If I Were...

I found this meme over at "The Big Leather Couch". I liked the questions and the potential answers. Bond, Travis, and I are alike in more ways than any of us care to admit, but I think we would have different answers to these questions. So..here ya go.
If I were a direction I’d be...South (born and raised)
If I were furniture I’d be… A LazyBoy recliner
If I were a liquid I’d be… Southern Sweet Tea
If I were a sin I’d be… Forgiven!
If I were a gem/stone I’d be… Emerald
If I were a metal I’d be… Stainless Steel
If I were a tree I’d be… Crimson King Maple
If I were a fruit I’d be… Orange
If I were a flower I’d be… Rose
If I were weather I’d be… A Breath of Fresh Air
If I were a music instrument I’d be… B.B. King's Guitar
If I were an element I’d be… Neon (Ne)
If I were a color I’d be… Kelly Green
If I were an animal I’d be… An Eagle
If I were a sound I’d be… Distant Thunder
If I were a lyric I’d be… "He made a change, in the way that I'm walkin' "
If I were a song I’d be..."Because He Lives"
If I were a music type I'd be...Southern Gospel
If I were a perfume/cologne I'd be... Ralph Lauren "Polo Blue"
If I were a feeling I’d be… "Peaceful, Easy Feeling"
If I were a book I’d be…The Bible
If I were food I’d be… BBQ Pulled Pork
If I were a city I’d be… Austin, TX (that's hard for an Okie to say)
If I were a taste I’d be… BBQ
If I were a scent I’d be… Ozark Forrest
If I were a word I’d be… Complex
If I were a verb I’d be… Prowling
If I were an object I’d be… Computer
If I were a piece of clothing I’d be… Sweatshirt
If I were a body part I’d be… Heart
If I were an facial expression I’d be… Smile
If I were a cartoon character I’d be… Yogi Bear
If I were a movie I’d be… A River Runs Through It
If I were a geometrical figure I’d be… Circle
If I were one of the 4 seasons I’d be… Autumn
If I were a sentence I’d be… "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all." 1 Timothy 1:15

Those are my answers and I'm stickin' to 'em. I don't know what this reveals about me, but I enjoyed the exercise. Do any of these fit you?

Lost Cat

It's amazing what you find surfing the net on a rainy Saturday morning.
Soccer match is rained out. This was too funny not to post.

Spring Has Sprung & Soccer Is In The Air!

It's springtime in the Ozarks. My taxes are done and I've already gotten the refunds from the state and federal governments. Life is good. We've had our first serious spring rain that dumped five inches on us last week and flooded all of the creeks in the area. Last night we had our first tornado of the young season. This one got within about two miles of the house. I saw the wall cloud and rotation on my way home from work. It's pretty impressive, I must admit. Yep, it's springtime in the Ozarks alright.
Spring also ushers in soccer season for the oldest granddaughter. Truly, soccer is about the best sport for youngsters. It gets them involved in a team without the need for special skills. If they can run, they can enjoy the game. They don't have to be able to hit a ball, throw a ball, or catch a ball. They just have to be able to run. Early on, many of them don't even know the final score, and that may be the best part...they just spent time outside with other kids their own age, running up and down a field. The score was not important. When you get to under fourteen, the score becomes important. They really begin to develop the skills of the game by age ten, and at age twelve, some of the girls are very good players. Scooter is one of those.
Scooter is the jock of the three sisters. She has been playing this game since she was six and now at twelve, she's playing in an under fourteen league. She holds her own most of the time by using superior speed and quickness to get the job done. Most of the girls are bigger than Scooter, except when it comes to a passion for the game and heart. She is extremely competitive and loves soccer and basketball. She tried cheer leading for the peewee football team one year and was bored to tears. If she's not in the game, there is no point to being at the game. Scooter was not made to be a spectator, but a participant. So, for the next six to eight weeks, our Saturday mornings, and a few afternoons, will be spent at the soccer fields.

Well, it's Friday and that means a hymn to close out the week. Life presents us with endless possibilities for health, wealth, status, power, glory, and things that we are told will make us happy. The truth is, only a relationship with the one who loves us most will bring us true joy.
When it's all said and done, I'd rather have Jesus. Enjoy

I'd Rather Have Jesus - Allison Krause

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Programs On My Computer

Ok, so I'm sitting here staring at a blank screen with a brain to match. I got nothin' for a Thursday Thirteen. Well, what about those little icons staring back at me. I wonder how many other people use these programs or have better ones to do the same thing. Here are thirteen programs that I use on a regular basis.


1. Chief Achitect 10.0: This started out life as 3D Home Architect and was $49.95. It has grown into a full blown cad program over the years. It was doing 3D renderings when AutoCad was still a 2D drafting program. It was always more intuitive.


2. WinCleaner: This is a great program for cleaning up the computer. It will even destroy files to Department of Defense standards if you want.

3. MicroSoft Works 8.0: If it wern't for the fact that the entire civilized world seems to use full-blown MSWord, this program would satisfy all of my word processing needs. I don't have that many needs.

4. MSPublisher 2007: I like this program for basic desktop publishing. I like the next program better.

5. PrintShop Design Suite 22.0: I've had this program since version 3.0. It is more intuitive than Publisher and much more powerful as well. It is my PhotoShop Lite so to speak.

6. MS Streets & Trips 2007: I like this program better than Delorme', again, because it is more user friendly. It has a couple of glitches that are annoying though. I have the GPS unit for my travels. It is a wonderful addition.


7. Roxio Premier 8.0: This has been my favorite for burning CD's, data and music, over the years. I haven't upgraded to 10.0 yet, but I probably will soon.

8. Windows Media Player 10.0 : This program works well with my MP3 player for downloading and synching my music.

9. Windows Media Center (Vista): I'm not sure I'm crazy about this program. I like some of the features, but the previous two programs are easier to use.

10. MSPowerPoint 2007: I don't use this program as much lately, but I love playing with it.


11. Adobe Reader 8.0: I have never had a need for full-blown Adobe Acrobat. Maybe I do have that need, I just don't know it.


12. Logos Bible Study Software: This is the most amazing software of it's kind on the planet. Words cannot begin to describe what is available in this package. If you are a serious student of the Bible, you must have this software.


13. PhotoShop Elements 5.0: You knew I'd get around to this eventually. Just scroll through some recent archived posts and you can see that I love this program. I am currently taking my second online course and I am loving it more every day. I may have to create a PhotoBlog just to post some additional stuff there. Flick'r here I come!
There you have it. If you're using something better let me know. No, I'm not going to go buy a Mac just to have some better programs, so don't go there.

The Grandcrew

Easter provided a few photo opportunities with the grand kids. When I started working with the pics, I decided, why not make these black and white portraits. Below are the first fruits. I will probably do several variations of each before I print them for distribution to relatives. A couple have more contrast, just for variety. At first glance, you might not believe that these four are three sisters and their little brother.

"Scooter"

"Scooter" turned 12 Saturday. No, she's not upset about having her picture taken. Pawpaw told her to not smile for a couple of the shots.

" Em"

"Em" will be eight next month. She is way more photogenic than she thinks.

"Lexi"/"Big Blue"

There are some steel blue eyes there that can see right into your soul and melt your heart.

"The Big Guy"

Yes, he's the youngest, and he's all boy! Again, Pawpaw told him not to smile for this photo, but you can still see the michief in those dark brown eyes.

Four Generations

Easter Sunday my Dad was here to spend the week-end. That gave me the opportunity to get another photograph of four generations together. Our Son-in-Law took to photo which includes my father, my wife and I, our daughter and the grandcrew. Four generations!

It's Resurection Sunday!

He's Alive! - Don Francisco

Good Friday

Well, it's Friday. Actually, it's Good Friday. The grand crew is wrapping up Spring Break and they will return to school on Monday morning, but there is still the week-end and it's Easter!
This will be a big week-end and Nana and Pawpaw's house.
Yesterday Nana picked up the three younger grand kids and took them to see Horton Hears a Who. They spent the night with us. Since the oldest grand daughter will celebrate her 12th birthday Saturday, she is having a few friends in for a sleep over at her house tonight. That means the three little ones will spend another night with us. WOOOHooo!!! My Dad will be coming in this afternoon to spend the week-end, so we will have four generations of family in the house at some point. I think I feel a photo op coming on. I think tonight may be Easter egg dying night. Trying to keep three avid Easter egg decorators under control will be fun. I know there is a photo op in this event.
Tomorrow we are taking the oldest grand daughter to her favorite restaurant, Catfish John's. It's a local place and she has loved it since she was two. She even likes the pickled tomatoes! While the rest of the grand crew might prefer a national chain restaurant, "Scooter" prefers the local cuisine. Ya gotta love that!
Of course Sunday is Easter and that means we clean 'em up as best we can and start the day at church. After church, we will come home, take a few family photos in our Easter best and then its time for the big Easter egg hunt in the back yard. There will be a combination of real eggs, colored tonight, candy eggs, and plastic eggs with candy and money inside. The kids hide and hunt the eggs several times. Once the real eggs have been dropped so many times that they are cracked, we gather at the edge of the ravine and throw them at rock and stuff. Even I like that part. By the end of the day, the eggs will have been hunted, we will have watched a little NCAA basketball and everyone will be ready for a little rest and relaxation. But then it will be Monday!!

Since it is Good Friday, I will post two songs today. If you want to know why I celebrate Easter, see yesterday's post. Just like Christmas, Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Enjoy the music.

Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief of priests and to the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.
Matthew 20:18-19

Arise My Love - Newsong



For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condem the world, but through Him, the world might be saved. John 3:16 -17

Oh, What a Savior - Signature Sound


Thank you Lord for your Son and my salvation. Thank you for the truth of the Gospel and the Spirit that lives within me. Happy Easter everyone.

Thrusday Thirteen No. 21/100!!!

While this is my 21st Thursday Thirteen, it is my 100th post!!! I started blogging a little less than a year ago and I had no idea where it would take me. I wanted my 100th post to be special, so this Thursday Thirteen is dedicated to the thirteen reasons I celebrate Easter.

1. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

2. Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief of priests and to the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, and will deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.
Matthew 20:18-19

3. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted ans spit upon. They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again. Luke 18:32-33

4. Arise, shine, for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1

5. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20

6. ....Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!... Luke 24:5-6

7. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

8. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

9. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantantly. John 10:10

10. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

11. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again. John 3:5-7

12. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

13. And this is the promise that He has promised us --eternal life. 1 John 2:25

I celebrate Easter because of the truth of Christmas. I celebrate Easter because Christ is who He said He is! There is truth, and there is absolute truth, and Christ is that absolute truth. The one fact about absolute truth, it does not require you to believe it in order for it to be true. Christ is the risen Son of the Living God regardless of your belief. The truth is presented in these two videos. Enjoy.

The End of the Beginning - David Phelps


Rise Again - Dallas Holm


Thank you Lord for your Son and my salvation. Thank you for the truth of the Gospel and the Spirit that lives within me. Happy Easter everyone.

Second Element

Last month I finished my first online class in PhotoShop Elements 5.0. Wednesday, I will begin my second class (the advanced studies). I really liked the first class. I liked the format and the instructor had written the lessons in such a manner that many of potential problems were anticipated and the answers provided without having to go to the discussion area. The discussion area was helpful and questions were generally answered within 4-8 hours.
I have always bee interested in photography. With the introduction of digital photography, the amateur photographer can create great photos from mere snapshots. Darkroom techniques that were once the exclusive domain of the pros and phot0 labs can now be done by the average interested amateur. There are still techniques and processes in the full version of PhotoShop CS3 that I will never learn, but I can make myself very happy with the capabilities of Elements. In fact I have ordered three books on PhotoShop Elements techniques to supplement what I have and will learn in the class.

This will make the hobby of photography so much more exciting that I can't wait to get out and shoot some more pictures, bring them back, download them and manipulate them in the program. Here is a very basic example. The first photo is the original snapshot. The second photo is the result of a little cropping and color enhancement. There were no significant techniques involved here. I might play with some other techniques later, like adding snow where the grass is showing.

Before

After

As mentioned in an earlier post, we are taking the family to Disney World in June. There will be more photo opps there than anyone can imagine. You're going to get sick of looking at the grand kids when we get back from that trip and I have the chance to post photos. That's OK. Like I said, this blog is mostly for my benefit anyway. I know where to come to see photos of the grand crew without having to do an extensive file search.
I am already planning to take a couple of online digital photography classes this fall. I think I have created a monster, and the monster is me.

The Tax Man Cometh

Last week my wife and I did our taxes. They weren't complicated so I went down to Wal-Mart and bought a copy of TurboTax Deluxe, brought it home, loaded it, and off we went. It took us about an hour to do everything. We filed them electronically last Thursday. Yesterday the state refund was deposited in our account and today the Federal refund was deposited! I love technology!

Almost An Idol

If you've read very many of the posts on this blog, you know that I am a fan of American Idol. I know that it sounds strange to some of you that a man my age finds this show entertaining. Well, I've always liked music, I grew up with the variety shows of the late 50's and early 60's, and I watch too much television. American Idol is a show that we love to hate. Many of the fans say they don't like the judges, they don't like the voting system, and they don't like most of the "Theme" nights when contestants must pick songs from a certain era or genre. Still, we tune in every week to see who will trash a Beatles song, who will get unfairly eliminated, and which undeserving contestant is safe for another week. So, I was thinking, why not develop another show.

Let's call it Almost An Idol. It would be made up of contestants that finished no higher than fifth place on the main show and a few of those that we believe got the shaft and didn't make either the top 24 or got voted off before making the top 12. We would get to see Sanjaya, John Peter Lewis, Haley Scarnato, Antonella Barba, Patrick Hall, Kevin Covias, Scott Savol, Melissa McGhee, Mikalah Gordon, and Chris Sligh again. Theme nights could include, Songs from the Partridge Family, The Best of th 40's swing music, Pop Diva tunes (only Mariah, Celene, and Whitney Songs), One hit Wonders, Music from Disney Movies, Commercial Jingles of the 70's and Songs from "America's Got Talent." One of the blogs that I read and link to, Dave the High Lord, has a great suggestion for a theme night. It is called "Screw Your Buddy Night". The contestants pick the songs for other contestants. Dave also originated the idea of "The Wheel of Death." There is a large wheel with songs from every theme on it. The contestant spins the wheel, and sings the song that they spin. That's way too much fun.

Judges should probably be former contestants who finished in the final four, but whose careers have never taken off. Judges might include Jasmine Trias, Justin Guarini, and Anthony Fedorov. Judges might also be second tier entertainers, just like the real Idol. Instead of Simon, we could get a former head judge from the Westminster Kennel Club Dog show.

On this show we will vote for the one person we want eliminated. When a person has been eliminated they must admit to America (similar to Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader) that they have had their fifteen minutes of fame and will not bother us with their lack of talent again.

The winner must admit that they have had much more than their fifteen minutes of fame, appear on Letterman's "Stupid Human Tricks", play themselves in a SNL skit, and sing the National Anthem at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Then, they must never bother us again.
Well, that's as far as I have thought it out. If you have any ideas, feel free to contribute.


And now our inspirational song for the week. I return to the master of the hymn, Tennessee Ernie Ford and a classic hymn "Rock of Ages." Enjoy.

Thursday Thirteen No. 20

Thirteen Favorite Photos of the Grandkids

When I started this blog, almost a year ago, I advised the readers (there were zero at the time) that one thing I would be doing is doting on the grandkids. I love 'em. The bring joy, excitement, and untold entertainment into our lives. So, here are thirteen of my favorite photos of the grandcrew.
Here's the most recent photo of the whole crew. Scooter (the oldest), Em (top), Big Blue (you'll see those eyes later), and The Big Guy.

You do realize this is only the beginning! There will definitely be more of this kind of post coming in the future.

Okay, so there's fourteen pics here. They're mostly for my benefit. I don't have to search my files and disks for the memories. I can just come here with the rest of you. So, have you got a favorite pic yet?

What Was I Supposed to Be?

I don't know what prompted me to write this post. It reflects what is and always has been my belief. I just never felt compelled to express it here until now. Our society spends a great deal of time demanding individual rights, but we don't seem to spend much time accepting individual responsibility.
This country was split wide open over the Viet Nam war, and the conflict in Iraq threatens to repeat history. In Viet Nam we mourned the loss of 58,000 Americans and demanded an end to the killing. Yet, every year we deny the right of over 500,000 Americans to be born, and no one sheds a tear. Somehow, that just doesn't seem right. This video asks a very important question. Every year, a half million unborn American babies enter into eternity asking the the question, "What Was I Supposed to Be?

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:4



To paraphrase the words of Dr. Billy Graham, If God does not judge America for the practice of abortion, He will owe Sodom and Gomorrah an apology. Forgive us Lord, for I fear we do not know what we have done.

I Need a Good Laugh

Saturday evening my wife and I went to see Mark Lowry in concert at our church. Mark is a very funny comedian and has a great singing voice as well. At any rate, Saturday had been a busy and, at times, a bit difficult day. So, I needed a good laugh. I just thought I'd share a piece from one of his earlier routines. Maybe you could use a little humor in your day. Enjoy.

Lunch With "The Big Guy"

My wife called me about 11:30 and asked me what I was doing for lunch. Our daughter was sick and had a doctor appointment, so Nana went by and picked up the grandson this morning. I was being invited to lunch with "The Big Guy." Where does he want to dine? He answers, "Red Robin." This is his middle sister's favorite place to eat. I told you I raised my daughter not to like McDonald's and she is passing the training along. It's just that Red Robin is a semi-gourmet burger place, so lunch is going to be a little pricey for Nana and I. The kids menu is affordable enough.

As you can see, I brought a camera along just in case there was a photo op. Nana took our picture. When I got home, I decided to try out a few of the new tricks I had learned in my recently completed PhotoShop Elements class. I realize some of these tricks are very elementary to many of you who work in PhotoShop all of the time, but I am enjoying learning the tricks of the trade, so here is the before and after.

Before

After

You'll notice several things about the "After" picture. The picture has been cropped and the colors have been enhanced. You will also notice that the red straw is gone! I could not crop enough of the photo to eliminate the straw, so, I had to use a little "magic" tool called the clone stamp. It is a wonderful thing. With a little more work, I can probably blur the background a little similar to changing the depth of field in a photo. I'll work on that later, but for now I am just happy to be able to make the photo this much improved.

And now, I close this post with my inspirational song of the week. This week I am posting a hymn that speaks to anyone who is going through a difficult time. One of my fellow bloggers, Orney's Wife, lost a close friend this week. I have a friend that is fast losing the battle with ALS. He will not be with us much longer and I already miss him. But I know that no matter what happens, as long as I have Christ, "It Is Well With My Soul." Enjoy.

Snow Day Part Deaux

Here is the snowman the two older grand daughers built while I was at work. He was nearly gone by the time I got home. Nana took this picture right after the girls finished Frosty.

Thursday Thirteen No. 19

My Thirteen Favorite American Idol Contestants

Yes, I like American Idol. I know more about it than my wife. I read five or six blogs dedicated to the show every week. Over the years I have had some favorite contestants. Some of them won it all, some finished second, and a few finished further down the list. So here are my favorite American Idol contestants.

1. Carrie Underwood - No further comment needed, but how about reliving an AI moment.

2. Taylor Hicks - I like his Joe Cocker, John Fogerty, Delbert McClinton style vocals.
3. Katharine McPhee - Big brown eyes and a great adult contemporary voice.
4. Kelly Clarkson - Loved her early on. Not so much now.
5. Chris Daughtry - He brought a new dimension to the show.
6. Clay Aiken - The first really good male vocalist on the show.
7. Jordin Sparks - There is a joy in her youth that radiates from her face.
8. Mandisa - Big voice, gospel singin' diva. I've seen her is concert and she can rock the house.
9. Kellie Pickler - Like her much better now. She has a good time wherever she is and it goes contagious.
10. Jennifer Hudson - Sixth place finisher wins academy award. Not all of the talent finishes at the top of the voting.
11. Bucky Covington - He's gotten much better since the show. This country boy has found a home.
12. Diana DeGarmo - Great voice from a very young singer.
13. Elliot Yamin - Very nice voice, seems like a very nice person.

Well, there you have it. Not terribly original but there is some food for thought. I'm sure I've offended somebody by leaving off their favorite.

Snow Day

Yesterday the weather forecast called for four to eight inches of snow in the area. Since that is about the average large snowfall for us, it was assumed that school would probably be closed today. The snow didn't actually start until around midnight and we got much closer to the four inches than we did the eight inches. The center of the storm was south and east of us, and it dumped as much as fourteen inches on some people. It is a very rare occurrence for Arkansas to get fourteen inches of snow in one storm anytime! Well, like I said, we got our four inches, school was closed today and we prepared by inviting two of the grand daughters to come out last night and spend the night. We got the two oldest.
By six o'clock this morning, the announcement had been made that school was closed, so the girls got to sleep in. Once they got up for the day we had breakfast. Breakfast at Nana's house is a must for the grand kids. It includes bacon, eggs, biscuits, gravy, and a choice of apricot or blackberry jelly. The oldest grand daughter will be 12 in a couple of weeks and Nana has been fixing her "kids coffee" for several years now. She thinks it is something special! But, that's what Nana's house is all about. I remember my grandmother preparing coffee for me when I was no more than seven or eight years of age. I know it was about 75% milk and 25% coffee, but that didn't matter. I thought I was something special, having morning coffee with grandma and grandpa.
I came to work a little late, giving the sun time to melt most of the snow off of the roads, since the county road department is not the best nor the most experienced snow removal crew in the world. When I left the house Nana and the girls were ready to dress the snowman that they had made in the front yard. If Frosty is still alive when I get home, I'll post a picture.

The Whole Crew

The Grandkids

Actually, they clean up pretty good for a group picture. The oldest on the left will be 12 in a couple of weeks. The next, on top will be 8 in April. The youngest girl (the only one with her daddy's blue eyes) is 6 and "The Big Guy" is 4. I just love 'em.

Sour Skittles

This is what happens when you eat an entire package of Sour Skittles. This is "The Big Guy", the only grand son...he has three older sisters. I just might change my yahoo ID photo to this.

Class Dismissed

I mentioned several weeks ago that I was going to take an online course through the local community college on PhotoShop Elements 5.0. I know, 6.0 is available, and so is a course, but I have 5.0 and I am going to learn it before moving on. I love photography, although I am only slightly better than a novice at it. Mostly because I have not devoted the time required to become as proficient as I would like. I took this course to learn about some of the fun stuff you can do with the program, like the clone tool, magic healing brush, and some of the special effects.
Since we are taking the grand kids to Disney World in June, I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn more about the program and then apply some of it to the photos I will be taking. I have finished the course. Today I took the final exam in comfort of my home and made a 97 on it!!! WoooHooo!!! I changed a right answer to a wrong answer or I would have had a perfect score. Not bad for an old man that is only a few years from retirement.
I took this course just to see if I would like this format and if the instruction was any good. It was excellent. I loved the course. I liked the format and the convenience. Two lessons were released each week, with a two week time frame for completion. The course lasted six weeks. By printing out the lessons and quizzes, I now have a two inch binder of resource material.

Yes, you're going to be subjected to some of my handiwork in the coming months so get used to it. There is an advanced course that starts in a couple of weeks and I will enroll in it tomorrow!