Reflections On Turning 44...

My recent 44th birthday was one of a little introspection, thankfullness and a certain amount of contemplation and contentedness. I wanted to list some things that came to mind and happened on that day, in no particular order.

• I'm happy to be here
• My wife and children cooked a great southern meal for dinner "supper", consisting of salmon croquettes, boiled okra, boiled small potatoes, black eyed peas, squash, squash casserole, cornbread, fresh garden tomatoes and double layer chocolate cake with oreo topping. I had two pieces. Fasted from the change in diet for the day in order to partake.
• My little sister took me to lunch at the Starving Artist's Cafe. Had the chicken crepes and little roasted potatoes. MMM. Thank you sis for the treat and the company.
• Got calls from Dad, Mom, Roger, Dubya, Connie, Brother K, The Montana Inlaws and Cousin Gwyn. Even talked to "Uncle Daren" right before I hit the hay.
• Received new guitar picks, a guitar strap and....my own "manly" cooking apron from my wife and children. Mrs. Arkanblogger must have gotten tired of my wearing her "prints".
• I'm half of 88 and twice 22. Simple math skills still work.
• Hair on my head is getting increasingly grey. Fine by me. I wouldn't dye one strand, even if you paid for it.
• Hair on my head is getting a "skosh" thinner on the crown. I can't see it. Also find by me. Note...no videotaping me from behind....and if you dare, don't show it to me. "with knowledge comes much sorrow."
• Hair appearing on ears is a little disturbing. Must procure a device to easily rid myself of these things.
• Hair in nose gets trimmed more frequently than hair on head.
• Mutant "mad scientist" eyebrow hairs are also disconcerting and in need of constant vigilance.
• Enough about hair.
• Most of the time, I still feel like I'm in my early 20's.
• Have plenty of friends on both sides of 44.
• Our home is "central" for me...due to the live occupants. Certainly not the inanimate ones.
• I still like the cat.
• Sometimes...I kind of miss the dog. A little. Kind of. Barely. Eehhh.
• Family is great.
• You can keep the metro Denver area but I still miss the West. States of Colorado, Montana, South Dakota. Even western Nebrasksa and most of Wyoming. Probably always will. The sky. The mountains. The air. 'Sigh'
• My daughters are all getting older, smarter and prettier. Ditto for my son, but handsome.
• I love having been married to Mrs. Arkanblogger for over 20 years.
• I have seen all but 1 of my grandparents pass but was fortunate enough to have them all a part of my life.
• I even knew my great grandfather and 2 great grandmothers.
• Was given lots of history of my family/heritage, which I hold dear.
• My understanding of the Christian faith is a constant work in progress. A certified journey.
• Still have a coffee with one of my childhood friends (Daren) about once a month or so.
• We live a block from where we were married.
• I love it when our children have their friends over. Bonus. The activity makes it a home.
• I'll probably buy another fixer-upper. That's what I do.
• I'll probably never buy a new car. That's what I don't do. Thanks Dad. GRRR.
• I have a few sun-spots on my face from driving in my car (according to the skin dentist)for so many years. Bugs me a little bit. Kind of blends in with the freckles though.
• I'll drop that 25 lbs. in a month or 2 and be in shape for December in Montana.
• The flooring industry has been my work home for 19 years. YIKES!!! Floors!!! Floors???
• I'm still happy to be here.

-The Arkanblogger AKA "Bruce"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAIGE!!!

First of all, Happy Birthday to H. Paige "Arkanblogger", our 2nd eldest daughter. Born 17 years ago today in a hospital in south Oklahoma City, Oooooooooooooklahoma, where the wind goes sweepin' cross the plains", or however it goes. Dr. Pablo Pinzon was the attending physician. I remember his gentle encouragement to Mrs. Arkanblogger in his native accent...puuuuuuuuuuush pushpushpushpushpush! Moments later...Paige appeared. Tonight, She, Caitlin and three of their friends are on the way (courtesy of Mrs. Arkanblogger) to a Princess Party at Wingfield Castle, where unbeknownst to Paige, a cake will be presented to her, which her sisters and Andrea (in the blue dress and red hair) prepared in secret. The picture was taken moments before their departure. I'll take the Arkanblogger family chariot and retrieve them later tonight. Happy Birthday H.P.T.!!!

In the picture...left to right...Paige, "the twins" Jennifer & April, Andrea and Caitlin...The Princesses.

It's Finally Here!!!

After several weeks of waiting, the little guy finally got his new bed. The guys at "Poggy's Kids" made it to have 6 drawers under both sides for plenty of storage. This should take him on for several years and allow us to free up some much needed space in his little bedroom.

Other goings on around the house...a little new furniture for the older girls, kitchen almost complete, older girls' closet repainted and reworked, patio poured w/ongoing saga, windows being rescreened. Things yet to be done...both upstairs baths to be repainted with new faucets to go in master bath and a little sod here and there in the yard. I'm leaving some things off. Too many to list really. We're just trying to enjoy the journey. More Later.

-The Arkanblogger

Left Behind

I recently saw Tim LaHaye and Jim Jenkins, authors of "Left Behind" and subsequent novels. They were being interviewed on Good Morning America, regarding their thoughts on the war.

After hearing some of their comments and considering their explanation for the war, I came to the same conclusion I made after purchasing their first book many years ago, reading the initial 3 pages of chapter 1 and throwing it in the trash, for the defiled thing it is.

I hope they both get "left behind".

-The Arkanblogger

I Can't Believe I'm Writing About Mel Gibson

We'll really I'm not...for the most part. I'm only commenting about the comments of Abraham Foxman of the ADL (Anti Defamation League) in reference to the alleged anti-semitic comments made by Mel Gibson, after being arrested for DUI in California recently. That's alot of comments.

Mr. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
"Mel Gibson's apology is unremorseful and insufficient. It's not a proper apology because it does not go to the essence of his bigotry and his anti-Semitism.
His tirade finally reveals his true self and shows that his protestations during the debate over his film "The Passion of the Christ," that he is such a tolerant, loving person, were a sham. It may well be that the bigotry has been passed from the father to the son. It is unfortunate that it took an excess of booze and an encounter with a police officer to reveal what was really in his heart and mind.
We would hope that Hollywood now would realize the bigot in their midst and that they will distance themselves from this anti-Semite."

Well Mr. Foxman, He was drinking right? Legally drunk right? Heck, maybe we should have a law that forces excessive drinking 24/7. We'll get the truth out by your logic, by golly. Right? Would you want justice measured out on you according to your standards?

By the way, a big thank you (applause lights please) for having the courage, strength and forthrightness to stand up for that pillar of virture and character that we all know around the globe, as "Hollywood".

To Mr. Gibson, that's twice you mystical knucklehead. Stop being an idiot. You know what happens on the third time don't you? "Apocalypto"???

-The Arkanblogger