What?

     So, today I got everything I needed to make a new case for my camper's outside grill.  Then, when I got home, I got sidetracked by my wife reminding me that we needed to demoss the roof.  I got my 2 older boys up there along with my wife and we went to work.  After 2 hours of clearing moss, we found we were about a third of the way done.  To make it even more interesting, my oldest inherited his dad's fear of heights.  Anytime I said or did anything that remotely involved how high we were, he immediately would yelp and lay flat.  While it was slightly annoying, it was also rather hilarious as he was never near the edge and the roof has a very gentle slope.  Luckily I was able to keep from laughing.  I just had to remember how scared I was of heights at his age.
   Speaking of my oldest, I have decided it is time that he cook on his own.  I decided that he would make us Chocolate chip cookies on his own for us tomorrow.  I told him that he can ask, but he is in charge of doing it.  He is nervous, but I am confident he can do it.
     We have decided to try something this summer.  We are going to take each of our kids out one at a time.  Just the kid, mom, and dad.  To make it fair, we have decided to go from oldest to youngest.  Thus, we are trying to line up baby sitting for our 3 youngest for Saturday afternoon.  I left it up to Laura.
    As you can probably tell by now, I really don't have much for a train of though right now.  There really isn't much I on which I wish to comment so I will just call it a day.  Have a good night.

Boy's VS. Bulls: Sometimes when you win, you lose.

   It's happy Hump Day!  So, this is a story from my teenage years.  Yes, I had them and survived them...barely.  As you all should know, I am an avid fisherman.  What that has to do with this story is anyone's guess, but I thought I'd throw that out there.  Anyway, until I got my drivers license, I was stuck fishing ponds that I could either walk to, bike to, or that my dad drove me to.  Thus, my experience in fishing until I was 16 was limited to about a 5 mile radius.  The problem with this was that the largest pond within 5 miles was in the middle of a pasture with one of the meanest bulls I have ever had the pleasure of running from.  Let me correct that, it should read displeasure since it is kind of hard to be happy about trying to outrun 2 tons of angry beef while carrying 40 pounds of fishing tackle and poles.  This probably explains why the fishing was so darn good.  The good thing about the pond was that, once you got there, it was protected.  There was a fence around it and the cattle weren't allowed near it.  The pond was visible from the highway and we could see the fence around it.  That was the reason we were determined to fish it.
   I remember the first time we were actually able to fish it.  It took us 3 days of trying before we were actually able to reach the pond.  The first day was spent learning the speed of an angry bull.  Fast, darn fast.  From that data, we were able to determine just how far away the bull had to be for us to reach the fence before the bull could use us as horn ornaments.    We figured that if we added on a few yards as a "safety" margin we'd be fine.  The problem?  All of our calculations were done while we were unladen.  Turns out, we couldn't run near as fast when loaded down with the proper fishing gear.  We managed to forget this until we were 100 yards into the field on the second day. 
    "Does he seem to be gaining on us a bit quicker than yesterday?" John managed to ask between wheezes.
    "Yup," was my reply as I did a U-turn and headed back to the highway.
    I still remember the how glad I was when I was finally clear of the fence and couldn't smell the stench of chewn grass.  I never realized just how bad bull breath could be.  I was also unaware just how easy it could be to clear a 5 foot tall barbwire fence with 40 pounds of fishing gear at full speed.  When I finally caught up with John a mile down the road, we decided we had to throw out the previous days data and recalculate.  Thus we spent the better part of the day on research.  We were later accused of teasing the bull, in our defense, neither of us were that stupid. 
    Our final conclusion was that we would just have to wait until the bull was at the far side of the pasture before we attempted the crossing.  That moment finally arrived about mid morning.  We decided that rather than starting at an all out sprint we would make our way in a controlled fashion until the bull decided to move toward us.  Thus we were halfway to the pond when we noticed the freight train en route.  Within 2 steps we were at top speed and we managed to clear the fence quite quickly.  We were elated, we were finally going to be able to fish this beautiful pond. 
    Only 2 things ruined that day of fishing.  First off, after about an hour and 10 fish later, we realized the bull wasn't leaving the fence and we had no way to get back to the highway and our bikes.  The second thing occurred when we were finally able to get the farmers attention and have him save us.  As he was driving us out of the field, he taught us both a valuable lesson.
    "You know, if you'd of asked," he said calmly, "I'd have moved ol' Brutus into the north pasture for the week.  Next time just call me before you head out there."
     At least we got our exercise.

Apologies, Fixing things, and QA: three things that go together but are mutually exclusive.

  So, I was at home last night and it came to me that I came off as a bit of a whiny jerk in my early post on Monday.  I need to apologize for that.  I really didn't want to sound like I was whining, I know there are those out there who have it worse and that it could be worse for me.  It was an undesirable situation, but it was still my job.
    Now that that is done, what to write on today?  How about I just update you all on current events.  A few weeks ago I mentioned fixing the camper.  Well, I got it done.  It cost $400 dollars, but it is fixed.  Now we just need to load it out for camping and hope the weather holds out.  We are going to try for this weekend, but we'll see.
    Now for the fun part.  I just finished a 30 minute discussion with a surface Chief about the use of QA signs.  I think he was more confused when he left than when he arrived.  The sad thing is, he was right and wrong at the same time.  It just goes to prove that you should never get into an argument on QA with people who do it for a living.  Whether you are right or wrong, you'll never know because we'll never tell you.  And when we do, it will be with so many caveats that you're sure to mess one up, then you're wrong again.  The saddest part of all this is, QA changes so quickly and so often understanding it is like trying to hold on to warm jello with oil covered latex gloves while hanging upside down, darn near impossible (although I am sure there is at least one joker out there who can do it and make it look easy.)  Sometimes I love my job.
   Anyway, I think that about covers it for today.  Have fun and I'll see you tomorrow for Happy Hump Day.

The Trio of faith miracles, science, and knowledge.

    So There has been a recent discussion that has been weighing on my mind.  A friend of mine on Face book, who is a staunch Atheist, called the bible a fable and fairy tale based on a few of the stories (Jonah and the whale for example).  He automatically dismissed them and thus the entire bible.  Normally, this wouldn't bother me that much as I believe that people have the right to believe as they wish and that it is better to lead by example rather than by pushing.  Anyway, this time it really irked me.  I now realize why.  It wasn't so much the unbelief, it was the fact that he was willing to dismiss the entire bible out of hand. 
     For those of you who have chosen not to believe in God, here is my issue.  You claim that there is no evidence of God.  Then, when a writing that has been verified through archeology and other non religious texts (yes, I am describing the bible) to be accurate in many details, it is dismissed out of hand for several passages that have no naturalistic explanation and thus "could not have happened". 
      Think on this.  If every act of God had a Naturalistic explanation, what kind of God would he be?  On the other hand, if an event has no naturalistic explanation and can be proven that no naturalistic explanation exists, would this not prove the existence of a supernatural event?  In other words, the supernatural events that you dismiss as false because they couldn't happen naturally are proof to the believer of God's existence.  When you dismiss the supernatural explanation, you dismiss God.  I guess the meat and potatoes is this, if you can't accept that a God exists, then you can't accept the existence of the supernatural.  Thus, the supernatural never happened and any mention of it nullifies anything associated with it. 
       Now for the flip side.  Not everything is a supernatural event.  What this means is that there is much that science can explain and should.  All to often, we as Christians are to willing to jump on the God did it band wagon and dismiss all scientific research.  There is ample scientific evidence for many things and thus a supernatural explanation is not required.  To try and apply a supernatural explanation to things that science has adequately explained and proven is to live in ignorance. 
       Just because you are a scientist, doesn't mean you have to give up God.  And just because you are religious, doesn't mean you have to give up science.  The two are not mutually exclusive.  In fact they enhance each other.  God encourages us to ask questions and seek answers.  " ⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. " Matthew 7.  This applies to many things, not just the search for God.  I have found that when I study the sciences, I find God more and more.  This doesn't mean that when I find something I don't understand, I stop and say "God did it."  It just spurs me on to find out more.  How can I believe that random chance is responsible for all the increasing complexities I see in nature.  The balance that exists is awe inspiring.  Then there is the fact that I can appreciate the beauty that is in nature and that nature is in fact beautiful.  More beautiful than is necessary for naturalistic functions.  God and science are not mutually exclusive and do not cancel each other, they only enhance each other.
    In all, I guess that my real problem with his remarks wasn't so much with his disbelief, as with how I reacted.  I allowed myself be angered by it and rather than studying up on what I should say, I ignored the post and let it stew.  This was wrong and it I apologize for it.  He is entitled to his beliefs and I only hope that he can forgive me my attitude.  Than you for allowing me to rant on this.  I look forward to any comments you may have.

Good morning and Good night

   It's 6:00am, do you know where your brain is?  If you're me, the answer is not really.  I have been up for almost 24 hours and now I get to go home and sleep for 6 then return here to work.  So this may be the only post you get today.  Not that this is much of a post.  Anyway, I hope everyone had a decent father's Day.  Mine was going good until about 9:30 last night when I left home to come to work.  Then it went rapidly down hill.  I have yet to have more than a single job on most nights I've worked overtime (I had one night when I had 3 jobs, otherwise one would be the most).  Tonight I had none.  Not one.  I don't mind working if I am here for a reason, but I hate coming in and doing nothing for 8 hours because a shop "might" have something.  It pretty much ruins my day.  And due to the current policy, I will be dead tired when I come in this afternoon.  Yup, off at 06:30 only to return at 13:30 (1:30pm for you non military types).  Well, I ought to sign off before I say something I will regret later.  Remember, there are 2 times when you shouldn't write your feelings, when you're exhausted or drunk.  That's it for now, have a wonderful day.

Summary of the week.

    So, I got switched to swing shift which is why this is late today.  Now that that bit of business is done, on with the tribute.
   As I close out the week long Honoring of my father, I can only hope that this week has given you some food for thought.  I know it has for me.  It has brought up a lot of memories, good and bad.  It has also helped me to realize just how much my father means to me, a said in yesterday's post.  I really can't add much more to what I have already written over the past week.  I remember sitting and listening to dad's tales of hunting, camping, and fishing growing up and wanting so much to be as adventurous and wild as he was.  I realize now that it shaped my life such that I want to do those things with my boys.  I look forward to camping with them.  I remember the pride I felt when my boys brought in their first fish.  I look forward to many more.  While being a father is a tough job, I find that the joy outweighs any pain or suffering that is associated with it.  Raising children is also one of the greatest learning experiences you'll ever have.  It teaches you patience, how to clean and dress a moving target, what foods stain the worst, and most importantly, what your breaking point is.  At some point in every parents life, your kids will find the button that gets you the most angry and then beat on it until you snap, just to see what happens.  They usually do it at a young enough age that they can use their cuteness to calm you before any permanent damage is done. 
   Thanks again, dad, for all you taught me and instilled in me.  Thanks for all you do.  Oh, and Happy Father's day.

Lessons from Dad.

     You can say what you want, but I can think of a million reasons why my dad is great.  OK, maybe not an actual million, but I can think of a lot of them.  I think the main reason is what he gave us that we never realized he gave.  As a dad I now realize just how much it takes to raise a family (at least the preteen years, I am dreading the teens). 
     To start it off he gave patience.  He gave us more than we could ever deserve.  As I look at my boys, I realize just how much they try my patience.  Take meals for instance.  I love cooking for my family.  The boys however have decided that if they can't immediately figure out what it is, it must taste horrible.  Add on to this my oldest's fear of anything new and you get for some very interesting meal times.  I try so hard to to get angry at them when they refuse to try something or call it "yucky" after a single nibble.  Then I reflect back and realize I did the same thing.  At this point I must apologize to my father.  I now understand that look, the clenched jaw and laser eyes.  I also realize what it took for you to remain as calm as you did for as long as you did. 
    Next, through in the lessons in work ethics.  Man did I hate all the work you made me do at home.  Mowing the yard (hey it was an acre and we only had a push mower), cleaning out the barns (hog, goat, chicken, and rabbit), and taking care of the garden (sure the food was fresh, but isn't a quarter acre a bit excessive?)  Now I realize just what it gave me.  I have an appreciation for hard work and a nice lawn.  I understand what it takes to care for animals and a bit more of how nature works (I can also stand smells that would make most people puke).  I know how to grow a garden and what it takes so I can feed my family as I get older.  It took me years to learn that the sooner I got started the sooner it was done.  It also took me years to learn that once you start, don't stop till you're done, momentum is hard to get back.  I may forget your lessons sometimes dad, but thank you for teaching them to me.
   I also have to thank dad for what he gave up for me.  As most of you know, my mother died when I was 13.  Dad never gave up on us and remained as a single parent until after I had left home and was in the Navy.  He never complained about being lonely or wanting to go out on dates.  I realize now that dad gave up adult companionship to raise us kids.  I can't imagine what it would be like to have nothing but teenagers and grade schoolers to talk to night after night.  thanks again dad.
   If I were to sum up my dad in a single phrase it would be generous to a fault.  Eve today, he continues to give of himself.  He currently has at his house, a lot of kids, many of whom he adopted.  Did I mention he is in his late 60's.  When he should be out enjoying his retirement and relaxing, he is giving of himself to raise a bunch of kids that aren't his by blood, but are his through love and caring.  The only word I can think of to describe this is selfless.  My admiration and awe of my dad only continues to grow.  I wish that I could be half as selfless as he.
    As you can probably tell, I have the deepest love and respect for my dad.  Even if I haven't told him, I do.  I know I don't call him as often as I should.  He was always hard to talk to for me.  I am only beginning to realize now why that is.  He is my idol, the one human I wish to be most like as I grow older.  I fear his rebuttal so much, and yet I only feel encouraged after I talk to him. 
    I hope that someday dad can read these words and understand just what it is he means to me.  Thanks dad.  Thanks for caring enough to raise me and teach what it means to not just be a man, but to be a dad.  Thanks for not just telling me how to get along with other, but being a shining example of it.  Thanks for showing me what it means to care for and help others.  Thanks for being my dad.  Just thank you.