I Love Snow...

This is what winter should look like. The news said Indianapolis received 12.5 inches of snow yesterday and today, the most in one storm in 13 years. I couldn't be happier.

Welcome to the World!

Welcome, Kian Jerome Yates.
Born December 17, 2008
Congratulations, Hannah and Rob.

WEDNESDAY QWOTE: A Day of Pride in America

Today, I am proud to be an American. Yesterday's election confirmed the special nature of this great country in which we live. I don't believe in "manifest destiny" or "American exceptionalism" in a theological sense. God has only chosen one nation in world history, and it's not us. Nevertheless, the fact that we could elect an African-American President one generation after the assassination of Martin Luther King is an amazing accomplishment that says a lot about the goodness and opportunity that thrive in our land.

I am also proud because last night two of the most gracious, hopeful and civil speeches I've ever heard were given by the two candidates, one conceding and the other celebrating victory. If only the entire campaign could have been conducted with the respect and civility of these speeches! Nevertheless, these men should be commended for their inspiring words, and it is to be hoped that the goodwill expressed in words last night will continue in days to come.

McCain's Concession Speech

"...A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to visit — to dine at the White House — was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States. Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.

"...I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our goodwill and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited. Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans..."

Obama's Victory Speech

"...The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

"There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand...

"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends; though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too."

FRIDAY FOTO: Late Summer Bee

Late summer bee. Sept 2008.

(Photo by Michael Mercer)

Franklin Flooding...

We had 8 inches of rain in a 4-hour period this morning. And this after severe weather on several other occasions recently. This led to the worst flooding anyone can remember in Franklin and other communities throughout central Indiana south of Indianapolis. We will be looking for opportunities to show practical love to our neighbors in days to come.

Practice makes perfect...

Austin getting in some swings in the front yard.

More rainy May day shots...

Except for having to miss baseball games, I love everything about these kinds of days.

Rainy May...

T-Ball practice and a bunch of games washed out today. Rain in the forecast for days to come. It's the month of May in Indianapolis.

My new favorite team

Go Dodgers!

Our T-ball team had its first practice this morning on a lovely sunny spring day here in Franklin. What a great group of kids and parents! Should be a fun season.

At the ballgame

Jesse and I trekked over to Cincinnati last night to see the Cubs play the Reds. Both teams have been in a bit of a swoon lately, and the Cubbies kept it up. Ryan Dempster, previously undefeated, pitched well, but fielding foibles led to five unearned runs early, and the Cubs couldn't come all the way back. The ninth inning was especially frustrating, as the visitors loaded the bases twice and couldn't score. Final: Reds 5, Cubs 3.

Oh well, we saw Geovany Soto and Adam Dunn hit tape-measure homers, Ken Griffey make a leaping catch of a possible Soriano home run, Felix Pie do the same with Griffey's attempt at #598, some good pitching, and a few nice plays in the field. Plus, it was a beautiful night, the food was great, and nothing's better than being with my son at the ballpark.

Handsome guy attends prom

Our youngest son, Isaac, who is a junior at Franklin High, attended the prom with his friend Marci last week. They and a group of folks from the Jazz Band hung out together and, by all reports, had a great time!

Picture of the Day, 12/30/07

Perfect...so far. Here in Indy, many still think the Colts can stop the Patriots' run.

Picture: New York Times, Roger Dunn

Picture of the Day, 12/19/07

One week until Christmas. Children, get ready!

Picture of the Day, 12/18/07

Dollops of icing on the evergreens.

Picture of the Day, 12/17/07

Another winter close-up.

Picture of the Day, 12/16/07

After the snow and ice storm of this weekend.

Picture of the Day, 12/9/07

Time for Christmas concerts and festive music of the season. Here is the jazz band from Franklin Community High School.

Picture of the Day, 12/5/07

First snow of the season. On the south side of Indianapolis, the accumulation was light, but the snow was wet and heavy enough that it stayed on the trees all day like dollops of frosting. I love the way the first snow transforms the world.

Picture of the Day, 11/28/07

Grounded.

Pictures of the Day, 11/16/07

More fall shots from beautiful Indiana...