Saturday, August 16, 2014
More Good Stuff
What a wonderful surprise I rec'd in the mail yesterday. A book from grand son Cole who is going into first grade. The book is titled All About Colors and the last page says "I dedicate this book to Mr. Stockwell." The wonders of being a grand parent keep rolling along. Thanks, Cole.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
New Design
Please not that the photo gallery page of georgeswebpage.com has been redesigned and simplified. Try it out and leave a comment (see 'comments' link in navigation bar). Thanks.
georgeswebpage.com
georgeswebpage.com
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Courtney's Project
Today a little girl made a lot of old (and one person not quite as old) very happy. She took upon herself the task of creating pictures for each of the participants in my Tuesday discussion group at Masonicare. She thought it would be nice to give them something to spruce up their apartment/rooms.
They loved it as they always do when I bring one or both of the girls with me.
Nice work, Courtney. You're a sweetie.
They loved it as they always do when I bring one or both of the girls with me.
Nice work, Courtney. You're a sweetie.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Courtney Day
Brooke's at soccer camp so Courtney and grandpa are spending the day together. Courtney loves to do various science experiments. Here's her latest.
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Saturday, August 9, 2014
Back to Normal-sort of
Don't forget to check in at georgeswebpage.com
The week with our two little pals has drawn to a close. It was great having Cole & Nicholas and I have renewed appreciation for all those parents out there raising a family. With the exception of an occasional vacation where grand parents kick in to help, there are very few days off-and it's not easy.
Here are some pictures of our last day together at the new Dickinson Park playground.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
A Week With the Boys
Pete & Jen are in California, so we have the boys for the week. That means get them up, dressed, breakfast and ready for camp with bags packed, lunches & snacks made, swim suits and a set of dry clothes and signed permission slips where appropriate. Then it's off to camp to be picked up at 3 P.M. after which it's a snack, an activity of some sort, workbook pages, dinner, baths, stories and what ever else needs to be done. Then the next morning it's all over again.
I wonder how single parents do it?!?
I wonder how single parents do it?!?
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Happy August
Welcome to the Dog Days of August. Ever wonder how that expression originated? Click here to find out and learn more about the month of August.
georgeswebpage.com/almanac
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Reminder
This is a reminder that in addition to a link to this blog spot, I also have links to a variety of photos, photo albums, video and almanac information from my web page.
Visit GEORGESWEBPAGE.COM. Click here georgeswebpage.com
Visit GEORGESWEBPAGE.COM. Click here georgeswebpage.com
Monday, July 28, 2014
Happy 40th birthday to son-in-law Mike Sullivan.
The weather cooperated long enough to celebrate Mike's 40th birthday and as evidenced by the pictures below, everyone had a great time.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Summer time reading
Some people don't mind working or even just being outside during the summer. I'm not one of them. I have much more tolerance for cold weather than very hot.
Since we are now in the middle of summer and quickly heading for the 'dog days' of August, I tend to do more reading than other times throughout the year.
Here's a list of some of the books I've read.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by British author Helen Simonson. A lot of very dry British humor. A great book.
The Clifton Chronicles by British author Jeffrey Archer. I've read the first four. There are seven planned with number five coming out early next year. A very good, entertaining read.
McNally's Trial by Lawrence Sanders. The McNally series numbers about a dozen. They're great books about a south Florida private investigator named Archie McNally who has a variety of adventures. I've read all of them a long time ago but when I'm filling in waiting for something else, these books keep me going.
The Fighting McCooks by Charles and Barbara Whalen. A true story about 17 men from one family who all served in the Civil War. If you're a civil war buff, you'll love it.
The Smoke At Dawn by Jeff Shaara. Shaara picked up where his father, Michael, left off with Killer Angels. This particular book is about the western campaign in the civil war. It's written as a novel. He writes about the civil war and world war II. Good for history buffs.
McNally's Risk-see above. I'm almost finished with this and it's a good thing because my next one just arrived in the mail.
Next up: The Keillor Reader by Garrison Keillor. More Lake Woebegone stories. Keillor is an excellent writer, funny, observant and highly entertaining.
That's it for now.
Since we are now in the middle of summer and quickly heading for the 'dog days' of August, I tend to do more reading than other times throughout the year.
Here's a list of some of the books I've read.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by British author Helen Simonson. A lot of very dry British humor. A great book.
The Clifton Chronicles by British author Jeffrey Archer. I've read the first four. There are seven planned with number five coming out early next year. A very good, entertaining read.
McNally's Trial by Lawrence Sanders. The McNally series numbers about a dozen. They're great books about a south Florida private investigator named Archie McNally who has a variety of adventures. I've read all of them a long time ago but when I'm filling in waiting for something else, these books keep me going.
The Fighting McCooks by Charles and Barbara Whalen. A true story about 17 men from one family who all served in the Civil War. If you're a civil war buff, you'll love it.
The Smoke At Dawn by Jeff Shaara. Shaara picked up where his father, Michael, left off with Killer Angels. This particular book is about the western campaign in the civil war. It's written as a novel. He writes about the civil war and world war II. Good for history buffs.
McNally's Risk-see above. I'm almost finished with this and it's a good thing because my next one just arrived in the mail.
Next up: The Keillor Reader by Garrison Keillor. More Lake Woebegone stories. Keillor is an excellent writer, funny, observant and highly entertaining.
That's it for now.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Dog sitting
While Mike, Becky and the girls are in Ocean City with the rest of the Sullivan clan, we have the pleasure of watching their 12 year old lab, Lacey. We've watched her many times in the past along with my son's boxer, Sadie, although not at the same time since Lacey does not tolerate Sadie's enthusiasm very well these days.
At any rate, as evidenced by this picture, when left alone Lacey does not lose an opportunity to remind us that she is with us. Hence the mess she presented to me Monday morning when I returned after being out for a few hours. I had forgotten to barricade her in the family room where she doesn't do any harm so she helped herself to the kitchen garbage container.
She can be seen here with her stuffed animal, looking very contrite-sort of. Unlike many others, this is a mistake I won't repeat!
At any rate, as evidenced by this picture, when left alone Lacey does not lose an opportunity to remind us that she is with us. Hence the mess she presented to me Monday morning when I returned after being out for a few hours. I had forgotten to barricade her in the family room where she doesn't do any harm so she helped herself to the kitchen garbage container.
She can be seen here with her stuffed animal, looking very contrite-sort of. Unlike many others, this is a mistake I won't repeat!
Friday, July 18, 2014
A Question for Governor Malloy
Where does the money go?
"CONNECTICUT ROADS AND BRIDGES AMONG THE WORST IN THE NATION" screamed the headlines recently.
Connecticut is one of the richest states in the nation with more than its fair share of millionaires. At the same time it is without question one of the most expensive states to live in.
Money is pouring into state coffers from countless areas. The gas tax is the third highest in the nation along with high sales, numerous fees and of course an income tax. On top of all of this while casino receipts are falling off, there's still a big chunk of change coming from them.
So how is it possible that we have an infrastructure that has been so neglected.
I confess I haven't reviewed documents detailing Connecticut's budget. I suppose they're available somewhere but who wants to go to all that trouble and who would understand them anyway?
And I suppose it's also true the federal government has been scrimping in this area but that's not enough to account for years and years of neglect.
So it's back to the question. Where does the money go?
"CONNECTICUT ROADS AND BRIDGES AMONG THE WORST IN THE NATION" screamed the headlines recently.
Connecticut is one of the richest states in the nation with more than its fair share of millionaires. At the same time it is without question one of the most expensive states to live in.
Money is pouring into state coffers from countless areas. The gas tax is the third highest in the nation along with high sales, numerous fees and of course an income tax. On top of all of this while casino receipts are falling off, there's still a big chunk of change coming from them.
So how is it possible that we have an infrastructure that has been so neglected.
I confess I haven't reviewed documents detailing Connecticut's budget. I suppose they're available somewhere but who wants to go to all that trouble and who would understand them anyway?
And I suppose it's also true the federal government has been scrimping in this area but that's not enough to account for years and years of neglect.
So it's back to the question. Where does the money go?
Monday, July 14, 2014
Rethinking the E-reader
Some time ago I wrote a blog about how much more I prefer reading an actual book as opposed to using an e-reader like the Kindle or Barnes & Noble's Nook or an iPad. I observed that there's something about the feel of a book and turning the pages that is more appealing than an electronic device.
Lately, however, I've been rethinking my position on this. I have read several books using my wife's Kindle and there's a lot to like about it. I remember once I was able to read during a power failure. The screen is backlit so night reading is possible without having to use a bedside table lamp. The other advantage to that is you won't keep the person in bed next to you awake.
E-readers are also easier to manage in that they're lighter, easier to pack when traveling and definitely more convenient to use than a bulky book on something like a plane.
Finally, books tend to be cheaper on an e-reader than if you're buying them-even paperbacks. Of course to avoid having to pay for a book you could always get it from the library but there are certain time constraints associated with that that I would rather not deal with.
So I haven't actually bought one yet but I'm seriously thinking about it.
Lately, however, I've been rethinking my position on this. I have read several books using my wife's Kindle and there's a lot to like about it. I remember once I was able to read during a power failure. The screen is backlit so night reading is possible without having to use a bedside table lamp. The other advantage to that is you won't keep the person in bed next to you awake.
E-readers are also easier to manage in that they're lighter, easier to pack when traveling and definitely more convenient to use than a bulky book on something like a plane.
Finally, books tend to be cheaper on an e-reader than if you're buying them-even paperbacks. Of course to avoid having to pay for a book you could always get it from the library but there are certain time constraints associated with that that I would rather not deal with.
So I haven't actually bought one yet but I'm seriously thinking about it.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
To Vaccinate or Not. That is the question.
One of the reasons for this is the policy of discontinuing vaccinations. That's the case with small pox. I was vaccinated but as time went by it was thought the disease had been wiped out so my children and grand children were not. It's not serious enough to reconsider this policy yet but it may come to that.
The emergence of some of the other diseases normally associated with childhood I believe has to do with the decision of some parents to delay or even forgo immunization shots for their children. The reason for this is the belief by many that there's a correlation between vaccinations and the prevalence of autism. This belief is based on a study done some time ago in Great Britain and subsequently published in the British medical journal Lancet. The study has since been completely discredited. There is no truth whatsoever to the conclusions it drew. Yet, the belief persists.
The bottom line is vaccinate your children. By not doing so you put them and others at great risk. Be responsible.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Cyclists-take note
With warm weather now upon us, the usual summer-time activities are kicking into full gear. One of them is cycling. Over the past couple of weeks the local paper has been running a series of articles about the region's suitability-or actually the lack of it-for cyclists.
Reporters have been lamenting the fact that there are few if any cycling paths or lanes along roadways and the general lack of consideration given to cyclists by people zipping along in cars.
These are definitely valid concerns but the fact is there simply isn't room along most rural roads to construct biking lanes. It just isn't feasible. However, there is something that can be done about careless motorists.
But having said that I have to say there's a lot cyclists can do to help themselves. There have been many times when I've encountered groups of cyclists riding along, spread out all over the road and not really aware that they're supposed to be sharing the road with motorists. Cyclists need to remember that they are obligated to follow the same driving rules as motorists. Share the road, stop at stop signs and cross walks and all the other many rules required of those driving a car also apply to cyclists.
Everyone needs to do their part so the roads are safe for walkers/runners, cyclists and drivers alike.
Reporters have been lamenting the fact that there are few if any cycling paths or lanes along roadways and the general lack of consideration given to cyclists by people zipping along in cars.
These are definitely valid concerns but the fact is there simply isn't room along most rural roads to construct biking lanes. It just isn't feasible. However, there is something that can be done about careless motorists.
But having said that I have to say there's a lot cyclists can do to help themselves. There have been many times when I've encountered groups of cyclists riding along, spread out all over the road and not really aware that they're supposed to be sharing the road with motorists. Cyclists need to remember that they are obligated to follow the same driving rules as motorists. Share the road, stop at stop signs and cross walks and all the other many rules required of those driving a car also apply to cyclists.
Everyone needs to do their part so the roads are safe for walkers/runners, cyclists and drivers alike.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Day Three-The Battle of Gettysburg
July 3, 1863-Pickett's Charge
By the end of this day there will have been an accumulated casualty count of over 50,000 soldiers.
Day Three is the third and final day of the biggest battle of the American Civil War and stands as the turning point of the war.
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a
new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men
are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
By the end of this day there will have been an accumulated casualty count of over 50,000 soldiers.
Day Three is the third and final day of the biggest battle of the American Civil War and stands as the turning point of the war.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Welcome, July!
Happy July. Sure, it's going to be hot but would you rather be shoveling snow?
July 1st, 1863. Day one of the Battle of Gettysburg. By the end of this first day of three over 15,000 men will have been killed or wounded.
To learn more about the month of July, click here: georgeswebpage.com/almanac
Thursday, June 26, 2014
A Morning At the Library
Do you recognize the picture shown below? Right! It's a library card catalog file. You use it to get information about a book or topic. Well, actually, you DON'T use it. At least not any more because they've been replaced by, what else?, a computer! I lost a dollar to my grand daughter Brooke because of this sad fact.
The funny thing is that since this happened I've been informed that card catalogs haven't been in most libraries for at least 15 years. (That's how observant I am!) It's much less work to use a computer and young people can manage it better. That shows you how long it's been since I used a card catalog. I usually know exactly what I want in a library when I go so I go directly to the shelf.
I've taken my grand children to the library many times. They've become very kid-friendly with story hours, game & puppet corners, videos, computers, and a variety of other things to attract kids.
So if you have or come upon one of those old card catalog files, buy it. They've become a hot antique. Go figure.
The funny thing is that since this happened I've been informed that card catalogs haven't been in most libraries for at least 15 years. (That's how observant I am!) It's much less work to use a computer and young people can manage it better. That shows you how long it's been since I used a card catalog. I usually know exactly what I want in a library when I go so I go directly to the shelf.
I've taken my grand children to the library many times. They've become very kid-friendly with story hours, game & puppet corners, videos, computers, and a variety of other things to attract kids.
So if you have or come upon one of those old card catalog files, buy it. They've become a hot antique. Go figure.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
No Place Like Home
We just returned from our annual three-day trip to friends' house in Meshoppen, PA. Meshoppen is a small, very rural community about 40 miles northwest of Scranton, PA.
Before the discovery of more advanced drilling techniques, it used to be primarily agricultural and actually still is but many large land owners in the area have signed leases that give their mineral rights to companies that extract and transport natural gas-a very, very hot commodity at the moment.
This phenomena has transformed the region somewhat in that millions of dollars are flowing in-along with more people, trucks and heavy duty construction equipment. The land owners are not complaining though since they are benefiting as well.
While I could go on to explore the pros and cons of one of the aspects of gas drilling (fracking-a very controversial method of extracting every cubic foot of gas possible), it is not about that.
I'm actually commenting on a Founders Day event recently put on by a neighboring town. There were thousands of booths and displays-and people-up and down Main Street and among them was at least one booth decrying the evils of government in general and gun control in particular. One of their slogans is "if guns kill people, then pencils misspell words."
According to the couple we were visiting, there are more than a few people in the area who completely agree with the sentiments expressed in that profound lack of logic-a fact which I took the opportunity to point out. While our hosts are gun-rights enthusiasts, they agreed and laughed about it. So I don't mean to disparage them in any way but it is interesting to see how the further you get from 'here', the more this kind of thinking pervades the community.
What does that say about the chances of seeing progress in the area of gun control on a national level? I fear the issue is doomed-or to put it another way-death by GSW!
Before the discovery of more advanced drilling techniques, it used to be primarily agricultural and actually still is but many large land owners in the area have signed leases that give their mineral rights to companies that extract and transport natural gas-a very, very hot commodity at the moment.
This phenomena has transformed the region somewhat in that millions of dollars are flowing in-along with more people, trucks and heavy duty construction equipment. The land owners are not complaining though since they are benefiting as well.
While I could go on to explore the pros and cons of one of the aspects of gas drilling (fracking-a very controversial method of extracting every cubic foot of gas possible), it is not about that.
I'm actually commenting on a Founders Day event recently put on by a neighboring town. There were thousands of booths and displays-and people-up and down Main Street and among them was at least one booth decrying the evils of government in general and gun control in particular. One of their slogans is "if guns kill people, then pencils misspell words."
According to the couple we were visiting, there are more than a few people in the area who completely agree with the sentiments expressed in that profound lack of logic-a fact which I took the opportunity to point out. While our hosts are gun-rights enthusiasts, they agreed and laughed about it. So I don't mean to disparage them in any way but it is interesting to see how the further you get from 'here', the more this kind of thinking pervades the community.
What does that say about the chances of seeing progress in the area of gun control on a national level? I fear the issue is doomed-or to put it another way-death by GSW!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Another Graduation
Congratulations to Cole James Stockwell who graduated from Kindergarten today. First Grade, here we come!
Monday, June 16, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
It's Graduation Time
It's that time of year again-Graduations.
Over the years graduations have increased tremendously. Throughout my life I participated in 4 graduations-eighth grade, high school, college (B.A.) & graduate school (M.S.) with the last one being forced on me by Sandi. Otherwise it would have been three.
Yesterday we celebrated our youngest grand son's first graduation-from preschool. The next one will be Tuesday when Cole graduates from Kindergarten. The next after that I think will be Brooke's graduation from elementary grade 5 to middle school. And on and on it will go for who knows how long.
What is one to make of all of this? I used to think bah humbug, it's all ridiculous-too much too soon but I've changed my mind completely. It's great watching how happy the kids are and the pride they take in their accomplishment. What could be wrong with that? What's the harm? None. If anything it's one more opportunity to be with the family.
So I say congratulations Nicholas and anyone else. I hope there're many more.
Over the years graduations have increased tremendously. Throughout my life I participated in 4 graduations-eighth grade, high school, college (B.A.) & graduate school (M.S.) with the last one being forced on me by Sandi. Otherwise it would have been three.
Yesterday we celebrated our youngest grand son's first graduation-from preschool. The next one will be Tuesday when Cole graduates from Kindergarten. The next after that I think will be Brooke's graduation from elementary grade 5 to middle school. And on and on it will go for who knows how long.
What is one to make of all of this? I used to think bah humbug, it's all ridiculous-too much too soon but I've changed my mind completely. It's great watching how happy the kids are and the pride they take in their accomplishment. What could be wrong with that? What's the harm? None. If anything it's one more opportunity to be with the family.
So I say congratulations Nicholas and anyone else. I hope there're many more.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
(Warning: This is a political statement) Can it get worse?
Conservative House Majority Leader Eric Cantor: Out
Even more conservative Tea Party republican Dave Brat: In
The key issue is apparently U.S. immigration policy-or more precisely-the lack of it.
Will the rest of the red states follow Virginia?
Brace yourselves for a very political late summer-early fall. TV ads galore, phone calls, signs, billboards, etc.
Even more conservative Tea Party republican Dave Brat: In
The key issue is apparently U.S. immigration policy-or more precisely-the lack of it.
Will the rest of the red states follow Virginia?
Brace yourselves for a very political late summer-early fall. TV ads galore, phone calls, signs, billboards, etc.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Early summer 2014
Click here to see several reasons why I like late spring/early summer.
georgeswebpage.com/photogallery
georgeswebpage.com/photogallery
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to Becky Stockwell Sullivan, born on this day 1975. She and her brother have been a constant source of pride and happiness to us, their parents.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Family Gatherings
Yesterday was easily one of the nicest days you could have and it was even better with the family over for an early birthday celebration for Becky.
I love watching the grand children play in the yard. Then as the last one left the house I noticed on my message board a picture of me left by either Brooke or Courtney. These message board drawings are beginning to become a tradition.
I love watching the grand children play in the yard. Then as the last one left the house I noticed on my message board a picture of me left by either Brooke or Courtney. These message board drawings are beginning to become a tradition.
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