35, Part 1

I have to say, birthday 35 was pretty great. A near two week vacation to Brussels and England. The former for beer and relaxing, the latter to reunite with friends and attend the wedding of our friends, the pub landlord from our village when we lived in England. And we had beer there too. I mean, c'mon.

Brussels has long been on my bucket list for a beer-cation. When it first made the list, it was because I was into dubbels, tripels, and quads. Mainly due to their strength, my craftbeer infancy, and my wallet appreciated the bang for the buck. The last couple years, Brussels has meant one thing: Cantillon. Sure, I was happy to partake of all the other lambics, and other styles, but, if I'm being honest (and I am) it was always Cantillon.

Mrs Butler and myself enjoyed walking around, taking in the sights, seeing the Grand Place, going to the war museum, EATING. We enjoyed our B&B, the company of our friend who came up from Germany, and making new friends thanks to the craftbeer world & social media. All those things hinged on the beer, the bars, the culture of beer. Well, at least for me.

Moeder Lambic was a great experience. Matter of fact, we went three separate times. How can you not? They have Cantillon on cask, a host of world greats, including largest US selection, and they let me walk their cellar. Orval fresh as SIX days, old as eight months. Comparing them side by side was a real treat, and I kind of fell in love with it all over again. Rare and vintage beers, including 2002 Cantillon Lou Pepe Kriek....only 180€. I passed. The staff was great, and by night two, we felt like regulars. Really a must for anybody visiting Brussels who has interest in beer.

Delirium Cafe was ok. Much hyped due to the largest beer selection in the world, but overcrowded for the same reason. Three floors of fun, we enjoyed the top floor, where we could hear ourselves think. Enjoyed several Mikkeller Spontan series variants here--the Gooseberry, Cranberry, and Framboos. Was nice to see my local regional gems Prairie available too. A definite place to stop in, but not my cup of tea. Also, unfortunately, to get there, you must walk past a thousand maître d's all aggressively clamoring for your business. 

We visited two hidden gems beside one another, though their names escape me. Found through an Instagram friend, one was a hub for the great thinkers, artists, and writers of the early 20th century. Remnants of their time spent drinking plastered on the walls in the form of scratched notes, pencil drawings, IOUs and correspondence. A pleasant place if you can find it, but beware the steep spiral staircase--use the rope!

Next door was a bunker from WWII, a series of underground rooms. Very cool atmosphere: dark, smoke darkened walls, good beer selection and picnic table community seating. Interesting place, definitely not touristy in any way.

That brings us to Cantillon. First, everyone who says it's in a rough neighborhood, doesn't know the differ difference between rough and poor. Second, if you're in Brussels and skip it, you are missing out on not just world class beer, but history. My wife and I were joined by our friend Neil who is stationed in Germany, and an Instagram friend, Andreas, an American photographer living in Brussels. Lucky for us, Andreas speaks multiple languages, is a member of the Cantillon Museum, and gave us a better tour than we could've given ourselves. For 7€ you get a pamphlet that guides you along a self tour through the various rooms of the 100+ year old brewery. Mash tuns, open fermentation tank, barrel room after barrel room greeted us as we moved throughout the old wooden building. Wood being an important distinction, because that is where the wild yeasts that gives lambics their delicious tartness live. Sticky floors from rupturing casks, spider webs in every corner, and the gleam of the one piece copper coolship are memories I'll have forever.

Upon finishing the tour, you get two taster glasses of some of the Cantillon basics. After that, you're welcome to sit and order on premises bottles that are a bit more rare. I say a bit, most US beer nerds would lose their minds and half their wallets...like I did. Of course, I brought a small haul home too. How could I not? We had a Zwanze 2012 and 2013 and a 50°n-4°E between the four of us, over three and a half hours. Sitting there, talking beer, life, with a couple other beer friends, in that place was the check mark on the bucket list. Such a great time. 

Funny thing too, Mrs Butler, who has never appreciated beer, decided at Cantillon that she does like sours. Go figure, when she decides to do something, she does it big. Not only does she like a rarer style, she likes the best, and hardest to acquire. Not to mention the inevitable price tag. Oh well, we knew she had good taste, she landed me...

I'll write about the England side of the trip next time, more memories made with good friends over good beer. A continuation of one of the best two weeks of my life. 

Cheers, 

Chris

13 Months

I love writing.
I always have.
I love reading.
I always have.
...
I began reading at an earlier age. I was no prodigy, but I was voracious. Reading 30+ books at 5 is pretty good; and they were books--more than 5 minutes of big type, one word a page kid stuff--and I read them, they were not read to me.
I started writing in 3rd grade thanks to a fantastic teacher who instilled both a sense of creativity and cognition in me. Creative writing assignments on Fridays, followed by sports card displays and trades for inspiration.Cognitive writing assignments on Tuesdays, with recess on the horizon, just out of reach.
I learned to love both. LOVE.
Through many ups and downs, books have been there for me to dive into, to lose the world of reality, join a brigade of dreamers. Writing was an extension of that. It took me from someone else's thoughts, to my imagination, to a world of my own. Good times? Write it out. Bad times? Write it out. Really bad times? Write it out.
I wrote through High School, on assignments, and for pleasure. I continued through college, same reasons applicable. I got good. I studied. I wrote more. I got better. I listened. I won awards. I shared. I got published.
Then...I stopped.
I can't even tell you why. Or maybe I can. Either way, there wasn't a REASON. Oh, sure, there were EXCUSES. Tons of those. Those don't count. In any case. I quit. I became what I hate. A quitter. I get a chill just being that honest with myself. With whatever random reader may be out there.
So, when we moved to England, I knew I had to start again. I did. I loved it. There was a lot to write about. But it wasn't really inspired. It was, however, cathartic, needed. It was not always easy for this dramatic dude. Dramatic dude? Whatever, no delete button, go with it.
We came home. I slacked again. But I thought. I at least did that. I knew what I wanted to do, and I formed ideas. A beer blog. I know there are many, and many better than mine. But I was merging two passions. It seemed logical. It seemed right. Furthermore? Plenty of inspiration, considering I get struck by a quality brew on a regular basis.
It started off on fire. I loved it. I was taking notes, and considering angles, pictures, environments, company. It was FUN. I was committed, I was inspired. Finally. It felt so good,
...
This is my first post since 2012. 13 months since I even logged in. I am ashamed to admit it, but I am a needy guy. I noticed no one was reading it. I let that get to me. I got dismayed. I got down. I let something I enjoyed be affected by outside influences. Awful. Artists--if I may be so bold--should NEVER be affected by critics. Musicians should play because they hear. Artists should paint because they see. Writers should write because they imagine. They shouldn't get critiqued out of their passion, their hunger, their need. They shouldn't be bullied into a societal norm. (Not going to get political. Yet) They should just let  it  flow.
So. I'm going to try. I'm going to try and be better. As I sit here with my vintage 2012 Sierra Nevada Narwhal--yes, the EXACT same beer I drank on my last post (yay for cellaring)--I am going to commit to TRY. To write when I FEEL. About whatever I feel.
I'd love it if you joined me. I'll try not to be disappointed if you don't. I'll try to be passionate.

Cheers,

Chris

Goodbye

Goodbye

Goodbye to the cold and rainy and wet
Goodbye to all the new friends we've met

Goodbye to the little things,
like washers, fridges, and roads with rings

Goodbye to right hand drive
I'm going back to the other side

Goodbye to all the history; the churches, the castles
I'll think of you instead of the hassles

Goodbye my Monday morning crew
I hate to leave you to just two

Goodbye to the Busy Bee ladies
Thank you for loving my babies!

And Mary gets an extra special thank you,
without you, I'm not sure what we'd do!

Goodbye to my train driving mate,
the next beer and round will have to wait

Goodbye my local landscaping lager lout
Next time we meet, you'll be drinking stout!

Goodbye to the Golf Society guys,
you who shoot low and score so high

Goodbye to all the people with all their charm
Goodbye beloved Thatcher's Arms

Goodbye to the landlord who made me feel at home
I can't thank you enough for the kindness shown

Goodbye is not how I feel, in the end
So I'll choose to say, till we meet again.

Thank you all so very much!!
Chris

A summary

Well, here it is. Rian's last day. Yesterday did not go so well. She was obviously upset at saying goodbyes, and consequently didn't say very many. I hope it doesn't make her too sad in the long run; it's a hard lesson she will learn later in life: say your goodbyes, and express your affection when you have the opportunity. All in all, she wasn't bad, just a bit overwhelmed.

On the way from school to her special dinner she got very quiet. I asked if she was ok, and she said,

"I am just sad for growing up."

*choke back tears*

"Well, honey, Daddy is a little sad too, but we all have to grow up. And just think of all the super cool things you get to do when you are older; like drive, go to college, get married..."

"NO! You just get soap in your eyes and get big sore bones!"

*Ouch* How do you argue that though? I mean, it felt like I had soap in my eyes at that moment, and I was still trying to drive. I can only imagine the second part of her declaration had to do with a discussion regarding growing and how it sometimes hurts, but that was months ago. I guess another reminder of be careful what you say.

Next week, Rian gets a break and Daddy gets Rian  and Bay at home. Hope the weather is nice or it could be a long one. Then, school starts up and we move on...and wait for calls from the Headmaster.

I would like to post a poem, written by one of Rian's wonderful teachers, a super lady who is always full of energy and joy and really keeps the kids going. No idea how she does it, but she is tremendous. Thank you KJW!

       We'll Miss You
                            
The time has come to say goodbye,

We'll try so hard not to cry,

We'll miss your funny little ways,
And all our fun and crazy days.

Getting messy, paint and glue,
Sticking, colouring and collage too.

Making friends, time together,
Memories that will last forever.

We've watched you grow, and come so far,
You'll always be a shining star.

Learning together each new day,
A brand new skill that will always stay.

Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring,
A brand new season, what will it bring?

Time outside, rain and sun,
So much fun for everyone.

Riding bikes, climbing and sliding,
Running, jumping or a game of hiding.

So now we have to be apart,
But you'll always be inside our heart.

Everyone will miss you so,
And always remember wherever you go,

That you are special and quite unique,
In the way you move and the words you speak.

A last goodbye and last squeeze,
Never ever forget us please.

Poem by Katie Whitnell
 
Thanks so much to all the Busy Bees Staff, especially Emma, Katie, & Carly and the others who fill in at Starburst since this is about Rian. Trusting someone with your children is not always easy, but you ALL do an amazing job, and we "transplants" are lucky to have found you!

1 year down

While I sit here exhausted, trying to arrange all my thoughts of the last couple weeks back home and the last year as a whole, one thing is for certain--I am blessed. Now that doesn't mean I am always happy, of course it doesn't, that is just ridiculous. It also doesn't mean that I wouldn't change anything. Nonetheless, I am overwhelmed at just how lucky I am sometimes.
First off let me start by saying a giant thank you to all of my friends and family back home that made for a very special 3 week vacation. It was much needed and much appreciated. We crammed a lot into the first two weeks as a family and I just about killed myself the last week running all over. Wouldn't have changed it though, too much good stuff is good sometimes.
OK, so a quick rundown. Golf for me the day after I got back probably wasn't a good idea and my scores showed that. No harm done. Sunday school was great, getting to catch up with good friends, and having several groups invite us over was wonderful as well. Thank you Evans and Sheehys, and Gunnemans thank you for stopping also. Racquetball Monday was an experience. Fun to be back out there, not so fun to stink it up so bad. Dentist Tuesday resulted in everyone having good news except Rian, who is back to having Mom and Dad brush her teeth. Yikes, kid! Wednesday, my folks showed up and took us for some Mexican (oh how I missed you so!)...(parents and the food) after more racquetball. Friday morning, Dad and I did something we hadn't done in ages. Single digit age for me I think. We went fishing with my neighbors, Matt and Paul, thanks to both for the invite and Paul for the boat. What a fun time. Cigars, couple cold beverages, and we all caught--winning combos. Poker that night--also rusty, and shopping the next day. Church again Sunday, cavity filled for Rian & racquetball on Monday, followed by a movie then dinner, and saying goodbye to my parents. Kelsie had a positive report on Tuesday from her neuro, though we aren't off medicine and seizures are still present, she was pleased with K's progress, and said there were FEWER seizures. Thank God. Golfed again Wednesday night with better results and Lace helped her friend set up her classroom for school. Thursday was more cavities and Friday I golfed with my brother in law and then we had our farewell dinner with Leasea's sister and family. I said goodbye to Baylie that night for a week, and Saturday after breakfast with the Carlton family, I said goodbye to the other three as they got on the plane, England bound. I saw a movie and tried to take it easy that night, I was off to Tunica at 5 am on Sunday...
...Pre-dawn, Matt and I are picking up Tate and Eastbound. Had to be there in time for a tourney, which I finished one off the money in, and then had a ridiculous, Paula Dean buffet. Bad idea, as we all over-ate. Good idea because it was so dang good. Took some seriously rough beats at the poker table that night and I was down in a hole to start day 2, but golf was coming. Monday we played 27 holes of golf, I shot 48 on the front, 48 on the back, and 48 on the bonus 9. Nothing brilliant, but I beat Matt, and I guess you could say I showed consistency. A quick hustle to the hotel for three showers and back off for another tournament which I made final table, but no cash, and Matt chopped the pot for a win--congrats Matt! I hit big again and again on 3 card and was out of my hole and up a bit after day 2. Came back on Tuesday, relaxed, got laundry started and finished on Wednesday between errands. Was pretty well squared away and ready for my flight to Chicago on Thursday to met my cousin Gary and his roommate Daryl for some fun and a ballgame. Thursday was the fun, bouncing around downtown and having Gino's East pizza, before heading back to condo to sleep and get ready for the ballgame Friday. Hit some places in Wrigleyville before the game, which the Cubs came from behind to lead before showing off their patented come-from-ahead-loss skills. Awesome. Couple more places to show D and then I was off to the airport. Got back to AR at midnight, got home, showered, slept, woke, finished packing and was loaded up for the airport 10 hours later. Ugh. 16+6 hours later I was in Mt Bures hugging all my girls.
So, what does all that do? It leads me to this. I love home, I miss home, but it was nice to come back here, because this is where my family is. As fun as that last week was, I had to stay that busy so I wouldn't be lonely. There are many issues when you are living two places. You are always town between where you are and where you aren't. Who you're with and who isn't around. What things were like, and how they are. That isn't a bad thing, and I hope I am learning how to cope better. I have met some great people here who are becoming friends I hope to have for many years. I have wonderful, tolerant, helpful friends back home, that while missing them makes it hard to be here, there prayers and support and help, makes it possible to be here. I think it is probably like comparing girlfriends; better left undone, just look to each new experience with a fresh and positive understanding. And I am trying.

Well this is a mess/New list

Ok, I got on here with full intention of writing about how screwed up San Francisco and Arizona are right now, but I realize I am on the losing side...strangely enough, that happens to be on the side of the law. How in the heck can it be wrong to ask someone to be a citizen to get benefits, wages and to VOTE? It is the law, it is absolutely right, and if you are illegal, leave or get legal. Or we can start paying you in pesos. How would you like 8 pesos and hour vs $8? Right. So, thats all on that, because I have a feeling I could rant a thesis length paper right now about the idiot protestors.

So, new list. Favorite rock musicians. Solo. There are going to be many more on here, but that is because there are so many greats, and, frankly its my list, so I don't even know why I have to justify.
Again, in no particular order.

Bruce Springsteen - Ok, you may argue he is in a band if you like, but it is Bruce Springsteen & ... So individual it is in my book. The essential voice of the working man. A blue collar poet. Sure, sometimes it seems as if he is reading from a diary or a newspaper, but the way he turns the phrase into something more is outstanding. And sure, his voice is not great, but if it were, I don't think he would be as good. Teh grittiness makes it. Concerts are legendary. Super-gluing your fingers to keep playing even after 3 hours on stage? And he can certainly play. And The E Street band is pretty dang good too.

Billy Joel - The Piano Man. Just don't request that at a piano bar. Amateur. I love his stories. Its like country music set to piano and rock. A lyricist to the core who can tinkle the ivories with the best of them. Diverse too, with many clasical pieces under his belt and lending his songs and expertise to Broadway as well. A good voice, with great range, his albums run the gamut and give you a listening experience that doesn't all sound the same.

Meatloaf - Ok, so he mostly acts now, but he has arguably the best concept album ever with Bat Out of Hell. And he can belt, really belt. Again, a lyric storyteller, with epic length songs. Pretty sure 'the best of' could get you through a regular workweek commute. Its more quality than quantity here, which to me, is unfortunate, but he does have a new album out, so there is hope.

Before I continue, yes, I see the theme. I like stories. I like lyrics. Understood.

Elton John - Very similar to Joel, except more flamboyant x 10. Great songs, and part of one of the best writing teams of all time with Bernie Taupin, and now very prolific on soundtracks and Broadway with Tim Rice. Diverse, eccentric, and interesting, his 35 years of albums are all over the map, and mostly good. Like the US, minus Ohio.

David Bowie - Another of the top 5 concept albums of all time, in my opinion with Ziggy Stardust. Ecclectic, mega talented, and smart, he has an outstanding voice, and ideas a plenty. One of those artists I really get excited about when the radio gets its head out of its rear end and puts some Ziggy on. An actor as well, he has fallen away from the music scene a bit, but has enough credibility to pull off any move he wants to.

Prince - Some may argue he is R & B, but I say rock. What other R & B act has that kind of music, especially the guitar? And, sadly, Prince gets overlooked too often because he doesn't neatly fit into a category. He can certainly handle himself with the instruments, and musically brilliant. One of the best soundtracks from one of the worst movies with Purple Rain. Vocal range to spare, all in a pocket sized, in your face, daring dude. Sure he is strange, but I imagine thats where the inspirations come from, so go for it man.

Michael Jackson - Off his rocker weird. Ok. No argument. But the best performer in my lifetime easily and Elvis is probably his only rival of all time. Singer, writer, musician, dancer, & actor and all done fairly successfully. Controversial for many reasons, even before the allegations of the 90s, he seemed to be a little boy genius trapped in man's body. Be hard to say what he would have been like with a normal family, but his results speak for themselves.

So this is my list. Apologies to Van Morrison (nothing in my lifetime too significant) and Bob Dylan (everyone's go to pick, but I prefer his lyrics to his music) and Elvis (what have you done lately, huh?) and too many others to name. Feel free to comment. Or not. Suggest a list if you want.

Rian-isms

Here is a re-post from Facebook of all the Rian-isms from the first 9 months or so of England life. In chronological order as well, so for your viewing/reading enjoyment, I present Rian. And remember, laughter is the best medicine!

"Ohhh Dad this (vanilla) ice cream tastes like 3 million strawberries." Ummm, ok, Rian




2 new Rian gems while coloring today:

"I colored outside the lines to remind me not to, it's not an accident." &

"When I grow up to be a mommy, I'll play in a poker tournament with you, I will."



"Daddy, you're so nice, I just wanna send you to Heaven." Thanks, Rian, I don't know what to say.



Rian just started screaming at the top of her lungs in the back seat, I asked her what she was doing and the response was, "I'm not screaming, I'm singing like Fiona and trying to explode that bird over there." Might be time to stop watching Shrek



Me: "Rian, Daddy spent all day cleaning, why are you tearing stuff up?"

Rian, with a grin even: "it's just what I do, Dad."



Rian, upon seeing my new tattoo for the first time. "WHY YOU HAVE MY NAME?? YOU 'POSED TO HAVE YOUR NAME, NOT MINE!!" the put her face down in her arms, and huffed and puffed and pouted



While walking through Sherwood Forest, both girls with walking sticks:

Rian: "I have a big stick."

Baylie: "Rian, they are basically the same size."

Rian: "Well, potentially mine is bigger."

Potentially, really? Sure you're three?



Rian: "Here Dad, rub my new head bump (from meeting a door @school)"

Me: "No honey, Daddy doesn't want to hurt you"

Rian: "Then why do you spank me, huh?"

And walks away. I feel like I've been set up



Rian wailing in church because she only got a blessing and "nothing in her hand and no drinks!" (cracker and wine for Communion)



What an age we live in.

Me: "Rian, apologize to Kels." (she accidentally knocked her over)

Rian (walking away): "I will sent her a text message"



Latest Rian Red-bottom Retort:

Me: "Rian get your clothes on."

Rian: "I not like those pants!"

Me: "You can't always wear dresses, I think those are pretty."

Rian: "You wear them Daddy"



Me: "Rian, go to your room and sit in bed!"

Rian: "I sending me to bed first, not you!"



Upon hearing coughing from the bathroom; Me: "Don't drink your bath water Rian!" Rian "I not! I choking on it!"



Me: "Don't drink your bath water Rian!"

Rian: "I not! I choking on it!"



Rian's bones are bigger than last night, she has to grow up to go to work. Her words, not mine obviously.



Rian, in the bathtub with Kelsie: "Arggh, Kelsie. You're making me cross. Ahh its ok, even though you have a bad 'attitune,' I still love you."



"My body ate all of my ‘sunscream’ up cuz it wants me to get a tan."

Sigh, whatever, Rian.

And finally a prayer from the beginning of our journey over here:

After reading Franklin's Vowels: The Letter O, Short Sounds

"God and Jesus, welcome for my family, welcome we have a great day. So much fun. Please let no fox or hog or dog in my yard. Only a dog if its Maya. Please we can have a log and an otter to come over in my yard. Not a fire, for its hot, can burn my Kels. Welcome for only getting one scratch on my nose when I fell down the stairs. I want a top for Christmas or tomorrow. I had one yesterday."

Long pause.

Me: "Are you done? Say Amen."
Rian, "No, I listening."
Big Sigh.
Longer pause.
Rian, "Ok. Amen. Daddy, leave all the lights on for Maya to come visit, good night."

Lists - Fiction

Lets go for a bit more artsy here. Well depending on your modd I suppose. I, like most people, enjoy a book that I can sort of shut down my brain on, suspend disbelief and have fun with. This list isn't for those books, so apologies to Lee Child, Vince Flynn, James Lee Burke, and so on.
Again in no order, here are some of my favorite novels.

On the Road - Jack Kerouac : This isn't one that appeals to all, but at the time I read it, (3rd year of college) it really set me on fire. I loved the stream of consciousness, the almost manic pace that Kerouac sets forth. It made me wish I was born 40 years earlier just so that I could hitch hike with safety. A really great English Prof helped out too, explaining all the back stories, and even having eat apple pie with ice cream. He probably would have been all for a hitch hiking weekend.

The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas : Flat out love this. Written, obviously in a much different time, so the wordiness can be a bit much at times, but nothing so bad as approaching Dickens or Hawthorne. Just a little bit of eveything a good story needs; love, action, revenge, humor, redemption, forgiveness. Could easily read all 1800 pages again.

Less than Zero - Bret Easton Ellis : With a thanks to Ben B. for this recommendation as well. This is much like a Cather in the Rye for a later generation. Not quite mine, but much closer. What literary critics saw in C.i.t.R., and I didn't, I saw in this. Very much a lost soul, Clay goes off the deep end with just about every vice, only to realize promise in life and start anew. (possibly, if you like Disney endings, book isn't clear) Good stuff.

A Long Way Down - Nicholas Hornby : If you haven't read any oh N.H.'s stuff, you're missing out. Very clever, witty and varied, he writes many characters with a depth not typically found. To be able in this book, to bounce 4 completely different characters back and forth and not lose any personality is quite impressive. Any of his books are great, so you could try High Fidelity, Fever Pitch, About a Boy, or Slam. I am currently on Juliet, Naked.

A Separate Peace - John Knowles : A story about friends and the subversive feelings between them during a difficult time in history. Two friends, very different, at a boarding school during the Second World War. Gene, returns 15 years after the events unfold and the story is his recollection of his times at the school with Phineus. Real quality and I think it still plays, even though it was written in the 50's about the 40's.

Ok, so there ya go. I am sure at the time I hit post, I will think of others, but...Oh well. This is a varied list, and encompasses, I hope, my varied taste. Enjoy, love to hear yours!

ABC's of Blessing's (Parent's version)

So, to continue with yesterday's theme, here is Leasea's, followed by mine. Enjoy

A - asterisk
B - Baylie
C - Chris
D - dogs
E - extras
F - family
G - God
H - home
I - imagination
J - Jesus
K -Kelsie
L - love
M - money
N - noise
O - obstacles
P - passion (woo hoo! lucky me!)
Q - quirkiness
R - Rian
S - salvation
T - today
U - "un-do" button (on the computer, I was hoping she meant real life. Could really market that.)
V - voice
W - water
X - Excel
Y - yearning
Z - zippers


A - Airplanes
B - Baylie
C - Chicago Cubs
D - Dogs
E - eggs
F - Family
G - God
H - Home/house
I - Immaculate conception
J - Leasea's JOB
K - Kelsie-bug
L - love
M - Military
N - naivete
O - origins
P - Parents
Q - quarrels
R - Rian
S - Spring
T - tomorrow
U - unfinished
V - visits
W - wonderment
X - clear X-rays
Y - youth
Z - zest

Some of these may be readily clear as to why they are blessings, others may not. I guess when it comes down to it, for me at least, some of the things that I feel blessed by are things that make me stronger and better. And truth be told, the good things don't always do that. You have to have the bad things, to recognize the good. To grow.
Or to quote one of my favorite recording artists, "you know life would be awfully boring if the good times were all that we had."
And if you aren't my parents, one of my daughters, or my wife, and weren't mentioned by name, don't worry; if you are reading this, you fall under the "F" for family. And you all should know who you are.
Love,
C

ABC's of Blessings (Kids version)

Thanks Lynz for the idea, fun around the dinner table last night as we came up with these. Rian had to be prompted and suggested letter sounds and words on most, but she came up with some on here own too. Baylie did hers all on her own.
So here goes, free of any of my comments regarding validity or quality:
Rian
A - Angels ("I was angel at school!")
B - Busy Bees ("That's my school!")
C - cats ("We had a cat, didn't we?")
D - Dad
E - eyeballs (came up with this on her own, actually)
F - Flowers
G - God ("God make us all better, don't he?")
H - hills
I - Ice cream
J - jelly
K - Kelsie
L - ladybugs
M - Mouse (got upset when we suggested Mom)
N - Night night dresses
O - ovals (all on her own too)
P - Punching bags (on her own, thanks Nonni for "Kels'" Valentines)
Q - "quack quacks" from ducks
R - rice (on her own)
S - Snail shells (her own)
T - Tia (her own, friend from school)
U - unicorns
V - Valentine's cards ("I made one of those!")
W - watches
X - X-rays ("I had x-rays of my hand!")
Y - yellow
Z - zebras

Baylie
A - animals
B - blood
C - canteloupe
D - dogs
E - eagles
F - fishing rods
G - God
H - house
I - ice cream
J - jam
K - knowledge
L - lanes
M - monkeys
N - needles
O - oceans
P - plans
Q - queens
R - rabbits
S - school
T - trees
U - umbrellas
V - vultures
W - washing machines
X - x-rays
Y - yams
Z - zoos

Mine and Lace's to come!

Its nice

It sure is nice to feel welcome. Everyone likes to feel welcome, right? It is a great feeling to walk into someplace and see a familiar face or even just a smiling one sometimes. I can't think of anybody who would LIKE to be shunned and excluded. Hmmm...
I got asked many things about being here while I was back visiting over the holidays, but one question that was most asked was, "are the people nice?" My standard response was, "well, sure, but its a different kind of nice." And then I would go into how, where and how I was raised, if someone new moved into the neighborhood, you went and knocked on the door, offered your name and a handshake--at the VERY least--and likely a cassserole or cookies. People are more reserved here, they are friendly, polite, but mostly quiet and keeping to themselves. I appreciate that, and it might be different if we lived closer to the city. While it is strange, I am adapting.
I am adapting, mainly, because of the wonderful people at our family oriented village pub. Not only have the owners, landlords, and staff welcomed me and the family, the regulars have as well. We are to the point where we now get invited for things. One guy has invited me to learn squash, one to take me to a WWII museum, and the golf society opened up to me right away.
Most of all though, the landlord, Mitch and his partner, Sarah have made me feel most at home. I, the new, American guy, have been invited to Mitch's 30th birthday on Saturday! I think that is pretty great. One of those, once in a lifetime shindigs, and they invited me. I am very excited to go and very humbled they invited me. Not that I should have expected it, but Mitch lets me know if they have something new, or something going on--like a random wine tasting to help pick new wines for the pub; they got us a card at Christmas, and even one at Thanksgiving, trying to show their hospitality. Really sweet.
They are wonderful ambassadors for the community as well, volunteering, raising money for causes, handling village functions, and being a information point for all things in the region. They are well liked, well respected, and on top of it all they run a first rate pub. Top quality food, Ales, and conversation.
They are really a credit to England, this region, and our generation. Thank you Mitch and Sarah for your friendship this first stretch of our stay here. I, for one, would have been lost without you guys!

Vent

I sit here in a quiet house, 2 kids asleep. Sounds like a parents dream right? The major problem with this one is that its missing one kid and its more like a recurring nightmare. Another night of hospitalization for a 16 month old who has spent so much time escaping those hollow, disinfectant smelling hallways, and another night of worry for us.

On the surface, this one would seem to be the most minor of her issues, but if you look deeper, it is nearly as troubling.

• She was almost hospitalized twice last year with pneumonia.
• She has had breathing issues from the beginning of her 7 week early entrance to this world.
• Her body weight and size are no help in the matter as they have never had a real chance to catch up.
• Her immune system as a whole is weaker than the rest due to incubator time, birth weight, medical issues and so forth.

To make matters worse, we are still trying to figure out the Health System here. It would have been nice to have a better understanding before things started to go haywire. Or to have family, friends, and neighbors to support us or help out in these circumstances. I guess no matter where we are, it will always be a shock, but another country and Doctors and practices and procedures is, in my mind, a little more than what we might experience in the U.S. if, say, one of her Doc's was on vacation and we had to deal with some one new.


She is a trooper and I am not in any way attempting to over-dramatize this instance. More to the point, I am trying to rationalize and get a clear picture of what the rest of her life/our lives are going to look like. We try not to live in fear of scary words such as "shunt failure," "seizure," "stroke," "developmental delay," and "pneumonia," but I am beginning to wonder if we are truly taking it day by day and trying to be positive, or are we deluding ourselves in fear of seeing the real story. Should we instead prepare for our lives to be tossed into a washing machine once, twice, three times a year?
 
On top of it all, these other two little girls, are having to deal with Real World issues far too soon. As a parent you'd like to be able to shelter your kids and protect them from the ugliness of the world around them. Rian had her second birthday interrupted by an early preganancy and has, unfortunately, had too much attention taken away from her too soon. We both agree that this may be one reason for the--shall we call it rambunctiousness--that she possesses. And poor Baylie. Today, while at school, the mother of one of her classmates died suddenly. By the end of the day, they found out it was a stroke. Baylie doesn't say or show much, but surely these things affect her. I hope, over time, she realizes the need to talk about these issues as opposed to bottling them up. Lord knows, that tactic never worked for me.
 
So...anyone reading this. If you haven't already, or even if you have, it won't kill you, say a prayer for us. All of us. I know that I am blessed to have a wonderful family, both near and far. Thank you for all of your thoughts, and your notes and well-wishes.
 
C

Halloween Weekend 2009

Okay, so it just happened that Halloween fell on our first chance to take a vacation. Kinda weird being away for Halloween, since it is very much a local thing. We didn't know neighborhoods, so we just let the kids dress up for dinner, then bought them some candy and had a pig out fest in the hotel room. At least it will be something different to remember.

Other nice things to remember include; visiting Nottingham Castle. A 1200 year old castle that has been a focal point for many historical events, one of which you probably didn't know, the Robin Hood Legend. Yeah, crazy name, I know, but he was aguy who robbed the rich to protest a false leadership and helped the poor. That sorta sums it up, but you should check it out, pretty cool stuff. Also it mark sthe spot of the decree which started the English Civil War. Who knew they had one of those too? Didn't get great pictures due to some strange weather and lighting, but we can prove we were there.

Attached to the castle, or more appropriately, the castle's cave system, is the oldest Inn in England/Pub in the the world. Kinda neat. Three stories (being generous here) all in the cave openings, and a pretty cool spot to think about the guys who had a pint (more likely a tankard back then, you're right) before soldiering off to the Crusades, or some such English whim.

Then there is Sherwood Forest. A large gathering of trees some 25 miles to the North of Nottingham (think Robin Hood actually jogged down to Nottingham?) with the main focal point being Major Oak, the oldest tree in England (Scotland has one older!), estimate to be about 800-1000 years old. Also said to be a meeting point/HQ for RH and his Merry Men. Very massive. Very impressive. Got me to thinking though. If that legend is 800 years old, and the tree is thereabouts or a little older, why were they meeting at that particular tree? Wasn't very impressive back then. Crazy legends and their convenient lies.

Also, Rian is starting to understand that Disney is a liar. She was upset (again) that there were no princesses at the castle and that RH was nowhere to be found. She did have a marvelous conversation with Baylie regarding their walking stick (because you HAVE to have a walking stick in the forest) wherein she told Baylie that "potentially" her stick was bigger after Baylie told her they were basically the same size. How does a dead stick have potential? Not sure, also not sure how a three year is spouting those kinda words. She sure doesn't get that vocab from her Dad (wink, wink)

And finally, this vacation was a nice retreat from a period of the year that has come to be full of memories, good and bad, for the Butler & McCallum & Collinsworth families. It is always the time of year I dread the most, and I try to keep as busy as possible during this time. For those of you who don't know, suffice it to say there has been a fair bit of tragedy (too strong?) and loss at this time of year, and for those of you who do know and may remember, thank you for your prayers and thoughts for my family.

Love you all!
C

Robin & Marian Statue

Robin Hood

Peek-a-boo! on the castle grounds

A Royal decree

The Inn/Pub since 1189

First cool tree we found

Rian inside said tree

A deep conversation, I'm sure

Major Oak with the girls

Major Oak

One more time

Forest Walk

Leasea in all her glory, designed by Rian

Happy Halloween!

New coat, e-mailing Nonni

Are you done, Mom?

R.I.P. Good coffee

You are reading the post of a broken hearted man. After being assured that my Keurig machine would work here with a converter, I now have no coffee machine. It ran one cycle, and much to my delight, I had a wonderful cup of Kona in just seconds. While attempting to refill itself, it shut down. Completely. I am hoping to have it fixed upon return to the U.S. because as I just found out, it would cost approximately 140 pounds to fix. That is about $235. And it still wouldn't work here, because I also found out, that it is more powerful than my TV, Computer, Printer and Xbox 360 combined.

So I gone from this

to this

And was hoping to go back to the prettier picture, but alas, I am stuck for awhile with the ol soluble yuck.

Keurig isn't even available here or for UK power. Oh, how the day has turned.

Also, our box spring doesn't fit up the stairs to our bedroom, so...its the air mattress for us tonight. Which would be ok...if I had a good cup of coffee to awake to.

Oh!

Duh...
My five for Dinner:
The Apostle Paul
Bill Murray
Jack Kerouac
Thomas Jefferson
Ryne Sandberg

To have a pint with:
Oscar Wilde
Ernest Hemingway
Benjamin Franklin
George Carlin
Ryne Sandberg

The bed is yet to come...

Okay, so admittedly I am not always the best at taking a long-term view of things. One of my several-ok many-faults. The fact that I recognize this at least, I believe, is good. I am pretty decent at knowing what I am not good at, just not great at fixing it. I guess we can add that to the list of faults. Wait, don't really make a list. Surely you have something better to do.

Currently, I am less than happy about our current posting. I am trying to remind myself we are only a month into it, and perhaps 6 months or a year down the road these will all be distant memories. Yes, Mom and Dad, I remember I didn't want to go to Germany and ended up loving it. No it is not the same. I am three times as old now. (3 times!?!?) I am old and cranky. I get fussed over little things and let other bigger things go. Why? You got me. Just my make up I guess. NO, I am NOT wearing make up.

These days are long. It is gray. It is windy. And supposedly this country is pretty old or something, so I don't think anyone is going to be changing to suit me. Which means, I leave it to all of you. You must all log on to a travel site right now and book flights over here. (Please confer with each other first, so as to not all arrive at once. Thanks) Don't worry about work or school or previous commitments; I'll write you a note.

Done yet? Alright then, see you soon. I'll leave off with this. During our golf outing yesterday, the guys starting having a "who would you like to have a dinner party with?" game, which turned into a "who would you like to have a pint with?" and so on. Please leave yours on the comments section, along with your dates of arrival and departure.

Oh, and the title? The "stuff" including our bed, should be here tomorrow. See how I tied it all together?

Some random house pics for those who were unable to view the ones from this summer.

Through the Master, looking over the valley

Exposed Brick wall w/ fireplace

From the backyard

Range has 8 burners, been using them quite a bit

The "backyard"/Stour Valley from Master window

Good tip +

Let me just mention quickly to anyone who cares that if you ever get your music and itunes and storage all screwed up and the listings, names, albums become jumbled...just buy all new music, it would be worth it. Something from the 3G to 3Gs took all my music, collected and compiled neatly and orderly over the last 7 years and threw a hand grenade into it. It as taken me nearly a week and I don't want to think about the hours to re-list and re-group everything.
It looks like we are reaching what the locals call "full Autumn" over here. It is what us Americans envision when we picture England. Gray, windy, drizzly, and cold. The thermostat says 61, (actually it says 16, but they do things funny here) but I don't trust it one bit.
Did a little more exploring today. Gotta say, driving is my favorite thing here so far. I should've listed it on the first post, but I forgot. I don't like the roads much, they are one lane and two-way; the bigger car doesn't move and the smaller car has two wheels in a field. Nonetheless, smaller cars, winding roads, manual transmission, and having everything reversed from the norm has really made driving fun again. Leasea's boss (a Brit) says, "in America you steer, in England, you drive." I gotta agree. Super fun and sure to scare any of you who comes to visit as leaves and branches smack off your window at 50 miles an hour.

Clacton-on-Sea

Well weekends with no toys for kids, makes for long weekends for parents. (AMIRITE?!?) So, we have been taking short day trips to keep things interesting. So far, this has worked well. Yesterday, however, Miss Rian Grace was in RARE form. So much so that she actually lost the right to walk in the sand--AT THE BEACH!
The pier in Clacton was exactly what you would imagine. We could've been in NJ or CA if it weren't for the accents and weather. Cheesy rides, cheap toys to "win", and lots of people. I actually for once didn't mind. I really kinda liked it to be honest. Probably a place we will visit many more times, and if anybody comes over, you'll probably see it too. Only 30 minutes away, too. There was plenty to do, the fish & chips were amazing, and there were some decent photo ops.
After the pier we did a little shopping to round the day out and Leasea actually got something! Shocker. In the middle of the shopping center was a random Tunisian Market. Why? No clue. Even stranger? Halfway through, a Brazilian drum band and three scantily clad dancers paraded through the place. I gotta say, it felt very surreal.
So, after we'd all made it back home--Rian almost didn't, I thought of dropping her off and making her hitchhike, but that would have left a sour taste in some Brits mouth about the "Ugly American" kid--we settled in for the evening. Lamb Chops, steamed broccoli and fresh baked bread dinner. Football (European) and the football (NCAA) rounded out the night, with U o M beating the Flailin' Irish (which I watched in its entirety) and then USC beating Ohio State (did not watch).

All in all, not too bad a day.

Number one!

Okay, well I guess I am off and running now with this whole "blog" thing.
Thanks you Bre for your help and for not laughing at me (too much) whilst (see I am picking up the local lingo) I asked many rudimentary questions.
So, I am not sure who will read this, if anyone, but that is okay. It at least lets me talk, vent, ramble, etc. I have been Facebook chronicling our adventures here to this point, but here is a quick run down of the nonsense we have encountered.

• Banks. 2 weeks to get any money. 9 days to get an acct number, but even then our cashiers check wasn't good, so it had to be mailed back stateside and deposited and wired back. Just got our bankcards this week. Brutal.
• One car. Now, I admit, this wasn't that big of a deal, but when you are used to two and the independence that comes with that, having only one is frustrating. Our second car is on order, due in November, and we have a temp car until then.
• Phone/Cell phone/Internet/TV. Actually, minus the Cell phone (which I had to have a bankcard for), these guys were more efficient than the banks. Still took 8 days for TV, 6 for phone, and 10 for internet.
• Our stuff. Originally we were told 4-6 weeks. By the time it gets thorugh customs and gets delivered it will be closer to 10. The girls are driving us mad, but who can blame them really?
• Mail. Letters seem to get here ok, but boxes? Geez, what a mess.
• The house. What a quirky place we live in. Some real adjustments to be made.

Ok. So that has been rough. There have been good things too, however.

• The family time. Been to the zoo (very nice), exploring, on picnics, to parks, and generally just spending more time together than we did back home with our crazy schedules.
• The people. Can't think of a bad thing to say about one person we've met. Even the bank people with all their crazy rules were nice while telling us they couldn't help us.
• The scenery. Its very pretty here.
• The house. Quirky, but suitable. (And, yes, I know its on the good and bad side.)
• The pub. Good food, great Landlord, wonderful drink selection, friendly customers. A very picturesque village Pub.
• The Country Club. Very nice facility. Gym is top notch, course is long and fairly difficult, people are friendly.
• The schools. The girls are settling in well. Rian loves that her school has not one, but two, sandpits. She comes home daily with sand in her pockets and waistband. Kelsie is Kelsie and she just gets along no matter what, although the teeth NEED to come through! And Baylie seems to like her school, although she hasn't made many friends yet. Thats just her though really. Gets along with eveyone, not super close to many people.
• The church. We are going to a C of E church where the Vicar went to a Baptist College. Outgoing people and lots of kids.

I think things will continue to settle down, especially once we get our stuff here. Just doesn't feel like a "home" yet. We miss everybody back home, and that I think will be the toughest for me. Having just gotten to where I had my good friends and a good schedule in Siloam, and then having to leave is rough.
Okay, I am off to explore, then work out, then pick up kiddos!
Till next time...