Ah... Christmas

Christmas seemed to go in a blur. We were in pretty good shape considering all that there was to do, but, we were still busy. Busy. Saturday morning I left for Lansing at about 6:40 AM to complete a Christmas gift for my mom. I got back late in the afternoon and we went caroling with friends. That was great. Sunday, we did the whirlwind clean on the house so that we could celebreat Christmas with my aunt Sue. She's my favorite aunt. She, her boyfriend, and my mom all came to the Christmas Eve service with us at church, and then we went out for Chinese afterwards. Eating Chinese on Christmas Eve has become a weird tradition for us.

Christmas morning the kids slept in. They have never ever been early risers for Christmas. We read the Christmas story, open gifts, ate coffee cake that we made together as a family. Then, we were off to preparing for more company. Jean made a sweet looking, and tasting, apple pie for dinner, as well as a mint chocolate chip pie. When the chores were done, Sam and I went across the street to the school to launch his glider.

Then, the company came. Jean's mom and dad, and my mom. After visiting with them for a bit, Sam and I fixed a plateful of goodies for snack, then went downstairs to play video games. That time with Sam was the best part of my entire holiday. Just being. Hanging with him. Not having to do anything to prepare, not having to entertain anyone. Just enjoying being Sam's dad.

Afer about an hour, nearly the entire extended family was downstairs. Shalom felt shattered. The rest of the night was good, too. But, not the same as being able to just "be" with my immediate family.

Most of my friends have jobs in ministry or industry where they have this week off. What I wouldn't give to have this week off. To just "be" with Jean, Sam, and Alina.

Strength

I received this story of adventure from one of the Adventure Racing e-groups I belong to. So powerful.

Some of you may have heard about Danelle and her accident. I just spoke with Gary, her dad, and got some details. She is okay, but is in pain and has a long recovery ahead of her.

Danelle was trail running with her dog Taz in Moab and took a fall on black ice near the Amasaback trail. She broke her pelvix and was basically immobilized. Some lucky factors came into place for her though, as she was where someone wouldn't normally go. She had a couple of gels and some water and was able to get to a puddle for more hydration. Her neighbor called Gary when she happened to notice thelights on at Danelle's house and Gary called the Moab police. Rescuers found her truck immediately but not her. They searched for her on foot and ATV's and came closr to not immediately finding her. Danelle ended up spending two nights out in sub zero temperatures and was found on the third day by rescuers who were led to Nellie by Taz. She came close to spending a third night out, which Gary thinks may have been the end of her.

She was transported to Grand Junction and is now at Denver General Hospital, where she will have surgery on Tuesday.

Obviously, the positive side is that she is okay and alive, but Gary says it will be a long emotional, physical, and financial recovery. She may need help down the road in many ways, so keep your ears open and feel free send a card, give a call, etc. The hardest part may be after surgery when she needs friends most.

I hope you are all well.
Dave

A Good Tired

It has been a long week, but a good week. A good good week. Monday morning we returned from St. Louis, and I got to go to work just for the afternoon. Monday night Jean had an eye appointment and I spent time with Sam and Alina.

Tuesday night was orienteering. It was the greatest one to date. The course rocked. Better yet, our worship time and small group time was awesome. I hate the phrase, "God showed up" because God is always present. Sometimes, we are allowed to see his presence. His presence was seen in each of the groups Tuesday. Guys are hungering for a deep, true, relationship with Him. Not just a religious empty relationship, but one that moves the heart into motion and life.

Wednesday was my late day at work. Which is never great.

Last night was our First Thursday run through with the men's ministry leaders for this event. It gave me goose bumps watching the movie. We previewed the movie for our kick off next Thursday. But, it was more than the movie itself. It was being with guys who have passion. More than that, it was being with a God who has passion for those he came to rescue. Those He desires to breathe the breath of life into so that they might become alive, a livng soul.

Tonight is set up for the Porn and Pancakes event at church. The event is sold out. Guys want to be rescued and to help rescue others from what seemingly is like an odorless gas, that slowly kills without being recognized.

The best part of the week, though, were the moments I had with Jean, and Sam, and Alina. Though the week was busy, time with them was enjoyed. Time just being able to listen to Jean's heart and her joys and hopes, as well as hold some of the burdens that weighed on her. She is so tender. As she talks it is as if the tenderness of her heart flows through her eyes. Wow I love her. The thing I love most, possibly, is that she doesn't have to try. She just oozes beauty naturally. She is not a pretender. She is real and tender femininity.

People Are Always Asking Me If I Know Tyler Durden

No, But I know Kevin Baker.

So Beautiful!

Where Meriwether Walked

Walking downtwon St. Louis Sunday afternoon I couldn't help but think that this is the soil that Meriwether Lewis walked before he, William Clark, and a crew of men embarked for the greatest adventure ever.

Seeing Old Friends

John and I have been friends for a long, long time. We have hiked Canada together and the Rockies together. We spent most of our free time together. Leadership team, music, talking trips, playing volleyball, and on the list could go. He went with me to pick up Jean's engagement ring the day that I proposed to her, then on the way back he prayed for me. We were in each others' weddings. He was my best man in our wedding.

Over the weekend we were specially invited to come surprise him for his 40th birthday. It was priceless. We arrived while they were at the store. We waited for them on their front porch. He was so shocked that we came all that way just to see him. It was good to see him. To hear about the journey he is on. It was good to laugh and remember and tell new stories together. It was also good to make that John smirk return to his face, and restore the twinkle in his eye that I hadn't seen during the past few visits. It was good to see my friend, and honor him.

A Place For the Books

In my home office I had these two white bookcases along one wall. One was tall, one was short. Together, they couldn't hold all of the books I like to keep at my fingertips. The important ones. The not so important ones. The ones that I like to pull quotes from, or suggest for others to read. So I built the mother of all bookshelves. I put the last coat of stain on it just before we left for St. Louis. Monday night I began filling it. I have pulled out books that were demoted to being placed in boxes in the basement. And, there is still room for more. For now...

So, Boot Camp...

Boot camp was awesome. The setting was breathtaking. The facilities were rustically first class. The sessions were full of heart healing material. And getting to be there with Kevin was sweet. We enjoyed life together as we always do together. It was good to go even deeper in sharing our stories.

I had thought everything was healed in me. I thought I was at Boot Camp just to learn and glean, and take something back for the other men that I have the honor of caring for. God had other ideas...

Friday I met a man in who always sat in our row whose name is Les. He asked me a lot of questions. He asked about my kids. Saturday morning he came in to session and said that I had been on his heart. He said that reason for my kids' names was moving, and the little I shared about my dad was moving, that my story was similar to his. He wanted to get together and hear my entire story. We agreed to meet after lunch.

When we got together he said, "Ed. I want to be up front with you. I am on the Intercessor team. Normally we aren't supposed to approach people. People are supposed to approach us. But, God has really laid you on my heart." That was cool. I had no problem with that. I proceeded to tell him my story.

At the end, he honestly said, "Ed. I think you need to repent. I don't think you like that little boy that you were." I told him that he was probably right.

I left our time together and walked up the mountain. During my walk I asked God to reveal to me what may have happened, who may have wounded me to the point where I didn't like that little boy. All I could think of was my Grandma. She was a mean woman who seemed like she didn't know how to love. I knew that my Grandma didn't know any better. That didn't seem to be the cause.

I found a spot just up passed the horse coral. I laid in the sun and just kept praying for God to reveal scenes from my childhood as to what may have happened to cause me not to love that little boy. He brought to mind a picture of me when I was 2, dressed up as a clown for halloween. I smiled at the memory of that picture, and thought, "What a cute kid!"

I continued to ask God to reveal. He did. He brought to mind a time when I was 4. A scene from my life I remember well, but never gave much value to for its power in my overall story. I was with my dad and one of his buddies at the mall Christmas shopping. My dad said, "You better behave yourself or I am taking you to your Grandma's." I made sure I was on my best behavior. He said it again. I wondered what I was doing wrong. I thought I was being good. I kept trying as hard as I could. My dad said, "Okay. I am calling Grandma." He called her from a pay phone and then took me over there. I remember him pulling away. My Grandma said, "Really, he just wants to go Christmas shopping for you." That never sunk in. Maybe he did, or maybe he just wanted to go to the bar with his buddy. The memory that stuck with me is, "I can't do anything good enough for my dad to want to hang out with me." That thought attached itself to me and I carried it with me. Always.

God met me and healed me. Jesus assured me that I was good enough. He died for me. Satan did his best to tell me, "You're nothing special, Jesus died for everyone." True. He did. But, Jesus reminded me that I was an heir of The Father. It was a time of healing. Good Good.



So. Last week. God whispers, "Where is your voice?" Huh? It is like when He said to Adam in the Garden, "Where are you?" God knew where Adam was, and He knows where my voice is. But, He wanted me to find where my voice is. I knew what He was getting at. He wants deeper conversations with me. And, not just partial thought blips to him. Complete conversation, and out loud. He wants to hear my voice cry out to him. But, part of this journey of His question was to understand why I had no voice. After several days, He reminded me of what time was like with my dad. As a little boy, I would go for rides with my dad. After 20 minutes, the rest of our time was silent. Even as I got older, after my parents' divorce, I would ride with him up to his cottage at Houghton Lake. All of our conversation took place in the first hour of the two hour drive up there. And, that was pretty much all of the conversation that would take place for the weekend. God was telling me, unlike my dad, He wants to hear me. He desires me to cry out the deep things of my heart. It has been good to do.

But, this voice has not just been for my freedom. It has been for Jean's as well. This week I was able to unsheath my sword and pray on her behalf with my hand on her heart with passion for Satan and the spirit of inadequacy to leave Jean, and for Jesus to fill her with His love and to affirm in her that Jesus has made her beautifully.

Math, Wrist Rockets, Spit Wads, and Capture the Flag

Last night was fun. Sam and I got our wrist rockets and out and played capture the flag. Inside. Instead of using paint balls, we used spit wads. It was SO fun! I haven't seen Sam get so into something for weeks. The strategy, the ambush, the hunt. He loved it. I loved it. It was great. Jean and Alina even got in on the action. Jean kept Sam supplied with amo. Alina followed me around looking beautiful. Sometime she put Sam's red face mask on to be Spider-Man. Sam's teacher wants Sam to continue practicing counting backwards from 20. So, to start the game, Jean had Sam start counting backwards from 20. At zero, he came gunning for me. A good, good night.

Almost Governor

Howard is my friend. Howard is a great man. Unfortunately, I had to give him condolences this morning for not being elected Governor of Michigan. Let me explain...

Yesterday morning I had to leave the house early for a breakfast meeting. Yesterday was also election day. I set out Jean's voter registration card for her on her computer before I left. Later in the morning Sam found it and asked Jean what it was for. Jean explained it was so that she could vote, like for the Governor. Sam replied, "You mean like for Howard?"

Howard would be a good Governor. He is a good, good man. Maybe in 2010 my friend!

The Biggest Stuffed Animal

On Monday nights Jean has Bible Study with her ladies. For me, it is a fun night with the kids. Pillow fights, stories, games, slay the dragon, all sorts of wild fun.

Last night Sam and Alina got to stay up a little later than they normally do. Alina fell right to sleep. Sam came downstairs to tell me that his Polar Express CD was making a funny noise. He watched a couple of possessions of Monday Night Football with me. I knew he was passed tired. He didn't want to go upstairs alone. He is at a point in his age where he will usually go back to bed by himself. Sometimes it takes a small amount of coaxing. Last night he needed a bit more coaxing. I convinced him that Alina was there, and that there were plenty of lights on. He wanted to go sleep in Alina's bed, which he has never done before. I told him he needed to fall asleep in his own bed, especially because his room had a lamp on, and Alina's didn't.

When Jean got home she woke me up on the couch and told me that I needed to come see what was in Alina's bed. The big lump in her bed didn't phase me at first because she always puts lots of things in her bed to sleep with. Then I realized it was Sam. His bunny is on her head in the picture. I picked him up to carry him to bed and he was talking in his sleep the entire time.

Handing Out Pork Rinds for Halloween Treats

My friend Kevin gave me this cartoon clipping. He and I have shared some good talks over a bag of pork rinds. In his defense, after a bad sinus infection he can barely taste. Tuesday, Halloween, I hung out with him over a fire in his driveway while handing out candy and sharing some great conversation while Jean was en route from the Ferrai's and visiting Becky at her job at the hospital.

Just for Anne

Because Anne asked for it...

Costume Party

Halloween is a special day at my office. Not just because we get to dress up, but more importantly it gives everyone an excuse to bring in great food. If I didn't work here, I would easily drop 10 lbs. There is always food around, and at least once a month there is a potluck.

Today, since having a costume party is the excuse for bringing in food, I dressed up. I dressed up as Timothy Treadwell. The man who lived in the Alaskan wilderness for 13 summers with the grizzlies. I pretty much look like this picture, but without the live grizzly behind me. The real Timothy Treadwell did sleep with a teddy bear, and it accompanied him every summer to Alaska. I do have a teddy bear with me. Sam let me borrow his bear that he made at "Build-A-Bear," which also has an awesome roar.

Sam is batman, and Alina is a ballerina. They are adorable!

Saturday's Fun

Saturday was a windy day. Very windy. We had been invited to the Bakers' for their neighborhood's costume parade. The Bakers are trying to build relationships in their neighborhood.

We went. It was a blustery, but great parade. Jean and I know several families in their neighborhood. Some go to our church, some don't. It was a great time of conversation while walking around the 1 mile block. Neighbors that didn't participate in the parade stood out at the curb handing out candy and goodies. It was a good time.

After the parade we gathered in a neighbors' garage for cider and doughnut holes. Then, we went to the Bakers' and carved pumpkins and had dinner. Sam carved a robot pumpkin. Our kids love the Baker kids, and the Baker kids adore our kids. Of course, Jean and I love the Bakers. They are great friends.

We enjoyed ourselves until it was getting to be bed time for Sam and Alina. Kevin helped me load the pumpkins in our truck. Then, we buckled the kids in and headed home. I found a bag on the console of the truck. On the way home I opened it. There was a book by Stephen Ambrose titled Undaunted Courage. I am a huge, huge fan of Meriwether Lewis. After doing a lot of life together, Kevin gave me this book, with a very humbling inscrption thanking me for journeying with him and thanking me for allowing him to be a part of my journey. Good, good stuff.

This is Funny Because My Mom's Name is Ruth

Chris Updates

Thursday October 19
From Chris' friend Jeff: Please keep praying. Last night Chris had a blood clot pass through his heart and he went into cardiac arrest. They were able to get his heart started again. He was then stable throughout the night and he is going into surgery this morning. They are going to put a screen into his veins that should stop any clots from getting through. His biggest risk at present is blood clots. Anyhow, I will try to keep you updated as to the outcome of the surgery. God is good and in control.


Friday October 20 – AM
From Mark, to the office staff: Good morning everyone,
I just spoke with Correna and she said that Chris was doing better today. After the scare on Wednesday night all of his vital signs are now stable. His low blood platelet count has improved, his fever has gone down, and his heart rate is better. The burns on Chris's feet and toes continue to show signs of improvement. Correna remains in good spirits and she asked that I save the Grand Rapids Press sports pages because Chris will never believe that the Tigers actually made it to the World Series. I told her that I'd go one better and actually tape all of the games so that he can watch them for himself when he wakes up.

I've reminded Correna not to hesitate to give us a call if she needs anything. We have a wonderful group of people who know and love Chris and are eager to help out in any way possible. As always, keep Chris and his family in your thoughts and prayers.


Thursday October 20 PM
From Dan, to the office staff: Good afternoon,

I visited Correna late this morning only to find that Chris was in surgery for problems with his lungs. Correna had only found out about the need for this surgery this morning. Apparently Chris had something in his lungs that the doctors had though would break up on its own, but instead it seemed to get worse, and they needed to take action. The surgery involved running a scope through his throat into his lungs to break up and suction out the material. While I was there the surgery ended and the doctors reported that it was a complete success. Over the next few hours, they plan to take Chris off sedation so that he can continue his progress out of the coma.

Correna also received more good news this morning from the doctors. They said that Chris’s kidneys, which were not fully functioning, should recover on their own with no lasting problems.

Having spoken with our health insurance rep just this morning, I was able to give Correna the additional good news that except for a relatively small deductible, Humana would be covering all of Chris’s hospitalization costs.

You never really appreciate the value of good health insurance until something like this happens. Our policy says that after the individual deductible ($1,500, of which Datacomp pays 75%), 90% of hospitalization cost are covered. In Chris’s case, where his bills could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, that remaining 10% would still have been a huge financial burden for Chris’s family. Providentially, Chris himself recommended the final piece of our health plan that capped that 10% at a total of $1,000. Chris spent hours working on the details of our current plan trying to get us the best coverage we could afford. He did a terrific job!

Correna and the family are hopeful that Chris is now back on the road to recovery, and continue to appreciate our prayers on their behalf.


Tuesday October 24
From Adeana to the office staff: Hi everyone,

Betsy and I just got back from the hospital. We had a nice visit with Correna and were able to see Chris. We both were encouraged to see how well he looks. He is still on the ventilator, but he is continually taking more breaths on his own and Correna was hoping he would be off the ventilator in the next few days. He is no longer on any antibiotics and no longer has a fever. The doctors are encouraged that his lungs, heart and kidneys appear to be functioning normally. When we were there, his feet were unwrapped and looked better than we expected. New skin is growing and they continue to heal well. He has been on sedation since the middle of last week and was taken off sedation yesterday afternoon around 3pm. He should be starting to go through the process of moving around again. Correna told Chris that if he opened his eyes for her today, she would turn on the Tigers game tonight.

Please keep Chris and his family in your prayers.

Rocky Mountain High

Tomorrow I leave for WAH Boot Camp. It will be awesome. It is a time devoted to men getting their hearts back. Though I think I have my heart back, and all of the passion and adventure that makes a heart fully alive, I am sure that I will get something out of it. What I am most hoping for is a way to bring something back. Something that can be given to other guys. Guys in orienteering and guys in our church body to begin with. It has been great in our orienteering group to see leaders emerge. To see passions awaken. To see a hunger for God. To see their shackles broken and to see them realize their redemption.

– Sing with Me! –
He was born in the summer of his 27th year
Comin home to a place hed never been before
He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again
You might say he found a key for every door

When he first came to the mountains his life was far away
On the road and hangin by a song
But the strings already broken and he doesnt really care
It keeps changin fast and it dont last for long

But the colorado rocky mountain high
Ive seen it rainin fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye
Rocky mountain high (high colorado) rocky mountain high (high colorado)

He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below
He saw everything as far as you can see
And they say he got crazy once, and he tried to touch the sun
And he lost a friend but kept his memory

Now he walks in quiet solitude the forests and the streams
Seeking grace in every step he takes
His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand
The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake

And the colorado rocky mountain high
Ive seen it rainin fire in the sky
You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky mountain high (high colorado) rocky mountain high (high colorado)

Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear
Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend
Why they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more
More people, more scars upon the land

And the colorado rocky mountain high
Ive seen it rainin fire in the sky
I know hed be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly
Rocky mountain high

Its a colorado rocky mountain high
Ive seen it rainin fire in the sky
Friends around the campfire and everybodys high
Rocky mountain high (high colorado) rocky mountain high (high colorado)
Rocky mountain high (high colorado) rocky mountain high do de do

words by john denver, music by john denver and mike taylor

Chris Update

Good morning everyone,

Chris had a lot of visitors this past weekend and the doctors declared Monday a no visitor day. He was very restless all of Sunday night and they wanted him to get some rest. Chris was moved down to the 4th floor to what is called Progressive Care. Correna likes this floor better because the nurse to patient ratio is much better and Chris is getting a lot more personal attention. Chris had a minor set-back earlier with a blood clot forming in his leg and moving to his chest. The doctors put him on a blood thinner and they're waiting to see if this will solve the problem. This morning Chris is spiking a slight fever and Correna is doing her best to keep him cool and help break the fever. Before the fever hit this morning Correna said that Chris has had his eyes open quite a bit lately and he is reacting more to pain, especially when they change the dressing on his feet and suction out his breathing tube. This is good news.

Please continue to keep Correna and Chris and his whole family in your thoughts and prayers.

Note to Self

(be warned, this is a bit gross)

Note to Self – Remember to eat dinner prior to orienteering start time on Tuesdays...

I usually have dinner when I get home from orienteering. I usually get home about 10:30 after enjoying some good conversation, which comes after a good small group, which comes after a good worship time, which comes after interacting with guys as they navigate the woods for 90 minutes, which comes after 2 1/2 hours of placing control points in the woods.

Last night I rolled in about 11. The conversations and connections are getting deeper and deeper which is incredibly cool. I figured it was a bit late for dinner to settle well. I thought I could get through the night on the half glass of cream soda, elf fudge cookies, and handful after handful of "Blazin' Buffalo" flavored Doritos, "Pepper Jack" flavored Doritos, and "Nacho Cheese" flavored Doritos. This morning I woke up with a sour stomach, and I lost a few of the Doritos. Oh, believe me, I am still going to eat Doritos. I am just going to make sure there are no rumblies in my tumblies before turning in.

Monday PM Chris Update

Chris's color is improving and he has started moving his feet, which is good news. He continues to react to the voices and touches of Correna and the kids with eye flutters and small muscle movements. Tomorrow the doctors are planning on inserting a trach tube so that they can remove the air tube from his mouth. Their goal is to try and hear if Chris is making any sounds. Chris has been breathing on his own for small periods of time and if that continues to improve then the doctors can just "cap" the trach opening. Correna continues to be in good spirits and is thankful for all of our thoughts and prayers.

Board Games

Trivial Pursuit, as well as Scruples, Balderdash, Pictionary, and Yatzee, were invented in Canada. Does cold weather breed multimillion selling board games? Looks like it, eh?

Did You Know?

James Lewis Kraft, cheese genius and founding father behind the Canadian staple Kraft dinner, was born in Stevensville, Ontario?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

No Lemons, Just Sweet Potatoes

Yesterday during break I went to the secretary of state to get the a new title and new plates for the green machine. Then, I took it to Tuffy for a new muffler and battery. D & J told me that it probably needed a new battery, and definitely needed a muffler. The battery was 4 years old and the life on a battery is usually 3-5 years, so no problem. They also knew it only got a few radio stations as there was no antenna.

Tuffy is a place I have grown to trust as the only place to go for auto service. See, we have this pathfinder. The dealer couldn't figure out the rattle in the front in when we turned corners. Another mechanic couldn't either and said that everything in the front end was fine. One Saturday I took the pathfinder to Tuffy for a new exhaust system because a big chunk of sheet metal was hanging down off of the muffler. They said that it really didn't need a new muffler. It was really still in great shape. The outer sheet metal could just be pulled off. They always due a 21 point or so inspection. They did find that it needed a new ball joint in the front end. I didn't even tell them about the rattle I thought no one would ever solve. And, they found what the Nissan dealer and another mechanic never could. So, they rock.

So, I dropped the Honda off. They called me back when the battery and exhaust system were finished and they didn't report any other needed repairs. SWEET!

We picked it up, then all went to Culver's for dinner. From their I went to Meijer and got an antenna and one of my tasks for Saturday is to put it in.

On Jean's blog, she wrote a post that made it sound like we were having a baby. It was pretty funny. She said that she couldn't wait to find out if it was a boy or a girl. J told Jean that it is definitely a boy. I was sort of hoping it was a girl then I could call it Rhonda the Honda. I don't know any boys' names that ryhme with Honda. I think I am just going to call it the Sweet Potato because IT ROCKS!

Friday Afternoon's Chris Update

Chris continues to make small improvements. The movement in his eyes and major muscle groups continues to increase. He seems to be improving from the head down and appears at times to be experiencing pain, which is actually a good sign. His eyes have appeared to be fluttering in attempt to open them when his little girls talk to him (The girls smile so big when he does it, so wonderful to see the hope in their eyes). He is still in a coma, but slowly making positive improvements. He is definitely a fighter... must be from all the hockey games he has watched over the years.

The Dollar Store

You can get lots of cool things at the dollar store. Gum. Floss. Glass cleaner. Cotton swabs. Shampoo. Ramen Noodles.

We bought something way better that for a dollar! A car. Not a Hotwheels car either. A grown up car. The car is worth every penny, and then some! Friends of ours were gracious enough to sell us their car for one measley dollar. Jean was gone last night when D & J brought it over. It was J's car for a long long time. It was so sweet to see her tear up because of the sentiments and memories attached to the car. After D & J left last night the kids and I piled in and drove it up and down the driveway. It is solid and runs great. The kids love it. I love it. Jean loves it. J taught Jean to drive a stick in this car. Even though Jean has only tried driving a stick once since then, the thing Jean loves the most is the 30-40 minutes it saves not having to drive me to work in the morning and come back home, and then the 30-40 minutes it saves in the afternoon to pick me up after work.

We are humbled that someone would do this for us. Thanks for your generosity D & J!!! It was very, very kind of you. We appreciate it SO much.

A Chris Update

Chris has been taken off the ventilator for short periods of time (about 30 minutes) and he's been doing well breathing on his own. They hook him back up after a while because they don't want to tire him. Also, Chris has been moving his eyes a little bit, often in response to someone talking to him. He's not out of the coma, but these are all positive signs.

Re: A Cool Picture of My Ankle

Dale, one of the guys in our orienteering group, e-mailed me and said, "Ed, It is a little hard to feel sorry for you when we see the markers in the background that show that you obviously colored your ankle to elicit sympathy… Dale"

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!


That made me laugh!

A Cool Picture of My Ankle

I wanted to share a photo of my ankle and the beautiful hues of black, blue, and purple! Mitch, Guy, Josh, and Johnny witnessed me roll my ankle as I ran frantically back to the start/finish as I was a few minutes late to get everyone started. The doctor said is just a severe sprain and I should be good to go in about 2-7 days. I am really glad it wasn't broken as I need to walk a stream next Tuesday night!

the mystery caller

i tried calling sam twice on jean's cell phone before i finally talked with him to see how is day at school was.
every time i started calling him, my cell phone would ring.
the first time i missed who ever was calling me
so, called the "missed number" and it rang to the main office number at my work.
denee, our receptionist, said she didn't call me.
i though it was hubbard playing a joke.
i called sam again, and at the same time my cell phone rang again.
hubbard was on the phone.
with someone else. sometime he and i play cell phone practical jokes on each other.
i kept my work phone off the hook while i answered my cell.
i said hello, hello into my cell.
i hung up my work phone, and i heard myself hang up in my cell.
so, i was calling myself...

This Morning's Misadventure

This morning I set out on the trail to collect the orienteering markers at 6:30 this morning. For those who may who don't know what being out in the woods at 6:30 on an October morning, let me tell you what it was like.

It was dark! Very dark. And after all of the rain we had last night, it was also very foggy. I had my headlamp on, but it didn't cut the fog well. The stars where bright in the sky, which just meant the sky was clear, not that they were giving additional lighting.

I found my way down the trail of the southern loop at Seidman Park to the bridge. I didn't take my compass or GPS out. I figured I knew the way. It was amazing how easy it was to lose your direction in the fog and dark. I found this out while trying to find the first three markers – A, B, and C on the map. To retrieve A, I needed to go SW from the bridge. Somehow, in the dark and fog, I always found myself back near the stream. Check point B was pretty much straight north of the bridge. Somehow I was too far east by 100' or so. To find Check Point C you needed to follow a "reentrant," then at the end of it head NNW. Somehow, I was too far south. I am sure there is a spiritual application about finding your way in the dark and fog without using a compass.

By the time I got to D, there was some daylight breaking way. I gathered it, as well as E and G. At H there were dark ominous clouds. By this time it was 7:30. Only an hour ago there was clear skies. I grabbed H, and headed north. I went all the way to J. Thunder. Lightening. Over and over. I dropped my gear and put it in a pile, then moved far away from it. I went to the base of the hill under the trees. I waited about 30 minutes and the first line of storms finally passed. I don't think that I had ever been out in such a long hard rain. You know how you are supposed to count "one one-thousand, two one-thousand" between seeing lightning and hearing thunder to determine how many miles away the storm is from you? Well, I didn't quite get to "one."

Then, it was light again to the southwest. "SWEET!" I thought. "I can grab CP I, then F and I can head back home." Well, "I" is under a big norway maple in the middle of the meadow. I grabbed it, then more thunder. I ran for safety. "Not smart, Ed. Not Smart!" I told myself outloud. I couldn't have made it to the far southern part where the woods picked up again. So, I ran west. To an area with an adequate number of trees. I dumped my gear, then hid in the trees. You know how they say, "If the hair on your arms stands on end, you are about to get struck"? Well, the hair on my arms stood on end. I was sure that it was just because I was super cold from the rain on my flesh that was warm from traversing. So, I moved to another set of trees that had more trees.

I waited there and waited there. My first instincts during both lines of thunderstorms was to run for it. Though, I knew better not to. If you run across an open area, especially with communication devices and some other metal objects, you have dramatically increased your chances of being a human lightning rod. Yet, I wanted to. I wanted to hurry and run so I could get back. Part of it I believe was not to feel "alone." Aloneness is a huge part of my story. I wanted to keep moving so I wouldn't feel alone. I wanted to depend on me to get back across the meadow. But, I knew better. Weird as it may sound, God met me there. He replaced hurry with patience. More importantly he replaced aloneness with His presence. I was perfectly fine and secure to wait 90 minutes, and did, under trees waiting for a safe time to go across the meadow. It was cool experiencing God there. Really cool!

A Chris Update

Some of you may have seen in the news or read in the newspaper about the teen who was killed while helping his youth pastor with some painting on the youth pastor's home. The youth pastor is actually the controller (head accounting person) for our company. He's a super guy.

This is the update on his condition as of late this morning: Good morning everyone,

We've received some positive news from Correna this morning. Chris's EEG came back showing "normal" brain wave activity which is a positive sign. The doctors say that this is a positive and "what they expected" but they still need Chris to come out of the coma. Chris also went in for an MRI this morning at 4 am. The MRI will give the doctors a 3-D picture of Chris's brain and help them diagnose the full extent of any brain injury. Correna also said that Chris showed some signs of movement this morning. He adjusted his shoulders a little bit "as if to get himself more comfortable in the pillow". And they also said that he "didn't like" getting the breathing tube reinserted this morning.

We're certainly thankful for the positive steps that have been made and we are looking forward to hearing more good news in the future. Please keep Chris and his family in your prayers.

Dirty and Wet and Loving It

Saturday after naps we were all going to go to Donald Lamoreaux County Park to mark places where orienteering markers will be hung for orienteering group. Jean decided not to join us as she really needed some alone time.

I called her on our way home from the park and said it was probably best that she didn't join us. We found every mud puddle we could and jumped IN them. We also waded 50 yards or so up a stream. The water was up passed the mid part of Alina's thigh.

When we got home precious Alina proclaimed to Jean, "I SOAKED!" She loved every second of the adventure. As did Sam. Sam loving that sort of thing pretty much goes without saying. To see Alina loving adventure was so, so cool!

The Greatest Holiday

The Greatest Holiday in the whole wide world, well after Easter, is almost upon us. That's right! Canadian Thanksgiving!!!!! Jean has e-mailed the invitations for the great feast and the meal preparation has begun. We can't wait to celebrate the blessings of the Motherland. We will actually be celebrating a day early, Sunday October 8th. Hopefully there will be leftovers so that we can celebrate again on the actualy Canadian Thanksgiving Day – Monday the 9th.

Though we aren't officially Canadians, we often wish we were as we love everything icy, rugged, snowy, and fuzzy.

THANKSGIVING – 2nd Monday of October

What It Is: Initially created to praise the end of wars and cholera, this holiday has evolved into its present-day raison d'etre – humble thanks for all things Canadian.

How to Celebrate: Sleep in late, throw a turkey in the oven, stir up some Caesars, and head out for some shinny (pick-up hockey) to work up an appetite for the evening feast.

Crazy Gear Friday

Original Link

A Calming Sleep Enhancer

Accidentally discovered by Badger while trying to find 'Sore Mind Balm', one that would clear your thoughts in the middle of the day. But test subjects kept coming back saying, Hey, this really helps me sleep.

Sleep Balm doesn't make you sleepy: The aroma actually clears your thoughts and eases your mind. Then you fall asleep naturally.

Great for travel or after a tough day on the trail.

Ingredients: Organic extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, beeswax, and essential oils of ginger, rosemary, bergamot, balsam fir, and lavender. 2oz tin.

For me, the very reason I go camping is be calmed...

The Story I Was Told Today

jean and the kids dropped me off for work today. as they pulled away a gentleman walked up to me.

first he asked if i smoked.

then he said he was doing some physical therapy work at panera bread this morning. now has a flat.

he said that the admiral (gas) station wanted an outrageous amount for a can of fix a flat. he said he was just a few dollars short. he said that i could hold his car keys as collateral. basically i could have anything but his text books.

first of all i don't know of an admiral gas station around here...

i asked if he went to meijer.

he said that he called over there but they don't have fix a flat.

of course they do... meijer has EVERYTHING! and why didn't he just walk to meijer instead of calling there as it was between panera bread and our office park.

he said that he was trying to call his wife but her cell phone wasn't going through, and now he was going to miss his afternoon class and grand valley state.

umm... it's 9 AM...

we got a call in our office from a first home financial, a company in the office park that we have had a very close business relationship with forever. they said they found him going through some of their cubicles.

so, i went out to look for him. wanting the real story from him of what he was really looking for.

i saw another guy outside of another building. he said the guy "hit their building" about 15 minutes ago. he said that he saw the sheriff pull in.

on my way back i talked with the lady who manages the office park. she was looking for him. she was going through all of the buildings making sure empty places were locked. she wondered if the sheriff had already found him.

drats. i was hoping to find out what he was really looking for. more on the inside of him. what drove his elaborate story.

The Greatest Day of My Life

Saturday was a rainy day. Like many days lately. After naptime Sam and I went bike riding. For Sam, bike riding is best when there are puddles and/or mud involved. If there aren't puddles, might as well leave the bike in the garage. Saturday there were some great puddles from rain earlier in the day. Then, it started raining again during our ride. Then it was absolutely POURING! Every inch of asphalt was a puddle. Great! We hit some of our favorite water collecting spots and mudholes. Sam got stuck in one mudhole and said, "Dad, This is the greatest day of my life!" HA! That's was so cool to hear. Then, there was thunder. We rode as fast as we could through the parking lot of the highschool and back home. We found out the next day that there was actually a tornado warning out. Perhaps I should listen to the radio more or watch more TV. NAH!

Last night was orienteering group. A sweet night was had by all. On Wednesday mornings I go back out to the grounds and collect the control markers. This morning about 7 AM I went into Sam's room. I sat on his bed whispered, "Sam, would you like to come with Dad to get the control markers?" His eyes opened wide from a deep sleep and said, "YEAH!" He got dressed. I gave him his own map and compass for the journey. We ate poptarts on the way. What a great day. Talking about things that are important to a little boy who is 5. Clouds. Riding the bus. Friends. Animals. We walked through calf-deep mud. We watched the water of a stream cascade over rocks and flow under a bridge. On the way back home, from the back seat Sam said, "Another great day with my dad." The joy was mine. Usually I hurry through the woods as fast as I can collecting markers on Wednesday mornings before heading to work. This morning was cool. I still had to go to work. But I got to enjoy the morning the way Sam does.

Joke of the Day

What can't the richest man in the world buy?
A Mac.

I work in an office that uses macs. My wife Jean and I also have matching macs. So, this joke is funny...

Better With Gorilla Glue

So, the silicone didn't hold long yesterday. It lasted about three minutes worth of wipe time. B recommended Gorilla Glue. I went to Home Depot yesterday afternoon after watching a disappointing Lions game and picked some up. I came home, took the grill off again, and applied it. I let it bond overnight. This morning I went out and turned the wipers on while I put it back together. Then, turned it off while I reattached the wiper blade arms. I then started the wipers again. In all, the wipers ran for about 20-25 minutes without problem. Thanks B!

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

We've been a one vehicle family since pretty early in our marriage. Sometimes it is inconvenient, but we always get by. The vehicle we have now is a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder. Sometimes it is awesome to have on hand. Like yesterday when I used it to pull out the stumps of our bushes left from when we took out the brick planter area. (I knew my dad would have thought it was cool using the truck for that. He liked doing things like that with his truck: pulling things, pulling things out, pulling people out of ditches on the highway on nasty winter days, etc.)

Other days, the truck feels its age. It is getting a bit tired. Friday Jean called me at work to tell me the windshield wipers weren't working. She and the kids came and picked me up from work, then we picked up a pizza on the way home. The kids and ran in and got the pizza, and Jean drove us home. On the way home it started to rain. Then, it rained hard. I reached my hand out the window and grabbed the wipers and moved them rapidly back and forth so that Jean could see. You could hear the wiper motor working, so that couldn't be the problem. It was like something just came off.

Saturday I was determined to fix it. No way in heck am I taking it to the repair shop without at least giving it the old college try. So. I took the weather stripping for the grill area and the grill area itself under the exterior of the windshield. I also had to take off one metal plate underneath that. Interesting. Let's keep going. There was this metal bar that runs from the wipe motor to another bar that moved the wipers. The metal bar was supposed to be attached to a rubber boot, which went over a ball looking thing. This boot had a sticky substance on it which made it adhere to the metal bar. The substance had lost just enough of its stickiness to allow the bar to pull away from the boot. I took some exterior strength silicone and placed it on the boot and the bar hoping it would readhere them to each other. I put everthing back together and let the silicone cure. I wanted to give it 24 hours of cure time. We'll see soon if the silicone will take the stress of adhereing a rubber boot to a metal rod. I hope so. It is going to be another rainy day.

Bulging Eyes

Original Post

In this combination picture of before and after, Claudio Paulo Pinto pops his eyeballs out of their sockets, in Belo Horizonte, 340 kilometers (210 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, Sept 16, 2006. Claudio Paulo Pinto is looking for work. That's his job _ looking. Pinto can pop his eyeballs at least 7 millimeters (0.3 inches) out of their sockets, a national record for eye-popping according to RankBrasil, an organization modelled after the Guinness Book of World Records that lists Brazilian records. Pinto says he's been doing this since he was nine years old and "it doesn't hurt a bit." (AP Photo/Eugenio Savio)

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All right reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Crazy Gear Friday

Found Here

MRE's – and HOT!

We've found a limited supply of fresh Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). Each meal is packaged in a heavy duty, clear plastic pouch that contains a hearty main entree, fruit flavored energy bar, jelly packet, crackers, tea or coffee mix, salt and pepper, moist napkin, matches, spoon or fork and a chemical heater. Unlike military rations, you can see through the pouch and select your entree flavor without breaking the seal. Our complete case of 12 meals, includes at least three different entree's and boasts a minimum 5 year shelf life. Fully cooked, this food can be eaten without heating, but a military issue heater has been included with each meal. Only 2 oz of water is needed to activate the chemical heater and in about 5 minutes, your entree will be steaming hot. Simple heater use instructions are printed on every package. Not to be confused with K rations or C rations, these current issue entrees have a very desireable flavor and texture due to better technology in food processing and space age packaging. These are not GI Issue MREs, the original meals are marked US Property and cannot be sold to the public. These meals are a commercial version with lots of flavor and nutrition and the closest to military rations available anywhere. We sold out fast during Katrina, so buy yours today and make sure you and your family are prepared for whatever situation might arise. Because this is a food item, MRE's are non-returnable, and we will not accept any returns on this product. The production date is a 4-digit number on each item. For example, "1296" -- 1 represents the year 2001 and 296 represents the 296th day of the year. These are fresh and current production and will not expire until 2010.

The Fish 'n Flush Aquarium

The Official Site

How it Works

Both fresh water and salt water can be added to our 2.2-gallon aquariums, but live coral should not be used. Fish 'n Flush provides a 12-volt, dual-filter system, which makes it safe for children. It also provides two nine-inch plastic plants, a fill valve, a flush valve, a flushing system, LED lighting from the top, and has a designed built-in feeder door. All you need are water, fish and food.

These acrylic tanks are fully functional, impact resistant and stronger than china. They are completely separate from the toilet tank and are designed to fit directly against the companion tank reservoir.

Chia Shoe

The grass is coming in nicely in our back yard since having it excavated for the new septic tank and drain field. Most yards in our neighborhood, including ours, are clay soil. The weird thing about clay soil is when the soil dries out, it become hard as a rock. Or, in this case, hard has fire kilned clay. When it is wet it sticks to everything. Walking around among the new seedlings to water them usually amounts to about 10 lbs. of clay attaching to each shoe. So much for needing ankle weights.

Saturday I went out and spread more seed to fill in the bare spots. I noticed several grass seedlings stuck to the clay stuck to my shoe. I am considering creating a chia shoe. I just need to remember to keep them watered. Perhaps if I leave them out in the rain for a few days like today I can enjoy wearing my chia shoes in about 5-7 days. FUN!

Crazy Gear Friday

Something about this tent has always, always fascinated me. Not just the fact that the windows have been cold crack tested to -60º F. There's something more. Not just the fact that this is the tent they use at base camp on Mt. Everest. Though, that is really cool. It is more the environment and elements that this tent can withstand. To me this tent is a metaphore. It takes you in when you are beaten up by the elements. It provides shelter for you while you regain strength. This tent is a metaphore for a friend.

Earlier this week I was feeling pretty down. Basically, that I suck. Especially compared to my friend. He seems to have this genuine love about him. I told him that I suck compared to him. Not that I am comparing myself to him. I am comparing my self to Jesus. But, he just humbles me. He is a good physical example of what it means to be like Jesus. This is what he wrote to me:

"Dude! That is the craziest thing I ever heard! I don't mean to diminish your feelings in any way, but I have to say I am shocked by your comments. Are you sure you meant to send that to me?!

My brother, I look at you and I see a beacon for Jesus. What you do for guys through the mountain biking and now the orienteering. What you do for hundreds on a Sunday by knocking out the sweetest worship music. What you do by being a devoted and faithful husband to an amazing woman. What you do by raising Sam to be the coolest little man on the planet. What you do by nurturing Alina in a father's love. What you do for a friend who is feeling lousy and at home painting by bringing him multiple containers of the best ice cream along with root beer and blueberries. What you do by taking your family and friends on adventures. What you do by your generosity. What you do by a Christ-like example for your family, friends and countless others.

Brother, I am most sincere when I say I am shamed by what you do. Seriously. Your example makes me feel like the biggest slacker on the planet. I am a sluggard. I am but a worm.

I really cannot begin to fathom where you're coming from when you say what you said. Really. I can't.

I know you weren't looking for some props here and I'm not just blowing smoke to make you feel better. In a real friendship there is gut level honesty. I'm being gut level honest here when I say I am shamed by your example. I am shamed by how little I do for others...including my
family...and for the Kingdom. I'm truly about the most selfish person I know. I have such a long way to go.

I'm not sure where your lack of self-esteem comes from or why you beat yourself up the way you do sometimes. I can guess, but it doesn't matter.

What matters is you are a magnicifent creation of dust! You were created by God for his good pleasure and I know he revels in you. And I know your kids revel in you. And I know your bride revels in you. And I know your friends revel in you.

Truly, you've got nothing to prove. I don't know much, but I know Jesus wouldn't die for a loser. And I know he died for you. He found you worthy enough to die for. That's good enough for me.

Love ya like a play cousin, brother.

You are created in His image. How cool is that?

I often tell the girls that one sign of a good friendship is when they bring
out the best in each other.

I think we have a real good friendship.

I thank God for you."

This guy is this tent. He has helped give me shelter when the elements came against me. He gave me the rest I needed to heal. And, he continues to assure me that I am okay. That I can climb again, even though sometimes I get afraid after the fall I took off of the mountain. My friend is like this 2-Meter Dome.

Tent Description:

Utilizing the original geodesic dome principle created by Buckminster Fuller to create the highest ratio of enclosed area to external surface area, the Two Meter Dome from The North Face is the optimal shelter for an expedition of up to eight people.

Tent Features:

• Unique pole configuration creates steep tent body walls that maximize the dome's internal space
• Easton 7075-T9 Aluminum Poles are constructed with a combination of cold work, heat treatment and aging to create an incredibly strong and lightweight aluminum pole
• Durable 420 denier nylon pack cloth floor is built to withstand the abuses of base-camp life
• Two durable exterior polyurethane windows let you keep an eye on your surroundings and are cold-crack tested to -60 F
• A chimney vent allows air to circulate and two doors make exit and entry easy for the tent inhabitants

Specifications

• Suggested use: Expedition
• Capacity: 8-person
• Minimum weight: 47 lbs 0 oz
• Packaged weight: 51 lbs 0 oz
• Floor area: 125 sq ft
• Floor diameter: 155 inches
• Interior peak height: 83 inches
• Number of poles: 12
• Doors: 2
• Windows: 2
• Floor material: 420-denier nylon taffeta
• Canopy material: 210-denier nylon Oxford
• Fly material: 210-denier nylon Oxford
• Stuff size: 32 x 23 inches
• Freestanding: Yes

I Remember This Feeling

Sam started kindergarten Tuesday. We took Sam to school as a family. Mrs. Anderson had her students line up on the sidewalk. They played Simon Says. I was very impressed with Sam's Simon Says skills. He listened well and only did what Simon, Mrs. Anderson in this case, said.

Then, the line went in. This familiar feeling came over me. It was the same feeling I had when Sam was 3 months old and we gave him to the doctor to take through the doors and down the hall for kidney surgery. This feeling of "I have to entrust him to someone else" washed over me. He waived at me and said, "Bye Dad!" and went through the doors. I entrust him to Mrs. Anderson.

Last Thursday's Misadventure

So, I never shared how last Thursday's hiking and waypoint setting adventure went with Sam.

After work I picked up Sam and we headed for Seidman Park. It was raining. Nothing that would prevent us from going. But, as we got closer, it started raining hard. I told Sam we should just go for pizza, and try it again Saturday. He cried and cried, saying, "I want to go hiking with you." How can you say no to that. I told him that we would keep going, and see if it blew over.

When we go there it had pretty much stopped raining. The sky was pretty dark to the west, though. We got our packs loaded. Sam's back was already set with a very diluted solution of Gu2O. I sat Sam in the back of the truck while I threw my wallet, phone, camera, and keys in my hydration pack, and got the maps, map case, and GPS together. I had already locked the truck, though the tailgate was still up. Then, it thundered. Then it thundered and lightninged real close together. The storm was upon us. I told Sam that we couldn't stay. That it was too dangerous. He started crying. Somewhere he went from, "I want to go hiking" to "I don't want to die." I grabbed my wallet, phone, GPS, and Sam and shut the tailgate. I realized, too late, that my keys were still inside my hydration pack, which was still inside of the locked truck.

I double checked and sure enough, all of the doors were locked. Double drats!

We ran as fast as we could into the deep woods. Why be a lightning rod? I called Jean from my cell phone. This did increase my chances of becoming a lightning rod. Sam was crying and screaming, "I don't want to die!!!!!!!" I assured him we weren't going to die. We were in the woods in the "lightning-safe position" (crouced down with our weight on the balls of our feet). Jean answered on the other end and I said, "I hope this wasn't one of those times you left your keys in the truck." Sometimes she does that so she knows were they are. Fortunately, this wasn't one of those times. But, being a one vehicle family, we needed to find someone available to come to our house and get Jean's keys, then drive them out to me and Sam.

Some of our friends were at rehearsal and weren't by a phone. One K & K weren't home. The other friends who are also initialed K & K live in Middleville. That would be a long wait. M & A were on their way back from airport in Detroit. Jean reached them on their cell and they were only 20 minutes from our place on their way home and would be glad to help. SWEET!

By this time, the storm was over. We did the red loop of Seidman Park and plotted some waypoints. M & A arrived to save the day and we had a great talk. When they left, Sam and I decided to map the blue loop, too.

We found this HUGE turtle. We got to make him go into his shelf and have a great look at how he works. His head was a brilliant yellow and orange, as was some of his shell. Sam loved checking him out. We also saw about a dozen or so deer out there.

By the end I was carrying Sam on my shoulders. He was a tired little man.

We then went for some pizza, and brought some home for Jean as well. It was a good night. What started out as a misadventure ended as an awesome evening spent with my son.

Dust Art

I received this from a colleague at work...

When the dust gets thick on the back window of his Mini Cooper, Scott Wade uses it as a canvas to create temporary works of art. Among his creations was a copy of C.M. Coolidge's 'A Friend in Need,' better known as dogs playing poker.

Wade used his finger and other implements to etch this homage to Vincent Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' and Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa.'

Wade lives off the unpaved Roadrunner Road north of San Marcos, which dusts the back windows of his car and gives him the canvases to create his own works of art.

A portrait of Kinky Friedman on the back of the Mazda driven by Wade's wife, Robin Wood, was featured on the gubernatorial candidate's Web site.

A collage of wildlife decorates the Mini Cooper's window.

Wade's creations attract admirers wherever he goes.

Who needs a frost-covered window when you've got road dust to create a Christmas scene?

A gimme-capped John Kelso was the subject of one window portrait.

Besides his finger, Wade uses traditional art tools, such as paintbrushes, and unconventional ones, like a chewed Popsicle stick, to make his drawings.

Wade takes pride in his creations, but he knows that with one good shower, his work will just wash away.