Back from the Dead

One of the sad things to read in bird books is the description given under the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. It is a magnificent bird, even larger than the Pileated Woodpecker, which I see from time to time in our woods. Here's what Roger Tory Peterson says in his book: "Probably extinct. Formerly in forests of the southeast." The bird has not been seen since 1948.

But now, the majestic Ivory-Billed Woodpecker has been found in Arkansas!


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Real Pros

This week is Administrative Professionals Appreciation Week, and it's a good time to be reminded about the great professionals we have working for us at HC. It is a real pleasure to work with Alicia and Debbie. They are efficient, pleasant, fun to work with, and all around great people.

Today we took them (and our other administrator Jim) out to the restaurant of their choice, where we had a good time and lots of laughs. We exchanged urban legends, described our propensities to get sick on airplanes, shared Esther Price candies, and sang "You're So Vain" and "Ode to Billy Joe" (words) together.

Thanks, A & D, for making ministering at HC such a pleasure!

Words of the day

voluble (vol' you bul) adj. Marked by a ready flow of speech
cloy v. To weary by excess, especially of sweetness or richness

All that jazz

Tuesday night I went with a friend to see Wynton Marsalis (website) and his quintet downtown. It was an awesome performance. He also brought along an upcoming new singer named Jennifer Sanon (story), who has a fantastic voice. All in all, a great evening of jazz.

Last Friday, I went with another friend to the Schuster Center downtown for a great performance of Mahler's 6th symphony (the Tragic). This is the symphony that has the giant hammer of fate. It was the last in the Classical Connections series for the season. We have already bought our tickets for next season.

One thing I like about having kids who are older and self-sufficient - we can go to Steak and Shake any time of the day or night. When tad gets off work for the summer, we'll be doing more of that. It's great to be able to say at midnight, "Let's go out to eat!" Last night after choir practice and the inevitable line of people with questions for me, I took a young man out to Steak and Shake, where we talked and I got my favorite meal: Original Double w/ cheese, fries, and cottage cheese.

Monday I tried out my new golf clubs again - I did fairly well, but I still need some work on the driving range. I got a 50-45. I think I got 4 pars. Last Saturday at our enjoyable staff picnic, Brandon and I had a friendly pitching wedge contest, which I managed to win. I wasn't able to win at croquet, though. I came in 2nd. For some reason, people were saying that I was competitive. Don't have any idea what they're talking about.

Words of the Day

foible n. A minor weakness or flaw; a shortcoming or failing of character
peccadillo n. A small sin or fault

Sunny

After a long winter, what a pleasure to see and feel the warm sun several days in a row. I even got a little sunburn. It's even better when you feel sunny inside - feeling the warm radiance of God's love and smile. It's good to feel God's leading and sense that you're in the center of his will.

I got new golf clubs this weekend, and tried them out today, going golfing with a friend. I need to get used to them, but I think I'm going to like them. Only 2 pars today.

I replaced tad's window regulator and motor in her car Saturday - saved about $200.

Today tad and I ate out at one of our regular haunts: Skyline. I still can taste those onions. Then we cleaned out, vacuumed, and washed both of our cars. Of course, they're only clean until we drive up the lane...

Day off

Today was my day off - I need one day a week to restore my mental, physical, and spiritual energy. Sundays are extremely draining, especially when we have small group. I love going to church, teaching, preaching, singing, etc. And I love going to small group. But to people like me who are somewhat introverted, it results in a net loss of energy, and I need time to myself to get re-energized.

Today was a beautiful day, and they had a golf-all-you-want day at Rollandia, so I went there and had a blast golfing 3 rounds of 9. The first 2 were by myself, and the 3rd was with a guy named James who went through 2 beers and 2 cigarettes during the nine.

Of course, this was after I did 2 loads of laundry (which for some strange reason I like to do) and did our taxes.

Then I met tad for dinner and had my new favorite meal at Friday's: the Flat Iron Steak.

After dinner we went to Golf Galaxy and I tried out various golf clubs using their nifty simulator. Maybe I'll get some clubs for Father's Day.

Then home for our favorite show, 24. We're also watching the entire 1st season on DVD, but not tonight.

Tuesday is always a big day (staff meeting, service planning, etc.). I'm really looking forward to our series on relationships and connections - I think our church really needs it.