February 2006

WILL Update - Originally Posted Dec. 1, 2005
Thursday, December 01, 2005

Will Update
Will continues to be involved with Webelos Scouts, skateboards and James Bond Marathons. He has met a new younger friends in the neighborhood and you'd think he was their big brother.

Summer was spent at Twi-Light Camp. He has taken a great interest collecting coins and scavenging for loose change. Saving and earning his allowance, neighborhood jobs (house and dog sitting) . This week he went to the bank and opened his own savings account.This is a real GOOD thing.

Since he was so successful with working with his sister on the Film Festival he wanted to explore other opportunities in the performing arts. This is a good outlet for him. Both he and I auditioned a community play with the ACT1 Theater ( Alpharetta Christian Theater) in the two act play "It's A Wonderful Life".We both won the parts and began rehearsals in September. Performances began last week end and we've had a full house both nights so far. More on this later. We are having a great time.Will went to Tybee Island with the 5th Graders from his school. It was a three day science project and a tradition with his school.Will has made a lot of new friends this year. He had a big party at The Varsity and a sleep-overfor his Birthday.He likes his teacher, Ms. Benton, very much and all is falling into place preparing him for Middle School.
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 6:10 AM

1 Comments:
Jeannie said...
I wish we had found Alpharetta Elementary about 2 1/2 years ago.... but hindsight is always 20/20 you know.
6:10 AM
Post a Comment
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Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 31, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Originally Posted - 11/30/05
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

I am Back -
Many things have happened that have kept me from my Blog.Work and the day to day things, for sure, but battling one of the the power giant Insurance Companies trying to terminate Jeannies disability has taken a toll on any discretionary time.I've had some responsibility challenges and opportunities at work that took some adjustment time. To get caught up I'll high light the activities of theFamily one at a time.Amanda First.Amanda and Will entered a film festival competition sponsered through the YMCA. It was GREAT and they kept it a big secret. There were 9 groups that developed scripts and made an independent movie. There were judges and everything. They won several awards. There were 9 awards and they won 7 categories.Best Director., Best Actor, Best Teamwork, Most Thought Provoking, and Best Picture. The Movie was titled "WILL'S STORY".Amanda works so hard and does so well with her activities. She was elected to the City of Alpharetta Youth Council. Her Law Enforcement Explorer Post 919 held elections and she was elected Captain for the post. They have monthly details serving the community and the city.She continues to work on her Karate - SOO BAHK DO. Drama Club ( technician behind the scenes this year).She went to No GA College for Open House and it looks like she'll be joining the Corp of Cadetsafter graduation from Milton High in May.She was awarded a Leadership scholarship for her community service through the Leadership Essay and work with the Youth Council at the YMCA> Scientific Atlanta provided the funds for the $ 1000 scholarship.All this and still maintains an A average in her Senior Year. Some of these classes are college level courses for which she'll get credit.
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 5:32 PM 0 comments
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 31, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Clarification - Originally Posted Mar 22, 2005
Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Clarification
Clarification _When I posed the previous question ( Does anyone really care? ) it relates to the overall purpose and intent of this BLOG.My original intent was to somehow provide a window or a door for my children and loved ones to learn who I am, who I was and what influences played various parts in shaping me. I do not do this to be arrogant nor to be boastful, but to be open and in so doing answer quastions that may not be asked. To date, I have received comments from my wife, my father and a good friend.That's okay.There is much more to share and, for now, time will provide the opportunities to post more until, someday,there is no more time. then the questions will rise and the answers, some of them will be here.I have had my brother, Vic, on my heart lately. He was so very unique. He was deeply passionate about many things. I have often wondered, in recent years, about all the things I did not know about him. We were separated by distance, for years, and there were voids. ( late '70s, the 1980s and early 90s). As a result of these voids in time, he didn't know things of me, likewise, I knew little of his adult life. We reconnected the last few years of his life.I relive our carefree youth, adolesent, teen years. His memory is frozen in time. His passion isburned into my soul. His pain, agony and restoration is on my mind and in my heart.To me, he was and is forever young. I really miss him and sadly there were things about about him that I do not know. His daughters deserve to know what I know. I hope and pray that I can open some windows and doors for them as well.
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 5:45 PM 0 comments
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 31, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Confession of Digression - Monday, March 21, 2005

Confession of Digression
I guess I really went off the deep end with the recent entries of the Navy and the Annapolis. I really did have a great opportunity to see the world when I was in the Navy. Thanks Uncle Sam. I experienced some good times, and some bad times. I often felt guilty, as one often does, listening on the radios while our grunts on patrol were pounding rice paddies, trudging the central highlands and beating down the razor sharp jungle bush calling for help. ( which we gladly sent air strikes off the HANCOCK, CORAL SEA and from Clark AFB. ) I know we did our part, but although we were in IT, we were OUT of it. I didn't think I deserved to be where I was in comparison to the guys "in country". It was strange thinking that my friend, ( B. Bickes) would be on the other end of the radio. I wanted it to be me instead of him. He made SGT. in the field running recon and S & D missions. I really miss By. I don't know, exacty, why we drifted apart after we both married and came home. That's just the way it goes. I was his best man when he & MB married. He was mine. Life got wierd for all of us. Many veterans got marrried and later experienced divorce for different reasons. Changes took place and now what we've got here are deep memories. Sometimes too painful to bring up. It conjures up a lot of stuff. More of realizing that there are innocent lives that lie in our wake.I will get back on track and continue this saga. I will get back to the purpose and intent. as stated in the first post. There is so much to say - so much to share. Does anybody really care, though?
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 4:22 PM 2 comments
Saturday, March 19, 2005

USS LAFFEY DD - 724
The USS LAFFEY DD - 724 - I remembered that this ship was in Venice, Italy with the Seventh Fleet when I was there. I was in Saint Marks Square ( Piazza de San Marco ) and the sailors from the Laffey were involved in a great stir. The Laffey has a great wartime history.
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 4:51 PM 0 comments

GULF OF TONKIN 1969
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 3:47 PM 0 comments

ANNABOAT - Gulf of Tonkin 1968
Aboard - Dec '68 - '71Yokosuka, Japan - Subic Bay,Philippines - South China Sea -Gulf of Tonkin, VietnamMeKong Delta, VietnamSingapore, Mauritius, Africa, Portugal, Spain, Palma Mallorca, Italy, Greece andPhiladelphia Naval Shipyard USAUSS Annapolis AGMR-1
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 1:06 PM 0 comments
Sunday, March 13, 2005

Coast Guard Cutter INGHAM CG - 35
INGHAM CG - 35 At Patriots Point, SC
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 6:34 PM 0 comments

Old Sea Bag - Cap - Ribbons
Just returned from a trip to Charleston, SC to The USS YORKTOWN ( CV 10 ) http://navysite.de/cv/cv10.htm and www.patriotspoint.org- Will and I went with other scouts and families from Pack 459. We toured the Submarine USS CLAMAGORE ( SS 343 ) and the Destroyer USS LAFFEY ( DD-724 ). There was a Coast Guard Cutter there too the USS INGHAM. ( CG-35 ).I went aboard Friday night with my old seabag, my old blue ball cap from the ANNA BOAT USS ANNAPOLIS ( AGMR-1) Even had my ribbons attached to the side of my cap. It raised a few eyebrows. The sea bag has all my ports-of-call stenciled on the sides. I was crushed that there was no OOD ( officer of the day ) to salute, but I did manage to get in a salute to the fantail when we came aboard. You are supposed to salute the fantail when coming onboard, because that's where the American Flag is flying. Will and I were near the front of the long line. People wondered ,"What he stopping for"? .... just old times sake, I guess - plus it was the right thing to do. Back in those old swaggering days I usually had come aboard from liberty call with a buddy or two in tow. Question remains, "Who was towing who?", but that's yet another story.It was really great being aboard a ship again. The YORKTOWN has a great and proud history in WWII and after. The original USS YORKTOWN CV-5 was sunk by the Japanese in the battle of Midway 1942 in the Pacific. The keel was laid for USS YORKTOWN CV 10 on 1 DEC 1941 just 6 days prior to Peal Harbor Attack 1941. She was commissioined in 1943. She served in VietNam during the same time I was there. She was decommissioned in 1970.The carriers I was working with then were the CORAL SEA , the HANCOCK , and the KITTY HAWK.There was a true to scale Vietnam Support Base Camp at Patriots Point as well. Inside the Naval Support Base we saw 2 Hueys - Ammo Dump - River Patrol Boat - Tower - Com Shack - Mess Hall - Perimeter Posts - Jeep - Fox Holes - and Bunks. It reminded me of the support bases at DaNang and Cam Rahn Bay in South Vietnam, only smaller.We made some GREAT memories. Pictures to follow later.USS Yorktown CV-10
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 3:01 PM 0 comments
About Me

Name:Michael Allen
Location:Alpharetta, Georgia, United States
Lairdcliffe,Trout Fishing (Tallulah River-Chattahoochee River), North Georgia Mountains, Camp Rainey Mountain, Scouting, Stephen's Ministry,NGTD70, Kalalau Lookout(NaPali Coast Kauai), Balcony at Waikiki. Hanalei Bay Whales from Princeville. Glenbrook our home/our haven.
View my complete profile
Previous Posts
Here is a quote, I like, and it speaks loud and cl...
Will Update
I am Back -
Clarification
Confession of Digression
USS LAFFEY DD - 724
GULF OF TONKIN 1969
ANNABOAT - Gulf of Tonkin 1968
Coast Guard Cutter INGHAM CG - 35
Old Sea Bag - Cap - Ribbons
Archives
February 2005
March 2005
November 2005
December 2005
This is a paragraph of text that could go in the sidebar.
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Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 31, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Sunday, January 29, 2006
MARCH 2005 - Re-Posting







My Ribbons and Medals USN 1968-1972


The Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club




THE HELM OF THE
USS ANNAPOLIS AGMR-1
USS YORKTOWN ( CV -10 ) at Patriots Point, SC
USS LAFFEY - DD 724 - Patriots Point, SC

Monday, March 21, 2005

Confession of Digression
I guess I really went off the deep end with the recent entries of the Navy and the Annapolis. I really did have a great opportunity to see the world when I was in the Navy. Thanks Uncle Sam. I experienced some good times, and some bad times. I often felt guilty, as one often does, listening on the radios while our grunts on patrol were pounding rice paddies, trudging the central highlands and beating down the razor sharp jungle bush calling for help. ( which we gladly sent air strikes off the HANCOCK, CORAL SEA and from Clark AFB. ) I know we did our part, but although we were in IT, we were OUT of it. I didn't think I deserved to be where I was in comparison to the guys "in country". It was strange thinking that my friend, ( B. Bickes) would be on the other end of the radio. I wanted it to be me instead of him. He made SGT. in the field running recon and S & D missions. I really miss By. I don't know, exacty, why we drifted apart after we both married and came home. That's just the way it goes. I was his best man when he & MB married. He was mine. Life got wierd for all of us. Many veterans got marrried and later experienced divorce for different reasons. Changes took place and now what we've got here are deep memories. Sometimes too painful to bring up. It conjures up a lot of stuff. More of realizing that there are innocent lives that lie in our wake.I will get back on track and continue this saga. I will get back to the purpose and intent. as stated in the first post. There is so much to say - so much to share. Does anybody really care, though?
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 4:22 PM 2 comments
Saturday, March 19, 2005

USS LAFFEY DD - 724
The USS LAFFEY DD - 724 - I remembered that this ship was in Venice, Italy with the Seventh Fleet when I was there. I was in Saint Marks Square ( Piazza de San Marco ) and the sailors from the Laffey were involved in a great stir. The Laffey has a great wartime history.
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 4:51 PM 0 comments

GULF OF TONKIN 1969
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 3:47 PM 0 comments

ANNABOAT USS ANNAPOLIS (AGMR-1)- Gulf of Tonkin 1968
Aboard - Dec '68 - '71Yokosuka, Japan - Subic Bay,Philippines - South China Sea -Gulf of Tonkin, VietnamMeKong Delta, VietnamSingapore, Mauritius, Africa, Portugal, Spain, Palma Mallorca, Italy, Greece andPhiladelphia Naval Shipyard USAUSS Annapolis AGMR-1
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 1:06 PM 0 comments
Sunday, March 13, 2005

Coast Guard Cutter INGHAM CG - 35
INGHAM CG - 35 At Patriots Point, SC
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 6:34 PM 0 comments

Old Sea Bag - Cap - Ribbons
Just returned from a trip to Charleston, SC to The USS YORKTOWN ( CV 10 ) http://navysite.de/cv/cv10.htm and http://www.patriotspoint.org/- Will and I went with other scouts and families from Pack 459. We toured the Submarine USS CLAMAGORE ( SS 343 ) and the Destroyer USS LAFFEY ( DD-724 ). There was a Coast Guard Cutter there too the USS INGHAM. ( CG-35 ).I went aboard Friday night with my old seabag, my old blue ball cap from the ANNA BOAT USS ANNAPOLIS ( AGMR-1) Even had my ribbons attached to the side of my cap. It raised a few eyebrows. The sea bag has all my ports-of-call stenciled on the sides. I was crushed that there was no OOD ( officer of the day ) to salute, but I did manage to get in a salute to the fantail when we came aboard. You are supposed to salute the fantail when coming onboard, because that's where the American Flag is flying. Will and I were near the front of the long line. People wondered ,"What he stopping for"? .... just old times sake, I guess - plus it was the right thing to do. Back in those old swaggering days I usually had come aboard from liberty call with a buddy or two in tow. Question remains, "Who was towing who?", but that's yet another story.It was really great being aboard a ship again. The YORKTOWN has a great and proud history in WWII and after. The original USS YORKTOWN CV-5 was sunk by the Japanese in the battle of Midway 1942 in the Pacific. The keel was laid for USS YORKTOWN CV 10 on 1 DEC 1941 just 6 days prior to Peal Harbor Attack 1941. She was commissioined in 1943. She served in VietNam during the same time I was there. She was decommissioned in 1970.The carriers I was working with then were the CORAL SEA , the HANCOCK , and the KITTY HAWK.There was a true to scale Vietnam Support Base Camp at Patriots Point as well. Inside the Naval Support Base we saw 2 Hueys - Ammo Dump - River Patrol Boat - Tower - Com Shack - Mess Hall - Perimeter Posts - Jeep - Fox Holes - and Bunks. It reminded me of the support bases at DaNang and Cam Rahn Bay in South Vietnam, only smaller.We made some GREAT memories. Pictures to follow later.USS Yorktown CV-10
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 3:01 PM 0 comments
Thursday, March 10, 2005

a quote that will get your attention !
Whoa !!! ATTENTION!
Subject:
" I am like a man on a sea voyage nearing his destination. When I embarked I worried about having a cabin with a porthole, whether I should be asked to sit at the captain's table, who were the more attractive and important passengers. All such considerations become pointless when I shall so soon be disembarking. "
MalcolmMudgeridge.
THIS is so powerful.I am in awe of these words, for to understand their "deep" personal meaning allows one to KNOW what is truly important.
As Benny Buffington would say: "In other words, Mr.Bill....it's a journey...life is short " .........don't sweat the small stuff " .Often times, easier said than done.mra
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 8:48 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, March 08, 2005

I'm Back in the Navy - ( for a weekend )
USS Yorktown with the Cubs and Leaders of Pack 459 - Charleston, SC We'll be leaving here on Friday mid morning and returning Sunday afternoon.
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 9:38 PM 1 comments
Posted by Michael at Sunday, January 29, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Milton District Pinewood Derby Race 2005
Will Won his Division at the District Race wit "The Patriot"

We, finally, after all these years, have a winning formula for the Derby car races.
Posted by Michael at Sunday, January 29, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
A Day at the Races - Pinewood Derby Style -2005


Saturday, March 05, 2005

A Day at the Races
Youngest son, Will and my oldest grandson, Dom are in Cub Scouts. Dom is a Tiger Cub in NY and Will is a Webelos. Will won the Pack Pinewood Derby a few weeks ago and today was the District race. Dom and Adam are now making their car for their races coming up soonI hope they have fun making their car. Dom's mom asked me for some tips for Adam and Dominic. She really asked me the time; and I sent her info on how to build a watch !!(probably told her more than she wanted to know). Anyway, It was WAY COOL for G-pop (that's me) to be involved with Adam and Dom this way.We do have some tried and true tips that really help. I hope to post some pictures of Wills' trophies. He placed First in his division and 3rd in the Pack Championships. Today he placed 2nd in the District. He had the track record of 2.800 seconds. After four runs down the track his cumulative time was a 11.33 seconds for an AVG. of 2.832 seconds. Pretty good. !! His car was named "The Patriot".Watch for photos to be posted on http://www.jeanniessoaps.co/ under > About Us > and Pinewood Derby 2005.I can't wait to hear about Dom and his derby car.
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 11:32 PM 0 comments

Posted by Michael at Sunday, January 29, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Random Thoughts of Children & Family 03/02/2005
Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Just Random Thoughts about Children and Family
Motherhood - If it was going to be easy, it never would have started with something called labor!Shouting to make your children obey is like using the horn to steer your car, and you get about the same results.To be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today. (I Learned this too late, the price is way too much.)The smartest advice on raising children is to enjoy them while they are still on your side.Avenge yourself - live long enough to be a problem to your children.The right temperature in a home is maintained by warm hearts, not by hot heads.Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.Grandparents are similar to a piece of string -- handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of grandchildren.A child outgrows your lap, but never outgrows your heart.God gave you two ears and one mouth... so you should listen twice as much as you talk.Adolescence is the age when children try to bring up their parents.You know the only people in this world who are always sure about the proper way to raise children? Those who've never had any.Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch.Adolescence is the age at which children stop asking questions because they know all the answers.Kids really brighten a household; they never turn off any lights.
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
A Bluebird Idea

Monday, February 28, 2005

I was just thinking that the land surrounding PLBC (Promised Land Bible Church) would be an excellent place for several bluebird boxes.The place would be perfect! I'll ask about it. Maybe we can get the scouts involved in a service project to build and install them.
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 7:16 AM 2 comments
Sunday, February 27, 2005

Southeastern US Genus speciesSealia sialisThe Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis, is a blue songbird that sings a melodic warble. This beautiful member of the thrush family lives in the eastern half of the USA and in southern Canada, ranging from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains. Its numbers have been decreasing greatly in the last few decades. The Eastern Bluebird has a life span of about 6 years. This songbird is the state bird of Missouri and New York.Anatomy: The Eastern Bluebird is about 5.5 to 7 inches (14-18 cm) long and has a wingspread of 11 to 13 inches (28-33 cm). The bill is thin. Males have bright blue feathers above, an orange-red throat and breast, and a white belly. Females are camouflaged; they have dull blue wings and tail, a gray head and back, a brown breast, a white eye ring, and a white belly.Diet: The Eastern Bluebird mostly eats insects (especially grasshoppers, crickets, katydids, and beetles), worms, snails, and spiders; it also eats fruit.Nest and Eggs: Eastern Bluebird nests are cup-like and are made from dried grass, pine needles, and plant stems. Nests are built in holes in trees and rotted tree stumps. Females lay 3-6 pale blue eggs in each clutch (a set of eggs laid at one time). The female incubates the eggs for 12-14 days. Both parents care for the hatchlings for 15-20 days, when the young leave the nest.
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
The Eastern Bluebird


The Eastern Bluebird
http://birds.cornell.edu/BOW/EASBLB/http://www.rivernen.ca/bird_6.htmI have a few favorite birds found in the wild. The Eastern Bluebird is special to me.I think bluebirds are special, probably because they are rarely seen. When you see oneit is UNMISTAKABLE and gives you a thrill. The other reason is because it may remind yousitting in the old movie house watching Uncle Remus ( James Baskett) sing "Zippity - Doo-Dah".My Oh My! What A Wonderful Day!The Song of the South - written by: Joel Chandler Harris of Eatonton, Ga(He and my maternal gr grandmother {Annie Bell Bowden} were classmates in Putnam Co. Ga).http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038969/I remember seeing it at the Buford theater and again at The FOX in Atlanta.
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
People I'd Like to Know Personally ( or would like to have known)
. People I'd Like Know Personally (or like to have known)
ACTOR/Entertainer-celebrity= Jimmy Stewart - Dan Blocker - George Kennedy - Don Knotts - Jimmy Durante - Al Jolsen - Victor French - Frea Astaire - Dennis Franz -ACTRESS/Entertainer-celebrity= Katherine Hepburn - Marilyn Monroe - Sophia Loren - Gilda Radner - Bettie Page -Sports Figure = Roger Bannister - Joe Namath - John Hannah - Jim Craig - Carlton Fisk - Johnny Bench - Johnny Unitas - Stockton&Malone -Presidents = Reagan, JFK, Lincoln, Truman, Teddy Roosevelt
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
The Big House
Friday, February 25, 2005

The Big House in Buford, GA about 1955. We lived here in the home of my Great Grandfather, Victor H. Allen.A Big yard, Bunker Hill, Mysterious Attic, and a long Bannister in the back hall. Homemade brew in the basement.Riding my red bicycle down the sidewalk toward town with the roots of the big oak trees lifting the pavement sending me flying through the air. Tony Hawk stunts in 1957. HA !I remember Allena, our maid, in the kitchen rocking and talking to the churn. "Come Butter Come!" Allena had a nephew, Taft Smith, a proud WWII veteran. He would walk with a limp to work at the tannery and often stop in our front yard and entertain us atop bunker hill ( a mound in the front yard) by playing his military bugle calls. God Bless Him, he was a sweet unforgettable man.
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
WHO Knows? DO They Know? HERE Goes ! 02/2005
Thursday, February 24, 2005

Where and When to Begin
Now that I have opened the door, looked in and decided to step through I see shelves and shelves of cans.Which can of worms shall I open first? The cans are not necessarily filled with worms. Though certainly there are some squirming rampantly.Shall I do this Chronologically? at Random? I can't seem to decide. I was told once upon a time how wonderfully organized I was. Well, SURPRISE !! I am not. Perhaps, in a former stage in my life out of professional necessity, I used to be organized. I am no longer. Perhaps I was a prisoner to the notion of being "in control" and "on top of my game" though as I see it now I am FREE of that notion.Who and what was I trying to impress in those days? They, (whoever the nameless "they" may have been) didn't love me back, didn't really care about me and in the long run chewed me up, spit me out, burned me up and out.It was a real deep hurt that you get when something you believe in, that becomes a big part of you, almost defines you and it leaves you. I'm not talking marital divorce here. Divorce in the marital sense, is worse - much worse.Feeling are somewhat similar, sort of, but magnified astronomically by those that lay forever in the wake.I really loved my work as a Professional Scouting. I believed in it. I had a great role model in Charlie B. (who you'll hear from later) and the concepts and principles of the Oath and Laws. I couldn't find myself compromising the movement for the notion of making someone else "look good". It went against the first Law and it made me sick. I didn't expect to do it, but it appears I took a can off the shelf and dropped it. There are a few loose worms out of the can. I gathered them up and put that can back on the shelf to be visited later, I am certain.I digress-- (BUT THAT WAS IMPORTANT as the opportunity presented itself) .Back to the organize thing = If you don't believe me, consider the condition of my notorius "back room". I have been saying for the past few years that I am going to organize that storage room. That would be a story in itself.NOW, There is an idea for a real mind study -- the mysterious Back Room.I'll decide soon where to begin.Feedback? Comments?
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 9:48 PM 0 comments
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Where and When to Begin - 02/24/05
Thursday, February 24, 2005

Where and When to Begin
Now that I have opened the door, looked in and decided to step through I see shelves and shelves of cans.Which can of worms shall I open first? The cans are not necessarily filled with worms. Though certainly there are some squirming rampantly.Shall I do this Chronologically? at Random? I can't seem to decide. I was told once upon a time how wonderfully organized I was. Well, SURPRISE !! I am not. Perhaps, in a former stage in my life out of professional necessity, I used to be organized. I am no longer. Perhaps I was a prisoner to the notion of being "in control" and "on top of my game" though as I see it now I am FREE of that notion.
Who and what was I trying to impress in those days? They, (whoever the nameless "they" may have been) didn't love me back, ever and didn't really care about me and in the long run chewed me up, spit me out, burned me up and out.It was a real deep hurt that you get when something you believe in, that becomes a big part of you, almost defines you and it leaves you. I'm not talking marital divorce here. Divorce in the marital sense, is worse - much worse.Feeling are somewhat similar, sort of, but magnified astronomically by those that lay forever in the wake. I really loved my work as a Professional Scouter in the BSA. I believed in it. I think I was pretty good at it. I made some lifelong friends along the way.
Walter "Bucky" Patrick, probably one of the most talented, hardworking, and one of the most genuinely good natured persons I have known. A fine man, a great father and devoted loving husband of Ruth.

I had a role model in Charlie Bethea. (who you'll hear more about later) and the concepts and principles of the Oath and Laws.
I couldn't find myself compromising the movement for the notion of making someone else "look good". It went against the first Law and it made me sick. I didn't expect to do it, but it appears I took a can off the shelf and dropped it. There are a few loose worms out of the can. I gathered them up and put that can back on the shelf to be visited later, I am certain.I digress-- (BUT THAT WAS IMPORTANT as the opportunity presented itself) .Back to the organize thing = If you don't believe me, consider the condition of my notorius "back room". I have been saying for the past few years that I am going to organize that storage room. That would be a story in itself.NOW, There is an idea for a real mind study -- the mysterious Back Room.I'll decide soon where to begin.Feedback? Comments?
posted by Michael Allen -MRAGLENBROOK at 9:48 PM 0 comments
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Kalalau Lookout, NaPali Coast Kauai, Hawaii

One of my most favorite places on planet Earth- This is an always and forever kind of place!!Kalalau Lookout, Kauai
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Jeannie and Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Jeannie and Me - Honolulu, Hawaii
This photo was taken by a nice lady that sold natural pearls at a little shop in the International Market Place near Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii --The Banyan Tree behind us is the same tree that stood there in 1968 when I was serving in the Navy at Pearl Harbor before going to VietNam.Michael and Jeannie 1993.
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Outer Hanalai Bay- Kauai


Outer Hanalei Bay Kauai - North Shore Sunset Jeannie and I sat here and watched the whales blowing and rolling all afternoon one day.This is a great place to make a memory. It comes very close to defining beauty, peace andmagnificence. It seems to capture you and caress you all the while filling your cup to overflowing. OH, if you're at all adventurous after dark you can find a bushwhacker, or two, just for fun!
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
First Post
First Post 2/21/05
This is my first blog entry.My Dad (Bill ) http://catodepot.blogspot.com/ and my wife, Jeannie, http://jeanniemalinda.blogspot.com/ have been posting very interesting articles and keeping a journal on their own blogs for some time. I think it is time I join in and begin keeping a journal of sorts when the mood hits me.It will be my intent to post certain statements, muses, thoughts and items that would be deemed "important" to share with family and friends.I hope it will in some way serve as a door, at least a window, into who I am and what things I find significant. Perhaps, my children will gain some knowledge they hesitate to ask me about.I trust this will be a safe place and a place to be respected and remembered.
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
Starting Over
I had to start my blog over again after it was left dormant for a few weeks-- ??

Somehow my dashboard became missing last week and I inadvertently created a new BLOG.
I could not post anymore to my original blog - so I'll do the cut and paste thing until I get it reassembled.
Posted by Michael at Tuesday, January 24, 2006 0 comments Links to this post
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USS Annapolis AGMR-1 USN
USS Annapolis AGMR-1 USN
1968
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Michael
Alpharetta, Georgia, United States
Lairdcliffe,Trout Fishing (Tallulah River-Chattahoochee River), North Georgia Mountains, Camp Rainey Mtn, Scouting, Stephen's Ministry, NGTD70, Kalalau Lookout(NaPali Coast Kauai), Snorkelling in the Pacific. Slow Dancing to a nice saxophone! Music of Barbara, Rosie, Ronnie and Martha. Bette with the Bangs. Glenbrook. Movies. Tracking Down Good Old Friends.

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