October, 2003
October 31, 2003 — Alfred, Ohio. Ten days without a posting. Yes, the weather has been pretty nice and I have been fairly busy but there is something else. You see, I happen to know that people I've never met have reason to be looking at other sections of this site. I even received an email (not a spam, a real person) from someone who wanted to discuss my notions of gravity. So what difference would that make? Well, it is an odd notion I will admit, but it seems to make a difference to me if you think that strangers might actually read what you say. Granted this is a most public forum and absolutely anyone is free to peruse my thoughts, but… I was of the opinion that it likely no one ever would. Maybe my brothers and sisters and a few friends now and then but I never imagined the public at large. That thought has been wearing away at me and keeping me from updating the site. No more! It is Halloween and it is my site so I’ll do as I please thank you. Unfortunately, I can’t think of anything witty to say just now.
Tomorrow morning I’m headed for Cincinnati for an overdue visit with my Dad. My brother is in town as well so seeing him will be an added bonus. Consequently, you may expect this site to be quite until Monday or so.
October 30, 2003 — Alfred, Ohio. Happy Birthday Jwei-Hsing!
October 15, 2003 — Belpre, Ohio. It is the middle of October so here is my humble contribution to the world of bloody stories. Ouch!
Here is a clever e-mail that made its rounds and became a birthday card for my son last week. I found parts of it very amusing and hope you do to.
October 13, 2003 — Alfred, Ohio. Yesterday I started using Radio. You can read about some of my more unusual thoughts and observations on that site. Radio is supposed to be really easy so I'll compare it against the hand coding that I’ve done for so long. It comes with a 30 trial download so we will give it a run.
October 9, 2003 — Alfred, Ohio. Happy birthday to my youngest son who turns 18 today! Jeanie and I have three boys and each has turned into a wonderful unique person.
I must admit to some pride watching my children turn into young adults. The rewards of having and raising a family is far greater than I might have imagined. I will also admit that I feel a sense of relief that they are grown. The responsibility of raising children takes a toll on your life. Each parent who takes the role seriously will face a myriad of unexpected circumstances and improvise as best they are able. Raising children requires far more effort and is more of a challenge than anyone could imagine. Children are also very expensive.
So let me answer some of the questions you might have though I warn you that my answers may surprise you. Would I do it again? Yes, if I were young again but not at this age. Was it worth it? Yes. Would you advise others to have children? Not everyone and certainly not until they are ready. My mom was 16 when she had me. I think that is too young for this society. A dear friend of mine had his first at 39. I think that is too old.
October 5, 2003 — The Plains, Ohio. A wonderful couple (happen to be my inlaws) celebrated their 50th anniversary today. They are fortunate to still be in reasonable health and of sound mind. The weather was good and every seemed to enjoy themselves. I’ve known the couple for half of those years and wish them many more happy years.
My mom realized that she and dad wouldn’t make it to their 50th (she died of lung cancer). That was one of the few moments I recall in her later years that she was really angry about. I didn’t understand at the time why that would bother her so. I really think she regretted that more than the thought of dying. I understand much better now.
October 2, 2003 — Reedsville, Ohio. This is homecoming week at Eastern High School. The students get to wear outfits this week and my son went in today dressed as a … well, just let me say that I would have been expelled had I dressed like he did. He would not allow me to share the photos with the world and can’t say that I blame him.
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