Skywatch Friday

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Last week we spent four days with the family at Still Waters Resort on Table Rock Lake, MO.  It is just outside of Branson.  We had a wonderful time.  One evening I was able to capture this view of the marina.  Every time I look at this capture, it brings a smile to my face and a sense of peace to me.  It was a very relaxing vacation.  We all need a little down time in our lives.  I pray that you are able to spend a few days with those you love, doing things that bring you joy.
Today is the beginning of the 4th of July week-end.  It is a time when this nation celebrates it's independence.  One thing that we must never forget, is that freedom is not free.  It is paid for with the blood of men and women willing to lay down their lives in order that we may enjoy a lifestyle unlike anywhere else on this earth.  From our founding fathers to those currently serving around the globe, this nation is blessed with young people who are willing to stand in harms way to protect our freedom and prevent the spread of those values that threaten it, regardless of the source.  This Independence Day, remember to thank a service personnel or a veteran for their sacrifice.  Thank the families who must live without their serviceman while he/she is away.  Until the Lord returns, this is the only way to Let Freedom Ring.  Have a blessed week-end.

Wordless Wednesday

m&m&m

Ruby Tuesday

This is a special edition of Ruby Tuesday for me.  As you can see, ruby red is not the dominant color in this photo, but it does tell a story.  The story is, "I Gotta Be Me".  For those of  you who have been reading this blog for awhile (both of  you), you know that I had my heart set on buying a 370Z just prior to, or immediately after my retirement.  As a one time owner of the original 240Z, I was all set to revisit my youth.  I love sports cars, and always have.  I thought, what better way to celebrate retirement than to buy the car of my dreams.
Last week I actually drove a 2010 Z Car.  It was great!  But, it wasn't me...anymore.  The slope of the rear deck limits the driver's vision out of the rear view mirror.  The size of the side mirrors were a little too small for my comfort level.  While the car was a joy to drive, the limited vision just made me a little uncomfortable.  For the past 25 years I've driven pick-up trucks.  I've owned 4WD trucks for the past fifteen years.  I pull a bass boat with mine.  We had a 24 inch snow storm last winter, and my truck got me through the stuff when I needed it.  So....as I exited the test drive in the 370Z I walked over to the Frontier pick-up trucks and picked out my next ride.  I LOVE IT!!!! The 240Z was me when I was twenty-five.  This truck is me now...and I Gotta be me.  Happy Ruby Tuesday all.

Wordless Wednesday

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"Nawlins" Pool Toad

Ruby Tuesday

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I'd Rather Be Dancing

I Should've Been A Cowboy

Did you ever wonder if you made the right career choice in life? Given the correct circumstances, did you ever say to yourself, "I would've, could've, should've"? I am an architect by profession. I went to school, got the degree, served the internship, took the exam, passed the exam, and became a registered architect. I've been in this business since 1968 (as a draftsman), and I've been a registered architect since 1983. I love my career, and I love my job, even though I am nearing retirement. Still, there are days when I wonder if maybe...just maybe.

I Should've Been A Cowboy!

I still have the boots, by the way.

Skywatch Friday Thoughts and More

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Space for lease...DishNetwork included.

Wordless Wednesday

Six Frames Per Second!

Safe at second!

Ruby Tuesday - So You Think You Can Dance

 Summer is finally here.  School is finally out.  The oldest granddaughter just finished competing in the state soccer tournament and the grandson is playing in the semi-finals of the city little league baseball tournament.  So what are the two middle granddaughters doing?  Well , they're dancing. We stopped by dress rehearsal so that I could get a few good pictures.  No photography is allowed during the actual performance.  First up, the eleven-year-old.

Our girl is the one in the middle.  She's going to be the artistic soul of the crew.  She LOVES dance and will soon enroll in summer ballet classes.  She's also decided to take piano lessons.

Rehearsal is over.  She's changed her clothes and has a reflective moment while waiting for little sister to dance.

Once again, our girl is in the middle.  Our family grows 'em tall.  This one likes dance, but has decided she would rather play soccer if she has to choose between the two.  If dance lessons and soccer practice happen on the same night this fall, she will be on the soccer field.

The final pose looks pretty good for a group of eight and nine-year-old girls.  They actually did a very nice job and their rehearsal went very well.

You have to be on your toes (no pun intended) to catch this one in a quiet, pensive mood.  That's it for dance rehearsal.  Tomorrow we will watch the recital and then head to the diamond to watch baby brother play baseball.  It's a busy family we have.

Skywatch Friday Thoughts and More

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Memorial Week-end Sunset, Ada, Oklahoma

It is amazing to me, the colors that can be produced in a sunset...or a sunrise for that matter.  Each day is different.  Some are rather mundane, while others are simply spectacular.  At this stage of my life, sunsets often remind me that I am entering the sunset of my career.  Believe me, that is not a bad thing.  I am looking forward to retirement, or semi-retirement, which ever opportunity comes my way.  I am ready to slow down a little and enjoy life.  I am ready to let someone else take the reins and manage seventy-plus staff.  Sunsets can be the signal of the end of one thing, but the promise of a new beginning tomorrow.  I wonder what my tomorrow will bring.  I do know one thing for sure.  "You can't keep a good man down".  Enjoy.

Thank you Lord, for a life that has been much better than I deserve, for a career that has allowed me to travel the country, raise a family, and live in a beautiful part of this world.  Thank you for good health, and wonderful family, and co-workers that I enjoy.  Thank you for the gift of eternal life.

Wordless Wednesday

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Post Season - Game On!

Ruby Tuesday

 Joplin Tornado, An Artist's View

There is very little Ruby in this, but I think it is an amazing video and I wanted to share it with you.


Reaching Down from Jeremy Cowart on Vimeo.

Skywatch Friday

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Oklahoma History

Driving south from Ada, Oklahoma to Madill, OK you will pass through Tishomingo, OK.  Tishomingo is the capitol of the Chickasaw Indian Nation.  The Chickasaw Nation is one of the Five civilized tribes that were moved out of the southeastern US onto reservations in Oklahoma in the mid 1800's.  In 1898 they began construction on this capitol building.  It is built out of granite.  By my calculations, some of the stones weigh 2500-3000 pounds each.
We got there too late to tour the facility, so the history on the granite markers will have to do for now.

Every state has a history that is unique and interesting.  I think it is worthwhile to explore the state in which you live or grew up, and find out a little bit about it's history and its people.  This was an unexpected find, during a trip to visit family burial sites.

Iron Chef Dining

During our recent trip to Orlando, we were staying at the Disney Swan hotel.  Now this hotel is not really a part of Disney properties but it is adjacent to the Boardwalk and it is in the middle of many of the attractions.  One evening my wife and I walked down to the Boardwalk to explore the dining possibilities.  There are several good restaurants, all of which are a bit on the pricey side, with the possible exception of Big River Grill.  Well, we spotted this place.

What's so special about Kouzzina  you ask.  Well, it's affiliated with this lady.

That's right, Iron Chef, Cat Cora has a restaurant on the Disney Boardwalk.  Who could pass up an opportunity to try something from her recipe book?  Not me.  Warning, it is an upscale dining experience.  while the dress may be Disney vacation casual, the menu and the pricing is anything but.  Still, we were celebrating a belated thirty-seventh wedding anniversary.  We ordered and appetizer.  It was Seared Greek Cheese with Lemon and Oregano (Saganaki).  It looks like this.

It was wonderful.  Neither of us had ever tasted anything like it.  Next came the entree's. My wife ordered the Saffron Pasta with Lamb Ragu, while I opted for the Wood-grilled New York Strip with Herb Salsa and Kouzzina Potatoes.

Both dishes were amazing.  I can honestly say that this was truly a unique dining experience.  I would do it again in a New York minute.  We passed on dessert this evening, so this is the end of this photo op.  If you are at Disney World and you want a word class meal, prepared from the recipe book of an Iron Chef, Kouzzina is a must do.