Okay, I'll only post a maximum of TWO times relating to my visitors this week. Today is the first one. Ashley and Alison came down Monday to spend the week with us. Alison will be eight months next week.... what a doll. And of course, Ashley has ALWAYS been my doll. Now I have FOUR favorite ladies in my life --- my mom, wife, daughter and granddaughter.
Alie smiles a lot..... is crawling and pulling herself up..... eating baby food..... LOVES Honey Bear, our dog (proven by little squeals)..... makes little bubbles in the pool.... and tends to have bowel movements when nobody is around except Grandpa.....
It's a blast to just sit on the floor and watch her play, and have her crawl around on you..... it's the grandpa thing kicking in.
Here's a pretty good video showing how much Alie likes Honey Bear. Honey trieds to be a good host, but realizes he needs to keep his distance to make sure he keeps his fur and ears....
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Old Age.....
I was in the store getting some more vitamins the other day..... MAN! they have a lot of choices.....
A lady came up to get some herself, and I said "how many different vitamins can they think of?" She acknowledged, and noticed I had Centrum Silver in my hand. (I thought I better check out the "Silver", since it said it was for those over 50 ...... (look of depression).)
She said, "I use the regular Centrum rather than the Silver option. The Silver one doesn't appear to have iron in it, but the regular one does." "Than what makes "Silver" so special", I asked? She said the Silver option has vitamins for the mind...........
It became an easy decision after that. There's two choices. I have a clear mind, but no energy to go anywhere, or I have a lot of energy, but don't know where I am...... I'd much rather not be lost the rest of my life.
We now have Centrum Silver in the cabinet. This getting old thing is for the birds.........
A lady came up to get some herself, and I said "how many different vitamins can they think of?" She acknowledged, and noticed I had Centrum Silver in my hand. (I thought I better check out the "Silver", since it said it was for those over 50 ...... (look of depression).)
She said, "I use the regular Centrum rather than the Silver option. The Silver one doesn't appear to have iron in it, but the regular one does." "Than what makes "Silver" so special", I asked? She said the Silver option has vitamins for the mind...........
It became an easy decision after that. There's two choices. I have a clear mind, but no energy to go anywhere, or I have a lot of energy, but don't know where I am...... I'd much rather not be lost the rest of my life.
We now have Centrum Silver in the cabinet. This getting old thing is for the birds.........
Friday, October 23, 2009
Handy Man, Shmandy Man
So it's time to repaint the pool deck. We've watched it deteriorate for some time now, and knew this day was coming. The big question is -- do you do it yourself or pay for somebody to do it for you? It seems like an obvious answer to a guy like me -- (One time I poured gas on a pile of debris in the backyard to burn it. When I lit it it sounded like the shuttle reentering the atmosphere. I'm still trying to grow hair back in some places. Almost had to call the fire department, but dodged that bullet... but that's another story) -- PAY somebody!
That was my first mistake. I decided to do it myself. I mean money is a little tight, we don't want to be wasteful in these trying economic times...... so I though, "how tough can this be?"
I'll try and keep this short, but let me just start out by addressing the "prep work" -- meaning clean and pressure wash the area. My pressure washer didn't work, so I loaded it up and took it in for repair -- "can't be repaired, get a new one". I went and bought a new one. Loaded it, unloaded it, put it together, added oil and gas, started it, wouldn't work. Called the store -- "doesn't appear to work, bring it back and we'll exchange it for you." Took it apart, reloaded it, unloaded it, got another one, loaded it, unloaded it, put it together, added oil and gas, started it.... it worked! See how simple that was. Now I'm ready to START "prep" work.
Add that to the fact I had to take the initially recommended 3 gallons of stain back because it didn't work on existing paint as I was told be "experts" that it would. Then went to two other paint stores before I could get what I needed to paint the deck -- it was not a pretty beginning to a simple project.
I could go on, but needless to say, the deck is now down. Two coats of bright white paint making the deck look like a million bucks.... actually more like $470 when you add in the new pressure washer, not to mention 20-25 hours of "prep time" to complete the job.
Just a word of advise. When you are thinking about doing the job yourself, I don't care HOW small it is.... DON'T DO IT! The satisfaction of a job well done is NOT what it's cracked up to be.
I feel better now.......
That was my first mistake. I decided to do it myself. I mean money is a little tight, we don't want to be wasteful in these trying economic times...... so I though, "how tough can this be?"
I'll try and keep this short, but let me just start out by addressing the "prep work" -- meaning clean and pressure wash the area. My pressure washer didn't work, so I loaded it up and took it in for repair -- "can't be repaired, get a new one". I went and bought a new one. Loaded it, unloaded it, put it together, added oil and gas, started it, wouldn't work. Called the store -- "doesn't appear to work, bring it back and we'll exchange it for you." Took it apart, reloaded it, unloaded it, got another one, loaded it, unloaded it, put it together, added oil and gas, started it.... it worked! See how simple that was. Now I'm ready to START "prep" work.
Add that to the fact I had to take the initially recommended 3 gallons of stain back because it didn't work on existing paint as I was told be "experts" that it would. Then went to two other paint stores before I could get what I needed to paint the deck -- it was not a pretty beginning to a simple project.
I could go on, but needless to say, the deck is now down. Two coats of bright white paint making the deck look like a million bucks.... actually more like $470 when you add in the new pressure washer, not to mention 20-25 hours of "prep time" to complete the job.
Just a word of advise. When you are thinking about doing the job yourself, I don't care HOW small it is.... DON'T DO IT! The satisfaction of a job well done is NOT what it's cracked up to be.
I feel better now.......
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Leave Boldly -- Eternal Assurance
30 Days to Live -- Day 29
This journey is almost over, and it has been somewhat thought provoking and enjoyable. I always like to reflect on areas of my life that I can improve on.... I just have trouble getting there before Karen does, (if you know what I mean.....)
To make the best use of our time left on this earth, it really needs to be focused on the things that will pass the test of time.... things that will impact eternity. The author of this book states that there are only two thing that qualify -- God's Word and people.
The Bible says that grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8) So when you spend time in God's Word -- building your character, becoming more like Christ, learning the values from God's Word, and applying them -- that lasts forever.
The other eternal investment you can make is in people. People live forever in eternity. So anytime you make a difference in the lives of others, it will last forever. That's why relationships are the most important thing in your life.
What eternal investment have you made this week? How much time have you spent engaged with God's Word? How much time connecting with people in ways that matter most?
Let's keep in mind as we start a new week, that every person we come in contact with is an opportunity that God's given us to have a divine encounter. We can have a positive impact on their life that will have eternal effects. I'll try it if you will.... I "double dog dare you" !!
This journey is almost over, and it has been somewhat thought provoking and enjoyable. I always like to reflect on areas of my life that I can improve on.... I just have trouble getting there before Karen does, (if you know what I mean.....)
To make the best use of our time left on this earth, it really needs to be focused on the things that will pass the test of time.... things that will impact eternity. The author of this book states that there are only two thing that qualify -- God's Word and people.
The Bible says that grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8) So when you spend time in God's Word -- building your character, becoming more like Christ, learning the values from God's Word, and applying them -- that lasts forever.
The other eternal investment you can make is in people. People live forever in eternity. So anytime you make a difference in the lives of others, it will last forever. That's why relationships are the most important thing in your life.
What eternal investment have you made this week? How much time have you spent engaged with God's Word? How much time connecting with people in ways that matter most?
Let's keep in mind as we start a new week, that every person we come in contact with is an opportunity that God's given us to have a divine encounter. We can have a positive impact on their life that will have eternal effects. I'll try it if you will.... I "double dog dare you" !!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Fall Has Fell
Apparently it takes a little longer for it to feel like fall down here in Florida. We finally had a cool enough day that we could take Honey Bear for a walk around the block that didn't require us to come back, take another shower and change clothes. Unbelievable, I may be able to wear the same underwear all day.... victory is sweat... I mean sweet.
Honey enjoyed the walk too, except for the pesky kids that want to pet him and the other dogs that want to check out his "private parts", (if you know what I mean)...... let's face it. You wouldn't want strangers doing that to you, would you?
It was nice to stroll along and chat with the neighbors that participated in our annual neighborhood garage sale. We even contributed to the economy by spending $8.25 on our tour. Is it not amazing that people charge so little for all those items, and you still have bartering going on. "50 cents!?!? for that book. NO way. Will you take 25?" You gotta be kidding. Do they just expect the people to give stuff to them and then help them load it in their car? It's laughable how people can be.
We came home with about eight Disney video's and a book as we continue to build a library for our granddaughter, Alison. Great investment of money and time.
I think we'll spend the rest of the day eating.......including enjoying the evening with some lifelong friends. Hope you're enjoying your fall Saturday as well.
God bless.
Honey enjoyed the walk too, except for the pesky kids that want to pet him and the other dogs that want to check out his "private parts", (if you know what I mean)...... let's face it. You wouldn't want strangers doing that to you, would you?
It was nice to stroll along and chat with the neighbors that participated in our annual neighborhood garage sale. We even contributed to the economy by spending $8.25 on our tour. Is it not amazing that people charge so little for all those items, and you still have bartering going on. "50 cents!?!? for that book. NO way. Will you take 25?" You gotta be kidding. Do they just expect the people to give stuff to them and then help them load it in their car? It's laughable how people can be.
We came home with about eight Disney video's and a book as we continue to build a library for our granddaughter, Alison. Great investment of money and time.
I think we'll spend the rest of the day eating.......including enjoying the evening with some lifelong friends. Hope you're enjoying your fall Saturday as well.
God bless.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Possible Surprise Party......
Now, I'm not saying it's going to happen... I mean what am I, a psychic? But let's think about it.... you wouldn't surprise a person with a party on the actual DAY of their birthday. I mean, they'd be on to that.... to hard to surprise 'em. BUT, what about a day or two later, still keeping it within the same weekend? That has potential doesn't it? I guess I'll really keep my eyes and ears open for the next couple days.... just in case. I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm just saying it could be a possibility. Stranger things have happened. You know how important a birthday is to somebody that acts three? Not to mention the fact that you don't turn 54 every day... you feel me? you hear what I'm saying? (I'm relating.....)
Anyway, I had a nice day. Thanks for asking. I've got a friend that likes to do crazy stuff on his birthday. Like, he'll set a goal to bench press 250 lbs like 100 times in one hour. Stuff like that to show a birthday means nothing to him.... he's not aging.
Well, neither am I! I thought I'd do the same thing this year. After all, if he can do it, why can't I? He doesn't have the corner on good ideas, right? So, I decided I'd REALLY get "mad crazy" -- I made myself do one pushup for every......... decade..... I'm not joking, really. Okay, after I did the first five for the 50 years, I went a step further. I started the next pushup and went down.... that was for 4 years... and just didn't come back up. I'll come back up on that one in around 6 years.
My other option was to swim a length of my pool for every......decade.... I'm not joking, really. But I couldn't get my goggles on tight, or my floaties to stay up on my arms well. So I didn't. It's a pretty long pool actually, when you really look at it.....
I'm anxious to see what wild and crazy thing I can think of to do NEXT year....
Anyway, I had a nice day. Thanks for asking. I've got a friend that likes to do crazy stuff on his birthday. Like, he'll set a goal to bench press 250 lbs like 100 times in one hour. Stuff like that to show a birthday means nothing to him.... he's not aging.
Well, neither am I! I thought I'd do the same thing this year. After all, if he can do it, why can't I? He doesn't have the corner on good ideas, right? So, I decided I'd REALLY get "mad crazy" -- I made myself do one pushup for every......... decade..... I'm not joking, really. Okay, after I did the first five for the 50 years, I went a step further. I started the next pushup and went down.... that was for 4 years... and just didn't come back up. I'll come back up on that one in around 6 years.
My other option was to swim a length of my pool for every......decade.... I'm not joking, really. But I couldn't get my goggles on tight, or my floaties to stay up on my arms well. So I didn't. It's a pretty long pool actually, when you really look at it.....
I'm anxious to see what wild and crazy thing I can think of to do NEXT year....
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Another Birthday coming......
It's my birthday tomorrow. It's easy to remember. You know how? The cards.... they come FLOODING in.... you can't stop 'em. Can you say "Noah"? The mail person says she HAS to deliver them all... it's her job. She'd probably get fired if she held some back....
So far I've been overwhelmed with my first three, and my birthday isn't until tomorrow. The first one was from my dentist office. I didn't realize it, but apparently I'm a special patient. (I try hard to be friendly and courteous when I'm in there, and not cry (too much), but I didn't realize how special that made me...) It looks like all the staff took the time to sign my card as well. That must have been a real hassle for them to have to stop everything to sign my card like that. That DOES give me a special feeling though. I'm assuming they all signed it..... apparently they all used the same black pen.
My second card was from my insurance agent. She asked me to celebrate and have a "wonderful" birthday. I think she also signed this one herself, because the other printing was black and red, and apparently she used a blue pen to sign my card. She runs the entire office and takes the time to sign MY birthday card. It doesnt' get any better than this. And how could there be an ulterior motive? Very soon they won't be insuring my house, as they're pulling out of the state.
My third card, (and I'm assuming more will come pouring in here soon, as my actual birthday isn't until tomorrow..... so I don't even want to TRY and predict the final total....) was from Southwest Airlines. Can you imagine an airline that I've only flown 3-4 times taking the time to send me a card on my birthday? Me neither.
If I have the time (I'm sure you understand), I'll try and keep you updated as more come in.... this is going to be a pretty exciting time around the Steen house for the next couple days....
Oh, and finally, my wife found this cartoon in the paper today, and thought of me immediately. I didn't think it was that funny.....
So far I've been overwhelmed with my first three, and my birthday isn't until tomorrow. The first one was from my dentist office. I didn't realize it, but apparently I'm a special patient. (I try hard to be friendly and courteous when I'm in there, and not cry (too much), but I didn't realize how special that made me...) It looks like all the staff took the time to sign my card as well. That must have been a real hassle for them to have to stop everything to sign my card like that. That DOES give me a special feeling though. I'm assuming they all signed it..... apparently they all used the same black pen.
My second card was from my insurance agent. She asked me to celebrate and have a "wonderful" birthday. I think she also signed this one herself, because the other printing was black and red, and apparently she used a blue pen to sign my card. She runs the entire office and takes the time to sign MY birthday card. It doesnt' get any better than this. And how could there be an ulterior motive? Very soon they won't be insuring my house, as they're pulling out of the state.
My third card, (and I'm assuming more will come pouring in here soon, as my actual birthday isn't until tomorrow..... so I don't even want to TRY and predict the final total....) was from Southwest Airlines. Can you imagine an airline that I've only flown 3-4 times taking the time to send me a card on my birthday? Me neither.
If I have the time (I'm sure you understand), I'll try and keep you updated as more come in.... this is going to be a pretty exciting time around the Steen house for the next couple days....
Oh, and finally, my wife found this cartoon in the paper today, and thought of me immediately. I didn't think it was that funny.....
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Love Completely -- Thanking Those Around You
30 Days to Live -- Day 14
What a great reminder today about being grateful for the incredible life we have. We should NEVER take the little things for granted, or the people in our lives. Listen to these thoughts --
"Gratitude expands our hearts. We become fully aware of the details of the life we love, the simple things that delight us, and, perhaps most of all, the people God has placed in our lives. Simply stated, gratitude expands our capacity to enjoy life."
"Ingratitude has the opposite effect. It causes our hearts to shrink and become colder. It blocks the flow of God's wisdom and blessings in our lives. In fact, the opposite of a heart of gratitude is a heart of dissatisfaction, grumbling, complaints, and negativity."
"If you only had one month to live, you'd want to make the most of it. To laugh and fully engage with the people you love. To appreciate the little things, the ones that might seem silly to others but that delight your soul, and to give God thanks for allowing you to experience them."
..............Speaking of "laugh and fully engage with the people you love"..... the other morning I was in bed looking at Karen as she slept. She woke up and saw me watching her. She said, "What?" I said, "Nothing, I'm just observing you in your natural habitat"..... she kicked me three times...... playfully...... I think. That might seem "silly to others", but it "delights my soul".
Don't let today go by without stopping to thank God for the small things that make life beautiful. Take the time to make a list of five or six little things that you often take for granted.
What a great reminder today about being grateful for the incredible life we have. We should NEVER take the little things for granted, or the people in our lives. Listen to these thoughts --
"Gratitude expands our hearts. We become fully aware of the details of the life we love, the simple things that delight us, and, perhaps most of all, the people God has placed in our lives. Simply stated, gratitude expands our capacity to enjoy life."
"Ingratitude has the opposite effect. It causes our hearts to shrink and become colder. It blocks the flow of God's wisdom and blessings in our lives. In fact, the opposite of a heart of gratitude is a heart of dissatisfaction, grumbling, complaints, and negativity."
"If you only had one month to live, you'd want to make the most of it. To laugh and fully engage with the people you love. To appreciate the little things, the ones that might seem silly to others but that delight your soul, and to give God thanks for allowing you to experience them."
..............Speaking of "laugh and fully engage with the people you love"..... the other morning I was in bed looking at Karen as she slept. She woke up and saw me watching her. She said, "What?" I said, "Nothing, I'm just observing you in your natural habitat"..... she kicked me three times...... playfully...... I think. That might seem "silly to others", but it "delights my soul".
Don't let today go by without stopping to thank God for the small things that make life beautiful. Take the time to make a list of five or six little things that you often take for granted.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Love Completely -- Unity
30 Days to Live -- Day 11
Some days this book is more challenging than others. Some can hit me hard, and some don't have much punch to them (for me). Today was an "in-betweener". Today our book talked about some great relational reminders for us all.
Look at these thoughts below --
"In order to persevere and improve our relationships, we first must ..... stop trying to change people and start trying to understand them." (Do you hear that Karen!? just kidding.....)
"It's supernatural to accept the people in my life just the way they are, work on my own faults and character flaws, and trust God to deal with other people." (That sounds great, but is ALOT easier said than done. We think we can deal with people a lot better than God...... )
"The essentials for strong relationships are those small loving actions, all the seemingly insignificant things that mean so much to someone else. When you are inconsistent, telling others how important they are but never following through with loving actions, then the relationships will falter. The clarity and security your loving actions bring to the people around you can't be unerestimated." (Ouch. I've got to remember that little things that don't mean much too me can really speak loudly to somebody else.....)
Suggestion -- Spend time in prayer today for each person you consider essential to your life. Ask God to reveal how you can improve your relationships with these vitally important people.
Some days this book is more challenging than others. Some can hit me hard, and some don't have much punch to them (for me). Today was an "in-betweener". Today our book talked about some great relational reminders for us all.
Look at these thoughts below --
"In order to persevere and improve our relationships, we first must ..... stop trying to change people and start trying to understand them." (Do you hear that Karen!? just kidding.....)
"It's supernatural to accept the people in my life just the way they are, work on my own faults and character flaws, and trust God to deal with other people." (That sounds great, but is ALOT easier said than done. We think we can deal with people a lot better than God...... )
"The essentials for strong relationships are those small loving actions, all the seemingly insignificant things that mean so much to someone else. When you are inconsistent, telling others how important they are but never following through with loving actions, then the relationships will falter. The clarity and security your loving actions bring to the people around you can't be unerestimated." (Ouch. I've got to remember that little things that don't mean much too me can really speak loudly to somebody else.....)
Suggestion -- Spend time in prayer today for each person you consider essential to your life. Ask God to reveal how you can improve your relationships with these vitally important people.
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