My wife and I got a great deal at the local thrift store on a ceiling fan. It's quite a nice one. Yesterday we installed it in place of a non-functioning fan right above my head at the computer. As I write this I am enjoying it's soothing breeze.

For the past couple days I've been waking up early and lounging in the morning sun that comes through our bedroom window. It's warmer now, so we leave the window open all night. The cool night breeze and the distant sound of the trains rumbling through town really take me back. We used to live near the river alongside railroad tracks. In the summer we'd leave the window open all night and listen to the rushing waters and the occasional train. I grew up around trains with my Dad working for Southern Pacific and Amtrak all my life. So needless to say, when I hear a train it is soothing to me. Also, waking up gently in the morning does alot to keep me in a good mood throughout the day.

I wish I could make my friends and family understand how good this move home has been for me. I tend to harp on it alot and I think it irritates those around me. I know I need to let up. But, to me it's like finding gold and not telling anyone you did. Perhaps I am overdoing it, but I was in such a state of depression in Mordor that freedom is like getting a new lease on life. I wish my mother was still alive. I think she is the only one that would truly understand.

If I can just get our business going, our continued lives here would be guaranteed. Oh God please let it be so.

I took 3 of my daughters and my son out in the woods today to shoot the musket. My second daughter got to fire the gun a couple times coming pretty close to the target. Again, because of my weak shoulder, I was a bit shaky in my shooting. However, I was able to hit the target dead center after three tries. Then as we were leaving my middle daughter got in serious trouble for pointing the rifle at her sisters. Needless to say I came down on her hard.

On our hike I found a very curious flat spot along Ney springs. I believe it might have been a homestead at one time. But, I did not see a foundation or any other signs of civilization. I hope to explore the area at length in the near future. I'm trying to find the road that the early settlers used to get to the sulphur springs.

My second daughter played another great game tonight. She hit the ball twice and scored both times. She also got a double play while playing first base. Her team remains undefeated.

Took this goofy quiz today on Momoka's blog that told me which Star Wars Character I was most like. I was just afraid it would say JarJar or heaven forbid Yoda. Here's the result.


which Episode II character are you?



Probably the greatest Jedi Knight of all. Like Obi Wan, you are wise and keep your feet on the ground at all times. You will not be outsmarted by anyone. You are always faithful to your friends. Be careful though, danger lurks around every corner - you could even be betrayed by those closest to you.



Probably pretty true. Finally a quiz I like. Thanks Momoka(p.s. your a shoe-in for Senator Amidala).

In case you want to take the quiz... Here's the link http://ollie.summerrains.com/quiz/quiz.html

Heard some great news tonight. My buddy and hero JM told me he got approved for a home loan. He's the one that lost his house and had to move into another one and was afraid he would loose his dogs. Well, his new house was sold and it looks like the landlords want him to move out. Poor guy, I'm just glad he can buy a house now and totally avoid this whole mess.

My daughter played another softball game last night. They won 15 to 0. I felt bad for the opposing team. But, our girls are just great hitters. My daughter hit the ball a couple times but never actually scored. She did bring in two runs. I watched another team from a nearby town play that we haven't actually played yet. They were pretty good, they had a great defense. But, I never actually saw them hit a ball. The opposing pitcher mostly walked them into scoring. However, when a strike was thrown they wouldn't swing at it. It'll be interesting to see what happens when we play them next week.

Last night at the game I had a bit of an epiphany. I felt the warm winds on my back and heard a train blow into town. For some reason it made me realise the abundance of blessings that have been bestowed upon me. I said a very heartfelt prayer, which I haven't done in a long time. I had been so wrapped up in the cycle of the Church that somehow I had forgot how to have a relationship with Christ. I think that is the failing of the catholic type religions(not that protestants do much better). Don't get me wrong, I still have faith in the Church but, I have no faith or even kinship with the people therein. I've just been hurt too bad by so called "Christians". Somehow, I think this whole experience of an injury, being out of work, and moving back home has brought me closer to God. Closer in a way that I have never experienced before.

I think I'm also coming to grips and really examining who my friends really are. I know this has been a subject of many a past blogs. But, it seems to me that a real friend is one who stays in touch. Asking about how my life is going and telling me about theirs on a regular basis. There are so many people out there that associate with me(and you know who you are) and only contact me when they want something. I need more in a friendship. I want to plan and do things with my friends. Talk about philosphy, religion and politics. Not keep myself on hold until they want me to do something with them. Soon I'll be in business for myself and I bet they'll come out of the woodwoork wanting a job or a piece of the action. My answer will be no. It'll seem like I made it and forgot about those around me. But, my goal is to tap into people that are honest and true. When I had my first business several years ago I had a person that I trusted stab me in the back, making me lose the business. I won't let that happen again. It seems to me that a true friend is a precious thing, while fair weather friends are a dime a dozen.

I have alot of hope for the future. Perhaps more than I've had in a long time. My Dad came to vvisit today and we talked some about our business plans. He actually gave me words of support for the project. I was so suprised because he wants me to return to my government job.

Also, my old high school friend CW came over today to visit. He has mellowed so much since high school. I really enjoyed talking to him. He wants to go hunting with me this summer. He also really interested in shooting black powder rifles with me. It's good to connect with an old friend who has something in common with me.

Well, Memorial Day weekend has been pretty laxed for me. Didn't do anything but wish I was at Kublacon. In a couple days it's supposed to clear up and get warm. I think I'll take a long hike in the hills.

Today was a very nice day. Despite not being at Kublacon, I enjoyed myself just lounging around the house. My fourth daughter convinced me to fix the seat on her bike, which opened a can of worms with every one of my children bringing their bikes to me for minor repairs. Even my son brought me his big wheel for repair. It was kinda nice. Afterwards, we made our way downtown with everyone of my kids either riding a bike, tricycle, or scooter.