A Second Generation of Cabala and Bates

Way back in 1977, I attended St. Hyacinth Parochial School in Bay City, Michigan. This was the second new school for me in a few short years, so I was somewhat nervous at the change. I knew nobody.....I was utterly alone in my new surroundings.....and then I met Andy.

Andy was (and still is) a one of a kind type of guy. I should have known that he was trouble from the start, but hey, I needed friends and he was willing to be one of them-so I took a shot and I am so glad I did! Through these 31+ years, Andy has become my very best friend....a friend I could call at any hour of the day and night and know that after he chided me for calling him at that hour, he would be there to help. Everyone should have a friend like Andy!

Through the years, Andy and I have laughed together, mourned together, and celebrated together as only best friends can. Usually with him telling me how much I 'owe him' for his friendship since 1977. So when I called his home a couple weeks ago and got an invitation to his daughter's birthday party (FROM HIS DAUGHTER NO LESS!), I had to be there.

Some day, I should write some of our stories down, because I am convinced that they would become a New York Times bestseller. Stories like making me dive into his slowly rolling car, then having him stomp on the brakes, causing me to end up under his dash! Yep, he is 'that type of friend'. HAHA

Anyhow, I was glad to make the 2 hour journey to his hometown, just north of Bay City and attend Ashley's celebration. As you can imagine, since I was friends with Andy, I became part of the extended Cabala Family-but that is a story unto itself and I assure you it will be good reading. So we drove up, arriving about 20 minutes ahead of the scheduled 4pm start time and Andy just had to start on me. He began by welcoming me with a smile and a hearty handshake, so I knew something was wrong immediately. Finally, after about 30 seconds, he hollered that he just couldn't do this.....and asked me what I was there for. Yep, that's my friend, Andy!

So, here are some photos from the party. It was great fun and I got to see everyone from the Family and even some folks I hadn't seen since Andy and Deb were married! We greatly enjoyed the time up there.

'Thank You For Your Service To OUR Country!'

Independence Day is now behind us, but I wanted to write this morning to share a thought with those that might stumble upon my little blog. If everyone who reads this takes action, this country would be better off in a matter of days. Are you up for a challenge? Ok, then here we go...

Back in the early 1990's, Patriotism was at its peak (at least in my lifetime). We had soundly defeated Saddam Hussein's 'army' and sent them scurrying across the desert and few lives were lost. It was a glorious time in the United States. But, as the soldiers came home, I determined in my own mind that they would NOT face the same treatment our Vietnam Vets came home to. In my mind, those boys did what they were ordered to do and they deserved a hero's welcome.

At that time, I was working with a local cable access TV station, based out of Perry. My supervisor decided to hold a 12 hour welcome home fundraiser for the soldiers in our area. All proceeds would be divided equally among them, to help with the financial burden they faced during their deployment to Iraq and Kuwait.

It was a long day, but I had the privilege of meeting several Desert Storm soldiers...and many Vietnam Vets. The highlight of my day, serving as emcee of the event, was when we stopped the show and invited every Vietnam Vet to the stage for special recognition. It was a heart-rending moment, as these men....still feeling the sting of the cries of 'baby killer' and such....came to the stage. Some spoke of Honor, God and Country, but all of them just wanted to be accepted for the work they had done.

They got their moment that Sunday afternoon and I had the good fortune of thanking them, one by one, with a firm handshake and the phrase, "Thank you for your service to our country". From that day forward, it became my mission to thank our soldiers....wherever I might find them. I am not one bit shy about walking up to a young soldier-or an old one, no matter what the setting, to offer my thanks. And I am teaching my kids the same thing.

When you see a soldier, no matter WHERE or WHEN they served, please take a moment to say THANK YOU. They are doing the work that must be done to preserve democracy and freedom in this country and abroad. They are offering their lives, so that we can have the right to disagree with each other and we OWE them that much.

On Sunday, July 5th, I had a chance to attend a 100th birthday for a good friend of mine. In attendance at that grand event were three Veterans. One, from WW2, wore his hat proudly and it gave me great pleasure to offer my thanks to him. We spoke for a few minutes and I helped get his drinks to the table for he and his wife. A short while later, I met two Vets from the Korean War and we visited, as well.

I am thankful that our men and women stand guard for us. I know this is a couple of days late, but please keep this thought in mind....we owe them our thanks. I don't care if you agree with the mission! You should not mistreat the messengers who carried out the orders. God Bless our Men and Women of the Armed Forces-and may God continue to Bless America!

Lots to Talk About

A parent's worst nightmare is the knock on the door by a local police agency, informing you that something drastically wrong has occurred with a Family member. Well, it wasn't a local police agency doing the knocking, but my Mom was summoned to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA last evening. My brother, the 'baby of the family' was badly burned in an accidental flashpoint fire, at his home in Elk Grove. His injuries are severe and he is in Critical condition at the hospital as of this writing. We are told that his vitals (for now) are good-so we're thankful.

The phone call to my home came at 4am (edt), informing me of the accident. Upon waking this morning (not that I slept much after the call), I began the task of contacting some Family members and friends, asking for prayer for Dan and the Family as a whole. He's only 32, in relatively good shape and he has a very good chance of getting through this, so that part is good....but he has 3rd degree burns on his right arm and leg, neck, chest and stomach. There are also some 2nd degree burns on his face, but doctors are more concerned with the deeper areas; primarily his neck.

We are told it will take weeks and even months to get the skin grafts completed, before beginning the brutal process of rehabilitating the body as fully as it can be after something this devastating. I pray not only for God's Will to be done in Dan, but also for strength for my Mother and Dan's wife, Shannon. His son, Tristen and step-daughter, Brianna, are in Michigan visiting Grandparents....but the hero of this near-tragedy is my nephew, Jeffery.

The flashpoint occurred as he was walking out of the house and Jeffery saw Dan, standing there in apparent shock. Acting purely out of instinct, I am sure, Jeffery took Dan to the ground and rolled him, putting the fire out. He then used a sprinkler to cool Dan's burns, while awaiting the arrival of paramedics. The paramedics informed Jeffery and Shannon that his quick actions were precisely what was called for at that moment.

Jeff, my hat is off to you, bud. We Love you very much and yes, you ARE a hero! Remember what I told you on the phone earlier today...and go talk to 'Papa Sarge!'

At times like these 2500 miles seems like a million! Thankfully, there is a strong support network, via The Rock Church, in Sacramento. What a great group and believe me, they know how to 'touch the throne of God'. There are some real prayer warriors in that congregation, but your prayers are equally important.

More updates later...

Invasion of 100,000 Bees In Mason

You can see the photos of the bee-keeper removing some of the estimated 100,000 honey bees here

It was a beautiful, sun-drenched Sunday afternoon in our sleepy little community, but somewhere else, a mass exodus was taking shape. Apparently, at a hive some distance from here, something happened and nearly 100,000 honey bees swarmed into the area, taking up residence in a neighbor's lilac bush.

One of the neighbors who witnessed the arrival, said it sounded like a 'woo wooo woooo-deep droning sound' and the sky way black as they came in. 'It was like that movie', he said, and he called to his wife to close windows and doors..not knowing where the bees would settle. They ended up only 30 feet from his front door and the man stood in awe and shock at what he had just seen.

One of the other neighbors happened to know this local bee-keeper from Holt, so he got on the phone and asked for assistance. The elderly man arrived in a white sub-compact car, with two hive boxes in tow and little else and set about collecting the drones. It is unclear if the queen was found, but I am sure that was not the primary objective.

After about an hour, or so, the gentleman loaded his bees into the little white car and headed off to Mason, where the bees would find a new home, among his others.

Thanks for a GREAT Season, Detroit Red Wings

The Pittsburgh Penguins got the job done this evening, taking Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals by a score of 2-1. I'm not going to pretend to be a fan of the Pens, but Captain, Sidney Crosby and his team simply outplayed the Red Wings, forcing this pivotal game in Hockeytown.

You can bet the guys savored this win, too, because last year, it was our beloved Winged Wheelers who celebrated in Pittsburgh. And, in the long playoff schedule these teams play, the strongest of the two left standing get to dance with Lord Stanley's Cup. Most notably, NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman announced that Pens' Captain, Crosby was the youngest Captain to hoist the Cup for their team.

Regrets? I can think of one Detroit Red Wing who probably has a little bit tonight. Marian Hossa defected from the Penguins after being defeated in the Finals last year, saying he wanted to have a chance to lift the Cup. Will he be back next season? Hmmmm, I wonder myself. And from what I hear, a few other Wings may not be back for 2009-10.

Among them, 47 year old Chris Chelios, who is rumored to be heading to Anaheim for a season of helping the younger members. This makes sense, since he has a home in L.A., but what about Netminder, Chris Osgood, who had a less than stellar season? His playoff performance certainly redeemed him a little bit, but at 36, is it time for him to move on? Let me be clear, I do NOT want him to leave, but Ken Holland constantly has his eye on emerging talent-and how long will he keep Osgood and hold the new guys at bay? Ty Conklin seems ready to step up and Jimmy Howard is patiently awaiting his chance.

With the campaign over, you can bet Holland and Company will be looking at the older Wings closely. With the depth of the team, he doesn't have a lot to worry about, but the next few days should be interesting.

Hey, it was a great year. No sour grapes here....just sincere thanks to my Detroit Red Wings for giving us one whale of a ride. Sure, a parade down Woodward would be better, but we will have to wait until next Spring to see if we make the cut once again.

And so, this is my final hockey posting until the fall....so Thanks, guys. We had a GREAT year and it was a pleasure to join you in Hockeytown three times this season. Enjoy your summer.

Heroes

Well, you knew when you entered this blog zone that I tend to write about things that are important to me. Sometimes you might be interested and sometimes not, but I can assure you I am ALWAYS interested in my topics of discussion.

This photograph contains four of the most important people in my life. Each has their own special place in my heart, but I want to talk about one person, in particular, from this photo. Because, you see, if it weren't for his kindess many years ago, the job I have enjoyed since November of 1996 would have never been possible. By the way, this guy is Carl (K8YHH) and he is at far right....lookin an awful lot like he wants to go fishing. ;-)

So anyhow, let's go back to 1995. I had been involved with Amateur Radio for only a few months and ol' Carl and I met at something called a 'Shack Attack'. In the Ham Radio world, this is a gathering at someone else's home, in their 'shack', or room of radio operation. It allows newly licensed folk, like I was back then, to meet the owner and tell tales amongst ourselves. This is quite a lot of fun, especially for newbies who want to see what the other guy has for radio gear.

That day, we were at 'The Nipper's QTH' (home) in Okemos and we enjoyed hearing about Bob's HF exploits using QRP....this is 5 watts or less of power to make contacts worldwide. Yes, I said worldwide! There are even some enthusiasts that make contacts worldwide on less than 5 watts and that is called QRPp. You would have to hear it to believe it, but Bob was well on his way (at the time) to getting into the DXCC Honor Roll.

And so, at some point, Carl and I struck up a conversation amongst ourselves and I learned that he was a GM Truck Driver. Being a driver myself, my first instinct was to tell him to keep me in mind if they ever were hiring. I mean, we're talkin' about a life-changing job here....LOL. Well, Carl called a few months later and had me get a resume to him ASAP-if not sooner. The result was, quite simply, incredible. I got the job and it has been life-changing for my entire Family.

I believe I've done a good job at my place of employment these past 12 1/2 years. I can honestly say that I have given them a good days' work for a good days' pay, too. And with the poor economic situation in the USA, things have changed dramatically at my work place. Many have been permanently laid off, many more have been indefinitely laid off and now our pay and benefits have been dramatically cut.

Now, don't get me wrong. I know there are others in far worse straits than those of us who still have jobs. Homes have been lost, Families have been decimated by the decline and I am thankful that we've had nearly 13 years of a good-payin' job. God has blessed all of us a great deal and now it's time we tighten our belts and reassess the job market.

But the purpose for my comments tonight is simply to say, 'Thank You' again to Carl. No need to apologize, or feel badly, because I and everyone who took a job with this company knew what we were stepping into, when we accepted employment with them. It's never easy to see something this good go away, but I have lived well and my Family appreciates the good things we've had all this time.

As for my beloved Detroit Red Wings....I will be ready to enjoy Game Four tomorrow night at 8pm on Versus. The Wings lead the series 2 games to one and it's not going to get any easier. Two great teams with two hungry Goalies.....nothing could be better! GO WINGS!!!

The Stanley Cup Finals...Our Trip to Game 2

I know, this is not a normal photo to begin my commentary on the latest from Hockeytown, but I wanted to share a story and also to say 'Thank You!' to a relatively new friend. But how DO you say thanks when you are given an opportunity to not only take your kids to their first NHL game in the regular season, but also Game Two of the Stanley Cup FINALS??? I don't know either, which is why I asked. The first guy in this photo is Tim (foreground) and I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to go to Game 2 and his generosity.

Now, let's talk about Game 2 in Hockeytown. It begins with the assortment of over-the-edge Fans we got to see, while waiting to enter the Joe Louis Arena on Sunday evening. I compiled a nice photo album, so go take a look at some of these characters, as well as some great pics from the trip.

The Detroit Red Wings are now just two wins away from their twelvth Stanley Cup. They did the work tonight in Detroit, defeating those pesky Penguins from Pittsburgh 3-1. It was the second game in as many days and it was the same score, too! But, despite being banged up and exhausted, our beloved Winged Wheelers found a way to put a choke hold on Sidney Crosby and Company. The Wings now lead the Finals 2 games to none, as they head to Pittsburgh for Game 3 on Tuesday evening.

Wings' Netminder, Chris Osgood was superb in goal tonight, allowing one goal on 32 attempts. Penguins' Goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury was not so lucky, as he was pulled for the second consecutive game. It seems as though the Red Wings have his number, but we'll see what lies ahead on Tuesday night.

Also for the second night in a row, Wings' newcomer, Justin Abdelkader, scored a goal. He was recently brought up from Grand Rapids to replace some injured teammates, but he has certainly found a niche as a support player within the organization and he's making a case for returning full time in the 2009-10 season.

Adding fuel to the fire, Rookie defenseman, Jonathon Ericcson (who watched the Western Conference finale from the dressing room Wednesday night after having his appendix removed) slipped one past Fleury. Valteri Filppula also split the pipes for the Wings.

What's exciting to me, aside from being there, is seeing the supporting players step up and make a difference. The Detroit Red Wings have built a solid core, but they have the added benefit of this expanding base of support, as well. They are arguably the best Detroit Team I have seen-and that's saying something!

And while I'm soapboxing, let me add my voice to the chorus being heard in Detroit (and elsewhere) these days. At this point in the playoffs, I think it's safe to say that Goalie, Chris Osgood has made a huge bid for the Conn Smythe this playoff season. This, despite a mediocre year and a bit of struggling. He's answered the call, he's motivated his Team to excel on every level and he has shown he has what it takes to be a force to be reckoned with. The Wings are fortunate to have Osgood and I would like to think he will be recognized for his efforts, for this season, as well as last. Oh and I haven't even talked about the fact that he is two victories away from his fourth Stanley Cup!

Tuesday night, from Pittsburgh, it's Game Three. GO WINGS!!!

It's Time To Bring BACK The Cup...To Hockeytown!

It's the Wings and the Penguins (Round 2) in the Stanley Cup Finals, as Chicago Blackhawks fell in overtime Wednesday evening, 2-1. It was a defensive showcase, with both Net Minders (Chris Osgood and Cristobal Huet) doing an incredible job in goal, but in the end the Red Wings were just too much for the Hawks. As a result, your Detroit Red Wings are the Western Conference Champions!

The hunger of this veteran Detroit team is shining through, as its younger players step up to get the job done. Despite the absence of Captain Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk, our beloved Red Wings did the work and give some real credit to Darren 'Digger' Helm, who scored the winning goal, but also showed some urgency as he scrambled for the puck in one play that had everyone on their feet. It seemed the Blackhawks could do little but watch as Helm took on as many as four, at one point and got a shot on goal that nearly went in.

Add to the mix Dan Cleary, who's been on fire of late, as well as Marian Hossa and Henrik Zetterberg....plus many others and we have a recipe for a fantastic matchup for Lord Stanley's Cup. But it won't be easy....it never is.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, led by Captain Sidney Crosby, are still smarting from the lessons learned in last year's Cup Final and you can bet they are looking to avenge their loss in 2008. It ought to be a hard-hitting, brutal battle for the Silver Chalice and unless you are comatose somewhere, you will be watching. Of course, I'll keep tellin my tales along the way and sharing the excitement of another Stanley Cup run for the Detroit Red Wings.

Game One is Saturday, in Detroit, at the Joe Louis Arena. Be there, or be in front of a big screen TV with a LOUD surround system!

GO WINGS!!!!

Game Five in Hockeytown...Can Wings Close Out Chicago?

It was a brutal, edge of your seat kinda game on Sunday, but the Detroit Red Wings took matters into their own hands and placed the Chicago Blackhawks on the edge of elimination 6-1 at the United Center. This, despite the absence of two of their top stars, Captain Nicklas Lidstrom and hot-handed Center, Pavel Datsyuk for Game Four in the Windy City.

Top producers of the Winged Wheelers lent a hand Sunday, scoring a bevy of early goals and chasing Goalie Cristobal Huet, who was playing his first start in these playoffs for injured top man, Nikolai Khabibulin, from between the pipes. Huet returned for the third period, but the damage had been done. Wings' #2 Goalie, Ty Conklin even got a little ice time Sunday and we can only imagine that felt good, because 'The Wizard of Oz' has done his part to remain the go-to man, thus far.

Hockeytown is ready....ready to celebrate....again!

The focus now turns to Wednesday night at the Joe Louis Arena, as the Red Wings look to seal the door shut on the Blackhawks and enter the final round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against what looks to be a talented....and vengeful Pittsburgh Pengiuns team. You'll remember the Wings defeated the Pens for last year's Stanley Cup, so if Pittsburgh can end the Canes' run tonight, it promises to be a challenging final round for Detroit.

GO RED WINGS!!!!

A Time to Reflect and Honor

Today is Memorial Day. A time to reflect, consider and honor the sacrifices of America's Soldiers. We live in freedom, because they gave the ultimate sacrifice. They went to a man-made hell, so that you and I can continue to have the right to exercise our God-given freedoms.

You are allowed to travel freely, worship freely, express yourself freely and live freely, because of the men and women buried beneath these crosses. Don't EVER forget that! They have paid a cost, which is incomprehensible to most of us...and never looked back. Remember that the men and women who defend this Great Land are VOLUNTEERS, my friends. They do this willingly and for very little pay.

Some have lost Families, jobs, homes....you name it....all in the name of preserving our freedom. Some have lost their sanity, their health and their overall well-being. All in the name of preserving our freedom. The American King James Bible puts it this way: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

You don't have to agree with a political party, or the man residing in the White House to support our troops. But you DO have to support our Troops! You must, if for no other reason than that they defend your right to disagree with a political party, or the man residing in the White House. It's very simple.

And so today, as you gather at a parade, or some other Memorial Day event, thank a Veteran. Make sure you let them know that you may not always agree with the mission, but you always support the warriors sent to fight it. They need to hear that, friends.....they yearn to know that you appreciate and understand the tasks they are sent to complete.

From the bottom of my heart, I say THANK YOU TO OUR MEN AND WOMEN OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES!

The Road to Lord Stanley's Cup is NEVER Easy

Unless you are this little guy (my Son, Josh), the road to the Stanley Cup is a battle. You gotta want it bad! You have to dig deeper than you have ever dug and come up with something totally new. It's not like I have ever played professional hockey, but I'm speaking as a hard core fan of the sport.

Game Three of the Western Conference Finals looked like it was going to be a spanking for the Detroit Red Wings last night, as host team, Chicago Blackhawks schooled them on puck posession-style hockey and fast-paced action. After taking a commanding 3-0 lead into the second period, Chicago let the Wings back into the game and it was tied by the end of the 2nd. That was the story through the end of the third and OT was on the way. As for that, well, it was short lived....less than two minutes in and the Blackhawks skated off with a 4-3 win.

It almost looked as if the Wings traded sweaters with the Blackhawks last night, but I'm not worried....yet! I know my team and they will show up for Game Four on Sunday afternoon.

Now, let's talk about these photos. Back in 2002, the Detroit Red Wings won the Cup. I visited the State Capitol, in Lansing, for an opportunity to see the most recognized trophy in professional sports and what a sight it was! Glimmering in the subdued lighting of the rotunda, directly below its ornately decorated dome, Lord Stanley's Cup was something to behold. Joshua was still about a month from his arrival to our home back then.

When we got into the playoffs last year, this little guy was geeked! He even stayed up, well into the night for that heartbreaking multi-overtime loss to the Penguins, which forced the Wings back to Pittsburgh, where they ultimately won the Cup. And so I promised him that if the Cup came back to Lansing, WE would go see it. And so we did.

Josh and I arrived, with my daughter, Amanda (to take photos) and we stood in a line that stretched from the Cup, down several corridors and outside, around to the front of the building. The 90 minute visit was sure to break many hearts, because as anyone knows, the Cup is always on time. It was a long, hot journey as we wound our way through the line and about 10 minutes shy of having our turn with the Cup, I realized it was not going to happen! Joshua would not get his moment as I had promised. My heart was sinking....but then I had an idea. I would at least get his photo with the Cup in the background. At least he would have seen it, somewhat close up.

I got a few shots, including the consolation shot and 5pm rolled around. Cup Keeper, Bill Wellman stepped forward to dutifully remove the Chalice from its place and head to the next visit. As they began walking towards us, I called to Josh and told him to walk with the Cup....'get over there, bud!', I yelled to him. 'Walk with the Cup!' And he did.

As they neared me, I got shoved to the side by a State Capitol security agent. 'That's my son!', I told him...and he apologized. I reset for what would likely be the last chance to get a photo and Mr. Wellman did something I don't think I will ever forget. He slowed slightly and leaned towards Josh, allowing my little man his moment of glory. *SNAP!* A little boy's dream fulfilled. Mr. Wellman headed off with the Stanley Cup and I took Joshua home, satisfied that he had done something no one else got to do that day....he served (if only for a moment) as an honorary Keeper of the Cup!

A Man Takes His Bride

Tonight, we celebrate the marriage of two very special people. Joey and 'Nagel' are man and wife, as of this writing and I just had to sit down and comment on the beauty of this union.

I could not make the journey to The Rock Church, in Sacramento, California, but I got to view this blessed event online. Thanks to technology and my brother-in-law, Christopher Lombardo, we got to see every minute of the Wedding, via streamed video. But there is more to this story that I want to share with you.

When a man takes a woman to be his wife, there is much responsibility. He has chosen to spend the remainder of his life with that woman....and these two are so crazy in Love with each other, I cannot imagine anything but GREAT things for them.

Bishop Nathaniel J. Wilson had a bit of fun at the expense of the excited couple, too. As he closed the ceremony, Bishop took great care in seeing that he had the correct page. Then, once on the page, he s-l-o-w-l-y enunciated each syllable of each word in a way only he could do it. And why not? He has watched our beloved Angelica Rose grow from a little girl into the Godly woman she is today. And so, after what seemed an eternity (I am sure), the good Bishop pronounced that they were Husband and Wife, in the Name of Jesus and allowed them their first married kiss.

Angelica...Nagel....Angel, I Love you so very much! Congratulations to you and your new husband. I wish you only the best and I am convinced you shall have nothing but the best, because you have served God since I've known you. Joey is a good man and a Godly man and I trust that you will be in good hands, as you begin Life's journey in a new chapter. We look forward to the day that you announce the pending arrival of a new member of the extended Lombardo Family. Yes, I know your name is Ladd now, hun....but you will forever be a Lombardo, too. I Love You!

Joey...welcome to our Family. I am 2500 miles away tonight, but I laughed and cried with you at the ceremony and it was such a blessing to be able to witness your Special Day. My only regret is that I could not be with you all tonight, because it would have been my great honor to help video your Wedding. I know enough about you to know that you are a great fit for Angel. And it's refreshing to see two young people so crazy about one another. Keep that! Work at keeping that always! Friends first, lovers and the rest will follow. May you both have many years of happiness, a home full of children (hahaha) and a bright and wonderful future.

With Much Love,
Uncle Jim....er....Erv :-)

p.s. Chris.....one down.....FIVE to go! Love you all!

Red Wings Seal the Deal in Game 2 of WC Finals...in OT

It was Overtime madness in Hockeytown tonight, as the defending Stanley Cup Champs defeated fellow original six nemesis, The Chicago Blackhawks in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals 3-2. The Detroit Red Wings are now just SIX games away from collecting the Stanley Cup!

Another capacity Joe Louis Arena crowd in excess of 20,000 witnessed the Blackhawks as they put on a valiant effort tonight, actually outshooting the Winged Wheelers 39-38. But a three on two breakaway, early in Overtime, saw Valterri Filppula hand one off to Jiri Hudler, who in turn gave it to Mikael Samuelsson in the slot and he lit the red lamp. This gives Detroit a commanding 2-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals and both teams will now head to Chicago for Game Three on Friday evening.

Goalies, Chris Osgood and Nikolai Khabibulin were on their game tonight, with each making eye popping saves, but once again it was the veterans taking the younger players to the classroom. But give Chicago props, folks....those boys might not win the Cup this year (although it's still too early to tell), but they have some real talent on a team that is supposed to be far too young to compete at this level. I can only imagine that we will see much more of these budding superstars in the future.

Friday Night promises to be a much different look, as the Blackhawks faithful have their turn in the Windy City. You can bet it will be loud, raucus and charged with energy....I can't wait! GO RED WINGS!!!

Red Wings Roll in Game One of WC Finals

It was a nasty combination of European Puck Possession Hockey and 'The Wizard of Oz', as the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 in Game One of the Western Conference Finals. A capacity crowd of 20,066 came to witness the spectacle and what a game it was!

Just SEVEN Victories now separate the Detroit Red Wings from their twelfth Stanley Cup in Team history and fifth in 12 years.....and second in as many years. Should the Wings repeat this year, it would be their fourth repeat in the storied past of Red Wing lore.

Wings' Right Winger, Dan Cleary scored two goals, including the game winner, as the Winged Wheelers took a decisive 1-0 lead going into Tuesday night's matchup. The final tally came late in the third period, when Blackhawk netminder, Nikolai Khabibulin was pulled for the extra attacker and Henrik Zetterberg wristed one into the empty net from the nearside boards.

Goalie Chris Osgood stopped 30 shots and Khabibulin stopped 38 in what is likely to be a series of inches, bounces and stolen opportunities. And make no mistake, the Wings and Blackhawks are bitter rivals, because both are Original Six teams. You can expect lots of hard hitting action as this series progresses.

One good thing for the Detroit Red Wings is their post-season production. Last year's diggers were Johan Franzen and Henrik Zetterberg, who peppered the net with puck after puck, but this year, the spotlight is being shared with a host of talent. Among them, Marian Hossa, who came to Detroit in search of Lord Stanley's Cup. As you may recall, Hossa turned down a more lucrative offer from his former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, to come to Detroit...so you know he's hungry. But Jiri Hudler, Pavel Datsyuk and the balance of the Detroit Red Wings have tasted the fruits of Victory and they are determined to repeat and take the Cup once again in 2009.

Game Two of the WC Finals is Tuesday night, 7:30pm puck-to-ice at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

GO RED WINGS!

It HAS To Be Said, Or I Can't Sleep Tonight!

From the beginning, Successful Thinkers struck a chord with me. I live in the State of Michigan, where the auto industry has been staggered by poor management and a flagging economy. On the news each night, the bad keeps getting worse and it affects me personally, because I work for the auto industry! But wait....I found something good that worked its way through the bad and I have to share it.

Successful Thinkers is more than a name...it's a call to action. Back in the 40's, during WW2, our grandparents did what needed to be done, so that future generations could survive. They rolled up their sleeves and even women went to work, which was more than a novelty back then. Men were fighting for our Country, so who else would work and keep America rolling?

Today, we are faced with a challenge not unlike those days, during World War 2. And like the 'Greatest Generation', we are called to help one another...to stem the flow of bankruptcies, foreclosures and lost incomes. Businesses cannot succeed on any level unless we take action NOW! And Successful Thinkers is the key to that action.

We are more than Successful Thinkers, my friends, we are learning to become Successful Doers (and yes, I read that somewhere). We have to...the stakes are too high and once STM has made its way throughout the United States, it will spread to other countries, as well. Why? Because there is a core of people in this land that CARE about our survival. By banding together now, we are going to become front line leaders as the economy recovers. We are positioning ourselves to show others the way.

The future might look bleak to some, but I am thankful that Successful Thinkers has emerged, because I do not see that bleakness. I see hope, I see growth for businesses and I see a new future emerging....perhaps without the auto industry, for me.

For the first time in my life, I can see a future where I am so busy helping Chapters establish themselves in Michigan and elsewhere, that I do not have time for a 'job'. My new 'job' will be something I love to do, because I love meeting people and I certainly love helping people. Jim Bellacera and his Team are leading the way, folks....what we do with it now is up to us. The call to action is being sounded.

God Bless, Erv

Half Way to the Cup!!! Here Come The Western Conference Finals...

At the conclusion of Game 6, Detroit Red Wings' Coach, Mike Babcock, said the Wings had to play with urgency and tonight, in Game 7, they did just that. Detroit defeated the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 4-3, when Dan Cleary scored with just three minutes remaining in the deciding game of the Western Conference Semi-Finals. The Red Wings now prepare to take on their old nemesis and fellow Original Six foe, The Chicago Blackhawks in the Conference Finals. This is the third year in a row our Hockeytown Heros will head to the Finals...which is no small fete.

Red Wing netminder, Chris Osgood did everything, including standing on his head to stop 24 of 27 shots on goal tonight and it was just enough to seal the deal and clear the way for further defense of The Stanley Cup.

Give some credit to the youthful goalie in net for Anaheim, Jonas Hiller, who stopped 36 of 40 shots tonight. In the end, however, the expansive talent and depth of the Winged Wheelers was just too much for him. You can be sure this young man will be back next year and he certainly has all the tools to be a Superstar between the pipes....but not this year.

And so we wait for Game 1 of the 3rd round, hoping for a smooth journey. But be not decieved, the Chicago Blackhawks are hungry, talented and equal to the task. It won't be easy, especially for a Chicago team that wasn't supposed to make the playoffs to begin with. These guys are ready for war and The Boys from Hockeytown had better rest up and be ready when the puck drops in Game 1 at the Joe Louis Arena.

Meet Me in Hockeytown....For Game 7

Try as they might, the Detroit Red Wings just couldn't get the puck past young Anaheim netminder, Jonas Hiller tonight. Hiller faced 39 shots, allowing one goal and forced a dangerous Game 7 back at the Joe Louis Arena on Thursday night, as the Ducks take Game 6 by a score of 2-1.

Chris Osgood faced fewer shots on goal, but that isn't surprising. What is surprising is how the Mighty Ducks' defense shut down the Red Wing offense this evening. Pavel Datsyuk continues to struggle to find the back of the net, but Zetterberg, Hossa and a host of others were also left silent as the final horn sounded.

Coach Mike Babcock wouldn't tip his hand (as well he shouldn't) during a post-game interview on Fox Sports Detroit, but he did say the Red Wings needed "to have an urgency for all 60 minutes in tonight's contest", but did not. As Red Wing One departs California tomorrow, you can bet the Team will be focused on getting the job done, in order to face the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Final.

Yep, it's good old fashioned Stanley Cup Playoffs and it's never easy. Let's hope the boys from Hockeytown get to life Lord Stanley's shimmering chalice one more time, when the dust settles. It's all on the line now...and we'll see what happens on Thursday evening. Let's GO WINGS!

Successful Thinkers Meetup...What's That?

With all the bad news on the TV and Radio lately, doesn't it seem good when you hear good news? How about fantastic news? Well, I am about to share some fantastic news with you, with the best part being that everything I am going to share with you is FREE!

For the moment, please lay aside the adage that came to us by way of Ralph Nader many years ago. "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is" Remember that? Well, as I said, set it aside (within reach, if you must) and please give me two minutes of your time. Deal?

Successful Thinkers Meetup is a revolutionary organization, whose sole aim is to help business owners become more successful. Interesting concept, eh? It's so simple, you wonder why it's never been tested!

Much like organizations such as BNI (a group that touts itself as the "World's Largest Referral Organization", Successful Thinkers Meetup is poised to take a gigantic leap towards that title. The biggest difference, once again, is that EVERYTHING they do is FREE. The Mixers are FREE, the Seminars are FREE, even the membership is FREE! Now, I ask you, in this troubled financial time, what can be better than FREE?

Jim Bellacera made his name in Multi-Level Marketing and, while we welcome MLM teams to attend, this is NOT the function of Successful Thinkers Meetup. How could it be, since EVERYTHING is FREE? But what sets Jim Bellacera apart from everything I've learned about business, is that he is sincere in his goal to help rebuild America...One Business At A Time. Talk about revolutionary.

So please accept my invitation to visit Successful Thinkers Meetup. You won't regret it and I look forward to meeting you at a Mixer REAL SOON!

Sometimes, You Just Have To STAND STILL and Marvel

It's been a long several months, here in the land of the Automobile. Michigan has been in a downspin for 5 years now and the news has only gotten worse, since the US Economy has joined the 'party'. As a result, it's been a difficult task to find good news on any front. Stay with me, cuz it's gonna get better, I promise!

My Mom moved to Sacramento in January, as I noted in an earlier post and I got to spend six days of quality time in town, visiting my Sister and her 'Brady Bunch-like clan'. I stayed at their home, because Mom's was really packed with boxes....and I am allergic to cats, so it was just best to sleep in Weezy and Chris's travel trailer. Even in January, it is about freezing (though not by much), so the little ceramic heater was put to work and did quite nicely.

During my visit, I had the unfortunate chance to see my little buddy and nephew, Christopher battling yet again against Crohn's Disease...something he was diagnosed with in late 2007. He had just come home a few days earlier from the hospital and now his fever was spiking and he was headed back.

Tears streaming down his face, Christopher was pleading not to have to go back there. He hates the hospital, but that is because he has been there so often the last year, or so. The once fun lovin little guy has lost a lot of weight (because he has a really hard time eating anything) and his eyes are sunken. He looks very gaunt and not anything like I know of him. The sight of my nephew begging not to be taken back was hard to deal with.

Months go by and finally the trips to the hospital stop. Doctors have found the solution...or have they? The GJ tube and Mic-Key button-both have been getting the nutrition to his body that it needs and he begins growing again. But the good news just kept coming. You have to read the account here and let my brother in law tell the story. WOW!

Fast forward to this past week and Christopher may lose the GJ Tube and Mic-Key button. On top of that, his wish to the 'Make a Wish' foundation was to go to Euro Disney, in Paris, or Hawaii. It looks like Euro Disney is gonna happen and I couldn't be happier for Christopher (and the rest of the Family!).

Look, I have three healthy kids. When you see a child who is suffering with any illness, if you are at least half-alive, you feel for them. And when a miracle happens, you celebrate, too! God is blessing Christopher and for the first time in MANY weeks, there is something good to talk about. What GREAT News!

As for the Red Wings....I can talk about them and their bid for their 5th Stanley Cup in 12 years later on. For now, I wanna celebrate God's Healing Touch.

Game Four, Bowling and Carrie Prejean....Can You Keep Up?

Ok, this is probably going to be the most off the wall post, to date, but I have a LOT of ground to cover from the last 2 days, so I am gonna tackle it ALL in this edition. For those that know me, I am certain none will be offended...for those who do not...I'll warn you that I am not a liberal, by ANY means, so you are likely to come away offended at some point. Fair enough? Good.

I want to begin by Congratulating the 2008 Defending Stanley Cup Champs, da Red Wings, for closing out their series against Columbus Thursday night. Our boys played tough and make no mistake, the Blue Jackets knew what was on the line and they came to play, as well. In fact, after suffering a decimating 12-2 score (through the first three games), Columbus simply had to figure out Chris Osgood and Ozzie was clearly not in his best form Thursday, appearing to me to be hurting. It was a recipe for one whale of a game!

Detroit opened up an early lead, but Columbus answered back....then it was Detroit again, adding two to their tally and the Blue Jackets were on the ropes as the first period came to a close. It wasn't until the second period began that we got a good look at Chris Osgood, because the Wings dominated so fully in the first....but once the puck started flying toward our veteran net-minder, it was clear that something was wrong.

Columbus peppered Ozzie with a flurry of shots in the opening minutes of the 2nd period, scoring twice within two minutes and ultimately scoring four goals, letting the Red Wings know they were here to play. But Osgood was clearly having trouble moving left to right and word has it, he was dealing with some knee issues.

The outcome, at least for us Wings' Fans, was good. Detroit closed out the series with a 6-5 win, eliminating Columbus from the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 4-0 sweep. The boys will have some well-earned time off, to prepare for Round Two and either Vancouver, or The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Both present challenges for Detroit, but let's hope Ozzie can overcome his pain issues and be ready to help defend.

Saturday presented a couple firsts for this new year in my hometown. Fellow Ham Radio Operators and I got our first look at SKYWARN Nets for 2009, as a series of storms blew through the area. We had several outtages in the first batch, as well as some downed wires and trees early in the afternoon. I didn't have to go out in the field to spot, but we did see the power flicker a few times....never a good thing!

The second round of storms seemed a bit stronger and pushed into the Lansing Area about 5pm, shortly after my daughters and I arrived for Daddy/Daughter bowling in Mason. Lots of wind, heavy rain and frequent lightning accompanied this line and about half way through our bowling event, the power went out, putting an abrupt end to the festivities.

As we prepared to leave the bowling center, the owner announced that when we get our photos of the event, tickets for two free games of bowling would accompany them. The crowd on hand erupted into cheers and it was nice to learn that this was a good guy, because he clearly did not have to do this....he did it out of kindness. Hat's off to the Mason Bowling Center!

Finally this morning, have you followed the catfight between Miss California, Carrie Prejean and Perez Hilton? It seems that Prejean, a woman of obvious Christian roots, gave the 'wrong answer', when asked about her stance on marriage. Prejean said that, 'marriage should be between a man and a woman' at the Miss USA pagaent last Sunday....apparently blowing Hilton's wig back and causing a stir in the Hollywood elite. So much so that Miss California State Director, Shanna Moakler, has ditched Prejean. Something smells funny here, doesn't it?

FROM FOXNEWS.COM's Pop Tarts...

Meanwhile the Miss California State Director, Shanna Moakler (who has come under fire this week for reportedly ditching Prejean over her controversial answer) wants the 21-year-old to stop talking to the media and talk to Perez’s people instead.

"I know Carrie is very religious and God is a huge part of her life, but I was just surprised she went down that road and answered the question the way she did. I think it’s very necessary at this point (that she talk to Hilton or the Equality group) as we have a lot of openly gay sponsors who supported her and were not aware of her opinions on their lives and are now deeply hurt," Moakler said. "Carrie is going to have to stop doing the press circuit about how great it is she used the First Amendment and her First Right, and really sit down with these people that she’s hurt."

Since when does anyone have to answer to anyone else, let alone a group of people, for his or her BELIEFS? I hope that Carrie tells these one-sided biggots to take a flyin' leap and then to take their liberal pagaent and shove em both right up their noses!

I'll leave you with this and please forgive me for straying from my Family and Friends theme in this posting....but the time has come to STOP the double standard! One set of rules for me and another for you. NO, I am not gonna stand for it any longer. The far left wing has cried foul far too long. The homosexual community wants freedom to speak and equal treatment and yet they won't allow the same anyone who holds a view different from theirs.

Hey, Perez, go whine somewhere else and GET OVER YOURSELF! If Carrie Prejean folds up now and gives them what they want, we ALL lose. Hilton is little more than a punch line to a really bad joke and I hope Carrie holds the line.

It's ALL About the Cup....Game Three

The Detroit Red Wings, led by goalie, Chris Osgood were stellar once again on Tuesday night, shutting Nash and Company down for a third straight game-and winning game three by a 4-1 score. Ozzie looked great as his shutout time reached over 143 minutes, before someone from Columbus finally found the way past Osgood and to the back of the net.

Let's be clear; the Columbus Blue Jackets are a mismatch for the Wings. They have little if any experience in playoff hockey, individually and they simply can't keep up with European Puck Possession-style teams! No, I'm not being cocky, but the boys from Detroit and points east are battle-tested and proven. That's a tall order for anyone facing them, least of all the Columbus Blue Jackets.

For now, the Detroit Red Wings and Chris Osgood are the talk of Hockeytown. Their play is solid and they really do look impressive against the Bluejackets. But with the Pistons on the verge of their playoff exit, and the Lions planning for yet another loss-filled season.....not to mention the Tigers, who are playing just above .500 right now (give them time, they will fall apart!) the Wings are about the only thing going in the Motor City these days. Don't even get me started on GM!

I don't know about you, but this Family is enjoying the playoffs. It's something we have done together for the past couple years and Josh even got his picture taken with Lord Stanley's Cup last summer.

GO WINGS!!!

The Ozzman Rules in Game 2 of the WC Playoffs

Veteran Red Wing Netminder, (30) Chris Osgood made a statement this evening, as the Defending Stanley Cup Champions defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0. It was Osgood's 61st playoff victory and his 14th playoff shutout, which ties him for fourth on the NHL's career postseason shutout list, along with teammate Dominik Hasek, Ed Belfour and Jacques Plante. The Detroit Red Wings now hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the first-round Western Conference series as the teams head south, to Columbus, Ohio for a Tuesday meeting.

I have to be honest, it wasn't always this positive in Hockeytown-or even in my own home. Osgood has had the worst season of his 15 years in the NHL and his Goals Against Avg. and Save Percentage were considered mediocre, at best. But through it all...Ozzie has maintained that we, "Wait until the playoffs." I've never been a bandwagon fan of Chris Osgood, that is to say I have always been a fan of this man....at his best, as well as his worst.

At the conclusion of last season's Stanley Cup Championship battle, Osgood should have silenced his detractors, but that has never been the case. For as long as Ozzie has been in goal, he has had an uphill battle to prove himself worthy....to be named among the sport's best....and somehow, it has eluded him. Truth be told, however, he did not help himself with lackluster performances throughout the 08-09 Season.

As we head into Game 3 of the first round, you can bet I'll be watching, along with my entire Hockeytown-Crazy Family members....Wife and Kids included. GO WINGS!!!

Stanley Cup Playoffs Return to Detroit

At long last the Stanley Cup Playoffs are under way. It was a long, hard road to get to this point and everyone (including myself) wondered if Chris Osgood (aka Ozzie) would be able to do the job for our beloved Winged Wheelers....well, he looked GREAT last night in a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. In fact, the entire team looked like they are hungry for another Cup...and that was my concern as the season came to a close.

Now, since I am NOT affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings (but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night), The NHL needs to take a serious look at its stance on the Wing's Al Sobotka and his 'swingin of the octopie'. The League has said it will not tolerate Al's past practice of swinging the octo over his head, as he leaves the ice. It ALWAYS brings the fans to their feet and everyone loves the show. Well, everyone but the NHL and peta.

Think of it this way....would the League feel the same way if Al swung a pork chop over his head? How about a steak? A hot dog? Sounds ridiculous, but it is no more ridiculous than the League having issues with Al's antics with the octopie! IT'S FOOD, PEOPLE!!! And so, from all of us in Hockeytown....GET A LIFE NHL! Stop bowing to peta and other nuts, who whine and then ruin it for the rest of us.

And yes, I DID search for this photo on the Internet, just to salute Al Sobotka for all of his great years of Octo-Swingin! GO WINGS!

Easter Sunday at Home

See the pics from Easter Sunday here.

It's already Easter Sunday and warmer weather has returned to Mid-Michigan. After last week's nasty little 'joke', we're glad to see a warmer weather pattern return to the area and we are now looking for that 70 degree stuff!

The kids had a blast this morning, searching for hidden Easter Eggs in the house. One year, I would like to see it be nice enough to have the "Easter Bunny" hide the eggs outside, so the kids could really have fun hunting for them!

We enjoyed a semi-traditional meal of Ham, with mashed potatoes and corn, plus some really good, soft dinner rolls. Mmmmmm. But with my Mom in California this year, we missed the creamed peas, french onion green beans and that awesome fruit salad she always made in the past. Well, that's the price we pay for not having Mom at home with us. I guess I am greedy that way....LOL

I'm going to enjoy one more week at home, then it's back to the grind on next Monday. With all the questions, drama and rumors, I don't know that I look forward to going anymore, I just appreciate the fact that I have a job and can pay my bills. There are hundreds of my fellow drivers who are not so lucky...for them it's a far tougher battle.

As April draws into the final two weeks, what happens with my Company and its drivers is anybody's guess, but as I said, at least we are working. Until something else happens, we head to our job in the morning and do what we need to do to meet the needs of our Company. And, with warm weather just around the corner, perhaps a little more time home isn't so bad after all. ;-)

Easter Season and Spring

Well, after a nasty surprise last Sunday and Monday, the snow has gone (for the most part) and Spring-like weather is once again with us. Temps have been in the low 50's for a few days now, which is a good sign and I'm fairly certain that the last of Ol' Man Winter has been seen until next Fall/Winter. I might upload a few photos later on of the scene outside our window from last week, but the snow flocked trees were anything but a pleasant surprise, I can assure you.

We want warm weather, doggone it!

Blowin' Off Some Steam At the Range

It's springtime here in Michigan and that usually means rain...and lots of it in April and early May. So when the sun shines and it's a semi-warm day, you get outta the house and do whatever you want to do...quickly. Why? Well, because in Michigan, we don't get seasons, we get samples!

My Yahoo IM activated this afternoon and it was my friend and fellow Ham Radio Op, Ben (WX8BEN), asking if I wanted to go shooting with him. "Why not?" I replied and we met up for a bit of fun at the local shooting range. Ben's weapon of choice is an impressive .40 cal. (Springfield XD40) and I have to say, he's doggone good at hitting the 25yd. target. I don't think I would choose to visit his home, if I had ill plans!

And so, we blew off a couple hundred rounds (rounds, by the way, which are abnormally hard to come by these days), shot some video for You Tube, took some digis of the event and headed for home, satisfied that we had laid that plywood backstop to waste! Yeah.....we're men and we can blow things up! Or at least put lots of holes in it.

To see pics of our shoot em' up, Click Here

Another Generation of Red Wings Fans!

Wanna see the photos from this entry? Look here

Finally, the time had arrived! For most of the past 3 weeks, my younger two children were drooling at the sight of the four tickets, which were tucked neatly into the cupboard door, sitting there like a chocolate Easter Bunny tempting the little ones daily. The 'Family Four Pack' kept them watching the calendar. The tickets, a gift from one of our local Hams' sons (Tim Wilson) were welcomed with open arms...that is a story all its own! How do you say 'Thank You' for a gift like that? I don't think he really understood just how thankful my entire Family of Red Wing fans were, but I hope to return the kindness somehow.

"How many days now?", Josh asked.

"Oh, let's see.....seven....seven more days and we go to the Joe Louis Arena!" I replied.

Josh has been 'indoctrinated' into Red Wing traditions since his early years, so when it comes to the Wings, he's into whatever it might be. Even at 15-18 months of age, we taught him the 'Let's go Red Wings' chant, complete with claps. By age two, Joshy was clappin' right along with us. But it goes beyond even that!

When our little man was born into this world, Dad was wearing a Red Wings sweater (jersey). It was 2002 and I had a Center Ice version of the Home Jersey. Nothing special and no number, or name, just the jersey. Well, when we won the Stanley Cup that year, I went out and bought a brand new away jersey, found and purchased an official 2002 Stanley Cup patch and added my nephew's number and name, because he also played in the youth hockey league in town. That sweater is Johy's now, once he can fit into it, but until then, I wear it (and I had it on last night).

And so, we head out Friday afternoon about 4pm, well ahead of time, in case of traffic. I wasn't going to be late for my kids' first Red Wings' game....and we weren't. But it was fun, watching Josh and Mick looking in awe at the Joe Louis Arena in the distance. We walked about 3 blocks to the raised tunnel that would take us into the JLA and got there about 30 minutes before the doors opened.

Once inside, we got the important stuff....the Red Wings #1 sponge finger, a puck, a book on the Wings' 2008 Stanley Cup Season and various other goodies. We also stopped for a Little Caesar's pizza and some Coke, before heading to our seats. Sec. 217C, row 20....a bit near the top, but if you have ever been to the Joe, there really aren't that many bad seats in the house and I have not seen the few that exist!

The magic of your first professional sporting event is something you never forget. Mine was going to see the Detroit Tigers, back when Mark 'The Bird' Fidrych was pitching for them. I will never forget 'The Bird' manicuring the mound, or talking to the ball.....or the animated way he did his job. And as we walked around the Joe, snapping pictures and watching the warm-ups at ice level, I was witnessing Josh marking this date in his life. Mick was enjoying herself, too, but this was a boy-thing. A Father-Son thing....something we will both remember for the rest of our lives.

Well, the Wings were shutout tonight...falling to the New York Islanders 2-0. The Islanders are the worst team in the NHL, but I was afraid this might happen. The neat thing was that we got to see Chris Osgood in goal for Detroit and my wife loves Ozzie! But the Wings tried...boy did they try. There were so many flurries in front of New York's goalie, Joey MacDonald (a former Wing, by the way), we should have won that game 8-2! LOL But it was not to be.

Walking out of the Joe Louis, Josh and I were walkin' hand in hand, chatting about the game. I felt I needed to see how he enjoyed the time.

"So what did you think, bud?", I asked. "Sorry you didn't get to see the Wings win tonight."

"That was fun, Dad.....", he said. "And don't worry, you can bring me back to see them win a different game!"

Yep, my little Winger enjoyed his first NHL Hockey Game....a new chapter begins!

The Frailty of Us Humans

Just over a week ago, I lost a friend. The details are unimportant, because Norm is no longer with us....but his death has caused me a great mix of thoughts and emotions, primarily because we had not spoken in some time. Again, the details are unimportant. But in the course of the last eight days, I have come to understand something about us, as a race.

It is easy to forgive and move on......when it's too late to correct the broken path we've left behind us. But no matter what WE, the living d0, it is already past the time of opportunity to repair a lost friendship, a broken marriage, or a relationship on any level. The deceased have found their rest, but the living must learn to cope with not only the loss, but the fact that they will never again have a chance to mend that fence in their lifetime.

Now, understand that I can differentiate between the loss of a 'real' friend and someone who only pretended to be one...and that happened to me only recently, too! And there is a period of mourning for both. One, because you know that friend is gone and you didn't mend the fence and the other, because you have 'wasted' a period of months....or in my case....YEARS on building what you thought was iron clad! Yet, in both instances, the blame for the breakdown is on the same person's shoulders-your own.

Hey, it's my blogspace to ramble in, so I am going to continue.

I've learned a great deal about loss these last few years. I've lost my Grandfather, a man whom I loved and held in high esteem, in 2005. He was an old man, quiet and unassuming, but who would have thought that he was a real, live hero? And yet he was....assisting in the rescue of many men, from a ship that had run aground in the UP's Sac Bay. Cecil H. Shawl was a good man, a decent man and more 'Christ-like' than a lot of so called 'Christians' I have known. He didn't talk much about his Faith, he just lived his Faith...day by day....year by year.

And then there is another Family member I cannot yet talk about. Nuff said.

Add to this a 'friend' I entrusted for more than 14 years, before finding he was not the person he claimed to be.....and then Norm, a good man who had some really tough cards dealt to him. Yep, life has taught me a lot about losing. And there are lessons in each loss, which I can and will pass on to my children as they grow.

The only lesson I want to talk about today, other than avoiding missed opportunities, is to cherish the aged. Within their still fertile minds lie a wealth of history. Stories untold can pour from their lips at will and if you give them a chance.....they will! I wish I had taken far more opportunities to sit with Bpa and talk to him about the olden days. We talked once, on tape, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. We should have talked far more often than that....and on my last trip to see him, just days before his death, I looked back at my video camera and said, "Ah, next time". 19 days later, next time came, but Bpa was no longer able to tell me stories.

If you have a Grandfather, Grandmother, or Great Grama, or Grampa, sit down with them TODAY and talk to them. Ask them what it was like growing up in their early years....what it was like when they worked....what it was like in everyday America. You'd be surprised how much it has changed.

As for my neighbor and friend, Norm.....all I can say is "Thank You" for being a friend, for offering help in time of need and for teaching me to watch more closely, so I can avoid future mistakes.

2009 SKYWARN Training in Lansing, Michgan

The 2009 Storm Season is upon us and it was time to refresh our memories at our annual SKYWARN Training Day, held at the West Campus of Lansing Community College. This venue has been VERY good to us, allowing us to hold our training here each year and even feeding us lunch!

On hand for this year's event was our NEW Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Jamie R. Bielinski and WLNS TV-6 Meteorologist, Rob Dale (N8GSK). Jamie provided the training we get each year from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and it took the better part of two hours to complete. But anyone in attendance can tell you, it was far from boring! Jamie seemed a natural at her task, mixing in a little personal humor and some stories of her own Storm Chasing.

At the conclusion of Bielinski's program, the good folks at LCC West showed us tremendous hospitality, with lunch for each attendee. The feast consisted of Kettle Cooked chips, shaved Roast Beef, Ham or Turkey for sandwiches, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad and fresh cookies for dessert. Talk about a nice meal!

With full bellies and great anticipation, we welcomed Rob Dale to the podium. Most of the local folks know Rob, but it didn't take long for those who did not know Rob to warm up to him. He's one of those speakers that captivate your attention, because they are real. Rob doesn't put on airs and he doesn't pretend to know something if he doesn't fully understand it. It's one more reason we applauded Rob, as he announced his new position in Eaton County. It's great to know that while he's leaving local TV, he is not leaving us!

Another special guest in attendance for the event was Kaz Fujita, son of the late Ted Fujita (creator of the F-Scale). Kaz and I have been friends since 1998, when we first met at 'Science Day at the Mall', held at Meridian Mall in Okemos.

Our heartfelt thanks to LCC-West, Tom Shaver (KC8NJK), Trent Atkins, Rob, Jamie, Kaz and especially to Ben Holcomb (WX8BEN) for getting things together for us. There were many others (far too many to list here) who deserve recognition and we appreciate all YOU have done, as well. THANKS TEAM! To see more photos of our SKYWARN Training, please visit Our SKYWARN Photo Album

Science Night in Mason

Tonight was special for those who came out to our annual Science Night at the school. Josh and Michelle were excited to show us all the fun things they were planning for the event, including a life petting zoo, science programs, fingerprinting and other things.

We got there early and our oldest, Amanda even came with her man, Jimmy. It was great fun for all of us and the pictures tell the story....so here they are