On this Thanksgiving Eve, there are numerous blessings we are so thankful for. There are so many it would be impossible to mention them all here. Mainly, we are thankful for life and the pleasures we enjoy day by day. I think we probably let our problems sometimes out weigh our thinking rather than dwelling on the good aspects of life.
I know Kathleen and I are thankful for our health. For the past two years we have encountered several physical ailments that have curtailed our usual activities. Her pain problems still exist to some degree but its far less today than even a year ago, and for that we are so thankful.
I thank the Lord so much that my heart seems to be doing good after having had a major heart attack two years ago. The stents are working great and my last heart stress test went good. At the present time, I am having a lot of pain from Arthritis. I decided two days ago to stop taking pain medication. It seems that hydrocodone is addictive and Aleve is not reccommended for persons on blood thinners. I don't know why the Doctor prescribed a medication knowing I was on a blood thinner. Anyway, Dr. Doug decided two weeks ago to go the Glucosamine route. I can bear the pain and give it a chance.
We are thankful also for our family. Everything seems to be going well except an occasional bump in the road. Hopefully, all except for Steve will be home for Christmas. We have not lost hope for his return but the proceedual matter still exist and a new Governor coming into office in January. We are so thankful for Steves attitude during this long process and the fact he knows we are trying. He can re apply in July of 2007.
We are thankful for our freedom and for those that are sacrificing their lives so we can enjoy times like this Thanksgiving.
In just six days, the Lord willing, I will reach my 79th birthday. There are still several things I want to happen in my lifetime. I will mention some of them when I make out my Christmas wish list. I have said that I like to tell everyone how old I am so they will understand why I look this way. I have traveled many roads already, and most of them have been unpaved.
Yes, we have so much to be thankful for and especially not only for our physical family, but our spiritual family. You know that it is God's love for us that sustains us. Without him in our lives, we would be most miserable. Like i mentioned earlier, there is so much to be thankful for but from Kathleen and myself we wish everyone a most enjoyable Thanksgiving. We love you.

Well, it was a nail biter from start but our HOGS pulled out a great win today. On Friday we have another opportunity to add to a winning season then to Atlanta for the overall SEC championship. I believe it can be done because these HOGS have spirit. We have good coaches who can motivate them so, GO HOGS GO.

I happened to run accross this tombstone for a bargain price so i opted to purchase it. It will save someone from having to worry with one when the time comes. It seems approiate since actually some new ground will plowed up. Anyway, i always like to find bargains and this was one I couldn't turn down.
There are a few items that I will remention about the 60's that were highlights of that decade in our family history. Of course, I will have to start with the birth of Cindy in January of 61. As I recall George was about 12 years of age at the time. One event mentioning was his Mother had him watch Cindy while she went somewhere. During her absence Cindy developed a bad case of diarrhea and it going everywhere. George didn't know what to do. I'm supprised he didn't call the fire dept to have them hose her down. I think he called in the neighbors for help. He graduated from High School in 1966 and enrolled at Harding. Larry graduated 1n 1968. By the way, Larry's nickname given him by his granddad was Rabbit. In between Larry and Georges graduation, Scott was born in June of 1967. He was the biggest supprise of all during that ten year period. I remember Kathleen and I being already 40 when we found out she was expecting. I came home from work one day and she told me i had better sit down because she had something to tell me. Anyway, that turned out to be one of our greatest blessings. George was already in college, Larry was ready for the 12th grade, Steve was probably in the 6th grade and Cindy in the first grade. I may be off somewhat on the grades but close. All in all, we have been blessed beyond measure. As i look back and think about this old house we live in, it has had numerous changes as our kids have grown up. As rambunctious (spelling) as they were growing up, it is still in pretty good shape. I was not aware at the time that having a full basement it would be so easy for Larry and George and possibly Steve to sneak out at night and go courtin. Having a stairway caused a few minor problems along the way. I believe it was Cindy and mom having the accidents.
As i mentioned earlier it was 1969 that i reached the Manager level with the Company. I was President of North Hills Kiwanis Club. It was around the end of the 60's when i became so disgruntled about our school system, in fact it caused us enough anxiety that I considered moving to Searcy. As i said earlier, the 60's were great years and it helped us to grow stronger in our faith and would be able to deal with situations that were not expected. This one piece of advice that I would like to pass along helped our marriage probably more than anything was, we always discussed every major decision and would be in agreement before taking action.
I do recall doing something that I should not have done. I went to a Kiwanis Club on the night of our 25th Wedding Anniversary. She never gave me a hard time about it though. 

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this house did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking on the mantle, just boots filled with sand,
on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
a sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier, once i could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
not how i pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that i saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice,
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
my life is my God, my Country, my Corps."
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
and we both shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark, night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure"
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.

We don't know who wrote this but I would like to dedicate this to all those who fight for my Freedom, and security. Freedom comes with a price and so many are willing to serve our Country without hesitation. If you oppose what is being done today by our servicemen, just stop and think of where we would be today and the freedom we enjoy if it were not for those who have fought in the past and those fighting today so we can live a peaceful life. When you go to bed tonight, say a prayer for those who today are in harms way that they be safe and above all, appreciated.

Doug.

I have been trying to recall what I have previously posted so as not to be too repetitive. As you may recall, i started to post about the 1969-1970 years and my involvement and concerns about education and the affects it would have on my kids. As you may recall, I ran for a position on the County School Board and was defeated. As a result of that defeat it lead me to realize that a Christian school was the answer. Backing up to the years prior to that mainly the 60's, everything seemed to be going well at work and at home. Just prior to our moving from 35th st in NLR to Barber st. in Sylvan Hills, my Mom died in Louisiana. It was just after her death that i did some work on the church building at Levy. My Mom had no insurance so there were funeral expenses that had to be paid for. I was working the 3 to 11 shift at the plant and found some extra work with the contractor on the Levy building. I would get up in the mornings and work at the church building till noon and then back to my regular job at the plant. I suppose this was one of the most difficult times of my life but i never regretted having to do this. One other problem area was the loss of two brothers and a sister within a year. My oldest sister Lillian died just a short time after Jack and Bennie. I was in Belguim and did not know Lillian had died until I came back home in January 1972. I had gone to spend Christmas with George and Julia who were at NATO headquarters in Brussels. I had really enjoyed that visit and the travels to France, Germany, Holland and Luxembourg. The family knew it would be impossible to notify me of her death since we spent most of my time there traveling. We were in Amsterdam on News Years eve. I will always remember those places like the Anne Frank house and the many other places we traveled to during my stay. One interesting event was Notre Dame Cathredal on Christman Eve night, and also being on the North Sea on New Years Day and watching the Polar Bear Club swimming in the ocean with the temperature around zero.
I also had a chance to visit our sister plant in Cuyk, Holland. The Plant Manager was intrested in my thoughts on providing uniforms to employees. Back home we furnished uniforms to our employees at no cost to them. I could see why he was interested in uniforms based on how the women dressed there. Nothing was left to imagination and it was evident that the women would have two more cheeks to powder everyday.
Another situation that was tragic for our family was Kathleen losing her Mom, Dad and Sister within a year. Some how we are really never prepared for sudden losses of family members and it takes its toll on those family members left. Yet, it is our faith in God that helps us to get past those times in our lives that we are not prepared for.
George has asked about my lifes goals. I suppose to be honest, I had really had set no goals other than making a living and supporting my family. However, when I reached a Supervisory level with J and J, goals became an important part of my life. We had to set yearly goals for out Depts. and had to report on those goals on an ongoing basis. Meeting those goals or achieving success determined your future and income. I was most blessed or either lucky that I was able to meet the challenges that were there and did achieve most of them. I don't think I have ever backed off from a challenge and always tried to do my best. At least, i don't think my family ever went hungry or had to do without what was needed. There were things we did without but they would fall under the area of luxaries. Anyway, if any of you have a rebuttal to that, let me know.

I need to make a correction to my last post. After thinking about the Key Club Convention in St Louis, it was Jerry Lewis and the Playboys who stayed at the Hotel we were staying at.

As I look at the comments, apparently i am not going into enough detail. As i said earlier there are so many things and experiences that have been a part of my life that i thought were too numerous to mention. George mentioned several things that i had not even thought of. During the 60's there was an effort by the Textile Workers Union to organize our plant. The man who represented the Union last name was Stoner. Since we had a bulldog that was not named, I decided to name him Stoner since there was a similarity to this man. I was a member of Management and we fought hard to keep the Union out.
Secondly, I was the Kiwanian who represented the High School Key Club. I recall going on several Key Club trips and rooming with Mr Skipper, the faculty Sponsor. Yes George, i recall the smoking event. It was in St Louis that we stayed at the same Hotel with Rickey Nelson and his band. Thirdly, the wasp in my pants at the golf course hampered my swinging the golf club. Everytime i started to swing, the stinger would go a little deeper. I don't remember if i came out of the pants or not. I always remember my mom telling me not to go away from the house without clean underware on. A wasp can make you mess them up in a hurry.
One of the men who worked for me at the plant did sign painting as an extra job. I had him paint a new sigh for the church with our schedule of services. At the bottom, i had him paint these words, AIR CONDITIONED In those early days not all buildings were air conditioned and i thought this would let people know that we were. Anyway, i took a lot of flack from some of our members who thought this was not a proper thing to do.
Larry reminded me of the book report. I think it might have been Horton Hatches The Egg. Anyway i thought i had done a good job helping him and did not deserve the D that he received. You know, some teachers just don't know a masterpiece when they see one.
There was one bad thing about our move from Farris St. to NLR. We left the concrete blocks behind. Larry and George loved to move those blocks around the yard. There was just something about those blocks that they could not leave them alone.
I recall another instance on Farris when we could not find Larry. I had looked all over the neighborhood and in the woods behind the house and he was no where to be found. We were at the panic stage when i walked down the driveway and happened to look in the back seat of the car and he was in there asleep.
During Steve's elementary years at Sylvan Hills as well as Cindy's, we spent a lot of time working with the school. I recall Steve's Fourth Grade Class did not have a room Mother so i volunteered to do it. I suppose this was the one and only time a man served in that capacity. I did get to go on the field trips.
Cindy was the Queen in the first three grades at Sylvan Hills. We raised enough money to help make that happen and we was not going to let the Kellers get ahead of us. It was our Kiwanis Club that actually finished the play ground at the elementary school after the contractors went off and just left piles of rock.
I think it would be good if each of you would share some of your experiences during your childhood. Your Mom and I did not know everything that went on and maybe that was a good thing.

The 60's ended and we looked forward to another decade of interesting events in our lives. The family was well and the job was going extremely well. One of our major products at the time in the Finishing Dept was the packaging of Colgate Handi-wipes. This product would become a household word nation wide. The product was made in our production operation and slit to 14 inch widths. We took the slits then and folded and cut the fabric into 14 by 24 inch towels and packaged. In 70 my boss and I went to the packaging show in NYC to gain ideas on packaging. We went to the Tonight Show when Johnny Carson was emceeing it. That night Johnny was not there and Flip Wilson was hosting it.
It was also in 1970 that i became disgruntled with our school system. I have already discussed most of this in a previous post and my running for a position on the County School board. I had discussed this option with our Plant Manager and he encouraged me to run. Being a Johnson and Johnson Co. all employees were encouraged to be active in civic affairs. Needless to say again but i lost the election and afterwards would realize it was a blessing in disguise.
I am debating at this time if i will continue on this theme since I had previously told my role in the Central Arkansas Christain School beginning. If i should continue i will only highlight some of the beginning since i had previously deleted all that i had written.
There is so much to tell about my experiences and the ones along the way who have inspired me to continually keep reaching out. Church, Family and Job have truly been the motivating factor in my life. I hope that this in some way has been interesting enough that you didn't get bored.