What Is A Mother?

A mother is someone to shelter and guide us,
To love us, whatever we do,

With a warm understanding and infinite patience

And wonderful gentleness, too.

How often a mother means swift reassurance

In soothing our small, childish fears,

How tenderly mothers watch over their children

And treasure them all through the years!

The heart of a mother is full of forgiveness

For any mistake, big or small,

And generous always in helping her family,

Whose needs she has placed above all.

A mother can utter a word of compassion

And make all our cares fall away,

She can brighten a home with the sound of her laughter
And make life delightful and gay.

A mother possesses incredible wisdom

And wonderful insight and skill -

In each human heart is that one special corner

Which only a mother can fill!

-By Katherine Nelson Davis

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM !

Money Maker

With 2 of these almost down and 2 more on the way I'll be busy for the next few months. Not to mention the freezer scheduled after that in which I'm told I'll want to pull my hair out trying to keep up with the demands of abrasive belts. This oven below is called the GCO 2 or GyroCompact Oven. When standing next to one of these you wonder why an oven needs to be that large. In fact, I think when I was looking for places to live around here there was one apartment with a smaller living area that what one of these ovens would have. These ovens are massive.

You can see the basic "guts" of it in the picture (Not the best picture). Now sit back for a moment and think about how many nuts, bolts, screws, washers, manufactured parts, safety harnesses, hardhats, flashlights, work gloves, abrasive pads, cleaners, degreasers, safety glasses, lifting straps, worklights, shop towels, batteries, denatured alcohol, teflon tape, threadlocker, rotary files, normal files, die grinders, grinding wheels, mandrels, hammers, tubing cutters, backup pads, wire brushes, weld studs, and about a million other things that go into making one of these from the ground up.

Now double it.

And make sure all your hardware is stainless steel. Then you can get a small glimpse of what I do exactly. I make sure everything they need is where it's supposed to be, when it's supposed to be.


The other fun part of the job is telling someone you don't have a certain part. Even if you put 500 washers in the right bin one day doesn't mean that they'll still be there when you show up the next morning and then someone comes to you and wonders why you didn't get any. Ah yes, good times had by all. Anyways, that's a look inside my world of work. Thrilling isn't it?

This and That and Everything In Between

Hey everyone. I think this is my 3rd attempt at posting since my last actual post. Everytime I try it seems I don't know what to put down or what I have down seems dumb. So this post probably won't contain too much that will interest you.

Baseball is back in full swing and that is wonderful. I can't remember so many games being postponed due to weather though. I guess that's what happens when you have winter conditions is mid April. If anyone needs to know anything about the Cleveland Indians I can probably be of some assistance since I get all of their games. I listen to them at work when they have day games and watch them on tv for night games. Remember the name Grady Sizemore. He's 24, plays centerfield and he's real good. Plus every girl that is a Cleveland fan is in love with him. I'd rather listen to the Tigers but I think I'm one county too far East to get the Tigers. I was spoiled when I was at Toledo. I got both. I was sad to see my Tiger, Mr. Inge get off to a 0-20 start to the season but don't worry Brandon......plenty of games left.

In other news, my immediate family has decided to travel the country. Georgia and California. Don't worry, I'll stay here and look at the gray skies. Someone has to make sure Lake Erie doesn't dry up, right? I do however get to join in the next expedition to the south. It will have been about a 2 year gap since the last time I visited there. I hope the catfish have grown. I have thought about sitting on the dock, fishing pole in hand with the sun shining down with a fresh beer about a million times since I've been there last.

In extended family news and notes there has been a major announcement. Congrats to Amy and Brian on their news of getting married and starting a family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm thinking maybe a boy, left hander......killer curveball. We'll figure that out later.

The Red Sox looked impressive today with a 8-0 win at Fenway. Way to go Sox. Just stay ahead of those Yanks.

In other happenings in my world I have been going to this activity some refer to as a "job". I attend this function daily and take the weekends off. It's not a bad setup. I just wish it would start getting and staying warm. Although I should be careful what I wish for since it feels about 100 degrees at all times in the factory during the summer.

I've also been going to the ymca everyday. That is by far the best part of my day. It gets my morning started right. When I walk out of there at 7:42-7:45 I feel so awake and ready for the day. It's great.

Last weekend I went to Good Friday and Easter services at church. Both were very good. There was one reading in one of the services that stuck with me. Not sure why but I'm sure some readings have done the same with some of you before as well. So I decided I'd post it since I like it.

Matthew 5:10-12

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

How cool is that?

I think that's all I have for now. Hope all is well with everyone. Bye Y'all.

Ball Don't Lie

Sweet Shot Sheed

The First Baseball Game

(This is an account of the first baseball game as told by Harey Carey......)

Hello Fans this is Harey Carey, welcome to todays game between the Bethlehem Braves and the Jerusalem Giants. Kind of a sparse crowd here today as a plague of locusts has made it tough to get out to the ballpark. You can hear the vendors though.....Hey Manna! Get your Manna! Who wants bread from Heaven it's hot...it's fresh..it just fell ...hot manna here!.....Penance !Penance!....Our Fathers, Hail Marys, can't get absolution without an act of contrition...who wants a rosary here! Water ! Water ! Wa....Wine ! Who wants wine now!

Peter looks into Jesus for the sign, Jesus gives him the sign..Holy Cow! Peter denies it!.....he gives it to him again he denies it again, once more!...that's three times and Jesus is out to give Peter a sermon on the mound. Jesus of course the big hero in yesterdays game...came up in the bottom of the ninth with the braves down 3-0 and hit a bases empty grand slam!...Fans we haven't had a miracle like that since we had fishes and loaves night. I had a chance to talk with the Savior after the game and this is what he had to say "Well Harey, the ball was on the outside part of the plate....I had enough time to make contact...first of all I want to thank my Father for loading the bases and the Holy Ghost for breaking up the double play."

Back to the action! La-Zair-Us up to the plate....(Harry turns to other announcer) what's that? Sorry Lazuras up to the plate...here's the pitch...oh no ! he's hit, he's hurt...he's down..Holy Cow...he's dead! But wait a minute, he gets back up...that's the 6th time this week...that kid can take one for the team.

Abraham up to the plate now...probably up here to sacrafice....infield drawn in for the patriarch and now there's some action in the Bethlehem bullpen. I can't quite make out the back of his robe...It is ! The big #10 Moses! Just called up from the Burning Bush League, already getting a reputation for that lightning fast pick off move...reminding those runners that thou shalt not steal.

Lets give it over to Steve Stone now "Thank you Harry, fans you want to be here this Tuesday night when the Braves meet the Calvary Cubs...it's gonna be Nabisco communion wafer day here at the ballpark, all fans 33 and under get a free eucharist signed by the savior himself. You know fans Nabisco communion wafers go down smooth...won't stick to the roof of your mouth like those cheap imitation sacraments. Sure they cost a little more but when it comes to your eternal salvation isn't it worth that extra buck in the collection plate?...Remember fans the next time you go to the rail for that body and blood ask for the host with the most!...ask for Nabisco."

Thanks Steve, here's some scores now from around the league....a big upset: David 1 Goliath 0...ends a long win streak for the big guy. Oh no! Job is on the 15 day disabled list with a bad case of leprosy...pulled a hamstring...pulled it right off. Angels have sent Lucifer down..that's a shame...when that kid was in his prime he could throw some heat! This year his earned run average has ballooned to a hefty 6.66.

(I heard this a few years ago and put it on a cd.....I found that cd a few days ago and I laugh everytime I hear this so I thought I'd share it.....it's some guy on a radio show telling this story and doing his Harey Carey impersonation....it's quite comical)

What's New ?

Again I sit in front of this computer and can't think of anything to say that would be remotely interesting. However, I was asked to post something so when people click on my blog they are not greeted with the same thing day after day after day.

I have switched up my daily routine by joining the local YMCA. So instead of getting up at 6:30..showering...then going back to bed....I now awake at 5-5:15....get dressed....make my lunch...and head to the Y. I still eat turkey for lunch everyday. It is delicious.

Today I decided I'm not old but I am definitely on my way. I was listening to the radio this morning and they were interviewing ex-tiger Travis Fryman. He was talking about he coaches kids now and how they don't even know that he was a major leaguer. I did not want to hear this. It was only yesterday when I was sitting at Tiger Stadium enjoying probably the best blue raspberry frozen coke I have ever tasted and watching Travis Fryman play. To hear that he is virtually an unknown name now was quite depressing. Do kids have any recollection of Mickey Tettleton, Rob Deer, or even Cecil Fielder? Milt Cuyler, Scott Livingstone, Chad Curtis, Bill Gullickson, Mike Henneman ? They should know Trammell and Gibson since they were around not too long ago. By the time Seth can appreciate baseball, names like Inge, Polanco, Granderson, and Zumaya probably won't be as well known as they are right now. I guess only time will tell. Too bad Ernie Harwell can't live forever and sign a million year contract to broadcast baseball games. I'm glad I got to hear him growing up.

So yes, at 22 years of age I'm reminiscing. I guess I'm not old, just older than before. I suppose that's the way it works. Anyways, it's my bedtime. Goodnight Everyone and have a pleasant tomorrow.


P.S. Aunt Joyce I think it was you who bought me that ever so delicious frozen coke on a hot summer day, so for that, I am forever grateful.

Hi

Nothing new here. Turkey sandwiches abound. Baseball coming soon to a television near you.

Snowed In

Today is my first snow day as a working person. Both roads I could possibly use to get to my place of employment are shut down. I called my boss from inside my car this morning telling him I was stuck in my parking space at my apartment and he informed me of the roads being so closed. How did my boss get to work on time I wondered? Come to find out he slept at work last night. He said don't worry about coming in. So I won't. I will stay in and enjoy the delicious lunch I had made for myself.
It is times like these when I picture the dock in Georgia.....If there is one image in my mind that I use to make things seem warmer, that dock would be it. Any picture of Georgia seems better than some of the photos I took this morning.
Anyways, Happy Valentine's Day for all you who have valentine's and be careful on the roads if you have to go out for some reason.

Lake Erie(As close as I could get)

Parking Lot

My Escort(right) after Scraping

Polar Bear Weekend

As usual East Tawas provided many memories that I won't soon forget. If I can sum up the weekend in a single word I would have to say "Random". You see people you don't expect to see, you meet so many different people, and somehow I ended up playing guitar with a microphone that was definitely on....I even think I had a fan. Anyways, here are some pictures to browse through.
http://andy82384.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b325b902c451

Welcome to Ohio Basketball

You know the scene in Hoosiers when Gene Hackman walks through the gym door right before he coaches his first highschool basketball game for Hickory saying "Welcome to Indiana basketball"? Well tonight I sampled what Ohio high school basketball is like. I went to the Huron Tigers vs. the Perkins Pirates game. The ticket was $6 bucks to get in but I guess everything in Huron is expensive. I soon realized that it was well worth the 6 dollars.

It was a very small and crowded gym which I like.....I think it adds something. Coming from Airport you may think it's odd to hear me say that since our stands went for as far as the eye could see. Anyways, I soon found out that the Perkins Pirates are a perfect 16-0 on the season. I got to talking with some older guys in the stands and I often times nodded my head and acted like I knew what I was talking about......"Vaus is having a good game huh?"......my response "Oh yeah, he's a pretty good ball player." I have no idea who any of the players are so I was pretty much in the blue.

There was one kid who stood out though. In fact he was the reason it was worth my 6 dollars to go. I don't know his name but I know he is #5 for the still undefeated Perkins Pirates. He put on a heck of a show in the first half. He had to drain about 5 or 6 three pointers in the first 2 quarters, not to mention one that fell through the net as time expired at halftime. He had 25 points at halftime and it was obvious he was better than everyone else. He only played about 3 minutes in the second half and ended the game with 28 points. The coach took him out to let the other kids on the team have a chance to play. I'm sure he could have easily scored 45 if he wanted to. The funny thing is he wasn't bigger than the rest of them, he was just quick and a very pure shooter. So thank you to whoever you are who made the game worth it. I guess this kid is an even better baseball player than he is a basketball player.....he's a southpaw and he pitches. I might have to go watch him pitch.

I also kept track of free throws during the game just so I had something to do. This led some people to believe I was scouting the Perkins team. They even asked me if that's what I was doing but I told them I was just keeping track of free throws. Perkins finished the game going 14/19 and the line while Huron went 14/22. Huron's coach was slapped with a technical foul in the second half and there was one flagrant foul assessed to a Huron player for taking out a Perkins player late in the game. It wasn't flagrant in my opinion but oh well, I'm not the zebra out there calling the game. So the final score was Perkins 83 Huron 61........and Perkins improved to an impressive 17-0.

It's been quite a few years since I've watched a high school basketball game and it might be a few more after tonight but I have to say I'm glad I got to see this game tonight. So now I think I'm going to watch some tv and fall asleep. Happy Weekend everyone.

Thanks Dad

Today I would like to thank my Father for having me stick the portable battery charger in my closet for a cold, snowy day. That cold, snowy day was today. The usually tougher than nails escort was a little under the weather.....a few inches under the weather in fact (laugh here cause that's funny). So I got the charger out of my closet, hooked it up, and turned the key and it started right up. My landlord was out shoveling the sidewalks and noticed my useful item and said that sure is nice to have. I agreed and headed off to work.

Nothing really exciting happened there except for one of the normally more reserved employees came to pick up some black rubbermaid stepstools I had brought in for him and he put one on his head and gave his best Darth Vader impression.

In 3 days I will be heading up to East Tawas to once again jump in the ever-so-refreshing Lake Huron. This will be my 6th year of jumping in the frozen waters. It does get easier after you do it for the first time but it always takes your breath away. I always like having some rookies jump in because if you've never done it, you really don't know how cold it's going to be......so until saturday afternoon rolls around, you think about it. The worst part to me isn't being in the water....it's the part where you're standing out on the ice waiting to jump in that is the coldest, especially if you're bare-footed. Once you get out though the air feels so warm. Anyways, I always look forward to this weekend. It provides a large amount of entertainment.

This past weekend I was able to catch a bit of Tiger Woods 7th straight PGA tour victory. Some of the shots he pulls off are amazing. Shots no one else would even try. I saw him pick a ball clean right out of a bunker.....with a 5 wood.....which traveled about 240-250 yards. In honor of Tigers 7th straight, I think I'll show one of my all-time favorite shots from him.

It's the weekend

What can I tell you that you would want to know about the happenings of my life? I finished another week of work. The winds off of Lake Erie can be very cold. I ate turkey for lunch everyday this week (you probably didn't want to know that but I don't have much material to work with). The Pistons are on my tv tonight. I have no idea what I'm going to do this weekend. I need to go grocery shopping. I keep hoping I'll have something to say when I blog but I just draw a big blank. I'm sure when the time is right I'll have something to say but for now I think that's all I have. Happy weekend to all !

P.S. I miss Baseball

Friday, Thank You

I like Fridays. It's my favorite day of the week. Yes, I still have to go to work but I like knowing that I don't have to be anywhere the next day. So you ask, well why isn't Saturday your favorite day?....afterall you don't have to do anything or be anywhere then. Valid point. But I think it's the mindset of the night before of knowing you can get up at 6 if you want or sleep in 'til noon.

Anyways, as far as my life goes it's still pretty calm. Nothing that exciting to report. I was hoping I'd have some news for everyone but I don't. Maybe next time.

Well I'm off to work, have a great weekend.

Stuff and Things

Well it's been quite a while since I've posted anything of substance and I'm not sure this will turn out to be that but at least I got to log in. There isn't too much to post about me and the happenings in my life. In the waterpark of life I guess I'd be the lazy river....for the most part it's pretty calm except for maybe a maybe a brief moment where you get a nice cold splash and then everything goes back to normal.

I won't bore you with my routine again but it's the same. My back pain comes and goes as it pleases. I have reason to believe I have more of a sciatic problem these days. The pain runs down my left leg more than it ever has. Somedays I don't feel it, somedays it's a constant pain.

Tonight is the National Championship in college football.....I really don't care who wins. My work environment might be more enjoyable if Ohio State wins but I don't care either way. I'd trade in college football and and the NHL season for another baseball season. Especially if the baseball season was like this past one.

I'm still trying to win the lottery so I can retire at the ripe age of 22 but that plan is still in it's early stages. I doubt that plan will ever reach completion but that's alright. I think there is some life lesson to be learned by getting up and going to work for 35 or 40 years.

I honestly can't think of anything interesting going on with me. I'm here, I'm working, I'm doing just fine. Hopefully I can come up with some better material for next time. Happy Monday/Tuesday everybody!

A Blogging Miracle

Well after enough messing around and some advice from Aunt Joyce I am hoping this works. It would be nice to add something to the blogging world again after a few weeks of not being able to access anything. So I guess this will be test blog #1. It's good to be back.

TGIF

Well another work week down. Everything is fine with me. Hope everyone has an excellent weekend !

Pearl Harbor

December 7th, 1941 "A date which will live in infamy"

-FDR

No Rematch

Well there will be no rematch between U of M and OSU this season. Florida will play the buckeyes for the national title. The wolverines will play USC in the Rose Bowl. I was hoping for a rematch. Oh well.

This weekend I have done a whole lot of nothing. I've rested, I've consumed various items of food, I've watched the Lions hand over their game to New England and say please beat us, we don't want to win.

Another work week lies ahead and that doesn't really bother me one bit. The good part about staying here on the weekends is the fact that I don't have to drive back on sunday night. I get to relax instead.

My back is holding up pretty well today. It has it's ups and downs just like the elevator business and I'm kind of used to it. I think that's all I have to report for now. Have a great week !

One Step at a Time

It's back to work today and I wish it wasn't, in fact I think I need a few months off to just sit down and hope my back gets better. I had a weekend of ups and downs with it and this morning is a very low point. I'm back to having seemingly easy tasks become monumental feats.....putting socks on, getting into and out of the shower, getting out of bed. Hopefully something changes quickly....this messes my routine up big time. If I could give myself a cortisone shot...now would be a good time for it. Well I'm off to face the day. Enjoy your Monday everyone.

Thanksgiving

Tomorrow I get to come home. 4 days off. Friends, Family, Food. I'll be on the couch. Very Thankful.