the trucks in Natural Disasters. The Artillery was just so much fun it should have charged us to belong.
I worked all day yesterday in the pre-school program at south. It was a hoot. The little boys and girls work hard and seem to have a lot of fun. There was one little boy that didn't seem much aware of what was happening. He needed a lot of attention and one of the Para's gave him about a five minute hug when he needed one. I love to read books with the kids and watch them play. The girls were in the little play kitchen area and I asked for breakfast. Man could they whip up a great play meal. They have plastic food and I was given all sorts of great things including something that looked a lot like a McDonald's breakfast biscuit.
I guess I had better go get a few things done while I have the energy. Did any of you happen to see KU dismantle Nebraska on ESPN's Big Monday coverage? It was so bad that some of the third stringers go playing time in the first half. Normally they don't appear until the last couple of minutes in the 2nd half. Buckle up and watch them Hawks run up and down the floor. The season will be over all too soon.
MUD

1/29/2007

Oh No, I said What?

You can take the Colonel out of the Army but you can't take the Army out of the Colonel. I worked in the Pre-school all day and it was a lot of fun. About 2:15 the kids were coming up on a period called "Recess" as opposed to free play in the room. It was sunny, windy and cold. When I said lets go outside I also added "and blow the stink off". But techew, we don't stink! I turned around and the cutest little girl was so concerned that I might think they stink. It was all I could do to smile and tell her that that's what my dad would say and I didn't mean anything personal. We managed to be out for about 10 minutes when I circled the wagons and brought them back in.
Today was Chili and Cinnamon rolls at school. There is just something about the rolls that just makes your day. I thanked the kitchen ladies and one of them asked if I wanted to come in on the 15th of February and learn how she does it. Heck yes, with bells on. One of the schools is having some kind of an open house and they need 700 cinnamon rolls. I sure hope they are as good as they were today.
Oh well, the Hawks play on ESPN tonight at 8 PM. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk. Go KU! MUD

1/28/2007

Just in Time

Just when my support for the war began to flag, Up steps Hanoi Jane and convinced me that in my heart of hearts I'm right that Saddam was a killer and needed evicted from Iraq. In a country where you can have your hand cut off for stealing, hanging him was a minor punishment. I would have cut off anything that stuck out from his body and removed his tongue. Then a lifetime of prison would have followed.
I would have pursued the war differently but "so what". I'm not in charge. If I were in charge, Hanoi Jane wouldn't have been allowed to re-connect to her US citizenship because she gave aid and comfort to our enemy. She would be a French citizen still and only one of a long list of French people that we have had to go over and save twice.
I think the country needs to have another Vietnam so the liberals can say I told you so. You remember, don't you? They got Tricky Dick to call off the war and have a political settlement. Then when the N.Viets attacked in violation of that peace treaty we watched and did nothing. Then everyone said the Military lost that war. BS. The military won every major battle and could have kicked the crap out of the N. Viets if we had been allowed to attack where they were in N. Vietnam. Yes, boys and girls, I know of what I speak here, I fought in that war.
If I had been in charge of the Iraq war, I would have made the Army of Iraq stay in place and surrender. The last thing I would have done is to let them go home with their weapons. I would have put the military in charge and would have told the highest ranking General he was in charge of keeping peace. I would have sent him to Guantanamo if he failed and given the job to the next guy. I would have kept going until some smart Major or Captain got the message that he was responsible for the mess and needed to keep peace. I am almost afraid to admit that it took someone as brutal as Saddam to keep control of the country. Had he not invaded Quiat he might still be in charge and raping the country of its oil dollars.
Where did all this rant come from this morning? I am going to Ottawa, KS today to fold the flag on the battalion I commander 1985-1987. They are inactivating the battalion today and I am sad for that. Oh well, I am too old to serve with them anyway so I guess I'll just go and watch and have a tear in the corner of my eye when I see the colors folded for the last time. MUD

1/27/2007

BRRR! Who Left the Door Open

We have temperatures in the single digits and wind chills near zero. We had about 4" of snow last week and most of it melted off by Friday. For some reason today there is nothing between Kansas and the north pole but a rusty barb wire fence in Nebraska. I think the shock of warm and then darn cold is what makes it feel worse. It has snowed a little bit but is much too cold to have a lot of moisture to snow much.
Well, Sports Fans, KU managed to embarrass the Colorado team in Lawrence today. IF it wasn't bad enough, the Hawks scored almost 100 points and their third string played most of the end of the game.
Have a great Sunday
MUD

Man am I beat!

Don't ever let anyone tell you that teachers don't work darned hard for their money. I have spent most of the week as a Sub for teachers in the morning and for para-professionals in the afternoon. It is a heck of a lot of work to teach and even more work being in charge of the mob doing the normal things involved in their school day. Just the act of moving a class to the playground, lunch and to the bus is like herding cats.
I had one day this week where I was a sub for a class called "Galloping Gourmet". I swear we made funnel cakes and they were great. I know the class was a pretty special group and they worked hard. Monday morning I will be the sub for the Pre-School teacher who is listed for Jury Duty. (If she is called to appear)
My feet are tired, my body is tired and even my mind is tired. Now I can really appreciate those days Barb came home and just collapsed.


This is my dream vehicle for the great "Ride Across Kansas" bike event each year. You could have a group sit and visit while drinking cold beverages and pass the time in a physical and social setting. The only thing I don't see is the TV and the laptops with a wireless hook-up.. I'm sure you could fill all the seats with that and perhaps a Starbucks Coffee bar. If you look close you can see each patron has a set of pedals to help the team go.
I have a million things that need done and little energy to do them. Oh well, I'll be in the Laundry Chair starting about 12:45 when the KU game starts.
MUD

1/22/2007

Damn Weight Watchers

Da Barb's have been on the Weight Watchers diet for a couple of weeks. I'm sure that you lose weight because you spend so much time trying to figure out how many points in a pan of Rice Crispy Treats. (33 in case you need to know)
The real reason I dislike WW is when I cook, I love the smooth taste of gravy or a butter sauce and fried pork chops. Not on that diet you don't. It is steamed vegs and broiled stuff mind you. Oh well, I can always make a little gravy for me on the side. Sure wish I could put a pat of butter on the vegs when they cook but not for now.
Oh well, the snow is finally here in Topeka and it is pretty (white) out there. We finally got about 4 inches and the roads cleared up pretty fast. There is still an inch of ice under most of it but the wet snow makes it almost stable.
I finally had the germ count exceed my preventive measures and have a sore throat today. I'm going back and give it to some of them this afternoon.
MUD

1/20/2007

Deep Down Feelings

When I posted that I was not sure if Barak Obama was the kind of guy I could support, I guess I really didn't do a gut check on my own feelings. Here are some things I feel strongly about:
  • Tall, articulate people get a pass in a lot of cases when the less articulate and equally smart people do not. President Bush (43) is the Commander-in-Chief of our Armed Services and the President. He is not the gifted speaker that Ronald Reagan was and "Slick Willy" could talk his way out of (or into) a box. Even if you don't agree with him, he is the President for now.
  • I am for the "Death Penalty". I am against the length of time it takes for the legal system to do the will of the people. If you do something so bad and get caught, you should go to the head of the line.
  • I am against gun control. If you are a bad guy and use a weapon, see the above paragraph.
  • My problem with the Federal Government is the process. They start out with darn good ideas and then bloat the issues up with "Pork" that there is no way anyone can understand where or why the legislation is or was going. "No child left Behind" is a wonderful goal, it is just not the end state. Remember boys and girls, if you accept Federal $ you cannot complain about the rules you have to follow.
  • I believe in the Constitution and that what is unstated should be left to lower level Governments. For example, It is the Federal Government's role to provide an Armed Force to protect us. It is not the Federal Governments job to tell us how, why, where or when to educate out children. Fewer dollars taken by higher levels of Government mean that the lower levels will have funds to work with. My example. If Kansas has the 38th economy in the Nation why should the Feds want us to spend more $ on education to move us up in the ranking. If the local voters want us to spend more, so be it. I think it is great if the state wants to make sure there is a floor to support the kids in small districts but they should not put a ceiling on what the rich districts get to spend if they so desire.
  • There are a few freedoms I am willing to give up if the threat is great enough. I think a National or State Identification Card system is needed. Hell, I carried a Military ID card and Drivers License almost all of my adult life. There is no "bridge too far" if we decide to build a data base and enforce our immigration/visa laws. If you don't belong here, I'm willing to let our Government take/send you home. Show up on my radar at a Hospital, school, job site or welfare system without the necessary documentation and off you go.
  • I believe that dang near all of us came here as the result of immigration. Even the Indians are descendents of people that came over from Europe/Asia via some form of a land bridge. I want our lives to be enriched by having new people come here and share their lives and cultures with us. I want an open immigration policy that is clear and easily understood. I think having workers come here from Mexico is a great idea. If they are only here to work and want to go back when they are finished we need a program to control it. Students that come here to go to school need a good system to allow that and make sure they go home when they are done. If they want to remain here let them apply from there.
  • Abortion is an abomination. I hate it at my core. I would never advocate it as a method of ending the life of a child. There are a bunch of people out there that want children and can't make that happen. There is room in our world for more kids. On the other hand, I never want my Government to get in the business of telling a woman what to do when it is her and her Doctor's decision that is important. I no playa da game, I no maka da rules.
  • I am truly for any program that helps people get more education at whatever cost they can afford. Anyone that witnessed what the GI Bill has done for our country truly feels like we need more money to help poor people go to schools. I would fund Teachers by giving them loans and writing part of the loans off every year they teach.
  • I think some form of mandatory National Service is a good idea. There are needs for assistant teachers/role models in our schools. There are more jobs in hospitals than good candidates. I think some form of Basic Training is a good thing.
  • I think there is a need for more involvement/input into our education system from the private sector. What does our economy need in the way of skills from our kids when they come out of school? Why don't we have ways to "add skills" for our workers to continually upgrade? What's the matter with having the best trained firefighters, Police, Nurses and Teachers in there world?

OK, that's enough for now. Thanks for reading. Dennis

School board Election

"The Capital-Journal News, Sat 20 Jan 2007"
More Candidates emerge for local school boards
Hopefuls have until Tuesday to file for office with election officials.
By Barbara Hollingsworth barbara.hollingsworth@cjonline.com
The pool of candidates seeking election to area school boards seats is beginning to fill....
My worthy Opponent

  • Trey Burton. Burton, 42, has made a habit of volunteering at the school of his three children and currently is the president of the Shawnee Heights School booster club. He also serves on the district advisory council. Important to the future, he said , will be seeing through the 2005 Bond issues and addressing the space needs in elementary schools. "I think I have a good foundation for understanding the issues that the schools deal with and that are currently going on and then probably an ability to listen well and communicate with others to see we continue to move in a good positive direction in the school district" said Burton, who works as a mid level manager for the Federal Government. (My note- Trey is a great guy and will be a good member of the board if he wins. )

  • Petty, a retired Kansas National Guard Colonel, will face Burton in the Shawnee Heights board election but says it will hardly be a grudge match. Their wives both work at Tecumseh South Elementary. "I see this as a win-win either way." Petty said. Petty, 59 works as a substitute Teacher and Paraprofessional, a job he knows he will have to give up if elected to the school board. Still, he said, his experience working with special education students would help him in the role. If elected, Petty said he wouldn't shy away from making difficult decisions, such as re-drawing the school boundaries, a topic currently under discussion. "I'm not adverse to telling patrons of the district if we need to redistrict the schools at the risk of making someone unhappy. If it makes the schools better for the kids, that's what they need to do."

I have talked with my opponent, Trey and we both feel that the high road is the only to go in this case. The voters will be the deciding factor and their voice will be listened and either way we hope to remain friends. Trey is the previous owner of the bike that Barbara now rides. If Trey loses I may have to commission Kenny to build a recumbent frame for Trey. Very "tongue in cheek" Barbara said my slogan should be if in doubt, vote for the tall guy. But that wouldn't be nice so I'll not use it (much)

Dennis, candidate for Shawnee Heights School Board, District B, Position 2.

1/15/2007

Who Won the Elections

Warning, the following may be graphic and blunt. This message goes out to all the old politicians and Political hacks that think their party either won or lost the last election. Wake up America, the party that does not participate won the election and the parties and the faithful of those parties lost. It is my feeling that out there there is about 20% of the people that support the Republican party, about 21% that support the Democratic party and about 20% of the people that support ideas and celebrity. The sad news is there is about 40% (+/- 3%) that just flat don't give a damn who is in charge. Nancy and the Dems need to get it right and work hard this next period. All the anger and hate people feel for the current administration hasn't even got the unwashed masses to wake up and vote. They do give a damn but it is for the latest X-box or Wii or what line they can stand in for three or for days to be the first to buy the latest. These are the guys that won't go stand in the short lines to vote. Who are they, The gaming generation.

Cockroach Update

I just wanted you all to know that the missing, hissing, pissing cockroaches were at school when they went missing. They are not loose here at rabbit run. You can safely come here and only find the one's that come inside from the forest. We battle the forest bugs each year and so far have won that battle. MUD

1/14/2007

The Missing Hissing Cockroach


Last week one of Barb's students listened to a conversation I had with Barb and wanted to know if I called them Pissing Cockroaches. No Brad, they are Hissing Cockroaches. As an assignment, he now has the responsibility of maintaining the cage. Unfortunately, they went missing so they are "Missing, Pissing & Hissing cockroaches". I'm sorry, but hanging out with kids has warped my sense of humor. (but I wash my hands a lot more often)
I worked as a Teacher Sub in the Resource Room, on Friday and didn't find it too much different from what I had been doing. I'm sure that if I had the responsibility to plan what was to be done for each student things would be different. There are some great Para-professionals in those rooms and they are a joy to work with. One of the teachers is a little more intense than I would like, but Barb has her good qualities also. (Joke, Joke, Joke) It is really one of the other teachers that comes on a little strong for me. Oh well, I am not there forever or full time.
I have been pretty slack about riding in the freezing weather. I need to find a way to ride and not freeze my butt off. I find that if I wear enough clothes to stay warm, the exercise causes me to sweat so much that I don't dare stop because wet and cold is a deadly combination. I guess I'll just have to work on that. My recumbent exercise bike didn't work out so I guess I could resurface that project and ride inside.
Yesterday was Basketball Central around here and today will probably be football. I did get the laundry done (with a little help from Barb late when my attitude about clean clothes flagged out)
I have been watching the weather in other family locations. It was a little warmer in Tulsa than here but they have a coating of ice. It was almost as cold in Barstow, CA and it will be 48 in the afternoon. The "cold hole" was Elko, NV where they had minus temps. It was colder in Idaho and not quite as warm. I think I'm going to add Brownsville, TX to my weather map and dream about being there in Jan, Feb & Mar. Barb has a friend that rents their house to a State Legislator when they come to town and they go south. Perhaps later when Barb makes up her mind what she is going to do about next year.
Hoops and Field Goals to you all. Stay warm and keep the snow out of your powder.
MUD

1/13/2007

Character is BS,We Want Wins

One of the announcers said close wins like the one KU had at Iowa State Builds Character. I don't want no stinking character, I want wins. KU managed to pull out a victory against a team (and lousy referees) that was not having its "A" Game day. Finally they got serious and won but there were a lot of moments that I was afraid they were going give the game up to Iowa State. End of discussion. They need to grow up and win like they did against Florida. They can beat anyone but also can lose to ORU.
We are having the perfect storm today. We have only a 1/4 inch of sleet on everything and it is ok if you drive carefully. Now if we can keep it that way. I hear that further south of here they have up to an inch of ice and north of us they have snow. Whew.
Did you ever have a discussion with someone and walk away with the idea that you invented (or designed) something that was a great idea. Barb had to drag me back to reality that half of the discussion was hers and the idea was "OURS". Crap, burst my bubble just when I was about to pop the buttons on my shirt. I guess every once in a while everyone needs drug back and slapped in the face with a big honking dose of reality. Mea Culpa.
Better go, the dryer is buzzing me and there is a pot of chicken and noodles on the stove that needs stirred. MUD

1/10/2007

Full Time, Part Time

I just got a call from Marge at Tecumseh South and I am going to be employed full time for three hours a day. This is going to be for the rest of the month. I'm not sure if a guaranteed job of a few hours a day is as good as full time on a random basis. Oh well, we'll see. After all, I'm not in this for the big money.
I hope I can get a steady group of kids and help them make good progress. That's the real job.
Dennis

Chirp, Chirp, Chirp

Right now, it sounds like a testing zone at a squeaky toy factory upstairs. Those two birds finally are seeing some sun and are awake. It takes them a little bit to get cranked up and when they do, it is chirp city. I still don't get why birds as a pet but, I'm coming around to having them.
Did I mention that they are messy little buggers? The floor crunches from all the seeds and hulls they discard.
Do you make a difference in this world?
I often wonder what the world would be like if I was not a part of it. I know the parable about if you think you are perfect, stick your finger in the ocean and if when you take your finger out the hole stays there, you were perfect. I am pretty sure that there is no "hole-y" water on my account. I have tried to live by the motto that doing my best is good enough. I, like all humans, have my shortcomings and I know that I exasperate some people. On the other hand, one of our closest friends had to ask about my religion. I try to live a life that is religious in character without the actual belief in God. I think the Bible is a good guide and the 10 commandments just simple truths in one place.
Now that planning, training and mobilizing for killing people is not an active part of my life I think I have probably over compensated.
I went over to visit my mom yesterday afternoon. She wears me out. "Denny, there are six bottles of green tea unopened in the fridge. " Her cleaning lady had been there for over an hour and could have easily done that for her. I think she saves work for me so I won't feel left out. I need to do some shopping for her this afternoon. Trip to Dillon's and a bag full of "over the counter" crap.
Ok Walmart haters, have you noticed that their prices are getting closer to everyone else? Now what are you going to do? If you hate them for low prices, will you love them for higher prices.
Just wait California, when your mandatory medical insurance hits, your costs will skyrocket. Who does Arnold think is going to pay the cost. The business owners. "Not bloody likely McGee. "
Kansas has hit a short cycle of higher revenues for the taxes collected. The legislature is working on building some kind of a trust fund out of those dollars to help future plans. How about giving some of that back to the people that paid it. Kansas has this simple plan that unless it is truly Capital building (roads, buildings or other things) outgo cannot exceed income. What a novel idea. Did you write that down? Outgo must be equal to or less than income. Works for me as that is what Barbara has enforced on us from the start. Add to that our desire to save as much as was possible in retirement accounts and you might understand why I feel like I have everything I need, most of what I want and a Walmart nearby.
Write if you get work. MUD

1/09/2007

Those Damn Pissing Cockroaches

The other day I was working in Barb's room as a Substitute Para. I asked her how the Hissing Cockroach cage was going. One of the kids looked at me and said, "Did you say Pissing Cockroach?" Little kid after my own heart. He makes up things when he doesn't hear clearly. Barb has given him the task of setting up the cage and maintaining them.
I am looking forward to seeing how his project is working.
Today I worked at the southernmost school in the district and worked with a really neat kid. The first time I saw him they were carrying him down the hall out of control. He could not have worked any harder for me today. He was absent yesterday and had two days worth of work to do. he hussled his litt butt off and got most of it done. I hope my smile and encouragement got him there but he did have to work hard. He also took the diagnostic reading test that could have stressed him out. It made a tough day go fast.
Do you know what the biggest bummer of the day was? As I came in the building this morning I smelled cinnamon rolls. Let there be no doubt that I can spot the wonderful smell of cinnamon at 100 yards. I finished at T. South at 11:45 and started at noon at Berryton. I went right into the testing with my little guy and missed lunch. What a rip. The best school meal of the day/week/month/school year and I was forced to miss it. I did get to eat an apple between schools but it just wasn't the same.
Tomorrow will be a work day in the garage with Dave. Sure hope we can get that grey car out of there and back on the street.
Write if you get work. MUD

1/06/2007

Good News

Over the years I have fought my Cholesterol level and Triglicerides level being way too high. At one time untreated the total went to 450. I have been trying to lower the count and have been on a Statin drug for a couple of years. Just when I finally got it down to 250, they lowered the standard to 200. I was changed to Vytorin from Lippitor and the great news was the latest test was at 141.
Given free will and good results I would eat steak daily and have a bowl of ice cream each evening. I guess I'll just have to stay on the drugs and eat more chicken. Oh well, I take the good news.
Da Barbs have started with Weight Watchers for the new years. They both want to lose a few lbs and get in better shape. Don't let anyone tell you that teachers just sit and don't get enough exercise. Barb walks at least 10,000 steps each day. If she ties a rope to my butt and hers she would be dragging me by noon. (Oooh bondage, talk dirty to me momma make me write bad checks)
At least Baltimore put KC out of my misery today. The best team won and the poorer team went home for another year.
Write if you get work. MUD

Saturday in the Heartland

I am pissed off at the idiots that think Ohio & Illinois are in the mid west. I started calling Kansas the heartland because of the geographic error and I heart someone call Ohio the Heartland. They are the western edge of the east, the eastern part of the Central US, but they sure as hell aren't the Midwest. Somewhere about the border of Colorado and Utah is the Mid west. The Geographical Center of the US is right here in good old Kansas near that stupid ball of bailing twine near Cocker City, Kansas.
Aren't you glad I don't have anything really important to get excited about?
Ok boys and girls, I have been a pet lover for a lot of years. Why the fascination about birds? They eat, sleep, chirp and poop. They act like idiots and fly around the room crashing into windows if you let them out of their cage. I really don't get it. You can't pet them, and they will bite your lip if you try to kiss them. Cockatiels are the most messy thing since little boys started trying to hit the toilet standing up.. Why the fuss? Oh well...
I do hope my metaphor about Walmart hasn't missed you. "I have everything I need, most of what I want and a Walmart nearby." It is an old guy's update of the serenity prayer.
Should be some good games on TV this weekend. KC plays the Colts, KU plays someone, K-State will be on TV tonight and most of the games are televised. Might even get in some housework. "Some."
MUD

1/05/2007

Things I Care About

There are times I just want to hit someone. When I hear people say Walmart is all bad and talk about the times they shop there. If you do not like Walmart, don't go there. I love having everything I need, most of what I want and a Walmart store nearby.
I see people buying dogfood for $25.00 a bag. Don't they know how to read the bags? For about $12.00 you can buy a bag of Old Roy that is as good or better than all those fancy dancy dog foods. You can buy Old Roy canned dog food for about .38 cents a can. I have two Black Labs that eat nothing but Old Roy and they are in fine shape. Spend $25.00 a bag if you want but don't complain to me that Walmart has nothing but crap.
Why is it that some people can't just get into their car and drive. What is it with those damn cell phones that is so addictive. Hell, I have an answering machine so I sometimes don't have to talk on the phone. I don't have a pager or a cell phone because there are times I don't want to be found. Take the most inexperienced drivers (teenage Girls) and combine that with a cell phone and we are talking some dangerous stuff here. Add makeup or coffee and the results are tragic. Kind of like the time a driver was weaving in and out of our National Guard Covoy in the middle of Nebraska and bent down to get a beer out of the cooler on the passenger side. Did he think the truck was going to move over and get out of the way because he wasn't looking? When he saw how close he was to the back of our truck he swerved left, across the interstate into the path of a semi truck headed west. Not a pretty sight. My medics kept him alive until the paramedics got there. A combination of their IV, morphine and moving him just ended him there on the side of the road.
I saw a sign once that said if you are against gay marriage, don't get one. If you are against Walmart, don't shop there. There are enough of us to keep then as busy as they can be because they have the best prices in Town.
Sorry about the rant.
When I started to Substitute I wanted to give the kids a hug and take them all home. After a short 30 days, I'm damn glad to go home alone and feel like I need to wash my hands from being around those germy little dudes. Oh well, Education is still the best way to help our society progress. Don't complain about the cost of Education when a Basketball player can make 10 million a year.
MUD

Friday and I got a day off

It is almost a good feeling to not have the phone ring and send me to places unknown. I have a chance to catch up on this site and to do a little house cleaning. Heck, I may even go give Barb a chance to catch up on her lesson plans for next week this afternoon. She has been working pretty hard this week and had progress reports and her normal lesson plans to do. A little time from me this afternoon will save her some time over the weekend. She worked on the progress reports last night for several hours after working all day. It almost made me want to get up from my nap and help her. Almost.
This teaching stuff is a lot like work. I am seeing a lot of different ways to do things and I appreciate different ways the teachers approach the process. The focus is definitely on doing the things that are on the test. Not the material, the process. Reading, writing and arithmetic are the same, it is the way the kids are being taught that is fun to watch. There is a rocket math where the kids work on doing 39 problems in one minute. What do you bet that 39 is magic number to hit the grade level. They progress from subtraction to addition to the multiplication facts and eventually to the division facts. They get stickers and rewards for doing well. The kids that are slow are handed practice sheets to take home and to work with their parents. All the kids write in their journals and the teacher looks at their work daily. The mistakes one day become the daily edits for the next day. I am just blown away at some of the free and easy ideas that the teachers are responding to the new testing.
It was 60's here yesterday and only will be in the 40's today. Oh well, we aren't hip deep in snow. We have had a couple of nice rains and the ground is wet and decent weather is on hand.
Write if you get work. MUD

1/02/2007

Football Game of the Century

Anyone that watched the Boise State vs Oklahoma game last night may have seen the game of the Century. It was a shame that anyone had to lose such a wild ride. It was a high scoring game and believe me when I say it went long and hard and fun. Boise State played skillful gimmick laden games and Oklahoma played Smash Mouth Big 12 Football. The last 5 minutes of the game and the overtime should be a must see for every player and fan. Oklahoma got to try for the 2 point after touchdown play four times. Boise State won the game with the old Statue of Liberty Play. I laughed and whooped as the game just got better and better. I do feel sorry for the Oklahoma fans but they gave almost as good as they got.
Barb and I were going to make a run to KC this morning but she decided that we have too many other commitments. We are going over to have lunch with mother and take her in for a pro-time (blood test) They are worried that her blood is too thin or too thick. She takes what is a rat poison to keep her thin. (Warfarin)
Barb has breakfast on the table so I'd better get off here and go eat. I hope the rest of the bowl games are as much fun. There will also be basketball games aplenty. Does anyone know what the hell has happened to the Shockers of Wichita? They were so high and have fallen out of the top 25 after 4 straight losses.
MUD

1/01/2007

My life has gone to the birds

Meet Angel & Chris Piper our new Cockatiels. They are trying to become adjusted to the Petty Lifestyle and have added a new noise to the house. Right now we hope they are both males so we don't have to worry about brother and sister offspring. Our good Friend Piper has offered us Pepsi a Female to replace one of the males if we desire. For now I don't see the need but one never knows. Happy and noisy New Year 2007 to you all.

New Years Day Rant

Ok, I really don't have any rant in me today. It was just a trick to see if you were paying attention. Waking up sober and un-hungover on New Years Day means that this is probably the best I will feel all day.
Does anyone else eat black eyed pea's on new Years Day? I am going to whip up a bog pot of beans and ham. Will have the peas on the side. May even make corn bread.
The weather here is finally acting like winter. It changed from Rain to snow about noon yesterday and by dark had just covered the ground. It will be 42 degrees today so that will be gone by noon.
Happy New Year to you all.
MUD

12/31/2006

Man I hate getting Old (er)

This week I read that one of Mom's friends died. I helped her get flowers and took them to the Funeral home. Instead of the joy her life brought to everyone that really knew her, the family is split as to what to do with her estate. Is the world so crazy that people think a few dollars from some old lady are worth one moment of anything but joy for having known her? There were snide comments made about the fact that she had kids mentioned from her first marriage but there was no mention of him in the Obit. If you find yourself not liking Mom's Obit, know that she approved it herself.
I find myself having senior moments much more often lately. Perhaps it is that I am using my brain hard as a sub and have sat way too long idle and need to brush out the cobwebs. I went to the store yesterday and couldn't remember Sarah Sewell's first name. I see her at least twice a week and you would think I could remember the name of a beautiful young cousin. She is such a sweety and has a nice smile for us when she see's us. I know that it won't be all that long and I will be able to hide my own Easter eggs.
One of Barb's co-workers told Barb she was going to give us a Cockatiel. When we got there, she really gave us a pair. So now we have Angel and Chris Piper the birds. They chirp from time to time and throw seeds everywhere. The lady that gave them to us told us they eat a cup of seed each bird/day. No, they throw at least a cup of seed on the floor outside the cage and about 1/4 of a cup inside the cage and leave a bunch of empty seed debris in their food dish. I do see bird poop in the cage so I know they are eating. They also crap in their water dish - nasty buggers.
I haven't figured out what they do/are for yet so I will reserve judgment on that for now.
Barb is off today and I am not sure what is on her agenda - Yet. Hope she wants to read her books and relax. Happy New Year.
Dennis

12/30/2006

2007 Questions/Decisions

Barb and I discussed some of the things in 2007 we need to decide:
  • Should I run for the School Board. Do I want change or do I really want to be on the Board?
  • Should Barb continue to work one more year? We need to do the financial numbers and see where we will be.
  • Should we go to Morocco this summer. Need some information from the Reimers as to their plans. Hate to travel there and not find them home.
  • What will we do when we go to Vegas for Dave & Barb N.'s renewal of their vows the first weekend in June. Do we fly? Drive, Bus or Train?
  • What do we need to do with our cars this year? Kill the Corsica or fix it and drive it into the ground.
  • How can we help Dave and Barb the best?

That is just the start of the list and we will be working on it more as the next weeks progress. Hope you have a great New Years.

MUD

12/28/2006

I'm a Runnin'

Barb and I have been so upset with the local school board that I am going to run for the Board this year. I have until the 20th of Jan to register and the election is in February. I would take office in July so I could continue to substitute teach the rest of the year. I turn 60 this year so I will have my Military Retirement kick in starting in August. After that I won't need to work but might, just not in this district.
Yes, I know that I need to be careful what I ask for because I might get elected and have to work on Monday nights for a couple of years. Oh well, I'll work hard for the children and try to help make it a better place.
Yesterday I was looking at the 57 Chevy and realized that the dew dripping off the car just hadn't dried by the rear wheel. I also noticed the brake fluid level had dropped off in a big way. Yes, the rear wheel brake cylinder had just decided to give up and die. It turned out to be an easy fix but I also found that one of the brake shoes needs replaced and I should do it on both sides not just one so it will be a bigger deal (When I get around to it) For now the leak has stopped and the car stops so I will park it back in the garage for a while.
I am putting a new electric wiper motor on the 53 Pickup. I finally got so tired of trying to unhook the old one that I took my trusty little Drimmel with a cutting wheel and cut the bolts off. I fiddled with it for about an hour trying to fit it back on and finally quit. I'm sure that I will be able to get it working today. Good thing, it is going to rain the rest of the week.
It only got down to 40 last night. That is our normal day time high here in Kansas for December. It was in the 50's yesterday and will be again today. Great weather to be outside and working on a car. May even go for a ride this afternoon. I need to get a little exercise.
KU and K-State both have a game starting at 7 PM today. KU's game is Basketball and K-State is playing in some football bowl in Texas. They play Rutgers? I didn't know Rutgers even played football anymore.
OH well, Barb and I will watch basketball and look at updates.
Have a Happy New Year. MUD & Bobwa

12/26/2006

Post Christmas Day Thoughts and Wishes

Yes, I got almost everything I wished and wanted for Christmas. There were some omissions such as World Peace and to win the lottery but I did get everything I wanted or needed. We were able to share our home with friends and family and had a group of 10 here to celebrate with.
Our new daughter, Melanie who is really a friend of Dave and Barbara, came over and added a lot of nice conversation to our group. I have my fingers crossed that the new possible job will be hers after the first of the year. She is one of those creative people that just works harder than the job and everyone loves her. Security Benefit Group here in Topeka is expanding and she is a part of that rare growth.
Barb N's nephews were a part of the festivities and man did they score from Santa. They had so many toys they couldn't play with them all. The solar car just didn't have enough solar power to run by the time we got it together. They are two of the nicest little guys and we love to have them here. The littlest one wore Dave out. Man is he going to be a good father if he doesn't get too old first.
It has been warming up during the day but the 20 degrees in the night has all the animals eating as much as they can to build body mass and keep warm. At first light the birds are working over the suet block and black oil sunflower seeds, hard. The dogs sit by the fence and bark wanting snacks and tidbits from our meals. Tiger the outside cat is off on his rounds early today and I don't have a clue where he is. He got the giblets from a 5lb chicken yesterday and left that damn dry food. He had been in a cat fight and had a few patches of fur that fell off when I petted him. He was not in a playful or petting mood yesterday and I haven't seen him yet today. I hope he comes back but I haven't invested much in his upkeep. A couple bags of the cheap cat food and compared to either dog, he is a bargain.
Barb and I are getting busy in life and have senior moments. We both need to have one of those signal devices that when you clap your hands it beeps. The problem is that we would need so many that the whole darn house would beep every time we clapped. Just a moment ago she was hunting for her shoes. I think she has hunted for those shoes at least twice and I think three times this week. Once she found them in the storage room where she got the Christmas Tree ornaments. How did they get there?
I am going to start a movement that outlaws the term "Whatever". I think it is passive aggressive and people use it when they don't want to make a decision. I will say where would you like to eat? "Whatever" as I start to Rosa's (Mexican) Barb will say oh no, it's too greasy. I will say pizza and she will say too fattening. McDonalds is out for anything but breakfast. So in the end we will wind up at Anny's Place eating a salad and air fries. She will say "Whatever" but means Anny's Place. Passive aggressive if I have ever visited the term. My student, Diamond B. (name changed to protect the guilty) will say "Whatever" but will add a hand waive. (generally with a set of hands that are so dirty I can smell them) We had a page of hard math or four pages of easy math. A "Whatever" and I gave him the tough stuff. After checking the first three and two of them were close but no cigar, he thought four pages of the easy stuff was the ticket.
The last day of school this year we had hamburgers for lunch. "D" thought it was neat to put all the Cheetos in the top bun and make a cheeseburger like arrangement. As he dripped ketchup and cheeto debris on his plate he just smiled and kept pounding more food in his mouth. To his benefit, he is like me and has a check mark for yes in the food column. So far I haven't found anything he doesn't like. For some kids on Meds that is hard but not for him.
Well, looks like Barb is about ready to go so I had better get my act together. I hope you Christmas was merry and that you new year find you prosperous. MUD

12/24/2006

Few More Pics















These first two pictures are of Sue's Boys and for the life of me I can't remember their names.















This guy is Joe and the bottle of wine that kept coming around to him.









This is Fred, Dan's Step Father.

Picture Titles

If you look at the following pictures, you will see the wonderful group of people that were at the Petty Party in Kansas City on Dec 16th, 2006. If you were there you know everyone. IF you weren't, don't sweat the names just know that we had great food and great fun. We have tried to make the Christmas gathering a time of friendship and family and forget the commercial part of Christmas. In fact we all bring "White Elephant" gifts to exchange and have a great time swapping and opening. Merry Christmas

Petty Party Pictures Part 1

Kenny & Austin










Dan & Owen (I don't have Joe?)










Janet & Sue









Myrna Sue & Becky

Petty Party Pictures Part 2

Mom & Kim











Jennifer & Mom










Janet & Mom










The Host, Carrie & Mom

Petty Party Pictures Part 3

Alan & Carol










Barbara N. & Mom










AJ & Mom

12/19/2006

Great Weekend

I have been a little busy for the last couple of days and am sorry that I haven't posted more/sooner. We had a wonderful family gathering at Carrie Craig's house on Saturday and as usual she was a wonderful host. We had our usual soup lunch and white elephant swap. It was a great meal followed by a fun time. There were a couple of gifts that made the swap about each choice. I'm not sure if the wine, the penguin with the $20.00 gift certificate or Barb's lobster that drew the most comments. (Ok, I know most of the comments about that damn lobster came from me)
We had a nice visit with Becky as she stayed an extra day to help Mom shop for some things. She is always a fun visit and I'm sure that her family needs to break the dependence on her that they have. Man I would have shut off that darn cell phone and left it off for longer than she did. It rang and rang and rang. I know she makes a lot of her money working "on call" but shees, I wouldn't have one if it bothered me as much as her's does.
I tried to download the pictures this morning and again this evening. So far I have them still in the camera but not in the file where I want them.
The Hawks are playing some team tonight and it will be a short night as the ref's are sitting on their whistles to get the game over fast. Ku has played more players more minutes than a usual game. Some of the subs that never see much time are working on 10 minutes in the first 20 min half. it is 45 to 21 at half time.
I work Wednesday and Thursday and am then off until the 3rd of January. I will probably spent the entire time getting over the germs I have picked up this month.
Dennis

12/15/2006

Metrosexual, Ubersexual, Militarysexual?

I was reading a Blog and someone described the transition of Metrosexuals into Ubersexuals. I think I am comfortable with the term Old Retired Army Guy (ORAG and nom-de-plum I use like MUD) I think I am a Military Sexual. I like clean, shiny polished things, a good haircut and John Wayne Movies. I start out my day with clothes that are clean and neat but by the end of the day look like I have lost the battle.
I guess that as I approach 60 things like appearance just aren't as important to me.
I think it is important to not look like a three year old. You know, those unwashed hands, the uncombed hair and the fly that is always unzipped. I have had some of my students come to school wearing the same stained shirt they wore yesterday. I actually scrub their desks to help control some of the germs. This time of year a runny nose is the norm. "Please use a kleenex and then throw it away. Yes, pick it up off the floor and put it in the can. Now, go wash your hands, I can smell them from here."
God I love 'em but the more I am near them the less I want a hug.
Gotta Run. Write if you get work. MUD, aka ORAG

Why?

Can anyone tell me why I am having so much trouble posting comments. First it was pictures and now it is comments. This sucks!

12/14/2006

Rant!

What the hell is the meeting over the holocaust doing being held in a Moslem Country. That is like having the KKK meeting to figure out what the reparations for Slavery should be. Duh, people who hate can't be trusted to tell or understand the truth.
I have really about had it with the people that think 9/11 was a hoax. 3,000 of our fellow Americans died. More than the number that died in Pearl Harbor. Any one that thinks our government is capable of pulling off something of that magnitude without the whole world knowing in a nano-second is just stupid. Kind of like the Help Desk attendant telling someone to box up their computer and sending it back because they are just plain too stupid to use one.
Lets see, the earth had an ice age and a hot age where oceans covered Kansas. Now man thinks he is so damned important that he can cause Global Warming. Heck, cows create more methane gas than all the cars. Give me a big bowl of beans and I contribute my share.
The Democrats are welcome to Washington. I'll bet they don't cut one tax or rate. Let them see what a tar baby Iraq is and we'll see how long they can ignore North Korea and Iran.
Speaking of Iraq, I have also about had it with people saying that the President is stupid on one hand and then saying we were fooled by the president. If you get fooled by a fool, aren't you more foolish than the fool? Stupid is as stupid does but sheesh, boys and girls Good Ol'e GW would have to get up pretty early to fool most of us. Now, that's not to say that MUD would have done business in Iraq differently. I would have made damn sure the current Government (Except Sadam) was in charge and maintaining law and order until things were allowed to change. Throwing out everyone was like throwing out the bathwater with the baby. Heck, wouldn't it be just the dangdest thing if it took a killer like Saddam to make things work there? Oh well, I'm not in charge so I won't kick my ball into that court. MUD, the Para-Sub.

Whew, a day off

This work stuff is like, well, you know -work! The school I was to go to called last night and said they didn't need me after all. This morning when they called to ask me to come in today, I was not available.
I am working on cars to make them run so I have a way to Kansas City on Saturday. Barb will need to take her car because she will have to be back in Topeka by 3 PM.
The weather here is glorious. It didn't get below 40 last night and will be in the 60's today. Great weather to work on a car. My back is acting up a little and I can't get under the dash near a quickly as I want.
I have been doing some small tasks for Barb and we hope to have the Christmas boxes sent out either tonight or in the morning.
Better go get some work done. Write if you get a chance. Dennis, MUD, AKA the Sub-Para, soon to be a real SUB.

12/12/2006

Another Day

Just when I thought I had a day off, Barb called and one of her Para's had to go home. I went to T.South and worked the afternoon away. Great little guys that are working hard.
Visited with Mom at lunch and she had eyes bigger than her appetite. She loves Chicken Thighs and potato salad. Add a little chocolate pudding and she just loved the items just didn't have the capacity to pig out. She was in a very good mood and we had a nice visit.
Barb has most of the Christmas packages ready except for no Divinity yet. I'll probably do feeds Ground as soon as we get it all together.
Gotta Run for now. Dennis

12/11/2006

Ain't Life Sweet?

Over Thanksgiving we had the Tulsa crowd here. Two of my favorite people Kristy and her son Ethan don't get here often enough but we were fortunate to have them here. This is just another one of the many nieces that make up for my lack of daughters. I am so proud of all of them that I could bust. There is a lot of love in our family and this is just typical of how much we hug and kiss our kids.
Man is my life full. I am working every day but one the rest of the school year. I spend my days helping little guys and gals learn and do well. In one or two cases it is a lot like herding cats but I smile and keep doing what we can. In some cases it is more fun that I can stand and in some cases it is all I can stand. All I can say is that anyone that thinks every kid is going to be able to do "on grade work" is seriously doing drugs. There is a group of people out there working hard but reality is not everyone is equal and some kids need to work real hard to do what they do.
Today I worked two 4 hour shifts so I had different kids in the morning than I did in the afternoon. It was a very different experience and it took a lot to make everything work as well as it did. Both kids are at least two days behind and working hard trying to make it three. I think we were on task but didn't get much of the past work made up.
Barb and I spend at least an hour laughing at how similar our days go even though we have different kids at different schools. Different monkeys and different trees but they all eat the same bananas.
Have a great day out there. Dennis, MUD the Para Sub.

12/09/2006

It Arrived!

The Kansas State Board of Education finally sent me a copy of my license as an Emergency Substitute Teacher. I am now legal to substitute in a regular class room and as a substitute Para-Professional in the LD/BD or Interrelated Resource Classroom or Center. (IRC) The good news is I can make more money as a Teacher Sub but I'm not in this to get rich. The bad news is that I can stay busy full time as a Para-Sub. In fact I have only one day between now and the Christmas break that I haven't committed to. That one day I am on the hook to go help make frosting for one of the regular class room teachers. We'll see how it all works out. I need a haircut but it mak have to wait until some Saturday.
The good news is that Barbara and I compare notes and laugh at how similar the kids are no matter where they are. The funny story that Barbara uses is that Julie would say, "I smell something funny. Does someone need to wash their hands?" I have started using that and the kids just roll their eyes and go wash their hands. I also spend a few minutes at the start of the day to clean the desks of my students. They just don't realize how dirty their things get. It is amazing how many of them start to use Kleenex instead of their sleeves when you point ot the Kleenex box. Now both Barb and I are noticing the stalling tactics they use when they blow their noses. If you use Kleenex for a minute and then go wash your hands and then go throw the Kleenex away you can take almost three minutes out of a scheduled math session.
I hope you all can find ways to enjoy life and live to the fullest. Barb and I are both tired at the end of the day buy generally end the day with a kiss and a smile. MUD

People We Love

In our normal mail, we often get strange publications from a lot of different sources. The "International Institute for Christian Studies sent us their Fall 2006 flyer. Barb started to throw it away and I asked if that was the organization that Julie & Gerald are with? Inside we found their information in the section introducing new IICS staff.
I am sure that your are probably growing tired of hearing about our wonderful friends in Ifrane, Morocco. I couldn't be more proud if they were our family and not just truly our friends. Julie and Barbara started teaching together and they really grew close. If you were able to spend much time with them you would also grow to love them both as I have. Julie met and married Gerald and they have become like our children while they lived in Topeka. They started a family and they shared their children with us and we "doted" on them as if they were our grandchildren. Our Halloween treat was to go to their house and troop the neighborhood. We have watched Katrina and Kendra grow and have marveled at their intelligence and ability to laugh. It is so much like their parents to teach them school studies and a way to live with a smile. I'm sure that a lot of their life is filled with their faith and they can truly make a joyous noise.
I miss their giggles but am filled with the wartm feeling that they are living with two of the greatest people we have ever met.

12/07/2006

This Work stuff is a lot like work

I went to all the schools in the district and gave them a copy of my resume and told them I was available to work as a para sub. It is nice to be needed but hey a day off now and then would be fun. You know why they call work, work? All the other four letter words were taken.
Gotta run, Barb's school called and I have to be there by 8:30. I really do love working with and meeting all the little kids. They are a hoot and I smile almost as much as when I am riding my bent.
I am sure that working while also putting $ in the college fund, keeps me off the street. Besides, who can pass up $2.60 lunches? giggles, and some really great people.
MUD

12/05/2006

Blogging should be fun

I started this blogging stuff a while back at the urging of my niece, Rebecca. I have had a good time with it and feel it is good practice to help me get my creative juices flowing. I have about had it with blogspot.com for the following reasons:

  • The failure to post my pictures was frustrating even when I spent time making them small enough to not clog the internet drain.
  • Offering a Beta that screws up with regularity should just not be done. Beta's should work for the most part. If it gets screwed up, fix the damn thing.
  • The fact that I lose about half of my comments nowadays is just crap on top of the cake, not frosting.
  • The fact that I have to log in one day and not the next is very frustrating. Find a place and stay there.

If the problems are caused by stupid little shits screwing with the programming, I hope they die and their computers burn in hell. I am pretty sure that it is not the old farts screwing with the programming. Most of us just want to use the damn computers the same way from day to day and enjoy.

END OF RANT. I will stick around for a few more days but I am nearing my limit. MUD...

12/04/2006

Be a part of the Solution

I have not said enough about the BD teacher at Berryton. Mr D is a great guy that works his butt off and you can tell he is just a natural person that truly likes the kids. One day last week he was leaning on the door as an in-school suspension student kicked the other side of the door and calmly talked to a little girl about her problems. My natural tendency would have been to open the door and shout at the kid on the floor but I am learning. I guess it is kind of like being in the middle of an operations center when all heck breaks loose and being able to remember who is doing what and where.
Being a Substitute Para, I feel kind of like that guy that goes to the prom but really hates to dance. When the phone rings in the morning, it means someone wants me. They need me and I am kind of child like and excited to go. When it doesn't ring, I feel a little deflated and sad. I should be glad to have the day off because I have two major projects to complete today but I feel somehow less loved. (well, liked would be more appropriate)
Now, back to the Title subject. I think one of the things we should all do is go to our schools and get involved with the lives of the kids there. About 50% of the kids today are from broken homes and need a positive male role model. Don't get me wrong, they have a lot of positive female influence but it just doesn't hurt to have male role models. If you have high school diploma, you can be a substitute Para-professional. If you have an Associates Degree you can be a substitute teacher (I have applied for this certification but don't have it yet) If you just want something in your life that makes it worth while, volunteer. It is way too easy to complain about the problems in our society and not to do something to help. One trip to the BD room and you will come away with an appreciation of how much they need your positive help.
On the subject of money, I really don't even know how much I am making per hour. I am probably making less than Barb does at her second job but I'm in this for more than the money. In fact, I think I will go to the store and get some muffins and take them to the school secretaries that call the para subs. It never hurts to have your name known by the people that actually call. I figure there are between 9 and 14 para's at the four elementary schools and someone is probably absent each day. When I get my teaching certificate multiply that to over 20 and I should be pretty busy.
If you see an old grey haired guy walking down the halls of your local schools with a goofy smile on his face, it is probably me or someone like me that is getting younger by the day just for being with the little guys and gals. I even learned about the WWE and some of the wrestlers. You might be better for the effort.
Think Globally but act locally. Dennis

12/02/2006

Top 100 Catchphrases

Obviously I can't type all 100 in one setting but I will share with you TV Land's top 100 catch phrases over the next few blogs. For those of you that wouldn't notice, these will be in alphabetical order. If you need them by numerical order, go see TV Land on line.
  • "Aaay" - From Fonzie on Happy Days.
  • "And that's the way it is" by the Godfather of news - Walter Cronkite.
  • "Ask Not what your coutry can do for you, but what you can do for your country" Inaugural Speech of John F. Kennedy.
  • "Baby, you're the greatest" From The Honeymooners -Ralph Kramden played by Jackie Gleason)
  • "Bam" - Mr. Cooking himself, Emeril Lagassee on Emeril Live.
  • "Book 'em Danno" - Steve McGarrett on Hawaii 5-0.
  • "Will ________, Come on Down!" Johnny Olson, the Price is Right"

The d-g's will be next time, I have a car to work on. Have fun out there and play nice.

Weekends


I just love weekends now that I'm working part time. They were just another day (or two) in the past but now they are adjustment days. Man do I need an adjustment after spending my week in the DB room. Friday, one of the little guys that is way too round for his height, (I prefer to say he is under tall not overweight) said I had a fat belly. I told him that I had spent my entire life feeding that belly and I was proud of it. When he gets old, he too can strut around looking like the beginning of his second trimester. None of that probably made sense to him and the fact that that I didn't return the charge that he too was fat probably confused him.
I am being careful not to use names to protect the guilty.
One of the other things that hit me funny this week was the fact that two of the little guys thought the use of the word Butt was funny. I told them it was inappropriate but they said it was OK with the teacher. On Wednesday I asked Mr D what was an appropriate thing to be saying and of course their word was on the verbotten list. One of them said he only said it because the other one liked it. Wrong is wrong and I'll police things pretty strict from now on. One little guy thought he could listen to little Bow Wow's rap songs until I asked about the language. No Go, on that one also.
Dave's car had a spell of not starting this week. I charged the battery but it didn't seem to help. I cleaned the terminals (and tightened them) and left it on the charger last night. If it doesn't work this AM I'll put a new battery in it. Probably will double the value of his car. Oh well, can't think of a nicer guy to spend my money on. Better get started on my day.
PS Beck, I posted the photo this morning on my machine. No Problem
Dennis, aka MUD

12/01/2006

Don't Hit, Don't hit, Don't Hit

The BD room is a where Education meets crowd control. Over and over, I say to myself Don't hit... Yes, I am saying it to myself as a control measure. Really I don't want to hit, just hug the life out of the little rascals.
There must have been something in the water today. At least two of the little guys had complete melt downs and a third was in "In school suspension". My little guy today finally accepted my help about noon and had meds and that was the end of his day for him. I might as well have been home and him tied to a chair for all the good he did in school that afternoon. Oh well, I am going to do the best I can do and move on from there.