Kristie's and her staff reached another milestone in this unusual year. The first round of the audits have drawn to a close. Since Kristie has been there, she started hosting an annual outing to celebrate their hard work.

One year they went to the Federal Reserve and to CNN for a tour. Another year it was BMW and movies. But no matter where or what every year they relax, laugh , eat and have a great time. I take an active role and help out with the planning and events so they always include me in the festivities.

For this year Kristie and I planned a hanger party at the airport. They would set up and grill, churn ice cream and play games while a few at a time I would load up and take them flying. We figured on several trips to ride everyone so we planned a whole afternoon.

I was a good idea but the audits lasted a month and a half longer this year so we pushed back the party. Guess what happens in August in South Carolina. HOT HOT and Humid. Everyone was excited at the prospect of a flying around the area. But we managed to pick the hottest day of the season. The forecast called for around 100 degrees so we changed our plans. We started early with a morning of flying and a breakfast buffet at the hanger and planned to be gone by 11am.

It was a blast, though still very hot. Hot pavement and metal hangers are not a summer place to be. It officially hit 104 at the airport at 2pm.

The flights were nice however. And with the 260 hp fan running the plane was not too bad. I think they everyone had fun seeing the local landmarks, the mall, their office and most cases their homes. We all had fun but I think the three student workers had the most fun by far. Laughing , oohing, aahing and pointing out things.

Funny not a single one from that office had flown before other than Kristie. So I got to add half a page of new first time fliers to my log.

After several flights we all headed to Chili's for lunch ( popular vote. ) And then being the only guy I bowed out while the ladies went to a movie. No Reservations. Kristie says I would have liked it so I suspect we will go one evening next week to see it. Actually the synopsis sounds pretty good.

I still need to see Bourne. Can you believe it?

Here is another update on the Marine. His father has gone to Maryland to see him. All in all he is doing fair. They have him in a brace for his back. The doctors say it is not something they can fix with surgery but that it may heal ok with time. Another concern are the leg wounds that continue to get infected. They are treating that as well.

Also they pass on the word that he feels lucky, because most of the people there are in much worse shape.

Some of the men he was with in the explosion are not doing as well. Please remember them in prayer. Also they pass on the word that he feels lucky, because most of the people there are in much worse shape.


Here is the previous updates

It's my God Daughters birthday


Happy Birthday Hillary

I Love you

I have taken the past couple days off. Actually I was just plain tired and just didn't feel like writing. Tonight I am going to catch-up a little so I need to borrow a blog phrase. This is a "Mind Dump" post.


NewSpring on Sunday:

I hope you were there, but if not, I really wish you had been at NewSpring this week.

First we changed the counter ( before services ) to 8 minutes this week only because the lead in song was Stairway to Heaven (yes LED ZEP ) and like they said, "You just don't cut Stairway in the middle".

Then the band came out and kicked it up a notch with a super heavy set. Including Cochise by Audioslave. After a couple more songs the lights went down even more and a video started. It was a series of man on the street interviews via video about if Hell was a real place. It was surprising what people said. During the interviews the band played an instrumental version of Hells Bells _ AC/DC very loud in spots yet soft when the people on the video spoke. And then we had PYRO --FIRE FIRE and all over the place. It was the wildest thing ever at NewSpring.

At the end of the video six guys walked out to a nearly dark stage as pallbearers with a coffin. Perry started preaching from inside it . That was cool. Then popped out a few minutes later. Over 120 people got saved. AMAZING

You've GOT to watch the podcast .



Underdog the Movie:

If you know me or read this blog you know I am crazy about cartoons. One of the greatest cartoons was about a dog with super powers. Underdog .

Speed of lightning, Roar of thunder ... There's no need to fear...Underdog is here.

I was excited when I heard they were making this into a movie. I was not disappointed. GO SEE THIS !!!!

Kristie and I went Monday night and it ROCKED !!!!!!




National S'mores Day :

Friday is the day to celebrate a great snack. It's National S'mores Day

Take couple of graham crackers, a marshmallow and add a piece of chocolate and you’ve got a masterpiece .

Hershey Candies says Friday is National S’mores Day, so lets all eat one of the sweet, gooey, crunchy wonders.




Remembering Hiroshima :

Monday was Hiroshima Day. It's been 62 years since we told the world about the atomic age. I visited there years ago and there are still visible reminders everywhere.

Pray it never has to happen again.

What's on my Mp3 ?

If you know me then you know I am seldom without some tunes.

Here is a bakers dozen I am playing now.

1. Engines of Creation - Joe Satriani
2. Ghost Stories- Chantal Kreviazuk
3. Collection - Marwood
4. Systematic Chaos - Dream Theater
5. Blue in the Face - Double Drive
6. My 25 favorites _ Gilby Clarke
7. Geoff Tate - Geoff Tate
8. Song for summer nights - Gilli Moon
9. Good Monsters - Jars of Clay
10. Oh Gravity - Switchfoot
11. The Moment of Now - Barry Richman
12. Live at the Blue Bird - Steven Deopoulos
13. The Gathering - City On A Hill

Give some of these a spin yourself.

what did they mean to say ??

Kristie and I continued to enjoy her numerous birthday dinners tonight at my mother and dads. My sister and brother-in law came too. It was a good time.

Mom fixed a new chicken dish with an apricot honey citrus glaze that was just wonderful. Then she added a new carrot salad with dried cranberries and a honey orange sauce. Topped with green beans and new potatoes with a sauce I can only describe as divine. I have no idea what was in it but it was creamy yellow but not hollandaise nor honey mustard based. It was much thicker almost as thick as a tart custard. I forgot to ask her, but it was delicious. And for dessert she made a cherry, pineapple something with whipped cream. It wasn't really a pie. It was kinda like cherry yum yum without the sponge cake. Anyway dad said she had subscribed to a cooking magazine and this was her first issue. SIGN ME UP !!!

It was so good. Thanks mom,
We love ya

Here is the latest update on our prayer request for our friend the Marine injured in Iraq this week.

The doctors are concerned with the injury to his back and have him in a brace. Also his wounds have become infected so they had to clean those out. He is doing well considering. He's may now be going to Maryland for his further treatment. I suspect that is at the Bethesda Naval Hospital

Please continue to remember him in your prayers.  

Previous post are:
here


and

and here

Thanks to all who have emailed their well wishes.

We appreciate your continued prayer

10 great business books:

1. Bible : All the advice, guidance and ethics you'll ever need.
2. How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie : A Classic ! ! a hands down best
   
3. Small Is Beautiful by E.F. Schumacher : Interesting vision for empowerment of your staff
4. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: Brains rule
   
5. The Art of War by Sun Tzu : Learn and adapt
6. Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude by Napoleon Hill & Clement Stone : A must
   
7. Greatest Salesman In The World by Og Mandino: We all sale something, product or just self.
   
8. Moments of Truth by Jan Carlzon : Customer driven business advice from the CEO of S.A.S. Airlines
   
9. The Power in Money Dynamics by Venita VanCaspel : Don't spend, save or invest without it.
10. World Almanac : Filled with every day vital info

Bonus : Dare To Succeed - A Treasury of Inspiration and Wisdom for Life & Career: Given to me by a business friend ...it is priceless for everyone over 15 in your home.

YES that is a scan of my 1936 first edition copy of Dale Carnegie's greatest.

Movies and DVD I am looking forward to.

DVD releases

14 Aug - Wild Hogs
4 Sept - Alvin & the Chipmunks ( cartoon )
18 Sept - We Are Marshall
20 Nov - Santa Clause 3 - Escape Clause


At the movies

3 Aug - Underdog ( the movie )
3 Aug - Bourne Ultimatium
24 Aug - Mr Beans Holiday
7 Dec - Leatherheads
14 Dec - Chipmunks ( movie )
21 Dec - National Treasure 2
22 May 08 - Indiana Jones 4
20 June 08 - Get Smart ( movie )
7 Nov 08 - JAMES BOND 007