Bite of the Jackal

In 1984, a highly classified military undertaking was created by a branch of our Central Intelligence Agency. It involved unprecedented technology surrounding a highly advanced helicopter. Stealth technology, 40mm wing cannons, heat sinking missiles, & jet engine propulsion exceeding speeds of Mach 1 were just a few of its astonishing capabilities. It was piloted by two of the best in the business-Dominic Santini, & his young apprentice, Stringfellow Hawke. Project code name: "Airwolf", & it was my favorite television show in the mid 1980's. ;0)

Saddens me to learn of the downward spiral actor Jan-Michael Vincent (Hawke) has experienced through the years. Difficult to stomach the punishing toll alcoholism has taken on his body, as this was an actor that was larger than life, & more popular than Brad Pitt in his day.

Never ceases to amaze me how those who have been given so much can, by their own volition, throw it all away. Such is the deteriorating human condition.

Whether Royalty or Commoner, Prince or Pauper, each of us posses an enormous void that no amount of worldly possessions, titles, or experiences can possibly satisfy.

Perhaps C.S. Lewis said it best in that "He who has God & everything else has no more than he who has God only".

Godspeed Jan-Michael. My prayers go with you friend.

Olympic Hopeful

The first win is in the books ladies & gents.

Not a bad first outing indeed, for the

Crocket Middle School Lady Spikers.

Topped it off with a victory celebration at

Braum's for some much needed ice cream

& you have the makings of a perfect

Panhandle Spring evening.

She's a little young for London,

Twenty Twelve, but your favorite

blogger & mine already has his

eyes on Rio, for the 2016

Summer games (I can dream can't I?).

C.

Summer Fades

By His Stripes

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God. -C.S. Lewis

Grace & peace to you from our family to yours this Holy Week.

Reunion

After a most trying week of separation, I am pleased to report two kindred spirits are once again reunited this evening. Sarah had a hysterectomy last Wednesday so she had to be quarantined for a week from her disorderly brother for a little R&R on the down low (or is it low down?).

Wasn't all bad though. Both received extra treats, chew bones, numerous walks through
the neighborhood (am i boring you?), & Sarah even enjoyed several trips to my daughter's Jr. High after school which on one occasion involved a Sonic Cherry Limeade (shhh...our little secret).

As I type, I can hear them going at it in the back yard. Dogs certainly have a peculiar way of greeting one another (biting, running, gnawing, sniffing, etc.). At any rate, glad this chapter is behind us. Wooden shoe agree?

Pictured: The "Dance of Joy" just moments after the reunion. And yes, I know I need to cut my grass.

The Separatists

Read online tonight some of the passages from William Bradford's historic journal "Of Plimoth Plantation". Was again reminded of the profound cost of acting on faith.

We know the end result was the birth of a nation. The necessary ingredients however, demanded immense sacrifice, loss of life, imprisonment, & unspeakable hardships. While I would never wish such atrocities on even my worst enemy, I for one am glad they had the courage to follow their convictions. May we all.

...With mutual embraces & many tears, they took their leaves of one another, which proved to be the last leave to many of them...but they knew they were pilgrims & looked not much on those things, but lifted their eyes to heaven, their dearest country & quited their spirits -William Bradford's description of leaving the Netherlands for the new world. This passage is also where Separatists & non-Separatists from henceforth became known as simply "Pilgrims''.

Year One

After crawling & slobbering all over his father during tonight's O'reilly Factor, the little tyke is finally asleep, completely oblivious of the significance of today's date. As it should be I suppose.

What a difference a year makes.

Glad it's in the books. It's been a highly productive twelve months full of great accomplishments & blah, blah, blah, yadi-yadi-yaduh, but not one I care to repeat.

Tired. (yawn)

Going to bed after I run through a few more tunes. On 2nd thought, forget the tunes, just going to bed (as "sleep is a weapon" as they say in those Bourne Identity movies).

And so we embark on year two. Happy birthday Cam Jam. We love you. Now get some rest. ;0)

Pictured: A tired Mom & Cam after his birthday party weekend. Many thanks to all who attended & shared in this moment with us.