Vaya Con Dios.

Happy Birthday Maggie!

Today Maggie turned 11...or 77 in Dog Years. Well, she finally passed me up. I wondered how she would act, turning 77 and all. Well, she was surprisingly perky and almost puppy like. She rolled on her back and kicked the air like she used to do as a puppy. She almost ran to the pond and even chased a couple of birds!
What in the world could she have been THINKING of?!!?

Well, anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL! You're a wonderful Canine-American Fur Person -and you always have been.

Connections.

Surely you’ve heard by now that Barack Obama and Dick Cheny are distant cousins –the same great great grandfather or something like that. It’s true! Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton offered a tongue-in-cheek response to the revelation, saying, "Every family has a black sheep."
Well, here is another, CLOSER connection: California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and I also are related, somewhat, by association! Unbelievable, but true! Here’s how:
My sister Doris and I have the same parents, Lulu and Everson Clark. Doris and George Smith had a son George Wilson Smith III in 1952. George has had a marvelous and rewarding career and is now the Senior Representative for Fundraising for the East Asia Special Olympics. In fact, George spearheaded the development of the Special Olympics in China. George works directly for Eunice Shiver. Eunice and Sargent Shriver are the parents of Maria Shriver. Maria is married to Arnold Schwarzenegger. I stood right outside the gov’s office (pictured here with Donna and Kyleigh) while he and Maria were behind THAT door meeting and partying with some group of dignitaries. More succinctly stated: MY governor sleeps with the DAUGHTER of my NEPHEW’s boss. Amazing!
‘small world, isn’t it?

Writer's Block

John says he has Writer's Block at the moment, and asked ME, Maggie, to think of something to post.

Hmmmmm.. 'seems I can think of only one thing. A one-track mind you might say. Oh well.

Hey, if John wants me to get creative maybe he should think about including ME in the name of this stupid blog....like, maybe "johgie's world?"

I'm gonna just take a nap. Sorry Jessica...

Wuf.

Forty years, 11 months and 14 days...

That's how long it had been since the Broncos absorbed a home loss of the magnitude they suffered at the hands of the Chargers (41-3) on Sunday.How long ago was that? To put it in perspective: Uncle Mike was walking around furniture, but not walking yet. Aunt Lori had just started kindergarden. Lee, Barbara and every player on today’s Broncos had not been born –or some, not even thought of yet! Yours truly was a 32 year old, boy engineer and a die-hard Charger fan…ahh, the good old days!

Jersey Boys -The Musical

On Saturday, Sept. 22, Barbara and I went to the Sacramento Community Theatre where we thoroughly enjoyed "Jersey Boys" -the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. We had "accoustical friendly" seats (back row, but the sound/accoustics were great). Even if you were born in the late '70s (like Barbara) or WAY before that (like me), the music was immediately recognizeable with such great hits as "Sherry" and "You're Too Good To Be True."

We both loved it and have since purchased the CD by the original cast. We encourage all who enjoy good music and a little nostalgia to see this musical...especially our NY/NJ family and friends who have access to those great theatres in NYC.

Trouble in the Football Rooom?

Can there be civility among the boys this week in the Football Room? We have Chargers (Mike) at Broncos (Lee), Gaseous Pigskins (Mike) vs the 40 Whiners (that would be me), and nobody really to beat upon as the FRaiders have a bye this week. Watch in silence? Ugh.

Lets just go out for a long, expensive lunch...

♫ San Diego, same old Padres ♪ ♪

Same tune, different lyrics.

If you've ever wondered why the Pads and the Bolts suck -year after year...here's the official answer:
When He created the world, God came to San Diego late on the 6th day. He informed the leaders of this fine city that He had just about run out of choices for them; that they could choose between having good professional sports teams or good weather.
The rest is history...

Riding the train...

... is an experience all should enjoy. In this world of rapidly advancing (and often irritating) travel technology, the train remains an indelible part of our American culture.
My littlest granddaughter, Ellie -nearly 2- has become fascinated by the train and we all look forward to that 1st experience for her. What a thrill for a little person!
I have included a photo of my favorite train -the Skunk Train which runs from Fort Bragg on the California coast to deep into the redwood forest. Oh, that Ellie and her cousin Kyleigh could experience this train ride together!
Even if that is not possible this year, at least Ellie and Kyleigh can ride up and down Locomotive Lane together with their Grandpa Clark!
Woo, woo!