Well I Talked to everyone today (I’m calling it today as technically it’s my evening). Mom, Dad, Doug – watched the Superbowl with Bro. Got home and went to sleep. So a pretty quiet one – but at least I didn’t wind up in jail.

But I had to post the best B-Day part I’ve ever had – Thanks to John 2 yh

The following was posted each and every year by my friend Mark. Each year he would alter it somewhat to reflect pilots that had come and gone. In keeping with tradition – I post it here. – Stuart a.k.a. Magnum_VF

‘Twas the Flight Before Christmas…

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a pilot was stirring, not even Mag’s mouse;

All the 18’s were stored in the hanger with care,
In hopes that FA II soon would be there;

The pilots were restless at home in their beds,
While visions of FA II danced in their heads;
And JinkX in Old Maine, and I in PA,
Had just settled down for a long family stay,

When out on the tarmac there arose such a clatter,
Mag sprang from his bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window he flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen Snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to his wondering eyes should appear,
But Archer, and Executor, and Firefoxx he feared,

With these little old Pilots, so lively and quick,
Mag knew in a moment it must be some trick.
More rapid than Raptors his courses they came,
And Foxx whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

“Now BIGNAP! now MERLOCKE! now OPPPS! and GIGANTOR!
On THE_SWORD! on Q-TIPS! on SLASH! and ROADRUNNER!
To the pit of Mag’s Eagle, do we have the balls!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, they mount to the sky,
So up to angels ten their waypoints they flew,
With a plane full of beer, and Kuchinator too.

And then, in a twinkling, Mag heard on the roof
The swilling and jawing of each little goof.
As Mag drew in his hand, and was turning around,
The wheels of his Eagle were leaving the ground.

It was loaded with pilots, and painted bright red,
But the question on his mind, “Which way would they head?”
A bundle of six-packs were tied to each wing,
and some fifths of Vodka, among other things.

His hands how they tremored! His eyes were aflame!
What could they be up to? What excuse could they claim?
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the skin on his face was as white as the snow;

The rumble of tailpipes he felt in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He pondered, if maybe, it might be ol’ Basalisk,
who plotted and planned this all out with the Silverfox.

Then in came Rokaku, a right jolly old elf,
And laughed when he saw Mag, in spite of himself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon Magnum knew he had nothing to dread;

Rok spoke not a word, but led Mag to his truck,
Then did some wheelies through the snow and the muck,
He turned on the radar installed in the dash,
And giving a nod, said “We’ll be there in a flash;

When they pulled up at BearForce’s, the welcome was hearty,
See the pilots together had thrown Mag a party.
And Mag heard Foxx exclaim, with a voice full of cheer,
“WE JUST BORROWED YOUR EAGLE, TO HAUL ALL THE BEER!”

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good flight!

****Gen. Firefoxx_VF AKA Mark

In loving memory of Firefoxx_VF

and now from President Bush.

Veterans Day, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation’s ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America’s veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom’s defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America’s veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Two long years with so much that has happened.   Oh for sure, there has been moments over the past couple of years that bring a sense of peace and calmness about me.  But two very long years that I am sure are etched in my face.

I’m about to call Mark’s parents, to let them know I am thinking about them today.  If Mark were around these past couple of years – I am sure we would have had many laughs, many head shakes, many many beer nut jokes that would have been told.  Two long years that have found me fewer in friends,  fewer still in family and as I look around – really not that much familiar looks me back.

I’ve been running this post through my head for a number of hours now, off and on in my head and I can say with certainty – the way it has evolved was not a way I had thought.   I still think of Mark often, things I wish we could joke about, laugh about.  Over all, I still do not get why it was his time.  And I think – maybe going when you are happy isn’t such a bad way to go.  There are certainly harder times and ways for it to happen.  Maybe the two years has not brought me anymore knowledge after all, but at least it did not diminish my memories.

Since Foxxy passed on, I have lost several other people that all have a unique place in my history, all people I miss terribly and all people I wish did not go.  For that, I’ll create a new section here for all who have meant so much.

But today,

I miss my friend Mark.

Your memory will eternally be etched in our hearts
for the love that you shared meant the world,
Your family, your friends will never forget
the happiness and joy you brought to us all.

I eagerly wait to see you online
in the hope that this had been a bad dream,
but deep inside i know your with god,
no pain, no fear just peace and happiness
looking down from above.

I remind myself there is
a never ending light, and that light will never
turn off in my heart for you.
That way you can look down and always
see the shine, and its just for you

As an angel i know your there
for some moments i swear,
your standing right beside me
protecting me from the demons,
and heartaches that may appear.

Loving you was easy
letting you go is the hardest part,
But i know one sweet day we will be reunited
Above those great big clouds in the sky
And there i will wander over heaven with you.

Love you always your best friends

Written by my daughter Megan.

No it is not a grandose song like you would find on the West Wing, not even sweeping instrumental themes like previous Star Trek’s.  No this simple tune is by Diane Warren and sung by Russell Watson.  And while the theme itself is fantastic.  The song with the opening credits…  Astounding.

Enjoy.

Star Trek Enterprise

It’s 4am now, about an hour ago I decided to head to Wal-mart.  Nothing in particular just to pick up a few things – picture hanging stuff mostly.  Nobody on the roads of course – and I find myself reflecting in times like this.  Today’s thoughts turned to my Uncle, and the profound saddness that I have over him being gone from my life.

There are so many things I just do not quite get in this world, and death is one I think I will never understand.

Sigh. Guess I have to wait 3 months, 24 days until the start (Giants vs Redskins). and a mere 10,281,600 seconds until the Patriots play!

I’ve learned once again how you can’t take life for granted. How you doubt yourself, question whether you showed someone how much you cared and all the if only id said this, and told them that, did they know truely how much they meant to you and then there’s the if only they had not been there at that exact time, if only they had left 5 minutes later. These are all the thoughts that tear you apart when you lose a loved one, and then when there is a great distance between you both it makes it so much harder again.

I have made many friends over years on the internet, many have come and gone for what ever reason, some simply for a need in you or them or a season as often is said. If your really lucky like I was a special few will stay and enrich your life, so much so that when something happens and you lose them forever, a big part of you is lost and you know it will never be the same again. All those special times and moments and all the while never a thought to the fact there may never be a next time. Could you have said more, given more of yourself ? It’s a question that we may never be able to answer.

So for me, this was a wonderful close friendship from the other side of the world but none the less, as true and committed as if he was living next door. There are people who ask, how can someone you’ve never met and so far away have such an effect on your life. Time and space mean nothing when hearts are touched and minds connect, and the fact that they are that distance seems to throw inhibitions away, in my opinion you give much more of yourself, so maybe, they have just not taken the chance or have yet to discover the power of the internet or maybe just the power of real friendship. The internet has created millions of friendships worldwide that were never possible before.

I know I’m saying nothing that hasn’t been said before but for me losing one of these precious friends, has made me stop and take stock of my life and what’s really important, and how all to often we just take it for granted. So when a stranger says hello be it on the street or in a chat room or maybe that neighbour you didnt like the look of,take the chance and who knows what may happen,you may be pleasantly surprised. Life is about taking chances because yes you only live once and given the chance could you honestly say you lived it to its full potential or would you say,well i could have done a lot more,why didnt i.

Quote ‘Nothing lasts forever so live it up, Drink it down, laugh it off, avoid the bullshit take the chances, and never have regrets because at one point everything you did was exactly what you wanted’ Author unknown.

“Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day”.
Thank you Mark for enriching my life so.