From the Heart
Published for Thursday - November 28, 2024
Written Tuesday - 11/26/24 02:50 PM
Lately it seems I've had a lot to say about fitness. There's a good reason for that.
Years ago when I was very busy with other things, fitness was a priority but not to the level it is today. Running was always important, but the weight training craze is something I added here in my later years and as a direct result of talking with my son (and learning so much from him) about the topic.
I remember telling myself that when I retired I was going to invest a lot of my free time into the fitness arena. We'll here I am in retirement and it's time to follow through.
To be very honest, I'm not sure I would be doing it on such a regular and consistent basis were it not for the medical issues I face (balance and the like.) It's been mentioned before and would not surprise me if my fitness routine was not keeping more problems at bay.
There's no doubt that I face issues and I'm not surprised that the doctors are having such a difficult time diagnosing my situation. There seems to be a direct correlation there and I hope I can keep it in place with what I am doing.
I seriously doubt that my routine is keeping things at bay but it sure does seem to work in my favor in terms of my ability to enjoy life. For that I intend to approach my routine with a stubborn resolve to do what I am doing for as long as I can, and will always remain grateful for the opportunity to do all that I am doing for as long as the opportunity presents itself.
Reaching Out to Allie
Written Tuesday - 11/26/24 08:30 AM
I was able to speak with Allie. In fact, she is always faithful to reach back
out and this time was no different.
I'm so grateful that they are going out of their way to make it easy on us.
As usual, she and Josh are pulling out all of the stops to provide us with
a wonderful experience. We don't deserve such kind treatment but remain
thankful anyway.
Allie is coming to spend time with us. Josh and Allie have worked their magic
to make things happen and all I can say is, Wow! They have also worked their
magic on our trip to visit them and all I can still say is, Wow! I want to
thank them both for their kindness.
Musk
Published for Monday - November 25, 2024
Written Sunday - 11/24/24 06:55 AM
I'm not sure if I'm going to finish Elon Musk's book. He's quite a character.
I'll probably listen to the last few chapters just for whatever surprise he has in store. I suspect there will be a surprise in there somewhere.
I say that because so far the book has been full of surprises and not really the good kind if you know what I mean. To say he is a character is the understatement of the year.
I'm having a difficult time making a determination as to whether he is a genius or just a power crazy nut. He doesn't really show that side much in the public setting but the writer keeps no secrets in this book and apparently lots of people who work with him know those secrets as well.
On the surface, he seems like a really nice guy. But as I dig deeper it seems he runs a 'fly by the seat of his pants' type of operation.
Musk and Twitter
Written Monday - 11/25/24 06:30 AM
It's his ability to set deadlines that confuses me. Do they reflect genius
or just his ability to force those around him to work quickly in order to
stay employed with Elon's organization and for some to potentially earn top
dollar?
I'm glad I stayed to finish out the book. A bulk of the final chapters
were dedicated to the Twitter saga and that's where my path crosses most
with Elon Musk. It's a very long book but also very well organized (in a
chronological fashion.)
Elon Musk
Published for Sunday - November 17, 2024
Written Friday - 11/15/24 05:35 PM
Oh my! I purchased another book on my Audible Account. This one is about Elon Musk and takes his name as the book title.
I had no idea we shared such similarities (Aspeger's Traits) or (at the same time) were so different and had even been brought up in two very different environments.
I'm about 30+ chapters into the book and the chapters are very, very, short. One might think that makes for quick reading but not when the book has somewhere around 95+ chapters.
I'm honestly taken aback at all that has gone on and is going on in Elon's life. Despite being the richest man in the world, he has gone through a lot and it's so interesting to hear and see those things.
Friends
Published for Friday - November 15, 2024
Written Thursday - 11/14/24 07:45 AM
You know that TV show called friends? It's the one that's no longer filming and the one where some of the cast members are having problems or are no longer with us.
Well, I tend to wonder about that from time to time. That's because my only friends are my family members. And that's the way I like it.
Does that seem strange? Maybe it's an extrovert vs. introvert kind of thing. My wife put me onto that.
You know the old saying: 'I wish I had spent more time at the office!' That is the one that nobody ever said. Well, almost nobody unless it was a work-a-holic somewhere.
But, when it comes to spending time with someone, for me it's probably my better half or a close (or perhaps not-so-close) family member. A not-so-close family member is one where you know what you know and you have to do something about it. There's an unspoken obligation that exists.
Getting together may not happen that often, but it does need to happen. That's the 'unspoken obligation' about which I was speaking.
Now, I'm not speaking of just any rather distant family member. I'm speaking of one who should be closer but for one reason or another is not. That's where the 'unspoken obligation' appears.
We need to be sensitive to the cultural shifts that occur. People become distant both emotionally and physically. But that's not the thing about which I'm speaking.
Doesn't the 'unspoken obligation' reach beyond cultural shifts. For the time being, that's what I'm going with. If I discover I'm wrong, then I'll make the adjustments. Until then...
My Romantic Wife
Published for Wednesday - October 23, 2024
Written Monday - 10/21/24 09:40 PM
What we have is special. And what I have, few if any guys ever find in their lives. Patty is a loving person and she is the love of my life.
There's no way around it. The Lord definitely knew what He was doing when He placed Patty in my life.
There was and still is so much I need and want to learn from her. She is a shining example to me of God's love and His grace. Her witness to me of Christ in her life is something I cherish.
She's the romantic person that I've always dreamed of having. She's everything I could want or ask for in a life-long partner and wife. She is indeed my soulmate.
I'm so grateful for her companionship, and for so many other things about her. For starters, she is an amazing chef and her meals are always wonderful. But that's just where it all starts.
She works so hard to make me happy in everything she does. Not only with the meals she prepares (because she cares about what I like.) But, literally in all that she does, she does it with me in mind and she always puts me first.
As I've said before (and will keep on saying) I am indeed a blessed man! As I've also said before, dad got it right when he noted that I got the best end of the deal with her in my life. And what an amazing deal she has been!
Jane
Published for Saturday - September 07, 2024
Written Tuesday - 09/03/24 03:45 PM
September 7th, the day after Johnny's birthday, just happens to be Jane's (my sister's) birthday. She lives several hours away so phone calls have to suffice if we are to stay in touch.
Jane is a business owner and realtor. I don't know a lot about her goings on but it seems she has done and is doing well. She's married to James and has four children - including Elizabeth whom I mentioned in yesterday's post.
Pictured above is Josh and Elizabeth (Liz), with Jane and James.
Pictured directly below is a more current picture of Forrest (with Jane.)
The Banzhaffs
Published for Friday - September 06, 2024
Written Tuesday - 09/04/24 03:30 PM
September 6 was the birthday for my cousin Johnny Banzhaff. He passed away sometime back in a car accident. His young son was with him and survived the incident.
His young son (Forrest) was named after my father and wound up living with Josh and Elizabeth - his God-parents and the daughter of my sister and her husband.
I had the opportunity to meet Forrest (again) at a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Josh and Elizabeth a few years ago. I had already seen him back when Johnny was still alive but this was my first opportunity to see him in his new environment. It seemed to suit him very well.
Pictured above is a very young Forrest with his dad (Johnny.)
Addendum: 09/05/24 03:50 PM
I just finished the Audible Online book - The Freedom Writers Diary. It was definitely worth an addendum here.
It was 142 diary entries by various students from room 203 at Wilson High School under the guidance of Erin Gruwell - their new teacher.
The book was inspiring beyond description. What that teacher and those students accomplished was something really special. In the face of insurmountable ods they delivered a touching story of success where only failure had been expected.
It was wonderful to take a sneak peek inside the minds of those students as they walked the walk of a set of very difficult journeys. It was sad to see the story come to an end, just as it must have been for those who did the writing.
I watched the movie before reading the book, but as I've heard far too often in other cases, the movie didn't even scratch the surface of all that the book had to offer. All I can say is, wow!
Happy Birthday Allie!
Published for Thursday - August 22, 2024
Written Thursday - 08/15/24 02:20 PM
I'm writing this way ahead because I want to make sure I put in a place holder for Allie's Birthday. I just finished writing a post for Jonathan's birthday and Allie's falls just a few day later.
There won't be any meal involved since Allie now lives in Germany. However, we're really looking forward to our visit to see them next spring.
Based on her comments and the pictures she has sent to us, they seem to be settling in very nicely. I can't wait to see their beautiful place and the view that comes with it.
I also can't wait to see Allie and the entire Snow family. It's so nice of them to allow us over to see them.
Addendum: Tuesday - 08/20/24 8:30 PM
Booked the trip today and now need to find a cat sitter.
Happy Birthday Jonathan!
Published for Sunday - August 18, 2024
Written Thursday - 08/15/24 01:50 PM
Well, this works out quite nicely! We're taking Jonathan and his lovely bride (Amy) out to lunch for his birthday and it's all happening today as I publish.
We're going to an Irish Pub and the online menu indicates they serve Guinness. I suspect that will be the beverage of choice, for the men anyway. That's just a guess, but I suppose we'll see when we get there.
The place was closed last time we tried it and we found another pub that was very good. In fact, I tried a Coffee Stout and it was amazing. It went very well with the Mexican Nachos that I ordered.
I was feeling like the fish and chips last time and that still sounds like exactly what I'm going to try today! But then again, they have some other amazing choices which is going to make for a difficult decision.
My Wonderful and Beautiful Wife
Published for Saturday - August 10, 2024
Written Friday - 08/09/24 06:20 AM
I'm honored that my wife reads my blog each and every day. It's a price my busy wife willingly pays.
I'm such a blessed man to have such a wonderful wife. And it's something I'm proud to share here on the blog.
Few men get to enjoy such a wonderful life with such a wonderful wife. It's amazing to realize that this December will be 48 years we've been married.
Add to that the time we dated and became engaged and we've been together for well over 50 years. What a landmark that we are both moving into our seventies within the months to come.
I watched a wonderful spiritual movie last night and one of the things that the male lead shared was out of Proverbs about a man finding a good wife. I have indeed found such!
I so enjoy the time she shares her wisdom with me. And I also highly enjoy the time we get to spend together. I think the deep love we have for one another is definitely a function of the number of years we have been together and the number of years each of us have lived.
Without that time, there's no way we could enjoy the depth of love that we share. Like I said, I think the many years together have made the difference.
My father often said something to the effect of my having received the best end of the deal with her. And, I never challenged that truth!
To my sweet, sweet wife, thank you for choosing me and thank you for the opportunity to share this wonderful life together. I am indeed blessed to have you in my life and for the fact that you chose to spend the years of your life with me.
I am indeed a happy, honored, and blessed man!
Happy Birthday Noah
Published for Wednesday - July 31, 2024
Written Sunday - 07/28/24 03:40 PM
Based on my publication date we're picking up the Snow family tomorrow and taking Noah (and the family) out for either lunch or supper to the place of Noah's choosing. After all, we're celebrating his birthday.
The Snow family is headed back to Germany and next spring sometime, we're going to visit them. They're moving into a very nice building (some 20 floors high) and will be living in the penthouse on the top floor. Talk about cool and classy!
As I write there's all kinds of thunder in the background and (based on a quick look) there's rainfall as well. After a quick check with my wife, Noah will be 13 on this birthday and an official teenager.
He's a very smart one too and demonstrates his technological prowess with his phone and computer repair company. You heard me right. He's only 13 and is running a successful business. Way to go, Noah G.
I wonder if the G. stands for Geek? Actually, it stands for 'Grant' which
is his middle name. But I think I like Geek better! Noah Geek Snow.
Being Social
Published for Monday - June 10, 2024
Written Saturday - 06/08/24 2:50 PM
Since we moved here about 2 years ago, we haven't been very social. Now it seems we are making up for that and becoming very social.
I taught a guitar lesson for my handyman's wife and looks like I'll be doing the same for the seniors at the senior center. In fact, they invited us to a BBQ lunch next Friday (leading into Father's Day) and looks like we may attend.
We're headed today to join the HOA for a cookout and will host a Father's Day get-together next weekend for the family, once again at everyone's favorite Mexican restaurant.
Should be a lot of fun. Can't wait!
Family
Published for Sunday - April 28, 2024
Written Friday - 04/26/24 2:50 PM
As I write, it's Friday afternoon. Tomorrow we're going to visit the Snow family and join them for lunch. Should be a great trip all around.
Patty is supposed to bring a dessert but is not sure what she wants to take since few of us are eating sugar. I don't envy her position but am still looking forward to the day.
Jonathan is at the Alabama Music Educators Conference and I think All-State is mixed in with the event. According to my calendar he gets home tomorrow and just in time to grab a bit of rest before heading to New York City and Washington D.C. with the band. I'm sure that promises to be a great event and just in time to finish out the year and start his summer.
What a blessing it is to have wonderful family. I'm looking forward to some time together.
Our Daughter
Published for Saturday - April 13, 2024
Written Friday - 04/12/24 3:05 PM
Had a very nice chat on the phone with our daughter today. We talked a lot about what God has been doing in our lives and I see the evidence of my wife's incredible wisdom in there.
I have to give both Allie and Josh (her other half) a lot of credit for what God is doing with both of them. Together they are building their own culture and it's a culture that involves two very energetic and two very different boys (or should I say, young men.)
Allie honors me by picking my brain because she indicates one of the boys is a great deal like me. I wish that were true but Noah is so far ahead of where I was at that age. He has capitalized upon all that the Lord has put in front of him.
So has Gabe except he's an adventurer like his father. Gabe is also a lover of animals. For all I know, that may have also come from one of his parents as well, but I see that passion as more of a God thing. God seems to have placed a very big heart, passion, and love in Gabe for all creatures great and small (and particularly those who have a lot of fur.)
Allie continues to be a student of God's Word. I love to hear her share about all that God is showing her and doing in her life. It's an amazing thing to see and hear.
It's equally amazing to see and hear all that He has placed on Josh's heart. I wouldn't want to get in the way of all that guy is doing and all that God seems to be doing through him. Just like with Allie, it is indeed something to behold. What a blessing he is to our family.
Keep up the good work you guys! You're doing some pretty awesome stuff!
More on Easter
Published for Tuesday - April 02, 2024
Written Sunday - 04/01/24 5:40 PM
Well, as I suggested on the post yesterday, both of the kids and their families did indeed join us for an Easter lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant over in Atalla, AL right across from Walmart. El Patron is the name of the place.
We agreed that it was time well spent together including the time back at the house. All in all, a great day!
I was a bit surprised that we couldn't fit the two bicycles in the Snow family's car, but I suppose they were bigger than we thought. Josh offered to come back by sometime with the truck to pick them up.
Patty and I are so blessed to have the families of our kids make the 1+ hour drive over to spend a short amount of time with us. It's something we don't take for granted.
It's still Easter as I type and the meaning of the day is not lost on all of the time spent together with family. In fact, I can't think of anyone with whom I would rather spend the Holiday. The meal blessing was a moment to remember the day and its meaning. And even now, another moment to remember.
We thank you oh Lord, especially here on Easter, for the gift of your son Jesus Christ and what he means to each of us. We thank you for His life and that, on the third day, he was resurrected. We thank you for the day-to-day guidance of the Holy Spirit and we are grateful that we will spend eternity with Jesus for He is risen, indeed!
Jonathan
Published for Sunday - March 24, 2024
Written Saturday - 03/20/24 2:40 PM
Next on the list of people who have had an impact upon my life would be our amazing son, Jonathan. He was due on Allie's second birthday but arrived four days early on August 18, 1983.
It's difficult to explain the gift of a son. You almost have to experience it to understand. But God knew what He was doing and the son that Patty and I received is such an amazing gentleman. I had no idea how much love would come from our son and how much there was to learn from him.
Unlike having a daughter, there was no give-away involved. Instead Jonathan found his wonderful soulmate and introduced her to our family. And like our son-in-law, what an incredible addition to the family she has been.
I heard Amy share her heart with our son at their wedding and I immediately knew he was destined for an amazing blessing in his life. And all that I saw and believed has proven itself true in that sense. What a joyful addition she has been to our family.
The gifts that God placed in Jonathan and Amy are readily apparent and so easy to see. And the wonder behind it all is the way in which they have served God and each other with those gifts.
I can't wait to see all that God has planned for both of them. The excitement is building.
Allie
Published for Saturday - March 23, 2024
Written Wednesday - 03/20/24 2:10 PM
Next on the list of people who have had an impact upon my life would be our wonderful daughter, Allie. She joined us on August 22, 1981.
If you don't know what it's like for God to give you a daughter, I'm not sure this post will make much sense. The opportunity to care for her, love her, and learn from her has been amazing.
The most difficult part has been to give her away to the man of God's choosing. After a long search, she found her soulmate. The rest is history.
I'm so grateful for Josh, the man God has placed in her life and the one who gets to take it from here in terms of caring for her. He is a masterful caretaker and one from whom I've learned a great deal.
God has blessed both of them with a wide array of gifts. And each has been faithful to those gifts and has wonderfully offered them up to God.
I'm so looking forward to seeing all that God has destined for her, for Josh, and for their two sons Noah and Gabe. It has already been a great adventure and it would seem there's plenty more yet to come.
First and Foremost
Published for Friday - March 22, 2024
Written Tuesday - 03/19/24 7:50 AM
When I think of the people who have had an impact upon my life, first and foremost my wife comes to mind. Her wisdom, grace, and kindness is only matched by her amazing beauty - both inside and out.
My father passed on but he used to tell me that I got far better than I ever deserved. Those words were so true! What she saw in me that would have led her to give her life to me and to take me on as a life-long project truly remains a mystery - and probably always will.
Although I could never live up to it, the number one call upon my life is to love my wife and to serve and protect her as long as I am able. I know it sounds like a police kind of thing, but that's how I feel about her and what God has put on my heart for her. God's call to cherish her has been so easy.
People
Published for Thursday - March 21, 2024
Written Tuesday - 03/19/24 2:35 PM
Yesterday I offered a post that really got me to thinking. In fact, so much so that I created a new category for it. People.
It's not going to be a place into which I naturally fall, but it is a topic where I want to spend more time. In that new category, I've included both this post and the one that led up to it. Yesterday's post.
This is not going to be a write it because it's on my mind or I'm good at it. This is going to be a write it because I want to develop a skill around it.
I find myself often passionate about people I don't know. You know, like in a movie? Even someone who humbles themself like many have done before. Such a posture truly catches my attention. And I want to be more like that person. Their witness speaks to me. I want to be more like Christ - just like they are. And therefore, I want to be like them.
I don't know anyone in the picture above. I grabbed it off of the internet. Still, each of those people has a story to tell. I can look at each person and only imagine what they would tell me if we could talk. I want to develop that kind of passion and listening ear for all whom I meet. And may God give me the opportunity to meet many!
I've done my homework and know what I believe and why I believe it. For me, and more than anything, it's a faith kind of thing. Sure, there's tons of evidence for a supreme being who is also an intelligent designer. That's why I'm sold! I've walked it all the way out to Jesus Christ and I know that He is my savior.
Lord, at the end of the day, I want to be more like so many whom I see out there in my day to day. That's because they are truly living for Christ and that is something I want to make sure I do.
Lord thank you for those who follow you and for their example to me. I pray my focus would be upon people - those I can help and those who can help me grow. Furthermore, let me see them as you see them. Let me see them through your eyes.
Lord, thank you for all of them. You know. People.
Spiritual Stuff
Published for Wednesday - March 20, 2024
Written Tuesday - 03/19/24 1:00 PM
When I started this blog back in September of 2005, the primary focus was to be about running. That was something I did (and am still doing) on a daily basis. It was easy to maintain that singular focus and it attracted other runners who became regular readers.
But now you can find the list of current things I like to write about over in the categories section of the menu in the far-left column. Most bloggers today have video supported by YouTube. That seems to be the trend. And a singular topic still seems to be the way to go when someone wants to attract a regular audience.
But that just doesn't do it for me. I get tired of a single focus and I have no interest in attracting an audience with whom I have to speak. I'm not sure that is a good thing, but it's the way it is. I haven't even mentioned monetizing but have no interest in that either. Is that a bad thing?
If I had to pick my singular topic it would probably be Spiritual. That's because it's where my mind is most of the time. But not always, and that's why I have a categories menu item on my blog.
Because, and as I have said so many times before, this blog is more about a scrapbook of life than any search for a readership. If that's what I have to call it to swim upstream and against the current, then so be it.
Now don't get me wrong. I like and appreciate readers. But I must confess, I'm not a reader. That's why I don't really understand their motivation. And that's why I'm more focused on writing about any and every topic on my mind than developing a readership. If that's what interests a reader out there, then so be it. If not, then so be that too.
It's interesting what people learn about themselves. I have family members who are also not readers. Not my wife, though. She's a real reader. Others in my family have done what I have done. They want to use drive time wisely and/or want to consume things in certain areas and so they subscribe to podcasts and utilize book reading services such as audible.
Even though I take on some of these book reading helps, my Asperger's comes with a wide variety of topics and interests. And, that's what I tend to write about - plain and simple.
I've noticed one thing however. People is not a category in my menu. I sincerely envy those who have a people focus and suspect it would be a more healthy concern for my spiritual focus.
After all, as a Christian, people is what it is and should be about. That's where we're called. To people. Right?
It's difficult to share that but it seems to be true. Even when I think about the Great Commission mentioned in Matthew 28, I realize the primary focus is upon people.
Is it okay to say that I don't have a gifting in that area? After all with or without a gifting, shouldn't that be my focus? People? Wow, deep stuff and tough questions!
Doesn't family count? Are we still called to minister to people (outside of our family unit) in a day and time where it seems so out of the ordinary?
People. That's a lot to think about.
Copyright © 2024 Hutch DeLoach