Passing of a dear Friend and Colleague

Back in January I wrote of my friend that was fighting the good fight against lung and brain cancer. He fought bravely and won many battles but he lost the war yesterday.

Last night I began thinking about how you summarize a man’s life and the impact he had on the world he leaves behind. At different times in his life, my friend was an athlete, a husband, a father and a friend. He was devoted to his family and you always knew he had your back when the chips were down.

Speaking of chips, my friend liked to gamble a little and loved to play golf. He was passionate about his work both in the educational community and as a businessman/owner. He was a man of integrity and of good character. There was one way to do something and that way was always governed by his moral compass.

I believe my friend knew Christ in his heart and he was never ashamed of that and demonstrated it at every meal before which he prayed.

How do you summarize a man’s life and contribution? If you knew him you already know the answer to that question. If you didn’t, then know this; he was loved by many and he loved in return. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

My Friend - Marty Thomas

My "Brother from another Mother"

Seve Ballesteros: His Spirit Lives On - Jason Sobel - Golf News & Articles | Golf Channel

The golf world lost a Champion today!!!

Seve Ballesteros: His Spirit Lives On - Jason Sobel - Golf News & Articles | Golf Channel

The Masters - Day Two

A day for the young??? I am watching 3 young players as they vie for the lead of the Masters on day two; McIlroy, Fowler and Day. Some real talent in this threesome. Naturally my thoughts turn to how many tournaments have been won by first timers and how there are so many talented players who have not yet reached their 25^th birthday. Will the 2011 Masters Champion be one such youthful player?

As I ponder that thought, I see that there are two veterans quietly making moves out on the course. One of them would stand the hairs on the back of my neck on end if I was leading the championship, Tiger Woods. Tiger is now only three off the lead. The other is Lee Westwood who was recently the number one player in the world. He turned in a five under 67 today and sits only five back.

Additionally, some of the perennial powerhouses are on the first two pages of the leaderboard and any one of them could make a charge tomorrow on moving day and challenge the leader Rory McIlroy.

Like all Masters Championships, this will prove to be a nail biter. Stay tuned.

Libya, really???

Note to our government; in this case our enemies enemy is not our friend. We are now going to fund Al-Qaeda operations? You know there will come a time when we realize that we provided weapons to Libyan rebels that are used against our own forces in other parts of the world. Mark my words, it will happen. The rebellion has already been hijacked by extremists. Are we really choosing the lesser of two evils here?

I am all for the concept of being a world super power and having some responsibility for standing up for the little guy. We have done that all my life and it is one of the things I admire about this country. I am not sure our motives have always been philanthropic, none the less they have generally served our best interests in the process. In the case of Libya, I am not sure that is the case. This appears to be a lose-lose for the United States. Surely there must be someway to help the mass of people that were about to be are threatened by Gaddafi without funding Al-Qaeda rebels.

Life Can Sneak Up On You

How many times have you heard of a couple who couldn't have children and suddenly they are pregnant and expecting one of life's little miracles? Or how about the person that goes to a casino and a single pull nets a huge and unexpected sum of money?

Of course life doesn't always deal you the proverbial good hand. Sometimes you are dealt a hand you really have to play all the way to the final card and hope you hit the straight flush. Such is the case with my business partner and close friend. A short four months ago while on a business trip, my friend noticed a slight disconnect in his motor skills. At the advice of his doctor, he went to the emergency room of a local hospital and suddenly he is fighting lung cancer that has metastasized to his brain.

Now, there are a lot of ways a person could react to that kind of news. I have thought long and hard about what my mindset would be like after receiving that bit of information. Granted, for me it is only speculation but I am not the courageous type. Not like my friend who has faced this squarely and decided he would not let it define him.

I don't pretend to know the intimate details of what he and his wife go through on a daily basis or the moments they share thinking about treatment options, the effects of medications and what lies ahead, but I do know that they have a plan and are implementing it courageously.

They are controlling input and keeping it to a select group. They aren't looking for a pity party. They are looking for positive feedback and support and they are getting it.

Courage, strength, poise, class and a lot of faith in a Higher Power, that is what drives my friend and his wife. All great qualities and all qualities that I hope someday someone will use to describe my character. My hat is off to them and I love them both dearly.

Pray for them as I do. Pray the prayer that never fails; let God's will be done.

'This is why the American People have thrown you out'

Politicians or Middle School students! I love how the Speaker has to side bar each time the Gentleman asks to be recognized.

Breitbart.tv » ‘This is Why the American People Have Thrown You Out’

Our Crazy Dog - #2

Here is a look at our crazy dog. Actually she is really a great dog and what great hunting instincts. This video is quite out of character as she rarely barks. That being the case I had to video this when she lit up one day.