My colleague, former student, and dear friend shared this Thanksgiving Blessing with us ...
Today I am so truly thankful for so many things.
I have been blessed in so many ways.
I am thankful for the wonderful country I live in, and for all its many heroes.
I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends.
They are my greatest blessing.
I am thankful for the creatures that are put on earth for us all.
They teach us so much, unconditional love, loyalty, and understanding.
I ask that all who suffer with illness have this day free from pain.
I am thankful for all who have tables filled with food and someone to share it with.
And for those that have no family or food,
Lord, I ask that You comfort them.
I am thankful for the time I had with my loved ones
that have gone on to be with You.
They shall always be loved and greatly missed.
I am thankful for allowing me to have love and understanding in my heart.
It is these many blessings that make my humble life happy and fulfilled.
Amen
We hope your Thanksgiving was blessed with love, peace and grace.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Giving thanks
Tybee Island, Georgia --- The sun has hidden itself behind gray clouds and there are periodic sprinkles of rain yet I could not be more thankful this Thanksgiving.
We had a good deer hunt at the farm this year. Marvin got him a 9 point buck. Two new and dear friends Bill and Matt got meat. Jeremy got to hunt. Mitch and Richard, Elmer and Logan, Farrin and Bennie all enjoyed the event. Logan, Elmer's 4-year old grandson actually grunted up his first buck for Elmer.
My friends are all well. Traci remains healthy and is having good checkups. My next checkup is January and I am feeling just fine. Kay came through her surgery and has recovered nicely.
Sadly, my Brother Bob is in the process of watching his Dad pass over this Thanksgiving and yet we all acknowledge and understand the cycle of life. Watching our parents move over is not easy even if we are prepared for it and I suspect that we never are.
Today, I am thankful for having dear friends such as Ann and Jim Knipe here at Tybee,who have invited me and Kay into their family, my own loving family, abundance beyond my expectations and for the privilege of living in the land of the free and the home of the brave --- a cliche for some --- a way of life for many of us.
May your Thanksgiving be as blessed as ours and May God Bless you and your family. May God Bless our troops and their families and keep them safe as well.
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
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We had a good deer hunt at the farm this year. Marvin got him a 9 point buck. Two new and dear friends Bill and Matt got meat. Jeremy got to hunt. Mitch and Richard, Elmer and Logan, Farrin and Bennie all enjoyed the event. Logan, Elmer's 4-year old grandson actually grunted up his first buck for Elmer.
My friends are all well. Traci remains healthy and is having good checkups. My next checkup is January and I am feeling just fine. Kay came through her surgery and has recovered nicely.
Sadly, my Brother Bob is in the process of watching his Dad pass over this Thanksgiving and yet we all acknowledge and understand the cycle of life. Watching our parents move over is not easy even if we are prepared for it and I suspect that we never are.
Today, I am thankful for having dear friends such as Ann and Jim Knipe here at Tybee,who have invited me and Kay into their family, my own loving family, abundance beyond my expectations and for the privilege of living in the land of the free and the home of the brave --- a cliche for some --- a way of life for many of us.
May your Thanksgiving be as blessed as ours and May God Bless you and your family. May God Bless our troops and their families and keep them safe as well.
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
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Thursday, November 15, 2007
It’s cold tonight in Kentucky
It’s cold in Kentucky tonight. But it is a comfortable 101 degrees in the hot tub. I have just come in from sitting out there looking at the stars and enjoying the crispness of the approaching winter and enjoying a Bourbon on the rocks.
Lake Barkley is quiet tonight. The Interstate is also quiet. Sometimes it’s not very quiet when the wind and atmosphere is just right it can be down right noisy.
My “boys” are now all in the office. Stimpy, the wolf dog named for a cat, is sound asleep. Little Bit, the Bischon is curled up next to him. Max, the Alaskan Malamute is “talking” to me about wanting a bone or something to chew on.
My dogs are among my best friends. It has been said that if you have three good friends in your life you are lucky.
One of my best friends Bert, my ole-hunting buddy, died on me. I still miss him after six years. We are in the middle of hunting season right now. After all these years I am trying to revive the tradition that I had for 35-years. I keep trying. Maybe one day it will work again.
For sure my boys – especially Stimpy -- are my best friends. They never judge me. They never are at a loss to comfort me when I need it most. Stimpy kept me from committing suicide – it is that simple. I wouldn’t be here today writing this without the “ole man” and I am grateful for that.
And I am grateful for Chuck Howell, an old TVA friend, for sending me this video and if you are a dog lover I believe you will enjoy it as much as I did. See it below.
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
Spread the word
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Lake Barkley is quiet tonight. The Interstate is also quiet. Sometimes it’s not very quiet when the wind and atmosphere is just right it can be down right noisy.
My “boys” are now all in the office. Stimpy, the wolf dog named for a cat, is sound asleep. Little Bit, the Bischon is curled up next to him. Max, the Alaskan Malamute is “talking” to me about wanting a bone or something to chew on.
My dogs are among my best friends. It has been said that if you have three good friends in your life you are lucky.
One of my best friends Bert, my ole-hunting buddy, died on me. I still miss him after six years. We are in the middle of hunting season right now. After all these years I am trying to revive the tradition that I had for 35-years. I keep trying. Maybe one day it will work again.
For sure my boys – especially Stimpy -- are my best friends. They never judge me. They never are at a loss to comfort me when I need it most. Stimpy kept me from committing suicide – it is that simple. I wouldn’t be here today writing this without the “ole man” and I am grateful for that.
And I am grateful for Chuck Howell, an old TVA friend, for sending me this video and if you are a dog lover I believe you will enjoy it as much as I did. See it below.
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
Spread the word
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007
DUI TENNESSEE STYLE
From my friend Chuck Howell, who formerly worked in this county in Tennessee.
Only a person in Tennessee could think of this...
From the county where drunk driving is considered a sport, comes this true story. Recently a routine police patrol parked outside a bar in Lebanon, TN after last call the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so apparently intoxicated that he could barely walk. The man stumbled around the parking lot for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing. After what seemed an eternity in which he tried his keys on five different vehicles, the man managed to find his car and fall into it. He sat there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off.
Finally he started the car, switched the wipers on and off--it was a fine, dry summer night--flicked the blinkers on and off a couple of times, honked the horn and then switched o n the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little and then remained still for a few more minutes as some more of the other patrons' vehicles left. At last, when his was the only car left in the parking lot, he pulled out and drove slowly down the road. The police officer, having waited patiently all this time, now started up his patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and administered a breathalyzer test.
To his amazement, the breathalyzer indicated no evidence that the man had consumed any alcohol at all! Dumbfounded, the officer said, I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the sheriffs’ office. This breathalyzer equipment must be broken."
"I doubt it," said the truly proud non-drinker.
"Tonight I'm the designated decoy. Everyone who was drunk already left while you were waiting for me to pull out of the parking lot."
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
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Only a person in Tennessee could think of this...
From the county where drunk driving is considered a sport, comes this true story. Recently a routine police patrol parked outside a bar in Lebanon, TN after last call the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so apparently intoxicated that he could barely walk. The man stumbled around the parking lot for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing. After what seemed an eternity in which he tried his keys on five different vehicles, the man managed to find his car and fall into it. He sat there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off.
Finally he started the car, switched the wipers on and off--it was a fine, dry summer night--flicked the blinkers on and off a couple of times, honked the horn and then switched o n the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few inches, reversed a little and then remained still for a few more minutes as some more of the other patrons' vehicles left. At last, when his was the only car left in the parking lot, he pulled out and drove slowly down the road. The police officer, having waited patiently all this time, now started up his patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and administered a breathalyzer test.
To his amazement, the breathalyzer indicated no evidence that the man had consumed any alcohol at all! Dumbfounded, the officer said, I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the sheriffs’ office. This breathalyzer equipment must be broken."
"I doubt it," said the truly proud non-drinker.
"Tonight I'm the designated decoy. Everyone who was drunk already left while you were waiting for me to pull out of the parking lot."
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
Spread the word
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Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Hillary BOMBED in the debate last night
I felt sorry for Hillary RODHAM Clinton last night. She got BOMBED from all sides. It was not a pretty sight.
Her attempts to stay with her briefing book answers tangled her up and today her inner circle even says that "Gentle Ben" Tim Russert was "belligerent and unfair" to her.
If I didn't know better I would say that her advisers, some of whom I know personally, are feeling her wrath today. Within days we can expect the "kneecapping" and the "backstabbing" to begin in earnest as the Clintons send out their minions to do their dirty work.
However, let me make this clear --- I obviously don't like or respect Hillary Clinton but at the same time I am not seeing anyone emerge in the other party that strikes my fancy either.
I agree with one of my colleagues who recently said that she wished she could go to the polls and vote "none of the above." I am inclined to agree.
Hillary RODHAM Clinton you won't be able to go by your play book in the future nor will any of your opponents in your primary. The American people are ready for straight shooting and truthful answers from both sides of the political spectrum. We deserve nothing less since our tax dollars are also funding these ridiculous campaigns.
Speaking of needing the truth --- recently the pompous and often arrogant Bill O'Reilly pontificated about how the "911 Truthers" were dangerous and creating societal unrest. He proclaimed they should not be allowed an audience or to question our government or anyone else for that matter.
Even former President William Jefferson Clinton was appalled and shocked that someone would ask him if the 911 event was an "inside job" and in his locked jaw, smirking attempt to condescend to the questioner he replied, "How dare you..."
Well, "How dare you both" I believe that everyone including the loonies and zanies should have the right to question anything and everything our government says and does.
Remember now they (the loonies and zanies) believe somehow that the very President they vilify --- the "stupido" as they call President George W. Bush --- was somehow brilliant enough to pull off an inside job on 911.
You can't have it both ways folks --- he is either brilliant or stupid. Which is it?
However, to not question our government Mr. O'Reilly? Well, that is beyond the pale --- this is the same government that intentionally exposed school children to radiated milk in the 1950s and sterilized without their permission minorities in the 1940s and 1950s. And yes, it took years of inquiry and asking the questions before they were ever exposed. If we followed your philosophy we would never know the truth.
Continue to ask the questions all you loonies and zanies on all sides --- I want to hear Hillary RODHAM Clinton explain how she became a millionaire overnight; how Mitt Romney allegedly "lowered taxes" in the highest taxed state in the Union; how Rudy believes that abridging the Second Amendment saved lives in NYC, and yes, even how "The Breck Girl" and Obama came to be what they are today.
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
Spread the word
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Her attempts to stay with her briefing book answers tangled her up and today her inner circle even says that "Gentle Ben" Tim Russert was "belligerent and unfair" to her.
If I didn't know better I would say that her advisers, some of whom I know personally, are feeling her wrath today. Within days we can expect the "kneecapping" and the "backstabbing" to begin in earnest as the Clintons send out their minions to do their dirty work.
However, let me make this clear --- I obviously don't like or respect Hillary Clinton but at the same time I am not seeing anyone emerge in the other party that strikes my fancy either.
I agree with one of my colleagues who recently said that she wished she could go to the polls and vote "none of the above." I am inclined to agree.
Hillary RODHAM Clinton you won't be able to go by your play book in the future nor will any of your opponents in your primary. The American people are ready for straight shooting and truthful answers from both sides of the political spectrum. We deserve nothing less since our tax dollars are also funding these ridiculous campaigns.
Speaking of needing the truth --- recently the pompous and often arrogant Bill O'Reilly pontificated about how the "911 Truthers" were dangerous and creating societal unrest. He proclaimed they should not be allowed an audience or to question our government or anyone else for that matter.
Even former President William Jefferson Clinton was appalled and shocked that someone would ask him if the 911 event was an "inside job" and in his locked jaw, smirking attempt to condescend to the questioner he replied, "How dare you..."
Well, "How dare you both" I believe that everyone including the loonies and zanies should have the right to question anything and everything our government says and does.
Remember now they (the loonies and zanies) believe somehow that the very President they vilify --- the "stupido" as they call President George W. Bush --- was somehow brilliant enough to pull off an inside job on 911.
You can't have it both ways folks --- he is either brilliant or stupid. Which is it?
However, to not question our government Mr. O'Reilly? Well, that is beyond the pale --- this is the same government that intentionally exposed school children to radiated milk in the 1950s and sterilized without their permission minorities in the 1940s and 1950s. And yes, it took years of inquiry and asking the questions before they were ever exposed. If we followed your philosophy we would never know the truth.
Continue to ask the questions all you loonies and zanies on all sides --- I want to hear Hillary RODHAM Clinton explain how she became a millionaire overnight; how Mitt Romney allegedly "lowered taxes" in the highest taxed state in the Union; how Rudy believes that abridging the Second Amendment saved lives in NYC, and yes, even how "The Breck Girl" and Obama came to be what they are today.
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
Spread the word
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Monday, October 29, 2007
Porter Wagoner dead at age 80
When I was a child my parents tuned into the Porter Wagoner Show every evening at 6:30 p.m. on Channel 6 in Paducah, Ky. We sat in front of a black and white Zenith and listened to him and Dolly Parton sing their country music. Well, Mr. Porter has died at age 80. He had lung cancer and spent his final days in a hospice.
There were those who didn’t much care for his twangy voice and rhinestone outfits, however, I was a fan. Maybe it was because I saw people like Porter Wagoner through the eyes of a child that came to believe that if you worked hard enough you could succeed at anything. Like so many that have now left us --- Hank Williams, String Bean, Grandpa Jones, Johnny Cash, Ray Acuff and Minnie Pearl --- each one brought me a special memory and each had their own story that inspired ole country boys born on the wrong side of the tracks like me.
I can’t sing, play an instrument or even dance very well so I never aspired to be a country music star. I tried to take other lost highways to success.
But I liked their music and their humor. Their songs and lyrics resonated in my heart and soul and touched me.
Porter Wagoner loved his friends, fans and family. If there were any doubt his friend’s visit this past weekend would put that to rest:
Country singer and Opry member Dierks Bentley visited Wagoner in the hospice over the weekend and said Wagoner led them in prayer, thanking God for his friends, his family and the Grand Ole Opry.
Rest in peace Mr. Porter Wagoner. You have earned the right to sing in the heavenly choir.
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
Spread the word
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There were those who didn’t much care for his twangy voice and rhinestone outfits, however, I was a fan. Maybe it was because I saw people like Porter Wagoner through the eyes of a child that came to believe that if you worked hard enough you could succeed at anything. Like so many that have now left us --- Hank Williams, String Bean, Grandpa Jones, Johnny Cash, Ray Acuff and Minnie Pearl --- each one brought me a special memory and each had their own story that inspired ole country boys born on the wrong side of the tracks like me.
I can’t sing, play an instrument or even dance very well so I never aspired to be a country music star. I tried to take other lost highways to success.
But I liked their music and their humor. Their songs and lyrics resonated in my heart and soul and touched me.
Porter Wagoner loved his friends, fans and family. If there were any doubt his friend’s visit this past weekend would put that to rest:
Country singer and Opry member Dierks Bentley visited Wagoner in the hospice over the weekend and said Wagoner led them in prayer, thanking God for his friends, his family and the Grand Ole Opry.
Rest in peace Mr. Porter Wagoner. You have earned the right to sing in the heavenly choir.
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
Spread the word
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Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Being thankful ...
I saw Mitch Albom, the author of Tuesdays with Morrie, yesterday and it prompted me to think about the people in my life (other than my parents) that helped me grow up and that I want to thank for all their assistance in making me who I am today. Some have already passed on, unfortunately, but the thought is still the same. We should take time to thank those that made a difference.
My Aunt Anzie – She helped raise me. Taught me patience encouraged my creativity and was kind and gentle. She cured me of asthma, or as my Mother called it croup, and she had the longest braid of hair I have ever seen. She tried to teach me the Ancient ways. I didn’t learn many of them except how to plant by the signs.
Mrs. Crenshaw – My first grade teacher. She inspired me to love to read and to learn. She had a crippled foot. I always hurt when she walked. She taught me compassion I suspect.
Mrs. Jones – My third grade teacher. She urged me to read as much as I wanted and was always gentle and kind.
Mrs. Cunningham – Probably my favorite teacher of all times. She taught me manners. They have served me well ever since.
Miss Ozzie – I just liked her. She was my front door neighbor and often carried me to school. I still see her now and then and give her a hug.
My Grandfather Gunther and Uncle Ross – They taught me how to hug another man and not feel awkward about it. They were big and tall men and I always wanted to be as tall as they were. I didn’t make it.
My Aunt Basil, Aunt Lena and Aunt June – They showed and gave me love and kindness always.
Gid S. Pool – He took a chance on me when I needed to work as a kid of 13 years old and helped me grow my interest of writing and photography into passions.
Joe Tom Erwin – He taught me to laugh from my belly.
Captain Richard Mallard – He believed in me at a time when I had great self-doubt.
Harl Barnett – He introduced me to conservatism at an early and impressionable age.
Tommy Miller – He encouraged me to pursue my business and to spread my wings.
Jim Knipe – He continues to encourage and inspire me to be the best I can be while enjoying every minute of life.
Ann Knipe – She is the Mother figure I always needed.
To be continued ...
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
Spread the word
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My Aunt Anzie – She helped raise me. Taught me patience encouraged my creativity and was kind and gentle. She cured me of asthma, or as my Mother called it croup, and she had the longest braid of hair I have ever seen. She tried to teach me the Ancient ways. I didn’t learn many of them except how to plant by the signs.
Mrs. Crenshaw – My first grade teacher. She inspired me to love to read and to learn. She had a crippled foot. I always hurt when she walked. She taught me compassion I suspect.
Mrs. Jones – My third grade teacher. She urged me to read as much as I wanted and was always gentle and kind.
Mrs. Cunningham – Probably my favorite teacher of all times. She taught me manners. They have served me well ever since.
Miss Ozzie – I just liked her. She was my front door neighbor and often carried me to school. I still see her now and then and give her a hug.
My Grandfather Gunther and Uncle Ross – They taught me how to hug another man and not feel awkward about it. They were big and tall men and I always wanted to be as tall as they were. I didn’t make it.
My Aunt Basil, Aunt Lena and Aunt June – They showed and gave me love and kindness always.
Gid S. Pool – He took a chance on me when I needed to work as a kid of 13 years old and helped me grow my interest of writing and photography into passions.
Joe Tom Erwin – He taught me to laugh from my belly.
Captain Richard Mallard – He believed in me at a time when I had great self-doubt.
Harl Barnett – He introduced me to conservatism at an early and impressionable age.
Tommy Miller – He encouraged me to pursue my business and to spread my wings.
Jim Knipe – He continues to encourage and inspire me to be the best I can be while enjoying every minute of life.
Ann Knipe – She is the Mother figure I always needed.
To be continued ...
Until next time.
Dr. Darryl
L. Darryl Armstrong
ARMSTRONG and Associates
Spread the word
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