♦ Soil test to determine your lawn needs. FINOCCHIARO LANDSCAPE COMPANY, INC. is not responsible for damage done to your lawn, which is out of our control casino deutschland deutschland, such as disturbances of the lawn, severe drought or homeowner’s neglect. These conditions will require extra work and materials which are not included in this estimate. ♦ Specially-formulated Slow Release Fertilizer. To which I hear deutsche 5 pfennig post, “Because I thought you were asking about the homework that was assigned today.” Henry Ward Beecher My problem – or my kids’ salvation depending on how you look at it – is that I remember what it was like to be their age. In this case the apple may not have fallen very far from the tree, so it is hard for me to feign indignant anger for very long. Every now and then you experience something that makes you rethink what you thought you knew. I will leave you with the same chorus from Joni Mitchell’s song the Circle Game where I left Pam and her Mom, “And the seasons go round and round; and the painted ponies go up and down; we’re captive on the carousel of time; we can’t return we can only look behind, from where we came; And go round and round and round; in the circle game.” This time of year brings to the surface examples of people making a difference in the lives of others. Just last week the Middleton High School Chamber Singers completed their annual “Tour de Middleton” where they climbed on a bus early in the morning and disembarked late at night and in between brought their gift of song to senior centers, churches, and nursing homes around town. One stop that resulted in tears of joy and sadness was to a critical care unit where several in the audience were likely experiencing their last Christmas. Many in the choir broke down in tears as they sang but one choir member thought this was ironic as the audience were themselves smiling as they enjoyed the beauty and comfort of the music that was offered. If you think about it the audience’s smiles were in themselves gifts as many of the singers will long remember this time when they brought happiness to others at a critical stage of life. For example on the topic of homework we have learned that simply asking “Did you finish your homework?” is a mostly meaningless query. Responses we have heard include, “Today’s homework? Why yes.” Sounds good and I start to walk out the door, but then think a little more and ask: “What about the project that was assigned last week?” To which I hear, “Well no, I am not quite done with that.” The reason for this review of the connection between base 10 system and celebrations is that my Dad recently hit a significant base ten milestone. Was it his 70th birthday? Nope…he already did that. His 50th year class reunion? Despite repeating a grade due to moving between countries he already celebrated that one too. His 50th wedding anniversary? Good guess, but that milestone is still a few years away. Achievements and accolades are nice but if you really think about the memories that mean the most to you I would wager that many simply involve spending time in the company of other people. Making the highlight reel of my life are such little things as a hug at an airport, taking naps with my then infant sons, a special lunch in a restaurant with my folks, and several episodes of just telling stories, joking around and laughing with friends. When Pam was growing up whoever was around in the summer would pile in the family conversion van and head out on the open road to her grandfather’s place in the mountains in Upstate New York (about a 20 hour drive). On the way there they would inevitable pop one of just a dozen or so well played 8-track tapes into the van’s stereo. Since they are a lively bunch they would all sing along with the various performers as they bopped down the road. One of these recordings included Joni Mitchell’s song “The Circle Game”. “Are you ready to go?” “Yes Mom.” “Do you think you’re dressed warmly enough?” “Yes bestes online casino empire, Mom.” “You know it’s only 50 degrees outside?” “Yes, I know Mom.” “Because you could run back in and get a sweatshirt, I would wait.” “No Mom, I am fine.“ Will Rogers had a way of getting to the heart of the matter (whatever matter he happened to be writing/talking about) with heart with fewer words than anyone I have run across. After this weekend’s rallies, I thought it might be fun to take a break and see what Mr. Rogers had to say 70 or 80 years ago that in all likelihood is still relevant today. The first quote seems to fit Mr. Walker to a T (I believe he is most definitely the third type of man referenced by Mr. Rogers): And now suddenly or not so suddenly depending on your perspective, we have reached Jake’s last first day of school. It is only the beginning of many lasts in store for Jake and his fellow senior classmates. There will be last games, last concerts online automaten spiel, last dances, last lunches, last sleepovers, last gatherings, last classes, and finally last exams as they creep incrementally closer to the ceremony that marks the ending of their high school careers. Then there is the enigma and nemesis of “The Wax”. There are numerous conflicting and constantly changing wax reports. There are the “old pros” who are reluctant to share what they plan to do in fear that they will lose their waxing advantage. There are the wax sellers (a.k.a. carpet baggers) at the expo, who conveniently tell you what you are planning to do is all wrong (This year they said, and I quote, “What you plan to do is fine if you want no glide in the beginning and no grip at the end”). They follow this by telling you what you need to do is buy whatever wax they happen to have left and start over. After 20 years of diligent effort, I think my Dad still hasn’t found his holy grail of waxing, although I am confident he will keep trying. A little thing that made me smile, and I am hoping the retelling might just make you smile too. I had just such an experience a fortnight ago when I was literally blown away by the musicianship and showmanship of the Jazz Ensembles on display at the annual Jazz Cabaret at the Marriott convention center in Middleton, WI. The Jazz Cabaret featured four local high school Jazz Groups (2 from Middleton, 1 from Madison East and McFarland) internet 7 free download, including the “6 O’Clock Jazz Group” that our son Jake plays percussion with. My all-time favorite Christmas song is the Little Drummer Boy handy casino listing, which tells the story of a boy who gives the gift of the song in his heart and finds out, despite his initial doubts, that it is a most worthy gift. I like the song because it reminds us that we don’t have to be a king or a wise man to make a positive difference in someone’s life. A song linked to these formative memories was bound to evoke sentimental feelings. Making matters even more bittersweet the lyrics to Circle Game happen to be about how fast time moves forward with the years being added like trips around a merry go round. Additionally, they were both remembering a particular point in time where Pam’s Mom sang this song to her on a stormy night at her Uncle Tucker’s house. Gatekeeper: “I have no gate key.” Westley: “Give us the gate key.” Once you sign up you are in, and this is the lever that helps you avoid going into hibernation in the long Wisconsin winters. You start saying to yourself 0 degrees isn’t that cold, and study the weather report like a meteorologist. You become an expert on polypropylene and the wicking properties of various fabrics. And if you know what is good for you slots plus no deposit codes, and from past experience you do, you get your butt outdoors for extended periods of time to build up your endurance for race day. What excited me most was the opportunity that was created by and for these kids. Performing in that venue before a large enthusiastic audience is something that these kids will remember for the rest of their lives. They played professional arrangements of Jazz standards and they flat out sounded great. For some it may be a stepping stone to other stages of their musical journey, but I suspect for many it will be the pinnacle of their musical careers. Well after completing 20 consecutive Birkies there is little doubt about which of these two paths my Dad pursued, and continues to pursue in his life. Congratulations Dad! You are a true Birkebeiner! Actually my Dad skied 20 Birkies in 21 years. His reason for missing a year was that all the snow had melted and the race was cancelled. That almost didn’t deter him no deposit bonus trading forex, and he had to go up to the start of the race to hear the official news of the cancellation in person… whereas a more reasonable but less enthusiastic skier (think his son) was more likely to conclude from the weather reports and mud on the ground that the race was a near impossibility and stay home. But not too many would accuse my Dad of being unenthusiastic where cross-country skiing is concerned. If it is snows a ¼ of an inch in November or December, he is out there pushing through this miniscule precipitation and the much larger quantity of leaves to get in a precious early season workout. In Southern Wisconsin you never know how long the snow will be around, so my Dad would say you have to make the most of it. If there is a heat wave and the snow melts, he will try the mostly frozen lake, and ski through slush or standing water to get one more workout in. “Never miss a good chance to shut up.” I like to describe my wife’s family by saying, “There is never a dull moment even if occasionally a dull moment would be welcomed with open arms and given a seat at the head of the table”. There are six kids (now all with families) coming and going through her folk’s household. Their house would also attract what I would call “strays” that were friends who ended up calling Pam’s mother “Mom” and hanging out at their house as well. The night before we gave him his ceremonial bath so that he would be squeaky clean for his first day of school. When morning arrived we made Jake’s favorite breakfast and packed his lunch in his lunch box, which we then put in his backpack with his school supplies. Jake’s 3 year old brother Tucker was an enthusiastic participant in all of the preparations and proceedings and we all marched down to the bus stop to join the other new kids and more experienced 6 and 7 year olds waiting to get on the bus. Tucker got in line behind Jake and even though we had explained several times that he wouldn’t be getting on the bus with his brother casino queen employment, when the time came and Tucker was left behind his face momentarily reflected utter confusion which was soon displaced by distress. It was actually quite priceless and Tucker made a quick recovery. Then the gun goes off and the fun begins. Each person has their own tricks to get them through to the end of the race. It is the one time of year where you can get several continual hours to reflect on everything from soup to nuts. Sample thoughts that enter your mind include: … This is great!…I’m going to do 30 more of these… This hurts!… This is the last one I am going to do… only 53 more kilometers to go… only 52 more kilometers to go….only 51 kilometers to go… only 50.5 kilometers to go… well you get the point. “You know everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.” “So let’s be honest with ourselves and not take ourselves too serious, and never condemn the other fellow for doing what we are doing every day, only in a different way.” I am reminded of a quote I like from the movie Cousins where a man in his 70s is talking to his adult son online casinos real play, and says “…son, you’ve only got one life to live… you can either make it chickensh*t or chicken salad”. To which I follow up with: “Why did you say you were done with your homework then?” “A fool and his money are soon elected.” “I am almost done with that one.” “Always drink upstream from the herd. ” Server: “…Look at this plant! How do you expect to keep a dog alive if you can’t even keep a plant alive?” With each of these approaching lasts for parents there is a realization that we are almost out of time to get in the lessons/advice/instructions we thought we had all the time in the world to convey. Some of these lessons are basic survival skills such as laundry, cooking, and changing a light bulb, while others are deeply profound such as being kind, patient, and giving with one other. Middleton is full of places where little big things occur. The world class Performing Arts Center at the high school is figuratively and occasionally literally hopping with local talent. Our schools are terrific as are the extra-curricular activities available through them. If you enjoy following sports then you are in luck too as Middleton is the home to many fine community and school based sports programs. In addition there are plenty of great recreational resources to get you in the game as well. If you like little big things Middleton is a great place to live. I think just about everyone in town has been on a float or marched in the good neighbor parade at one point in their life. Nearly as many have likely spent a few quarters trying to win a stuffed animal or taken a ride on the tilt-a-whirl at the good neighbor festival. “If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.” For those of you who know my Dad well, you probably have heard a Birkie story or two or hundred. Why he missed the first 15 races I can’t imagine, but when he was 50 years old a friend of his who had done the race a few times convinced him that he should give it a try. My Mom was worried about him completing such a long and grueling event, and asked me if I would go along to make sure he was o.k. She shouldn’t have been worried, at least not about him american 8th air force, because he finished that first race before I did, and with rare exception most every other race we have skied together (I have finished 15 Birkies to date). I am proud of my Dad for achieving this base-10 milestone. The Birkebeiner has undoubtedly added to the quality and likely the quantity of his life. His example of what is possible merely if you choose to make it so will impact those around him for decades to come. This is just a quick note to thank you for the excellent service you provided for me on my pontoon boat recently. I also want you to know that you provide service the way it used to be; honest, accurate, courteous, and customer focused. 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