VanBlog

2011-01-22T06:15:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm back.....didn't think blogger worked with my iPad...but it does after making some adjustments and grabing an update.... Not so sure I have anything that good to say or if anyone is reading... but, I'm back none-the-less!!! have a great day!!!

2010-11-06T10:53:00.003-04:00

first snow fall 2010

2010-11-03T14:48:00.000-04:00

We got a new front door!!

2010-10-08T12:00:00.003-04:00

Today my oldest grand child turned 17!!!

Today, four months ago, Matthew Fay passed away.....

I feel sweet and sour today......I think I will be a sweet and sour shrimp!!!

Blessings to all...

2010-07-04T07:54:00.004-04:00

HAPPY FORTH OF JULY....

2010-06-10T06:41:00.001-04:00

Matthew Fay passed away on Tuesday at 1:30 am. God bless him and his family.

2010-05-25T10:23:00.004-04:00

Harry Chapin - "The Story of a Life"

my life.............

November to present

Hip in November
Hip right before surgery early May

New hip........

Physical Theropy.....
On the road to recovery......

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers...and help....

Special thanks to Sandy who has been a constant source of strength and encouragement and my coach..........

Cheers, John

2010-05-08T09:40:00.004-04:00

Total Hip Replacement (We Hope)

Yesterday (Friday) I went for the last hurdle before Hip replacement surgery on Tuesday....

My orthopedic surgeon's PA was to do a history and give me a physical.... Part of all of this was a new set of x-rays of my hip. When they took the new pictures there was an anomaly that they could not easily explain.... Here are the pictures one from November when I started having problems and one from yesterday.....
the bad hip is the one on the right in the picture....actually, it is my left hip...

Notice in the first picture that the bad hip is somewhat deteriorated but you can still see the femoral head (the ball)....... but, in the second picture the femoral head no longer exists, it is kinda pointed................Hummmm!!!

My doctors PA was startled as was the x-ray tech..... he asked things like have you had surgery on that hip? I said no, and then I said it kinda feels like it is floating.... he said, it is..... oops!!!

He sent the pictures to my surgeon (by PDA).... pretty cool!!! They have seen disappearing femoral head before, but not in 6 months so they were concerned..... end result......

Yesterday afternoon I had a MRI..... Surgery is still scheduled for Tuesday..... They want to make sure that there isn't something else going on besides osteoarthritis that could cause my femoral head to vanish....

Of course, getting an MRI at 4PM is too late in the day to get back any results on Friday, so we will wait for the results on Monday....

I am betting that the dang thing (femoral head) just wore out....could explain the sever pain I was in for all that time....

As of right now, surgery is still on for Tuesday and I will begin the road to recovery....

Please say some prayers for us as we move forward....

Cheers, John

2010-04-20T13:40:00.003-04:00

Another lunch at the Mellow Mushroom!!!

This week Dennis took Bo and I out to eat.... Just like before, good food, good drink, and excellent friendship.

Thank you Dennis!!!

Cheers, John

2010-04-17T16:31:00.003-04:00

Lunch at the Mellow Mushroom

On Thursday, I took Dennis and Bo to the Mellow Mushroom!! We all went for the first time.
The food was delicious and they have a wonderful selection of beers on tap.... I had a Black Smith, that is half Guinness and half Smithwick...

Because I cannot drive while I am waiting for a new hip....... Dennis and Bo were helping me get my car serviced... it was a beautiful day, the sun was shining.....

3 amigos.................we had a lot of fun!!

After I got home, I sat on the deck with the dog!!!

Hope you had a good day Thursday and are having a good day today..

Cheers, john

2010-03-31T13:48:00.006-04:00

HAPPY EASTER!!!

May the peace of the lord be with you now and forever. Blessings, Sandy and John

2010-03-13T06:10:00.003-05:00

My Spring Break 2010 -

Prior to spring break it was decided that I would have full hip replacement as soon as possible.

On Monday of spring break I had a previously scheduled stress test for my heart. The films indicated a potential mild to moderate blockage in the lower part of my heart. So we scheduled a heart catheterization for Thursday morning.

The cath indicated an 80% blockage in one of the heart arteries in the lower part of the heart so my cardiologist inserted a stent and I spent the night in the hospital.....got to go home around 4pm on Friday to spend the rest of spring break resting and recuperating......

The good news is we found it and fixed it - the heart blockage... Hip surgery will have to wait at least four weeks and maybe longer for for the the heart and stent to heal. But that is okay since my hip surgeon is out of town for almost that long.

Sandy and I appreciate all of the prayers and support that have been given to us and all of the time Marie and Dennis have spent caring for us.

Blessings to you all, john

2010-02-21T22:20:00.001-05:00

USA 5............Canada 3

USA...USA...USA....

2010-01-12T14:28:00.001-05:00

New post about Matthew's trip to Houston......

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

Please pray for Matthew and his family.

Thanks, john

2010-01-10T11:28:00.001-05:00

More information about Matthew

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

Please pray for Matthew and his family.

Thanks, john

2009-12-22T05:55:00.004-05:00

It may be winter outside, but we are growing tomatoes inside!!!!

It is just another reason to be merry at Christmas !!!!

2009-12-19T10:17:00.004-05:00

More snow in Johnson City Tennessee..............

The deck...........

Closer.......
Closest......
Here is Jill dog enjoying the snow... I was throwing snowballs in here vicinity and she could not figure out where they were going.... However, in all that snow, she found a bone she had left in the yard several days ago... She has a better besnifter then I do....

It might still be white for Christmas.....

Happy Days, john

2009-12-15T05:32:00.001-05:00

New news about Matthew............

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

2009-12-05T09:48:00.002-05:00

Snow, snow, snow.

First snow of the season in Johnson City

December 5, 2009

2009-11-21T07:53:00.002-05:00

More New news, positive news, about Matthew............... Dated November 20th.

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

john

2009-11-16T14:35:00.002-05:00

God n' Dog

I think you will enjoy this especially if you are a dog person...

Cheers, John

PS: This was sent to me by Sandy!!!

2009-11-16T07:24:00.000-05:00

More New news about Matthew............... Dated Sunday, November 15

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

john

2009-11-11T07:40:00.003-05:00

More New news about Matthew...............

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

john

2009-11-09T07:21:00.002-05:00

A national hero -
Sgt. Kimberly Munley

Read the story - http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/08599193644400 on Yahoo.

John

2009-11-03T06:15:00.000-05:00

New news about Matthew...............

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

john

2009-10-31T09:31:00.002-04:00

SOMEWHERE....

8 AM
Saturday
October 30, 2009
Cheers, john

2009-10-23T07:12:00.002-04:00

Soupy Sales dies at 83!!

Soupy Sales and I lived in Detroit at the same time. He was so much fun to watch on local TV!!

2009-10-10T09:48:00.000-04:00

RIP Roxy Kitty 1999-2009

2009-10-09T06:50:00.002-04:00

Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

2009-09-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

New information about Matthew............

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

Keep praying, john

2009-09-18T11:39:00.002-04:00

here is my latest project - a wall mounted stand for our Aerogrow gardens. Guess I'll have to pick up the tools and rehang a couple of pictures.....

Hope you are having a good day, I am!!!

Cheers, joh

2009-09-16T07:32:00.001-04:00

More news about Matthew:

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

Blessings, john

2009-09-06T12:40:00.002-04:00

Granddaughter came for a visit!!!

David and Lindsay and Addie came to visit us on their way to their new home.. They spent the night and we had a nice visit and now they are on their way home.....

have a great day, I already have, john

2009-09-04T16:06:00.002-04:00

I don't need a truck, I have a pony!!!!

Today Sandy and I bought a double rocker for our front porch!!! We thought we might be able to get it home in her vehicle.....wrong, it would not fit.... so we used the Mustang!!!! No problem, it fit right in the back seat, we hooked up the seat belts and away we went!!!! I continue to not miss my truck one bit!!!!!!

Cheers, john

2009-08-31T18:16:00.001-04:00

New news about Matthew Fay at http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

I know he would be happy to see your comments..

Cheers, John

2009-08-20T14:30:00.003-04:00

A lesson we could all learn:

Enjoy, john

2009-08-18T07:39:00.001-04:00

check out the new post about Matthew

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

Cheers, john

2009-08-10T18:09:00.004-04:00

The saga of Roxy Kitty -

Roxy Kitty came home from the vet this afternoon after spending the weekend in the hospital and getting IV fluids and antibiotics and having lots of blood work..... She does seem to be somewhat better!!!

The blood work indicated that she may have Toxoplasmosis - it is caused by a one-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. But, they cannot be sure that is what is wrong until they do another blood test exactly three weeks after this blood test.....and the second blood test is also positive. In the meantime, back at the ranch, Sandy and I will feed Roxy Kitty two different types of anitbotics... one general and the other specifically for Toxoplasmosis.... eeeehaaa!!!!

Well the good news is I am not writing her obituary at this time....... and we are very happy about that!!!!!

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.... I will keep you updated when something new happens....

Cheers, john

ps - tomorrow I take Little Bit Kitty to the vet..............

2009-08-08T10:00:00.002-04:00

Roxy Kitty -

Little Roxy Kitty has been feeling ill for awhile now and so we took her to the vet yesterday... She spent the night in the hospital and had extensive blood work done. The results of the blood work are not back yet, but should be sometime today. They gave her intervenes fluids - and said she ate, pooped, and peed and was acting more herself this morning - that meant she was hissing at them!!!

Hopefully once the blood work is back they will know why she has been ill and lost almost half of her body weight (she went from 11 pounds to just under 6 pounds in a couple of months).

I will let you know how things are going when we know more....

Peace, john

2009-08-03T17:43:00.005-04:00

Humming Bird!!!!

2009-07-10T13:38:00.003-04:00

My new Mustang:

Happy Birthday to me!!!!

2009-07-04T09:33:00.003-04:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!

2009-07-03T19:00:00.002-04:00

Jonesborough Days 2009

Cheers, John

2009-07-01T16:17:00.003-04:00

Need I say more?

Cheers, John

PS - Don had not arrived in time for the movie.....but he did find the 1554 and the Fat Tire

2009-06-27T16:20:00.005-04:00

Newest shawl.....

in the bottom picture, you can see a white scarf that Sandy is weaving... that will be her second.
We really like weaving....

Yesterday Beasley's closed for good at the current location.... This is our farewell image with Michelle our server..

Beasley's will open soon in another location!!!

Cheers, john

2009-06-18T18:38:00.004-04:00

Having fun in Blowing Rock, NC

Cheers, John

2009-06-15T14:58:00.004-04:00

My office!!!

Cheers, John

2009-06-14T07:05:00.003-04:00

Dinner at the Copes -

Last night Lyn and Bo along with Sandy and John gathered at the Cope's for dinner to celebrate the 39th wedding anniversary of Lyn and Bo - we had a super dinner followed by great conversation... We all had a great time.... The Howell's anniversary is actually today - so CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH ON THIS EVENTFUL DAY!!!!

Cheers, john

ps: it will be some time before I can claim to be a videograhper!!!

2009-06-11T13:08:00.004-04:00

Great news, Good news, Great news, and Bad news

Went to see Dr. Hill today. He did the surgery on my back..... in order!!!

The fusion of L3, L4, and L5 was successful and is completely healed - that is great news....

I do not have to ware my brace unless I want to or need to.... good news...

I can start taking my arthritis medicine..... great news.....

Dr. Hill is leaving Johnson City and moving to Paducah, KY in July..... bad news.....

So as a final gesture... he took a picture of me so I could post it on my blog.....

Enjoy!!!!

In case you need help, that is my incision from the surgery... that is his finger holding down my pants so the whole scar is visible!!!

and.... I get to go to PT for a few weeks!!!! yeehaaa

Cheers, John

2009-06-10T10:49:00.000-04:00

Please check Matthew Fay's new blog...........

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

Thanks, john

2009-06-10T09:26:00.002-04:00

Breakfast at Beasley's

still have a couple of things to work out....

Have a great day, john

2009-06-08T11:18:00.003-04:00

Here is my latest shawl..... It is White and Blue (in case that is not clear in the picture) and the yarn is Mohair (50% mohair; 40% wool; and 10% nylon..........

Took Jill dog to the vet today for annual check-up and shots.... She is completely docile at the vet - wish I could find that secret at home.... She is now reclining in my chair - lucky dog..

My favorite NASCAR driver won yesterday - Tony Stewert....

Hope you are having a nice day - Cheers, john

2009-05-21T14:24:00.004-04:00

This and that:
Winding linen yarn into balls to weave a shawl---
A couple of balls?????????

Actually they look more like tractor tires...............

The shawl after weaving - I chose an open weaving pattern for this shawl - I kinda like it!!!
I started this shawl before I had surgery and finished it over the week end..... by the way, if you take your hand and make an arch over your head that is a sign for over the week end!!! LOL

this shawl will actually be used as a drape on our couch..... you can see it if you visit!!!
a survey stake...............we didn't have our property surveyed when we moved in so we had it done today....

My first back brace after surgery...... I am glad I have a lighter and smaller model now!!!
little Robins waiting for food from mom or dad....... the nest is in a wreath on our deck that we didn't take down after the Christmas holidays........ so the Robins made a nest and had babies!!

I just hope these little critters don't fall out of the nest when the pooch is out..... pooch would say yummy...........

Hope you all are having a great day.....

Peace, john

2009-05-12T18:19:00.002-04:00

We had a great time!!

No need to say anything more - except perhaps - we missed you Michael and wish you were here Mark!!

2009-05-07T15:36:00.003-04:00

Manny Rameriz suspended 50 games for using illegal drugs - baseball strikes again at the youth of the United States......... is everybody a cheater in baseball these days????? I'm pissed off!!!

2009-04-30T18:17:00.002-04:00

our first rhododendron!!

2009-04-26T07:29:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody - Wanted to let you know that there is a new blog about Matthew. Cheers, john

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

2009-04-17T09:54:00.002-04:00

It has been a month since my back surgery..... I had it on March 17th.... St. Patrick's Day....

The surgery went well..... When he got to my back, he discovered that he could not put in the six screws and two composite bars that would help with the fusion. There was too much deterioration to to do that.... Actually, he could have put them in, but with such limited space, if there were any slippage the results would be devastating and he did not want to risk that. The fusion of L3,4,&5 is being accomplished with a combination of synthetic material and ground-up bone material that he removed in the surgical process....... so far so good....

I had a couple of set backs - one day lost in the hospital because of an irregular heart beat... the results indicated that my heart had not blockages and we are trying to regulate the heart beat with medications.... The other set back was/is a small blood clot in my lower left leg.. that is being treated with the blood thinner commanding....

I am able to get up and about and am walking as much as I can tolerate... I did manage to get to church on Easter but that really wore me out!!!

I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers and all the help that Dennis and Marie have given Sandy and I..... Sandy has been a wonderful care taker....

God bless you all, john

2009-03-12T16:20:00.003-04:00

the first shawl!!!

Well here it is, the first thing I created on my new 24" Kromski loom... it is a shawl..... I am ready to do another one, but may have to wait until after surgery on Tuesday.....

on the loom:on the rocking chair:When Sandy gets home in about 45 minutes, it will be on her!!!

Cheers, John

2009-02-23T11:27:00.001-05:00

New update about Matthe

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

Keep up the prayers!!

blessings, john

2009-02-15T20:10:00.004-05:00

My first completed weaving project.

Sandy wanted me to buy a weaving loom for Christmas. I did.... After Christmas, I was intrigued by the loom and she encouraged me to use it so that I could teach her...

So I started and made 4 place mats and a table runner.....

While they are far from perfect, here they are sitting on our dinning room table with our Valentine's Day roses!!!
I have reloaded the loom and am making some coasters....

Hope you had a nice weekend.

Cheers, John

2009-02-13T11:40:00.011-05:00

Some people think that I am nuts!!!!

But actually, I am only half nuts. How do I know? I am going to tell you!!!

This year is the 25th anniversary of my first bout with cancer... That's kind of cool, isn't it?

Well, 25 years ago in 1984, my testicle swelled way up and really hurt. I went to the doctor and he got me hooked-up with an ultra sound of my testicles to see what was going on in there... (The ultra sound story is kind of interesting too, but not for today.)

So, I had an ultra sound and he found that I had one good nut and one bad nut. Here is a picture -
I'll let you figure out which is which.....

He decided that the bad nut should be removed.... so he whipped out his trusty knife...
...and removed the bad nut
and sent it of for testing.........

That left me with only one good nut..........
and half as many nuts as I had to begin with.

Therefore, when someone says, "you're nuts!!!" I know that they really mean, I'm just half nuts!!

HAPPY Valentine's Day.

Cheers, John

2009-02-13T10:35:00.006-05:00

Tree Cutting..................

A few minutes after we returned from the Greer Weekend on the 2nd of February, Metcalf Tree Service arrived at our house to cut down some trees...... He got a couple of trees out of the bucket going over our car port.... missed those pictures, but I took some pictures of him in one of the trees in the back yard that he cut down....

When I looked out of the laundry room window and saw him (Mr. Metcalf) hanging by the rope I went ahead and took the shot and then went back to the living room and read a book until they were finished......

Hope you are just hang'n out on Friday the 13th... peace, john

2009-01-31T17:11:00.003-05:00

This is the Greer Family weekend retreat at the Tanasi Lodge in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.....

Here is a picture of the chandelier hanging above the large dinning table!!!

now we have a panorama view out of the front - that is Wear's Valley!!!!!! the view is fantastic!!
here are two panorama views out the back of the lodge.......

This is the same lodge where my family and the Cope's celebrated my 65th birthday in July.

Blessings to all, john

2009-01-24T20:28:00.001-05:00

New post about Matthew!!!!

Matthew's Blog

Cheers, john

2009-01-24T13:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Birhtday - Bo

Thanks for dinner - we had a great time. Cheers, Sandy and John

2009-01-20T14:24:00.003-05:00

USA Rookie of the Year!!

I'm Proud to be an American!!!

2009-01-19T15:36:00.003-05:00

Snooo Daz

Just a "peaceful easy feeling" from our back deck!!

Peace to everyone, john

2009-01-15T15:40:00.001-05:00

New gizmo..... device attaches to camera and tripod - takes up to 12 images in a circle. Software knits them together (or maybe it is crochets).... giving you a 360 degree view ...image above is from out front of our house.... of course our house is in the center!!!

I would take a picture of the device, but, it is attached to the bottom of my camera and I am too damn lazy to take it off....

I think it is pretty nifty, but then it does not take much to impress me...

School started today and even thought this is an odd starting day (Thursday) most of my students were present....

It is too cold... but, not as cold as some places further north.. I am going to start a fire in the fireplace insert in just a minute...

Cheers, john

2009-01-09T12:11:00.002-05:00

Here is Jill dog enjoying a rare sunny day by sunning herself and keeping an eye on HER yard!!

I am sure that she is hoping you have a sunny day wherever you are...

Cheers, john

2009-01-09T06:27:00.002-05:00

NFL 2008 Rookie of the year!!

Congratulations Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons!!

2009-01-08T09:59:00.004-05:00

It's snowing in Johnson City.......

about an hour ago it started to snow here in JC!!! Here are a couple of images from our front porch......

and one out of the kitchen window toward the back yard!!

This post is honor of Dennis and Marie (and Gordy) who are on their way to visit Larry and Ellen on Amelia Island, Florida!!!! Have a great time guys!!! Safe travel (hope Sam's Gap was okay....)

Cheers, john

2009-01-03T08:31:00.002-05:00

Utah 31 - Alabama 17

Utah has 13 wins and no losses..... more than likely, they will not be the national champion, but why not, they are the only undefeated team in this division

it is time that Division 1 (BCS) changed it's format and had a playoff!!

It makes no sense to me that computers, coaches, and sport broadcasters should pick the champion.....does it to you?????

lets have a playoff!!!

2008-12-31T08:35:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYBODY!!!

click the greeting above and join the New Years 2009 Celebration in New Zealand!!!!

2008-12-23T05:44:00.007-05:00

I know the NFL season is not over with yet, but this has got to be the best play of the year......

By the way, that is called a forearm shiver..... Ref 1, Rams 0.......and if the images don't tell the whole story, watch the video!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpYroK4SRmg

Is there any wonder why the Rams are having a loosing season???

Well, the Rams play the Falcons Sunday in the last game of the regular season....

GO FALCONS!!!!!

2008-12-22T13:00:00.003-05:00

Today was verrrrry cooooold here in Johnson City, TN..... when we awoke the temperature hoovered around 10 degrees F. The wind chill temperature was zero (0) degrees F. Burrrrrrr!!!

As the day progressed to noon time or so the sun was our the wind was calmed down and the temperature was around 20 degrees F... I went out and took a couple of pictures of our front yard decorations......
and
As you can see, it surly was a very nice sunny day.....

A few minutes later I was eating my lunch and watching Sports Center on ESPN when I happened to look past the TV and out the window and saw that it appeared to be snowing...

it looked quite a bit like a blizzard... which seemed unusual since it was bright and sunny out the other windows...... so I investigated.............
Low and behold I discovered that it was snowing in my neighbors yard.... I walked closer and discovered......that my neighbor was making snow on his front yard....... WoooooooooooHaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
Now I have to tell you that is the very first time I have seen anyone blowing snow here in Johnson City, Tennessee.... One time in the last 25 years here in JC I sprinkeled my yard and tried to make a skating rink..... but, honestly, I never I thought I would see snow blowing here in the city!!!

I am as excited as a little boy and I wish I could go lay down in it and make a snow angle!!! I have however, given the state of my back, decided that might not be such a good thing!!!!

So, have yourself a very merry WHITE Christmas, I am!!!! Peace on Earth, John

2008-12-09T10:02:00.006-05:00

Favorite e-mail from finals week.....

Before you read these, you should know a little about the final.

It was a comprehensive 100 question multiple choice and True/False exam.

All questions from the first half of the course were take directly from the mid-term (also a 100 question mc & t/f exam).

Oh yah, I almost forgot to tell you, this was an open book, open note, exam taken on-line without supervision.

In order to cut down on the obvious ability for students to share information, I set up the exam so that each student received a different random order of questions and could only answer one question at a time and there was no back-tracking...........

Class averages on the Final Exam were:

My two in-class (sometimes called land) section's averages were 71.77 and 71.75; whereas the on-line section's average was 75.02..... My presence may be irrelevant!!!! (These averages were for students who actually took the exam - there were some who skipped it and received a zero......

Anyway, the e-mails follow:

I just took the Final, and did not do as good as I thought I would. I believe it is going to bring my grade down, even though I have gotten 100's on all my assignments and discussions, except 1 I got a 90. I really thought I would receive an A, and I think now because I did poorly on my final I will be 1 point away. Is there any way I can take the final over, or anything I can do to receive an A, please???

Followed by:

I will immediately retake or whatever will be possible to do better. I obviously was not as prepared as I thought I was. I apologize for any inconveince. [notice misspelling of inconvenience]

and another:

I was wondering if you offered extra credit?

I just took the MIS exam. I must say it was one of the hardest exam I have
ever taken in my life. I studied for it before I attempted it and I did not
even get the chance to finish it. I was on a good track I felt and then I
started running out of time so I just had to start clicking random answers
in hopes to choose the right answer! I felt I could have used a little more
than 2 hours! Anyways, with such a low score on the grade I know I will do
poorly in the class now, probably, I cannot afford this! Do you plan on
curving the exam? Is there anything I can do to raise my exam score?

Missed an A by 0.75, almost made the Dean's list again. I enjoyed the class.
[I rounded this one up and this student received an A..... He did make the Dean's list again!!!]

That's not so many comments for the 106 students I have - what a great job.....

The end of the semester brings many interesting comments such as these...... I am sure that you have your own interesting (or like this one, not so very interesting) stories and, of course, that is why we blog....

happy trails to you until we blog again...., john

2008-12-09T09:44:00.001-05:00

My friend Zeno on his blog Zeno's Happiness posted a video about being in search of pie..... I thought it would be fun to look at a somewhat different video concerning Pi....... click on the following link

In search of Pi

To be honest, I like Zeno's pie better than my pi...... Remember that it is better to split a hair -
pi vs pie than to split an infinitive or an atom.........

it's finals week.....................do I need to say any more than that?????

Peace, john

2008-12-08T10:47:00.006-05:00

Santa came early to our house!!!
Today the installer arrived to install our new windows!!!
There Santa is taking out our the old windows in the dinning room -
Here is his sleigh and some of the wonderful packages he brought to our home
Here are the installed windows in the front!!

We are so fortunate to get our Christmas presents early!!!

Cheers to all, john

2008-12-01T14:47:00.003-05:00

Today I had an Epidural Steroid Injection at Lumbar 4 Vertebrae!!!

Here is a picture.......
That long skinny thing on the right is the needle...... Thank God for numbing medicines, I only felt a slight pressure...

I am home now, resting... at the moment I am pain free in my lower back and right leg... that is the result of some additional numbing medicine that is combined with the steroid... it will go away and then it will take somewhere in the vicinity of 4-5 days for the steroid to actually start working...

cross your fingers and pray. the purpose of all this is to postpone inevitable surgery because of the narrowing of the area around the spinal cord, called stinosis, caused by arthritis and aging..

A bad thing about me getting older is that this happens .... a good thing is that I am getting older and able to experience all of it!!!

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, Peace, John

2008-11-27T07:48:00.002-05:00

YIKES!!!!

GUESS I'M COMMITTED NOW!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!!!!

2008-11-26T11:47:00.001-05:00

2008-11-20T12:14:00.002-05:00

Obama’s Use of Complete Sentences Stirs Controversy
Stunning Break with Last Eight Years
By Andy Borowitz, The Borowitz Report

In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say.

Millions of Americans who watched Mr. Obama's appearance on CBS' "Sixty Minutes" on Sunday witnessed the president-elect's unorthodox verbal tick, which had Mr. Obama employing grammatically correct sentences virtually every time he opened his mouth.

But Mr. Obama's decision to use complete sentences in his public pronouncements carries with it certain risks, since after the last eight years many Americans may find his odd speaking style jarring.

According to presidential historian Davis Logsdon of the University of Minnesota, some Americans might find it "alienating" to have a President who speaks English as if it were his first language.

"Every time Obama opens his mouth, his subjects and verbs are in agreement," says Mr. Logsdon. "If he keeps it up, he is running the risk of sounding like an elitist."

The historian said that if Mr. Obama insists on using complete sentences in his speeches, the public may find itself saying, "Okay, subject, predicate, subject predicate - we get it, stop showing off."

The President-elect's stubborn insistence on using complete sentences has already attracted a rebuke from one of his harshest critics, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.

"Talking with complete sentences there and also too talking in a way that ordinary Americans like Joe the Plumber and Tito the Builder can't really do there, I think needing to do that isn't tapping into what Americans are needing also," she said.

//////sent to me from a friend and shared with all of you........

Cheers, John

2008-11-19T11:57:00.006-05:00

At last!!!
Pictures of the party

4 O'clock Special Meeting November 1, 2008
In honor of Ruth and Rhonda spouses invited!!!

The Club standing: Bo and Sam
Sitting: Michael, Joe, Dennis, and John
The whole gang.....
Standing: Bo, Marie, Leesa, Sharon, Sandy, Lynn, Ruth, Rhonda, Roz, and Sam
Sitting: Michael, Joe, Dennis, John

Many more pictures of the party with Dennis and Leesa dancing and Roz practicing getting up in case she falls are available at : http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.php?aid=2008660#/photo.php?pid=30145379&id=1432996535&ref=mf

We had a great time...... hope you enjoy the pictures

Cheers, John

2008-10-16T14:10:00.001-04:00

New great news about Matthew.... See http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/ Praise God! John

2008-10-15T16:34:00.002-04:00

FIRST DAY OF EARLY VOTING FOR OUR NEW PRESIDENT

I VOTED TODAY!!

I cast my vote for the future of our country....
(50 min. wait in line -
5 min. to vote)
The best hour I had all day!
The privilege to vote is priceless!!!

Make an hour of your life count,
VOTE!!!!

2008-10-09T05:46:00.001-04:00

new news about Matthew..... go to http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/ for an update...

Cheers, John

2008-10-07T14:45:00.002-04:00

Hey everybody....

On November 9, I am going to be preaching at our church on the general topic of Hope.... Our pastor, Michelle, is thinking about a project to collect congregational thoughts on her sermon topics at some future time....

Our Michael suggested that the blog might a way to have that kind of interaction.

So, I am talking about hope and would like you to give me some input into the topic from your perspective.....I am thinking of expanding the title to be "Hope, in times of prosperity and despair" or maybe "High Hopes in Low Times."

What do you think, got any input?????

Can't wait to hear from you.

Cheers, john

2008-09-26T16:53:00.011-04:00

San Diego Thursday and part of Friday:

Thursday: On the way to lunch - Something for CUMC to aspire to........or not ;)Lunch at the:On the roof.....With a view of the Pacific Ocean.......We had fish tacos and were thy ever yummy.....

Then we, my sister and I, went for a walk on the boardwalk, ooops, make that the concrete:
With a view of the ocean:
A trip to Mesa College, where my sister works!!
Some San Diego traffic:and a view of the Southern California drought..........

And here is where we ate breakfast on Friday with my sister and her son and family from Oregon...... This is La Jolla....
Here we are walking around a park below the restaurant and above the ocean... The water below is called the divers pool. It is a natural pool where the waters are calm and divers and snorkelers and surf kiakers go to view the marine life..... The couple in one of the pictures is my sisters grand son and his girl friend....

Later this evening my sisters family will meet, after dinner, for desert (which starts with "d" and not "c" in case you are worried) and then the adults will head out in search of an adult beverage.... More postings of this excellent adventure will follow.... Keep your head up and your powder dry.... I didn't make that up and it is not pertinent to this blog, but I wanted to say it. Cheers, john

2008-09-25T12:30:00.003-04:00

Here I am from San Diego California....My flight was wonderful....slight delay at the TRI, but made the connection and had smooth sailing, (so to speak) all the way here!!! Sandy is at home entertaining her sister who had already planned her yearly visit before the party for my sister was planned....

Was discussing beers with one of my nephews..... likes Fat Tire and I told him about 1556... now he is looking for it... we are all going in search of it on Friday evening!!!! More later...

The weather here is outstanding... They are transiting to fall... toward the end of October they will enter their hot season.... While the seasons are not as noticeable here as they are in East Tennessee, the locals can really tell the difference!!! Proving once more that where you are is where you are and you should get used to it!!!

I will post pics later, when I take some, and keep you well informed... Although my sister and the surrounding area does not have wireless, she has DSL and it is easy to plug-and-play!!!!!

Remember, take good care of yourself and try not to be the next pin cushion!!!! love, john

2008-09-17T19:17:00.003-04:00

1554 Enlightened Black Ale

Born of a flood and centuries-old Belgian text, 1554 Enlightened Black Ale uses a light lager yeast strain and dark chocolaty malts to redefine what dark beer can be. In 1997, a Fort Collins flood destroyed the original recipe our researcher, Phil Benstein, found in the library. So Phil and brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert, traveled to Belgium to retrieve this unique style lost to the ages. Their first challenge was deciphering antiquated script and outdated units of measurement, but trial and error (and many months of in-house sampling) culminated in 1554, a highly quaffable dark beer with a moderate body and mouthfeel.

2008-09-12T07:39:00.002-04:00

GIANT!!

2008-09-11T06:15:00.006-04:00

`The Twist' is top song

of Billboard Hot 100 era

See the whole article at:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080911/ap_en_ot/music_billboard_top_song

What's your top song???????

See the lyrics and get the ringtone at:

http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/heartsinatlantis/thetwist.htm

Have a great day, john

2008-09-06T12:21:00.015-04:00

Praise Band concert opens WNL..... Our Praise Band opened the activities for our Wednesday night programs at church... it was a wonderful out door concert and fun was had by many, many people!!! Some pictures will follow.... but first a couple of things I should have blogged about and didn't....

A few weeks ago, I awoke and looked outside and said, Oh MY GOD!!! Sandy said what is wrong? I said you have to come see this!!!!
During the night, our neighbor's (across the street) yard had been rolled..... it was everywhere!!!! Once again I was thankful that the teenage years have passed by at out house!!!

Usually the news is understandable by me, there is war here and a war there, someone shot someone else, stocks are down, and the price of everything is up.... not to hard to understand until the other day, the news was way above my head......
it was delivered to my rooftop instead of my doorstep!!!

Now here are pictures of the Praise Band, the real reason for this blog.....
First the band!!!!

The Sound Guys!!!!!
The crowd..... all ages!!!

Our Pastor Michelle!!!
We truly had a wonderful time.... The band was AWESOME!!! Thank you PRAISE BAND!!

2008-08-30T07:17:00.002-04:00

I just read my friends blogs and realized that I have not posted in almost a month - haven't had much to say, but have been very busy, like Michael, getting ready for and starting the new semester..... I don't have much to say today... but I wanted all of you to know that I have been thinking about you and reading your posts.... Thanks, John

2008-08-01T05:55:00.001-04:00

Happy news about Matthew....

This is a copy of an e-mail from Matthew's mother:

Great News Today!

The chemo meds that Matthew has been taking in June and July are working! Not only did the meds stop the "growth momentum" of the cancer but there has been some reduction! We are praising God for His blessings and miracle in Matthew's body.

Matthew begins his next round of treatment on Monday, August 4th (5 days worth). Not sure when the next scan will be. We'll figure that out later. Right now, we are just very happy!

Let's bombard the heavens with prayers of thanksgiving to God for His mighty works thus far. We thank you in advance for continuing your precious prayers of healing - as Matthew certainly has a long road to go.

God bless each of you and thank you for sharing this journey with us.
Love, Nancy

I am sure she will post something on her blog.... but what great news this is...

Praise God!!!

Peace, John

2008-07-26T06:11:00.006-04:00

65th Birthday

Wish me many more
Health and wealth and
Friends by the score
Cut the cake and lets eat some more
Happy Birthday to me!!!
verse altered from the song Cut the Cake by John McCutcheon

The week of July 12 through 19 Sandy and I orchestrated a gathering of the Quigley clan to celebrate my 65th birthday.... We came together at a place called the Tanasi Lodge on a ridge top overlooking the Wares Valley near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee....
There is the lodge with its 11 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and two kitchens..... a great place... All of my children and grandchildren were present with the exception of David, Lindsey and Addie....Addie had been born the month earlier and the trip from their home was not possible... Our gathering also included my sister, Margaret, and our friends, Dennis and Marie....
Here we are on Sunday afternoon, the one day we were all together.....
In the front row from left to right are Amy, Catherine, Maddie, Sarah, Libby, John, Katie, Sam, Emily, Margaret, Marie, and me.
In the back row we have Raven, Jason, Sandy, Ian, Mark, John, Jasyn, and Dennis.

Now you know the cast of characters so we can move forward in our unscripted series of events that was certainly one of the happiest weeks of my life!!!!

Sunday was a day of rest since we all traveled on Saturday - some from as far away as CT.

We did many wonderful things during the week.....but what we did not attempt was taking the whole crew out to dinner (supper). Rather, we had each family take responsibility for one evening meal. Sandy and I had Sunday; Marie and Dennis, Monday; Amy and Mark, Tuesday; Emily and Jasyn, Wednesday; Katie and John, Thursday (my birthday feast), and leftovers on Friday!!! Each meal was excellent and without planning, there was something different every night.......

Fast forward to Thursday..... the day!!
That is me in my birthday hat (more on that later) with my grandchildren getting ready to have birthday cake - many layered red velvet cake with wonderful icing, hand made by Katie!!! A great moment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also on my birthday the grandchildren put on a play for me....

the stars take a bow!!We ate dinner......
Overlooking the valley....
It was a wonderful day.......

I really appreciate everything that was done with me and for me during this week. I appreciate everybody taking time from busy schedules, pre-season football practice, moving, and other lifes events to share with me - you all have given me more joy than you can imagine..

Thank you, love, John/Dad/Grandpa/Gramps, etc.............

2008-07-26T05:49:00.002-04:00

Okay, you might be getting bored of this topic.... but here is another video of me Zorbing!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE-BCCzT_D4

2008-07-16T08:10:00.003-04:00

What is it?

2008-07-15T07:52:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone.... there is new news about Matthew at the following site:

http://www.mattfay.blogspot.com/

Please continue to pray for Matt, Blessings to all...john