Vacation was EXCELLENT! Again, we went to Cozumel. We stayed at the same resort as we did last year, the Iberostar Cozumel. But this year we were “armed” with our knowledge gained from our experiences last year. It definitely worked to our advantage this year.

On Friday, we drove to Des Moines and stayed with Zach and Jessie instead of getting a Park-Sleep-Fly. Definitely better to stay with them than some hotel! We left after work and got there some time after 8pm. While it wasn’t that late, we were pretty tired from packing and traveling there so we just visited for a bit and then went to bed.

Saturday morning at 5:30am, Jessie and her dad Jim drove us to the Des Moines Airport to begin our journey. No bad weather this time. We flew US Airways this time and the connecting flight was in Charlotte, NC. All in all the flight there was pretty uneventful. We landed at the Cozumel Airport on time and got through customs without any issues. I asked the driver of the van to drop me off at Rentadora ISIS, where I had reserved a rental car for this stay – no scooter this time! The driver dropped me off there and I spoke with Magarita, the owner of Rentadora ISIS. She had the car waiting. Got the car and headed to Iberostar Cozumel, the same resort we stayed with last time. Here, we met with friends Corey and Andrea who had the trek to this resort the day before; they were there with Corey’s parents Ken and Elaine. Basically, the rest of the day was loll around the beach and the pool recuperating from the uneventful trip.

Sunday, Casey and I went to breakfast the the others but we had plans. We went to Punta Sur (South Point), an eco-park on the southern tip of the island. Basically, you go to the Rasta Bar and turn south. The road there was plenty bumpy and going was slow but we did get to the beach. Had a wonderful morning snorkeling. Each time I go back I’m amazed at how clear the water is there; five feet of water looks to be a few inches because of how clear the water is. After a morning of snorkeling, mostly by Casey, we decided it was time to go. On the way back we went by the lighthouse Faro Celarain. We actually went up the 128 steps to the top of the lighthouse and took some amazing pictures there. Leaving the park, we took the “scenic route” around the island instead of going straight back to the resort. Lots of work has been done on the road on the east coast, but it’s still pretty much the same.

Sunday night, the whole group went to the city San Miguel. Casey and I had been told the locals have live bands on the town square by friends Tom and Dawn. They were more than right. The band was very good. There was dancing and a lot of people just hanging out listening to the band and having a good time. We enjoyed that very much. But, as it got later our tiredness got the best of us so we went back to the resort.

Monday, I took Corey and Ken on a “guys day” over to the east side of the island. We stopped at the Rasta Bar and had a beer and visited there. We all agreed that it was a great place to have a beer and watch the waves. Then we went up to Coconuts, a bar farther north. Again a good beer and great view; Coconuts is up on a bluff so you have a great view for miles over the Caribbean. Rough weather came up, though, and soon we were leaving Coconuts due to sand being blown up in our faces. Yuk. The ride back to the resort was uneventful. We spent the rest of the day just hanging around the pool and at the swim-up bar.

Tuesday, Casey and I returned the rental car and did some shopping. Got some really nice silver from a place recommended by Tom and Dawn: Sergio’s. It’s off the beaten path and both Casey and I felt we got a fair price for the stuff we bought. Later, back at the resort, we spent the rest of the day reading around the pool and swimming in the pool (and going to the swim-up bar!) and just taking it easy.

Wednesday and Thursday were pretty much carbon copies of each other. We did a bit of snorkeling and laying around the beach in the morning, and a bit of swimming (well, maybe wading) in the pool and going to the swim-up bar in the afternoon. Evenings we got the group together and played cards after we ate; of course, making sure we all had drinks!

Friday we were up and packing early. After packing, we had plenty of time to get to the airport. The flight home was uneventful. The only bad part was customs in Charlotte. I think the Marx Brothers created that mess. The lines were long and not fast-moving and the officials there seemed to always create another zig-zag lane making it seem like we were moving but all we were doing was walking down the newly formed lane and not really making headway. Finally, though, we got through customs. We ate in the airport there and then boarded our plane to Des Moines. Uneventful trip there as well.

All in all a GREAT vacation filled with sun, sand, water and good friends. Couldn’t ask for more!

Yeah, we all know them. Referees. They are blind, stupid homers, right? And its only been in the last few years that its been so bad, right? Well…..

I was going through my Mom’s stuff with three of my brothers when we moved her from her senior living apartment to the nursing home where she is now. One thing I came across was rather interesting. It was a program from the 1945 Iowa Boys State Basketball Tournament. My Mom graduated from Muscatine High School in 1945. The teams involved in the state tournament that year were: Storm Lake, Dowling (West Des Moines), Ottumwa, Muscatine, Geneseo Township (Buckingham), Sioux City Central, Ames and Waverly. Muscatine ended up losing to Ames in the championship game 35-33.

But something else in that program really caught my eye. It was a poem by R.J. Finn of Harlan, IA, called “Foul Play, or, Soul in Agony”. Here it is:

I think that I shall never see
A fairly treated referee.
He has to be o.k.’d by all,
To work a game of basketball.
His shirt must be in prison stripes,
To furnish gags for people’s gripes.
He nods and smiles to show he’s square,
To act too wise – he wouldn’t dare.
The game begins and all is set,
He hasn’t called a foul as yet.
But soon a boy has charged or blocked,
And for that foul he then is socked.
This time the crowd is full of joy,
Because it’s not a home town boy.
The game gets warm, the pace is hot,
Our whistle tooter’s on the spot.
Right underneath the home town’s goal,
Someone has pushed – and bless my soul -
Our striped friend, with whistle shrill,
Has called a foul on our star, Bill.
And fans go mad – they’re all agog,
And shout, “You need your seeing dog,”
“Where are the other two blind mice?”
“You’re not a louse – you’re almost lice.”
The ball drops in, the score is tied,
The heat’s on full, he’s being fried.
Now up the court, now back with speed,
The boys, all moving fast indeed.
To watch their feet, their hands, their hips,
And toot that whistle in his lips
Is one big job – at last – the bell,
The half-way mark it’s surely – well,
He needs a rest perhaps a smoke,
To referee is not a joke.
The coaches seek him out to say,
“Watch that big boy” or “Watch that play.”
He says, “O.K.,” but thinks, “You dope!
At home I could have heard Bob Hope.”
Three minutes more – the die is cast,
He vows this game will be his last.
The second half now starts, twelve all,
For just a minute there’s a pall,
That settles o’er the entire crowd,
That soon will be in cheering loud.
Up goes the ball, the tension’s high,
The ball is watched by every eye.
Of course each line of vision true,
Is not the same for me and you.
The guy downstairs, he hollers, “Boo!”
The guy upstairs says, “Give him two.”
The fan at one end hollers, “No!
He hit the ball, I’ll betcha dough.”
While at the other end afar,
Some fan explodes, “A thief you are.”
And in the middle of the gym,
Sit mammas, papas, fat and slim.
They gasp, they scowl, they frown, they shout,
“He roughed my Johnnie – put him out.”
And on the bench across the hall
The coaches scowl, the players call,
“Why don’t you call ‘em? Now see there!”
Some wave their arms, some shout and swear.
The ball is changing hands so fast,
‘Tis hard to tell who had it last.
It’s nip and tuck and nip,
Two points far out, two in by tip.
The score is tied, now in it goes,
The crowd is standing on its toes.
A long shot hits the net – Oh gee!
It’s tied again, two three, two three.
The time is getting short, ’tis now
A foul called would cause a row.
One minute left – but now, “Time out.”
That poor official – scared no doubt!
I don’t believe I’ll stay to see
Who wins this game – it’s clear to me,
That our poor man in stripes so bright,
Is really in for one bad night.
Just think it o’er – if this were you -
Hell if you don’t hell if you do.
He’s out here trying, hoping too,
Some boy gets hot to see him through.
Perhaps he’s having one bad night,
We all have them and well we might.
For games are worked by men like ME,
Quite as fallible as You and HE.

—————-
Now playing: Halestorm – It’s Not You
via FoxyTunes

Ever wonder what happens when there are spiderwebs between the joists of your deck after a snow/ice storm? Here’s what happens:

Here is the link to all the photos I have from Taste of Chicago. It was really cool this year. Took the whole family. Lots of walking, but it was still cool! Here was the basic itinerary:

• July 3
  • Drove from our home to Princeton, IL, and got on the Illinois Zephyr to Chicago. The train left Princeton at 8:35am.
  • Arrived in Chicago at 10:45am. Walked from Union Station to our hotel, the Congress Plaza Hotel. We got to the hotel about noon; didn’t expect it but our suite was ready so we dropped our bags there.
  • Went to Taste of Chicago. Had LOTS of food and plenty of drink (water and Gatorade – no alcohol!)
  • At 3pm, got to see Steve Miller Band at Taste of Chicago – FREE! Wow! What a show!
  • Left the Taste and walked to Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and went up to the SkyDeck. Awesome view from there!
  • Went back to the hotel, ate a late supper and crashed.
• July 4
  • Got up kind of late – it was nice to sleep in. The kids brought us breakfast from Dunkin’ Donuts.
  • The hotel agreed to watch our bags after checkout so we didn’t have to carry them. Great!
  • Walked to Navy Pier. Wow! Lots to see. We walked along the shore of Lake Michigan.
  • Walked all around Navy Pier. Ate lunch at one of the restaurants there.
  • Spent a lot of time walking around looking at the kiosks that had knick-knacks.
  • Took a water taxi to Shedd Aquarium, then walked back to the hotel from there.
  • Took a break in the hotel – air conditioning was welcome.
  • Walked to Union Station to catch our train, which left at 5:55pm.
  • Train to Princeton and drive home were uneventful.

Lots of sight-seeing, eating, laughing and good times. And a great time spent with family.

Have you ever wondered what the difference between Grandmothers and Grandfathers is? Well here it is:

A friend, who worked away from home all week, always made a special effort to be with his family on the weekends. Every Sunday morning he would take his 7-year old granddaughter out for a drive in the car for some bonding time — just him and his granddaughter. One particular Sunday however, he had a bad cold and really didn’t feel like being up at all. Luckily, his wife came to the rescue and said that she would take their granddaughter out.

When they returned, the little girl anxiously ran upstairs to see her Grandfather.

“Well, did you enjoy your ride with Grandma?”

“Oh yes, Popa” the girl replied, “and do you know what? We didn’t see a single idiot, dumb bastard, dip shit, jack ass, or horse’s ass anywhere we went today!”

Almost brings a tear to your eye, doesn’t it? (Thanks, Ron!)

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Listening to: Stevie Ray Vaughn – Pride and Joy
via FoxyTunes

Nile Kinnick was and is a real Iowa hero. He is the only Iowa Hawkeye to win the Heisman Trophy. His Heisman Trophy acceptance speech has been called the greatest in the history of the award. He is from Adel, Iowa, which is about 20 miles west of Des Moines on US Route 6. The Hawkeye football stadium, known as “Kinnick” here in Iowa, is named after him. He turned down lucrative offers to play both professional football and professional baseball to serve in the US Navy as a pilot. It was on one of the training exercises where he met with an untimely death due to mechanical failure of the airplane he was flying.

Gotta love this quote from him:

“To be a tough, rugged boy is every lad’s ambition. But to be a gentleman, to be kindly, charitable, thoughtful as well as tough and rugged is much more to be desired. And he who can be both is much the better man and usually much tougher in the long run.”

— Nile Kinnick

Kind of brings a pride to you knowing that someone from your home state said something this great. And it makes you wonder about some of the thugs running around calling themselves men.

A good one for all of us to read! (Thanks, Ron!)

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE: “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
2. My mother taught me RELIGION: “You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL: “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”
4. My mother taught me LOGIC: “Because, I said so, that’s why.”
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC: “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT: “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”
7. My mother taught me IRONY: “Keep crying and I’ll give you something to cry about.”
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS: “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM: “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck”
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA: “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER: “This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY: “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!”
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE: “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: “Stop acting like your father!”
15. My mother taught me about ENVY: “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION: “Just wait until we get home.”
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING: “You are going to get it when you get home!”
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE: “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.”
19. My mother taught me ESP: “Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”
20. My mother taught me HUMOUR: “When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT” “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
22. My mother taught me GENETICS: “You’re just like your father.”
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS: “Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”
24. My mother taught me WISDOM: “When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”
25. And my favorite, my mother taught me about JUSTICE: “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”

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Listening to: Pat Travers – I La La La Love You
via FoxyTunes

Twelve Tips from Employees to Managers on How to Enhance the Relationship

1. Never give me work in the morning. Always wait until 5:00 and then bring it to me. The challenge of a deadline is refreshing.
2. If it’s really a “rush job,” run in and interrupt me every 10 minutes to inquire how it’s going. That helps.
3. Always leave without telling anyone where you’re going. It gives me a chance to be creative when someone asks where you are.
4. If my arms are full of papers, boxes, books or supplies, don’t open the door for me. I need to learn how to function as a paraplegic and opening doors is good training.
5. If you give me more than one job to do, don’t tell me which is the priority. Let me guess.
6. Do your best to keep me late. I like the office and really have nowhere to go or anything to do.
7. If a job I do pleases you, keep it a secret. Leaks like that could cost me a promotion.
8. If you don’t like my work, tell everyone. I like my name to be popular in conversation.
9. If you have special instructions for a job, don’t write them down. If fact, save them until the job is almost done.
10. Never introduce me to the people you’re with. When you refer to them later, my shrewd deductions will identify them.
11. Be nice to me only when the job I’m doing for you could really change your life.
12. Tell me all your little problems. No one else has any and it’s nice to know someone is less fortunate.

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Listening to: Screaming Trees – Nearly Lost You
via FoxyTunes

One year ago, I had my Lasik surgery. One year ago, I went “under the laser” (as opposed to “under the knife”) and had my corneas reshaped. And I haven’t looked back.

• I LOVE the fact that I don’t have to put on glasses to read the clock in the morning.
• I LOVE the fact that I can see things at night while driving and not worry about dry contacts being blurry and scraping my cornea.
• I LOVE the fact that I don’t have to wear glasses (except for small print in bad light).
• I LOVE the fact that when my eyes get a bit tired I don’t have to pop out contacts and wear glasses – all I have to do is put a drop or two of Systane in my eyes.
• I LOVE the fact that I can walk in from the cold and not worry about glasses fogging up.
• I LOVE the fact that I can watch my drive in golf all the way to where it lands (that is without a slice or hook!!)
• I LOVE the fact that I don’t have to buy saline/daily cleaner/weekly enzyme for contacts.
• I LOVE the fact that I don’t have to buy prescription glasses.

For anyone out there who is considering Lasik surgery, I would recommend it wholeheartedly.

Happy New Year!!

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Listening to: Bad Religion – 21st Century Digital Boy
via FoxyTunes

Merry Christmas to all!

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men……. That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!” – Linus Van Pelt.

Well, it isn’t exactly February 2nd, now is it? But maybe this little guy didn’t know it either! Just after the Iowa Hawkeye Football game today, he was checking around the back yard looking for something to eat. He is a nice looking little fella, though! What do you think?
  

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Listening to: Newsboys – I Am Free
via FoxyTunes