Let the party begin!

Okay, some of you may not want to start partying until later this evening, but you could start now if you go to bed by 8 pm. It only makes sense!

Pop tarts and bubble cider!

New Blog information:

If you click on photos, they get larger – you can also right click and save on your hard drive too.

If you click on the little arrows to the left of the dates that show on the left side of your screen (either the year or the month) they’ll open up and let you see the posts for that period of time.

Under every post or article are several items:

If you click on a label like “Neidon” for example, every post with his name on the label will come up. Sort of like a blog search engine just for this site.

If you click on the comments, you can add a comment to the post.

If you click on the small envelope, you can email this post to a friend (or enemy).

And last of all, on this new page format, click the main title “Chautauqua” and it will take you back to the main page. You couldn't do this before.

2006 almost gone

I can't believe it - this year is almost over! I can count the days left on one hand. I hope you had a great year - an exciting one is sure a-coming!

(As always, click on the photo to see much larger)

New Year, New look

I'm getting ready for the New Year and decided to update my blog's appearance. Hope you like it. 2007 is just around the corner!

Casual Friday

Hooray - it's casual Friday. Hmmm ... when you work for yourself, what do you wear that's more casual than Monday through Thursday?

Cindy and I went downtown with my mom and dad to see Christmas lights on the Riverwalk - beautiful. But everyone from Texas and Iowa colleges were there with their bands and teams and it seemed like all of their folks too.

Weight loss

If you are like me, the holidays have been very full-filling. In fact so much that I need to drop a few pounds. So, I've decided to start a new weight loss plan. I don't know who came up with the one I'm reprinting below, but it sounds terrific.

EXERCISE FOR REAL LIFE (If you're busy like me)

Monday:
Beat around the bush.
Jump to conclusions.
Climb the walls.
Wade through paperwork.

Tuesday:
Drag my heels.
Push my luck.
Make mountains out of mole hills.
Hit the nail on the head.

Wednesday:
Bend over backwards.
Jump on the band wagon.
Balance the books.
Run around in circles.

Thursday:
Toot my own horn.
Climb the ladder of success.
Pull out the stops.
Add fuel to the fire.

Friday:
Open a can of worms.
Put my foot in my mouth.
Start the ball rolling.
Go over the edge.

Saturday:
Pick up the pieces.

Whew! What a workout!

Hands full

Rachel has her hands full with two kids, just wait until she has three!

Have a great day!

What a great Christmas

Christmas is behind us and we look forward to the New Year that is just around the corner. As Cindy recently told me, we're in that gray zone or no-man's land right now.

In San Antonio, all of the construction crews are in Mexico, schools are out and life is slower than usual.

Have a wonderful. blessed, relaxing week.

Move on

Well, Christmas is over and it's time to clean up the mess and move on. Some won't take it very well. You may have to talk them down from their Christmas 'high'.

Have a great week, 2007 is right around the corner.

Your advice

I recently got this letter. Worth looking into? Your thoughts?
-------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: BARRISTER Usman Obi (ESQ)

Usman Obi & ASSOCIATES,

# 30 ADISA BASHUA STREET,

SURULERE, LAGOS - NIGERIA.

MEIL:barr_usmanobi@hotmail.com


Dear Sir/Ma,

I am Barrister Usman Obi ,the Personal Attorney to Mr Larry Kidd,A foreigner who used to work with Mekon Associates company in Nigeria,On the 2nd of March 2000, my client, his wife And their three children were involved in a car accident along Port Harcourt Road. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost their lives. Since then I have made several enquiries to your embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives,this has also proved unsuccessful.After these several unsuccessful attempts,I decided to trace his relatives over the Internet,to locate any member of his family but of no avail, hence I contacted you.

I have contacted you to assist me in repartrating the money left behind by my client before they get confisicated or declared unserviceable by the finance house where this huge deposits were lodged.

Particularly, the African Banking Inco-operation(ABI) where the deceased had an account valued at about $10 million dollars has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or have the account confisicated within the next ten official working days.since I have been unsuccesfull in locating the relatives for over 5years now I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin to the deceased so that the proceeds of this account valued at $10 million dollars can be paid to you and then you and I can share the money. 55% to me and 40% to you,while 5% should be for expenses or tax as your government may require,I have all necessary legal documents that can be used to back up any claim we may make.

All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this transaction through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law.Please get in touch with me by my if you are willing to assist.

Best Regards.

- usman obi

Hard choice

Okay, here are the submitted answers, you be the judge.

Neidon, can you believe it? One more day until Christmas. I'm so excited!'

Neidon replied, 'can you please move over Kaireia, you're sitting on my __________.

From my mom and dad Adams ...
you're sitting on my ribbon and paper and I need to get Grandpa Adams' gift wrapped!!!!

From Reed ...
you're sitting on my Super niatro electric rayon blaster with 42" casters and a 312 alpha scion booster.

1 more day

'Neidon, can you believe it? One more day until Christmas. I'm so excited!'

Neidon replied, 'can you please move over Kaireia, you're sitting on my __________.

Okay, I admit, I'm getting bored. Maybe a day of rain and watching '24' fried my brain - send me your answer to the blank and I'll post them later.

2 more days

I hope you are still not decorating the tree. There are only two days left until Christmas. In fact, if your last name start with 'A' like mine does, he actually comes Christmas eve. It only makes sense or he wouldn't get to the 'Z's' until the day after Christmas - duh!

Winter nights, summer dreams

After a few cold nights, I'm ready for summer again. I often wonder if I moved far enough south.

At least I can dream of warm weather.

Another bunny

Neidon is not quite so sure about this. This world has a lot of interesting things to explore.

Bunny

Kaireia loves bunny rabbits.

Isn't she a pretty girl!

Aren't I rich!!

It's a jungle out there.

Looks like Kaireia and Darin are on Safari. They told me that Columbus was a real jungle, but I didn't take them literally!

Kaireia doesn't look to worried.

My Fortune

Yesterday Cindy and I had lunch with some good friends at a Chinese restaurant. After the meal, I got a fortune cookie and my fortune was 'You will be coming into a fortune". We were all laughing and I was thinking, 'that'll be the day, when Leslie told me that it was true. I was reminded I'm going to get a new daughter-in-law and a new grand baby next year.

She's absolutely right. I will be coming into a fortune next year! But I gotta tell you, I realize I already have a fortune. What about you?

I also have this quote on a bookmark, one of my favorites ... "How can we be poor if our Lord is wealthier than all Kings?" - Bernanos

My Little Princess

So does something look different here? Maybe the gloves? Hmmm ...

A typical princess type of day.

Day of Rest

A new week starts - this is the week before Christmas. It's going to be crazy, but I hope you have time to enjoy the season and relax a little.


Have a great Sunday!

It's Saturday

It's Saturday - time to get going - we're burning daylight!

Step stool

Just follow me Neidon. It's okay.

I hope your weekly climb is about over. Have a great weekend!

NEWS FLASH

We have news. Reed is not the only one bringing a new person into our family in 2007. If you didn't already guess from this photo - yep, Rachel is pregnant. A due date probably in August - more as we hear it.

Actually this picture is from 10/15/03, the day the twins were born. Isn't my little girl cute!

Would you please pray for a safe pregnancy. Thanks!

(Our kids always did fight for attention!)

Cha Cha Cha

I told you Neidon had some San Antonio blood in him. He looks like a young Ricky Ricardo here.

Braden's Place

Photos from our Houston trip this past weekend. Her is the playground in memory of Braden Lackey. Nice.


I think I'll always associate helium balloons with the death of a child.

Funnies

David Letterman: “Top Questions To Ask Yourself Before Eating At Taco Bell”: Are my affairs in order?; Why is the counter kid wearing a hazmat suit?; Will the hot sauce kill the bacteria?; Is this how they poisoned that Russian spy?; Should I go somewhere safer for lunch like Fallujah?; Will this help me meet the recommended E.coli daily requirement?; Wait—when was Taco Bell not tainted with E.coli?
Jay Leno: Happy birthday to Senator John Kerry. This is his 63rd birthday. They threw him a surprise party for him. Well, they think he was surprised—with his personality it’s hard to tell. Instead of blowing out the candles he just talked to them until all the life just flickered out. ...

Yummy

Do you remember when your momma made cookies and you got to lick the beater?

My sisters would turn the beater back on while I was licking it - ouch!

A troubled childhood - the therapy continues.

Isn't that just special

Kaireia says "Isn't this such a special time of year! The lights on the tree are so pretty. Isn't this just special!"

Neidon says "How in the world do I untangle this string of lights? Who put them away like this last year! This is so frustrating!"

Baby it's cold outside

Can I come in now? I'm done having fun in the cold snow!

Love birds

I hope you all had a great Sunday. Here's a close-up of the 'kids'. Aren't they handsome?

A Fascinating site

Check this out. <Now I lay me down to Sleep> Some great photography.

Seasons Greetings

What a great time of year. I pray your holiday season has gone well so far. Ours has been exciting. (See yesterdays post!)

Here's a picture of some of my favorite folks for your enjoyment.

It's for real!

Well, you're got the scoop - Reed is engaged. It happened last night - we got a call in the evening with the big news. Of course, a little bird had alerted us, so we sat by the phone all evening just waiting for a call!

Audrey Ilene Harvey is from Canby, Oregon. Her dad is a preacher there at Canby Christian Church.

We're so excited. What a blessing!

Mark 'May 19th, 2007' on your calendars and join us in Canby, Oregon.

Saturday post to be late

We will be out of town tomorrow for a playground dedication in honor of a good friend's son/grandson who died several months ago in a drowning. (Braden Lackey). The picture posting may be late or not all all. Please pray for the Lackey family as you read this. Thanks!
(Isn't the family shot of the Lackey's above a great one! It was taken in Tokyo at a subway station.)

Kaireia singing ... "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus Underneath the mistletoe last night, She didn't see me creep Down the stairs to have a peep, She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom fast asleep. Then I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus, Underneath his beard so snowy white. Oh, what a laugh it would have been, If Daddy had only seen ... Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night!"

Neidon ... "Okay, take your hand off my shoulder now."

Everything in place

Reed wants you to know his apartment is in order and he's ready for Santa. Hopefully Santa will bring him something good for Christmas. I hope he's been a good boy.

Want a kiss?

Hey - how about a big ole' kiss to cheer you up! Neidon will gladly oblige you.

Falling over

Greetings - not sure what's happening here - I think a hard right turn and then leaning to the left (remember, you're seeing it backwards).

Have a great day - what's left anyway!

Let me help

Okay Neidon, You work on the Nativity and I'll just fix your collar here - it's a little off - don't worry, I got it.

I hope your decorations are going up as well at your home. Merry Christmas!

A new week

A new week and an exciting one coming up!

As busy as this week is, take time for family. Go to the zoo, take a walk, read a good book, just have some time together.

Great profile

Doesn't this boy have a sweet face. Such a nice profile - I might be a little prejudiced!

November Blog statistics

In case you're interested (and probably not) here are November's statistics for this blog site.

Preferred days to visit (1) Thursday, (2) Saturday and (3) Wednesday - whatever this means??

Preferred time to visit (1) 6 am, tied for (2) 5 am and 7 pm - do you folks have a life?? Come on, 5 am and you're checking out my blog?

Highest day in November with hits - November 23rd with 48 hits. Were you bored or what?

City from which most hits originate (1) Houston- hmmm - who are you?, (2) New Braunfels - the great grandparents, of course, and drum roll please ... (3) Knoxville area - of course, a loving aunt.

I've also had hits from San Antonio; Canby, Oregon (hmm...); Cleveland, OH; San Marcos, TX; Gilbert, AZ; Tyler, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Atascadero (where is this?); Brooklyn; Pompano Beach; Sioux Falls; Mount Laurel (another mystery); and Johannesburg, South Africa - wow!

One more statistic - 50% of you use Firefox as your browser.

Last of all - 708 hits total for November - thanks for watching!

Dragon slayers

It's Saturday! I hope you slayed a lot of dragons this week. It's time to take it easy and maybe hang up some more Christmas lights.

Sliding

If you're going to slide, don't forget your purse. You gotta look good all of the time!

Have a great Friday and stay warm.

Baby it's cold outside

It's cold in Texas - we're not used to this. I need a couple of warm bodies in my lap to warm up. Now who could that be? Hmm...

You all have a wonderful day and stay warm!

Magical lights

There is something special and sort of magical about Christmas and all of the lights and ornaments and decorations.

Neidon is old enough to figure out something is going on and he likes it.

Take time to really enjoy this holiday season. It'll be spring before we know it.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work I go

Workdays are a real bear. At least we have casual Friday so I can shed this tie.

I want to be like Grandpa Adams - he's sitting home on his computer working in his pajamas.

Good to go

Okay - NOW you can decorate the tree. It's AFTER Thanksgiving.

Everybody jump in - no excuses.

So fickle

You don't move to a new town and pick a new team. A true fan sticks by his team thick or thin, stay or move.

But he does look good in the outfit!

This tree is Neidon's get-a-way. He likes to play behind it.

Black Friday is over

This is worth jumping about - Black Friday is over. In case you live under a rock, Black Friday is what the shopping day after Thanksgiving has been called for several years now. It's where the merchants can get into the black for selling so much stuff and I believe it is such a dismal shopping event, that it's like the black day the market fell.

Anyway, here's our story. We see a couple of great buys, so we decide to go early and get back home quick as I have a 10 am client meeting. We should have known better!!

We get to the store at 6:45, make our select and are in line by 7 am - hey this is easy! The things we wanted were there, we didn't have to be there at 5 am, what's the big deal!!

We stood in line from 7 to 11 am - 4 hours! I even left for an hour to meet with the client and returned and Cindy was still in line.

Good thing - the couple (Mom and teenage son) in front of us were a real neat family - we're meeting next year - same place, same time for a reunion. Good idea?

Early Friday post

I have a client meeting tomorrow and lots of to do items so I am posting early.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Here's a great looking guy!!

Remember to click photo to see larger.

Relax, it's Thanksgiving

After you decorate the tree this weekend, take time to relax with a loved one. Just make sure they want to relax too!

I warned you Neidon!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Be thankful in all things.

O tannenbaum

What! I'm just helping!

This is a holiday faux pax - you don't put up trees until AFTER Thanksgiving.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Have a great day.

November 22, 1963

A hero of mine died on this date in 1963. A man who stood for his principles and lived life to the fullest. A great scholar, a man of courage and an author.

The world may remember John F. Kennedy, or even Aldous Huxley who both died on this date. I remember C.S. Lewis, who is probably my favorite Christian author, next to the Bible, of course.

I recommend the Chronicles of Narnia, A Space Trilogy, A Grief Observed, Mere Christianity or The Screwtape Letters. Each is a favorite of mine, in its own unique way, of his many writings.

"There will be two kinds of people in the end: Those that will say to God 'Thy will be done' and those to whom God will say 'Thy will be done.'" -- C.S. Lewis

I warned you Neidon

The claw marks between here and Ohio were made by Cindy as I pulled her back home to San Antonio. It wasn't easy leaving grand-babies.

Neidon, didn't I warn you that you now had two mothers? Us guys have it hard.