Icewind's Ramblings

Like most people at this time of year it seems like everyone takes a few minutes to think about and review the past year.  I do that now and again but try not to write those “year end reviews” that some people enjoy sending out each year which embellishes all the great things that have happened to them or their family members. Hopefully this will not be that type of review though there may be some exaggeration of a few things since I tend not to really want to go to those things which may have been negative for me this year. As 2012 started in January there was much work going on with me traveling out to many remote Alaskan villages where the company I worked built clinics, water & sewer plants as well as other needed infrastructure so needed in the bush.  Many Natives still do not have indoor plumbing or clean water and I was fortunate to help provide that in several villages. The time of my separation and divorce brought me to a period for the first time in...

It has been a little strange for me that since my heart attack that my being able to sit down and write just seemed to be stalled.  There was much to say and many notes to gain topics from which to write but it has been hard for me to sit down at the computer to write it down. I have tried many times in these last few weeks where I would sit and start and just as quickly stop not able to make my fingers hit the key strokes like they have so many times before.  It is strange in some ways as I could sit and write things on a notepad but could not bring myself to transfer the words from paper to word process.  I have wondered why that has been that way or what did not motivate me to sit and write during this time I have been in a state of convalesce since my hospital stay. It has only been two days now that I can seem to sit here and contemplate this state and start to put things down on what I would like to say again.  I have been editing my book getting it r...

The True Sound I saw this post on one of my buddies from high school, Dewitt Law and wanted to share it for this holiday season. I am not a shopper by any means having only visited the Anchorage Malls less than 8 times in my over 10 years in Alaska.  I have no idea where this happened but it is pretty neat and reminds me of the days of old in Atlanta where everyone gathered on the streets below the skywalk at Rich’s department store on Thanksgiving evening to sing carols and await the lighting of the great tree.  It we were good kids we were able to ride the Pink Pig and get a treat from our parents. A much simpler time that mostly has been long forgotten with our own children as technology has overtaken us in our daily lives. Please watch and enjoy! Happy Holidays everyone. Ice

I had the pleasure of hearing this several times many years ago in Atlanta during concerts by John Denver.   It was relevant back then and continues today with the world on the brink of unthinkable horror to each other. As you approach the holiday season please be mindful of those who serve and those who are less fortunate than ourselves, enjoy the holiday season.   In this holiday season . . . I give you “The Box”   Once upon a time in the land of hushabye Around about the wondrous days of yore They came across a sort of Box Bound up with chains and locked with locks And labeled “Kindly do not touch, its War!” Decree was issued round about All with a flourish and a shout And a gaily colored mascot tripping lightly on before Don’t fiddle with this deadly box or break the chains or pick the locks And please, don’t ever play about with War Well, the children understood Children happen to be good They were just as good around the time of ...

Yeah, I know . . . just the right time of year. I was sitting here today trying to figure out what my first post of 2012 was going to be and this theme kept coming back to me as the day wore on.   What is it you ask? It struck me, though, that it's all an illusion. The people we are surrounded by . . . all of that . . . it's all an illusion. Not real. What is real is that we are all utterly and completely alone with no one to rely upon but ourselves. And, strangely enough, that's the only truth that matters. All the rest . . . are just mirrors to perfect the illusion . . . the illusion of being connected. Welcome to the New Year; may you seek the things that interest you, find your way through this maze called life and at the end of the day find joy. Ice

I wanted to get my three daughters a little something for Christmas to put some positive thoughts to events over the last couple of years.   In Anchorage we had a nice large Barnes and Nobel bookstore that has a coffee shop and a nice sitting area to read.   It can be found with quite a few people hanging out and enjoying a good book or a cup of java.   I love coffee so decided I would stop for a cup while I was trying to do my Christmas shopping. I wanted to send my daughters a positive book that has always given me food for thought.   It is called "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. My thoughts were everyone can always use that little lift from a positive attitude and sharing that feeling with others around you. Being the good father I wanted to boost these young women's spirit and help them get through the tough times away from family many miles away.   My thought process was I wanted to spout all this positive stuff how they...

I had posted this in 2007 and thought it appropriate to re-post again this year and with FaceBook now in the forefront it can go around once again. In our troubling times that we live today and the uncertainties that face many peoples and nations, I am reminded of an earlier time in a place called “No Man’s Land” during World War I.   During that time an act of humanity happened that went beyond rank and reason . . . and so . . . Christmas Truce . . . * The truce began on Christmas Eve , December 24 , 1914 , when German troops began decorating the area around their trenches in the region of Ypres , Belgium , for Christmas . They began by placing candles on trees, then continued the celebration by singing Christmas carols , most notably Stille Nacht ( Silent Night ). The British troops in the trenches across from them responded by singing English carols. The two sides continued by shouting Christmas greetings to each other. Soon thereafter, there were calls for visits ac...

With the holiday season upon us I wanted to make sure everyone is safe and uses good judgment when going to holiday parties or out on the town.   I remembered seeing this warning a while back and wanted to share it with everyone. Enjoy! WHEN YOU GET TO THE END, CLICK ON THE LINK FOR THE DEMO! Police are warning all men who frequent clubs, parties & local pubs to be alert and stay cautious when offered a drink from any woman.  Many females use a date rape drug on the market called "Beer." The drug is found in liquid form and is available anywhere. It comes in bottles, cans, or from taps and in large "kegs". Beer is used by female sexual predators at parties and bars to persuade their male victims to go home and sleep with them. A woman needs only to get a guy to consume a few units of Beer and then simply ask him home for "no strings attached" sex. Men are rendered helpless against this approach. After several beers, men will often succum...

Holidays can be stressful to many people and for some depression can overcome you.   I am reminded of a story . . . This guy's walking down the street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he can't get out. A doctor passes by and the guy shouts up, 'Hey you. Can you help me out?' The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along and the guy shouts up, 'Father, I'm down in this hole can you help me out?' The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by, 'Hey, Joe, it's me can you help me out?' And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, 'Are you stupid? Now we're both down here.' The friend says, 'Yeah, but I've been down here before and I know the way out.' Have a safe holiday season and remember many of us have been in that hole before so if you need to shout out for a little help . . . Ice

I have been off for a couple of days and I thought I would be doing a couple things but I have enjoyed that I have had the time to go through many CD’s and load my music into this computer.   I have spent the last two days listening to about 25 or 30 disc of my favorite music and some I thought I would share with you with the great YouTube recordings out there. No particular order but I found some recordings of my favorite musicians.   Enjoy! The Music is You – John Denver James Taylor - Copperline Joni Mitchell – For Free Postcards from LA – Joshua Kaddison Walk Away Joe – Trisha Yearwood Fishin’ – Reunion show in Cullowhee Long Ago and Far Away – James Taylor John Denver – Eclipse Secret of Life – James Taylor Everyone in his own way need’s to decide how they want to "Enjoy the ride." Operator – Jim Croce & Maury Muehleisen Night Moves – Bob Seger Mail Order Annie – Harry Chapin Against the Wind – Bob Seger Carlene - Phil Vassar I hope ...

As we prepare our meals and ready for the gatherings tonight and tomorrow be remember our loved ones away from home around the world serving to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy. Take a couple of minutes to watch this video of “American Trilogy” Many may remember Elvis performed this in Vegas so many years ago but the best I have ever seen it done is by my friends who used to play in Atlanta in the 70’s & 80’s in their band called Cullowhee.   In the middle of this rendition is the speech of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox done so beautifully by Terry Edwards. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, Give Thanks, Be Safe, and may God Bless. Cullowhee American Trilogy Happy Holidays! Ice

On this eve of yet another new year, we celebrate the good memories of years past.   The hang gliding years are yet another chapter in my life that’s been closed and left behind with a twinge of regret.   One remembers riding the air currents all over the world seeing many wonderful things. “Fair winds and following seas” is a nautical blessing repeated by sailors.   It means, “may the wind fill your sails favorably for the duration of your voyage and may the seas be calm.” My New Year’s wish is that your days ahead be warm and safe wherever you are, and that gentle winds will help us ride out whatever challenges lie ahead. In 2011, let’s sail full speed ahead at peace with each other and nature. Happy New Year. Ice

Everywhere you go . . . even to the mall. And where better to remember shopping than my favorite movie, Christmas Vacation’s shopping scene with Mary. Enjoy! Did a small bit of shopping today and the parking lots were a mess.   Everyone seemed to lose the Christmas spirit as there were many hands and fingers pointed at people trying to find or maneuver for those few shopping spaces. Not fun so glad to be home without all of the chaos of the malls or stores. Ice

With Christmas just around the corner and things going into full swing this holiday season I wanted to give you something to ease that stress of the crowded malls, that parking spot at the far end of the lot and bring back that time of Christmas carols.   This little video clip from Two and a Half Men reminds us how fun those little moments are that brings out that unexpected smile. Enjoy! Happy Holidays, Ice