Today was a great day for snake hunting. It had been dreary the last day or two, so I knew that when the sun popped out, so would the snakes. My oldest two boys and I headed for the fields behind our home looking for anything fun along the way. We scanned the edges of a small pond and worked our way through some thick brush. Finally I headed straight for a big stump near the pond in a clearing in the field. Bingo. This nearly five-footer was sunning on the edge of the stump. He was an easy catch.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Black Snake 2
When I first caught him he had a good grip on my arm. I don't think he has fed yet this spring as he looked pretty thin. Hopefully he'll catch some mice and yard moles behind our house and keep the rodent population down. I walked the several hundred yards back to our home and set him loose on the edge of our back yard.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Mohawk
He posed the question concerning a mohawk hair cut only a few weeks ago and his mother and I laughed it off with a simply stated, "No."
But you don't know the persistence of Caden, our 5-year old, third shift, breakdancing, ninja.
Um, long story there. Nevermind that.
So, he persisted. And persisted.
We hemmed. We hawed.
We relented.
And here he is in all of his mohawky glory. Yes, he does look a tad like David Beckham, doesn't he?
The boy named man. I can't wait 'til the folks at church see it on Sunday.
But you don't know the persistence of Caden, our 5-year old, third shift, breakdancing, ninja.
Um, long story there. Nevermind that.
So, he persisted. And persisted.
We hemmed. We hawed.
We relented.
And here he is in all of his mohawky glory. Yes, he does look a tad like David Beckham, doesn't he?
The boy named man. I can't wait 'til the folks at church see it on Sunday.
Mohawk 2
Front view of the mohawk. He is loving it. See how happy he is? Big smiles from a little goober.
Mohawk 4
Later in the evening after he had rubbed the gel out. Almost looks normal. Where's the gel?
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A Series of Posts on the US 421 Bypass Behind our Home - Part 1
No one has ever mistaken me for an environmental extremist or, as they say, a “tree hugger.” I do not lament the good use of what God has given us to help us along in this life. But I also understand well that God has placed us humans on this earth to care for His creation. So, whenever I see something that is wasteful when it comes to natural resources, I pity it.
The destruction of the forest behind our home for the extension of US Highway 421 Bypass around downtown Sanford, NC, may or may not be an example of such a waste. When we moved here nearly four years ago we purchased our home knowing all too well that there would be a highway built behind it at some point. Frankly, the bypass is probably needed, or at least wanted by those who consistently get snarled through the business portion of 421, and we use the current portion of it often to skip the traffic lights that cause us to crawl through town. So, no tears are being shed for the necessity of the road, nor for a lack of knowledge. We weren’t overcome by the news like some of our neighbors who were here beforehand and learned of it without being able to do anything about it. We were able to purchase our home for somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20% less than the previous owner had wanted as a result of the highway (plus a considerable amount of fixer-upper quality the home held). And we love our house. More than twice as big as our former home in Winston-Salem for only a little more with a large playroom, a fourth bedroom we turned into the homeschool room, an extra full bathroom, and an office. It was a poor man’s dream.
We also felt that the highway was a few more years out and that we actually might be leaving Sanford within a few years, allowing us to completely miss it. But the government stimulus package from last year enabled the project to be moved up, and here we are, huge machines working already with a completion date just a year or two away.
Even though we knew it was inevitable, we are still quite bummed about it. The next ten posts will tell you why.
Scroll down and follow along.
The destruction of the forest behind our home for the extension of US Highway 421 Bypass around downtown Sanford, NC, may or may not be an example of such a waste. When we moved here nearly four years ago we purchased our home knowing all too well that there would be a highway built behind it at some point. Frankly, the bypass is probably needed, or at least wanted by those who consistently get snarled through the business portion of 421, and we use the current portion of it often to skip the traffic lights that cause us to crawl through town. So, no tears are being shed for the necessity of the road, nor for a lack of knowledge. We weren’t overcome by the news like some of our neighbors who were here beforehand and learned of it without being able to do anything about it. We were able to purchase our home for somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20% less than the previous owner had wanted as a result of the highway (plus a considerable amount of fixer-upper quality the home held). And we love our house. More than twice as big as our former home in Winston-Salem for only a little more with a large playroom, a fourth bedroom we turned into the homeschool room, an extra full bathroom, and an office. It was a poor man’s dream.
We also felt that the highway was a few more years out and that we actually might be leaving Sanford within a few years, allowing us to completely miss it. But the government stimulus package from last year enabled the project to be moved up, and here we are, huge machines working already with a completion date just a year or two away.
Even though we knew it was inevitable, we are still quite bummed about it. The next ten posts will tell you why.
Scroll down and follow along.
Before its Time - Part 2 of the Series
In the fall of 2010 we read in the local paper that the stimulus funds had been approved and the completion of the bypass would begin in late March or early April. A couple of months ago we started seeing pick-up trucks with surveyors and soil testers out and around the fields near our home and figured it had all begun. Just a few days ago the carnage began with several large vehicles and dozers moving earth and wood, and trees started to fall. This one was among the smaller trees, but had many years on it. It looks to be much older than I am, judging by the rings.
Stacks of Misery - Part 3 of the Series
The tree was one of many that were already stacked in a pile that would triple in size over the next couple of days. Except for the time it took to drag them to the stacking area most of the trees were cut, stripped of their limbs, and stacked in a matter of seconds by the huge machines.
They Begin at 6:30 AM Each Day - Part 4 of the Series
It was actually pretty interesting to watch them working, despite how objectionable the task at hand was to us. They were very efficient in their work. We took our dogs over to the machines so that they would be much less nervous the next day than they were the first day the monstrous machines came to work so close to their dog lot.
A Child's Dream - Part 5 of the Series
Only a small lad at five years old, Caden was awestruck by everything that was going on. Who could blame him? The machines were enormous and the path of destruction appealing to a boy bent on taking in as much as he can. He really wanted to drive them.
Scenic Beauty - Part 6 of the Series
All of these pictures were taken with my cell phone cam, so truly no justice is found in their quality. Take this picture, for example. In my four years in Lee County I have yet to find a more beautiful patch of rolling hills, green fields, and awe inspiring tree lines. The fall colors are amazing each year. I have wondered many times how someone could choose such a spot to bring a highway through. If they had just moved northeasterly a few hundred yards it would have hidden much of the encroachment and left a great place for a park or recreation area. Not just for our sake, mind you. It could have remained a beautiful area for many to enjoy.
A Good Walk Spoiled - Part 7 of the Series
Our family would walk down a tiny path to a hidden creek, allowing the dogs to play in the water and giving us a great opportunity to get out and enjoy nature and the various wildlife beside our home. Deer, coyote, squirrels, birds of all kinds and many other animals would frequent the wooded area. That path is now a wide workway for the machines.
Surveying the Damage - Part 8 of the Series
Surveying the destruction gave us a bit of a morbid feeling. It seems all of those trees we enjoyed so often were like friends, and now we were losing them, day by day.
An Amazing View - Part 9 of the Series
I would sit on my deck in the back of our home and gaze across the field as the sun set, the late afternoon light warming the tall row of trees beyond the edges. The glow of the leaves was a highlight for me each day as I slowly tugged a draw from my tobacco pipe and thought of the very simple things in life. It was so quiet there with these friends. Several of them are already gone in this photo.
My Mighty Friend - Part 10 of the Series
One neighbor has lived in our neighborhood her entire life, some 68-years. She said this mighty Oak tree was enormous even when she was a little girl. The tiny portion of tree hugger in me did go down to embrace it, if only to measure its great size, and I was not even able to get half way around its gigantic girth. I discovered this tree when we first moved here and was instantly drawn to its majesty and size. I would enjoy its shade and sit under it quietly, pipe in hand, to reflect on life's simple pleasures. It gave me shade in the heat of summer and protection from the wind in the coolness of spring. I am so fond of this Oak. This poor picture does it no justice as it is truly a beautiful work of God’s creation. It will fall in the next day or two after enduring for so long. And I will miss my friend.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Tornado in Sanford
Some amazing pictures of the storm damage in our town of Sanford, NC, just a few miles south of us.
Taken by Wesley Beeson of the Sanford Herald.
Flickr
Taken by Wesley Beeson of the Sanford Herald.
Flickr
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Current Pipe and Tobacco Collection
My 12 favorite pipes in the rack (http://www.twocousinspiperacks.com/) along with a few pounds of tobacco.
The books, bottom to top: ESV Bible, Westminster Confession of Faith with Larger & Shorter Catechisms, The Valley of Vision, my personal journal, two separate/topical journals.
Working Together
A recent warm day made for great weather to get a little yard work completed. Our two labs Bailey (Chocolate) and Brady (Yellow) seemed to enjoy it, too.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Found this Morning
From Last Night's Storm. A 40' tree fell from the woods beside our house into our yard. It was an old, dead tree, so last night's wind toppled it over fairly easily, I'm sure. The storm looked a little crazy for a while. With Ethan, for scale. (Cell cam photo.)
January and February have been so busy, but hopefully things will begin slowing up now that March is here. The Upward Basketball league is finished and the boys had a great time. Hopefully that will free up some time to focus on some things we need to work on.
We had planned on doing some camping in our travel trailer, but with gasoline expected to approach or surpass $4 a gallon, we may be staying home much of the spring. It's one thing to burn $35-40 in gas to get there and back. It's another to pay more for gas than the camping fees and food/entertainment for the weekend. Maybe we'll splurge for one trip, just to say we did.
January and February have been so busy, but hopefully things will begin slowing up now that March is here. The Upward Basketball league is finished and the boys had a great time. Hopefully that will free up some time to focus on some things we need to work on.
We had planned on doing some camping in our travel trailer, but with gasoline expected to approach or surpass $4 a gallon, we may be staying home much of the spring. It's one thing to burn $35-40 in gas to get there and back. It's another to pay more for gas than the camping fees and food/entertainment for the weekend. Maybe we'll splurge for one trip, just to say we did.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Red Truck Fly Fishing Rods
I cannot wait for spring. I'm looking forward to being on the streams and rivers of western North Carolina with my three boys. They're fishing way out west, but this video still had me shaking a little bit this morning. Late March/early April can't come soon enough.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
First Video
First Video
Originally uploaded by Joe Jon!
I have woefully neglected the blog after assuring myself I would be more active in the new year. But my blog activity is always a sure sign of how busy I am in life. Work has been crazy, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, basketball practices and games, homeschool activities, and much more fill up our time. And all along we forget to take pictures and make little notes.
I have done well keeping my written journal, though. And I am reading much more than normal. I have been updating Twitter with short bursts almost daily. I rarely do anything with Facebook anymore, though I have been getting razzed by friends at work whenever Stacie goes on my Facebook page and "likes" a product such as "Clairol" or other products focused on women.
The questions I asked Caden in the video are from the Westminster Shorter Catechism (WSC). In our family devotions we have been catechizing the children from the WSC, and they are doing well in memorizing the questions and answers. When I read that 80% (or more) of Christian children sent to public schools apostatize from the church when they leave the home it gives me pause for concern. We are thankful to be able to educate our children and bring them up in the ways of the Lord in our home.
I am getting eager to get back out on the creeks and streams of western North Carolina with my fly rod. I am looking to take some time in April and fish during the week, and I have the areas around Cherokee and the Pisgah National Forest in mind. If you would like to go, bring your tent and sleeping bag and we'll make it happen. I know of a few good places in that area, but am looking to get off the beaten path on this trip. I like the idea of having to hike in for 30-minutes just to wet a line. I don't think most fly fishermen are willing to do that, preferring the ease and comfort of fishing by the road, elbow to elbow. Either way, I plan to take my three boys with me. I also plan to have a fly rod in their hands more than mine this year. I want them to get "eat up with it," so to speak, so that I'll have fishing buddies for life.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Can you find the child in this picture?
Caden is fond of the "I Spy" books. Here he is the subject of a similar search.
Can you find:
Big Bird?
A frog?
A colorful turkey?
A 5-year old human?
Now you get the idea. I Spy books by Scholastic
Can you find:
Big Bird?
A frog?
A colorful turkey?
A 5-year old human?
Now you get the idea. I Spy books by Scholastic
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sanford, NC Snowfall
8:30 AM on Wicker St. (42) near Carthage Street, heading towards the park. Shot with the cell phone.
Friday, December 24, 2010
JR Moore & Sons General Store - Gulf, NC
We finished up our Christmas shopping at J.R. Moore & Sons just a few miles up the road from our house in Gulf, NC. This was the sole store that I shopped in this year as I looked online for all of my shopping needs. Stacie, however, has essentially been Christmas shopping since June in stores throughout the southeast. She's a bargain hunter.
If I could, I would choose to live somewhere so far out that a place like JR Moore would be the closest thing to a Walmart within 100 miles.
If I could, I would choose to live somewhere so far out that a place like JR Moore would be the closest thing to a Walmart within 100 miles.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Christmas Message From Bill Maher
Anti-materialistic/anti-Oprah Christmas Greetings from Bill Maher.
Warning: Some PG-13 language.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Perspective on Size
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir - 'Lux Aurumque'
There are 14 different countries represented. Each of the singers are coming through on a live feed with their webcam and microphone. Pretty awesome.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
What shade of red is your neck?
The boys picked up some awesome hats at their Gigi's house. They pretty much love 'em. These hats belonged to my father, which means the boys will keep them forever.
Check Caden's STP hat. He's sporting' it with the "farmer's tilt."
They look like they are ready to do some hunting. I think I'll start taking Gabe and Ethan next year. If only I can talk Stacie in to eating some venison...
Check Caden's STP hat. He's sporting' it with the "farmer's tilt."
They look like they are ready to do some hunting. I think I'll start taking Gabe and Ethan next year. If only I can talk Stacie in to eating some venison...
Holographic Maps: The Latest Cartographic Innovation - PSFK
Holographic Maps: The Latest Cartographic Innovation - PSFK
Cartography gets even better. With video.
Cartography gets even better. With video.
Friday, December 10, 2010
How to Speak Christianese - Tape Series
From A. Piper at 22 Words. Does this video remind you of a whole bunch of people you know like it does for me? ;)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
"Deer Foot"
Ethan called out to me and said, "Dad! A deer foot!"
Amused, I replied back, "You mean deer tracks, buddy?"
"No, a deer foot!"
I walked over and, sure enough, it was a deer hoof, and 4-5" of the leg with it. We were hiking the fields behind our home enjoying a sunny afternoon when he discovered it.
Amused, I replied back, "You mean deer tracks, buddy?"
"No, a deer foot!"
I walked over and, sure enough, it was a deer hoof, and 4-5" of the leg with it. We were hiking the fields behind our home enjoying a sunny afternoon when he discovered it.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Homeschool International Night
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Happy Birthday, Caden!
My little buddy boy turned 5 today. He has been so excited, counting the days down for the last week. Stacie took him to Target yesterday to spend some birthday money he received from his Gigi (grandmother). He selected a Nerf gun (about the 10th we have now - the Nerf gun wars are insane in this house!) as his toy of choice. As he walked to the check out line he proudly displayed it, letting everyone who got close to him know it was his birthday and that the Nerf gun is what he picked for his big day. He is the most outgoing of all of us.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Fall Color
Not the best year for fall colors, with the recent mini-drought we had at the end of summer. Most of the tress are shades of dark red, dark orange, and brown. But a few have shown to be bright and cheery, such as the maple in our front yard. View from the playroom upstairs.
I've been working evening shift hours the last week and plan to on through Thanksgiving week while the PM manager enjoys his newborn daughter. My day crew is full with veterans, but the second shift is very new for the most part, so I want to be helpful to them without being the overbearing boss. I think they appreciate the manner in which I approach them and help them.
I actually enjoy the evening hours, too. When working day hours I get home around five or six o'clock, depending on the needs of the day, and might have two or three good hours with the family as we all grow weary and prepare for bedtime. Working evenings, though, allows me to rise around 8:00 AM and enjoy the first four or five hours of the day with them before getting ready to leave for work. It's been a nice change of pace.
Some interesting sites of late:
Reformed Book Shelf A small collection of mostly Puritan writers for loan. The service is free minus the cost to return the books (a couple of bucks) and you can keep the book up to 30-days.
The Heidelblog The weblog of R. Scott Clark, professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary, CA. Always something interesting popping up. His book, "Recovering the Reformed Confession" is on my "Top 10 Books I Plan to Buy When I Get Some Extra Cash One Day" list. Right now food and shelter seem to be the most pressing needs.
Green Baggins A bit deep for the layperson at times, but a helpful blog from Lane Keister, a Presbyterian Church in America pastor. There are several contributing writers, as well.
Daily Westminster A selection from the Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger & Shorter Catechisms for use in private devotion or family worship. The reading schedule was organized by one of my favorite preachers, Dr. Joey Pipa, Jr.
I've been working evening shift hours the last week and plan to on through Thanksgiving week while the PM manager enjoys his newborn daughter. My day crew is full with veterans, but the second shift is very new for the most part, so I want to be helpful to them without being the overbearing boss. I think they appreciate the manner in which I approach them and help them.
I actually enjoy the evening hours, too. When working day hours I get home around five or six o'clock, depending on the needs of the day, and might have two or three good hours with the family as we all grow weary and prepare for bedtime. Working evenings, though, allows me to rise around 8:00 AM and enjoy the first four or five hours of the day with them before getting ready to leave for work. It's been a nice change of pace.
Some interesting sites of late:
Reformed Book Shelf A small collection of mostly Puritan writers for loan. The service is free minus the cost to return the books (a couple of bucks) and you can keep the book up to 30-days.
The Heidelblog The weblog of R. Scott Clark, professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary, CA. Always something interesting popping up. His book, "Recovering the Reformed Confession" is on my "Top 10 Books I Plan to Buy When I Get Some Extra Cash One Day" list. Right now food and shelter seem to be the most pressing needs.
Green Baggins A bit deep for the layperson at times, but a helpful blog from Lane Keister, a Presbyterian Church in America pastor. There are several contributing writers, as well.
Daily Westminster A selection from the Westminster Confession of Faith and Larger & Shorter Catechisms for use in private devotion or family worship. The reading schedule was organized by one of my favorite preachers, Dr. Joey Pipa, Jr.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Homeschool Spanish Co-Op Lunch Celebration!
It was a great first session in the homeschool Spanish co-op for Gabe and Ethan. They got a great introduction to the Spanish language and worked on some fun projects and homework. Today they ordered their lunch in Spanish at San Felipe Mexican Restaurant in Tramway and enjoyed the fellowship of their classmates from the Christian Home Educators of Central Carolina. They are already looking forward to the next session after the holidays!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Random Pic from the Week
Sunrise
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