Hmmmm....

As you can see, I really could not think of a good title for the blog, so I used the "Hmmmm". This reminds me of one of my neighbors up the street. I he a very talkative person. If there is ever a laps, pause, or brief silence in the conversation, he fills the void with one of the following, "un-HU", "yeap," or "mmmhu." (We are using Ebonics, because I am not really sure how to spell any of those.) Which naturally brings me to the discussion of the, "awkward Silence" in conversation. Silence in a conversation, is only awkward when you are not well awkward with the individual you are conversing. There is only one big exception, and that is when they drop some bombshell of information, that never in your life you would have expected them to say, admit to, or have actually done. Mean while in your mind you are searching desperately for the cliche which will get you past this moment of awkward.

It was an eventful week this week, the headlines would read something like this:

The dynamic duo attend pre-school

The 24 hour stomach bug hits

Honey goes to the shop for repairs

I will refrain from putting the highlights from my week at work in the blog, needless to say, there were some colorful moments.

Today Cap and I went and assisted setting up tables with the rest of SPRC for the "Weclome new Pastor" hamburger cookout. Tommorow, I get to help cook hamburgers, which is always a time for "Male Bonding" at the church.

Swinging Ella

6-14-08 030
Originally uploaded by Germburner

Here is Ella playing in a swing at the park, I think that she is having a good time, how about you.

Cap the Soccer Star

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Originally uploaded by Germburner

Here is Cap playing soccer. He still thinks it is better to throw it, rather than kick it.

Ella and Cap

Ella and Cap
Originally uploaded by Germburner

Here is a picture of Cap and Ella. Amy's is actually holding on to Ella's arms.

Mr W's Birthday

Mr W's Birthday
Originally uploaded by Germburner

Here is a picture with the boy's at Mr. W's Birthday Party.

OKC

Last weekend we went to OKC (which is short for Oklahoma City) to celebrate Whaetly's birthday. The trip was a lot of fun. We took the pickup which was good, until we hit a monsoon about 10 miles from the hotel. I had to get out and put a tarp over the luggage. I agree with the boyscouts, in that you should always be prepared. Cap thought the rain and Storm were just one more big adventure. We went to White Water and had a good time, I did several laps around the lazy river (walking, not floating), and played in the kids pool with the kids. Actually, it was more like herding cats. Saturday night we had the birthday party, complete with cup cakes that turned your teeth green. On Sunday, we went to the big furniture store, the mall with the Apple store, and Kid's Pottery Barn. I am not sure why they call it pottery barn, I did not see a single pot in the joint. I played with an apple computer at the apple store, I really was not to impressed. Perhaps that is because I have had 13 years of Windows pumped in from Microsoft.

This weekend, we stayed in the area. Yesterday, I took a desk to the salvation army, and one to the transfer station. It gets transferred to the municipal dump in Pampa. Then I worked on the Mustang. Last night we took the kids to the park. Cap played in the water park, and Ella and I made a few laps.

Today we went to church and had our first experience with the new pastor. He seems nice, he can sing so he lead the hymns.

105 F

Today the high temperature in Borger reached 105 degrees Fahrenheit. That is pretty hot for the second week in June. I swear that I can watch my grass turning brown in the heat of the day. I did not realize how hot it was today, until I left the office at 5:30 pm, it was about 30 degrees warmer than it had been at 6:20 am when I walked in. In the event that you did not know, the Fahrenheit temperature scale was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736). I for one think it is interesting that America is one of the few countries that us the Fahrenheit scale, which was actually invented by a German Scientist.

I did get the new computer desk set-up and the computer put into the desk. It is nice, and the draws are not falling off like the old desk. So, in the next few days the old desk will take a drive over to the "Transfer Station". That is the city's way of saying, the "central trash depot" or perhaps, the "trash truck central". What they do is bring in all of the trash trucks, dump them in a building, and load all the garbage into semi trailers which are hauled to a city 30 miles away for disposal. This was less expensive then operating our own sanitary land fill. Again, another oxymoron, how exactly is a landfill sanitary, when you dump thousand of tons of trash in it daily?

Changing of The Gaurd Tommorow, our new computer desk will arrive. I have to say, that I am excited about this prospect for the following reasons.

Tomorrow, our new computer desk will arrive. I have to say, that I am excited about this prospect for the following reasons.

1. The computer is currently on the bar.
2. We do not have any bar stools.
3. I have to sit 1- feet away from the monitor to comfortable type the blog.

So tomorrow evening, I will be moving the computer to the new desk, yippee.

This is the week in June when many Methodist Pastors move to a new church. Because the Methodist church is a correctional church, the pastors are assigned by the bishop and his cabinet, and this is the week when most will be moving. Don, our current pastor is moving to Abilene to take on the role of District Superintendent, where he will be more of a pastor to the pastors. Don and his family served our church for 5 wonderful years, and they will be missed.

Our new pastor is coming from Childress, and I have heard many positive things about him. One thing that I always find interesting is the question, "What do you think of the new pastor". When I was in high school I asked one of the older members this question (several actually and got more or less the same response)- You know I have seen 13 pastors come and go, and when this one leaves, I will still be there. At the time I was taken back by this comment, but it does have some stark reality in it. I believe that the pastors are at church to aide, guide or otherwise facilitate the members in ministry to the community. I think most churches are good at doing ministry to the other church members, however, where we sometimes fail is in engaging the community. I will say up front, that I to fail in this aspect.

All theories beside, Don and his family, exemplified their love of Christ in the way they served our Church. If I had it my way, they would not be leaving. However, it is also note worthy to say, when I have things "my way" and do not listen to God, the ole train usually derails. If you cannot think of anything to pray for this week, pray for your pastor, and all the pastors that are in the great Methodist shuffle.

Annual Confrence

Last week I attended the United Methodist, North West Texas and New Mexico Annual conference in Glorieta, NM. It was a good conference, and it was the first time in over 30 years that the two conferences convened together. I should point out that both conferences have shared a bishop since 1968. The business of the conference was completed. Through out the week there were several worship services which were very spirit filled and powerful. The conference Preacher was Rev. Tyrone Gordon, who reminded us that everyone is on the list for communion, and that as fishers of men we should use a net to bring in all fish, instead of a rod and real, with "special bait" to bring in one select type of person. I listened to the reports of the delegates that went to the General Conference in Ft. Worth last month. (I the event you do not know, every 4 years the United Methodist Church has a General Conference, where delegates from each annual conference across the world come together to do the business of the church and to worship together.)

On a more personnel note I was able to visit with many off the former pastors that had been to my church, and some other pastors who I am friends with. I did get to visit with Ryan, and had lunch with he and Don one day. The Cooke's took me to Santa Fe for dinner one evening which was good. While the business of the church is an important aspect of annual conference, it was far overshadowed for me by the worship and fellowship.

Dumpster Fire

I had a little bit of excitement today, which did involve the fire department and 911. I was out back mowing and smelled, and then saw smoke. I went to see what it was, as it was in the alley and found a dumpster on fire. It was a few houses down, but I called 911 anyway. I mean, why not let the professional fire eaters deal with the situation. While I was talking to the operator I walked up the street to verify the address. When I returned on of the girls that lived in the house the dumpster was behind was spraying water in the dumpster. Her mom came out and I said that I had called the fire department, and she seem put off by this, turned and walked back in the house. It even took the firemen 15 minutes to get it out, so I don't think the garden house would have done much good. As it turns out the mom's boyfriend had put coals from an outdoor fire pit into the dumpster that were not completely, how do you say it, extinguished. I would hope that if anyone saw the dumpster behind my house on fire, they would not hesitate to call 911. So in the event that you see it, go ahead and call.

That was the most exciting thing that happened all day. I did try it and I can swing the golf club while talking on the bluetooth ear piece. Just thought that you should know.

The Sabbatical

I am calling it a sabbatical, because that is a $5 word, and you would not be reading this if you did not want to come across one of those every so often. The word actually means, any extended period of leave from one's customary work, esp. for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc. I have not written anything in about 6 months (give or take a few days). I suppose that the sabbatical was on set or as a result of long days and early mornings at work. Additionally, going from 2 on one to a man defense with the kids has been a change. Right now I am sitting at the dinning room table, typing on a keyboard that is about 7 feet from the computer. Wireless technology is great. We got the tile re done in the old kitchen, and I decided that it was time to get a new computer desk. So we have on e on order.

Today, I attended the funeral of my mom's sister, my aunt. While it was a nice service, and good to see everyone, families should make it a point not to need name tags at funerals by getting together more than once every 10 years.

I have pondered as to why I quit writing, and for the life of me, I have not figured really why. I do know that it is a stress relieving activity, so I will pick it up again, along with golf. Can you say FOUR! Do you ever wonder if the greens keepers in the world, are like Bill Murry in Caddyshack?

Cap and his Gingerbread House

Cap and his Gingerbread House
Originally uploaded by Germburner

Boys Weekend

Amy went to Albuquerque over the weekend, leaving Cap and I at home. Cap spent Thursday and Friday at Honey and Bear's. We also had breakfast on Saturday, Supper on Saturday, and lunch on Sunday at Honey's house. (I would have fed him myself, but who would pass up Honey's cooking?) We had a good time and survived the weekend with out Momma, although there were a lot of questions about where she was. I am happy to report that she and Ella have returned home safely, and in good spirits.

Last week I finally returned to my real job, it was a bit of a shock to the system. I am working on mentally preparing myself for tomorrow, and the return of the fast pace. I do not have any issues with the fast pace, I just had a few to many days of a pace that was more like a stroll or even a saunter, instead of a sprint slowing down to a marathon.

FedEx tried to deliver my new flash on Thursday and they left one of those tags because it has to be signed for. So I called them and it took 15 minutes for me to explain to the customer "help" desk that it was futile to deliver the package on Friday and most likely on Saturday as well. I was ready to pull my hair out.

I have been thinking about Christmas, and I have the following question. Why do we have a celebratory candlelight church service the evening before Christ was born? Have you ever thought about that? Don't get me wrong, I love the Christmas Eve service, with the Christmas carols, the candles, and communion, but have you ever wondered that?

Ella's New Doll

Ella's New Doll
Originally uploaded by Germburner

Ella and her new doll.

Cap Shoveling Snow

Cap Shoveling Snow
Originally uploaded by Germburner

Captain Snow Shovel

End of Year Review 2007

In the event that you did not know it, 2007 the year of the pig is coming to an end. As I was sitting down to hammer this out, I thought to myself, "I will not write the generic stuff about how good of a year it was, and that time seems to be flying by like a Boeing 747." However, it is hard not to start with some cliche about the year. Below are some high points to the year.

Cap turned 3
Amy Turned 31
I turned 33
Ella Mae arrived in August (2 1/2 weeks early).
I purchased my first "Artificial Tree" which looks surprising good considering I have not watered it.
The pressure plate in the mustang went out again.
I Purchased the Nikon D80 SLR camera, that's right it is a sweet camera.
I transferred out of the refinery!!!!

I was taking to my sister the drug-dealer in training (don't worry it is all legal) about the group called the Decemberist. She had not ever heard of them, and I kind of like some of their stuff. They have one song that is or was on the radio titled O Valencia!

We took Ella to the doctor today, she has a cold and an ear infection (I hope I am not violating HIPPA), while she and Amy were at the Doctors office, Cap and I went to Barns and Noble. I was going to purchase a few books, but I left my wallet at home. I felt a bit embarrassed buy the situation, because I realised I had no money after she said, "That will be 20.19." It did remind of my aunt Dorthy, who spilled the entire contents of the hospital cafeteria tray onto the floor.

Cap Shoveling Snow

Cap Shoveling Snow
Originally uploaded by Germburner

Here is a picture that I took yesterday of Cap in the driveway. He wanted to play outside because I was shoveling the snow off the driveway. Of course, he also wanted to shovel the snow with me.

Yule

Today was the kind of day that I like, with the exception of attending one funeral. I woke up and went to the office to work on sending a note out with my boss. Then I ran down to the Tar Box creek and checked the Oil Wells on the Hodges. After that I went home, at some lunch, attended a funeral. After that I had a message on my phone from my dad, he had locked the keys in his truck and was stranded at the riverview station. So I went to rescue him, and Monroe. Once that was done I stuck around and ran the pulling 54 joints of tubing into a well.

The Funeral was the second one that I have attended this month. Today it was Max Nuttall's funeral. Max was always at Church, the first one there on Sunday morning and he locked the doors once the service had completed. He was always happy and a pleasure to talk to. When I was learning how to play golf, I got to play with him a few times. There was a group of retirees that would hit the links at sun-up and he was usually there.

A few weeks ago I attend the funeral of Dorthy Fahle, who was a neighbor on the street that I grew up on. In the summer she and her husband (Mark) would sit on their front porch for a couple of hours each night. As a kid I would usually find my way down to visit. They were both wonderful people. The first few years that I lived on the block during the winter, Dorthy would have a bible study on Monday evenings for all the kids on the block.

On a side note, the word Yule means: Christmas or the Christmas Season. In case you wanted to know.

Stick'em Up

Stick'em Up
Originally uploaded by Germburner

Here is Cap and Braegan showing off thier new work gloves on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas

The holidays are upon us, and many people across the world celebrated Christmas on Tuesday. You can count me as one of the masses that did celebrate Christmas. Christmas has been a splendid time for the most part. The only exception is that my aunt and uncle were involved in an 80 car pile-up on I-40. They both landed in ICU and are still in the hospital. We went Clovis last Friday to celebrate Christmas with Amy's family. One famous line that I heard on Saturday was, "Well there is only 31 people coming today."

Of course Santa came and gave me some nice oven mitts (top of the line), candy, two movies, and boxers and socks for the year. Cap and Ella had fun, particularly Cap. He enjoyed opening presents, and playing with his new toys. He got a couple of new Geo Trains. Ella got some neat dolls and a mat that has animals that make noises, the lion growls, the elephant trumpets, etc.

I have started posting some pictures on a site called flicker, below is a link to my pictures. I think that will work better in the future. I have had some issues with blogger only allowing me to upload one picture per posting, which is inconvenient when you have a lot of pictures.

http://flickr.com/photos/22236683@N06/