The Mole Master

You would think I'd have a reputation amongst the local mole population by now. Apparently I don't.

I spotted another mole trail yesterday and set my trap last night. I woke up this morning to find mole #4 in my trap. I think I'm really getting the knack of this mole trapping thing. The trick is finding his main run (tunnel) and setting the trap "just so".

Mick the mighty mole master strikes again!

More on cursive

I remember learning cursive writing as a child. It was difficult for me and I didn't like it. However, I came to embrace it as a valuable and needed skill. I still don't have what you'd call beautiful handwriting, but it gets the job done. As a young teacher many years ago, I was required to teach cursive writing. I thought this was funny because I hadn't been trained in it and I certainly didn't have handwriting that was worthy of modeling after. But I taught it because it was my job. As I got a little older and computers started making their way onto the educational stage, cursive writing slowly faded away. It was never a conscious decision. It just drifted off without anyone really noticing it. Now in the age of computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, Androids, iPhones and many other devices I've never heard of, cursive has become obsolete and viewed by many as completely useless. But is it really useless? Allow me to ask a few questions. Are people still required to sign things? Credit card receipts, loan applications, lease agreements, mortgage papers? Of course they are! Many children today can't sign their own name. They can print it, but they can't sign it. I know electronic signatures are out there, but they are not prevalent in the areas listed above. Another question... Do all college professors allow electronic devices in their classrooms for note taking? Nope. Some do, some don't. Have you ever tried to take notes using printing and not cursive? It's slower and tougher to do. Yet another question... Aren't high stakes college entrance exams (SAT, ACT) still done with pencil and paper? Yes. As far as I know the essay portion of these tests are NOT typed (at least not yet). In my opinion, cursive should at least be given cursory attention in elementary schools. I'm not saying it needs to be taught like it was years ago, but children should at least know how to use cursive and to sign their own name. And if cursive really is going to be made extinct, then schools need to teach keyboarding and technology courses in its place. I know this already happens in many schools, but it does not happen in mine. You can teach both cursive and keyboarding, but you can't teach neither. My students do not know cursive and they do not know how to type. In 4th grade, this is not such a big deal. In high school, college, and adulthood, this IS a big deal. Don't stick a stake in the heart of cursive just yet. It may be a dying skill, but it's still needed in today's world.

Cursive

Cursive writing... to teach or not to teach? This is a topic for another day and is well deserving of more time. But for tonight, this funny but true cartoon will have to do.

I'll pack my lunch!

This is another one of those, "You can't make this stuff up!" moments.

The photo below was taken yesterday. It is a picture of the lunch menu for my school. On February 5th the school will be serving chicken popcorn. However, I don't believe there will be a lot of takers. Why? Because the menu reads, "Chicken poopcorn". That's right, folks. Chicken poopcorn. And believe me, the kids are having a field day with it. It took them exactly two seconds to find it. Funny how they can notice this, but can't find an answer when reading a text.

I think I'll pack my lunch on February 5th.

Sounds logical

It's hard to argue with this logic (if you believe in zombies... which I don't). Still pretty funny!

A few funnies

This photo is part of a true story. During the recent blizzard in the eastern U.S., the police pulled over a man more than 80 years old for driving like this. I always say, "You can't make this stuff up!".

You can file this one under "Things are never as they seem". I have to agree with this one. I love Skyline Chili as much as the next guy, but c'mon...

Asher Ray

I call this photo- Asher Ray and kids at play. It's going to be a period of transition for the Morton family. Praying for them in the coming weeks.

Go Broncos!

I have no idea how it started, but I have been a Denver Broncos fan since I was about ten years old. Of course my primary allegiance lies with the Bengals, but you know that story. They have broken my heart too many times.

My beloved Broncos reached the Super Bowl today. At least now I feel like I have a dog in the fight.

Proud Goppa!

Proud Goppa!

And now there are 5

Asher Ray came into the world yesterday and we could not be any happier. The Morton family now numbers 5. This brings to mind one fact Jessi and Barry probably haven't thought about yet. With the birth of their third child, the Morton parents now have to switch from "man to man" to a "zone" defense. Sports fans will get that little joke. Others? Maybe not. I'm sure you can figure it though.

Today we make the trek to Indianapolis to meet our new grandson. Can't wait!

Goppa x 3

I'm a Goppa again! That makes me a Goppa x 3!

Asher Ray Morton arrived at 2:43 PM today. Mother and Baby are doing just fine.

Asher weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 20 and a half inches long.

We feel so blessed to be grandparents again!

Sveta and Elliott are now officially chopped liver #1 and chopped liver #2. Naw, just kidding! We have plenty of love for all three of them.

From boyfriend to husband

I found this very funny, although it doesn't exactly apply to me.

I know the text is really small. I tried to fix it, but I couldn't figure it out. Sorry. Get out the magnifying glass and enjoy!

No Snow Day

When is a snow day not a snow day?

*When you are already in the shower and the phone call comes announcing a 2 hour delay.

*When you slip and slide to work and fight traffic only to get the phone call announcing the closing of the school AFTER you're already at work.

When you slip and slide all the way back home after turning sideways on the exit ramp (thank goodness no other cars were nearby).

When you shovel your own driveway and your back aches like crazy.

When you drive to church and shovel the sidewalks and plow the parking lot making your back ache even more.

When you realize there will be extra work to do tomorrow because your classroom schedule is a wreck after being off Monday AND Wednesday.

For those who think a snow day is a cozy vacation out of the snow... think again.

What's worse? Knowing it is going to snow again Friday.

I love winter soooooooo much!

No Dogs Allowed

I've never been a dog person. I especially don't like dogs doing their business in my yard. Apparently Ed feels the same way.

Brrrrrr

The temperature is below zero today. I am not a happy man. Winter and I have never gotten along. I don't think we ever will.

Sunday Fun Day

I don't usually do this, but here's a smattering of fun stuff for your Sunday Fun Day:

Turkey on a plane:

So yeah, this REALLY happened. Somebody bought a ticket for a live turkey and took it on a plane. This was allowed because the turkey was claimed as a person's comfort animal. An animal that offers emotional support (I'm not making this up. There is a story on FoxNews about it today). I bet this really ruffled some feathers. Truth is stranger than fiction.

Ice Car:

Some guy in upstate New York left his car parked next to Lake Erie overnight. The combination of wind and waves completely encased his car in ice. I really wonder how he thawed that sucker out. Again, this REALLY happened this week.

Weeeeeeee!

I have no idea where this happened, but it just struck me as funny. I have a few students I'd like to send down this slide at recess.

What? No returns?

Who knew you had to fill out SO MUCH paperwork to return your child to the store for a full refund. I wonder if it would be easier to just make an exchange. "Yes. Excuse me. I'd like to exchange this grumpy child, who won't clean her room, for one that will wash and wax my car. I have my receipt".

Pretty Little Liar

A few nights ago Tami and I babysat the grandkids. Elliott was having a whale of a good time jumping on his bed. Knowing full well his parents do not allow him to do that, I asked him if his mommy let him jump on the bed. Without hesitation, he said yes. Stifling a laugh, I told him I was going to ask his mommy, and asked him again. Does your mommy let you jump on the bed? Again without a moment's hesitation, he said yes. Being a good Goppa, I let him continue the forbidden joy of jumping on his bed (he's too cute to say no to). These events prove two undeniable truths... First, grandchildren can get away with murder when grandma and Goppa are in charge. Second, children are born sinners. Nobody taught two year old Elliott to lie to me. He was born with it in him. Thus proving we need Jesus Christ to save us from our sin. Even cute little Elliott needs Jesus. His cuteness may go a long way with me, but he needs Jesus to save him. But until he gets a little older and understands that need... Goppa says, "Jump away, little fella!".

Date Night

I have spouted off numerous times about continuing to date your spouse after marriage. It's so important for married couples to take time away periodically. Practicing what I preach, this weekend, Tami and I are off to an undisclosed location for a little date. It will be a very short trip, but one that is much needed after the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. I am off work Monday, so it gave us a little more flexibility with our weekend. It's nothing fancy. Maybe just a trip to the antique mall, a nice steak dinner at Longhorn (Thanks for the gift card, Mom :-), and playing the trivia game at B-dubs while having an adult beverage. We're simple folk, and that's our idea of a good time. Nobody has ever accused us of being the life of the party.

It also brings to mind dates of yesteryear when the kids were little. If we had a few hours to ourselves, we considered a trip to the grocery store (without kids) a night out. I know all you parents understand. It's not about where you go. It's about being together and reminding yourself why you married this person in the first place. It never takes me long to remember when I'm with my wonderful wife. It's amazing what conversations you can have when you are out of the house, alone, and away from the distractions of life. It's hard to have a heart to heart when you see a pile of dishes in the sink and there is a mountain of laundry calling your name.

My Apologies

I must offer my apologies, everybody. This blog has not been up to snuff lately. Life has gotten very busy and I just haven't had the time to post long, heartfelt messages. I know have been posting short, cutesy, little jokes and this is not really what you've grown to expect from this corner of the blogosphere. I remain busy this weekend, so don't expect an immediate improvement. However, watch for better stuff real soon. I guess after more than 1800 posts there are bound to be some low points. I ask for your understanding and appreciate your patience with me. Stay tuned for posts that will knock your socks off!

This could help

The diet is still not going well. My holiday binge has continued well into January. Sadly, my body shows it. Perhaps if I purchased the utensils below, it might help. Heck, I maybe wouldn't eat again.

Bang!

There is another GOP debate tonight. I wonder if the issue of gun control will come up.

I really like this quote by Judge Napolitano. He's spot on! (or should I say right on target?)

Ouch!

The cold weather is more than just inconvenient and uncomfortable. For me, it can be downright painful. As I grow older, my joints have begun to ache in the cold weather (especially my shoulders and knees). The graphic below is quite accurate, but I'm waiting for the day when I refer to my knees as "bad" and "worse".

Winter

3 words... Winter is here.

Ugh!

Smart Car

I'm sure you've seen those so-called SMART cars. You know the ones I'm talking about. They look more like toys than an actual car. Tami and I joke each time we see one on the road. We not-so-affectionately call them Dumb Cars. Meaning you have to be dumb to actually buy this joke of a car.

My lovely wife sent me this funny photo while I was at work today. It made my day!

National Reaction

The Bengals disaster last night had more than just local implications. The reactions from football minds across the nation were swift and severe. These reactions are accurate and well-deserved.

My last post quoted Boomer Esiason.

Here's more from Esiason and others---

“This was a disgraceful performance by the Cincinnati Bengals, an ugly performance by one Vontaze Burfict who should not only be find but should be suspended for a significant amount of time,” Esiason said over highlights from the final drive. “The guy’s a danger on the field to opposing football players. Adam Jones right there, he gets into it. Another penalty. This leads to this easy field goal kick for Boswell.
“But I have to tell you right now – I’m a former Bengal – I’m embarrassed by the way this game ended.

Former Steelers coach, Bill Cowher says---

“And I need to say this: when you’re talking about this game, we saw this with Odell Beckham and Josh Norman, right now that responsibility – I take it away from the officials – that is the head coach,” Cowher said. “They get to a line and they cross it, they should no longer be in the game because they can become a detriment to your team. That was Vontaze Burfict at the end of the game. He lost this game and that goes on the head coach in my opinion."

Former player, Bart Scott weighed in as well---

“What it is, is selfish,” said former Baltimore and New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott on the CBS postgame show. “He let his personal vendettas get in the way of the team goals. This game was won. He was a hero. He made a tremendous interception. He came back and became the goat."

Rodney Harrison put it this way---

Added Harrison: “I think they are two selfish players. You work all year to put yourself in a position to make a playoff run, with a backup quarterback, and you have two guys clearly acting like thugs on the football field. If I’m Marvin Lewis, if you can’t control your players, then maybe somebody else should be trying to control them.”

It's not just me

Admittedly I am not a football expert. I am merely a casual (former) fan. However, I do get a sense of affirmation when I read what Boomer Esiason said. Boomer is a former NFL quarterback and led the Bengals to the Super Bowl. He's been there and knows what he's talking about. Here's what he said. Sound familiar?

"I'm a former Bengal and I'm embarrassed by the way this game ended and by the way these guys acted on the field today," said Esiason.

Lastly, he said of head coach Marvin Lewis, "If Marvin Lewis can't control his players, maybe Marvin Lewis shouldn't be standing there on the sidelines coaching."

Dear John

Dear Bengals,

I want a divorce. I have given you the best years of my life. I have emotionally poured myself into our relationship for nearly 40 years. All you have ever given me is heartbreak and disappointment. You have led me on so many times only to hurt me and crush my dreams. A person can only take so much. We all have our breaking point and I have reached mine. Oh sure, we've had some good times. Things weren't always this bad. Or were they? Maybe I was just too young and too stupid to realize it back then. Maybe things have always been this bad and the only thing that changed is my perspective. Whatever the case may be, I am done. I can no longer go on like this. Perhaps you'll go on to bigger and better things. Maybe you'll win a playoff game some day. Perhaps you may even reach the Super Bowl (although I highly doubt it). No matter what you do, you'll have to do it without me. Goodbye forever.

Your former fan,
Silence Runs Deep

TYPICAL!

I will not waste my time or energy on a long post.

Typical Bengals. Had the game in hand. Gifted it to the Steelers.

Marvin Lewis has no control over his players. No discipline whatsoever. None.

To allow your players to lose their composure like that is shameful and unacceptable.

Marvin must go. He absolutely cannot be here after this complete and utter debacle. A disciplined football team closes out that game. The Bengals cannot play with the big boys. They just can't.

PATHETIC!

Go Bengals

To say the Bengals are in a playoff victory drought would be a gross understatement. The last time the Bengals won a playoff game Tami and I were dating. Considering the Bengals have not won a playoff game in my married life and considering we celebrate our 25th anniversary this summer, this gives you an idea of the scope of how long it has truly been since the Bengals have been relevant in a run to the Super Bowl.

Tonight the Bengals will attempt to exorcise a number of demons that have haunted them for far too long. First, they play the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have some kind of psychological stranglehold on the Bengals. The Steelers punch the Bengals in the mouth and the Bengals wilt. They retaliate with stupid penalties and lose all discipline. Second, the game is at night. I have no idea what the Bengals’ record is in primetime, but I know it can’t be good. Finally, they are looking to get the proverbial monkey off their back where playoff victories are concerned. If the Bengals lose tonight, the playoff drought will be 25 years old and will extend the current streak to 5 straight years.

The Bengals have a fighting chance tonight, but they will have to do it with a backup quarterback in the rain. I try to not get emotionally attached to a football team and I try to remember this is just a game. But doggone it, at some point the Bengals need to win a playoff game. Is tonight the night? Let’s hope so!

I believe!

The right to bear arms

President Obama recently circumvented the legislative branch and used executive order to enact new gun control laws. While I vehemently oppose any change to our nation's gun control laws, I am ever more strongly opposed to the president not following the system of checks and balances to pass new laws.

I completely support the 2nd amendment to the constitution and a citizen's right to bear arms. The fellow below is fully exercising his right to bear arms.

Shhhh

Our new grandson is expected very soon (Due date- 1/24).

I am TOTALLY going to buy him one of these.

Just Sayin'

I've been married a long time and I have learned a lot.

Just sayin'...

All Too True!

This is all too true. Sad, but all too true.

Holiday Poundage

I am still not off my holiday eating binge. I am overdue to get back on the diet. Apparently my scale thinks so too:

I'm calling it

I'm calling it now. The Bengals will be one and done for the 5th consecutive year. Once again the Bengals underperformed today. Yes, they won by 8 points, but they committed numerous stupid penalties (a sure sign of an undisciplined team). Yes, they won the division, but they will not win the playoff game this week. I am not being a pessimist. I am simply being a realist. The Bengals will be out coached and out played by the Steelers. Mike Tomlin, the Steelers coach, has a no nonsense, tough as nails approach to the game. Marvin Lewis has a happy go lucky, the players are my buddies approach to the game. The Bengals don't stand a chance with their backup quarterback playing against Big Ben. Sorry, folks. It pains me to say it, but I truly believe it.

Our Pastor

Our Pastor, Kevin Landis, is on vacation this week and church just was not the same without him. We sure do love that guy! He is so down to earth and is a solid example to his flock.

Here he is with his wife being all normal and stuff.

Fun fact: Kevin's dad was a teacher at St. Bernard High School and actually taught my mom. Small world!

Human Error

Stuff like this just cracks me up! I assume the people who painted and finished this gym floor were professionals. How can this happen? Honestly... how can this happen? Wouldn't you check and double check before completing something so permanent? And as the graphic notes... the correct spelling is printed in large letters on the wall directly in from of them.

Here we go!

Welcome 2016! Last night we said goodbye to 2015. It was a year full of God's grace, mercy and infinite blessings. I am looking forward to another good year.

Soli Deo Gloria!