A Slower Pace

Today is the 66th anniversary of D-Day — the Allied invasion of Normandy. It was the beginning of the end for the Reich. The beginning of hope for so many. The beginning of a hellish day, week, month or time on the European continent for Allied soldiers. Many would not make it back. And we have so much to thank them for. The world as we know it would be severely different if the evil fascist dictators stayed in power to ply their wicked plans.

I was lucky enough to shake hands with some WWII veterans during one of my business trips a few weeks ago. These are very humble men who discount their courage, honor, struggle, and sacrifice. They are giants in my eyes and definitely one of the greatest generations who lived and served.

Thanks to those WWII vets, especially those who sacrificed 66 years ago.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

I have the NASCAR Cup race on TV while I am tinkering about on the pool, garage and laptop. They are racing at Pocono and experiencing a short rain delay so they are interviewing all the drivers to kill broadcast time before the race.

One of the drivers, Clint Bowyer, was being interviewed and was asked about the recent Ford decision to kill the Mercury line. He was asked because he owns a beloved custom ’49 Merc and the reporter asked if he had stored up all the parts he’s gonna need to keep it running.

His response cracked me up:
“That’s funny. Well, you know, I gotta be careful. I gotta make sure that, uh…..it does have a Chevrolet engine in it. It’s gotta have a Chevy in it to get down the road. It wouldn’t run.”

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

I have a lot of chores to do today so not much time to post. However, a friend posted this link on Facebook and I thought it was pretty funny. To all you drummers out there who always get stuck at the back of the stage and upstaged by all your other bandmates, this guy should be your hero.

He kind of reminds me of animal from the Muppets. Rock on!

Title: This drummer is at the wrong gig

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

A great one passed away today. John Wooden, may you rest in peace and cherish the positive impact you had on many, whether through education, sports or life itself.

There are many good Wooden quotes out there, but I think this one is my favorite.

“Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters.”

And why is it that when someone of questionable character dies, it is plastered all over the media? But when a solid citizen, coach, husband and leader dies, you have to hunt for the story. Our society’s focus is completely out of whack.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net

Our garden was put out in April/May (depending on which plants you’re talking about). While it really hasn’t started producing, we can begin to see the fruits, er…..vegetables of our labor. This afternoon my wife pulled a sweet onion to test and while it was still early and only the size of a raquetball, it was very sweet and delicious. My son and I split it and ate it raw.

Later, while driving around the back property examining the corn coming up, I spotted a mulberry tree. I did not know there was one back there so I took my son to it and introduced him to the very staining, but very sweet fruit. I drove the farm truck right up under the tree and we stood on top of the truck roof harvesting delicious sweet mulberries putting them right into our mouths. My son loved it and it is now one of his favorite places on our property.

And earlier this week I plucked the first ripe raspberry from our bush out front. I planted it four years ago and it has just exploded. This year looks to be a good year for raspberries and wild blackberries. I can’t wait to go pick some and have my wife make some awesome cobbler. If y’all have any good recipes, send ’em my way.

…..Dan at aslowerpace dot net