Have you ever noticed that no matter what news story you are watching or listening to, it's always a crisis, or bad news?

I was thinking about this in relation to the current housing market. I can remember a couple of years ago, as home prices were climbing to ridiculous levels here in Florida, all the stories were about how young people just starting out couldn't afford to buy their first home, and how unfair it was. Now, in late 2007, as home prices continue to drop here, all the stories are about how people are losing their invested money! How about a little balance; maybe a story or two about how there are great opportunities for folks to buy their first home, or how someone can get a rental property at a good price while the market is down!

When did we become such a pessimistic people? Then again, maybe that's why newspaper circulations are falling, and viewership has dropped so much for the traditional networks. When I was younger, I would watch the news, and I felt a level of trust, that I would get facts on which to base an informed opinion. Now I watch and just look for the agenda.

Or maybe I'm just turning into Mr. Crotchety Old Man.

Welcome Elliot Joseph. Our third grandchild arrived at Cape Canaveral Hospital over the weekend to Lynette and Andrew. He is a healthy eight pounds and one ounce. Mother and child were able to check out of the hospital today to come home. Here are a few pictures: Dad and son

and finally...

Elliot Joseph his ownself.

A hearbreaking loss to Mizzou tonight, but that's okay, we'll beat them twice in basketball as usual.

The transformation inside the house is complete, thanks to Gretchen. We went from this:

To this:

And so it goes...

Well, here's hoping everyone had a happy Thanksgiving; I know we sure did. Gretchen cooked turkey with all the trimmings, and it was tremendous. Susan ate with us, and Andrew was here most of the day, which was a nice surprise.

Today, we begin the annual Christmas makeover of the house and grounds. I'm not looking forward to putting up the lights outside, although I like the way it looks when it's done! Gretchen always makes the inside look perfect.

We got to talk to Wally in Indiana today. He's actually home now! No ones sure if it will be permanent, but Wally is determined to make it so. He said he finally has decided to take a more positive attitude toward rehab, etc. I think that will do the trick as he can be strong-willed when he chooses to be. We're hoping for the best.

In the next couple days I'll post some pictures of Gretchen's magic.

I am a reasonably rational, if somewhat strange individual, but as I was watching Sunday's Chiefs vs. Colts game, I was thinking about how sports brings out my inner wacko.

My wife and I are sitting on the porch on a beautiful Florida afternoon watching the game when the Colts score to move ahead of the Chiefs. Immediately, she turns to me and says, "Don't you need something from Home Depot?" Now, most people, given the context, would reply, "What the....Huh?!" But the inner wacko calmly responds, "You know I need a new tape measure," (even though I own 4), because a couple weeks ago I got so frustrated watching our inept offense, I went to HD for a couple things I needed, and lo and behold, when I got back the Chiefs had scored and proceeded to win the game.

How can a semi-edumacated human being in the greatest nation on earth, be such a superstitious moron? I'll tell you how; because it works!

In October 2004 I caused the Boston Red Sox to come back from a three game defecit to the Evil Empire by wearing a hat that I had purchased during spring training in Fort Meyers. It had to be worn a certain way and after the game it went on the table next to me on the porch, where it stayed until it went on my head for the next game. The Red Sox never lost another game the rest of the post-season.

In 2007, down to Cleveland, same hat, same routine, never lost in the post -season again.

Don't think I know what i'm talking about? I didn't go to Home Depot; Colts 13 Chiefs 10. Hey, at least I don't have to wear the same underwear or socks next week!

Welcome to my blog! This will be just what it says at the top; a random collection of thoughts about whatever is on my mind at the time. I don't know if it will interest anyone else, but what a great way to sort your thoughts.

What a great sports year it has been for me. The Red Sox win it all, the Celtics are 8-0, the Chiefs are hanging in there, KU basketball is starting strongly, and the Jayhawks of Lawrence, KS are 11-0 and have a chance to play for a mythical national football title!

It may take awhile to learn the mechanics of this internet thing, but I'll do my best to keep you up to date.