Wake

I met Maureen McLaughlin sometime around 20 years ago. Maureen was the sort of person who made you feel comfortable and at ease just by being in the same room with her. She had a great big smile that always went clear up through her eyes. Maureen wasn't a bullshitter. When she asked "how are you?", she really did want to know. She was the kindest, most gentle, caring person that I've ever met. Billy was right, only the good die young.

Maureen was married to a great friend and fellow Troutslayer, Brian Smith. She and Brian were perfect together; the epitome of balance. They have two daughters 11 & 6, both as sweet as their mother. If you happen to be the praying type, please say a few for Brian and his girls. They've a long hard road ahead of them.

Lighter notes... Alex had prom last weekend. I was out camping with my two youngest daughters and my sister's boys, but Angie was home to spend time with Alex pre-dance. My nephew, Caleb, made his first communion on Saturday. It was fun to celebrate that with him.

Peace-
Matt

Good Friday

Softball practice starts on Tuesday. Our last game is on June 23rd. It will be a busy spring.

My brother, Tom, and I went camping on Wednesday night. It was gorgeous out and a good time. Tom and I are a lot alike and always have great conversations.

Angie is doing well in nursing school. She's in her last month of her first (of five) semester. She studies constantly and works very hard. She's getting great results from her efforts. I'm proud of her.

Alex is playing soccer this spring, Abby's running track, and Madeline's playing softball. If you want to see a game/meet/match we'll have one pretty much any day of the week.

Have a great Easter everyone. Celebrate.

Peace-
Matt

Dependence

Camping weather is here. Who's ready to join me?

Peace-
Matt

Thaw

I can see some grass now. Some of it is even green.

I've been talked into coaching Madeline's softball team this spring. It's 7&8 yr olds. Coach pitch. I've never coached a day of little league and didn't even play as a kid. I could use some pointers.

Peace-
Matt

March

No snow photos for a change.

Our trip to Florida was great again. It was nice to sit outside for hours and hours instead of seconds and seconds.

I like getting away to warm Florida, but I like Iowa better. We have constant change. The light, especially in winter, is incredible. As nice as 80 degrees and sunny is, I’ve never seen anything in Florida that can compare to what I saw Friday morning on my drive to work. The sky was overcast except for a thin band on the eastern horizon. The sun was just coming up, lighting up the bottom of the clouds and the top of the trees. The trees were covered in hoar frost. It was a breathtaking sight. Spring is just around the corner. The yearly renewal.

Peace-
Matt

Escape

Just a few February thoughts:

In two weeks, Angie and I will be in the air on the way to Florida for a few days away from winter.

"Eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die"

Escape – some people golf, some fish, some work, some camp, some run, some sleep, some photo; how can we be full without it? Is it selfish to demand it?

Teenagers can eat their weight in food in just a few days. Quicker than that if they're bored.

I think if Jesus had a music cd, it would speak to more folks than the Bible does.

The slowest clock in the world hangs next to the running track at the Huxley community center.

Peace-
Matt

Ice

Yesterday we had the frost. Today it was ice. We're supposed to have rain this weekend and then snow next week. Yay winter.

31 days until Angie and I go to Florida. It was 77 & sunny there today. We can't wait.

Anyone have any ideas how to motivate oneself to exercise? I just can't get into it this winter. I'd much rather sit down.

Peace-
Matt

Frost

We've had a long string of foggy days and nights lately. The fog, along with the cold weather, has caused this hoar frost to coat damn near everything. It's beautiful. I haven't been able to get out and take photos of it until today on the way home. The light sucked, but I wanted to get some photos before it disappears.

Peace-
Matt

Stretch

Winter still has it's ugly grip on us here. We've had a decent week though. No snow and mild temps. I've seen -21 degrees and 42 degrees in the past few weeks. Again, Al Gore is a jackass.

Angie and I are going to take another short trip to visit her parents in Florida in February. We went last year and it was a perfect trip. Will be nice to get away from winter and children. I swear I've aged a week every day this winter.

Belated kudos to the Iowa Hawkeyes for their big Orange Bowl victory and overall great season. It will be a lot of fun to watch them again next year. They should have a very solid team and all the big games will be played at home. Go Hawks!

I've found out recently that I have high blood pressure. I've been on a medication for it. After a doctor visit a few weeks ago, it's been increased from 10mg to 20mg. They say stress has a lot to do with it. I think my daughters are trying to kill me.

I also found out that I have "borderline high" cholesterol. I take full responsibility for that. I like bacon & eggs too much I guess. The doctor said I can either take medication for it, or try to get it down with diet and excersize. I chose the latter. We'll see how it goes in three months.

Peace-
Matt