Had a great experience today. Didn't know what to expect, and for sure didn't expect the weather we got. But you know what, the weather was the least of my worries. I was there to help regardless of the conditions.
The 5K Color Rush was held today at Wilderness Presidential Resort on route 3 west of Fredericksburg to raise money for pediatric cancer. Up at 3:30 AM to be there at 5:00 AM and help with balloons, signage, water and whatever else was asked, The Frederiscksburg Parrotheads met to help...an inconvenience to get up so early, but a help to those less fortunate. Coffee and pastries for a quick bite, visiting with each other, and 30 gallon garbage bags full of balloons was how the day began.
We set up balloons at the start/finish line, helped with banners for a radio station, and loaded 50 cases of water on a pickup for the runners. As the sun came up and daylight broke, the clouds and rains followed...slowly at first, then more heavy. We found garbage bags, made holes for our head and arms and proceeded with the program with smiles on our faces and by the time we left we were soaked. The young man being honored, along with his family, arrived in a pink firetruck, and two of our members, Rick and Andy, gave some Green Bay Packer merchandise to him. Quite touching.
We all took many pictures and will post them on Face Book, but the memories will last longer than any pictures at least for me. These kids have only begun their lives and have already been stricken with a disease that may take them away before they have a chance to enjoy their time here. Where is the justice in that? I am so thankful for my time today and would do it again in a heartbeat and I invite you all to get involved.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Monday, September 7, 2015
Milestones to Headstones
How do you mark the time of your life? What is important as the years go by, and how do you see what is behind you? How others see you doesn't matter as much as how you see yourself. That's what counts the most. We all have benchmarks that are personal to each of us, and no one else can share those moments. Was your benchmark a memory of a certain age 16, 21, 35, 65, or was it what you were doing in a certain calendar year? Was it marked by graduation, marriage, birth of a child, your baptism (if believe that way) a promotion at your job, retirement, death of a parent, the day JFK was shot, the moon landing, or something else?. Do you remember where you were when you had the best meal of your life, or saw the most gorgeous sunrise ever, or the first rose you ever smelled, your first kiss, or when you had the first butterflies of love? I have witnessed all of this and although I cannot touch those events, they have made me who I am.
I have been blessed throughout my life and I am lucky to be alive considering what I did as a young man, and I look forward to sharing wisdom gained for many years to come. Looking back there are many benchmarks that meant so much to me at the time, but at this point in my life they mean less. Memories are by definition something in the past, but those memories guide each of us to our destination. They have been our teachers, our barometers and the yardstick by which we measure ourselves. Had I had the wisdom of today back then, I would have lived my life differently...I am sure that we all would agree. But as I enter an age which has fewer sunrises than before, I ask myself what should be on my headstone?
Not sure I can answer that one, it is for others to decide. Life is different now than before and my perceptions of myself have changed. I no longer chase the dollar, the promotion, the ideal that we all grew up with as young adults that we HAD to be successful. I am driven, but by other motives. Let me mark my life by being someone who has given without expectation of any return. Let me be someone who comforts in times of grief, and be an anchor to those confused. And I pray that at my life's end I don't look back and say, "I wish I would have done more".
You see we live within a parentheses and are bound by a beginning and an end...no exceptions. Puncuate your life with kindness, tears, smiles, firmness, truth, and above all, love for each other. It's all that matters.
I have been blessed throughout my life and I am lucky to be alive considering what I did as a young man, and I look forward to sharing wisdom gained for many years to come. Looking back there are many benchmarks that meant so much to me at the time, but at this point in my life they mean less. Memories are by definition something in the past, but those memories guide each of us to our destination. They have been our teachers, our barometers and the yardstick by which we measure ourselves. Had I had the wisdom of today back then, I would have lived my life differently...I am sure that we all would agree. But as I enter an age which has fewer sunrises than before, I ask myself what should be on my headstone?
Not sure I can answer that one, it is for others to decide. Life is different now than before and my perceptions of myself have changed. I no longer chase the dollar, the promotion, the ideal that we all grew up with as young adults that we HAD to be successful. I am driven, but by other motives. Let me mark my life by being someone who has given without expectation of any return. Let me be someone who comforts in times of grief, and be an anchor to those confused. And I pray that at my life's end I don't look back and say, "I wish I would have done more".
You see we live within a parentheses and are bound by a beginning and an end...no exceptions. Puncuate your life with kindness, tears, smiles, firmness, truth, and above all, love for each other. It's all that matters.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Tater Salad
When I first made this, it wasn't quite right. Couldn't get the tartness, sweetness and texture, but after a couple of adjustments think I might have something here.
Most of what you need you probably have in your pantry or fridge. Yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed and a lime. If you don't have red potatoes, go get about 2 pounds, wash them and boil them with their skins on.
When potatoes are fork tender, drain, rinse and cool for about 20-30 minutes. While potatoes are cooling, combine the following and mix well:
1 cup mayonaise
1/2 T mustard
1/2 T whole grain mustard
1 1/2 T apple cider vinegar
1 T sugar
1/4 t celery seed
juice of 1/2 lime
When the potatoes are cool the skins will peel very easily by gently pulling the skin (don't peel, pull) with a knife and your thumb. When peeled, quarter or halve the potatoes, place in large mixing bowl and gently fold the mayo mixture into potatoes. You can eat this immediatley, or chill for the next day's activities. Makes about 4-6 modest servings, so depending on your head count double or triple if needed. I hope you enjoy.
Most of what you need you probably have in your pantry or fridge. Yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed and a lime. If you don't have red potatoes, go get about 2 pounds, wash them and boil them with their skins on.
When potatoes are fork tender, drain, rinse and cool for about 20-30 minutes. While potatoes are cooling, combine the following and mix well:
1 cup mayonaise
1/2 T mustard
1/2 T whole grain mustard
1 1/2 T apple cider vinegar
1 T sugar
1/4 t celery seed
juice of 1/2 lime
When the potatoes are cool the skins will peel very easily by gently pulling the skin (don't peel, pull) with a knife and your thumb. When peeled, quarter or halve the potatoes, place in large mixing bowl and gently fold the mayo mixture into potatoes. You can eat this immediatley, or chill for the next day's activities. Makes about 4-6 modest servings, so depending on your head count double or triple if needed. I hope you enjoy.
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