Random Pic of the Day - "Swing away. . . "

Random Pic of the Day - "Dinner on the Riverwalk."

Random Pic of the Day - "Wow. What a memory."

Random Pic of the Day - "BCA."

Food, Fellowship, and Fun

Yesterday I attended a get-together hosted by the Sarratt family in their hometown of Cibolo, TX. Others present included the Manteufels, the Torreses, the Gills, the Lavins, the Spradlings, and Michael Fowl. We gathered at the Nimietz Park around 11:00 a.m., boldly braving the 93° F heat (I’m not ready for that yet) for the sake of food, fellowship, and outdoor fun. Translation? We had a picnic.

Volleyball was the first activity of the day, as everyone left the safety and comfort of shade trees and journeyed into the land of the blazing sun. Ahh, the joy of burning white sand upon one’s naked feet. It made me feel like dancing. . . and so I did (or at least I hopped around quite a bit). Anyway, after about 3-4 games of volleyball no one could take the scorching any longer, and so we all migrated back to Shadeville. Bweee.

Lunch was graciously provided for this bachelor by, well, pretty much everyone else! I believe that the Sarratts were the primary source of my sustenance at the noon-time meal, so special thanks to them. Everything edible tasted great.

Following lunch I decided that shade was the place to be, so I participated in a variety of shady activities (ahem). From watching a vigorous game of Dutch Blitz, to jumping rope (remembrances of younger days), to laying peacefully (albeit not overly comfortably) upon a picnic bench, my afternoon at the picnic provided me with relaxation I had not enjoyed in some time. There’s just something special about physical inactivity on a hot day, engaging in quiet conversation and feeling like one has not a care in the world. All I lacked was a hammock!

As the picnic came to a close, I joined several of the families in a short caravan drive to the Sarratt’s home for further food, fellowship, and indoor fun (A/C!). As per usual, the Sarratts were consummate hosts, and I again imposed upon their culinary abilities by indulging in some scrumptious fajitas for dinner. Scattered around the evening meal time were games of Dutch Blitz, air hockey, ping-pong, and spoons (a fast-paced card game involving- - -believe it or not- - -spoons). A delightful after-picnic party, to be sure.

Thanks to all who helped make such a wonderful day.

It's foot-burning time.

What does one do at a picnic? Sit around and play cards, of course.

Hmm, that doesn't look like a full house. Oh, wrong game.

The intensity level appears rather, well, low.

Five spoons, but six players. Hmm.

Random Pic of the Day - "Now that is a cute little girl!"

Random Pic of the Day - "Gotta luv it!"

Majestic: Music and Theatre

This evening I traveled to downtown San Antonio. I was drawn thence by the exciting prospect of my first–ever visit to the Majestic Theatre, home of the San Antonio Symphony. Prior to tonight I had never experienced the San Antonio Symphony in person, so when the opportunity arose to visit the Majestic Theatre and listen to the Symphony with some friends, I immediately jumped at the chance.

Attending tonight’s concert with me were Michael Fowl, Nikkae, Katherine, Brandon, and Anthony (Hubers all four). We each enjoyed the night’s two musical pieces, the first being Walton’s Symphony No. 1 in B-flat minor (which piece I had never heard), and the second the well-known (and personal favorite) Vivaldi’s Le quattro stagioni, op.8 (commonly titled, The Four Seasons). Both selections were well-performed, although I preferred The Four Seasons (duh).

Check out Brandon’s blog for details about Karen Gomyo, the solo violinist who played The Four Seasons. Although my efforts to determine a good/bad rating of the violinist from the members of our group was in vain, personally I thought she was extremely good. However, Brandon will have the complete scoop on her (or so I am told), and I therefore encourage you to view his blog for that info.

After the concert we walked (and walked, and walked, and walked) along the Riverwalk and stopped at a Hagen Dazs ice cream shop for- - -believe it or not- - -ice cream. Quite a tasty treat! Regrettably, I was unable to find us any seating inside the shop or out, so we ate our snack as we walked (and walked, and walked, and walked) back to the Hubers vehicle. Oh, well. Good exercise.

Many thanks to the Hubers for inviting Michael and me to the concert. It was an enjoyable evening, and something which I look forward to doing again.

The Majestic Theatre (sevnty-six years young).

My one quick (and illegally snapped) photo of Majestic Theatre's interior. Kinda dark (no flash).

Katherine, Nikkae, Anthony, Brandon, and Michael.

Anthony graciously snapped this photo so that I could prove my presence at tonight's events. Evidence of our stop at Hagen Dazs can be seen in my left hand.

Random Pic of the Day - "That's a lot of guys."

Silence Does Not Automatically Equal Wisdom

Proverbs 17:28
"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."

It is interesting to note that, although a man who refrains from speech is "counted wise" and "esteemed a man of understanding," those imputations of wisdom are actually perceived realities, not true facts. In other words, keeping your mouth shut doesn’t make you smart; it merely hides your foolishness from others.

The man who diligently studies God’s Word and applies it to his life need not hold his peace in order to hide his foolishness from the world. Instead he relies on the wisdom of the Lord to provide a strong foundation of knowledge and truth for his speech.

While I am by no means advocating uninformed commentary or arrogant blustering, I am encouraging myself and others to resist the fear of man and to speak truth when appropriate. A man who consistently says nothing is not a leader, but rather a coward. Therefore, men, be bold, act like men, and proclaim the truth!

Random Pic of the Day - "Truly Random."

Random Pic of the Day - "Oh, the story behind this photo."

Random Pic of the Day - "Introspective in a truck."

Random Pic of the Day - "Memories. . . "

Random Pic of the Day - "Wesley Strackbein: A great man."

Random Pic of the Day - "No comprende?"

Ocean City, New Jersey: The Boardwalk

Ahh, the ocean. How I love this mighty evidence of God’s creation! Many are the hours I have spent in the Atlantic Ocean during my young life, enjoying its power and majesty in North Carolina, Florida, and (most often) New Jersey.

There are few activities in which I take more delight than in body-surfing the ocean, floating on my stomach and catching a wave just right so that it pushes me well toward the shore at an exhilarating rate of speed. The feeling one gets as one finds oneself entirely at the ocean’s mercy is deliciously fearsome, yet strangely peaceful. Suffice it to say that the might of man quickly diminishes before the omnipotence of God Who controls this untamable salt water sea.

I was reminded of my love for the ocean during my visit home earlier this week, when my dad graciously suggested and made possible an evening journey to Ocean City, New Jersey. My dad, Mark, Cara, John, and I (my mom stayed home with my grandfather) drove the approximately one hour from my home to the Jersey Shore, arriving at one of New Jersey’s world-famous boardwalks (Ocean City’s) around 6:00 p.m. After gazing at the Atlantic Ocean (only 50 yards or so from the boardwalk) and walking a bit on the board walk, we stopped for some good South Jersey pizza at Mack & Manco’s (a favorite boardwalk pizzeria). Oh, the joy of eating good pizza! San Antonio’s pizza has left me longing for the pizza of the Philadelphia region, and my longing was satisfied (at least for the moment) at Mack & Manco’s. Major kudos to that fine pizza establishment.

Once done with our meal we walked back out to the brisk, evening ocean air and made our way to the beach. Although the weather was much too chilly for swimming (we were all wearing jackets), just to walk on the sand and see the ocean in front of me was sufficient enjoyment. Strolling along the beach, we headed to a pier of large rocks that jutted about 25 yards into the ocean. The waves were washing over the outermost quarter of the pier and we "daringly" tempted the waters, treading nearer and nearer the gentle, foaming white-caps. Somehow we all managed to remain dry. What fun!

To complete our evening we stopped by The Original Fudge Kitchen, also located on the boardwalk. There I procured a one-pound box of salt water taffy, a treat most enjoyed when purchased at the boardwalk (at least I think so). However, even if one cannot find one’s way to a New Jersey boardwalk, I still recommend indulging oneself with this delectable delicacy (just make sure it’s fresh; stale salt water taffy can be very annoying). From my early childhood I have appreciated the unique taste of salt water taffy, and every time I eat a piece I return in my mind to fond memories of family, friends, the ocean, and the beach. What power food can have upon a person!

Thus I spent another enjoyable evening in New Jersey. They say you don’t miss something until you lose it. They’re right.

John heads toward the ocean.

The Ocean City boardwalk. . .

. . . and more of it.

Mark captures some boardwalk/ocean/beach footage.

Apparently Plymouth has moved (click on the photo).

Our restaurant of choice for the evening. And a good choice it was!

Pizza pie, baby!

Is he enjoying that?

The ocean blue.

My dad and sister pose on the pier.

White foam on black rock.

The Original Fudge Kitchen.

Touring Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: birthplace of our nation, guardian of our Liberty Bell, site of historic gatherings and signings of documents, etc., etc., etc. From the founding of our "free and independent states" until now, this city has played as instrumental a role as any in forming the land I love above all others. The heritage we possess as Christians in America can be traced back in many ways to the historic meetings held in that city by our Founding Fathers, and Philadelphia deserves recognition and remembrance as host of these infant American days. To remember and better appreciate the history of this city and our country, as well as the blessings of our Almighty God, Mark, Cara, John and I visited Philadelphia this past Tuesday.

Our journey commenced by taking the High-Speed Line from Haddonfield, NJ, into Philadelphia, PA. We rode the train across the Ben Franklin Bridge and disembarked at 8th and Market streets. Departing the terminal, we strolled two blocks to the Independence Visitor Center, located directly across the street from Independence Mall. At the Visitor Center we procured free tickets for access to the Liberty Bell (housed on Independence Mall), perused a few displays, and took pictures and video (Mark had brought his friend’s GL2 with him).

Walking across the street we made our way through security for the Liberty Bell, waiting only about fifteen minutes or so in line. Once inside, the four of us slowly meandered through the (for the most part) "politically correct" nonsensical placards and signs, eventually ending at the Liberty Bell itself. It is sobering to gaze upon an inanimate object that has for so many years induced patriotic speeches, writings, and songs in honor of the liberty we have been granted. Imposing in its simple, cracked grandeur, the Bell conjures dreams of freedom and independence in the beholder, hearkening one's mind back to those who gave their lives for the liberty of their children's children. An important stop during our day, needless to say.

From the Liberty Bell we moved to Independence Hall, site of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the United States Constitution. We toured the old Pennsylvania State House, gazed upon the chair of the "rising sun," and considered the events which transpired within that building more than 200 years ago.

After brief visits to a few other buildings in the vicinity, we decided it was time for our mid-day grub. Stopping at Sonny's Famous Steaks, we enjoyed a meal quite carnivorous in nature. While Cara, John, and I each ate burgers, Mark polished off his second Philly cheesesteak in as many days, his first ever within Philadelphia's city limits. To all those who have never eaten a real Philly cheesesteak (i.e., a cheesesteak made in Philadelphia), I highly recommend changing that fact.

In order to gain a better overview of the entire city and its history, Mark, John, Cara, and I purchased tickets for a bus ride around Philadelphia. We sat in the top of a two-tiered bus enjoying the unobstructed views provided by the open air setting (no roof). During our 1 1/2 hour loop we saw, among other things, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Reading Terminal Market, Carpenters' Hall, the Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, Boathouse Row, Fairmount Park, Benjamin Franklin's Post Office, Elfreth's Alley (nation's oldest residential street), the National Constitution Center, Chinatown, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Penn's Landing. Many pictures were snapped and much footage was shot, to be sure.

Following our bus ride we stopped for some Italian water ice, a Philadelphia treat. Recommendation #2: to all those who have never partaken of this cool, delightful delicacy, I strongly suggest that you change that harsh reality.

Our Philadelphia day trip ended with a brief stop outside of Carpenters' Hall as we finished consuming our respective cups of water ice. Then it was back to 8th and Market streets to catch the High-Speed Line to Haddonfield, from which we drove to Williamstown and home. Our memorable Philadelphia tour was complete.

Mark is shooting footage while Cara and John walk around the Independence Visitor Center.

Hmm.

This is a picture of a picture displayed inside the Liberty Bell Center. The photo depicts the Liberty Bell using 25000 officers and enlisted men from Camp Dix, New Jersey.

The Liberty Bell.

The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Independence Hall (the other side).

The chair of the "rising sun," inside Independence Hall.

A romantic row of horse drawn carriages. No, we didn't.

Uncle Mark wants YOU to help him eat his Philly cheesesteak.

Mark, John, and Cara ready for the bus tour.

Elfreth's Alley, the nation's oldest residential street.

The National Constitution Center.

The famous Reading Terminal Market.

Although this was not our bus, ours looked exactly like this one.

Philadelphia's City Hall.

The Philadelphi Museum of Art. The face of Dali is not usually displayed on these famous steps, by the way.

William Penn stands atop City Hall.

The Philadelphia skyline.

Boathouse Row.

A cool in-city shot.

A parting shot of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Volleyball Vacation

Monday’s vacation events brought me back to a favorite park of mine, Washington Lake Park in Washington Township, NJ. This park has hosted many family outings over the course of my life, providing facilities for soccer, volleyball, ALERT Basic Training preparation, picnics, roller-blading, hiking, and general good fun. As a gesture of familial love and care, my family coordinated a gathering of old friends at this park on Monday, and more wonderful memories were made by all of us at Washington Lake Park.

Although there was excellent food in abundance at the picnic, I allocated most of my time to the pursuit of volleyball. It was a joy to punch around a ball with my old friends once again, and I thoroughly enjoyed the leaping, diving, and falling that ensued. Suffice it to say that most every volleyball player spent as much time in a prone position as in a standing one!

In attendance at Monday’s picnic were the following families: Pheros, Smiths, Davises, Bruces, and Thompsons. After having attended the same church with all of these families for a minimum of five years per family, it was a blessing to fellowship with them once more in a different setting. The friend’s of one’s formative years always hold a special place in one’s heart.

Regrettably, due to my intense focus on soccer and fellowship, I neglected to capture any digital remembrances of the evening. Nevertheless, those memories shall remain in my mind, and I can enjoy them even if most others cannot.

Random Pic of the Day - "My Bouviers des Flandres, Liselle."

Tennis, Anyone?

This afternoon I played tennis with Mark, my Uncle Steve (also visiting from Texas), and my dad. Although the young guys started the day with a smashing first set victory, the old guys beat us three sets to one. Oh, well.

Playing doubles. My Uncle Steve is in the foreground; I'm in the background.

Whack that serve, Marcus. Your foot was on the line, by the way.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Today I enjoyed the rare privilege of visiting with my mom in person. My mom is a gift I too often take for granted, and I am a son blessed beyond measure by her motherly gifts and affections. From me to you, mom, Happy Mother’s Day!

Love ya, Mom!

A Weekend Amongst Mountains, Rivers, Real Trees, Family, and Friends