The Tassle Man

How do you get one of these robes and flat top hats? After getting the easy ones from High School, you go for these.

Generally, it takes a few years of difficult, demanding and disciplined study, as well as several thousand dollars.

Well, congratulations to Jamie. He's done it. This month he graduated from Bethel University with a degree in Theology and Biblical Studies.

Of the six of us in our family, Jamie is the youngest. He is also the first one to graduate from college. I never did, but Cathy will graduate in the Spring. Dylan will also be graduating and plans to immediately go on to pursue his doctorate. Chelsea earned straight A's this semester and is continuing to work toward her degree.

If this sounds like I'm bragging - that's because I am.

This also reads like one of those cheesy Christmas letters (which we never send)..

Anyway, Jamie did it in only 3 1/2 years.

Way to go. We're all proud of you.

Is it live or is it _________?

Last year I set up an artificial Christmas tree in our house for the first time. It wasn't planned. It was more or less the only option, since it was Christmas Eve and I couldn't find a real tree anywhere that night. I ended up borrowing an artificial tree that I knew was not being used.

After Christmas, there was a great deal on artificial trees at Lowe's, so I bought one. After figuring out how to store it all year, it was finally time to break it out for this year.

Those of you who use these trees understand the tedious process of bending out each wire branch after everything was scrunched flat in storage. That's what I'm doing here.

Some people say, "I only want a live tree". Nobody has a live tree. They either have an artificial tree or a dead one.

So whether you go artificial or unartificial, I hope your Christmas was genuinely as great as ours was here in Wisconsin.

Troast and Jam?

You know how it is when you run into a celebrity and you have a camera... you can't resist having your picture taken together.

So, I told Jon Troast it would be fine to have his picture taken with me. As you can see, he looks pretty excited. ( No. I'm not wearing a silly hat. Those are books behind me.)

But seriously, it was a fun evening listening to Jon play in someone's living room in Gilbert, Arizona.If you check Jon's website, you should find a photo of everyone in the living room tonight. There I am next to my brother (next to Jon), and my niece Kelly and her husband, Pete.

Bugs?

I saw this guy carrying his laptop over his shoulder wearing casual leather loafers while riding a Harley. Then I saw this guy sitting in an office at a desk working back and forth between two laptop computers. Who are these Arizona geeks?

Oh, wait a minute... that was me I saw.

Yes, things are a bit different out here now that my only set of wheels is 2.

When I arrived here a couple of weeks ago, I cleaned all of those dead Wisconsin bugs off of my motorcycle windshield. I noticed while riding today that it remains bug free.

One of the nice things about the desert. I guess the scorpions eat them all.

Browser Humor

I liked this and cut it out of the paper. Later, my brother told me this strip (F Minus) is done by a local guy that he knows from his church or something.

WWJD

Someone asked Mike Huckabee what he thought Jesus would do about some political issue - I don't remember what the issue was. Anyway, Huckabee's response was that Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office.

This got me thinking about the whole WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) thing, and how I would answer that type of question.

Since biblically and theologically Jesus is God, then the question is really, "What would God do when confronted with this situation?" , or "How would God react to this set of circumstances?"

So, for me, I guess that's the problem. We are looking for God's reaction to our scenario.

I believe that God is very actively involved in and with His creation, I just don't think He is reactively involved. There are an abundance of biblical references to God initiating action toward us. At Christmas we are reminded of the ultimate initiative of God into His creation.

God orchestrates all of history. He doesn't react to it. Even though Jesus suffered the execution of crucifixion by the Romans, He said that no one takes His life from Him. He has the power to lay it down and take it back up again.

I appreciate the original intent of the WWJD concept - pulling Christ's perspective into our contemporary culture and finding a method to bring biblical relevance into our everyday lives.

But let's not put God at the disposal of our imagination. He is the author and source of everything.

We need to respond to Him , rather than speculate how He would respond to us.

A mechanic comes in to work one day and decides he needs a vehicle. Maybe for his wife, girlfriend (or both), son, daughter, banker or paperboy. He patiently waits for some poor buffoon to come along towing his vehicle into the shop (preferably from out of state). At this point, our friendly mechanic, lets call him, "Alfredo", seizes the opportunity. He will tell the buffoon (from out of state), "Your car is fatally wounded and will not recover". Following the appropriate nanosecond of mourning, Alfredo adds, "There is someone interested in buying it".

Wow. What a coincidence.

So ...yes, I am selling my Jimmy to Alfredo for roughly the price I paid for the radiator I put in on the side of the road the other night. At least I don't have to pay someone to junk it.

And honestly, I hope Alfredo has good luck with it. He wants the transmission, I guess.

So long, Jimmy.

Happy Thanksgiving

This is reportedly "The World's Largest Turkey". Excluding the country, I guess.

Apparently it can be found in Frazee, Minnesota.

A few years ago, it burned up (or down, I'm not sure)

Supposedly, it has been replaced by a newer, browner one.

If I'm not mistaken, Minnesota is also home to the biggest ball of twine.

Minnesota - vacation destination!

From The Albuquerque News

Back To Normal

So far, my road trip from Wisconsin to Arizona was going way too smooth. No car problems, no trailer problems, no lodging problems... this was not normal.

Leaving Flagstaff and heading south on I17 toward Phoenix yesterday, normalcy erupted at mile marker 283.

Going up the mountain, the Jimmy kept losing power and started overheating. Finally, I had to pull off the side of the road to check it. The car killed when I stopped. I got out to pop the hood and saw steam exiting the engine at various locations. Just as I was pulling up the prop rod for the hood, a hole blew in the top of the radiator sending an explosion of steam and vapor all over the car and me. (I'm OK, and thanks for asking). This was not something I could fix with the stuff in my car.

I decided to call my brother in Phoenix (about 90 miles away). My phone battery was almost dead, I had no car charger, and being in the mountains, I had no signal.

I walked a little way down the road where I got some signal strength (one bar). I called my brother, it rang, he answered. My phone died, but I was pretty sure he heard me say where I was, and that I was broke down.

This is the part of the story where the police and the fire trucks came screaming in. Apparently, someone had called them with the report of a car fire.

Fast forward a couple of hours. It's dark now, my brother has arrived, and to kill time while I was waiting, I took the front of the engine apart and removed the radiator.

We hook my trailer to his truck, since I couldn't leave my Harley unattended by the roadside.

In order to get the lights to work, I had to crawl under his truck and tap a new pigtail into his truck wiring.

It is now 8:30 p.m. My brother has located an auto parts store about 20 miles away with his magical Internet cell phone. They have a radiator. They close at 9 p.m.

An hour and a half later, we are back to mile marker 283 with the new radiator. A couple of hours later, the new radiator is in (everyone should carry a headlamp at all times), we even flushed out the overflow tank.

I jump in the Jimmy to start it... nothing. Dead battery. No, I don't have jumper cables. No, my brother doesn't have jumper cables.

Time to think.

I have an extension cord in the car with my tools. I start cutting it up and braiding wires. There are no clamps, but we come up with a method of connecting things from his truck to my Jimmy. (Don't try this at home, kids). Surprisingly, it works. The Jimmy starts. The engine is running, but it sounds bad. It is knocking and clunking.

I only make it 2 miles up the road before the engine seizes up and stalls.

I finally arrive at my brother's house about 2 a.m. My Harley and trailer are here, safe and sound, but the Jimmy is still sitting at mile marker 281, unable to run, but sporting a shiny new radiator.

There are plenty of things for me learn from this experience. The feeling I have right now is that you can win a lot of battles and still lose the war.

Can I get the radiator out? - Won

Can I get the lights working with the truck? - Won

Does the auto parts store have my radiator? - Won

Can we make it there in time? - Won

Can we get the new radiator in? - Won

Can I make a set of jumper cables from an extension cord? - Won

Is the car still busted after I spent $260. on a new radiator? - Yes

Don't get me wrong. This story is not yet over. The war is not really lost, I just have to keep fighting. But its nice that things are back to normal.

When Worlds Collide

This morning, I left Denver pretty early - 5 a.m.

I pulled off in Castle Rock CO to get some gas.

I looked across the street and saw something I had never seen before.

There...directly in front of me was a Waffle House right next door to a Harley dealership.

It was a beautiful sight. I nearly jerked a tear on the spot.

If this were a movie, at this moment the long sustained note of the angelic choir would be sounding.

Like two old friends standing side by side ...there they stood. Of course, the dealership was closed at that time of the morning, but the Waffle House maintained its faithful all-night vigil.

I really enjoyed that waffle.

Sunset Day 2

This was the sunset I was driving into as I approached Denver last night.

I stayed with Tom in Denver. Tom is my sister-in-law's brother, ...or my brother's brother-in-law, ...or my brother's wife's brother. Anyway, you get it.

Tom is retired now, but he worked for the FAA and supervised all the construction of the Federal areas of the Denver Airport, including the control tower and air traffic control centers.

Thanks, Tom.

Clean Restrooms

Yes, they do.

While driving across Iowa, I felt the urge of nature's call. I needed gas anyway, so I patiently pumped first then went inside to discover the men's room was closed for cleaning. OK, I thought. I will go further up the road and stop at a different station to get some coffee and use their facilities. As I went inside, I discovered that the restroom at this second station was also closed for cleaning. They did, however, post a sign directing me to another men's room in another section of the store. I proceeded to that restroom to be greeted by another sign reading, "out of order".

Needless to say, (I'll say it anyway) I found Iowa not to be a bladder friendly state.

This is a photo of me standing somewhere in the middle of Iowa. Because the heater core went out in the Jimmy, this is the way I was dressed while driving all day.

AZ Road Trip Day 1

I finally acknowledged to myself the fact that I would never be able to get everything done back home before taking off for Arizona, so I randomly and somewhat recklessly threw all the belongings I could think of needing (i.e. tools) into the back of my Jimmy - also a few clothes, as an afterthought.

All that stuff can get sorted out later, I guess.

Oh, I also brought some guns and my motorcycle.

Trailer Update

Today I was able to get the rest of the trailer assembled and here I am running the wiring.

I also picked up the plywood and a piece of carpet for the deck.

Nothing but fun here.

Some Assembly Required

I love reading these words on a package when I buy something new.

People other than my wife think I'm kidding, but I really enjoy putting things together.

Today I bought a trailer to haul my motorcycle to Arizona. I picked it up in 2 cardboard boxes that I threw in the back of my Jimmy. When I realized this trailer was sold unassembled, my first reaction was, "awesome!"

So I enjoyed bolting the kit together most of the afternoon in my garage. Tomorrow I'll put the axle and wheels on, wire the lights, and hopefully, get the floor on.

It's getting cold here. I'm ready for someplace warm.

Bunne Hutch

I just finished building a new mudroom and entry addition this week for Jon and Lisa Bunne (yes, it's pronounced bunny).

This was my final project before returning to Arizona.

The project took me about an extra week because I built all the storage cabinets also. She has compartments for everything - the kid's backpacks, shoes, briefcase, purse, school papers, dog food, broom, cell phones and chargers, etc.

So, now that it's done, I am in high gear to get all my stuff organized and packed because I will be driving to Phoenix this time and trailering my cycle.

I'll try to keep my blog updated during the road trip.

How Tough Can It Be?

I once had a friend whose moniker was, "How tough can it be?".

It didn't matter if we were talking about skiing, skydiving, jewelry making or selling insurance - his response was always the same.

So today, as I come home from work, I see my son Dylan taking apart his laptop computer on the living room floor with a Leatherman multi tool. Apparently, there was no pressing need to do this; he just wanted to give it a try.

When Dylan was about 7 years old, he received as a gift a ballpoint pen that could write with any one of four different colors. Before he even used it, he completely disassembled it.

I can appreciate this urge. there are times when you are just randomly compelled to take something apart.

After about half an hour, his computer was back on the table - up and running.

After numerous frustrating attempts, the pen, however, was never able to be reassembled.

Potty Mouth

I read about a lady the other day who got arrested.

Her toilet overflowed, and in her panic and frustration of witnessing her kitchen below receiving the soaking result, she let out a profanity laced tirade. Well, this is when the trouble really started. Her neighbor did not appreciate this assault on her ears, so she warned her to cease or the police would be called. The profanity continued - the police arrived. Before the night was over, our verbal venting plumbing challenged woman was arrested for disorderly conduct. By the way, the neighbor was an off duty police officer.

Now, the ACLU has decided to get involved to represent the accused, since they feel she has the right to say anything she desires in her own home.

OK. Sometimes we need to just step back and look at things a little differently. For example, how would this story be if the neighbor would have decided to go over and help unclog the toilet and clean up the mess. I suppose I would not have read about it in the newspaper, but what an opportunity to do something for someone when they really need it.

I need to start realizing that I have a choice in how to react to a situation with another person.

As it has been said, "the harder thing to do and the right thing to do are usually the same thing".

Madeline Grace

Today has been a great day. As you can see, I am compelled to display a photo of Madeline Grace Fuehrer with her favorite guy (that would be me).

We had a really good message in church this morning, then came home.

Ben, Cassie, Madeline and Aunt Annalee came over to our place today to watch the Packers defeat the Redskins.

Pizza - Chili - Cookies - Coffee - Packers win.

A good day.

Jon's Place #2

Here's another video from Jon Troast. I like it because it's about being on the road

Have Church? Will Travel

A few days ago, I was working on a cabinet installation in a commercial office. The painter was scheduled for the same day, so we ended up working around each other most of the day.

He didn't know me, or anything about me., but he asked me where I attended church.

As we began to discuss things, he told me that he goes to a different church every week. His goal is to attend every church in the city (Rockford, IL). Apparently, there are about 150 different churches in the Rockford area, so this effort will take him about 3 years to complete. He started last Christmas Eve.

I guess this would prove interesting, but I don't think I would enjoy it.

There would also not be any real sense of satisfaction for me.

I don't recommend this to anyone... maybe he is a professional on a closed course.

Communication

My wife and I spent a weekend at the Family Life marriage conference titled "Weekend to Remember".

I think 5 of the 14 sessions dealt with communication. Not just how to communicate, but when, why and about what.

Overall, the weekend was really a fun experience together. The two main speakers were very powerful, humorous and compelling.

One of the things I realized is that we seem to have the notion that good marriages can automatically happen and just materialize before our eyes - kind of like Kirk and the away team beaming down to the planet surface.

In reality, we accept that the successful things in our life have required effort and conscious, deliberate action.

So, I'm starting to accept the fact that my information about communication should probably stop coming from the world of sports.

Jon's Place 1

A musician friend of mine has some videos posted on YouTube. I think this was one of the first ones. I really enjoyed it. I hope you do too.

Recycle America

I have to admit, I'm not really much of a recycler. When it comes to pop cans and milk cartons - I generally just throw them away. That is not to say, however, that I don't do my part.

I built an entire porch this week without purchasing any materials. All of the framing lumber, decking and railing components were salvaged.

A year or two ago, I built a deck and wheelchair ramp for Tom and Mary Jane Birdsall. In March, they moved out of that house into this duplex condo. Their old house is scheduled to be demolished to make room for a new subdivision. So, we went over there the other day and took all of it apart. I sorted through the material and figured out how to take all of that stuff and reconfigure it into a front porch for their new place. Even though it was challenging to find a way to make everything work, it was kind of satisfying to see it accomplished.

I may have thrown away my milk carton tonight, but I also recycled a whole porch.

To Roof Or Not To Roof

They are building a new bank across the street from where I live. Last week the building was up and the roof was complete. I saw them shingling it last Monday.

Today as I drove by, I noticed men on the roof tearing all the shingles off. By the end of the day, they had started to put shingles on again.

So, somebody made a mistake. I don't know if it was the wrong shingle the first time, or something else, but in order to make things right all the original work had to be discarded.

I don't like to delight in someone's misfortune, but something inside me felt a little less bad about some of the mistakes I've made on the job.

By the way, I have put the wrong shingles on a new roof myself. It was only a porch roof, but I had to re-roof it.

Take a knee

For all you youngsters out there that need to still acquire some life skills...here's a good one.

Marriage Proposal: With proper planning and execution this can be both romantic (which she will like) and memorable (which she will like).

Case in Point - My stepson Ian: Yesterday he proposed to his girlfriend, Jill in the shopping mall where he first met her. At first take, that may not sound too romantic. But, he did it in exactly the same place inside the same mall. This earns bonus points. Secondly, he chose the classic "one knee" proposal position. When you do this in a public place, it is worth tons of extra credit. Thirdly, he had a ring...in a box...with a hinge. Good call. It was also a surprise to her, and all of us parents came out of the woodwork at the appropriate time.

We all went out for dinner and it was a very nice evening.

All I can say is, "Well done".

Map for Kirk

Newlywed Bed

Well, Jamie and Diedra finally got their bed delivered to Minneapolis.


Only minor damage as a result of my inability to properly secure it for transportation - nothing I can't fix next time I visit.


This gives me an excuse for another breakfast that can't be beat.

* * * *

OK, count the pillows. Yep, each bed has 7 pillows - I'm pretty sure that IS the definition of luxury.

I think this is probably the first time I have ever had a chance to stay in a four star hotel.

Cathy and I got a great deal on the Omni Severin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

Valet parking, doormen, bellmen - they park your car, carry your luggage, get ice for your room...anything you want.

Of course, I did run out of $5 bills after a while, what with all the tipping.

Mile after Mile

Well, I've been burning some rubber across four different states this week.

Wednesday I was in Minnesota to deliver the bed to Jamie and Diedra.

Thursday I was back home

Friday Cathy and I were in Indianapolis

Saturday we were in Scottsburg, Indiana

Sunday we were back home in Wisconsin

Bedtime for Bonzo

OK. So the bed for Jamie and Diedra is done.

Here I am finishing the wiring of the recessed lights.


Now I just have to figure out how to deliver it to Minneapolis without running into rain anywhere. Oh, and I have to be back before Friday so we can leave for Indiana.

The Draft

Dylan is pretty intense during his fantasy football draft on Sunday. I think it took about 5 or 6 hours for his league to finish their draft, but his team is set. No Packers on his team... oh, well. He wanted their defense, but somebody else beat him to it.

I'm not sure how you cheer for that.

"Go Fantasy!"

"Beat Fantasy!"

Happy Happy Joy Joy

This morning as I am listening to a popular Christian radio station, 102.5, I hear them say my wife's name. They also say, "Clinton". I also hear the words, "grand prize winner".

I start saying to Cathy as she is getting ready for work, "They just said your name on the radio!, they just said your name on the radio!"

Well, sure enough, we are the winners.

They are sending us to the "Weekend to Remember Family Life Seminar" in Madison. They will pay for the weekend...the seminar, the hotel and everything!

The on-air radio personality tried to call her as we were listening, and of course, got her cell phone voice mail (nothing new to me). After about 20 minutes Cathy succeeded in calling them back and was on the air. She is really excited.

Cathy has wanted us to go to one of these for a long time, but they are expensive and we couldn't always get the time off. So now, I guess there is no doubt, we are supposed to be there...and we will.

Birthday Boy

Tonight we all went to The Golden Corral in Georgetown KY for a big buffet steak dinner to celebrate Dylan's 24th birthday, which is actually tomorrow, on the 24th. I guess that makes it his golden birthday.

Here he is with his Grandma.

Happy Birthday!

Travellin' Man

Just to give you all an idea of my travel plans for the next couple of weeks - it goes something like this:

Last Tuesday=Wisconsin
Tuesday night=Kentucky
Wednesday=North Carolina
Wednesday night=Kentucky
Saturday=Wisconsin
Tuesday=Minnesota
Wednesday=Cassville Wisconsin
Thursday=Home
Friday=Indiana
Monday (Labor Day)=Home

Then I can leave for Arizona.

Dylan and I went to Norht Carolina yesterday from Kentucky. We drove the 600 mile round trip in my Mom's car - The Buick Roadmaster

It Sucks

So, today I had to do a little carpet maintenance in our apartment.

As always, before I can do something, I ususally have to fix something.

Case in point-vacuum cleaner. I had to take it apart and clean the filter (typical). After making a few runs on the floor, it didn't seem to be picking up. The roller on the bottom was not turning because it was all wound up with hair and thread and stuff. After a few minutes of cutting and pulling, everything seemed to be running fine again.

Ok, so my point is how many people out there take their vacuum cleaners apart to make sure they are working alright?

Now, granted, I have a cheap vacuum... so it won't work unless I do all this stuff with it pretty regularly. Maybe if I bought one of those $500. Dyson machines, I'd never have to think about it-I don't really know.

But for now, if I want the machine to clean - I have to clean the machine. Because when it comes to vacuum cleaners, "If it doesn't suck...it sucks".

9:06 P.M.

Bedtime

One of the several projects I am working on - now that I am unemployed - is a bed. This is a bed for Jamie and Diedra. They have just moved to Minneapolis.

I have the bed built now, I just need to sand it, stain it, and finish it. Then put some recessed lights in the headboard.

I need to try to have it complete this week so I can deliver it to them by the weekend.

I built it in my garage, which is a little risky, because we live in an apartment building and I don't want people to get upset by the noise, dust and odor.

2 Wheelin' Again

I am once again reunited... with my wife and family (ha - you thought I was going to say "motorcycle").
Back in Wisconsin I am able to go riding and the weather is actually pleasant.

I am eager to finsh all the odd jobs I came here to do so I can spend some 2 wheel time.

Friendly Skies

Well, I took that "big old jet airliner" across the friendly skies back to Wisconsin. I'll be here a few weeks - gotta lot to do while I'm here. Cleaning stuff, building stuff and I have to run down to Kentucky to make sure Mom can turn on her new computer. I'm not sure I'm the right man for the job, it took me most of the day today to figure out how to get my wireless router set up. (Which is why there has been a bit of a gap in my posts) Anyway, I think Dylan may come with me... so not to fear.

Canuck?

Today as I was making my way through Phoenix traffic I found myself behind a car with a vanity plate which read "FATEH".

As I thought about it, I concluded he must be an overweight Canadian.

Necktie Sale

It's been a long time since I've had the opportunity to visit several churches and be an objective observer. I don't have the intention of being critical - but I have some observations.

Of the 3 different churches I have attended there are some very specific common demoninators.

1) Pastoral Dress Code

All three head pastors got the same memo: "Wear blue jeans with a collar shirt - untucked - NO TIE"

2) Order of Service

Begin with excellent musicians and singers leading praise music that is projected onto multiple large screens. The music and sound systems (sometimes light shows) are concert quality. Follow this with a message that is ususally strong on application and seeker friendly.

3) Stage Dressing

In the theatre, this term applies to the items on the stage during any given scene (furniture, etc.). All 3 - I kid you not - all 3 had a stool and a small table beside it for the pastor during the message. This creates a very casual and informal image. It's unpretensious.

I make no judgments about these things, they are just observations.

The point of all this is simply: "If you come to Arizona don't plan to make a living selling neckties or pulpits.

Jesus Freaks

Back in the '70s most of us Christians came to fondly embrace the term "Jesus freaks". It was originally intended to be insulting and deragatory...but we kind of liked it. I guess it's a little like the whole "cheesehead" thing.

There was some weird kind of respect back then for anyone who was seen as " doing your own thing".

In our culture of today, Christians seem to be tolerated less and less and are seen as extremists.

I guess we just need to remember that we reach the world one person at a time.

Everybody is a freak about something.

Easy Riders

In our efforts to become accepted members of this local motorcycle gang, Larry and I did a little motorcycle shopping today. We went to a Victory motorcycle dealership and Larry had a chance to take test rides on two different models.

We also stopped at the Harley dealership across the street. Lots of motorcycles. Lots of people. No test rides.

Anyway, any day you can take a motorcycle ride is a good day.

The main reason we want to be members of this particular motorcycle gang is that Larry and I both fit the required physical profile. And we both own blue jeans.

Truck Drivin' Son of a Gun

Today my brother and I met with an attorney about setting up a new corporation for his trucking company. He needs to come up with a company name. We also went to the Volvo/Mack truck dealership and took a ride in the Volvo 630 (pictured). This rig has a double sleeper bunk (one up / one down), refrigerator and is set up for TV and microwave. It drives like a new Chevy Pick-up truck - except this is a 10 speed.

I could live in this truck.

Kinda makes me miss my truckin' days.

Canis latrans

Apparently, coyotes have been seen with greater regularity in many urban areas around Phoenix. Pets have disappeared, so people are getting much more cautious about letting "Fluffy" out in the yard.

Larry has a pigeon problem in his front yard. His front yard is only about the size of the living room, but close to a dozen pigeons hang out there. The funny thing is - his is the only house in the whole neighborhood with any pigeons at all.

Maybe he could use a resident coyote.