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Today: 2024 / 03 / 19

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June 22, 1970 -
July 18, 2004

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Topics: types and numbers

Posts and Ramblings (527 total posts) (325 total comments - 47 with moderated scores)
Posted By Mike and Anne on Thu-20-dec-2007 || Title: The slope looks good || (0) comments
The diet is going very well. But then again, for guys it is always easier at first.
So for I have continued to loose about 1 pound a day, but Christmas and Family will be here shortly :)
2007-12-12 214 lb
2007-12-13 213 lb
2007-12-14 212 lb
2007-12-15 211 lb
2007-12-16 210 lb
2007-12-17 209 lb
2007-12-18 209 lb
2007-12-19 208 lb
2007-12-20 206 lb
Posted By Mike on Wed-19-dec-2007 || Title: Look who showed up! || (0) comments
I took all the kids to what I thought was going to be a normal night at J's Dance Studio. But we were all surprised with when Mr St Nick showed up. The girls could hardly believe Santa was in Heyworth! :) I have all the photos I took in my photo album.

Aaron finally received this Fall school photos. I hope to have this uploaded soon to the photo album and either handed out in person or mailed.
Posted By Mike on Tue-18-dec-2007 || Title: At last! || (0) comments
At last Canada has apologized to the United States for all the bad things they have done to us!

Watch :)


Posted By Mike on Tue-18-dec-2007 || Title: Mild Grumbling || (0) comments
Well, this morning was my first stall in weight loss at 209. I guess it is good I did not gain. I was hoping to continue my pound a day rate.

Now once again, both of my blue and orange football teams have the same loosing record. Last night's game really upset me. I realize that the Bears' offense has some problems, but last night, their defense was awesome. But other than the Bears' offense, I can tell you something else that was not awesome -- the NFL Referees!!! Either they are worthless (I doubt), or biased (possible), or just plain paid off (I believe)! What THE HECK! As far as I am concerned you could knock off one of the Vikings' touchdowns. They would not call most of the holding by the Vikings, but they would call the exact same hold for the Bears. And that intentional down call was a load of Penny poo tm I dare one of those refs to defend their decision on that call. OK, this is no longer a mild grumbling, but more of a rant, so I will close this post with that (I am trying to keep my blood pressure down). By the way Bears, GREAT defense last night.
Posted By Mike on Mon-17-dec-2007 || Title: Winter Weight || (0) comments
Not feeling the greatest this last week, I decided to change my eating habits and go to the doctor. OK, the doctor idea was Anne's. The doctor put me on medication for high blood pressure and told me to start eating right and to start exercising. I had already agreed to the eating right, but still have not done any exercising. The good part so far is that I have lost a pound a day and have gone from 214 to 209. I had been bouncing from 211 to as much as 216 one morning. I hope to get down to the range of 190 to 195 so I can get off the medication. Getting old stinks :P
Posted By Mike on Fri-14-dec-2007 || Title: Happy Birthday! || (0) comments
Happy Birthday Uncle Lynn! I hope you have a good one.
Posted By Mike on Fri-14-dec-2007 || Title: Lucas Christmas Cards || (0) comments
OK, I'm classifying this post's topic as humours, although a few of these images would be better fitted for the topic geeky :)

Every year from 1977 to 2007, Lucas Films releases a Christmas card. You can't buy these cards at any store. They are only for friends, family, employees, and business partners of Mr. Lucas. Here are my favorite five ordered by date:
1979

1981

1994

1995

1999

Posted By Mike on Wed-12-dec-2007 || Title: Family Treats - part II || (0) comments
This is a followup from the last post. After tasting all the treats, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Snacks were the better tasting one. We have decided, despite what the cereal box states, vanilla is best left out of rice crispy treats. On the other hand, peanut butter and Hershey Kissables is a great addition.

I have also created a new topic that is food related for the other recipies that I have posted and will post in the future.
Posted By Mike on Mon-10-dec-2007 || Title: Family Treats || (0) comments
The Gibson variation of classic treats. Mostly Anne's ideas, but my idea of the Kissables.

Christmas Chocolate/Vanilla Rice Crispy Treats
(it looks Christmasy anyway :) )

1/4 cup of butter
12 ounces of Marshmallows
1 teaspoon of vanilla
6 1/2 cups of of Rice Crispy Cereal.
10 ounces of Heresy multi-color Kissables.

*Note: The second batch we experimented some more - we put 1/2 cup of crunchy peanut butter - I will let you know how that taste :)

In a pan, melt butter and marshmallows over low heat while lightly stirring. Blend with vanilla. In a large bowl, add marshmallow mixture to cereal and Kissables. Stir till completely mixed. Spread into a greased pan. Cool. Cut into bars.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Snacks

1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup Heresy multi-color Kissables.
1/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of crunchy peanut butter
3 cups of Captain Crunch

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Combine corn syrup, Heresy Kissables, and sugar in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat. stirring constantly until mixture just comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter until well blended. Stir in Cereal until all pieces are evenly coated. Drop by rounded teaspoon onto prepared cookie sheet. Chill 30 minutes or until firm.
Posted By Mike on Sun-09-dec-2007 || Title: Freezing rain || (0) comments
The Gibson clan is sitting in the house this weekend. Why? Because we are on our second day of freezing rain. :) Actually it is nice not needing to be running around. We have our Christmas shopping 99% done. I have to buy for some friends and Anne. Anne is done. Additionally, the Christmas cards are done. I have to admit, having both tasks done earlier than normal is nice. Even the stuff that needs to be mailed out, is mailed with more than enough time to get there (instead of the last minute).

[Sigh] Football season is a wash. My Bears and Broncos could not do anything this year. In fact I have walked away from the TV this afternoon, and probably the rest of the football season.

Anne and I have started some online shopping for the baby's room. Sooo many options. So many price ranges, and with that I'm sure some of the price differences is due to quality and other because of the nature of the purchase. The key is trying to figure that out.

Aaron's baby room was done in the Winnie The Pooh theme. Paige's baby room was done in a Boyd's Bear theme. August's baby room was done in Raggedy Anne theme. For the newest Gibson, we at first was thinking of another Raggedy Anne theme, thinking it would save us money. What we discovered is that no-one sells Raggedy Anne stuff. Not marketable and no one pull royalties off it (such a capitalist world). So we simply can't find anything in this theme. Instead we are going with Hello Kitty.
Posted By Mike on Sun-09-dec-2007 || Title: Happy Birthday || (0) comments
It is that time of year again...Happy Birthday Dad and Aunt Liz!
Posted By Mike on Tue-04-dec-2007 || Title: Honey || (0) comments
When I was a kid, my Mom would give me honey for my sour throat. Well, I have some news that should make Mom proud. A teaspoon of honey before bed seems to calm children's coughs and help them sleep better, according to a new study that relied on parents' reports of their children's symptoms. OK. that does not prove anything, but it is evidence. This old folk time remedy did better than cough medicine or no treatment in a three-way comparison. Honey may work by coating and soothing an irritated throat, according to Dr. Ian Paul. "Many families are going to relate to these findings and say that grandma was right," said lead author Dr. Ian Paul of Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine. The research appears in December's Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Federal health advisers have recently warned that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines shouldn't be used in children younger than 6, and manufacturers are taking some products for babies off the market. A few pediatricians interviewed by the media (I think) who read the study said they would tell parents seeking alternative remedies to try honey. They noted that honey should not be given to children under age 1 because of a rare but serious risk of botulism.

For this study, they recruited 105 children with upper respiratory infections from a clinic in Pennsylvania. Parents were given a paper bag with a dosing device inside. Some were empty. It does not say why some were empty, you would have thought it would at least had water. Some contained an age-appropriate dose of honey-flavored cough medicine containing dextromethorphan but no honey. And some contained a similar dose with real honey. The parents were asked about their children's sleep and cough symptoms, once before the bedtime treatment and once after.
All of the children got better, but honey consistently scored best in parents' rating of their children's cough symptoms.

OK, here is the big disclaimer: The study was funded by a grant from the National Honey Board (Surprise!), an industry-funded agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency had no influence over the study design, data or results, Paul said.
Posted By Mike on Sat-01-dec-2007 || Title: Christmas pic || (0) comments
I think most family members has seen the photo the kids made today. I have an unformated, high-res version of the childrens santa photo, different than the one on Anne's blog and sent out in email. here it is.
Posted By Mike on Fri-30-nov-2007 || Title: Three Followups || (0) comments
(1) Vics on the bottom of the feet, does it work? I believe the answer is yes. Anne and I have given it several tries on ourselves and the girls. Additionally the feet do appear to 'absorb' the Vics. But it is not a long term but a fairly temporary solution (maybe a hour and a half).

(2) Yes, the kid's Christmas list on my site is an updated version of Anne's list on her site.

(3) I have another self compiled arrangements of sound bits using very simple Linux tools called 'Christmas Cheese'. Here it is - enjoy the stupidity :)
Posted By Mike on Thu-29-nov-2007 || Title: A little Linux experiment || (0) comments
Compiled myself using very simple Linux tools. Here it is
Posted By Mike on Mon-26-nov-2007 || Title: Christmas list for the kids || (0) comments
Aaron's Christmas list:

1. Starcraft expansion packs (PC version)
2. The three warcraft games (I,II, and II -- not WoW)
3. A civilization game (PC version)
4. Some GameBoy-Advanced games (Pacman, battleship,clue,risk,diner dash, pokemon)
5. Firestar book by Chis DE Lacey
6. Harry Potter book 3 or 5
7. A chemistry set
8. Christian music
9. The Joseph and his Technicolor Coat movie.
10. CD by Kids Bop
11. Shirts size 14/16
12. Socks around size 6
13. Robe

Paige's and August's Christmas list:

1. Anything Hello Kitty
2. Dolls/ also anything that does housework small broom or vacuum
3. Sizes shirts 5/6 and pants are 5 slim/ Sizes shirts 4/5 and pants are 3T
4. Shoes size 11/ size 8
5. Costume Jewelry
6. lip gloss
7. Robe
8. nice smelly lotions
9. Books or Flash cards for age five and 3 years
10. Funky socks (mommy's have a been taken)
Posted By Mike on Thu-22-nov-2007 || Title: Happy Turkey Day! || (0) comments
It's delicious Turkey Day.... and glorious Football... with that comes horrible pickled beats and nasty cranberry sauce. ;)

So here are some Thanksgiving Turkey Facts:
  • Turkeys are able to adapt to a wide variety of habitats. However, most turkeys are found in hardwood forests with grassy areas.
  • The best time to see a turkey is on a warm clear day or in a light rain.
  • Turkeys have heart attacks. When the Air Force was conducting test runs and breaking the sound barrier, fields of turkeys would drop dead.
  • Turkeys can drown if they look up when it is raining.
  • Turkeys spend the night in trees. They fly to their roosts around sunset.
  • Turkeys fly to the ground at first light and feed until mid-morning. Feeding resumes in mid-afternoon.
  • Gobbling starts before sunrise and can continue through most of the morning.
  • A wild turkey has excellent vision and hearing. Their field of vision is about 270 degrees. This is the main reason they continue to elude some hunters.
  • A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. They can also burst into flight approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.
  • Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a turkey.
Now that Christmas season is almost here, Anne has the kid's wish list on her web blog.

My wish list is simple, just this:
Posted By Mike on Tue-20-nov-2007 || Title: Cheney || (0) comments
Dick Cheney on why America shouldn't invade Iraq (1994)


1. No one would support a US invasion, least of all important Arab allies. This would make it an unpopular American occupation;

2. In the absence of a strong central government, Iraq would essentially go to pieces, splintering along religious and ethnic lines

Link
Posted By Mike on Mon-19-nov-2007 || Title: Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy || (0) comments
Have a Happy Birthday to my older, younger sister.
Posted By Mike on Thu-15-nov-2007 || Title: In the news || (0) comments
In the news... Tom Gibson bagged a huge buck this week. For it's size, the deer oddly only had eight points, but a H-U-G-E and impressive spread! Congrats Dad. :)
Link to photo directory with buck (tongue and all)
Aaron made the newspaper yesterday with his martial arts class:
Link to photo directory of newspaper article
Posted By Mike on Sat-10-nov-2007 || Title: I wonder || (0) comments
Happy Birthday Mom! I hope you have a good day. Did you get some catfish for your Birthday in Marion?

OK, Aunt Liz sent me this via email. I looked it up on and it has been labled as undetermined if it is true. But I'm posting it anyway incase anyone can prove it one way or the other given most caugh medicines for small children have been pulled off the shelf.

The email:
"VICKS VAPORUB...TRY IT, IT WORKS

I wish I'd known this when my family was young during winter colds and coughs. I am going to try it myself. Share with young parents.

Isn't life strange. When we had a lecture on Essential Oils, they told us how the foot soles can absorb oils. Their example: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutes you can 'taste' it.

Some of us have used Vicks Vaporub for years for everything from chapped lips to sore toes and many body parts in between. But I've never heard of this. And don't laugh, it works 100% of the time although the scientists at the Canada Research council (who discovered it) aren't sure why.

To stop night time coughing in a child (or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks. Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly. I heard the head of the Canada Research Council describe these findings on the part of their scientists when they were investigating the effectiveness and usage of prescription cough medicines in children as compared to alternative therapies like acupressure.

Just happened to tune in A.M.Radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs so, I listened. It was a surprise finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly. Polly tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%! She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes and believe me, this was a deep, (incredibly annoying!) every few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept cough-free for hours every night that she used it. If you have grandchildren, pass it on. If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely amazed by the effect."
Posted By Mike on Sat-03-nov-2007 || Title: On the Roll || (3 ) comments
Aaron is on the roll... Honor Roll that is. After having a year off of it, he is back on. Last year was Aaron's first year in Heyworth so I was a bit worried, but I'm very proud of his come back in grades.
Posted By Mike on Wed-31-oct-2007 || Title: boo! || (1 ) comments
OK. I have a lot more Halloween topics to talk about, but for the time being, I'm posting a cap of today.

Here is a photo of August at daycare before her parade. Here is a photo of August lining up for the parade. The one in the elephant suit is her boyfriend. ;)

Here is a photo of Paige at the dentist office where she got her "gravity" (or as some refer to as a cavity) filled. She was a brave little girl. Anne and I became worried about the pain medicine they gave her when she saw kites. Then we looked up at the ceiling of the photo of the kites Paige was looking at. The assistant was worried about how much Paige talked and was wondering if they would get her quiet enough to work on. :)

Here is a photo and another photo of Paige and August in the costumes.

Lastly, Here is a photo of Aaron's class in the parade and another of Aaron dropping back to get his photo taken.
Posted By Mike on Tue-30-oct-2007 || Title: Dressing up -More Halloween stuff || (1 ) comments
Tonight Aaron went to his martial art halloween party while Paige went to dance. His instructor had a pretty good party planned. Aaron also got to preview his halloween costume:
Link to images.
While Aaron was trying out his Egyptian costume, August was trying out Aaron's uniform:
Link to images.
What is cool about that picture is that my camera phone traced the path of August's hand :)
Posted By Mike on Fri-26-oct-2007 || Title: Pumpkins-More Halloween stuff || (2 ) comments
I promised that I would post a lot of Halloween stuff. So I guess I'm really behind on these posts. Tonight I thought I would do this post on this years and last years pumpkins.
I have always enjoyed doing pumpkins. Since having Aaron in my life and now the girls, it is even more fun. So it could be said that every year the pumkin carving is a big deal. Sometimes a whole lot of work and research goes into them, but not this or last year ;)
Last year we went with a scary, but pretty simple design.

Another photo of last years pumpkin.

Paige had helped a little bit with last years pumpkin but has no real experiance and August had none. So I drew 4 very simple designs and had the girls vote for one. This is the design they chose. photo
I let both help carve. August did not want nothing to do with putting her arms in to pull out the seeds. Paige was a whole lot less worried about it than last year.

See last years post on this: link

This year is the first year I let Aaron go about it alone. I did not help him clean, design, or carve the pumpkin. This is what he came up with: photo
Posted By Mike on Fri-26-oct-2007 || Title: A how proud I am of Aaron post || (0) comments
Aaron got his report card today. Very, very good grades. Yeah!

*Also, I should note that this was a very good day for August too - she went the whole day/night being dry and wearing underwear. (It is a good thing that August is still to young to care about what I write about her ;) ).

Aaron also broke is first board Wed. night. This is a right of passage in Tae Kwan do class. Here is a photo of the board before Aaron's foot hit it.
Here is a photo of the board after:

Posted By Mike on Tue-23-oct-2007 || Title: Aaron and Mike 1999 || (0) comments
I'm going to start to post nothing but Halloween stuff till the end of the month, including older stuff that has not been on the site and other photos that have.
Here is a picture of Aaron and I on Halloween 1999:

I am the druid Allinon and Aaron is Mr Bones.
Here is another of Amy and I as children with Grandpa Gib:

Posted By Mike on Thu-18-oct-2007 || Title: Found in the paper || (0) comments
Darn Congress:

Hmmmm....:

Posted By Mike on Sat-13-oct-2007 || Title: Only if ... || (6 ) comments
I thought to myself this morning, what could I share with the readers of mrgibson.com? First, I think I will share a bit about myself. Anne took a photo of me hammering away at a Lynyrd Skynyrd tune. Every morning, I put on my hair and play the guitar.

Enough about me, I have a new rug rat comming, and I'm thinking a bit about his/her schooling.

What do you guys think?
Posted By Mike on Thu-11-oct-2007 || Title: Only if ... || (2 ) comments





Aaron would write his name:

Aaron'); UPDATE Students_Grades SET Math='A' WHERE Student ='Aaron Gibson';
Posted By Mike on Wed-10-oct-2007 || Title: More photos as promised || (0) comments
Anne's second sonogram looked good. The baby is about 6cm long and was kicking and sucking it thumb. Which is kinda cool considering how small it still is.
Here is a 3GP movie of Paige dancing. If that does not work for you, try this slightly larger MP4 version of the movie. If you are a Microsoft Windows user, you probably need quick time installed. Paige is the one in the dark and light purple.
Here is an action photo of Aaron in Tae kwan do class. The instructor is teaching Aaron how to 'pull' the attack of the other student (see the other kid's hand in Aaron's arm pit?).
Posted By Mike on Tue-25-sep-2007 || Title: More photos as promised || (1 ) comments
Yesterday Anne had a Sonogram. Viewable is little G's arms, legs, and even fingers. The Doctor and Anne decided to play a prank on me and tell me Anne was going to have twins. Supposedly, according to them, I turned white. :)

Here is a photo I find humorous. It was taken in Wisconsin at AirVenture in July. It was to be proof that Aaron saw and listened to Chuck Yeager. You can tell that is Chuck, can't ya?
I promised I would post a picture of Aaron in his white uniform. Aaron looks kinda Bruce Lee like. Also a promise of a picture of Paige in her tutu. I took a lot of photos of Paige and even a movie, but between the glass and the motion - most did not turn out well. I'm taking the Aaron and Paige tonight so I'll try again. I'll try to do a small (15sec), low-res movie again of paige dancing.
Posted By Mike on Mon-24-sep-2007 || Title: More to come || (0) comments
First, We finally have a date. The newest G has the arrival date of April 24th. Secondly, Aaron is doing well (from what I hear and see) in basketball (making baskets) and in Tae kwan do. I have some photos of Aaron in gear and of Paige in Ballet. I made a video of Paige last week but for some reason it did not save. I`ll try again with both. Additionally, I have a great deal of photos from this summer and more recently. Hopefully I will get these posted over a few weeks. I just posted 3 new wedding photos on my photo album:
- Picture 1
- Picture 2
- Picture 3
Lets see if I can't get some posts out a daily basis (with spell check going). :)
Posted By Mike on Fri-07-sep-2007 || Title: peanut butter and jelly time! || (0) comments
Here are my top 3 Peanut butter and jelly videos!
#1 video

#2 video

#3 video
Posted By Mike on Thu-06-sep-2007 || Title: family pic || (0) comments
Just a picture I wanted to share from last weekend. Yeah, it was kinda chilly that night.
Posted By Mike on Fri-24-aug-2007 || Title: Tooth fairy || (0) comments
I promised Anne I would get around to posting this letter from the tooth fairy to Aaron. This is what the tooth fairy has to write when they forget to put money under the pillow after a dentist appointment.
The letter.
Posted By Mike on Thu-23-aug-2007 || Title: stuff going on || (0) comments
Paige is currently in Rogie's Official Pre-K program, but as of yesterday Paige has been accepted to Heyworth preschool. We are looking at Heyworth's Christian Preschool also.
Aaron is enjoying 6th grade and sits by his two best friends (I hope that is not a bad thing).
August is doing well and Paige is 'teaching' her since she can't go to school yet.
Yes the Cubs are *still* in first place (holding breath til October). If Soriano comes back hot, the cubs might have a chance.
After three years in a mini-van, I'm back in a SUV. We traded in both of our cars yesterday. I now drive a "Red Rock" 2007 Jeep Commander - Jeep's answer to the Hummer H3.

Jeep Commander is mechanically similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has the same basic architecture and running gear. Size-wise, the Commander is only 2 inches longer than the Cherokee and shares the same wheelbase dimension. The big difference is the Commander's taller height (well only 4 inches taller). This allows the interior seating to be "stadium style" (like the Nissan Xterra I used to have) with a third-row of seats. An additional plus is that all of the seats fold flat, but I don't get the height I had in the van.
Anne now drives a "Khaki Metallic" 2007 Dodge Durango

Since the Jeep seats 7 and the Dodge seats 8, both cars (trucks?) can easily haul all the kids. Both vehicles also have All Wheel Drive with additional 4x4 high and low. Which makes us both feel better about living in the country during winter.
Posted By Mike on Wed-22-aug-2007 || Title: computer humor || (0) comments
This is for those in the Microsoft OS/application support field.
Posted By Aaron on Thu-09-aug-2007 || Title: Corporate greed || (0) comments
Here is something interesting that is hard to believe. Johnson & Johnson, the health-products giant that uses a red cross as its trademark, is suing the American Red Cross, demanding the charity halt its use of the red cross symbol on products it sells to the public. It seems J&J began using the trademark in 1887, 6 years after the Red Cross was formed, but 13 years before the charitable organization was chartered by Congress. Lately the ARC has begun licensing the symbol to third parties to use on fund-raising products such as home emergency kits.
Personally, I don't believe a red cross or plus sign should be trademarkable any way.
Posted By Mike on Thu-02-aug-2007 || Title: web page changes || (0) comments
The calendar that I promised is up and running. I also have created authenticated sessions that are now used throughout the web site. Most areas allow anonymous access, but some areas will now require logins to access. Login user names and passwords are the same as on the GibsonDigital Site.
Posted By Mike on Thu-01-aug-2007 || Title: stuff || (0) comments
First things first. The Cubs are in 1st place! I had to post that :) If you had asked me in late May, I thought it would have been impossible with the way the season started.

Secondly, I have been itching to write how fun the Bloomington Blues Festival and the Oshkosh AirVenture was this year. The Blues Festival was well worth it and the kids had a blast. Plus everything was free for the kids from admission, to face painting, to free harmonics, balloons, etc.
AirVenture was fun and yet another different experience from the last time. Aaron, Dad, and I were only there for a couple of days, so we did not get to see everything. Not super prepared for the camping. But still a really good time. From experience I would say one should be there starting Tuesday through Thursday. Monday things are just getting started. Friday and Saturday are way to busy.
Posted By Mike on Sat-21-jul-2007 || Title: something to think about || (0) comments
"Life Is A Gift" Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can`t speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD For a companion.

Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children But they`re barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled,And those who wish they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another - Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one MAKER.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and thank GOD you`re alive and still around. Life is a gift, Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, And Fulfill it. We Serve an AWESOME GOD!!!!!! be thankful.
~Author Unknown
Posted By Mike on Fri-20-jul-2007 || Title: AirVenture || (0) comments
I'm gearing up to go to AirVenture 2007 in Wisconsin! For those that don't know, this is the largest (number of planes and acres) and the "WHERE IT HAPPENS" airshow with thousands of airplanes. I have not made it since 2003. This time I'm taking Aaron and Dad (whom have never been) and we will be camping at Camp Scholler (hopefully). I also hope to meet Jim and walk the war birds. So like the last time, I'm sure I will have tons of photos and stories.
Posted By Mike on Wed-18-jul-2007 || Title: Buzzy || (0) comments
I`m just writing to let people in on a few minor things. First, I will be writing an on-line family calender for this site. It will be private like the photo album, but it will use the same key as the photo album so you don`t have to log in twice.
Annabell the three legged turtle is still alive and kicking (all three of her legs anyway). Aaron has done outstanding research on a diet that she loves. This includes certain bugs, certain plants (like spinach) and other stuff (like boiled eggshells). She gets walked more than the dog, I think.
This fall Aaron will be in Martial Arts on Tuesdays in Heyworth and Paige will be in Ballet on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Heyworth. August has to wait till she is three :(
in memory
Posted By Mike on Sun-15-jul-2007 || Title: New photos of the kids || (2 ) comments
I have added 16 new photos to the online photo album under the folders 2007Jun and 2007Jul. 13 of the photos were taken yesterday. You can find the link on the right side of the front page of my web site. Here is a preview:

Posted By Mike on Wed-11-jul-2007 || Title: New GEDCOM Tools released || (0) comments
I'm happy to announce a new release of GEDXchange GEDCOM Tools. I have been working on these genealogy tools for a long time. I have even silently released packages this year in the 0.5.x line. But today I'm releasing the 0.6.x line with 0.6.0. There are significant improvements since 0.5.0. Screen Shots can be seen here. Bug tracking has been reopened on tresgeek again at this site. Grab the 0.6.0 source (or greater) here . Some tools require X11lib to compile. Downloading GDXlib is no longer required.
Posted By Mike on Thu-05-jul-2007 || Title: Me and my favorite son || (1 ) comments
Posted By Mike on Mon-25-jun-2007 || Title: Just wanted to say || (1 ) comments
Congratulation Chris and Liz Gibson (The newlyweds)!
and
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!
Posted By Mike on Thu-21-jun-2007 || Title: Genealogy in the information age || (2 ) comments
*sigh* Genealogy in the information age is disappointing for all average Joe or Jane that use Windows, Linux, or Mac OSX :( Interfaces are hard to use. There are no good XML format standards. GEDCOM 5.5 is not scalable and built off some bad ideas. Some of the better saving formats are proprietary and don't work between programs.
Just for fun, I have created my own XML format that I like much better than GEDCOM XML 6.0 and GEDML, but if I'm the only person using it, well, not very useful.
Currently the only application I know that works on all three platforms is GRAMPS. Storage is good and accepts GEDCOM files. But.... As far as I'm aware, no one else uses their format, the interface is difficult to use, and not all that easy to install on Windows because of dependencies.
The partial answer-- I believe an Open Source application written in .net/mono would be the answer for this with a XML format that is more flexible than GEDCOM or GEDML.
Easier interfaces? That needs more study I think.
Posted By Mike on Tue-19-jun-2007 || Title: First wedding photo || (0) comments
Here is the first wedding photo that I have recieved (Thanks Mom :) ) Our official ones may not be here for a little bit. I will post more or alert when I have some to put in my online photo album.
UPDATED 6AM June 20th
Here is a photo of our cake. Another thank you to Mom.
Posted By Mike on Mon-18-jun-2007 || Title: My Fathers Day || (0) comments
I had a nice, quiet Fathers Day. In the morning Aaron and I went to the Heyworth Centennial Park to go Hiking [photo of Aaron] and have a picnic. I'm really glad Heyworth has such a great park for a small community. Later I grilled out on my new grill and I had my Fathers Day Dinner [photo of kids]. Lastly I opened my Fathers Day gifts including this spiffy tie [photo of tie] :)
Posted By Mike on Sun-17-jun-2007 || Title: Happy Fathers Day || (1 ) comments
HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD! :)
Posted By Mike on Sat-16-jun-2007 || Title: A good birthday || (0) comments
I woke up this morning to singing and a specialty birthday cake. After eating cake in bed, I then got 38 pats on the butt from everyone in the house. I then opened Paige's present to me. A pirate ship! I wanted a fishing boat. Instead, here is a picture of me in the bathtub with my present. I then opened August's present to me. She just happened to know that I like Justin Temberlake [photo of CD]. Aaron got my a Sudoku game. Here is a picture of Aaron and I playing the game. Lastly, Anne gave me some cool Cubs pajamas :) Here is a picture of me in the kitchen with them holding the last of the cake. Mom and Dad called me and I opened my gifts from them while they were on the phone. I got sheet music and a tuner. The tuner is light years more advance than the last one I had. Not only does it recognize single strings, but will recognize whole chords when strummed. I finally got my dulcimer [photo of tuner] tuned and played with it. Later the Gibson gang all went to Clinton to eat at the Three Star Restaurant with Amy and Mark. I got a 'Computer Genius' coffee mug and Carlos Santana's Music CD, Cologne, and deodorant. Here is a picture of Amy and I at the Restaurant. Next, Anne, the kids and I went to Weldon Springs. The park was very busy so we went home and all got our swim suites on and went to McGraw park for some water fun.
Posted By Mike on Fri-15-jun-2007 || Title: A song for someone || (0) comments
I was never a fan of Pink. Just thought she was so so. Today I stumbled on this song on a glass artist's site and thought it was fairly cool :)
Here is the video
Apparently Pink dose not like Bush.
Posted By Mike on Tue-12-jun-2007 || Title: While we were gone || (0) comments
Here are some more scaled down photos (originally 1280 pixels wide - now 400 pixels wide) from my camera phone taken while we were away on vacation.
Photo of Paige playing at the water park
Photo of the baseball game at Wrigley Field. Cubs beat Atlanta braves 10-1.
Photo of Anne after the game standing out side of Wrigley Field by the statue of Harry.
Photo of Paige and August at the top of the Arch in St. Louis.
Photo of Aaron, August, Paige, and Anne outside by the Arch.
Photo of Anne, August, Aaron, and Paige walking away from the Arch.
Photo of August and Paige playing with a brass king cobra and her eggs at the St. Louis Zoo.
Posted By Mike on Thu-07-jun-2007 || Title: Taking a break on the honey moon || (0) comments
Photo of Anne at the ball game. Cubs win on her birthday!
Photo of something Anne and I found humorous. Chicago Cop parks and leaves car not only in a no parking zone, but in front of a hydrant.
Photo of Anne at the Old Chicago Inn on Day 2.
Photo of me on Michigan Ave by a rare R2D2 Mail Box.
Photo of us saying bye Wrigley Field....
*Many* more photos will be posted in photo area.
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