when the messenger kills the message

We've all heard it said, particularly in christian circles, "hey, I'm just the messenger" or "don't kill the messenger" when related to hard truths we are uncomfortable with.

But what happens when it is the messenger that kills the message?

Anyone who has been in church very long, understands this can happen so easily. We get to know the human side of the pastor or teacher and then all of a sudden his words have a lot less integrity.......somehow the truth seems, well, hypocritical from the source.

A friend of mine from Romania stopped me after service sunday and we talked for maybe 20-30 minutes about stuff. Sometimes I have a hard time getting his meaning to things because there's a bit of a language barrier...but somewhere-outa nowhere-he says something to this affect:

"so, my friend says to me, why do you let that guy playing guitar and speaking keep you from church?"

"because he's said some things about me that aren't true-he lies"

"church isn't about that guy, you go for God, not that guy"

So, my Romanian friend is back at church. And he had a timely message for me. The true source of the message we hear on Sunday mornings is from our creator. While there may be times we have to separate that message from the messenger, we should never deny truth.

We're all human. We all make mistakes and sometimes continue doing so despite constant confrontal and correction. I know often times I've screwed up the message by my actions as the messenger......and I ask for grace. But truth is truth-regardless of who says it. There's a reason why the truth of God has been around so long. It isn't human.

Hitting the road.....

If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way-take the highway that's the best. Get your kicks on.....yeah, you got it now, don't ya?

It's been 5 years since the family headed down historic route 66. And 5 years since we've taken a big family trip-but the fam is heading out west again, this time to the Rockies, and I am quite certain it will be even more enjoyable. Especially for our little girl who wasn't a year old yet last time.

I love old highways, as anyone who has read this blog can attest. I know the Lincoln Highway leads out west, but I think we'll interstate it this time. I love being out west-that's the more important thing. Something about the big open starkness, the mountains.....heading out on the road and the drive is as important as, or is the destination.

And there is something that can be said for getting out of Indiana. Don't get me wrong, I love this place, but there is a whole other world out there that Hoosiers need to experience. If for no other reason, than when the CBS news interviews you in front of the Golden Gate Bridge, you don't look like a slack-jawed yocal with a comment like this "that's near the craziest derned thing I've ever seen!" As was recorded this morning on CBS, with identifying text on the screen "Indiana Tourist"

yeah, this is why my friends in college poked fun at us. Pics from 66 at the top.

do as I say, not as your youth leader does

Shortly after this picture was taken, one freshly graduated youth group senior fell 15' down a rocky slope at Shades State Park at one of my annual senior guys canoe trips.

I can think of several prime examples of why I shouldn't be allowed to work with youth. And despite these serious short-comings, my wife, as a director of a local youth cooperative of churches, insisted I be at her side. Sometimes I took the lead, or took over during maternity leaves. By and by, I enjoyed it and there were about a dozen guys I got pretty close to during the 5 years of torture. Many of those guys still swing by the house, email, etc. today.

I had no desire to work with youth. My own youth group experience was not so great-I just knew what I DIDN'T want it to be. I found myself learning along the way, and I have to hope that something I said stuck.

I remember a conversation with one guy, a few years after high school, when I asked......man, what went wrong with so and so......did I encourage that behavior? Wasn't he in the same room with you when I said don't do that kinda stuff? The response was simple, "yeah, but you did your job-it's up to them to work things out with God"

Maybe this is good training for raising kids. As much as we pour into them, they will have to make their own judgement call on things. I just hope, just like the guys from the youth group, they won't mind talking thru those issues with someone older, and hopefully wiser. Wiser than me!

messages from the weekend

I noticed a flick in the new releases section of the video store-Conspiracy with Top Gun & Batman actor Val Kilmer (man, he's getting old). I hadn't heard of it, and 20 minutes into the film, I knew why. Talk about a low budget, made for cable film! I really don't mind films with political messages embedded into the plot-but let me figure it out. I don't need a 5 minute synopsis of the evil of the american corporate empire by the distressed and rescued beauty.

What was a little scary was the realization that the blatant racist remarks made by the villain in the film, which seemed rather falsely explosive........are comments I hear, right here in river city, regarding our Latino immigrants. Not good-the film either. Save your dime, pass on Conspiracy.
_________________________

A film I had been wanting to see and finally took the opportunity was Fight Club. Not what I expected. But still pretty good. If you've not seen it, then this isn't going to make any sense to you.

Not long into the movie, I made the comment to my wife.......hmmm, I could see (my buddy) and I doing that! And laughed about it. By the end of the film, after I realized his buddy was his alter ego, I started to question my own sanity and tried to figure out if a couple of the guys I hang out with really exist, or, since they're 10 yrs+ my junior, are they just my alter ego-reflections of a youth now gone and since they're in top notch shape-what I'd like to be?

If you ever see me punching myself on the street.......call the guys in white coats.

shhhhh....don't pray so loud

I get together on occasion with a couple guys for breakfast on Saturday morning. They're fellow backpackers & faithful readers, so I hope they enjoy this reflection from this past weekend.

Not sure why, but more recently I've felt convicted about making sure we pray before meals when we go out. Our kids normally take turns giving thanks before meals, so now, they say grace over the white noise of pots and dishes clanking and other patrons around us. Most people still think it's sweet.

It seems like more often that not, I'm the one that offers to say grace when the 3 guys get together, but this time the tall guy jumped the gun and offered. He started in and I thought, dang, tall guy, we're sitting right here-we can hear you fine. But it wasn't that tall guy was abnormally loud......it's just that I'm abnormally quiet when dining out and offering grace.

I'm not sure why that is. I'm not ashamed, am I? God knows I've never had to tell people here in river city I'm a christian-they've just sorta figured that one out. So, prayer just naturally follows, right? Thanks tall guy-it was a good bro prayer!

At what decibel level do you pray when dining out? Do you?

40 years ago.....

If you had asked me 20 years ago if I would be reflecting on the assassination of Martin Luther King, or on Bobby Kennedy in the 40th year marking their deaths, I would have said you were crazy. But, I've grown up a little since then and can see how their influence and unrealized potential served our country greatly. And they are missed.

In the same year I mark the 40th anniversary of my birth, our country must mark the senseless murders of two men who shaped the nation. When people ask when I was born, I say "in the same year two great men were gunned down". I have to admit a private fear-it isn't lost on me that 40 years after King we have the first black man as the potential presidential nominee.....and that there are still a lot of racists out there. I often find myself saying short prayers for the Senator from Illinois, regardless of his politics.

Indiana will be forever tied by King's death to Bobby Kennedy because of Kennedy's speech in Indianapolis the day King was killed-40 years ago today. Many credit Indianapolis' calm during the riots seen in the rest of the country to Bobby's speech.

Few men have been able to inspire our country to be better than it is, to set a vision of what could be, as these men did. I see that in Obama. And we desperately need it today.

Since I'm a big fan of U2........I'll let Bono take it from here. Pray for our country.

Pride (In The Name Of Love)

One man come in the name of love

One man come and go

One man come, he to justify

One man to overthrow

In the name of love

What more in the name of love

In the name of love

What more in the name of love

One man caught on a barbed wire fence

One man he resist

One man washed on an empty beach.

One man betrayed with a kiss

In the name of love

What more in the name of love

In the name of love

What more in the name of love

Early morning, April 4

Shot rings out in the Memphis sky

Free at last, they took your life

They could not take your pride

In the name of love

What more in the name of love

In the name of love

What more in the name of love

In the name of love

What more in the name of love...

ahhh Spring time in Indiana

Last weekend was just warm enough for the bulbs to start sprouting, crocuses bloomed and I found myself staring out the window eager to get outside and do some work. It even smelled a little like spring-you know, that fishworm smell. Ahhhhh.

We had gotten a delivery of saplings from the Arbor Day Foundation and they needed planted so I found a spot in the garden and began digging. Man, it felt good to get my hands in the soil! The layer on top was a little frozen yet, but I managed. We put in a little "victory garden" in our small backyard here in town. We really don't get much produce from it, but the kids especially like to do the planting and watch things grow. And I think that's important to experience since we are so far removed from where our food comes from anymore.

My wife has pledged to do more shopping at our farmer's market this year. It may be because I have threatened to dig up the remaining back yard for a full yard kinda garden. Wouldn't have to worry about mowing then.......just a lot of weeds.

Grant Wood is my favorite artist (American Gothic fame)-I think he captures Midwest life very well. Above is one of my favorite works of his because it is a great reflection of what happens in our back yard each spring, right here in river city.

This weekend's weather promises to be great-get out there and do some digging.

invitation to a Snipe Hunt

Wilson's Snipe

American Woodcock

I'm not sure outside of the Hoosier state how much of a phenomenon snipe hunting is. I know that we had great fun with our Michigan friends, who apparently didn't understand the concept of snipe hunting.

I remember the first time someone mentioned to me the great adventure of a snipe hunt, then ultimately gave the secret away. I've enjoyed hunting with friends with whom I've never shared the real fun of the adventure with.

The problem is this..........when you're a brainiac bird guy.........you understand full well that there really is such a thing as a snipe. In fact, on our recent hike to the wetlands, Bird Man and I had to make a determination if one fowl we saw was snipe or woodcock. We decided on woodcock. Wilson's Snipe is a for-real bird who winters in the Hoosier state, but is rarely seen due to its secretive behavior and remote habitat.

So, the next time you get invited snipe hunting, take it seriously. I've attached a picture of a snipe and woodcock for comparison. I was a little leery about googling pictures for the woodcock.

Help-what is this?

I came across something very disturbing in the woods. I was wondering if anyone could identify what made these marks on this tree. I don't know that a dog could have clawed it up this bad. Maybe something was tied to it to strip it? Is this man made?

Tax & Spend.....REPUBLICANS?

Whatever happened to my favorite nemeses, the enemy of all that is good and right, the tax and spend liberal Democrats? I mean, com'on, I spent anxious nights worrying in highschool and college that these guys would take over and drain my financial resources, hold me hostage to pay them more, or at the very least send some goons to rough me up.

Now it just seems that we are all suffering from a political identity crisis. If you haven't heard, sales tax just went up in Indiana today! Yeah, and while they claim property tax relief, you'll probably end up paying more in property taxes like me.

And who is behind this? Those crazy liberals? NO! It's the REPUBLICANS who are getting tax happy! Is this what Ronald Reagan meant when he said........."I didn't leave the Democrat Party, the Democrat Party left me". I feel for ya Gipper, that's how I'm starting to feel about the Republicans, albeit, they kinda threw me out.

By the way....don't drive on the toll road either. The tolls just doubled too.

Let's go for a hike

Saturday a friend and local birder.....let's call him the bird man......and I set out to hike some state wetlands near river city. This is the same guy from the owling incident. We had an impressive array of fowl sightings, so, for this bird log from the weekend I'm also including the cool ones we saw at the wetlands.

Wood ducks MF

Northern Saw-Whet Owl (this was an early morning visitor to our house)

Canada Goose 12

Mallard 4

Ring Necked Duck MF

Hooded Merganser MF

Cardinal 4

Juncos 5

Goldfinch 2

House finch 7

Mourning Dove 3

White Breasted Nuthatch 2

American Woodcock (more on this later)

Tufted Titmouse 2

Black Capped Chickadee 2

Crows 7

Turkey Vulture

Downy Woodpecker MF

Robin 2

Starlings 3

Blue Jay 2

Red Wing Blackbird 8

Grackles 5

Common Goldeneye 6

Hairy Woodpecker

All in all it was a good time. Bird Man said people wouldn't think it strange seeing two guys out in the woods if we were carrying guns, so I'm taking my great grandma's hunting rifle next time.

Great Site

I've been made aware of a great blog site out of Georgia that is tongue in cheek funny if you've grown up in the typical church. Even if you haven't. This guy's got a great sense of humor with some powerful truths tucked inside.

www.stuffchristianslike.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Investment (in souls) 101

I was unusually squeamish in church yesterday. I blame Don Miller-author of Blue Like Jazz-along with some recent "church issues" my wife & I have been dealing with.

The sermon was essentially entitled "investing in others". Which up to a few months ago-I'da been fine with. But, I have to say since reading Blue's concept of "investing" vs. loving, that term kinda hurts my ears during service.

So, as Christians, we're supposed to "invest" in others? It is hard to argue faced with our materialistic more is better society that "investing" is a good thing......sounds like a responsible christian sort of thing to do. But are we actually called to "invest" or are we called to love? If I remember correctly it was love your neighbor, poor, etc. not determine your portfolio of investments for the kingdom..........hmmm, give me 2 shares of poor, 5 shares of neighbors and just one share of people on the street.......that one's a little risky, but could pay high dividends if I got my hands dirty.

How often do you crack open your portfolio or check your mutual funds for companies you desire to have a relationship with, that you love? Wal-Mart might be a smart investment..........but I hope you don't "love" it. Do you? Please tell me you don't. If you do you are no longer welcome at HH.

Noooooo...........we're called to love regardless of paybacks or dividends. Love is building relationships, getting dirty, carrying one another's burdens. Wal-Mart can't do that! Don't cheapen God's greatest commandment of loving your neighbor by tying it to the root of all evil! Just love-expect NOTHING in return.......I think that's more biblical than investing.

Gee, I hope my pastor doesn't read my blog.

aching to get on the trail!

So, you ask, how do you spend your 10 year anniversary from the first date with your wife?

Head to Bass Pro Shop with the kids!

That's right, last night marked our 10th anniversary from our first date-6 weeks later we were engaged, 5 months after that, married. I have a job in Portage, IN that took us up that way and we decided to make an outing of it. Bass Pro Shops are cool.......and even my wife enjoyed it. The kids especially did.

But man, I could have spent hours in the backpacking & hiking gear section. It got me thinking all kinds of crazy thoughts about future backpacking trips and I've already emailed two buddies to drop the hint for next year. And it brought fond memories of the Lake Superior trip this last summer. I think I'd prefer to head somewhere warmer though.........don't those guys look cold?

And of course, we drove in SNOW AND ICE on the way home. Welcome spring.

Advice from a reader

The following passage was recommended reading from one of our contributors; along with an urging to pray for our leaders, that God would change their hearts.

Romans 13 Submission to the Authorities
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Beware! Billary cometh!

The fact that Indiana's primary will actually count for something in the Democratic primary this year is pretty cool news indeed. I will, in starke contrast, go in and cast my GOP protest vote that won't count. Go Huckabee!

This good news for Democrats means visits to the Hoosier state from the candidates, including my pick for the primary-Obama, and, of course, visits from the Clinton clan. Bill couldn't have landed in any less pro-Clinton state. But, he was working his magic in South Bend, down the 31 corridor to Rochester then the scenic route to Lafayette via Logansport. I've yet to hear if there were protestors saying "Bill go home!", but I'm quite certain our conservative state was "feeling the pain". Beware, Hillary lands here on Friday.

I think I could almost buy Hillary's message..........if it just were someone else giving it. Kinda like if Howard Stearn got up and preached a good sermon one Sunday.

The Clintons enlisted their daughter Chelsea to help sway voters too.........she was at her dad's side on Monday and will be returning to Notre Dame on Wednesday to lead discussions with Rudy. Do you think the students at Notre Dame have any respect for an actor (Sean Astin) who pretends to be a student at ND? I guess at least that Rudy may make a difference in the Indiana primary, unlike Rudy G!

I spoke too soon

When I reviewed our mail after work yesterday I found two slips from the county assessor's office for our properties. "Annual trending report" is what they called it; it showed our assessments on the properties went up by nearly $10,000 combined. This upward shift, based on the governor's property tax RELIEF plan, will cause our overall taxes to go up between $135-$155 now. And this is just the first year........should we see "trending" follow the same course, do we just add $100 every year on top of what was paid the year before? Ouch!

Does that make sense? Property tax relief will end up costing more?

That's how it works with Governor Daniels. My stomach already turns at his ads and they just started yesterday.

In(diana) Harmonie

One of my favorite places in Hoosierland is the tiny historic town near the southwest point of our state, on the banks of the Wabash, New Harmony.

Steeped in culture rich in history and art, this little town has much to offer the visitor from its historic architecture dating to its founding in 1814 to the modern designed by world renown architects. While there are amenities for the casual visitor, it is not touristy in the least. If you visit, plan to just take it easy........long walks, strolls through gardens, incredible dining.........and just time for contemplation.

A fellow named George (Father) Rapp founded the town as an experimental, spiritual communal village in 1814. Failing to isolate his followers from the outside world and finding internal struggle, he sold the town to Robert Owen from England who sought to create a Utopian society basking in art, literature, and education in 1825.

I have visited in summer and fall........I recommend visiting in the fall to more thoroughly saturate your senses. Dine at the Red Geranium or the Yellow Door Tavern. Guests at the New Harmony Inn can check out a variety of books from the complex's library housed in an old depot. Also visit the Harmonie State Park for a long hike and make your way down to the Wabash River. I also recommend spending some time in the roofless church.

My visit with a college class in 1995 was enjoyable.......I had to corral buddies who visited the local watering hole-the Sas & Pas after we snuck up to the the roof garden of the atheneum. Shortly after the Sas & Pas, we posted scouts at the doors of the Inn's indoor pool housed in its own building........I'll not mention why we posted scouts, but we felt it was necessary for us and potential swimmers alike.

Later, I took my new bride to the quaint little town and we made our own memories there.

For more information visit www.usi.edu/hnh/harmonist.asp

his lordship, the Dog

There are times when our dog kinda runs our house......even at only 15lbs. We've had him for going on 9 years and he is older than our kids, so, in many ways he has rights that supersede our other children's' (notice I said "other children's').

Prepare yourself.............our dachshund has been hunting Easter eggs since our first Easter with him 8 years ago and yesterday was no exception. We put dog treats in the plastic eggs and hide them at wiener dog level. He learned very quickly and we only had to show him one yesterday before he was in scurrying mode to find more. He cracks them open with his jaws and gets the treat inside. Our family derives great pleasure in watching this, as you can imagine.

Now-before you think we're cracked, we have friends who have the same fondness of their labradors-even inviting the brutes to sleep in bed with them. Our dog, however, takes up very little room. He is good at catching moles (his German name literally means "badger dog") and barking at strangers who walk by the house-just not at strangers who are in our house. And he puts up with a lot of crap from the kids.......and in turn we put up with a lot of crap in the lawn.

the Cross

the nails, the cross, the blood.......the life.

Friends out there......reflect this Easter on the historical event that changed this world forever and continues to have the power to change the human soul. Reflect on our responsibility to change the world, not in proselytizing the masses, but in loving the hurting as Christ lived for on earth.

I'm beginning to recoil at the term "christian", not because of what it should mean, but because of the baggage the term carries today. Most christians are not Christ followers or model Him as we are called. Recently I've been reading a book called "unChristian" which tackles the perceptions non-christians have of the church.....and it is shocking. Most know enough about Christ to know that the church doesn't look anything like Jesus.

Fact of the matter is that the church today probably would have been the ones crying "crucify him!"

So, for you out there who never have understood life in Christ, through the cross, I want to apologize on behalf of the church-we have failed to be the image of God on earth. You are not alone, though, because I believe most "christians" have never experienced this life either.

A remake of an old hymn says "the wonderful cross, bids me come and die and find that I may truly live". Christian friends out there...........have we really died? Are we truly "living"?.....then tell me, what are we living for? What did Jesus live for, what did he die for?

I have found what it means to be brought to the cross and find real life, real life-changing kinda stuff........beyond kiddy conversions & confirmations. And it has been an awesome ride.

credit where credit is due

All right, with all the griping I have done over the property tax hysteria that has gripped the Hoosier state, I thought I must confess my most recent calculations based on the property tax relief plan that was signed into law today.

I had been predicting that my taxes would see a net increase of around $600. Based on the caps of 1% for residential (taxes will stay the same) and 2% on rental property (taxes will decrease by $100) and a 1% increase in sales tax from 6 to 7 cents on the dollar (taxes will increase by $120); I stand to realize a net increase in taxes by about $20.

I can live with that.

Assuming next year reassessment doesn't raise my property values by 50%! Thanks for the bipartisan effort to address the tax issue in Indiana-although I would've been just as happy if they had left it alone.

Into the Wild

I can think of very few movies in my lifetime that have led to great discussion about the content with friends or family with whom I watched them. Saturday night found us watching a film that still has me mulling life over in my head today.

My wife sent me to pick up a dvd to watch this weekend since our Saturday night routine of Prairie Home Companion, then PBS has been indefinitely interrupted by our local PBS station being "down". I walked the aisles of the video store and landed on "Into the Wild"....something about it grabbed me, though I had never heard of it.

Based on a true story, this top of the class kid graduates pre-law and was accepted to Harvard, but dealing with some internal struggle chucked it all and headed out on the road. The relationships that he developed as people crossed his path were emotionally comforting and challenging to him. Finally he ended up in the Alaskan wilderness alone........but with a new found perspective on life......"happiness is only real when shared". I've really dumbed this movie down, but want to encourage you to go out and rent it. Be in the right state of mind to watch it though.

Personal application time: over the last few months my attention has been turned very directly toward the people in my life-friends, family & neighbors-and to examine my relationship with them to determine if I am truly living up to what I need to be for my kids, my wife, my friends. And not out of obligation, but out of love. It is interesting to note that I have experienced a shift away from politics, career and most recently the church-and I believe it is to fulfill what I really want most in life.........to truly make an impact in people's lives.

No doubt, this recent movie gave me more insight on how to do just that.

oh Danny Boy....

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

With great wonderment, I sat at my grandparents' feet and listened to tales of their ancestors and our colorful family history that led all my branches of the family to take root here in the fertile soils of Indiana......which I understand, are much like the green green grass of their motherland, Ireland.

The Bryants (earlier O'Bryans), Baileys, Carothers, Mahurins, Careys, and many others in the family tree hail from the Emerald Island. I'm about half German and half Irish........which I guess could make for a really angry drunk. Tradition in our family is that we gather for corned beef & cabbage at my parents-and I love the stuff. I have such a great affinity for my Irish roots that I usually ignore the rest.

"Grandad," I would ask "where did your people come from"

"well, son, it has been told that my great grandad came with his many brothers from Ireland"

"really, but our name really doesn't sound Irish.....maybe, I guess"

"well, this was the story passed down to me......we're Irish and proud to be"

Well, with a little research I found that that was not the case.........it appears our surname once had a "T", which made it very German. Nonetheless, I claim the more authentic bloodlines including our Bryant ancestry. I have a picture of my great-grandad's brother who was killed in WWI and I often think of this young Irish lad who gave his life for his country when I hear the tune "oh Danny boy", written in 1913.

If there is one other country I'd like to visit, it would be that green gem on the east edge of the Atlantic............I can imagine it would be a little like going home.

last snow?

I just looked at the weather forecast for next week-I think spring may be here....at least I'm praying for that. I thought I would throw one more snowy scene your way.

This round barn was once located on a farm near where I grew up. Grandad re-roofed it once. He told me that inside the barn was a giant hewn tree that was used to prop up one of the main hips in the round roof that began to sag after a tornado went through.

Unfortunately the owner tore the building down only a few years ago. I loved the barn-I could see it from my bedroom window. Oh well, can't stop progress..........well, in Indiana, it is better to say, "can't stop stupidity".

Cynical-I know........get out and enjoy the weather.

I nominate Hillary

What better opportunity to show that Hillary could be ready on day one, than for New York Democrats to nominate her to fill out the current Governor's term, who was recently caught with his pants down. Something Ms. Clinton's husband knows all too well.

I'm for an Obama-McCain race. At least then I would actually feel like I had a choice. Isn't Hillary supposed to be pro-choice? C'mon Hillary, let even us wildly independent Republicans have a choice!

Hey, you Hoosier Democrats out there.........your vote might actually COUNT in this election!

Woody

We caught another glimpse of woody woodpecker while my son was at the bus stop. Is it me, or is it getting darker in the mornings now?

I've attached a picture from our first sighting of the pileated woodpecker near our home-just to make some of those birders out there jealous.

stuck in the mud

There's a saying here in river city........"if you dip your toes in the river, you'll always come back". But what happens if you put your foot down? Well, you get stuck in the mud.

Our city council had the awesome opportunity to aspire to something better and greater than we are by passing a few simple zoning regulations that many other Hoosier communities have adopted and have proven successful outcomes. But instead, the old farts on council don't get it. I think the problem is that they're stuck......mentaly.........in River City mud. They don't understand that the way we do things ISN'T the best way possible-that there is a way to be better.

And of course, reliance on our mayor's mental capacity to understand "something better" is useless. He is the blockhead puppet, remember?

Oh well, not that I expected anything different I guess. This is why I say living in Indiana builds character.

it's the people I miss

We were meeting with a client who plans to build a new cafe' and as she talked about her "dream" I found myself finishing her sentences as she discussed her love for the restaurant business. Finally I said, I know, our family was in the business for 40 years.......and I miss it! The one statement she made is the one I could relate to and have relayed to others over and over again. It's the people that make it.....for us, it may have been our grill cook that worked for our family for nearly 25 years, or it could be that faithful customer, who after losing her husband, continued to come in every day for a bowl of soup.......who ultimately found her way to our family holiday dinners.

It is the people I miss the most-it is what made the service business enjoyable. I think back to several employees who worked for our family for 8, 12, 20 and 25 years! And I think about the volunteer firemen who always had breakfast at our place-and if they got a call, we'd put their food back in the warmer. Or, the guys who wouldn't wait for us to open on Saturday mornings and simply "let" themselves in, turn on the grill and get the coffee going. And I think about the farmers who would show up at 6:00 am, then at 10:00 am, then at 2:00 pm for coffee.

Our cafe' was the hub of our little farming community of 600. A lot of good times shared around a cup of coffee or bowl of soup........and some tough times too. We all long for a place "where everyone knows your name" and it just seems those places are getting harder to find.

I will admit, though, going out to lunch with a friend today, I could hardly finish my sandwich due to all the folks stopping by to chat. I guess I've got a little reminder of my past here in river city, good or bad.

our own personal visit from FEMA

River City has more than lived up to its name this year. Two serious floods and persistent freeze/thaw with heavy snows and rain has got our old house a little troubled.

an all too familiar site in Indiana this year!

Over the weekend a few new concerns came over me as I found my way to the basement for some spring decoration retrieval (my wife refuses to step foot in the basement since a flying rodent was spotted there at the beginning of the first flood). On this occassion I noticed that the bottom of the plastic tote containing fake Easter basket grass was dripping with water. Then I noticed a few large piles of sand that appeared to have worked there way up through the cracks in our basement floor.

We had our own personal visist with a FEMA inspector a few weeks ago. We had some water in the basement with the flooding, but nothing was damaged outside of our sump pump having a melt down. But, I was concerned about some other cracks in the old foundation and sand seeming to seep in. Add that to the high level of moisture pushing in and I think we've got a problem. It seems as thought the ground water pressure on our basement has been too much for the 150 year old walls. Walls appear to be sagging, plaster cracking and water around the outside of the house seems to be pooling back against the exterior. This has only been in the last few months. We were going to get a dehumidifier, but saw the cost of them-wow! Then the FEMA guy said it would have been covered by them. DOH!

Oddly enough we've already been rejected by FEMA for any kind of assistance (even as damage continues to make itself visible)......and FEMA asked us to get a rejection letter from our insurance company-which we did. So, now, I'm afraid we're hanging out here with our pants down so to speak. I'm not one for handouts-but don't offer then pull your hand back! And what is it I pay insurance for anyway?

We had some friends over for supper for the first time last night. They loved our house. I kept making excuses for the walls falling down-but they said, yeah, but old homes have character. Well, I guess so, and I love our old place-but the character is really starting to wear me down!

is that a yellow rump I see?

It was a lazy weekend around the ol' homestead. With little else to do, we once again turned our attention to our feathered friends. We had a new visitor which is always nice to see. Uncertain of the species at first, finally I settled on Yellow-Rumped Warbler; which is also fun to say. Here's our log from the weekend, 19 species total:

Yellow-rumped warbler F
Hairy Woodpecker F
Downy Woodpecker MF
Red Bellied Woodpecker MF
White Breasted Nuthatch 2
Red Breasted Nuthatch
Northern Flicker
Starlings 10
Cardinal MF
Crows 4
Canada Goose 6
Mallard
Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse
House Sparrow 8
House Finch 4
Juncos 4

The whole "yellow rumped" terminology made me think of another story I'll tell on my dad. They have a lot of chipmunks at their house and as a kid-they would simply be blown away. However, now, evidently either a more compassionate or slightly less than better aim, father resorted to capturing the little critters and driving them to a state park to release them. But, the numbers never seemed to decrease. So, thinking that the chipmunks were possibly hitching a ride and coming back home, my dad used orange surveying spray paint to mark the behinds of the little guys to see if indeed they had wandered back home.

I have yet to hear if the brightly colored orange-rumped chipmunks made it home. It is very possible, though, a naturalist at Potato Creek believes he has found a new species of the rodent.

Reminded of Gramps

My dad's dad, who lived nearby, was 83 when he passed away the day before Easter, 1995. I was 27. That's a good long time to get to know your grandpa-lots of good memories created. Fishing, farming, long drives and.......cigars. I loved gramp's cigar smoke and on occassion when I'm around it, it reminds me of those boyhood days tagging along with grandpa to the elevator or sale barn.

On this recent retreat, I learned that my buddy also smoked cigars. I told him he reminded me of gramps.......and he insisted I try one. I had never smoked in my life, but I tried it and actually, it was a good bonding experience. And as the smoke swirled around the back porch of the cabin.......I couldn't help but think of gramps.

Gramps was never big on advice. He was fun to be with and was witty with his responses. But, man, I miss him at times. I really wish my kids could have known him......so long as he didn't offer them any of "grampa's candy" aka chewin' tabbacky. My dad acts a lot like him....and I suppose I will too someday, although I don't plan to take up cigars.

He was struck by lightning when a teenager, out in the field while rounding up cows; he lost hearing in one ear due to it, which excluded him from military service. He told me stories about rubbing turpentine on cat's behinds and turning them loose to run down Michigan Street in Argos, Indiana, which evidently got quite a rise out of the dogs who chased them beneath the legs of horses parked with buggies. He also told me about moving privies a few feet back so that folks in the middle of the night would get a rude awakening. He also told me about putting a farmer's cow on the roof of their house once......that was hard to believe. I remember him at 78 climbing apple trees to shake the fruit loose, and at about 74, piling up bundles of shingles on his shoulder and climbing an extension ladder to roof his house.

So, I smoked a cigar in remembrance of a great character of a man. To you gramps!

time for Christians to abandon the GOP

If anyone has been reading this blog for long.....you'll understand this was coming.

I was reading a news report yesterday regarding the passage of a bill that would allow gaming in Indiana's bars. While the measure was introduced by Senate Democrats-it narrowly passed with the help of Senate Republicans. What kind of atmosphere are we creating here in the Hoosier state? I would imagine that Indiana ranks pretty high with New Jersey and Nevada with reliance on gambling revenue for state budgeting. I dare say we are becoming the armpit of the midwest between teenage pregnancies, alchohal and drug use, tobacco use, education and now this!

Like I've said before.....we should change our license plates to "In God we Trust......and if that doesn't work, Gambling".

I believe with the lines being blurred, particularly with the current presidential race, the time is here for applying a better understanding of one's faith and how that relates to one's vote. We don't need Pat Robertson trying guide us like sheep to the voting booth (of course, we see how his influence has dwindled-remember, he endorsed Guilliani?). Nor should we be suckered into voting R when the candidates do not truly represent our faith. Wake up people!

Divine Romance

There's a great song out on the radio now called "Divine Romance" by Phil Wickham, from his album entitled Phil Wickham. It is an amazing acoustical piece, played as a simple strum on the guitar with solid, but recognizably humble, vocals expressing the depth of this guy's faith. I was hooked the first time I heard it about three weeks ago and want to go out and buy the cd.

I always wanted to learn to play the guitar and this song makes me want to pick one up and strum along. Seriously, as I hear it, I imagine playing and singing along. I learned to play three chords to "a Horse with no name" two years ago; that's the extent of my abilities. Anyone with lots of patience want to give me free lessons?

Divine Romance is a simple song about a simple love for Christ; something I'm beginning to just now understand. Listen for it........then close your eyes and imagine singing and playing along.

blind to wonder

high above Lake Superior, July 2007

So, on this retreat this weekend.......I intentionally scouted out a park that had good hiking trails. I am an outdoorsman through and through-so I fully intended to be out in the outdoors a lot during my thinking time. I hadn't been able to shake this cough though, so, hiking proved to lead to some gasping fits during the 3 mile hike.

I'm usually really good as "seeing" God in nature and the "wonder" of it. But, I admit, not so much during this hike. Which, is why I was so thankful for my buddy who went along-because it came as a surprise to me-he was really tuned into these things.

The ice storm from the day before coated the branches, leaves and grasses which caught the sunlight as we hiked around the lake. It also created a thin layer on top of the snow which provided a solid crunch as we walked along the unbroken snow of the trail. He noted certain trees and shells lying on the bed of a running stream. Geese flying in and out and occassional chirpings of birds all pulled your senses to their heights. This is an amazing world indeed!

Which took me back to my hike along Lake Superior this summer......when I could sit and drink in the wonder of God's creation along the lakeshore. This too reminded me of a passage out of Eldridge's book "Epic" on God's creation and our response to it:

We have grown dull toward this world in which we live; we have forgotten that it is not normal or scientific in any sense of the word. It is fantastic. It is fairy tale through and through. Really now, elephants? Caterpillars? Snow? At what point did you lose your wonder at it all?

The best possible way to understand how amazing our God is, is to understand how amazing His creation is. I needed someone to direct my attention back to that this weekend. And now, I can't stop thinking about it-and probably moreso the experience on Lake Superior last summer. But, you have to be intentional about planning time for this discovery-it doesn't just happen-well, not until you've made time for it, then it "clicks".

on Love....

I will admit that I was the inconsiderate husband this year in forgetting Valentines Day. In my defense.....I was spiking a fever every 4-6 hours from February 13-15, home on the couch. So, to show I'm not an unloving jerk I'm posting an entry on the topic of love.

I am in desperate love with my beautiful wife. In 9 years of marriage we've had ups and downs-but things are the best they've ever been and I can legitimately say I can't imagine being with or loving anyone else. The thought never crosses my mind. She holds my heart in her hands and her breath is my life...........those words from my vows 9 years ago and still true today.

Guys-let's talk about love, but let's do so in our very primal beginning, as God created it to be understood. In order to do this, we need to understand how God created us to be. I recently finished another short book by John Eldridge called "Epic", that goes to the heart of this.

I dare say we've heard a bit about original sin (he's making an intentional understatement here), but not nearly enough about original glory, which comes before sin and is deeper to our nature. We were crowned with glory and honor. Why does a woman long to be beautiful? Why does a man hope to be found brave? Because we remember, if only faintly, that we were once more than we are now.

God creates us in His image, with powers like unto His own-the ability to reason, create, to share intimacy, to know joy. He gives us laughter and wonder and imagination. And above all else, He endows us with that one quality for which He is most known.

He enables us to Love.

He gives us the greatest gift of all creation-a Heart. Just as we've lost our wonder at the world around us (more to come on this), we have forgotten what a treasure the human heart is. All the happiness we have ever found or ever hope to find is unreachable without a heart. You could not live or laugh or love or cry had God not given you a heart.

And with that heart comes something that staggers me. God gives us the freedom to reject Him.

I've struggled with this last statement recently. Because I've seen people I love walk away from a God who I know is reaching out to their heart. And I think to myself.......as much as God loves each one of us, and knowing how I love my wife.........how it would kill me if she walked away from me. But, in any relationship, be it marriage or friendship-we know it has to be mutual-hence, the freedom to reject.

So, from here I say allow your heart to love. Rediscover the passion once found in your wife by opening your heart to her. Be man enough to admit to yourself you have friends that you love-and if it makes sense and won't result in a black eye, admit it to them. Truly applying your heart to love is reflecting that greatest quality found in God's image, an image we were created in.

Happy Birthday Doc!

In honor of former Governor Doc Bowen's 90th birthday today, I wanted to post an excerpt from an introduction I gave for him a few years ago, on the National Day of Prayer.

Rather than regale you with excerpts of his political past-I want to relay a personal story that maybe sums up his character better than a lengthy resume.
Doc Bowen's an IU fan-not a newsflash there. He took my brother and I to games at Assembly Hall when Bobby was still king and all was right with the world. On one occasion, a boy and his mother came and found their seats in front of us. Before they sat down, Doc stood up and introduced them to us. I reached out to shake the boy's hand and Doc said, "this is Ryan White"

Doc continued talking with Ryan, pulling him close to hear over the fans-obviously speaking words of encouragement to a boy who faced constant rejection and fear of the unknown. As I thought of this years later, I realized Doc's response was not so different than Christ's response to the leper.

While the crowds and political and religious leaders of the time made outcasts of the suffering, Jesus pulled them near and spoke healing words-not just to their bodies, but to their spirits. Doc spoke healing words to Ryan that day. I'm sure it meant more to Ryan White to have someone care for him, than care he was the former Governor and Cabinet member.

Only if our leaders today exemplified the same humility and concern for others Doc has lived out, this world would be a better place. We need to pray for that to happen.

Happy Birthday Doc..........you continue to be Indiana's favorite son!

mob mentality = higher taxes

Have you been following the property tax debate since it has landed in the state legislature? I follow it as a curiosity, but realize the mob mentality that has created the hysteria to do something with property taxes likely will get our politicians' attention much more so than cooler heads.

In earlier posts I predicted that my overall taxes will actually go up in any reform scenario-anywhere from $500 to $1500. It appears now there is proof to that. From the South Bend Tribune today:

The Democrats presented analysis from an independent firm that showed an average taxpayer in South Bend would pay $600 more a year in overall taxes. Their plan would tie relief to both a home's assessed value and a person's income. They say their plan would pay for itself, unlike the governor's plan, which would create a state budget deficit next year.

Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee Chairman Luke Kenley says the plan moves in the right direction, but it's flawed. He says it doesn't help second homeowners, landlords or businesses. Most Senators agreed, voting down the Democrats' plan along party lines.

So, now it is only fair to have property tax relief if low to middle income individuals pay MORE in taxes? Just in order for rich folks with second homes, slumlords and business owners (who got the inventory tax removed, remember?) to pay less in taxes? What the heck?!?!?!?

I'm quite certain the many republican slumlords in river city will very willingly either reduce rents for their tenants or finally fix the life-safety code violations if they just had a break in property taxes. Or maybe the cheif slumlord will buy a matching Escalade for his wife.

Wow, am I sounding like a democrat or what?

the Clearing

Remember that sweet little cabin on the fishing lake I wrote about not that long ago? I'd been inspired to take a "personal spiritual retreat" a few months ago and did so over the weekend. Just some down time to clear the head and think about the road ahead.

So, I got a cabin at Whitewater Memorial State Park by Richmond. I don't believe anyone else was there this past weekend. It was perfect......secluded, quiet and was a beautiful setting-just at the top of a wooded bluff overlooking the lake. I took a buddy with me, who also needed some time to put things in perspective, and the camaraderie was needed to break up the perfect silence after 30 hours or so.

To say I had an eventful last 12-18 months is an understatement. I've never done this retreat thing before, so I figured why not-there's a lot to think about. Being the type of guy I am-I was well prepared. I had been focusing on thought-provoking questions over the last several weeks and had planned out a schedule and some expectations. I had a few pertinent questions I had thought would have answers "revealed" to me for some decisions that will need to be made for the future.

But, by the end of the weekend........I really didn't have any revelation to clear the path for the future ahead. Instead, I realized that for once in my life.........I'm talking about the very first time in my life since college..........God led me into a clearing. I know the path continues on and He and I will be deep in the woods again soon, but for right now I think He's saying just stop and enjoy the view. It's a heck of a gift to be given and I'd be a dang fool to pass this up. I think there's a passage somewhere about not being anxious for tomorrow...it will take care of itself.

So.....friends and family out there.......you guys are on my "to do list" this year. My tag line for the year ahead, "Breathe Deep - 2008".

up for sale?

Do you remember when Mitch ran for governor four years ago that something was mentioned by him regarding leasing out our state parks? Does anyone think he's forgotten? My guess is that with all the heck he caught with the toll road...........he'll wait to unleash this bright idea until he gets a second term.

Now, I'll be fair and say I can truly see some benefits in a private company running our state parks/lodges. I see alot of problems too.

Leasing the state parks (although anything like a 75 or 100 year lease would be completely stupid, but for par with Mitch) could actually improve service, quality of food, and maintenance of the parks. There have been several times when visiting Indiana's state parks, I think, gee......market yourselves, get your act together and you could be doing very well. That's probably the businessman/republican in me.

But, I could see as many problems. First, you need to think of the state parks as something all of us Hoosiers, past and present, have invested in and paid for. The parks are OUR property. So, it would be unfortunate if costs of entry, lodging and food outpaced the average Hoosier's ability to enjoy these services. Almost like paying for membership to the country club without the financial ability to have dinner there or go for a round of golf. That wouldn't be right.

So, that's my first problem with leasing out our parks. I also am concerned that programs such as nature centers/naturalists or interpretors would be eliminated because they weren't cost effective to operations. Parks cannot be reduced to solely money making opportunites. And we don't know for certain that service or quality would improve.

So, rather than rushing to lease out our state parks........maybe the state should contract with a marketing or business consultant to help show them what could be improved on (that's a good republican idea) and move on those recommendations. Of course, that seems logicial. Unfortunately right now logic is out the door in our beloved state. It's all about hysteria and knee-jerk governance.

But, I know how we can fix that!

Hoosier Hospitality gone awry

Maybe it was because we had just gotten back from St. Augustine, Florida and had a great experience with some helpful locals, but last summer I found myself in an awkward position.

I was walking back from lunch to the office along main street in river city. I noticed a fellow who came out of one building and was looking up and down the street rather lost. So, I thought, gee, time to show some hoosier hospitality we're supposed to be famous for. I stopped and asked if I could help him find something.

This conversation actually happend.

"yeah, do you have any bars?"
he was standing outside of one.
I said "well, there's this one, and one around the corner"
"yeah, this is a little too nice......do you have any tough bars"
forgetting about the Mayflower, I said, "well, there is the one around the corner, but if you thought this was too nice, it probably would be too"
Evidently he felt I didn't get his meaning "do you have any biker bars?"
"hmmmm, no, no......."
Evidently I still didn't get his meaning, because he asked "do you have any gay bars?"
"oh!" I said, "uh........no......."
"well, do you have any porn shops?"
"what?" I said "uh, no......not here in river city"

Last time I try to extend some Hoosier Hospitality. I didn't see that one coming.

manic Mitch visits river city!

Somebody shoot me for ever thinking this guy would be a good governor. I really believed he represented a progressive style of republican, but fact of the matter is that he is (literally) turning back the clock in Indiana. Remember when he talked of leading the state into the future, investment in Indiana, etc.?

Manic (I use this because it's as though he's become possessed), while visiting river city, turned his criticism of the desperate shape of Indiana's economy and tax situation onto local cities and towns, and counties for "excessive spending". While I do believe that every unit of government needs to look at how to do things more economically, Mitch is leading the way to certain destruction of what little quality of life we have remaining in the Hoosier state.

Only a few months ago my father-in-law was sitting in a meeting with Manic's Lt. Governor, who said that local communities, if they want to compete economically, need to address quality of life issues. As smart as Mitch is supposed to be, he should understand the business principle that you have to spend money to make money (funny how we GOPer's want to run government like a business, but then bug out when true good business practices conflict with our total reluctance to spend money).

So, you can't have both Mitch. The first things to go, when you dismantle our local budgets, will be quality of life projects. A major international corporation located in river city because of two quality of life initiatives we developed. Quality of life is what people and investors are looking for. Not just cheap taxes. Had Manic Mitch truly been a progressive republican, he would understand this......I'm afraid he's relying too much on trickle-down economics......which MIGHT work nationally, but cannot work locally. Investment attracts investment and Mitch is proposing an amputation of local city's and town's ability to invest in their future.

Marshall County is a perfect example of what not to do, and is a microcosm of what Mitch is proposing statewide. Marshall, in regressive republican style, has cut herself to the bone in whittling away "wasteful" spending, and now, has incredible difficultly in receiving enough revenue to maintian basic services. In order to staff a jail, she issued a new tax. In order to create an economic development initiative, she proposed a new tax. All republican led. The only ones with smiles are big business and some dim-witted union retirees. And her republican leaders have groaned about failing economically. I wonder why? It must be their wasteful spending, right Mitch?

My friends, Manic Mitch has got to go, before he does irreparable damage to our beleaguered state. Hopefully intelligent Hoosiers see this and put an end to the madness this fall. "Intelligent Hoosier"......now there's a term I spent many years in college defending was not an oxymoron.

is sanity a qualifier for gun licensing?

My red-blooded republican friends always knew I was a little soft on this bullwark of conservatism growing up, so I'm sure my questioning the current state of gun control comes as no surprise to them.

But, I watched stupified as reports from NIU came back that showed the gunman legally had two of his three guns and evidently spent a year locked up for mental illness, due to cutting himself (no violent behavior there), and evidently had not taken his medication for his illness over the last few weeks. So, how does a guy like this legally get guns? I guess at this point, you can tell me, well, he'd a got them anyway, and that's probably true. But so much for the old arguement,though, that it's the illegal owners that cause our gun problems in this country.

I'm all for the safe use and possession of firearms, but you guys have to give me some assurance that every possible precaution is taken to make sure legal guns aren't getting into the wrong hands too.

And what of these kids that bring guns to school (2 in the last few weeks in South Bend)? Sure, it's the parent's fault......but are we going to keep saying that when innocent children are lying in a pool of blood? Sounds more like an NRA cop-out to me than really wanting to deal with the problem. Kinda like it's all about personal responsibility until it becomes personal, then it's time to work together to find a solution. I'd rather find a solution now, than to see this in river city.

IU, the General and Skiles

Well, no doubt everyone has heard of the trouble plaguing IU's basketball program. Some, in fact, have even speculated that bringing the General back would actually solve some problems. Fact is, I don't know that Bobby was ever charged with recruiting violations-so, true enough, I guess it would solve the current situation.

But, speculation has also found Scott Skiles coming back to Indiana to coach at IU. Wow.....this creates all kinds of problems for PNW. If I remember right, isn't Scotty a cousin you had trouble stomaching? Well, another famous celeb from river city might just have found their way back into the spotlight. Can you go from coaching the Bulls to coaching the Hoosiers? Can you go from leaving the Hoosier state to play ball for Michigan, then expect to coach here? And for the swarm of Purdue fans in river city....how is this going to set with you, our local celeb going to coach for your arch-enenemy?

While I'm confident Skiles would do a great job at IU, it might be easier to bring Bobby back, less to have to resolve internally. So, let's set some ground rules should the General return (my mind keeps playing the tune from White Christmas......"so what do you do with a general.....when he stops being a general....")

1. Bobby can have no physical contact with players. He must maintain a 20' circle of personal space at all times. Or at least outside of strangling range.
2. Bobby cannot conduct pre or post game interviews with media.
3. Bobby cannot have access to whipping towels
4. Bobby must remain seated on his chair at all times....and his chair must be nailed to the floor
5. Bobby must be muzzled and straight-jacketed while in public

I think if he could live by these rules, so could the trustees of IU. Otherwise, I'm for bringing Skiles on board.

personal pan-demic

My apologies. I've been battling something here for the last week that's kept me away from spewing out the worthless dribble that some of you find interesting and frankly, keeps me sane. I've since passed the bug onto our kids, and I think possibly the dog, so I should be back up and running shortly.

I've caught a few of the comments coming in, and have responded. And I need to post a few stories such as Mania Mitch's visit to river city, our own personal visit from FEMA.....and, my conservative friends take cover........gun control!

And I'm praying this pandemic doesn't reach you!

reroute on the GAR

If you would indulge me, I'd like to take a little detour from the Lincoln Highway and head down the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Highway, Route 6-which also passes through our corner of the state and past my old stomping grounds. GAR? What's this you ask?

The highway began as an entity in November of 1926 when the U.S. adopted the numbering system for marking the nation's main interstate highways. Prior to 1926 it was called the Midland Trail Roadway. During the late 20s and early 30s it was known as the Roosevelt Highway, after my hero-Teddy. At first, U.S. 6 was a short route running between Provincetown on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to Brewster, New York. Over the years it was extended in stages to transcontinental length as improved roadways moved westward. It was in 1937 that the U.S. approved the extension of Route 6 to Long Beach, California making it the longest U.S. Route in the country, until U.S. 20 was constructed. Before that time, Route 6 was still just a patchwork of mis-matched highways. Route 6 is still the second longest route in the country.

The GAR Highway passes through the little towns of Bremen, Lapaz and Walkerton in our part of the state. Bremen, aka mint city, once hosted a stop called the coffee pot restaurant. The building was essentially a metal silo with add-ons to make it look like a coffee pot! I vaguely remember it, but my grandparents frequented it often. Lapaz had three important stops at the crossroads with the Dixie Highway. The Alibi Restaurant, the Dixiana, and Garners all vied for travelers at the corners of 6 & 31. While Garners was reconstructed east of the intersection, the other buildings are gone now. Garners was formerly the Maddox Inn from about 1925-1949 when the Garner family took over operations (picture above) until it closed in 1996. Walkerton hosted one grand stop only recently lost to fire-Welco's-at the east edge of town. More on the GAR to come!

For more information on the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, visit http://www.route6tour.com/

LH watering hole

Now, I have no problem admitting I've never frequented "the Mayflower"; but here's another little piece of nostalgia from the Lincoln Highway in Plymouth, Indiana (get it? Mayflower/ Plymouth?). The Mayflower was built between about 1929-32, shortly after the 28' route came through Plymouth. And it's always been known as the Mayflower............to go along with its colorful reputation in this little city. While its original siding was covered about 40 years ago, it still retains its Spanish revival style parapet and the neon "liquor" sign over the doorway. And it is always busy!

reminded of Ernie Pyle

I had a friend from college I would visit in Hoopston, Illinios-which there is no easy way to get from here to there........so my "quickest" route would take me down a small Indiana highway through a town of about 100 folk, named Dana.

This is where I was introduced to Ernie Pyle. Dana was Ernie's home town, as it read on a marker posted at the town limits. I didn't know who Ernie was, so I did a little investigating to satisfy my curiosity. Born in 1900, he served about 3 months in WWI, came back home to attend IU, then became a news correspondent. Which is what he was pursuing when he was killed my machine gun fire in Japan.

Recently a grim picture of Mr. Pyle has surfaced, maybe you've seen it......one that shows him in dignified repose, but dead. It reminded me of driving past his tenant farm. Pyle became famous for the stories of the soldiers he would send back home.......framed in the light of small town boys, homesick for their communities and mama's cooking. I offer that Pyle was so talented at portraying this because of his own small town Hoosier roots. I think he knew the ache of town after town across this country sending away their brightest and best, and the emotion of loss.

We salute Ernie Pyle, Hoosier son, comforting those at home during the darkest hours of WWII.

why your vote doesn't count

yes, that's a photo of the Oval Office I took myself

With a fair amount of interest I have been watching the rest of the country make the decision for me, for who my next president will be. Being a firm believer in democracy.......or at least, how democracy ideally should work.........I have to admit my utter disgust at our inability in Indiana to actually make our vote count in a presidential primary.

I'm for a true national primary. It only seems right that we all participate equally, on the same day, how our delegates should be cast rather than someone "gaining momentum" so that like sheep we cast our lot with the supposed front-runner. Eight years ago, even though it was obvious who the nominee would be, I still cast my vote for the other guy.....who happens to be the front runner today........who I probably won't vote for in the primary this time.

The interesting race unfolding is that of the democratic nominee for president. And I believe, if you don't look at delegates, but at percentages on the republican side an interesting picture of America begins to emerge here too. It would appear that there are six very different philosophies existing in the american culture represented by the six lead candidates together.

Mccain-conservative, maverick, does not toe the GOP line
Clinton-liberal, elitist, we'll take care of you
Romney-elitist conservative, let everyone get walked on by my pals
Obama-not this or that....wants unity & ethics
Huckabee-conservative, but socially conscious, like the changing face of evangelicals
Paul-this and that, don't tell anybody what to do, amoral

And each of these have their following. I believe the first three are a bit of the old school, although Mccain as a maverick appeals to me. Obama captures the spirit of where many young americans may want the future of the country to be. Huckabee may represent the changing face of evangelicals (no wonder Robertson did NOT endorse him), a sizeable base commonly tied to, but increasingly disappointed with, the GOP. Paul represents a generation of young voters clashing with the norms of either party, but in my opinion, not experienced enough to understand what the outcome of his ideals would be.

So, as this younger generation matures and the face of evangelicals change, will we see a demand for a third party? Many in my generation-or about 40ish and younger-can't find a true home in either camp, even though we would consider ourselves conservative. Does party matter? Well, it does when those are the only two choices we have......and, unfortunately, in Indiana, we don't even have a voice in that!

Your thoughts? Who would you vote for, forgetting the "momentum"?

relics from the Lincoln

Just thought I would stick another link to the Lincoln from our end of the state. This is Faulkner's Service and Filling Station......opened for business in June, 1931, a mile west of Bourbon, Indiana. This would have opened about 3 years after the Lincoln Highway was constructed across the back corner of the farm. This may be one of the more intact examples of a filling station from the early Lincoln Highway days in our county. I've always admired this little building, but never knew its past until just recently. Sweeeet.

Bird Log-2/2/08

This is for you birders out there. It was a busy weekend for our feathered friends around the old homestead......and some impressive sightings that I think even my wife thought cool. 23 species in all.

Starlings 23 (not cool)
Black Capped Chickadee 2
House Finch 6
Cardinals 5
Crows 3-these guys have been the terror of the downtown for the last 3 months
House Sparrow 12
Goldfinch 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White Breasted Nuthatch
Juncos 6
Bluebirds 2
Mourning Doves 4
Peregrine Falcon 3-these guys came together, and I can't identify them as anything but
Red Breasted Nuthatch
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker-this was cool, I have a picture I'll post soon
Trumpeter Swan-flew overhead to the lakes, also very cool
Northern Goshawk
Blue Jay
Mallards 5

I only hope we're this successful for the "Great Backyard Bird Count" in two weeks. We also took in a new restaurant downtown with some friends-superb and long overdue! and took in the Super Bowl.......which was a sleeper until the 4th. The Fed-Ex commercial was my favorite.

my Walden Pond

When I landed at a small private university in southwest lower Michigan.....I felt too old to be dealing with the drama of hanging out in the dorm with a bunch of freshmen. So, I would commune with classmates and we would rent some overpriced slum together.

But, one year, I had an offer I couldn't pass up. Some cousins had a fishing cottage on a small lake about 20 minutes from university. I could have it cheap and all to myself. So I took it. This winter has reminded me a great deal of the winter I spent in the cabin on the lake, which I referred to as "my Walden Pond", in 1994. It was awfully cold and there was one whole week that I was snowed in-couldn't even get into town.....anyone who knows southwest Michigan knows exactly what I'm talking about.

But the little cabin was great, nestled in with some great old maples and oaks-fall color was spectacular, the winter lent itself to contemplation and finally when spring broke....I'd open the windows and listen to the brush of the water on the sandy shore and feel the breeze come in off the lake. I called it my Walden Pond, partly because I had just read some of Thoreau's work, but also because it allowed me to grow so much, spiritually and intellectually, that I often look back at that period of time in my college life as my turning point in what I valued, and the principles that would ultimately drive me today.

I'm convinced we all need places of retreat in our lives......I'm working very hard at convincing my wife of this too. At the very least, we need to plan in retreats in our busy schedules to allow us to stop, breathe in, look around and see what we have been blessed with.

seeing things in black & white

I became a huge fan of black and white photography while in college. The understanding one has to have in order to pull off good black and white shots has to run as deep as the contrast on a late winter afternoon bathed in sunlight. Ansel Adams was a master-I love looking through books of his work. Just a few Hoosier shots..........and for some fun, see if you can find the face in one of the images.

In the Spotlight Again

Coming off the heels of stardom from DMHO's performance on the Next Great American Band, you'd think our little town couldn't take much more excitement. But, Saturday night the spotlight turned on our community once again as the home to Miss America 1st runner up, Miss Indiana-Nicole Rash. I know the family-in fact her cousins are my cousins......which isn't so uncommon around here.

I like to remind my wife that I also knew Miss Michigan back in 1996; not a very smart girl though. Her dad was the dean of our department at university. Her boyfriend was a campus cop and he heard me spouting off about her dad once and I and all my friends in the department received parking tickets on our cars. That wasn't so cool.

Congratulations Nicole. You've made your home town proud!