What is the official date one should remove Christmas decorations? My neighbors think it is July! I know of one family who has their Christmas tree up for their annual Memorial day picnic. (You know who you are, you lazy slugs!) I say we pass legislation which state; “No Christmas decorations shall be hung prior to December 1st, and shall be promptly removed know later than January 2nd.” So decreed!
A very rainy New Years Eve in Springfield Ohio. I awakened early as always, took in some news, read the Springfield News and Sun, ate a little breakfast, talked with Michelle briefly, lit my pipe, and sat down to surf the web. Soon we will have lunch with my in-laws. We will be celebrating my mother in -laws birthday. I would like to do a few chores around the house this afternoon, but no big party plans to ring in 2007. Does this make me a dud?
In a matter of moments I will close the books on my selling statistics for 2006. I have to say it was a good year! We sold more cars than we did the year before. (Not many Dealerships can say that!) I think our customer service was much better as well.
We worked very hard this year, but it was worth it!
Here’s a few important people to whom we said “Good Bye” in 2006
January
Lou Rawls; Singer, Shelly Winters; Actress, Wilson Pickett; Singer, Coretta Scott King; Civil Rights Leader.
February
Al Lewis; Singer, Peter Benchley; Author, Curt Gowdy; Sportscaster, Denis Weaver; Actor, Don Knotts; Actor.
March
Robert Slark; My Dad, Dana Reeve; Actress, Kirby Puckett; Baseball Player, Buck Owens; Singer, Casper Weinbeger; Politician.
April
May
Lillian Asplund; Last Titanic Survivor, Floyd Patterson; Heavyweight Boxer.
June
Billy Preston; Singer.
JulyKenneth Lay; Enron, Mickey Spillane; Writer.
August
Mike Douglas; T.V. Host, Maria de Capovilla; oldest person 116 years old.
September
Steve Irwin; Crocodile Hunter, Ann Richards; Politician, Byron Nelson; Golfer.
October
Red Auerbach; Boston Celtics.
November
Ed Bradley; Journalist, Jack Palance; Actor, Bo Schembechler; Michigan Football.
December
Jeane Kirkpatrick; U.S. Ambassador, James Brown; Singer, Gerald Ford;38th President. Saddam Hussein; Dictator.
Saddam Hussein died today!
Early this morning I watched the video of Saddam Hussein being led to the gallow. Honestly; it was horrifying. My wife asked, “What does God think of this hanging”? My reply? I really don’t know! What do you think?
While commuting my two minutes to work this morning, I felt an overwhelming sense of loss. Then I realized the radio was playing “In the Living Years”, by Mike and the Mechanics. As you know, the song speaks of words left unspoken to his father; who had recently passed away. I know the feeling! I wasn’t consciously listen to the song until I felt that wave of loss. It is amazing the things your spirit hears even when your mind doesn’t.
Springfield, a city of aproximately 60,000 residents, was once a bustling community. Business thrived in a climate of invention and curiousity. She enjoyed her growing and vibrant status for many years. But, as the business evironment changed the city failed to do so, and started a period of economic decline. Families moved out, as well as many merchants and industry. When I arrived she was begining to get back on her feet. Yet the stigma of decline was in the air. It was as if, know one could move on, they spoke only of the “glory years”.
Recently, some new thinkers have begun to come forward. Calling for renewal, encouraging others to see a new and better day. I stand with them, it is an uphill fight, yet one worth engaging in.
John Edwards has announced his candidacy for the Presidency. I think I will pay close attention to him.
Does $6.50 an hour mean poverty? Here’s one woman’s story.
Truth or Consequences. How much do you know about the effects of alcohol? Take the quiz!
Ty Wenger gives us 11 “Don’t Tell the Wife” secrets all men keep.
Business has been off. I was anticipating the usual rush,which is normal for the week after Christmas, but it hasn’t materialized as of yet. Even so, it has been a tremendous year. Tonight the family spent a quiet evening at home discussing our New Years Eve plans. No one has any real ideas! I guess we will wait to see what happens. An old friend called me tonight, he told me he had undergone a heart transplant on November 3. We will need to keep him in our prayers. Not much more to say at the moment. Sleep well!
Begining to think a little about the upcoming year. I looked over several of the items I wished to accomplish in 2006. I managed to meet a few of my goals, and in others I fell woefully short. I tend to get somewhat meloncholy during this time of the year as I reflect on my contribution to this thing we call life. All I can say is I am trying as hard as I can!
