Tim's Blog (Original, No?): 06/01/2005

Random Pic of the Day - "At dinner with Nathan Barnes."

Work Night at the Strack Shack

My boss, Wesley Strackbein, has a property of patriarchal proportions (six acres of trees, fields, rocks, and a creek, anyway) where he lives about an hour north of San Antonio. Last night I journeyed to his abode with Michael Gobart and Peter Bradrick to participate in a work night. The goal: to take dominion over the grass and the wayward driveway tree branches.

Arriving at Wes’ home around 5:30 p.m., he gave us an enjoyable (and, for me, long-anticipated) tour of his property, including the Strack Shack (the Strack Shack is another blog post for another time) and his present domicile. After about an hour of wandering around his land and admiring his labors on inside his home and out, we set to work cutting grass, weed-wacking, and trimming trees. We were able to accomplish much of our goal, diligently employing our respective energies until night fell.

As a reward for our labors, Wesley’s mom and her four daughters (the Strackbein ladies had arrived later in the evening) made us an outstanding meal of spaghetti, salad, string beans, and garlic bread (several of those menu items included ingredients from the Strackbeins’ own garden). What a wonderful ending to our day, enjoying excellent food and good Christian fellowship!

Following are a few pictures from the evening. Enjoy.

The Strack Shack.

Inside the Shack with Wesley Strackbein.

Wesley's present dwelling place, also located on his property.

Rock steps leading down to the creek behind Wesley's house. Wes helped build these steps when he was twelve years old.

Peter Bradrick hauling firewood in his truck. Lookin' good, Pete.

Mrs. Strackbein and Elizabeth preparing the meal.

Summer Soccer

Growing up I enjoyed playing many different sports. My athletic activities included baseball, basketball, football, tennis, volleyball, and other physically stimulating games. However, the sport I have held to be my "first love" since I was six years old, playing it twice a week with my home school group every autumn for eleven years, is the sweet, sweet sport of soccer.

This month I have enjoyed the opportunity to return to my "first love," playing in a summer soccer league at a local park two nights a week (at least on those nights when I was in town). To my dismay I have experienced a very stark reality, namely that my level of competition growing up, when I ruled the field and scored at will, was incredibly lacking (to put it charitably). Therefore, this past month has been a good lesson of humility and perseverance, as my playing endeavors fall far short of many others playing with and against me. However, I can truly say that I have enjoyed the exercise, have profited from some serious humbling, and will be playing again in July (tonight was the final game of our June season).

Thanks to Lourdes Torres, who graciously consented to capture the evening with my camera (she was there peacefully watching Andrew with Mr. Torres when Barnes and I requested her to act as photographer with our cameras), I finally have some pictures to share with everyone. Pictures are not a replacement for watching something in person, but Lourdes did get some cool shots that I think you will enjoy.

Contemplating. . . .something?

You can't see the ball, but I'll bet you can guess where it is.

Go Michael! Look at that intensity.

Hey, look. I got the ball.

Barnes staring down the competition.

Chief Justice Roy Moore Comments on Supreme Court's Recent Ten Commandments Decisions

From The Wall Street Journal Online

COMMENTARY

A Higher Authority
By ROY S. MOORE
June 30, 2005; Page A12

"All told this Court's jurisprudence leaves courts, governments, and believers and nonbelievers alike confused -- an observation that is hardly new." With these words Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accurately described the Court's latest efforts in McCreary County, Kentucky v. ACLU of Kentucky and Van Orden v. Perry to determine whether public displays of the Ten Commandments on state property are consistent with the United States Constitution.

In McCreary County, the Court ruled 5-4 that the display of the Ten Commandments was unconstitutional under the Lemon test because they found a "predominantly religious purpose," i.e., to acknowledge the one true God.

In Van Orden, faced with a monument of the Ten Commandments on the state Capitol grounds in Austin, Texas, the Court, rejecting the use of the three-part Lemon test and relying more on history, found 5-4 that the monument in that case was acceptable partly because it had remained in place for nearly 40 years and was a "passive" display among 37 other historical markers on the state Capitol grounds.

The McCreary County case became the controlling precedent of the Court because the reasoning in the Van Orden case was adopted by only four of the five justices who voted to uphold the display. Justice Stephen Breyer rejected the reasoning of the other justices in the majority, but agreed to allow the monument to remain based on his own "legal judgment." Therefore, Van Orden did not become a majority opinion of the Court.

No wonder the American people are confused by such conflicting results contained in 10 separate writings that have no consistent legal analysis. The text of the First Amendment's Religion Clauses reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," but was quoted in its entirety only one time in all the writings of the justices.

As Justice Thomas so appropriately noted, one may, and indeed must, question why the Court cautiously avoids the words of the First Amendment. We need to restore the original definitions of "law," "establishment," and "religion" in the First Amendment. A monument or display could never be a "law," the mere posting or installation of it is not an "establishment," and the recognition of God by the public display of the Ten Commandments is not "religion." After all, the original definition of the word "religion" -- the duties we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging those duties -- which was recognized by the Supreme Court years ago, acknowledged God and a higher law.

With these cases, it should be clear that, as Justice Antonin Scalia opined in his McCreary County dissent, "[n]othing stands behind the Court's assertion that governmental affirmation of the society's belief in God is unconstitutional except the Court's own say-so . . . ."

In 1952, Justice William O. Douglas, writing for the Court, stated in Zorach v. Clauson, "We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being." And in 1961 in McGowan v. Maryland, Justice Douglas observed that the "institutions of our society are founded on a belief that there is an authority higher than the authority of the state, that there is a moral law which the state is powerless to alter, and that the state possesses rights conferred by the Creator which government must respect." However, this week in McCreary County and Van Orden, the High Court contradicts history, logic, and law in denying our inalienable right to acknowledge God.

Certainly our courts have become arbitrary in depriving Americans of life by legal abortion or starvation, by snatching property rights for private economic gain (as we saw last week in Kelo v. New London), and now this week by restricting our freedom to acknowledge God. Every state constitution acknowledges God and so does our national motto, "In God We Trust." Ironically, the Supreme Court itself opens with what they called a prayer in Engel v. Vitale, "God save the United States and this Honorable Court."

* * *

A remedy is available in the Constitution Restoration Act of 2005 -- pending in both houses of Congress as H.R.1070 and S.520 -- which would enjoin the federal courts and the Supreme Court, under Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution, from interfering with the right of public officials to acknowledge God, and prevent those courts from ruling by foreign law rather than the United States Constitution they are sworn to uphold.

Article VI of the Constitution requires all state and federal officials to support that Constitution as the "supreme Law of the Land." The American people ask no more and they deserve no less.

May God save the United States from this Honorable Court.

Mr. Moore, former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, is the author of "So Help Me God" (Broadman & Holman, 2005).

- My Comments -
While I believe there are additional short-term options for remedying our nation's judicial crisis (e.g., removing law-breaking judges from office through present, constitutionally permissable means), the Chief Justice accurately states that an immediate remedy is necessary. I am grateful for his insightful appraisal of the matter and for his continued, vigilant stand for truth.

Praise the Lord for faithful men like Chief Justice Roy Moore, men who are willing to sacrifice their prestige, power, and positions in order to remain obedient to His Higher Law.

Random Pic of the Day - "Not going anywhere for a while?"

Random Pic of the Day - "Seeing double."

Random Pic of the Day - "Pot Providence at BCA."

All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy

This evening I arrived "house" after a week-long trip of business and pleasure (sometimes ‘tis best to mix the two). My journey consisted of stops in St. Charles, St. Louis, Neosho, Joplin, Springfield, and Branson, each a Missouri city. Accompanying me on each leg of the trip was my good friend Mark Stubblefield.

Mark and I started our week on Monday by setting up the Vision Forum booths at the CHEF of Missouri home school conference in St. Charles. We successfully located our inventory, changed our minds about table setup arrangements approximately 17 times, and eventually completed our display. Tuesday morning we arrived back at the convention center (which is brand new and quite spiffy, by the way), and spent the majority of the next two days exhibiting. Many thanks to CHEF for allowing us to be a part of their 2005 conference.

On Wednesday Mark and I enjoyed the very competent and gracious assistance of the Zes young ladies, long-time veterans of the Vision Forum book tables. Many thanks to Sarah, Rebekah, and Hannah for bringing the missing femininity to VF’s booth (Mark and I just weren’t up to the task). Thanks to Mr. Zes, as well, for allowing his daughters to lend their respective hands to our exhibiting endeavors, and also for his invaluable aid in assisting all of us as we packed our materials at the close of the conference. It’s so much fun to have friends and allies all over the country, and the Zes family once again proved themselves to be such this past week.

Lunch with the always-hospitable Serven family was the first order of business for Mark and me on Thursday. Mrs. Serven had attended the conference with several of her children, and she had graciously invited us to her home during one of her visits to the Vision Forum booth. After concluding that our schedule was open for lunch on Thursday, Mark and I were very grateful to accept! Nathanael Cordz, former co-intern and another of my Missouri friends, joined us for the mid-day meal at the Serven home, and all of us enjoyed sweet fellowship and excellent food courtesy of the Serven family. (In my capacity of field reporter, allow me to mention that the Serven’s home is quite lovely and that they should be finished with their basement modifications within the next three weeks.)

Nathan Serven and Cordz joined Mark and me as we traveled to David Fry’s house in St. Louis to visit him and receive a St. Louis tour, David Fry style. To those of you who have not been afforded the privilege of meeting the inimitable Mr. Fry, please accept my condolences. David is a hard-working, book-reading, fun-loving, aesthetic-conscious, hat-wearing, consummate gentleman, a rare mixture to be sure. David showed us his latest work projects, including his own house, took us to his favorite St. Louis dining establishment, O’Connell’s Pub (greatest burger I’ve ever eaten, and that’s high praise from a burger connoisseur like myself), drove us around town while offering insightful, entrepreneurial commentary into house-building projects throughout the city, introduced us to one of the hat shops he frequents, and wandered the shelves of a local Borders with us as the capper to our day. Thanks, David, for a fantastic afternoon and evening!

After departing David’s house, Mark and I drove the approximately five hours necessary to reach his home in Neosho. Gratefully Mark was successful in staying awake without my help, because my waking abilities were more or less nil toward the end of the trip. (An idea of my level of sleepiness: while singing in an effort to keep Mark awake, I fell asleep mid-sentence. That’s not easy to do.) Eventually Mark and I arrived at his home and gratefully tumbled into our respective beds.

Mark and I spent most of Friday visiting his home-towns past and present, as well as the Precious Moments facility where he sometimes does independent contract work. Although neither Mark nor I profess membership in Precious Moments’ fan club, its complex is rather amazing. Featuring countless pieces of artwork from founder Sam Butcher, as well as a variety of museums, miniature castles, a wedding chapel, an RV park, and numerous gardens, Precious Moments Inspiration Park is truly a sight to behold.

During our tour Mark showed me the house where he grew up, as well as a waterfall and river which he used to visit on hot days. We also hiked around another body of water and soaked in the beauty of tall trees, rolling hills, and placid lakes, each of which are regularly missing from my normal environs (sigh). Good times.

Dinner was provided by Mrs. Stubblefield (Mark’s mom, for anyone who is wondering) and was delicious. We ate lasagna, bread, green beans with bacon, and salad, followed by a tasty strawberry cake and ice cream. Mark showed me some old family pictures, and I enjoyed fellowshipping with Mr. and Mrs. Stubblefield (now I know why I have such a great friend). A fine dinner, to be sure.

Later that night Mark and I headed to the local tennis court. Alas, I was beaten. Still searching for a suitable excuse. . .

Saturday, the final full day of my trip, was spent primarily in Springfield and Branson. In Springfield Mark and I visited the national headquarters of Bass Pro Shops. What an array of sights! We saw huge catfish, monstrous bass, turtles, snakes, and a wide variety of mounted animals. For one’s purchasing pleasure, Bass Pro Shops stocks just about outdoor amenity one can imagine, from boats, to ATVs, to firearms, to camping gear, to golfclubs, and everything in between. Waterfalls, streams, and ponds complete the image of an indoor outdoor paradise that is Bass Pro Shops.

The remainder of our day was spent in Branson. Mark generously treated us to dinner and a show on board the Branson Belle, a three-million pound riverboat. That was a treat! Later we played miniature golf, in which I redeemed myself from the ignominy of Friday’s tennis games.

Many thanks to the Stubblefield family for their tremendous hospitality. I immensely enjoyed my time in Missouri, thanks in very large part to their gracious hosting. May God bless them mightily as they faithfully serve Him through service to His saints. Special thanks to Mark for putting up with me all week, and for so generously giving his time to serve at the conference. Until California, Marcus!

Setting up the booth.

Lookin' very dapper, Marcus.

Look how much they're enjoying those books! Which title do you want to buy?

Working the table.

What's a trip to St. Louis without a picture of the Gateway Arch?

Fry Headquarters.

Strong evidence of David's green thumb.

Just a glimpse into David Fry's incredible house.

Mixing business with pleasure, David talks shop while driving us around St. Louis.

Might I suggest a different purchase, Mr. Stubblefield?

Precious Moments, coming up.

The wedding chapel.

The falls near Mark's old home.

Sam Butcher created this castle for his grandchildren.

Bass Pro Shops' national headquarters.

Gettin' friendly with the bear.

Missouri beauty.

The Branson Belle, in all of her three-million pound glory.

The Branson Belle is powered exclusively by these paddlewheels.

A view from the Branson Belle.

One segment of the entertainment: Tom Oliver and his talking dog, Irving.

A picturesque miniature golf course, to be sure.

Full swing now, Marcus.

Random Pic of the Day - "He 'da man."

Random Pic of the Day - "Will the real Tarzan please step forward?"

Random Pic of the Day - "Michael and Grace Gobart: A Sweet and Godly Couple!"

Greetings and Felicitations, Father, on this Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Dad. Go Eagles!

Memorial Day

I haven’t much time to write about the events of this year’s Memorial Day, although it was by far the most eventful Memorial Day I have ever enjoyed. From God-glorifying speeches by veterans, to rides in World War II vehicles, to the landing of a Vietnam-ear helicopter, to the beauty and hospitality of the Brown’s farm, Memorial Day 2005 is unmatched in the annals of my Memorial Day experiences. Add the fact that I was reunited with my fellow 2003 Vision Forum interns, and no man could ask for more (well, at least not much more!).

To comment at all about the Memorial Day picnic and not to communicate my tremendous gratitude to the Brown family for their incomprehensible hospitality would be to hold myself up as an unforgivable, self-absorbed, incorrigible wretch. In order to avert such a disastrous happening, I want to loudly declare that the Brown’s love for God’s people through service and hospitality is to be commended and followed by Christians everywhere. The Browns repeatedly gave of their time and resources to bless their local community, hosting literally hundreds (perhaps more than one thousand) of guests at the picnic. Working tirelessly with members from their local church to make everything “perfect,” the Browns succeeded valiantly in their quest to honor the Lord and bless their friends and family. Their Christian testimony was a witness to all who attended, both saved and unsaved. May God prosper Scott, Debra, Kelly, Blair, David, and Claudia Brown mightily for their faithful service in His kingdom.

Pictures will have to suffice as explanation of the day’s activities. Enjoy!

Scott Brown directs the event.

Hmm.

Rebekah, Hannah, Don Hart, and Jim Zes enjoying the festivities. (Don't know the man in the red shirt.)

Doug Phillips speaking to the crowd.

The Browns were prepared for everything.

Stars & Stripes.

Justice and Mark share a special moment.

A Vietnam-era helicopter coming in for a landing. . .

. . .almost there. . .

. . . and she lands.

Interns United.

Douglas Phillips and Matthew Chancey pose for a picture on this beautiful day.

CS tickling the ivories.

What does this man know that we do not?

WWII DUKW. Yours truly enjoyed a ride in this monster.

Defender of the faith, Honor Phillips.

The kitchen crew (and a fine group of gals they were)!

If you look really hard, you can see that there is more to this shot than an unabashed CS Hayden rip-off.

Now, tell me: Who could ask for a better group of co-interns?

Michael Billings entertains us with Chopin.

Wes and Scott talk shop as the closing of the day draws nigh.

Random Pic of the Day - "What were you doing up there, Mr. Intern?"

Random Pic of the Day - "Which one opens the safe?"

Belated Birthday Wishes

True, it has now been seventeen days since the surprise celebration of Doug Phillips' 40th birthday. True, his birthday celebration has already been commented upon on many other blogs, including several whose links may be found on my blog. True, old news usually isn't news. However, having admitted each of these facts, I will still document this occasion for my own enjoyment, if for no one else's.

6:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 29, found yours truly at the Orlando International Airport, embarking on a flight to North Carolina for Mr. Phillips’ surprise party. After a brief layover in Fort Lauderdale, I landed safely at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, at 11:00 a.m. Regrettably, Greensboro is almost two hours driving time from Scott Brown’s home, the location of Mr. Phillips’ party. In all my brilliance I had mistakenly booked my flight into the wrong airport several weeks earlier. Oops. My dubious redemption was that I had realized my mistake soon after making my reservations, and had already arranged for a rental vehicle. Oh, well.

After driving for two hours I arrived at the Brown’s church, joining the after-service fellowshipping just before everyone departed for the day. Upon seeing Mr. Phillips I greeted him with the in vogue "I’m here for the Memorial Day picnic" greeting everyone was using (which was true, by the way; just not exclusively so). By this time he was no longer buying that phrase, but he was gracious enough to play along anyway.

We soon left for the birthday festivities at the Brown family farm. What a day! After singing Happy Birthday upon the Birthday Boy’s entrance, we settled in for food, conversation, games, fellowship, stories, etc. After assisting with some additional setup, I joined a group of young people for a rousing game of soccer. Included among our group were Nathan Barnes, Caleb Hayden, Mark Stubblefield, Max Clark, Tim Pent and four of his children, Jim Zes, myself, and others. We fought to a 9-9 tie, stopping only because we were called for dinner.

Dinner was delicious (or so I am told; as is so often my wont at parties/picnics, I refrained from eating the main course). Homemade ice cream complimented the meal, and I can personally vouch for the tastiness of that treat (sorry about my eating habits, Mom).

After our eating was complete, everyone piled into the Brown’s home, gathering ‘round for a game of Doug Jeopardy. Gratefully there were many long-time friends and family members present to answer all the questions I didn’t know (which were most of them). Kudos to Beall and to Melissa Keen for their hard work in putting together the PowerPoint game. What a history lesson!

Following our games was a time of more serious sharing about Doug. Many of his friends and family members took the opportunity to relate how their lives had been positively impacted by Doug, and publicly thanked him for his influence and encouragement in their lives. Rarely do men receive such heartfelt declarations of love and gratitude from those closest to them as was shared that night. It was a privilege to be present for the genuine honoring of a man who understands the principle of honor and has applied it continuously throughout his own life.

Amidst the primarily serious sharing was the show-stealer of the night, a poetical presentation given by one Matt Chancey. Adapted from Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of the Fuzzy-Wuzzy, and spoken in excellent Kipling style, Mr. Chancey brought down the house with roaringly hilarious- - - and astute- - -praises of Doug. The title of the poem is Dougy-Wuggy, and can be read by clicking this link.

Before long the closing of our day was upon us, and the commemoration of Mr. Phillips’ 40th birthday at an end. ‘Tis a day to long remember.

Following are some pictures from the day’s events.

Happy Birthday!

A special father-son birthday greeting.

Josh, Sarah, and James do some fishing.

Mark is driving, Caleb is conspiring, and I am photographing this for posterity.

A rear view of the Brown's home.

A picturesque scene at the Brown's.

Hmm. It would appear from the evident media attention that Matt Chancey's piano playing skills are rather impressive.

Riding on a flatbed on our way to grab some lawn chairs.

Churn that ice, my friends. Ice cream must be eaten this day!

Three trouble-makers preparing for . . .

Now that looks like fun!

Bob reads aloud the personalized message at the bottom of a framed photograph of Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. This birthday gift was from Wes, Josh, and Bob.

Sam Phillips offers birthday wishes and gratitude to Doug, his oldest brother.

Opening the last present of the night, one of forty books given to Doug by his father.

Random Pic of the Day - "Hmm. Be it Jack or Barbossa?"

Random Pic of the Day - "Blue evening."

Random Pic of the Day - "Wet water."

Random Pic of the Day - "Up, up, and away!"

Florida, Florida, Florida

Hmm. Anyone who still peruses this blog should be praised for their extreme loyalty and commitment (or ashamed of themselves for wasting so much time). My irregularity in posting over the past several weeks was originally caused by an extremely busy schedule, but has since been the result of laziness and irresponsibility. However, it is my intention to correct this character flaw and re-embark upon the (personally) important task of recording the events of my life, trivial and otherwise. (If others also enjoy reading about what I do, so much the better.)

On May 25, following a (literally) sleepless night of preparation- - -both for my trip and for being out of the office- - -I embarked with Michael Gobart for the Sunshine State and the Florida Parent Educators Association 2005 Convention. Traveling with us were Grace and Michaela Gobart, both of whom would be spending the days of the conference with Grace's family in Florida. Intending to make significant strides toward my daily sleep quota, I successfully slept from take-off to landing on the first leg of our flight. However, the connecting flight- - -a potential 2 ½ hour nap- - -was spent conversing with a very pleasant gentleman who was flying to Orlando with his wife for a work-related conference. At the start of our conversation I was hopeful about the opportunity for meaningful interaction, as we discussed culture, home schooling, character, economics ("Yeah!" says Caleb), and politics. However, after a while the topic moved to sports and stayed there for the next 90+ minutes. Uggh. I enjoy talking sports as much as most guys, but too much is too much (especially when the exciting alternative of sleep is pressing upon one's eyelids quite heavily). But I digress.

After we arrived at the Orlando airport, David Wean drove from the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center to pick us up and transport us to that fine hotel. David had driven from San Antonio to Kissimmee (the location of the FPEA Convention), reaching the hotel only an hour or so before we landed. All of our inventory for the conference was stored in the U-haul trailer behind David's van, hence the reason for David's long-distance drive. Many thanks to David for his driving endeavors!

Upon disembarking at the Gaylord, I was very pleased to observe that all the great things I had read and heard about the resort were 100% true, if not even more so. The center of the resort's interior was a veritable jungle/park, complete with full-grown tropical trees, trickling streams and glassy ponds, live alligators, and a variety of flora and fauna from distinct Florida geographic locales. Another fascinating resort amenity was a full-size sailboat turned floating restaurant, again located inside the resort! For those desiring their tube time, the hotel offered a LARGE screen display on the outer ring of its jungle, complete with pillows, cushions, and bean bags for the resting comfort of anyone wanting to watch whichever cartoon or feature movie was being shown. Suffice it to say, in the Gaylord Palms Resort we enjoyed our stay.

Grace and Michaela departed our company prior to dinner, being picked up by one of Grace's brothers in the parking lot of Arabian Nights, our dinner destination for the evening. Arabian Nights is a "restaurant" whose primary attribute and attraction is not the food (good thing for them, too). Instead the meal is partaken in stadium seating style, with guests eating on long benches and tables placed on rising tiers on both sides of the indoor arena. The arena is filled with dirt and is the location of each night's performance. As one eats, one is entertained by numerous equestrian feats and tricks, all under the guise of an Arabian Night tale. We saw some truly amazing displays of riding ability, as well as evidence of long hours of training by both horses and riders. Although the overall acting abilities of the participants was rather lacking, the unconvincing storyline was well eclipsed and successfully overshadowed by the tremendous horsemanship. A fun event indeed, despite the disappointing food.

Apparently unassuaged by the excitement of Arabian Nights, Michael decided we should drive to another local establishment, this time a small park containing a few life-threatening attractions, chief of which was the 300-foot high Skycoaster. Following is a description of this contraption from the park's website:

Visitors are placed in special flight suits, and are fastened to steel cables that can hold up to 9,000 lbs each. Then you start the almost one minute ride to the top of the tower. Once you reach the height of 300 feet, you will hear our crew tell you 3,2,1 fly… and you pull your own ripcord starting your plunge downward toward mother earth. You will free fall for 120 feet straight down, then the cables gently catch you and you start your swing out over the water reaching speeds of 85 mph.

After much unsuccessful prodding and goading by Michael directed toward David and me in an effort to make us join him, Michael decided to "take the plunge" alone. He bravely ascended to the top of the giant arch, pulled by a series of cables to the great height of 300 feet. From that height he fell down, down, down, until he smashed right into the ground. See, now it is clear why I refused to attempt such a foolish endeavor. Too bad for Michael, though. Just kidding. Actually, Michael made an extremely successful journey toward earth, swinging back and forth like a pendulum for about sixty seconds until coming to a gentle rest right where he started. Oo-rah Michael! David and I immensely enjoyed watching Michael's declaration of manhood from the safety of the observation deck. Oo-rah us!

As the majority of our days were spent at the convention center, thither shall I go in my meandering tale. On Thursday I slept until 10:30 a.m., rejoicing in the fact that the convention center and conference setup were a mere ten minute walk away (remember that I operated with only two hours of airplane sleep all day Wednesday and didn't make it to my pillow until around midnight that night). Setup went exceptionally smoothly, thanks in large part to the hard work of Michael and David. We completed the setup of three booths in only 2 ½ hours, allowing us time for a good lunch and personal cleanup prior to the opening of the exhibit hall at 5:00 p.m. After exhibiting from 5:00-9:00 p.m., we went to dinner and then hit the sack.

Friday morning meant a return to the exhibit hall and more opportunities to interact with FPEA's conference attendees. In all honesty, each of us---Michael, David, and I---had a wonderful time conversing seriously with the dads and moms who stopped by our booth, as well as somewhat less seriously with the many children who expressed a profound appreciation for our pop-guns. Kudos to all the FPEA staff and board members who allowed us to exhibit at their conference and who worked hard to (successfully) run their conference with tremendous smoothness and efficiency.

Following the day's exhibiting, Michael, David, and I betook ourselves to the hotel room to clean up and relax a little. David and I soon made our way downstairs to Gaylord’s consummate workout room, wherein we lifted and performed a variety of weight training exercises. After finishing that portion of our physical activity, we hopped onto a couple of treadmills and ran for about twenty minutes. Surprisingly I did quite well (at least by my standard) on the treadmill, and became rather excited by my pace and stamina. Regrettably my excitement led me to trim my "cool-down" treadmill session by about ninety seconds. Ordinarily that decision wouldn’t have had grave consequences. However, in my excited mental state I neglected to stop the treadmill before turning around and endeavoring to step off the end of the machine. Well, I made it off the machine, but only after being flipped into the air and landing on my back half-way on the treadmill and half-way off of it. For my pains I received a nice skin burn on my lower left calf, and the half-concerned/half-amused attention of everyone else in the room. Just smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.

Soon after my treadmill escapade we all drove to dinner, afterward returning to the park we had visited the previous evening. This time David and I took our turn daring death, bravely strapping ourselves into the G-Force, an air thrust powered "ride" built in the shape of a sports car. Boldly using the 3,000+ horse power vehicle, David hit the accelerator and we took off at a rate of speed I had previously attained only in an airplane. As our bodies experienced the force of 4.5+ G's, we quickly zoomed down the speedway, reaching 112 mph in just 2.1 seconds. Our straps became necessary only when we stopped, as we weren't going anywhere with that degree of pressure being thrown against us. (If anyone ever wants to see a genuine eye bug-out, I have a video clip of my reaction that I might be persuaded to play.) Gratefully we both walked away from the incident with all of our body parts intact. I would do it again, by the way.

Saturday was our final day at the conference. After the exhibit hall closed at 6:00 p.m., David, Michael, and I disassembled our booths, packed our inventory, and loaded everything back into the U-haul trailer. Then, while David drove Michael to the airport so the Michael could rent a vehicle for the remainder of his personal stay in Florida (visiting family and friends), I went to dinner with Mr. Bloom and a young man named Gabe Waddell, both at the conference as representatives of HSLDA. Kimberlee, Mr. Bloom’s daughter, was also in town to assist with the exhibiting duties, but she had become sick earlier in the day and had therefore retired to her hotel room. So, it was a "just guys" meal at the Market Street Café in Celebration City (an idyllic- - -but genuine- - - town built by Disney; I can only imagine the taxes and restrictions).

It was very enjoyable to visit with Mr. Bloom again, and to make Gabe’s acquaintance. Gabe is currently a law student at Oak Brook College of Law and a legal assistant to Scott Somerville at HSLDA. We discussed the current judicial crisis in our country, as well as everything from baseball to family backgrounds. I made plans with Mr. Bloom to meet for dinner again at the CHEA of California convention later this year, at which I will be joined by Mark and Caleb. ‘Tis good to rekindle one’s friendship with a family one has not seen for many years!

Facing the reality of a 6:00 a.m. flight the next morning, and scheduled to fly out of an airport almost thirty minutes from my hotel, I stumbled into bed a little after 12:00 a.m., hoping to catch some sleep. In my next post I will record why I had a 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning flight, and to where it took me.

Following are a few (Okay, many) pictures from my Florida adventures. Enjoy!