Texas Creasons

Ike was here

And boy did he leave a mess

Ike was definitely here. The maps of his progress show the eye going right over League City, like we got the western edge of the eye. That's probably a good thing-- it was an hour or so of relief according to some people who stayed and rode it out (read the comments on the previous link). We did not. We evacuated-- we had been trying to get out of town and go camping and see some people since labor day but the busy storm season kept delaying that because both Angela and I are on shutdown teams for where we work.

Anyway, the house is fine. We had some fence damage, broke one of the gates, and bunch of limbs everywhere. But the damage all over the area is very, very overwhelming. People's homes were filled with nasty storm surge water, blown off their foundations or va-poo-rized. If you can, please send assistance through Red Cross, Salvation Army, or Ike Assist.

Maybe an update is in order

it's been a long, long, long time

Well... I'm running this on a small Qnap server to save electricity. Downside? no perl that runs at this time. So that means my Suduko generator and my Ether code resolver doesn't work. Gallery isn't running--haven't tried to install it yet either though I do have the files and albums still.

Sorry about the long time between updates, not that anyone probably follows this since I am so very regular. It's been a long long year and we are just passed 50%.
So where to start? The kids. Christopher is having to put some extra work to stay in the program this summer, but the good news is he is putting in the work. Danielle has signed up and been accepted into the same program! It's incredible-- a great opportunity for them. I am very excited for them and pray that God will just bless them through this no matter how it plays out.

Works been crazy busy with paperwork and stuff. Can't reboot a server without three dozen emails, two forms, and permission from Congress.

At the church we've been trying to rollout wireless check-in stations for the kids in the nursery. We've been having some trouble with the published application in terminal services (windows 2008) and the sonicpoint wireless access points.

School change

promotions and BIG changes

The kids passed their grades, so Danielle is promoted to eighth grade and Christopher to tenth. But there's a slight hitch. Christopher applied and was accepted to the ECHS program, or early college-high school. So he may be a sophomore in high school-- but he's also a freshman in college. WOW! Awesome. Incredible. We are all so excited-- this is a great deal for us and booster rocket for Christopher. It will be some tough work ahead, but it will be good for him. Send him a congratulatory note/email, OK?

To Fell a Tree (or two)

Our tree is dead, long live a new tree soon

The tallow is dead, Jim. I'm a tree doctor, not a magician he said. No... actually we could tell the tree was a goner which was a shame because it was very large, but was good because it's a nuisance tree dropping berries that stain the driveway. But it is bad because we have to buy another tree. But it is good because we can get a better tree.
The tree is gone. Or two trees, actually. We took out the wispy hackberry that leaned over the house and was covered with lichen.
How many different things did I just parody? Three that I know of-- Emily Dickinson's To Make a Prairie, what ever it is they say about dead royals, and Star Trek's Dr. McCoy.

My Scout

My scout is now a First Class Scout. He got his butt in gear this spring and knocked three ranks out. He's pretty much caught up....

The tragedies

First-- I am safe. the tragedy at JSC was two buildings and about a quarter mile away... but appreciate all the calls and emails to check on me. It was very sad to see such things so close to home though it doesn't compare to the Virginia Tech tragedy, or the many others that go day in and day out all over the world and even just across the city. It's a fallen world we live in, and no amount of laws, law givers, law makers, law enforcers or metal detectors will change that. It's a spiritual change we need, something that starts on the inside and not forces or rules on the outside.
So that rules out religion-- what is religion but man's attempt to get closer to God his own way?
True spiritual change is coming to the Messiah, the Son of God, the Sacrificial Lamb who took away the need for the rules by paying the price. He came to do that and restore us to God, the Father and Creator. Did I say coming to Jesus? No, I really meant just opening up to Him and accepting Him, He came to us. It really is that simple.

My Coffee Roasting

Mmmm... fresh coffee

First-- I do not have a problem. I like good coffee is all. I like it fresh, I like quality coffee beans and a good cup. I'm also a DIY'er, a Do It Your|Myselfer. So ok, I do have a problem there. I don't like paying too much for an inferior product or service. Like recently when the old Ford F150 was dieing I dropped the tranny pan to flush it myself and discovered that the shop I paid to do it two years hadn't dropped the pan and changed the filter, they probably only sucked the fluid out. How do I know? First, the pan has to be removed to change the filter, and if you remove the pan you discover this little floaty plastic piece that has been there since the tranny was built and shipped to Ford in like 1989! So, that's why I'm a DIY.

Check out the coffee page.

Most recent changes

ch-ch-ch-changes

I decided to add a little color to the site... because all the selling and buying of vehicles wasn't enough change.

Group News

I have two groups

Which is CCCC lingo for two Bible study groups. With one group I meet up with and study one night, do service work like computer stuff, and go camping with. The other is a group of interesting young adults who need a home to gather at and grow in the Word. This group really stretches me-- it is fantastic! It's a fire that is spreading, I tell you what.

Automobile News

the old cars are passed away

The Delorean has been sold and picked up by the new owner and is on its way to WA state. The Ford pick-up was nearly dead after the Scout trip to Enchanted rock, in fact, God pushed us through town and the drop-off of the passengers because the old tranny stopped shifting on us as we pulled into the neighborhood. I know God also watched out for me at the negotiation desk because of the trade-in value wasn't an earthly amount at all! :)

Be sure to swing by The Garage and check out the updates.

General News

the only General I know is Electric, and I don't like him that much

When I start finishing the garage and empty space above I want a nice area to work in that won't cost me a fortune to heat and cool. I think radiant barriers will help though I am not expecting a miracle. But what to choose to avoid paying that electric piper? Paints would easier-- just cover and tape and spray like I've never painted before-- what fun! But will it last or will it peal off from the underside of the roof and and inside of the walls in 5-10 years? Do I take the huge extra time to staple up a barrier wrap to the inside? What about when it gets dusty... Grrr. You see the dilema.