Facebook

Since many of us have facebook I don't see as many blogs as I once did. Hope everyone continues to use blogspot, It is easier to post things that fewer people will look at. With all the relatives and their facebook friends are able to see anything you post blogging just seems more personal.

One of Five Senses

I rode the motorcycle to work this morning and with the temperature near 50 it was truly delightful. As I was headed north on State Street a very familiar aroma hit my sense of smell. The smell of bacon in the air brings back more memories than almost any other of my senses. Back in May and June of 1971 while at Fort Lewis, WA., every morning started with a run of 2 to 3 miles. As the company passed mess halls the smell of bacon and a bit less so of maple syrup and pancakes was in the air. Bacon and eggs was a 4 day a week offering. Sausage and ham probably on the other 3 days. But sausage and ham never smell as good as bacon. I love that smell especially when the air is crisp and cool. Since that time in my life each time I smell bacon in the air on a crisp morning it takes me back to that time. I do not think it was an aroma I loved prior to then, but as I pass a Denny's, IHOP or local place and the smell of bacon is in the air I go back in time for a few minutes.
Another probably more of an odor is the smell of Army canvas. Occasionally I go out to the healing garden just outside my office and sit and each lunch in the sun. It has not mattered what the temperature is I just like and need the sun. In the southeast end of the garden is a SWEAT LODGE (google it). The lodge is made of a tree branch frame with plastic sheeting over it to help hold in the heat. On top of the sheeting is Army canvases from deuce and a half or 5 ton cargo trucks. At some time early in my Army career I learned to love that smell. It is one I will miss for a very long time once I no longer have the chances to smell that distinct odor.

The Visit

The last full week of February was and is still vivid in my mind. Paul and Kris went to Puerto V Mexico for 5 or 6 days. Donna and I had a great opportunity to watch Kale and Alivia. While filled with challenges it was also filled with great joy. The kids are very active and as each day came and went more and more enjoyable. I think a lot of it is due to how little Donna and I get to see the two of them. Kale knew who I was from my time in Indy and getting to go to Des Moines on a somewhat regular basis. It would take a couple of hours for him to warm up but he did realize that I was someone he knew. While the two of them are very close they each have a mind of their own and know what they want. For me the three days I took off as vacation were more than worth the experience of being with them. I even changed a diaper, something I have not done since my our last child finally started going all the time in a toilet.
To Kris and Paul, thanks for the opportunity of watching and taking care of two of your children. It will always be a cherished time in my life.