I may be dealing with a personal addiction problem.

When I wake early, or in middle of the night, I find myself wondering what might be on TVLand. It seems that one pretty consistent programming tendencies of that network is they broadcast MASH from four to five in the morning.

I love that series. Hawkeye, BJ, Colonel Potter, Major Winchester, Father Mulkahey, Klinger, Margaret, and Radar, not to leave out Henry Blake, Frank Burns, or Trapper John McIntire. I love the constant banter between all the residents of that small fraternity of humanity that were tossed into a situation that no one could be prepared for, yet I am amazed at the bond and loyalty they each had to each other.

Of course, I was in college when the series began, but I think I now watch the re-runs with a different perspective now that I have aged.

That is a pretty good way to start a day off. Laughing! Thanks, I needed that.

If that is my worst addiction I guess I am doing pretty well.

I knew it was going to happen, but I was still saddened and surprised when Brooks and Dunn announced they were hanging it up. I don't know that means a whole lot. Both artists have made their own forays in to the solo area. They have had a good ride.

My first knowledge of Ronnie Dunn was when I attended ACC. Chris, Chris and Dunn was a very popular musical trio on campus. Of course the story is told that administrators encouraged Ronnie Dunn to leave. Other stories indicate a more animated exit. Either way, Mr. Dunn had a passion for his music and moved to Tulsa to play in a house band. Obviously he made the right decision for himself, although success took its time to find him. One of my favorite songs, by any artist, is I believe, a song idea/rough work that was brought to Ronnie Dunn by an individual, and he sat down and in an extremely brief period of time refined and put the lyrics to music. This song was a solo success for Ronnie.

Thanks for the tunes. Good luck, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn.

And, we say goodbye to Eunice Kennedy Shriver whose legacy lives on in Special Olympics. I think of all the influence the Kennedy family has had on so many different areas of society. I can't help but wonder what would this country be like if we hadn't lost JKF 0r Bobby, and JFK Jr. I may be wrong, but I think it would be a different world.

Health care reform. I think we need it. I like the part where doctors wouldn't get paid for every procedure, Doctors would get paid for having healthier patients.

I think President Obama has a very aggressive agenda. I shudder to think what the past eight or ten months would have been like if we had reactive leadership instead of proactive leadership. I for one, appreciate the fact the President Obama is making the effort to lead.

Summer is quickly winding down. Of course one of the first signs is when two a day football practice begins. Other sports have begun practice and it won't be long until the yellow hound school buses will be mixed with our traffic.

And it is only 135 days to Christmas.

Rian called me yesterday. He said, "Dad, pray for me, that I can keep my cool".

I asked what was going on and he told me that LISD posted three principal penings yesterday. One high school principal opening, one middle school principal opening, and one elementary school opening. He said that "central office" had been making some calls. Apparently JM, the principal Rian is an assistant to, is the subject of much interest. JM called Rian into his office and closed the door. JM told Rian he did not want to make a change, that at this late date if he was asked to make a change he would not be allowed to take his "team" with him. He asked Rian what he thought and what he would like to see happen if the changes occur. A weird twist that is thrown in is that JM is also a name being bounced around for the LISD Athletic Director's position. Of course Rian was in meetings most of last week at Central Office. So far he has been impressed with their new superintendent. She came from Houston.

Late word is that Central Office called and JM has an appointment today to meet with the superintendent.

More breaking news when it happens!

And, I learned yesterday that one of the grand-nieces had surgery earlier this week. If the information Memama gave me is correct, Jani is in Denton after Avery had multiple hernia repair surgery. I don't know many particulars, I just think that isn't the kind of birthday present I would want for birthday #6, which is right around the corner. I won't say a lot since I really don't have permission to share.

And there is another birthday right around the corner. Reidman will be 6 tomorrow. Where did the time go?

Rian will be 32 in eleven days.

If Rian is 32 and Reid is 6, that makes me? +/*-#@%&^\`= at least 38. Hah!

Pepa had been plowing Monday and reached down to get a bottle of water from the floor board, to place it by the a/c vent and he accidently hit the gearshift. He said it was just like a rearend collision. It threw him into the steering wheel. Memama said he came in Monday night telling her he was hurt. She went to therapy yesterday and was telling her nurse about Pepa's wreck. The nurse said Pepa would be pretty sore, but they didn't any big damage was done.

I reassured Memama and told her those steering wheels were pretty tough and I didn't think it was hurt.

And with that said, have a day!

FATHER, thank YOU for a good day yesterday. Thank YOU for pulling me up by my spritual bootstraps. While I am better, I still have a ways to go. I ask for YOUR continued help. I ask YOUR blessings on Krl as she is struggling with her work. Give her the assurance that it too will get better. I lift up Avery to YOU for YOUR gifts of healing and care. I pray for a quick recovery for her. I know whom I have believed.