Happy Birthday wishes go out to Val Kilmer who turns 53 years old today.

 

Interesting side note, or maybe not so interesting to you, when I was a kid my mom had a washing machine with a wringer like this one in our basement.  With five kids, incuding one in cloth diapers, I'm sure it got quite a workout.

 

This is an awesome painting of John Lennon.

 

 

 

"There are hundreds of paths up the mountain, all leading to the same place, so it doesn't matter which path you take.  The only person wasting time is the one who runs around the mountain telling everyone  that his or her path is the wrong path."

 

Hindu Proverb

 

Amelia got a Barbie jeep for Christmas.  She looks like General Patton standing up in that jeep leading the U.S. troops across Europe. 

Went for a bike ride today along the Santa Ana Riverbed from Riverside to Norco. This is a photo of the lake in the park. The weather was clear but a bit chilly. 

I rode 21 miles in all. The photo below is from in front of the Nature Center in Norco (half way)  looking east towards Big Bear.  That's how I like seeing snow - off in the distance. 
 

 

These photos were taken with a new Cannon camera I got from Karen for Christmas.  16 mega pixels and the size of a credit card.  Back in the "dark ages", I bought WCPD their first digital cameras - 1.5 mega pixels, much much larger, and $1500 each.  Ah technology!!!

I believe in this.  My family laughs at me when I pick up a stray piece of trash as I walk across a parking lot.  I like to pay up a buck on a tip at a restaurant and I keep a $5 bill in the sun visor of my car to give to those I see panhandling on the freeway off ramps. 

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm no one special.  Just a guy trying to make a difference in this world of ours. I confess that these small acts of kindness make me feel a little better.  Not better than the next guy, or somehow superoir. Just better in my own heart.  Give it a try.  But don't tell anyone.  Keep it to yourself. 

 

This an awesome tribute to "Stairway to Heaven" by the group Heart at the Kennedy Center. The drummer in this performance is Jason Bonham, the son of Zep's late, original drummer, John Bonham.  In the audience are Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones nodding approval.  Even President Obama and wife Michelle are rocking out. Put on your headphones and enjoy.

 

 

Today is the 5-year anniversary of my blog!!!  I started this blog on the day after Christmas in 2007 after reading my son Scott's blog.  I have made over 5,000 posts spanning my many thoughts and whims. I hope something I have posted made you stop and think.  I wouldn't be so conceited to think that I have changed any one's mind.  I hope you will continue to drop in from time to time, and feel free to offer a comment. 

 

I hope everyone had a great Christmas.  Karen did a great job at making our Christmas a wonderful day.  Josh and Corey were both home all day this year.  We opened presents and had our traditional Cinabons.  I made out like a bandit again this year.  We had a Honey Baked ham for dinner with all the fixin's.  Mmmmm.  I did put on a pound or two, which will have to be addressed after the New Year.  Happy Holidays to each and every one of you. 

And I have $50 in gift cards for Barnes & Noble!!!

 

"Oh, how I love these Southwest-desert stops!"

 

Christmas morning opening presents.  We recycle the bows!!!

 

The dark side with 6" heels and STOCKINGS!!!