Catskiing - Island Lake Lodge - Fernie BC

Hi GD&D's,
For those of you who are skiers...you'll enjoy these pictures from Fernie, BC in Canada.
A group of my oldest friends (all turning 40) decided we should re-live our glory days and trek west to see if we still had "skills"? Well, we survived and still had some moves to look like we knew what we were doing!

I recommend getting away with your old pals at least once a year if possible? We often take a 'pass' for many reasons...work, family, etc. but the end result is a memory that will never be realized. We laughed at each other and laughed at ourselves and appreciated that with age (although we still consider ourselves young), we need to take stock in those friends who have remained and will be there until that day we "check out" officially.

I'm thankful for these guys and look forward to many annual celebrations or hopefully many weekend/weekday golf outings!

If you're the guy who waits for the invite...don't be...make the call and get something on the go! You'll be happy you did and so will your buddies...

Thanks and enjoy the pictures. I recommend Island Lake Catskiing to everyone!
Cheers.

Got to be there...

GD&D's - My children were just recently baptised, but before this happened my wife and I had to meet "Father Bill" and discuss the joy a child brings to the world and the importance of being there for them. As I sat there staring at a painting in his dining room of a cottage on a lake...wishing I was there...I heard him ask me if I have regular dinners with my wife and children? I luckily awoke from my daydream and said "I try to be there..." and he looked at me and said "it's not a choice, it's a must"!
If I was to think selfishly, I could have argued about how difficult it is to 'work hard, fight traffic, etc.' and ALWAYS be home for the kids, but I didn't. Instead, I started really thinking about the impact my presence actually has (he started talking about something else at this point) and realized simply, if I'm not there - who is??? I obviously realize my wife would be there (which I appreciate...see previous blog), but what they're missing is MY input...my life lessons, my laughter, my tears, my discipline, my hugs, my kisses, my strength, my comfort, my protection, my life!

This is not an easy task, if you're reading this and thinking what I initially thought...that life makes time with our kids almost secondary! What I actually took away from Father Bill is that; he's correct in his belief that, being there for your children is a 'must' and not a 'choice'!


Ironically, I already thought I put my children and family first, but realized...not always...and that's what I need to work on.
Our children need and love us, so think twice the next time you want to put "a show" on the television instead of playing or simply talking to them.

Thanks for ALL you do!!!

GD&D's,
Recently, I told my wife that "I really appreciate all she does..." and the joy in her response was almost like the day I asked her to be my wife!!!??? So, of course I was impressed with the "thank you and I love you" commentary she gave me after my small bit of recognition, but was amazed that it had such a big impact!

What I realized was, that women (and men, but not for this post), especially those with children need to know that all the 'cleaning, laundry (although I do my own), diapers, suppers and taking care of the children, etc.' crave our appreciation and definitely deserve it. I honestly don't think my wife even realized she needed my recognition, but when it came it made all the difference!!!
I should clarify that, I also do a lot around the house which I will not list, but truth be told...she does more and it makes my life and my family's life much easier! If you're one of those GD&D's that actually out duals your better half for this recognition, then you're a better person the 'I'. The short version is that showing your appreciation takes very little to give, but offers great reward!

So, the reason for this 'post' today GD&D's is to offer this advice...let that special person in your life know that they're appreciated and you'll probably get a great response and in my case...a free pass to golf on the weekend! Not that I'm looking for anything in return of course!!! ;)

Backyard Flood - Again!

I need some GDD's advice! I've got some grading issues, not to mention the base of the foundation is 'clay'. Thoughts?

California Dream'n

Perhaps I'm starting off with a post that might touch some nerves out there, but it affects GD&D's and is worth the commentary. Last week, the State of California decided that marriage was NOT a fundamental human right, which ultimately blocks the right for gay and lesbian couples to 'marry' or enter into a civil contract.
From what I've researched there is a basis (Supreme Court - Civil Rights) for the support of gay and lesbian couples to marry from as far back as 1967. However, the key element in this Supreme Court decision was to address the marriage between a white man and a black woman.
The court's final ruling was clear;
'Marriage is one of the "basic civil rights of man," fundamental to our very existence and survival. To deny this fundamental freedom on so unsupportable a basis as the racial classifications embodied in these statutes, classifications so directly subversive of the principle of equality at the heart of the Fourteenth Amendment, is surely to deprive all the State's citizens of liberty without due process of law. The Fourteenth Amendment requires that the freedom of choice to marry not be restricted by invidious racial discriminations. Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State. '
Growing up I didn't know anyone who was gay or at least didn't REALIZE if I knew anyone that was gay? It wasn't until I was 19 and out at a bar with a friend, when I was first approached by a young gay 'guy' who wanted to buy me a drink! I remember distinctly pausing for a moment and trying to figure out what I thought of this scenario? I initially wished it was a sexy, busty, blond...BUT, for the moment, I actually felt flattered and kindly declined. The 'guy' smiled and continued chatting with his group of friends. It was at that moment that I realized I was open minded and actually felt proud (pardon the pun) about the way I handled it.
Now, 20 years later, I have many gay friends...some are CEO's, lawyers, teachers, but what I'm most proud of, is that they are all incredible people and all are great friends! Which brings me to the simple question of; How do I have rights that they don't?
To those in California or any other discriminatory state, I'd like to ask you how one man (straight man) can decide on how another "man" should live? It's as simple as two neighbours which happen to be great friends, until one day the gay neighbour shares his news that he's getting married and the other neighbour says, that's not acceptable/illegal, etc???!!! How does that one man's beliefs trump that of another? It's a sad reality and proves that it's a civil right and not something to be decided by Church or State. The day this is explained to me, is the day I'll "eat my hat", as they say!
GDD