Something I really enjoy about my "Apple" computer is the ability to compose music, make ring tones and work with photographs. (I know you can do this on a PC, but I never learned how to effectively do it for some reason. Also, the Apple training is superb and I must learn will with the ability to have a short 1 to 1 instruction session.
One of my favorite programs is "Garage Band" where I can compose music, make ring tones and just overall have fun. I even bought a keyboard (it works only for electronic music) and I wish I had paid more attention when my parents tried to teach me to play piano!
I especially have fun with slide shows and ring tones. One of my hobbies is making ring tones our of national anthems. While the American Anthem will always be the best to me, I also find the France and Canada national anthem especially stirring (especially when I see the France national anthem scene in "Casablanca").
I have to admit, I was kind of surprised when I saw the English lyrics to the France national anthem. Perhaps it doesn't interpret good, which may be why it is the France national anthem!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 27, 1997
Twelve years ago today I learned of my Mom's death. I think a parents death is something you always expect won't happen until it does.
September 27, 1997 was a Sunday, like September 27, 2009 and both days were cool and sunny, although I am now in Lakeland, Tennessee.
My Mom has spent Saturday calling her children (all seven of us) and many friends and relatives, so she apparently sensed what was to happen. She had called me and left a message, but when I called back she didn't answer the phone, so I assumed she was asleep and didn't hear the phone. When I called back the next morning and received no answer (well before she normally went to Church), I wasn't surprised to receive the phone call advising me of her death.
Time seems to be suspended in such times, as we went to Kansas and gathered with my brothers and sisters to take care of what needed to be done.
I always thought my Mom would have enjoyed the services. The day was sunny, and the preacher had taken the time to visit with us about her life and our memories, both happy, sad and funny about her life. After the services, there was a lunch and gathering at the Soldier, Kansas hall. My Mom joined my Dad, and her Mother and Father at the Soldier Cemetery.
Soldier, Kansas is one of those unique small towns where, in spite of a population that can't be more than 200 people (the 2000 Census was 122 and I don't really expect it has grown any in the actual City limits) in the actual town, the entire area contributes as a community to maintain a sense of community. Soldier, Kansas has a very well maintained Cemetery, a well maintained City Park and a community center where community groups provide lunch on Memorial Day every year and also for, as in the case of my Mom, relatives and friends attending funeral services and other events.
I remember how happy my Mom was that all seven of us children were able to be together shortly before her death. I am also glad that Aliene had the opportunity to get to know my Mom and my Mom got the opportunity to know her. She was able to attend our wedding and she was very pleased we were getting married.
Reflecting on the last 12 years, I am amazed at how fast 12 years passes. Major life events remind of one of my favorite sayings "The World without End is Ending". Sometimes (even though you know different) you think something will never change, and then it does.
September 27, 1997 was a Sunday, like September 27, 2009 and both days were cool and sunny, although I am now in Lakeland, Tennessee.
My Mom has spent Saturday calling her children (all seven of us) and many friends and relatives, so she apparently sensed what was to happen. She had called me and left a message, but when I called back she didn't answer the phone, so I assumed she was asleep and didn't hear the phone. When I called back the next morning and received no answer (well before she normally went to Church), I wasn't surprised to receive the phone call advising me of her death.
Time seems to be suspended in such times, as we went to Kansas and gathered with my brothers and sisters to take care of what needed to be done.
I always thought my Mom would have enjoyed the services. The day was sunny, and the preacher had taken the time to visit with us about her life and our memories, both happy, sad and funny about her life. After the services, there was a lunch and gathering at the Soldier, Kansas hall. My Mom joined my Dad, and her Mother and Father at the Soldier Cemetery.
Soldier, Kansas is one of those unique small towns where, in spite of a population that can't be more than 200 people (the 2000 Census was 122 and I don't really expect it has grown any in the actual City limits) in the actual town, the entire area contributes as a community to maintain a sense of community. Soldier, Kansas has a very well maintained Cemetery, a well maintained City Park and a community center where community groups provide lunch on Memorial Day every year and also for, as in the case of my Mom, relatives and friends attending funeral services and other events.
I remember how happy my Mom was that all seven of us children were able to be together shortly before her death. I am also glad that Aliene had the opportunity to get to know my Mom and my Mom got the opportunity to know her. She was able to attend our wedding and she was very pleased we were getting married.
Reflecting on the last 12 years, I am amazed at how fast 12 years passes. Major life events remind of one of my favorite sayings "The World without End is Ending". Sometimes (even though you know different) you think something will never change, and then it does.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
The End of Summer 2009
Labor Day officially marks the "end of summer". Fortunately, in Lakeland the summer lasts a bit more than some places!
I like Labor Day, except it means the winter must follow before summer arrives again! A year ago (or at least on Labor Day 2008) I fell on my bike, although not much was hurt except my pride and a few scrapes on my knees and arms.
I got a new bird feeder and am amazed that, for some reason, the yellow birds have now taken over they feeder. They eat an amazing amount of bird food. There are a few other birds, but the woodpecker, the squirrels and the doves no longer hand around the bird feeder. (I still bring it in at night so the possum or raccoon or whatever cannot get to it.)
Aliene is still hurting, it has been a long time since February 11 when this all started. She is more than ready for something to happen. She is taking another test this week (more extensive than an MRI) and I fully expect she will have to have another operation. However, if it will end the continual pain, she is more than ready for it. It really hurts to watch her in so much pain all the time.
I have had a "cold" for the past week, just bad enough that I can't walk or bike. It is improving and is almost gone today. I never realize how much I miss my walk and bike rides until I can't do them. They give me a chance to reflect and think.
I like 3-day weekends. I always plan to get so much done, and I normally (make that never) get everything completed I think I will get done, but at least I usually get something done!
I like Labor Day, except it means the winter must follow before summer arrives again! A year ago (or at least on Labor Day 2008) I fell on my bike, although not much was hurt except my pride and a few scrapes on my knees and arms.
I got a new bird feeder and am amazed that, for some reason, the yellow birds have now taken over they feeder. They eat an amazing amount of bird food. There are a few other birds, but the woodpecker, the squirrels and the doves no longer hand around the bird feeder. (I still bring it in at night so the possum or raccoon or whatever cannot get to it.)
Aliene is still hurting, it has been a long time since February 11 when this all started. She is more than ready for something to happen. She is taking another test this week (more extensive than an MRI) and I fully expect she will have to have another operation. However, if it will end the continual pain, she is more than ready for it. It really hurts to watch her in so much pain all the time.
I have had a "cold" for the past week, just bad enough that I can't walk or bike. It is improving and is almost gone today. I never realize how much I miss my walk and bike rides until I can't do them. They give me a chance to reflect and think.
I like 3-day weekends. I always plan to get so much done, and I normally (make that never) get everything completed I think I will get done, but at least I usually get something done!
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