Another Item off the Bucket List

I hope many of you are sitting down when you read this post.  Yes it's true.  I'm ordained.  Not in the Episcopal Tradition ... to do that would require a bit more time, effort, discernment, trials, tribulations, inquire, investigations, proceedings, etc... you get my point.  And, for the record, my ordination is not intended to be offensive or blasphemous to any of you who might think me as a fool and disrespectful. No siree.

My general philosophy in such matters is live and let live; respect everyone's individual spirituality and traditions; do no harm unto others; and please don't disrespect other believes just because agree or understand them.  Don't push yours and I won't push mine.    

Now that I'm ordained (officially titled Reverend), I am allowed to perform the respective duties of a minister should the occasion be requested or required. Please know that I don't take these responsibilities lightly, and have begun research and study to learn and understand some of the history and tradition behind that supports the different ceremonies and blessings that I am now able to perform.

This will be a self imposed spiritual journey.  But rest assured, I'm still the same schmuck, faker, spaghetti-head, humorist, buffoon, dork, word-man, moron, dim whit, idiot, goof ball and knucklehead that I've always been.  No, I will not where a frock, turban, miter, or collar.  I might get a sash someday, but I'm still trying on responsibilities for size. 

So here goes nothing and something all at the same time.  And so it goes...

Iowa feeds the world

This evening the West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA) and Alumni participated in "Meals From The Heartland".  The picture below show several groups at many tables packaging nutritious meal pouches to help feed the hungry people of the world. 

Funding has been raised mostly from private and corporate donations.  The recent WDMLA class raised $40k for this cause. A this chaiman of the board of WDMLA, I couldn't be more proud of the efforts of the class, and the opportunity to volunteer.

And so it goes...

Gumpa and Grandson

There are few things as cool as a relationship between grandfather and grandson.

I win...today

So here is my latest attempt to prevent our dogs from escapingthe deck. Until now, they would hurtle over the "gate". Now that I've placed strategic extensions... I win.  They lose!  Victory is mine!  Ha!   I'm smarter than a five month old dog, and am damn proud of myself..

Might have to open a business building custom, escape-proof fencing.  And so it goes...

Which Way Did She Go?

We are now a nest that is 3/4 full.  Beaner is doing the Rock Chalk Jayhawk thing in Lawrence, KS.  The dogs must miss her.

Shop continues to bring in new business.  I think we're growing too fast...a good problem to have.

Kids are back in school, students are back in town, and teaching resumed this week.

Big Dawg if playing Fall Ball (base ball).  And this weekend, my father-in-law comes to town.

Sidetrack and I are working through a bumpy part of our journey together, and that seems to be going in a positive direction.  One day at a time.  And so it goes...

A day in the life

Class for EMBA students begins this week.  An impressive group of students.

A house of sand

Sand sculpture contest in downtown Iowa City. Big Dawg, Sidetrack and I checked it out. Fragile things, houses made of sand.

If they collapse, they can be rebuilt with time, patience, a little water, and care.  And so it goes...