Metrodome Roof Collapse Video From the Inside Metrodome

Photo compliments of Fox News

Mother Nature

I know I have said it before, but I am reaally going to give it the "old college try" and get back into blogging. Did ya miss me??

Well, it appears she is at it again. The upper midwest and the plains got hammered over the weekend and the forcast for Buffalo is another 2 ft of snow. Some places will have had 5 ft before December is even done with. Sure hope all those folks have their shopping done. If not, get the snowshoes out you're going to need them.

This year my shopping consisted of me sitting on my derier and letting my fingers do the walking. Even though it was as easy as pie I kind of felt like I have missed out on the whole "Christmas Shopping" thing. I remember growing up in Waukegan, Illinois in the 50's-60's and early on there were no malls to shelter you from the elements much less computers to help with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I also remember going shopping downtown walking in and out of stores no matter what the weather was. Kresges, Woolworth, Neisners....does that ring a bell my fellow Waukeganites. I always went into Sears and got a $1 worth of spanish peanuts and a piece of almond bark and munched away while tackling the crowds and enjoying the sounds of Christmas.

Yes, I said Christmas and will continue to say Christmas. I am not going to change just because it might offend someone. I have never said or will say anything about how people celebrate, to each their own.

I hope everyone has a wonderful "Christmas" and a prosperous New Year!

I would like you to meet my mother, Bonnie Faye Thomas Hayes. Unfortunately I do not have a more recent photo, we lost Bonnie in 1979, she was 47. All of us kids had a sigh of relief when 47 came and went. Happy Mother's Day mom and to all the mothers in the world, and I mean that in a good way.....
Other than trying to lose a little weight and get in shape not much going on. I broke down and bought the P90X workout, will keep you posted on the results. My brother has been doing it for nearly 2 months lost 20 lbs. I hear men lose it faster than women and I am curious if age has anything to do with it. Mark is 50 and I will be 60, we will see what we will see.
My good friend Renee's daughter, Rachael, Airforce, came home from Iraq unscathed and Val her aunt went there today to surprise everyone, including Rachael, when she gets off the plane. Happy Happy joy joy to them. Her next destination is Korea.
Having been through the flood of '93 in Des Moines I know what the people in Tennessee and other states are going through. All I know is someone really pissed off Mother Nature this year. Whoever is doing it, please stop.
Everyone be safe be strong and God Bless America and God Bless all of the service men and women for all you do.

Spring, are you out there?

It's mid February and everyone here in Des Moines is SO ready for the changing of the seasons. It's been 60+ days in a row with 5 inches of snow or more on the ground. I would venture to say there is at least a foot on the ground and more to come. I fear it will be a long time before we see the colors of spring and when we do I also fear there will be flooding again. The melted snow has to go somewhere and as the saying goes, "shit rolls down hill". I am so ready for the boys of summer and baseball to begin. I am, at the present time, signed up for 3 fantasy teams. Every moring at the butt-crack of dawn I set my rosters for the games of the day and hope I have played the right guys. The Iowa Cubs (AAA affiliate of the Big Cubbies)1st game is April 8th and I will be there with bells on. Play Ball!!!! Hurry up Spring, I know you're out there somewhere! Abracadabra, poof.....nothing, still snow, I guess I better brush up on my magician skills.

I'm sure everyone toasted in the New Year in some form or another and am hoping you are not visiting "Hangover City". I have surprised myself by staying away. 2009 is gone and won't be missed. Here is hoping everyone has a great year and may it bring you good health, wealth and happiness. May all wars end and all our men and women come home safe. May the health care bill not be a bill. May Medicare not be altered, the menatally challenged and handicapped need it desperately so family members don't go broke taking care of them. May Mother Nature calm down a bit, less rain, snow, draught for everyone. May everyone keep an open mind and not be so cruel to people that may have different views and lifestyles. May the Cubs finally get to the "big dance" and get this ugly monkey off our backs. May Jay Cutler only throw 10interceptions, I would like none but it's Jay Cutler. Last but not least, may I win the lottery.