Does he look like he would really chew something up???

Our soldier is coming home!!!

Harley's Chew Toys

Harley - our 16month old Lab has a chewing habit and here are 3 of his prizes - the remote, sunglasses and cell phone. I guess that he went inside and didn't need the sunglasses any longer, and then the TV was not on the right channel and the cell phone wouldn't quit ringing.....Actually the cell phone was munched back in May, but the sunglasses and remote are recent victims! I guess we should feed him more!!!

Charley's Harley

We got a call today and Charlie will be coming home in about a week!!! To say we were excited would make you a Master of Understatement! Everyday he has been in Baghdad, Linda and I have been "way past nervous". We have watched the TV and read the newspapers and seen the tears of the parents that could only cry over a casket that had brought their child back to them. We cried with them. We hurt for them. We are so blessed to look forward to a big hug and smile. I do not have the ability to describe these feelings in words that would express their meaning. So now we have another homecoming and joy to celebrate! We look forward to more rides together and just the simple peace that no one is trying to kill him now!

Gone but never forgotten...

The Lightning placed what is considered by most Tampa fans as "the Heart & Soul of the Lightning" on waivers yesterday... meaning the 42 year old veterans career is seemingly over.


Gary Shelton of The St. Petersburg Times put it best...

There should have been banners.
There should have been bells.
On the day the captain left the ship, there should have been videos dancing on the scoreboard, a greatest hits compilation of the greatest leader in franchise history.
The crowd should have made a little noise on its way to saying goodbye.
There should have been tributes.
There should have been tears.
Old teammates should have been there, telling all the old stories, reliving all the old scars.
Someone should have presented him with a golden hockey stick. Then the team should have retired his jersey, attached cables to it and hauled it toward the ceiling to hang alongside the Stanley Cup banner.
There should have been applause.
There should have been appreciation.
Then someone should have brought out the Stanley Cup from behind a curtain, all over again, and Dave Andreychuk should have lifted it toward the heavens, repeating that image burned into your memory bank. Andreychuk should have turned and skated around the ice, one more time, as his emotions washed across him.

There should have been gratitude.

There should have been goodbyes...

Good news

Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!

Anne Frank

DAILY THOUGHTS

Warning Signs
Paying Attention To Red Flags

Just as the universe wants to provide for our needs, it also seeks to protect us from dangerous situations, destructive relationships, and even minor inconveniences. Frequently in our lives, perhaps everyday, we encounter psychic red flags warning us of potential problems or accidents. We may not always recognize the signs. However, more often than not, we may choose to ignore our intuition when it tells us that "something just isn't right." Red flags often come in the form of feelings urging us to pause for a moment, listen to our intuition, and reconsider. We may even experience a "bad" feeling in our bellies. This is a red flag letting us know that there may be a problem. We may not even know what the red flag is about. All we know is that the universe is trying to wave us in a different direction. We just have to pay attention and go another way. We may even wonder whether we are paranoid or imagining things. However, when we look back at a situation or relationship where there were red flags, it becomes easy to understand exactly what those warning signs meant. More often than not, a red flag is not a false warning. Rather, it is the universe's way of informing us, through our own innate guidance system, that our path best lies elsewhere. We may try to ignore the red flags waving our way, dismissing our unease as illogical. Yet it is always in our best interest to pay attention to them. For example, we may meet someone who outwardly seems perfect. They are intelligent, attractive, and charming. Yet, for some reason, being around them makes us feel uneasy. Any interactions we have with them are awkward and leave us feeling like there is something "off" about the situation. This is not necessarily a bad person. But, for some reason, the universe is directing us away from them. Red flags are intended with our best interests at heart. No harm can ever come from stopping long enough to heed a red flag. Pay attention to any red flags that pop up. The universe is always looking out for you.

Longhorns claim National Championship!

TEXAS BEATS USC!!!!!!!!!!

Vince Young gave us all a night to remember as he leads the Longhorns to a 3 point victory over 2 time champion USC! It was the most spectacular performance I have seen in years! Trailing by 11 with 6 minutes to go, Vince Young led Texas to 2 scores and personally added the 2 point conversion to end USC's 34 game win streak. Young ended the night with 267 yards passing, 200 yards rushing, 3 rushing TDs and the 2 pointy conversion - what a game! The contest wasn't decided until the end of game and was truly befitting all the build up. Thanks for the show guys! 

BUCS 27, SAINTS 13

Bucs clinch division title


Joey Galloway caught his ninth and 10th touchdown passes to set a franchise season record, and the Bucs to clinched their first NFC South title in three years. 

2006!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May 2006 be the year of your dreams!
I wish all the very best in health, happiness and prosperity.

Carpe Diem!








peace out from LaLaLand

Here we are!!!

LaLaLand’s GPS coordinates

latitude 27.904, longitude -82.514

Unlike Margaritaville - where in JBs own words - is anywhere you want it to be, LaLaLand is real and this where we are located. This is where we live among the tropical breezes, palm trees and sunsets to die for.

DOGS LIVE HERE

DOGS LIVE HERE!



If you don’t want to be greeted by paws and swinging tails,
Don’t come inside -- because dogs live here…

If loose hair that doesn’t match your clothing or furniture bothers you,
Don’t come inside -- because dogs live here…

If you don’t like the feel of a cold nose or a wet tongue,
Don’t come inside – because dogs live here…

If you don’t want to step over many scattered toys,
Don’t come inside – because dogs live here…

But if you don’t mind all of this…
You will be instantly loved when you come inside
Because dogs live here.

2 Kinds of People

Which Are You?

Ella Wheeler Wilcox


There are two kinds of people on earth to-day;
Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the sinner and saint, for it's well understood,
The good are half bad, and the bad are half good.

Not the rich and the poor, for to rate a man's wealth,
You must first know the state of his conscience and health.

Not the humble and proud, for in life's little span,
Who puts on vain airs, is not counted a man.

Not the happy and sad, for the swift flying years
Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears.

No; the two kinds of people on earth I mean,
Are the people who lift, and the people who lean.

Wherever you go, you will find the earth's masses,
Are always divided in just these two classes.

And oddly enough, you will find too, I ween,
There's only one lifter to twenty who lean.

In which class are you? Are you easing the load,
Of overtaxed lifters, who toil down the road?

Or are you a leaner, who lets others share
Your portion of labor, and worry and care

Tune In!

Courtney tuned in this Chritmas with her
new iPod nano!

Harley Christmas 2005 16 months old

Linda's new toy!

 

NIKON D50

My new camera! Santa bought me a new SLR digital camera this year! Courtney and Charlie added a 70-300mm zoom lens. Dad is a happy camper with this new toy.

Hey There!

December 2005!!!

It's been an awesome year and looks like it's coming to a peaceful end! It's Christmas Eve Eve aka December 23 and LaLaLand is ready for Santa and all the magic and excitement that comes with this time of year. We will miss Charlie - but he is always here in our hearts - as he spends Christmas 2005 in Baghdad. Courtney has had a blessed year and she will be here ( and around ) for Christmas. Having 2 such wonderful people as children makes our hearts ache this morning.....
We have listened and watched over night as the stories have been retold of a terrible tragedy here in Tampa. James Dungy died yesterday morning. James was the 18 year old son of Tony Dungy, the beloved coach and role model. Tony has a great faith in God and has lived a life committed to his family. We can feel his pain... My thoughts go back to April 1995 when Jerry Genung died. There is no reasoning, no depth to the indescribable pain and hope seems to die for a while. I am thankful that Tony has leaned on God his whole life, so he will know where to take his pain in this most difficult of times. It makes me thankful - AGAIN - for the 2 that I have shared my life with!!!!
Linda got an early Christmas present this year - she traded her 97' Mustang in on a new, 2006 model. Black with black leather interior and every option they make. It's a beautiful car and she is VERY happy with her new ride.
The pups are still growing and both have turned into beautiful animals. They both crave attention and exercise - which is good for the people too!
Neat times, things and people of 2005;
Fishin' Steve - my buddy and fishing partner
Charley Roberts - my buddy
Tail of the Dragon - my new addiction
My Road King - my escape
Linda, Charlie and Courtney - my heart, my very being....
Tom/Joan - my brother and new riding buddy
My computer - I still get to learn!!!!!!
Crab Shack - my hole in the wall
My dogs - my love
My Dad - my model
Phoenix Metals - my busy
Killboy - the Dragon photog, keeping me in touch with my dreams weekly
The Dog Whisperer
GATORS 34 FSU 7
Tom's great surprise in May
The North Carolina/Tennesse vacation of 05'
The Genungs
Some great customers
Dedicated co-workers



I am especially thankful at the overwhelming human response to the natural (and unnatural) tragedies of 2005. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita left lifelong images that most of us will never forget - but the response from the caring people of our country was far greater than the destruction. The dawn comes right after the darkest hours...

Merry Christmas

Until next time - peace out from Ben

RIDING THE DRAGON 

Where do you want to be?

WELL - where do you want to be - now? In the Bahamas, Jamacia, California? Where can you smell - like you are already there? Where can see the sights in your mind? Think about it!!!! Me? I would like to be on my favorite stretch of road on the North Carolina/Tennessee border - US129. I can see the cabin, smell the fireplace and sense the freshness in the air. I can feel my bike below me as I float through the 318 curves in 11 miles - I can feel myself leaning while I write this in anticipation of the next turn. I hear the beautiful southern accents of the people we interact with and see their smiles! YUP - give me the mountains! The change of colors and all that goes with it! Take me to The Dragon!

Fall on The Dragon 

BUCS win a big one!

Our Tampa Bay Bucs took a step toward becoming a contender yesterday! The line gave our young QB, Chris Simms, time and he lived up to the potential tag that has followed him his whole life. The Defense played well and had interceptions, sacks and rushes all day long. Simms drove the team over 60 yards in less than a minute and then the "A Train" plowed over on a gutsy 2 point conversion. All of Tampa Bay will be stepping lively today! GO BUCS!!!!

Bucs win a big one!

Harley 1 year old!!!

Charlie Baghdad July 05 

Linda, Bill and Chris Thanksgiving 2004

Court and Sam 

Charlie back shot in Iraq 

TIME FLYS ON

NOVEMBER 2005 - Here we are, 3 months since my last rambling and it seems like years have past. Courtney turned 23 in August and took a trip to Las Vegas and Little Rock in September. She went to Las Vegas with Molly (who had just returned from her 2nd tour in Iraq) and Lanie - the old crew rides again!!! Then she flew to Little Rock see Sam, her heart throb.... Charlie has been in Baghdad now for over 5 months and hopes to come home the end of January - it seems like an eternity while he is there! Thank God for IM, we get to talk to Charlie regularly and that keeps us only mildly insane with worry. The pups have both had their 1st birthday and are absolutely beautiful! Jake is still hopping along and seems as happy as ever. Katrina made a mess of the Gulf Coast and the people in New Orleans had a terribly hard time. The amount of destruction we have seen in the last 2 years has been overwhelming and many seem to think THE END is near. With the destruction comes the human response and in every case the compassion and outpouring of kindness shows that our Creator still influences a lot of His people down here! Linda has adjusted to her new owners - as she has countless times throughout the years - and has kept Sunpointe churning on all 8 cylinders. She is like a little hurricane! Brother Bill has had the toughest time! He had 2 knee replacements in September and since then has had the battle of his life. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, small vessel disease and the doctors feel he had multiple mini strokes! Then one of the knees got infected and they had to go in and take out all the new parts, clean them up and put him back together. He is finally at home and in a little less pain, but still needs all our prayers!!!! Steve retired in September and has bought a camera shop in Brandon and TIME FLYS ON!!!!!

People

When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bustling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity. (Dale Carnegie)

That pretty well sums it up.....

JDM

FIRSTS

Firsts - we all go thorugh many first times in our lives. Some are good, some are not so good... Some create life long memories, some create minor distractions and some impact your life dramatically. Charlie recently encountered a first meeting with death while on a short mission in Irag. He has responded well... Every situation, problem or first is as good or bad as how we react to it. You can be called an ass and hug the person or slap the person - it's all in how you choose to respond. Where does your mindset take you? Is your glass half full or half empty? Will you choose to live a life of anger or peace?

Jerry out from LaLaLand

Charlie New Years Day 2005 South Korea 

2 Kinds of People

Which Are You?

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

There are two kinds of people on earth today;

Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the sinner and saint, for it's well understood,

The good are half bad, and the bad are half good.

Not the rich and the poor, for to rate a man's wealth,

You must first know the state of his conscience and health.

Not the humble and proud, for in life's little span,

Who puts on vain airs, is not counted a man.

Not the happy and sad, for the swift flying years

Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears.

No; the two kinds of people on earth I mean,

Are the people who lift, and the people who lean.

Wherever you go, you will find the earth's masses,

Are always divided in just these two classes.

And oddly enough, you will find too, I ween,

There's only one lifter to twenty who lean.

In which class are you? Are you easing the load,

Of overtaxed lifters, who toil down the road?

Or are you a leaner, who lets others share

Your portion of labor, and worry and care

Mid-Summer in LaLaLand

Mid-summer update

August 2005 - and it's a hot summer, hotter than I can ever remember - but on we go! The Genungs are here for their annual visit and look great and Dylan is almost as tall as Bob. Courtney has met a new heart throb from Little Rock and seems more excited than I've ever seen her. More on her and Sam to come....Charlie has been in Iraq for 2 months now and we talk with him on IM several times a week. He is doing great, staying safe, eating good and working out everyday. Linda's property has been sold and she will have new owners next month - about the same time as last year. The pups are growing and are more beautiful each day. Obie gave us a scare last month with multiple trips to the vet and emergency clinic for urinary tract problems - hopefully he is almost back to his old self. We painted the dining room and the back bathroom and I used the new pressure washer on the deck - so we have been trying to clean the old place up. I remain thankful for all that I have in my life and excited about what is around the next bend!

Fathers Day

FATHER'S DAY 2005

Father's Day 2005 was an awesome one for me!
But, I have told many people on many occassions
that it is Father's Day for me EVERYDAY! I truly
believe that one does not knowwhat love is until
you have children. I have been blessed with the
2 best ever! Linda wasvery sweet all weekend and
wanted me to have a great Father's Day. Courtney
came over early to go to breakfast with us and brought
2 cards - 1 from her and 1 from all the critters. The 1
from the critters was "signed" by all the dogs, cats and
birds and included Steve Yerrid's tickets to the Devil Rays
for Father's Day! COOL! So Linda and I went to the game
and acted like the rich people - pigged out on the free food
and sat right behind home plate and was waited on as long
as we stayed. Of course I missed seeing or hearing from
Charlie, but he is always on my mind and he emailed me
early Monday and then called me Monday afternoon from
Iraq - cool - huh??? All's well with the 2 best children ever!

The Road King

The Road King

My Trusty Ride

My 2002 Harley Road King has brought miles of smiles and joy! My trusty friend has been with me for 3 years now and has carried me through the roads of Florida, the mountains of Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina. Never a problem, the King has been my faithful and favorite transport - not only down the roads, but has allowed my spirit to escape the ties to the mundane and let me exist where "now and here" are all that matter! I have never named this ironhorse because I have never found a name I considered worthy of my buddy - I shall endeavor to do just that. This is my 1st Harley and I don't know where my timeline will take me, but this bike will always be very SPECIAL to me. On our most recent adventure we encountered "the Dragon" in the hills of Tennessee and my steady ride carried me through on multiple runs with ease and grace. Whenever I am on this partner of mine I feel more alive, invigorated and free! I'll ride til I can't get on anymore.....

Word from Iraq

Charlie flew out on June 6 and we got email on the 8th - all is well, palace is "unreal and very secure". We were glad to hear so quickly. Monday night have left us with a very strange feeling when he called prior to boarding the plane. Our hearts were numb in our throats. Hurry Home Son!

Court & Charlie 

Mom and Charlie 

Come Home Soon Son!!!

Memorial Day was the worst!
The weekend had started out great! Charlie came in Thursday night and we all got to go on a 140 mile ride on Saturday - The were 7 Moores on 4 motorcycles and we had a ball. Charlie got to see some of his old friends and we got some more recuperation from the vacation. On Monday Courtney and Charlie went to the movies and we met them for lunch at PF Changs - it was awesome!
THEN came the dreaded trip to the airport..... My whole life I have tried to always protect my kids, sometimes OVERprotective! Now here we were putting him on a plane and he would be headed for Iraq and the war. I had known it would be tough, but it totally drained Linda and I of anything we had in us. I tried not to show Charlie my fears, but Mom was losing it fast and her son was fighting back the tears. We left the airport in absolute silence and I felt like someone had taken most of my stomach out. I know I don't have the words to describe this and only those who have been through the same can realize the shear fear at a time like this. I'm sure that not 1 minute will pass that I don't anguish over this until he gets back! I thank God every day for the wonderful family He has blessed me with and Charlie and I have always had a special relationship. I love and admire him!
Come home soon Son!!!!!!!