My Life As I Know It

The relationship between a daughter and her father is as deep a connection as I have ever seen based on my recent experiences. Being a father of two daughters (and 2 sons), this brings to the surface an awareness and a pause to reflect on my own life.

Over the past couple years I observed a young woman and the toll her father's death took on her. Two years later, she uses his picture as her facebook profile. Her thoughts, her emotions, and her written thoughts reach out to him so frequently that it catches me. I would think time would heal the open wound of losing a loved one faster but never completely. However, it seems his passing festers so much that it bubbles to the top and drives her to openly express how much she misses him.

I only had one interaction with the man, her father. I was in my kitchen and saw a vehicle drive out our service road to the Villa and I dropped everything and took my truck out to see who it was. It is not uncommon for people to "tour" our property missing numerous "Private Property" and No Trespassing" signs, a gate, a small house, and several other indicators you are not on a public road. One is the fact that it barely one lane wide and goes through a wooded area. However, I have had explanations of I wanted to see what was out her, I was looking for burn barrels, and I was told there is a winery out here. None the less, once I have my Ford F-150 between you and the only road out, we are going to talk and you will fully realize you are on private property and I don't appreciate it. So I walk up to the van and her father rolls down the window. he has a big smile on his face which is disarming and a van full of people. I explain he is trespassing and he begins laughing which begins to fuel my fire when I look at faces and in the very back is Christy who says I told dad not to come back here without calling you. So we ended up drinking beer in our kitchen with 7 people I never met and a daughter shacking her head at her crazy dad.

 A second interaction revealing the power between a father and daughter was a few weeks back in Weaton, IL at my brother-in-laws house. Having coffee and bagels one morning at their dining room harvest table, Doug asked me if I believed in medium. I began as no that it is too close to average for my taste but he caught me saying so - as in spiritual medium. He asked Karen to relate a story surrounding a trip to Galena where she met a woman who connected her with her father that had passed three years earlier.

I am a pretty stout "that is bullshit" kind of guy but I have a soft spot in my heart for my Jewish sister-in-law so I listen intensely. She said going in, she was a disbeliever. She related that there were several points that no one who know unless they were extremely close to her. The fact her dad called her his favorite and that he would ask regularly if she got her MBA because all the other kids had earned it. Seems this woman said there is someone who is stepping forward from the shadows and wants to talk to you. He says he wants to talk to his favorite. Karen said a tear rolled down her face. The woman continued with questions and feelings from this man about her family, where they were, their ages, (funny note here - that last comma was put there due to my daughter, the school teacher who goes on about people not ever putting comas before the and in a list) and other things she would discuss with her dad. As this woman went through her 30 minute and 50 dollar session, the question came out if she has earned her MBA yet. At the ned of her time, the woman said the man had two last things he wanted to leave with Karen. Tell your mom to spend my money and secondly, she still has the greatest legs I have ever seen. Her dad always commented about how great of legs his wife owned.

Yesterday was the 7th anniversary of the father of a friend of mine and it shook her to the core. She struggled through the day and related to me what he meant to her and how he touched every corner of her life. She described herself as unstable when I asked how she was not knowing what was driving the feelings. I was unaware of the anniversary but we had discussed her dad many times before. I checked in on her several times yesterday just to make sure she was okay and make sure she knew that I was thinking about her. To my relief, she spent the evening with her mother and daughter and they relived old times and laughed instead of cried.

As I write this, a link pops up that leads me to read the story of the daughter who was thought to make it through the Boston Marathon bombing while her friend died only to find out they had mistakenly switched their identities. The father stated when it hit him he nearly passed out at learning the news.

My daughters mean the world to me. Each of them is so unique and each can bring me to laughter of drop me to tears in a moments notice. They have a power over me like no woman on earth and I would die for either of them. The now deeper understanding of what impact I make/made on their lives takes me back. I raised them I was young and dumb(er). I made so many mistakes yet they fought through and are both successful and beautiful people. I carry the weight of knowing how our lessons of life are burned into them in a way no one else on this earth could do. I will tell them how proud I am of them and how much they mean to me. Lesson learned.

I Am Blessed

Yesterday was a good day. We started early and shopped for a big afternoon meal before a crew came over to help outside. We burned the Blue Stem near the house and a small patch near the stream with Sully and Agie. Things never got our of control so that makes it a good day. Anytime you combine fire, Blue Stem, houses, and propane tanks, not blowing something up and not burning anything down, it is a good day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a late lunch, Cole and Kolin came over and we headed to the woods to burn, mow, stack, pull out, and clear woods. We cleaned up about 2 acres while smoking ribs at the Villa. A few beers and some vine swinging were also involved. We grabbed the ribs and headed to the house to prepare a meal. My parents and Kolin's joined us to make 10 - we missed Tara, Jorge, Jake, and Zach. It felt good to cook a big meal, empty a couple bottles of wine, talk, and socialize with everyone. It was a good day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I do not take time often enough to reflect on how blessed I am. All that needs to be done is to look around, breath in, stop shouting, and listen to my world. Last week in our office, I met a man who runs one of our plants in Mississippi. He was a large man and his smile showed off a mouthful of gold. I introduced myself and asked how he was and his response struck me - "Blessed" was all he said. I agreed. We are blessed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Wood Worker

It is Saturday at 3:41 am. I have a double capacchino and a head full of thoughts. I am not a great sleeper and when things are stirred up in my head, there is no way I can sleep. As I age, I have not slowed down much but my thoughts have changes as well as my perspective. My concern for others has deepened and failing to react creates a heavier weight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is nothing unusually bad stirring my thoughts. Cole seems to be doing well and is planning to spend the day with us today. Tara and her new academy have done well in the first year but the finacial difficulties in Spain create thoughts on is there something better for them. However, they seem happy which how can you want more. Jake has found traction in his new job and seems to be doing well 4 months in. Our relationship has dramatically improved. He has aged 4 years in the past 4 months. Z is running under the radar and completing his first year at ISU and deciding to stay over the summer. Z acts like he is 25 but turns 18 next week.

 

 

 

 

So nothing is pressing on me yet the world seems to keep me restless, wanting more, yet knowing I am only being teased. I am resigned to the fact it is difficult to change situations and people and I find a bit of satisfaction in moving the ball forward even a small amount. At work there is always more to do and it keeps me engaged yet the texture of our company changes every day. We sit at the VP Meetings on Monday and there are new faces weekly - smart people who bring another level of talent to our little corner of the world in Kieler, WI. I enjoy what I do and the people I work with ... My realtionship with K is good. We have our differences but each of us knows we are in it for the long haul and we have an exciting world awaiting if we can navigate the rugged path ahead the next few years.

So what keeps me awake? The fear of the end. Running out of time. Running out of road. Looking through a set of spectacles that provide a scarcity mentality. Life is finite. I have far too much to do, edges to sand, people to meet, relationship to cultivate to leave things undone. I picture walking into a wood workers shop after he has toiled with his bare hands for decades and he is suddenly jerked from this earth. I see hundrends of marks he has left in pieces of word, so many pieces he has touch and crafted but all are left unfinished. The saw dust is deep and thick. The air is still yet rich with the smells of wood. My heart aches for the man who toiled his entire life but never finished his work here. So many things and so little time. It is 4:20 am. I need to move forward and put my mind to rest.

Sitting with a cappuccino early, in a quiet house with my brain in a fast cycle processing mode. That is not always good. I am in a weird mood and not sure talking through it will help. Kim came home last night and we went out to our favorite place for dinner. It is a cozy little place in a college town and we know everyone from the chef to all the staff. Kim looked great, sexy and we talked a bunch. I can get my arms around things.

I am happy as I have ever been. Work is a challenge, and I we discussed, I would not want anything else. I have tasted that. No thanks. Kim and I are doing well but she feels I am a tough nut to crack (her words) and very few people know me. Many would call me high maintenance because there is so much there and I am seldom satisfied.

I am not positive what is driving the funk I am in. One thought is I don't have many people who I can  look in their eyes and having deep, soul searching conversation. I have many things bubbling inside me, and while I know most people don't want to know all of them, they are still there.

So I am not sure of the answer or if there is one. I smile often, I talk to everyone I see, I look at them and ask how they are. I spoke with a 90-year old lady at the grocery store yesterday. I asked her how she was. She lit up that I paid attention. I told her she looked great and if she needed help with anything at the store to run me down and I would give her a hand. She was still laughing when I left her. I love those interludes. I like to call people by name and get them talking. It is fun.

Yesterday morning, sitting in the early morning dark by the fireplace with a coffee, I wanted to start the day different that I normally do. I picked up the bible looking for the directions on the correct way to say a rosary. stuck in the front cover was not one but two articles on the advantages and how to for the rosary. I prayed one with the intention of being a better father, husband, and person. The 15 promises to anyone who was dedicated to the rosary and pretty unbelievable. My father said at least one rosary every day as long as I have known him. During the workweek, he would sit in the kitchen after lunch and pray by himself before he headed back to the packing plant. I knew you didn't disturb him during this time. He was not raise Catholic but converted at some point. As in many converts, he was and is a better Catholic than many of us.

After my prayer, I got my checklist and was bound and determined to put a list together and complete it. I was 85% successful. At around 2 in the afternoon, I lost momentum and washed the car, cleared the drive of snow, and went to the grocer.

When I went to get my dog's remains yesterday, the woman greeted me by name. I was like I knew her face but not her name and it caught me off guard. I had not been too much of a regular so it surprised me. She knew why I was there. As I waited, I saw a sign that said Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts. It caught me. Then the lady behind the desk handed me the package - it had a paw print and Ria's name in plaster, a ribbon around a fancy container. It choked me up. I miss that girl.

Enough of me. Sorry. I needed an outlet this morning and you were it. 

A Strange New Life

I lead a strange life but I have to tell you, we have fun. Yesterday morning, after our coffee and weekend planning, we decided a road trip was in order so we took the new, freshly washed car to Cedar Rapids and Kim wanted to introduce me to a woman who opened a meat market in the Czeck Village. Wow. This woman, around our age, was a fire ball. Her name is Lou and her place is the Village Meat Market & Cafe. She was originally from our area but moved to New Orleans and lived in a cottage on the ocean and making cajun country her life. Katrina took it all away away and she opened this meat shop to serve the Czeck yet is has a cajun flare. So we talked meat and I told her my background - we worked at the same plant at the same time in 1980-1981. I told her I loved to make gumbo and she went wild, you need this, and this and you can't find this. My arms were full, I had tried warm pastrami, candied bacon, and jellied jalapenos before I could leave. It was fun and I will visit her market regularly.

We then went to a bar - yeah it was 11 am - that we wanted to try and they had a bloody mary bar so I made us one and a couple young, good looking girls (Terry and Leslie) at the bar stopped me on my way back and asked where are you two from? They went on to say, we want what you two have. I asked what they meant and they said "it is clear you are having fun, coming out for a drink, talking, treating each other like you are in love". Then the waterfall started as K got involved and it became women's talk for the next 2 hours. I was clearly the outsider. We sat there until 3 pm drinking laughing, and crying( Terry at least). It was strange. I got the bad end of the stick as the one tall, great looking blond who was 40, cried her life story about her Dad leaving her when she was 2 and how much she hated men and would never live with one again - she was in process of a divorce after 5 years and crying about that - Kim was engaged in heavy conversation with the other woman who was the coolest person I have met for a while. Smart, sharp, rich, talented, quick wit, direct - it was a blast talking to her - she loved world travel and we as been on the exact same path in Italy in 2005 as she had.30 days apart - she was an artist (unbelievable stuff) and worked in sales for her dad, slept around all the time (her friend told me that), and was 29 - she wants us to meet her friends who are our age who are professors at a local college in music.

After an hour of feeling like a psychiatrist, I signaled to Kim I needed out of my deal as the woman was rubbing my leg, crying how much she hated men, and I did not want to waste another minute because I would not get paid for the therapy session I was reluctantly engaged in. Kim exchanged facebook and e-mails and we were on our way home.

We stopped at my parents on the way and had 2 beers, laughed a bunch, heard a few new stories from my Dad on his jump from union to management in the Sausage Pack at 20 years old. I credit him for making the transition from an hourly employee to management level our family has sustained and how he changed all our lives. We lit up when we had this conversation. At 86 years old, he still has it going on.

We came home and Zach was here with his friends playing board games. Yeah, a 17 year old playing board games instead of drinking games is weird but that is my boy and it is one thing that sets him apart. Kim and I made the best gumbo ever using fried chicken, smoked ham, shrimp, and tasso from our cajun connection. We watched basketball and retired at 9 pm ...lol My new life.

Losing a Reliable Friend

I lost a good buddy yesterday and it weighs heavy on me. While this was "just" a dog, she was as close to me - more than any animal has ever been. Ria had a great life and was the most reliable, consistent German Shepherd I have owned. She was my 7th Shepherd not including the 11 puppies she threw. She was more than an average dog. She sensed when you were upset, happy, or needed space. Her personality was much like mine - she often kept her distance and only let a few people in. She was always there to meet you, followed me everywhere, and needed to have a part in every project. She frustrated me by biting every shovel of snow or dirt. She took our precious first tomato of the year several times. On the bright side, she protected our house and family with her life. No one came close day or night that we were not alerted. She loved to play - putting her paw over mine and never letting me get to her. She would catch snow balls, sticks, and rocks long after you would give up. No matter what time of the morning or night I left or returned, she met me at the car door. When we walked, she never followed. She always had to lead. Ria was a part of us from the beginning to her final day.

I set the appointment to put her down on Monday, December 24th. I awoke Wednesday and thought over and over that this was her final hours. She was nearly 13 - born March of 2000. We bought this land in late August and got a German Shepherd pup within the first month. We had been without Shepherds since we left Iowa in 1988. The pup died in her sleep within 30-days and the experts warned us to wait 6 month before replacing her.

I seldom listen to experts. I knew what was right for us. Within 30 days I saw an ad and we traveled to Jesup, Iowa to see the pups. There was a slew of them and the parents we huge, beautiful black saddle American Shepherds. We took her home in an peach box and she was the lead dog of this house her entire life. In 2004, she threw 11 puppies but only 9 survived. That changed everything in our house for 6 months. She walked away from feeding them at 3 days so I was forced to crush dog food into cottage cheese for 6 weeks to get them proper nutrition. I became their mother and they followed me everywhere.

 

In the past weeks she had lost control of her rear left leg and struggled to get up, get out of the house, and to control her bowels. The final two days she was better walking to meet my parents and Nicole when she came over. Her ears were up and she watched up move around the house.

When it was time to go to the vet, as usual, she got up when I put on my coat and led me out the door. She did okay down the 2 steps and when I opened the car door and said let's go, she jumped in but needed help to get her rear end to follow her front end. My heart hurt knowing she trusted me and I was taking her to her final minutes. She watched out the window and I wanted to walk her around our land one more time but the snow would have been too much for her. I felt numbness as I drove knowing things would never be the same again. She got out after the 12 miles drive at the vet and walked in the lobby. A farmer commented on how big she was and it was unusual to see that old a large dog. Foreshadowing I guess. We were led into a room that was cold and lifeless. I told the assistant I had forgotten my billfold, phone, and checkbook in the process and she expressed little concern at that point. The vet walked in with his Iowa State sweatshirt - one I did not know and he was relatively young. He explain the process. First he would use anesthesia to put her out and then the second shot to the heart would stop her life. I understood. He said the anesthesia would take 2-3 minutes. She took the shot without a reaction other than nervousness of dogs barking and new sounds. She wouldn't look at me.

After 5 minutes, she sat down and I got down on the floor with her and coaxed her to relax. She laid down, her head in my lap. Her eyes never closed. Figures as she was always on guard. The doc explain with the next shot there may be involuntary movement and jumping and I said, she is out, I don't need to see that and left her with tears in my eyes. The drive home I cussed the situation. The house was unguarded. She did not come to meet me. I expected to see her around every corner. She never came.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am a biologist. I understand the need for cycles of life but this one hits me hard. We were connected. I will miss her and never be able to replace her. Thanks for all you gave me girl...

That Time of Year

 Christmas brings a mix of emotions for most people and I am on that train. It seems more so this year than in the past. As a family, we planned a get together in Medellin, Colombia but things feel apart as it was a difficult to reach destination and people's everyday lives have a tendency to change dreams.

So after much planning and deposits on high end apartments, we cancelled our plan. Hosting 47 for Thanksgiving this year took more from us than anticipated on many levels. It was our year to plan to family Christmas on my side of the family and we made no decision which left things not in a great place. With mid-80s parents, probably not a great decision on our part.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the past 4 years, we have planned a great trip between the holidays. It started with Yellowstone and staying in a cabin in the foothills, a 12 hour coach tour on Christmas Day, and a dog sled ride through mountain passes. 4,500 miles later, we were home with great memories. The next Christmas, we took Zach and headed to Panama for Christmas and New Years - it was a new land, wild areas, and an experience we cherish. Last Christmas, we took the boys and spend two weeks in the jungles and roads of Belize. The Howler Monkeys, the speed bumps, the snorkeling, and the cruise on Christmas Day were unforgettable.

 

Today, on the winter solstice for 2012, we made a quick decision and are making plans to meet Tara and Jorge in Amsterdam for New Years. We booked a flight itinerary for 7 days and plan to see Amsterdam, Brussels, and Cologne. I could not figure out what to do with myself for 2 weeks without something big. So we will see what this trip has in store for us. Details to follow.

 

 

Life Runs You Over

I have things pretty damn good. As Montgomery Gentry sand, God dealt me a pretty fair hand. I know and recognize that daily in my life. Given that, I am not sure why too often I have feelings of being on edge and easily lashing out verbally. Granted, my work can be stressful and the heat continues to be turned up. I enjoy my position and all that it brings however, as a perfectionist, it is difficult to watch others struggle to get things right. In reflections, it is more accurately to get things right in my eyes. Perhaps I need to focus more on communicating expectations.

 

 

 

 

Today, is not writing about work but perhaps more of using this as an outlet. I complain too much as it is so I would prefer to be realistic, honest, and straight-up. I laugh often. There is something inside me that wants to make people smile and find humor in day-today occurrences. In our office, it takes me over an hour to walk through and say my hellos to everyone and ask them about their lives. I see that as a role of mine and I enjoy it. I am convinced, we have a tendency to live in our own worlds with our own set of glasses on and seldom truly put ourselves in others shoes.

There are people we know who have loved one dying, they are pregnant, and sometimes both at the same time. In sharp comparison, our lives are pretty tame and without too much of the typical things that run you over. I find it interesting how much I have changes and we have changed as a couple. This year, the house is empty which turns the page on a new chapter. When you are in the middle of a time in your life, I find myself often wanting or dreaming of some different situation. Then it comes and it not only isn't what you had wanted it is often hard to swallow. The house seems different empty, quiet, and often dark.

I find myself more and more wanting distance from crowds and people I am not willing to share details of how my mind works. In a recent business trip to Ft Myers, there was a need to break away and be with a smaller group. in the midst of 100+ company brothers, I found myself waking the beach at night sharing life-thoughts with one person. So many times I am amazed at how similar our problems area as humans and the ease of someone seeing the meaning behind the feelings I have. The walk and long discussion were just what I needed after 8 days of 6 am to 10 pm being "on" the entire time due to associates at every corner of my day. The downside is that I crave more of the exchange and comparisons of their experiences and mine with each trying to find the answers.

In Ft Myers and running with a crowd that has things pretty damn good, it becomes clearer that we are all in this together and we each live in our own set of problems and joys encapsulated in a world where we seldom take the time to understand anyone else's world. Living with K for 30+ years, there are still things to learn and we know how to handle most things together. However, it is interesting to pour the challenges out to someone outside that circle and hear their opinion. The newness of someone else's hurdles while refreshing, is short lived. We each return to our daily lives and work on doing our best. My mind works overtime. I am restless. I want more and sleep doesn't come easy and seems a waste of time. It is the world I live in and my challenge is clear. 

My Friend

Today, at about 2:00 pm, Kim and I mark our 32nd wedding anniversay. That day, as is the case for most wedding days, was a blur. I remember fragmented pieces of the day and short clips of the past 32 years. In retrospect, it has been good. It has not always been easy but there is only one person to blame for that and it is me. I am a handful but I recognize that fact.

The day 32 years ago began as an overcast day. The fear of most couples is rain on their wedding day. We were married in a round church in Cedar Rapids Iowa and it has a glass center on the roof. I remember as we were about to say our vows, the sun broke through and the remainder of the day was beautiful. Now I am not one to have any misguided belief that God shown down on us, however, it is something I clearly remember. The brown tuxes, the 1940s convertible, the 300+ people who celebrates with us, the band, the songs, the beer, and most of all, how young Kim looked. She was so innocent and naive and neither of us had a clue what we were in for over the next three decades. 

We consider ourselves lucky in that our hurdles have been small in comparison to many. We understand that all of that could change in a blink of an eye. It does not consume us but we understand life's hurdles will continue and possibly at a faster, higher level. That said, this has been a continuation of an emotional week with Tara being stateside and that change in family dynamics that brings. She has much on her plate and trying to start a business in Spain, keep friends in the loop, see family, and enjoy her time here is difficult at best. We have been fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time together.

The past 32 years have been fun and challenging. 

What have I leaned? It is never easy and anything worth it, seldom is. I learned that being self-centered and self-indulgent doesn't make for a great marriage partner. I learned the value of giving. I learned what is looked like to hurt someone who loves you not matter what excuse I use for lack of intent. I felt the true love of having children and how dependant they are and how different they become. I have been taught the lesson of why we are here and felt the constant pressure and need to improve. I learned the sun still comes up not matter how dark the previous day.

I now understand the value in doing what you say you will do and leading by example not words. I understand the important of having a God. I believe in the power of focus and prioritizing. I understand the weight of stewardship as it pertains to my wife and my children, however, I also know and have enjoy the bountiful rewards that my family has bestowed me.

I put more value on a hug than I could possible imagine. I understand the difficulty of changing habits much less traits.

It is hard work to be a friend, a spouse, and a Dad. However, that is has, by far, the greatest rewards. I go forward looking around more and trying to balance wants versus needs. My touch is slight softer, and while it doesn't happen often enough, I bite my tongue more. I continue to need to be less judgmental as I am not and could not walk in anyone else's shoes.

I pray more, need to cuss less, and look people in the eye when they speak. This is a tough ol' world and the two approaches I continue going back to - Do The Right Thing" and We Are All In This Together".

The Emotional Roller Coaster

Wow. The past week has been a wild one to say the least. We dropped our youngest off at ISU on Sunday and, as anticipated by all, it was not easy. In 2002 dropping Cole off at Loras was rough but knowing the small campus and being 60 miles away in a city we knew changed things. Dropping off our youngest who just turned 17 on a campus of 30,000 students and being 150 miles away was different. Z is pretty quiet and laid back so he took it all in stride and we are all sure he will do fine but as in most things, it is the unknown.

Cole being with us helped and the face that a number of people from Xavier were on the same floor and knowing his roommate all helped the situation. The final hugs were long and tears were shed by the girls but we are all very proud of Zach.It was an empty feeling driving home and yet I knew it was time for a new chapter in his life and ours. As with each of the four kids and going through this process is that they don't realize how important this step is in their lives and that their performance from here out will form the rest of their lives. That first semester and realizing how much effort it requires to get the grades you need to reach your dreams. Far too many learn too late and it slips through your hands before you know it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday, it was back to work but we all waiting for the word on Kim's mother's knee surgery. Anytime you replace a knee and in are 70 there is reason to worry. Thankfully there were no issues. At 2 am Tuesday I drove to St Louis to give a presentation to our senior technical group. It was worth the effort but I was not use to the 800 miles of driving this week and it took a toll on me. After a Cardinals game that night, I headed to Chicago before sunrise. As I drove I tried to get information on Cole's surgery to remove a lump on her back. The doctor was not overly concerned but the frequency we hear stories of cancer and issues with even young people, I was nervous. I prayed my third rosary of the week and you will have to trust me, that is not the norm for me.

Late morning I got word her surgery went fine and she was awake and headed home. I went back to my work in Chicago. Our plans fell through for the evening so I drove home late Wednesday completing my 15 hours of driving in two days but it felt good being home a day early.

Friday I worked but the distraction of knowing Tara was making her journey from Santiago Spain back to Chicago was constant. I tracked her flight and she made all her connections which is no surprise as traveled as she is. Still, alone, huge airport, public transportation to downtown Chicago with a 100 pound bag on the Metro is not easy from anyone. We spoke to her and she sounded so close and happy. She commented how happy and nice people of Chicago were - helping her with her bag and the logistics. I guess Europe is tainted by history and financial issues that has not yet effected the US.

Kim had taken Friday off so we worked outside and prepped for picking grapes this weekend. We did our normal list that no human being could accomplish in a week and I still sit here feeling like I did not get much done. We mowed, weeded, moved 20 loads of mulch, and composted the pumpkins but there was much yet to do.

We took the convertible out with Jake and drove to a local park and played horseshoes until dark with a bottle of wine. It was fun, let things flow and enjoyed the end of a beautiful day - high of 72 and low of 58 with bright blue skies. We grilled steaks and finished the wine. It was a good night.

Today, I get to hug Tara for the first time since July 2011. It surprises me how much I value that opportunity now. I can clearly remember hugging her in O'Hare as she departed the US in 2007 after taking a nanny job in Santiago. Five years later she has married a Spaniard, settled in, and opened an Advance English Academy - no small feat. I cherish the memories of the good bye hug on the median of the Madrid airport after a 2 week tour of Norther Spain. I remember the hug after her wedding night telling her how proud I was. I remember our hug in St Thomas on the pier and watching Jorge's face as he witnessed our interaction is saying good bye in Iowa after Cole's wedding. Again, I will remember this one, too.

Lake Shore North - Milwaukee

My wife is a gem. For Valentine's Day she bought us two tickets to Milwaukee's Summerfest to see Darius Rucker and Lady A. So on Friday, we worked our way to Milwaukee stopping at the office for a financial meeting and then completed the 3.5 hour drive. We went first to our B&B - the Schuster Mansion and "checked in".  

I am not a B&B guy nor do I cater to sleeping in places with shared kitchens, creaky floors, things with battered pasts, or houses that are older than me. I like the history and to observe the craftsmanship but I will sleep in my private hotel room with new bed and linens. However, our options were limited and the couple who owned and managed the house we easy going and enjoyable. We got settled and headed out to the Historic Third Ward.

 

 

 

 

It was mid afternoon and we wandered:

The Public Market - nice, clean, but small and no real people selling stuff grown in their backyard types. We bought some 700 year old salt and moved on. Cedar Rapids plans are far beyond this one.

We walked up and down the streets stopping at Anthropologie (different and cozy, relatively expensive but very unique - jewelry, women's clothing, worth the visit) and Artasia LLC (wow - wild old asian influence, huge furniture, wild and worth the stop).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Café Benelux - we went to the top and had a couple drinks while the sun went down on a gordgeous summer evening. Pretty cool place - busy, good service, clean, new bathrooms on the roof top bar, the food was excellent. Highly recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milwaukee Ale House - we had a drink and more appetizers - busy place, service was fine and food was more bar type food but recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We capped off the evening on the patio listening to music at the Tavern Grill. Excellent venue, service was solid, and the band was low-key - not over-powering and enjoyable. Recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were severed breakfast at 8 am by our hosts and I have to admit, she did a great job with the food. Pretty multi-talented lady. We wanted to explore so we headed out. We stopped first at a Farmers Market on Cathedral Square - unimpressed. Cedar Rapids Farmer's Market is about 50 times larger and teaming with life. This one was dead. Not recommended.

We were off to the German area of downtown. We had to stop at Usinger's (not too much here for us - meat market and we were out for the day so it was a short stop). Next we went to Buck and Bradey's for a Bloody Mary. No other sate gets the Bloody Mary deal like Wisconsin. With one drink you get your vegetables, carbs, and alcohol for the day. This was a great place - warm old feel, great bar, nice people, fun. Highly recommended.

 

 

 

 

We headed to Brady Street area and walked the streets - this is an area that has shopping, restaurants, and bars.  We went to a clothing boutique (Green Fields) and Glorioso's Italian Market ( nice, clean, fun, variety of foods and sandwiches)  before stopping at Hi Hat for another Bloody Mary - yes, we are still in Wisconsin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We headed back to the German downtown area for lunch at Mader's Restaurant - fun, good food, great service and a recommended experience. We had a German sampler plate and found it more than we could eat between us. Of course, we had to have a couple German beers to remind us of our Munich trip. We enjoyed it and recommend it.

Risk Taking - Medellin Colombia

For more than a few months we have discussed options for a family Christmas vacation. We began back in Galena by renting a couple houses and having the extended family together. Clearly that remains a fun memory for the girls as they have suggested we bring the tradition back. The challenge is with one in Spain, careers, college, and finding the right place. Our last trip to St. Thomas our families had fun cooking, drinking, exploring, and playing games. It was good for all and bonded us.

 

 

 

 

 

So we begin the search for the right place. At first glace you would think about what there is to entertain 8 people ranging from 17 to 50 but the reality is, we will do fine where ever we go. However, I do not want to invest the time and money and not challenge myself, see something new, and expose my children to expand their minds. For some time I have been a reader of Kathleen from International Living. On her advice we visited Panama, Belize, and are now considering two new area - South of France and Colombia. Those sit at extreme opposites for most people but it is an uneducated judgement.

As we look down the road to retirement, I am beginning to narrow the plan. I believe we will keep our Iowa land and home but figure out some way to turn it into being profitable and remain a family haven. Kim and I will travel - for extended periods. Renting an apartment or home for months and leaving when we want to change scenery. I see us investing the majority of our time is Western Europe, Central America, and my new area - South America. Over the course of time if we remain healthy and enjoy not putting down roots, I want to see the world and explore new sites, foods, and people. We love the idea and make friends everywhere we go. I enjoy writing and photography so those two fit nicely into our plan.

What draws you to a possible area to eventually put down and say this is where I will finish my life? Family? Weather? People? Entertainment? Medical? Costs? Most likely, it is a combination of all of these. We have done considerable research on Medellin, Colombia and get excited about it each time we revisit. However, we have learned, you have to see, feel, taste it for yourself before you buy in. With the recent good news that I have enough flight miles for two round trip tickets to South America and searching for the right place to have a family vacation, we have come to the conclusion we can combine several things into one trip. Christmas in Medellin.

Why would anyone in the right mind take their entire family and spouses to Colombia? Open you mind and read.

Weather - Medellin sits at 6 degrees latitude making the seasons indistinguishable. It sits on the North end of the Andes mountains, the entire city is surrounded by peaks and the altitude is 5,000 feet. The city has the nickname of Eternal Spring. Average high year round is 75 average low is 65 F and there is no rainy season.

People - This is clearly a topic you have to discover for yourself but taking opinions of a multitude of people, we have hear time and time again the Medellin people are courteous, kind, giving, open, and fun loving. As with an Latin American country, poverty is evident. But as we witnessed in Panama, there is a distinct difference between people who are poor and happy versus people who are poor and  mad. In a country with over 200 festivals a year, it is evident, they know how to have fun. 2.3 million people live in Medellin - this city/country is in the middle of tremendous growth.

 Conveniences - Medellin has mass transit system like no where else on earth. The Medellin Metro crisscrosses the city from north to south and east to west. It costs $1.60 no matter where you go. Due to the geography of the area, it could take you 2 hours to get from the rural areas to the city. Medellin was the first in the world to use ski lift cable cars for mass transit. Today the Metrocable moves 40,000 people a day in 8-passenger gondola-type cable cars that cover over 8 km for $1 per trip. The city is clean, a variety of international restaurants, inexpensive housing, and 21st century amenities.

How do you duck the question of safety? Medellin's history and reputation for drugs, drug trafficking, and violence are impossible to ignore and the city will have difficulty separating itself from the past. However, great strides have been made in particular to tourism. As in any large city, there are precautions to take and you need to be alert and intelligent.

This is seems we will begin plans to go to Medellin to see the 16,000,000 Christmas lights, celebrate with the locals, and expand our minds to consider South America as a new place to discover.

Oden

We lost a good person from this earth yesterday who impacted my life. Gerald was the 7th of 8 kids in a large family that brought together a strong Irish Catholic woman and a hard-nosed, tough Prodastant Norweigen. Their family was split due to age differences and my Dad and Gerald and the little sister were tight and grew up taking care of each other. They lived on a farm north of Omaha until losing it in the depression when they moved to the city.

 

 

 

Gerald's impact on me was big. He and I connected because we saw similaries in our belief systems, our stature, and our love of life. Gerald was liked by all because of his smile, his tall stories, and drive to have fun. He made me laugh and gave me life-long stories most that centered around family, loyalty, serving as a fireman, having a beer or getting in inocent trouble. He was a proud man. Gerald was tall, slim, and quick with a joke or his famous labels for people. I believe he invented the word "Goofy". He was extremely proud of his heritage and would many times break into a chant of Oden, Oden, Oden.

Gerald was captain of the firehouse at 110th and Leavenworth in Omaha and had numerous stories of leading his team into burining buildings or rescuing people from car accidents. He loved being a fireman, cooking for his team, and being the leader of a group who played such an important role in the lives of others. He loved to make you laugh. Gerald had a studder but the more he drank the clearer his speech got. He always had a Budwieser in his hand or close by. While raising his family, he held three jobs so his wife did not have to work and could stay home with the kids. He never had money because he had such a big heart hewould give it away or spend in foolishly.

 

 

My father could not get enough of Gerald. They would put a cooler full of beer between them, let the kids in our two families run wild, and sit and drink until it was gone. We vacationed together one time in Cherokee Village AR and since it was a dry county, they drove to Missouri to fill the car with beer and had to make another trip mid-week.

Coming home from a high school graduation trip in Colorado, I innocently dug up a small evergreen from Arapaho National Forest and brought it back to Gerald as a present. He planted it and always commented  about it when we visited. I am not sure that 25 foot tree is the original survivor but the lesson was learned - he made everyone feel good.

One of his favorite stories was telling about the night his wife now of 61 years agreed to marry him. My Dad was camping and it was late and the security would not allow Gerald into the campground so he drove the car through a corn fied and through a fence to find my Dad and celebrate the news.

His loyalty and depth of service we admirable. I watched him many a time get his bucket out of the back of the car to clean his parents gravestone and trim the grass around it. It was a touching process. he had the same love for his yard. He would spend hours manicuring his yeard and keeping the house looking its best.

Yesterday when I took the call from my Dad, it broke my heart to hear him cry. It is only one of very few times in my life I have heard him breakdown. He said over and over how he not only lost his brother he lost his best friend. At the funeral the past two days I watch the pain on my Father's face and the love in his broken voice. He loved that man. From what I witnessed at the funeral, the love of Gerald ran deep - his children, his grandkids, his friends, and his siblings. It was a good experience and his funeral was memorable - Fr Scott did a great job, the Omaha Fire Department was present, as was the Legion and the 21 gun slatute. The playing of taps was moving. So on a warm, windy, sunnay day in Calvery Cemetary in Omaha, we laid my Uncle Ger to rest. Well done Ger. You touched so many people. Rest in Peace and I hope to see you on the other side.

Lucky

Today, I have a very satisfied feeling. It feels good and you want to try to capture it putting it in a mason jar so you are able to savour it when you need it. I am learning more in my life that doing the right thing give you a warm feeling that may be happiness. It is not something you feel after getting a present or buying something new. It is not an emotion invoked when someone goes out of their way to do something for you. It is elusive. You see it briefly and then it is gone. However, when you taste it, it is yours to pull around you and draw in its warmth.

What creates this feeling? While it may be different for everyone, for me it is one principle - doing the right thing. My mind is not what I would consider typical. It is much easier for me to stay home and in any type of routine than it is to venture out and go the extra mile. I want to act that way. My intentions are good but the flesh is weak and when it is time to act, often times I will turn back. That may surprise some people I interact with as my past is full of less than routine and includes much risk - changing careers, leaving successful companies, moving to places unknown, and traveling to place across the globe. However, I am a home body who gets into a routine and struggles to justify stepping out. How common is this? I hear it from others but it must be in a wide variety of degrees that others experience it.

Recently, we experienced a family trait that, while it did not shock me, it took us back. As a birthday/Christmas gift to my 85 year old father, I offered to take him and my mother to Omaha to see his brother and his sister. I offered to do it however it would work for them - a slow extended trip, an overnight, or a there and back. Granted, this is not easy for people in their 80s as one way trip is 5 hours in a car but it is palatable. As the scheduled time drew near, my father called and pulled out based on the difficulty of traveling for mom and breaking a routine. His reasoning is understandable but my objective was one thing. To offer whatever I could do to make it as painless as possible for him to see his beloved brother and his sister on her 80th birthday. I see in my father, my own desire to stay in a routine and embrace what is comfortable.

That said, each time I break out of what is comfortable to do something for another person - doing the right thing - I get this afterglow. A satisfied and warm feeling of "damn that was good." The feeling begins deep down and stirs with the short foggy feeling of knowing it is a good thing and along the path of stepping out and going through the act of giving, small rewards are experienced. Two day ago, I knew the right things to do this week was to make my wife's birthday special. She came from a world where birthdays were not a focus other than an acknowledgment. My family and, more specifically, my mother celebrated birthdays to the max. I believe that was ingrained in her from my grandmother who scorned you if you missed a birthday celebration. However, my mother added her own touch as she loved a party - Christmas, birthdays, and any reason to get together and make the day special.

I sent out a reminder earlier in the week to my children - reminder - your mother's birthday is Thursday - make it special - no gifts just be thoughtful. They each came through. All 3 were here for dinner and T skyed in from Spain at near midnight their local time. The gifts were minimal - a card and check (too big) from my parents, a card from an ex-coworker, facebook messages for 40 people, and numerous hugs. It was just what the doctor ordered. We had fun, we laughed, we had a couple drinks, and exchanged stories. This morning, K said to me - thank you for making yesterday special. She did not need to say it. I knew. It was not as if I had really done anything too special. It was more that I was one of many who recognize what my wife selflessly contributes.

 

 

 

 

K is an unusual cat. I call her "lucky" but inside it is easy to recognize, she makes her own luck. She works hard at doing things for others. She does not hesitate to do the little things we all think about but seldom do - she will cut out a a newspaper article and send it to someone or to go to a wake of distant people because she knows what it feels like to be supporting in unexpected ways. She sends so many cards, brief notes to acquaintances, and speaks to so many in uplifting ways that is slays me. She does it the right way and the way that you must give a gift to reap the full reward - she gives without expectation of getting ANYTHING in return. That simple (or difficult depending on your viewpoint) act is what delivers return one hundred fold. Doing the right thing with the right intend without expecting a return is what gives you happiness. I am convinced. Thank you K for teaching me that is your everyday life. You are a gift.

 

At times, when I read my own words, it shocks me.

Getting Traction

The roller coaster of life is at a high point for me right now with a few exceptions. It amazes me how my outlook is so impacted by how things roll at work. Being more even keeled would be better than high highs and the drag of the lows. It has been a great week but now I go on the road for 14 days straight. I will not be home for 24-hours until February 25. Don't shed too many tears - 7 days straight in Ft Myers so life could be worse.

Not a day goes by when I don't say man I am blessed. I am running in the top four executives in our company of 10,000 employees. I fly private planes, direct critical projects, develop the material and present the material for our board meetings, and party with the CEO and President on the Boston Whaler sailing from their second homes in Ft. Myers. It is pretty heady but I realize how fragile things are in business today. If you have a bad year, you may not see the second one.

 

 

 

 

 

When life at work is good, many times, life at home is good. Kim and I are doing well, Cole is coming over today with Kolin to cook gumbo and have a few libations, Tara seems well and is deciding on an option to move to China, Jake is in his second semester at Loras and trying to prove he deserves to be there, and Z has been accepted into the science program at Iowa State. My parents are doing well passing 85 and 87 this past month, Kim's parents are on an extended trip down south. Things are good.

At the same time we hear the stories that take you back ... Razor Ray cutting my hair one October day and the next week his has a brain tumor removed and has an aggressive form of cancer. Life expectation - 3 months. Every day someone is fighting a struggle for their lives and we sit here wondering what bottle of wine we should open. I know it could end in a flash. Do you savor or fear?

I am learning to be me more than I ever knew. Why I wanted to impress people I did not know and will never see again, is difficult to explain. I am getting more comfortable in my own skin and, that alone, makes things trend so much better. I wish I could have understood this in my 30s - I would be in a different place today. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I see the clouds of age creeping in. While my energy level seldom slows, the mirror tells a different story. I watch my weight, I hear voices telling me to exercise more and eat healthier, I juice and pump vitamins daily, while worrying about not flossing my teeth yesterday. It cracks me up yet reels me in. Looking at old pictures brings tears to my eyes and great songs make me want to dance. I am passionate. I am vocal. I am energized. How much longer will we go down this road before it changes? I can't answer that. Honestly, I am not driving the bus, However, at this point, I am enjoying the ride.

Reflections Embrace Me

Sunday mornings. Sunday mornings normally have a comfortable feeling for me and cause me to reflect. I find it interesting the patterns people succumb to and the things that drive or motivate different people. While I do not consider myself a writer, it is something I enjoy and words, most times, come easily to me. However, when I look back, my best writing is when I am in the right mood, passionate about someone or something, and the stars align. Perhaps this is why Sully says that writing is great until you add a deadline.

What brings passion in writing? It varies but a picture, a song, or an experience are the most likely candidates for me. When you step back from yourself and try to objectively reflect on who you are and what characteristics blend together to make you unique, it is nearly impossible because you look through a different pair of glasses than anyone else. Those glasses are tinted and ground by the experience and prejudices you have. I see myself as an unusual cat. My mind seldom stops. Images, memories, checklists, and people flow through my head, many times, at a rapid pace. These are the times when my typing cannot keep up with my thoughts. That upsetting thing is, more and more lately, if I do not capture those thoughts or document them, they vanish.

The changes in life drive my mind often to places I do not want to go. The passing of my parents, the loss of someone close, and the mortality we each face. Recently I have been drawn to stories and articles of near death experiences. I watched a video of a man seated in 1D on the plane that went down in the Hudson and what he learned from the experience. Do it now - Don't save anything for later - eliminate things that don't matter with people who do matter - choose to be happy versus choosing to be right. Be the best parent you can be. Strong stuff.

Today's article I read was written by a man who worked palliative care. His patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. He was with them for the last 3 to 12 weeks of their lives. What did he learn?

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

 

The real question is how do you align yourself with what matters and how far do you go to get that alignment. I go into the day stepping back and wondering what is next and how can I improve. I fully recognize how luck I am yet how fragile life has become. Clearly, I am out of control. What real changes can a person make that are sustainable.

 

Yesterday Kim and I made the decision to move forward with a 10-year plan for our Prairieburg Property. We have hired a company to do one-on-one education to move to a sustainable permaculture that will produce more with less maintenance and less intervention. While this may not seem like much, it will drastically change this property forever. It is the right thing to do.

 

Today, I want to do more of the "right things". To be kinder, gentler, to be positive, and to be happy rather than right. That is a tough decision for me. Trust me, it would change everything.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bronnie-ware/top-5-regrets-of-the-dyin_b_1220965.html

 

Belize - Wrap Up

This will go down as the vacation where everything went smooth. In retrospect, there are always so many things that can change a vacation - winter travel, flights, delays, luggage, rental cars, reservations, food poisoning, and the list goes on. Things just went as planned yet it was the most unplanned trip we have ever taken out of the country. That said, what kept things going was us having had some Central America travel experience (Panama) and no high expectations.

We saw a jungles from the roadside that were dominated by coconut trees and pre-historic looking vegetation. The middle of the country was mountainous yet nothing extreme - vegetation covered the peaks entirely. The main surfaced roads were good but limited. There was typically one one main road going from city to city. Once off the main road, it got treacherous but passable. The one lane, red dirt roads into the jungles were not for the weak minded - 4-wheel drive is recommended. Be prepared that most rentals will be manual transmission - it adds to the adventure. They use rainwater as the primary source - the country gets 160 inches of rain a year. During the rainy season where they have months of 30 inches of rain, they have learned to manage the water. During our stay, it rained nearly every night which is typical.

The people were kind, spoke english, but did not go out of their way to engage you. It is a melting pot of culture including Mexican, Indian, Asian, Mayan, and expats. Most people did not drive cars so traffic was minimal except for buses. The major danger in driving was missing the walkers and bike riders who traveled the sides of the roads without reflective gear or light colored clothes. Many people are killed annually on the sides of the roads.

 

 

It is a raw country so pick your spots. Be careful on what you rent and where - Placencia was good, Maya Beach a little further out. I would not recommend Dangriga or Hopkins . These areas are not tourist friendly and accommodations were lacking for our taste. We were lucky in finding great entertainment.

Here are our recommendations:

Rent a car - cost about $700/week but gives you access to the spread out recreation.

 

 

 

 

Mayflower - $40 (for four adults) - far from easy 3 mile climb to a beautiful waterfall. It is steep, buggy, and a workout. Be prepared with great shoes, very light weight clothing (long sleeves and pants ok if they breathe), and heavy bug spray. This was hard to find as the sign is pointed toward the road - uses the same road as a lodge marked by a sign with an owl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Hole National Park Cave Tubing - $44/person - good experience, guided underground tube float lasting about 2 hours - there is a 20 minute walk through the forest each way. You are guaranteed to get wet - take a waterproof bag and sturdy shoes that can get soaked.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caribbean Sailing / Snorkeling - $125/person - 9 am to 3 pm - great experience with Rob on this 42' catamaran. They know their stuff, Pam is the chef and Clint the local guy (his gecko friend just hung on for the free trip!). We had a wonderful day - sunny and 4-5 knot wind. Food was good, snorkling the reef was great, and it was a memorable trip on Christmas Eve day (thank you Kim!).

 

 

 

 

Xunantunich Mayan ruins - $20/ four adults - long drive from Maya Beach (200 km) to San Ignacio then follow the signs. Worth the trip particularly with the howler monkeys all wound up to punctuate the jungle feeling. Get a guide!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hainey Farms - hidden gem - $35 plate for lunch - we found this trough locals and was recommended as the #1 things to see. Harold (Mr. Hainey) was a gas, great host, and very knowledgable of the country, the culture, and the vegatation. This is a 2,050 acre farm with every possible fruit and nut. It includes a shrimp farm (250 acres) and a huge garden. If you go in July - August, the bounty is rich. He will send you home with every flower and fruit you can imagine. Off season, there is still bounty but it isn't as ripe. Emma (the guru, is a short Phillipino woman who runs everything we were told) was not there so our trip was not exactly the same. Great experience!

 

Placencia - good place to use as home - we had good experiences at the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tipsy Tuna - great location and well maintained - good drinks, fun sports bar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wendy's - good food, great veranda, good breakfast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keith's for coffee - across the street from Wendy's - great coffee and cappuccino - fun to talk to Keith who has travelled the world. Small but comfortable - open at 7 am and 22 speed bumps from our place in Maya Beach

Barefoot Bar - a local gathering spot - food was okay, drinks were cheap - backgammon and on the main drag - clean

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Omar's Creole Grub - Not as great looking but the food was good and cheap - lobster tail - $17

Maya Beach Area 

Maya Beach Hotel / Bistro - quality food, drinks, coffee - pleasant, great location - open 7 am -9 pm. Internet with purchase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mango's - fun, slight lower quality food but good - reasonable prices

Green Parrot - step down in quality of accomadations - never ate here - just drinks - friendly - local women did the cooking

Jaguar Lanes Bowling - fun, well managed, great break - serve drinks and food - $3/game - 4 -lane bowling alley

Belize - Settling In

As in most cases, you figure it out. How to get around, what to do, and what to avoid. We are finding our way through this rough, raw country and keeping our expectations in check. Overall, it is warm, humid, relatively easy to get around, and the people are helpful. Only once after four days have I felt uncomfortable. That happened in Dangriga getting diesel when I felt we were out of place and the man filling our fuel tank was particularly interested in how much I had in my billfold. That was short lived and was never a true threat. Dangriga overall was not comfortable. We walked the streets of this busy town and it was clear to all, we were the only white people in town. We found a busy restaurant and had a couple beers and ordered form the young asian man. The food was ridiculously good. Z had fried chicken dinner cut in indistinguishable pieces, Kim a great vegetable soup and conch, J had sweet and sour pork, and I had curry lobster. It was one of the best overall and filling meals we have had - $4 a plate.

On Friday, we visited the Mayflower National Park and climbed to the top of Antelope Falls a mere 3 miles up. It was a challenge taking over three hours round trip but the experience was worthwhile. The climb was steep using ropes many times to gain access to the next level but the 1,000 foot falls and pool at the end were hard to match. The trek through the jungle was eye-opening. Leaf cutter ants, birds, and the thick vegetation we hard to believe. We took away a great memory, pictures, and a ton of bug bites.

 

 

We then traveled to the inland Blue Hole National Park to tub the underground caves on a guided 90 minute float/paddle. We saw many types of rock formations and a world of bats. The toughest part was the 120 kilometer drive home on the rain and dark. These roads are rough, the potholes are numerous, and the narrow bridges are barely one car wide. While the unannounced speed bumps and humps caused my more issues in the dark by far the worse part was the large number of walkers and bike riders who popped out of no where making the experience video-like but with real lives in the balance. It is not an experience I would repeat and recommend to avoid long drives at night on these unmarked black roads.

 

 

On Christmas Day we ventured out to the Mayan ruins which are close to the Guatemala border. Xunantunich is oldest and largest Mayan ruin in Belize. It was clean and a great experience enhanced by the beautiful day, the howler monkeys, and the fact that it was the official mark of the first day of the last year on the Mayan calendar. We were on the top of the highest point in the ruins when a prehistoric sounds of the howler monkeys began. It was so loud and so unbelievable that I thought it was a recording. We soon found our the males were protecting their territory and there wer several moneys we watch play and eat in the tops of the trees. There were two females, two babies, and clearly a couple of males were close. We made the 200 kilometer drive back to Maya Beach and had peanut butter sandwhiches. We had reservations at the Bistro for dinner, enjoyed a bottle of wine, and called it an early night.

Belize - The Country of Speed Humps

As always, this trip has already become interesting. For the
last 3 years, we have taken trips over Christmas and it has now become somewhat
of a tradition. Our first trip was traveling to Yellowstone in 2009. It was
difficult to beat the snow coach trip on Christmas day. Spending 12 hours in a
van equipped with treads and 6 people you didn't know driven by the Yellowstone
school principle was a unique experience. It was the start of something for us.
I have become somewhat of a Grinch as no one in my family needs another $25
gift exchange to get something that will join the other things I have sitting
around I don't use. Even gift cards seem to be the wrong thing as there
are very little thoughts and I am a person who buys what I want when I want it.
It goes against my desire to have to go somewhere before this date to spend
this much. I am losing my love of the holiday - we have ruined it.

 

 

 

 

 

In 2010, we spend Christmas Day on the Panama Canal. Now
that is something etched in my memory versus and pair of socks or gloves. I
like adventures not hotels and resorts. Panama was an adventure. As so it
continues. On Tuesday we drove to Rosemont IL to stay overnight at a Holiday
Inn who had park & fly program to catch our 5:55 am flight to Belize
via Atlanta. Everything was on time and although we had multiple opportunities
for problems, none of the normal stuff reached up to bite me in the butt. We
touched down in Belize at 1:20 PM.

Upon a referral, we immediately went to the duty free and
bought a weeks’ worth of liquor - (2) 2liter bottles of Goose and a bottle of
Patron. Bill = $84. Question was will I really drink that much - let me think -
7 days on a foreign peninsula with my wife and two boys - maybe I should get
more Parton. We left to go to Hetz to get our car. A nice enough guy went
through all the rental car BS - all the rules, $18 / day for insurance?; pass,
license, only driver, looks at the car - good news is it was dented and
scratched on ever side corner and end. Can you drive a stick? No problem - I
don't know where I am, I have a vague idea of where I am going, in a unknown
4-wheels drive Toyota, on roads that are 1.5 cars wide, yeah, let's do the
manual transmission just for interest.

We left the parking lot and, amazingly, did not stall it.
The 3-4 hour drive to Maya Beach was relatively smooth. We stopped at the
prison gift shop just to mingle with the inmates and bought a cross and some
jewelry from Mathew before continuing. We drove at about 120 k/hr. for much of
the route until we saw a grocery store and bought a few things including red
stripe beer for the remainder of the trip. We had not eaten so Kim made peanut
butter and jelly sandwiches and I washed it down with Red Stripe Beer. Opening
the Red Stripe was Jake's mission and we ended up using a belt buckle that is
now standard issue for these trips.

 

The trip seemed to be going smoothly with the normal minor
stuff that happens on a foreign soil - occasional 4 feet deep pot holes, a few
stray dogs meandering the roads, multiple one lane bridges that were less than
a car wide, and a couple round abouts. Until, while taking a drink of the
second beer, I spot a police barricade with several cops holding M-16 riles
stopping every car. We quickly hid the beer and went through the paces - they
were looking for drugs not pasty white Americans driving toward the beach. We
laughed and kept on.

 

We drove through jungles, orchards, and a banana farm. Just
before sunset, we arrived at our place and got through the transaction to get
our house. A quick run to the Chinese market to get ice and we went home to
make spaghetti and drinks. The boys watch back to the Future on a 13"
monitor and we hit the sack early.