#43/365--Run:4Justice

#42/365--Visiting Nanna and Versing Bananas

My dad always loved to eat at Chili's when we would get together as a family.  Call it habit or call it, "In Memory of," but anytime my mom comes to visit, that's where we eat!

And of course we had to go for dessert afterward...but before we had dessert, Lauren and Mikey had to have a "Banana War."

#41/365--Where is the Love

Valentine Party at school tomorrow...

#40/365--The Leader of the Band

((My dad, a teacher through and through. 

Not the leader of any musical grouping...but in metaphorical terms,

the leader of our familial "band."))

The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs thru' my instrument
And his song is in my soul

My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man

I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band

I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go
I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And Papa I don't think I said
"I love you" near enough.

(Dan Fogelberg, 1982; Song #76 in my playlist)

...in great memory of my dad, Dr. Joshua L. Leamon, 1938-2007...

Psychology professor and Psychologist

Bowler

Wearer of the Flat Cap

Toothpick Sucker

Fried bologna/taters Eater

Sweet-tooth Haver

Money Saver

Generous Giver

Master of hugs and homemade malts

Expert Storyteller
Caller of balls and strikes

Scratchy stubble face

Handsome

Wise

Quiet and Introspective

So Much More

Husband to Dawn

Father, Daddy, Advisor to Erik and Janelle

Pappy.

You are missed beyond measure.

May I grow into the parent and teacher that you were.

#39/365--Plume, or Birds of a Feather

...of smoke from the warehouse fire right down the highway from us...

...sticking together because there's about to be some more of that cold stuff...

#38/365--Lauren's White Trash

((My kids have an incredible sense of humor!!))

#37/365--Public Service Announcement

Grown-ups have tantrums, too.  And, thus, here is mine.

I have lived here...

...for almost 5 years.  As you notice, I have a corner home, which means a bigger, private yard.  And also, a private side yard.  And also, a green belt between myself and the neighbor in the next set of townhomes.

The green belt isn't MINE.  It's a great place, however, for the kids to play--Mikey and his friends, especially, LOVE it for the spacious area in which they can play multiple sports.

Unfortunately, the entire neighborhood seems to think this is the place they can come and use as the "community doggie toilet."  When I say, "the place," I don't just mean the green belt.  They also feel free to use my private, side yard. 

Forgive me. 

 Isn't it a common courtesy to pick up after your dog in a public place? 

In addition, one would think it is also a common courtesy to pick up after your dog in a private lot.

In the nearly five years I have resided here, this has been an issue.  There have been poopy soles of shoes.  I have scooped numerous bags of poop not belonging to my doggie.  In the summer, as the hot, Texas sun heats up the multiple piles of excrement, the aroma is not pleasant.

When I arrived home from church this afternoon, and saw the pile of poop by the sidewalk leading up to my front door--on my private, side yard--the straw finally broke the camel's back.  Out loud, to no one, and very loudly, I stated, "Please scoop your dog's poop!!"  And just in case my animal-loving neighbors didn't hear my plea...

If you, too, are an animal lover, and have a pet all your own, please take something away from my tantrum today.  Please carry a plastic bag with you.  Please scoop your dog's poop.  Thank you.