tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59433522012-01-27T13:53:12.996-05:00Joe's BlogThoughtful...not necessarily cogent.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.comBlogger2941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-29432795414681174142009-12-01T21:41:00.000-05:002009-12-01T21:41:41.703-05:00309
A little over a year ago I weighed 309 lbs. I’m 5’10” and I was definitely obese. In November 2008, I started exercising at HealthTrac, a local hospital affiliated fitness center, and on April 9, 2009 I decided to run. When I ran that first mile that day I weighed approximately 290 -295lbs, but I was able to run to the local dam and back, about 2 miles, in approximately 38 minutes. I felt Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-44491630241137503132009-12-01T21:12:00.000-05:002009-12-01T21:12:23.513-05:00
SELF DISCIPLINE
This has been my year of least writing. This has been a challenging year for me, and it has been a year of refocusing on the important.
As I anticipate Y2K+10, I feel the need to simplify, prioritize and more than anything discipline.
So, here is what I want my life to be about next year (not in any order of priority):
Work
Running
Writing
Reading
WRWR – I Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-34183927505725854922009-07-02T20:54:00.004-05:002009-07-02T21:01:24.987-05:00The Devil InsideIntrospection is a tightrope between self flagellation and self pity.What would your reaction be…I mean your real inside thoughts…about someone who was very friendly and sought your advice continually but who would exaggerate your mistakes and humorously come off as if it’s truly an act of benevolence that they talk to you at all. Now this is all done in a friendly, funny, Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-37636822456520447172009-01-18T10:18:00.003-05:002009-01-18T10:23:36.542-05:00DanielI read the book of Daniel last night and wondered about a few things.1. What was it like to study and prepare for three years as the Jewish captives? 2. What would have it been like to have guards show up with orders to kill you, and you have no idea why? What would my reaction have been? Would I have believed that God would tell me the dream?3. What would have it been like to rule Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-47478759085007144512008-12-13T21:27:00.002-05:002008-12-13T21:31:43.203-05:00Abbreviations:I remember when I was in school having teachers teach us the traditional abbreviation of our state, "Mich.", and then teach us the new fangled two digit "MI". They made a point that the government wanted everyone to use the two digit way now. That would likely have been in about 1980 or so.The two digit system for state codes went into effect at the post office in 1963 and for theJoe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-65288210923675535212008-12-09T07:04:00.005-05:002008-12-09T07:37:38.700-05:00That Really Grinds My GearsI felt like starting a list of things that are pet peeves for me. Don’t know why. Maybe I’m just an angry white male today…. 1. People who fly around me in town at upwards of 60 mph only to slow down to 50 mph right in front of me for the next 12 miles.2. When there is one speck of snow on a parking lot and everyone just ignores the painted lines.3. Business owners who Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-56134710734748661262008-12-08T09:46:00.002-05:002008-12-08T09:49:56.691-05:00 EMOTIONI don’t know what is “mini” about a mini-stroke or Transient ischemic attack.Seems dad had one on Sunday. I need to get to the doctor and get things straightened out with me. I love my wife too much not to. Our mortality breeds emotion.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-6338304091210368602008-12-04T12:53:00.004-05:002008-12-04T12:57:34.698-05:00Love and MarriageWhen I was a kid, I observed situations where wives or husbands were unfaithful and I was shocked at how the offended spouse would sometimes just deal with things, putting it behind them, and the marriage would continue. It was easy as a kid to flippantly assert that I’d throw him or her out and find someone else.I’m older now. Over the years I’ve grown to rely on my wife. I’ve Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-23943020465444765902008-10-04T16:27:00.004-05:002008-10-04T16:35:28.954-05:00Why John McCain Will Lose.You cannot attack the conservative base of the Republican Party, stake out a position as a liberal, anti-Christian, pro-abortion, etc…., and repackage yourself as the Republican Candidate for President. I can remember being at huge Republican events and watching McCain be booed off stage. I remember his stands when he was the opposite of everything he now claims to be. Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-67062706821891304582008-10-02T20:48:00.004-05:002008-10-02T20:54:04.139-05:00 Why $ I heard tonight that the greed of the financial company CEOs and the rich wall street types led to the riskier and riskier loans until everything finally collapsed…now we need to rescue these rich, fat cats from their own designs.Well, I own stock, as do many people, and I want higher returns in order to prepare for retirement and grow my family’s wealth. I count my investments in tens of Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-3550074145777371342008-08-04T10:05:00.003-05:002008-12-09T22:44:46.268-05:00The Front This is the front that moved through today. A great storm came behind it.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-79865668179222569132008-07-25T15:44:00.001-05:002008-07-25T16:12:59.236-05:00Received a letter yesterday from a relative.It was an apology for something that happened over 25 years ago. It wasn’t any kind of abusive situation, just about the way I was treated during a particular event.My reaction was twofold. First, the letter brought back long forgotten memories of what happened, and I was angry and sad.Second, the letter comes at a time when my respect for some Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-74960958693609808252008-07-06T04:11:00.001-05:002008-07-06T04:11:58.459-05:00UpdateI haven’t had much time to reflect and be introspective these days, and I think that can be a good thing. Too much navel gazing can lead to depression and guilt. Troy Foster complained about me not updating enough…so here goes:Digestive Track Issues:You’ll find that I wrote about colon and digestive track issues starting back in February. These never really got resolved except that as I’Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-81456824568151161892008-07-06T03:27:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:46.525-05:00Mihills System I sold this towable center pivot to Norm Mihills. It ran well this year so far, and hopefully he'll get a good crop of wheat off this field.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-46079006724933990982008-07-06T03:23:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:46.728-05:00Flower in Scidmore Park AgainI really like this picture of a flower... The lens I used has a focal point of something like 10 inches.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-45326803763262063522008-07-06T03:20:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:47.211-05:00Red Flower in Scidmore ParkTook this a couple of weeks back with my Nikon D80.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-23298627541026664532008-05-10T07:11:00.000-05:002008-05-10T07:17:02.133-05:00It amazes me how much time and energy some people have. I don’t have the time to worry about you and make sure that you don’t get something that I don’t think you deserve. I don’t have time to hold you accountable to my standards and lay awake at night plotting retribution for your shortcomings.I don’t have time to listen to your ideas on how someone else needs to have retribution exacted for Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-62331997002034145182008-05-02T18:47:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:47.426-05:00flower behind our homeJoe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-88925161710339537702008-04-24T06:17:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:47.717-05:00Methodist Church in Three Rivers.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-24786253117468259322008-04-20T19:47:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:47.888-05:00 Statue in Bowman Park. This was placed in honor of those who served in the Civil War.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-61597359432659778442008-04-20T19:43:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:48.254-05:00Wall in front of church on Main Street in Three Rivers, Michigan.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-5028612577035868502008-04-20T19:36:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:48.451-05:00 First Presbyterian Church in Three Rivers, Michigan.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-6076506876742446932008-04-20T18:45:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:48.767-05:00 Christian, who are you?I attended the funeral for the father of a friend this week, and it raised questions for me. What sets me apart from others as a Christian? The bottom line answer is that Christ claims me as His very own. I am not my own, but I belong to Him.It’s not that as a Christian I don’t sin. It’s not that I don’t do bad things or that I don’t swear, smoke, drink alcohol, or Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-8507309759999850982008-04-18T08:11:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:48.949-05:00Jim's eye. With the new lens. I have to use my aux flash. See how the lens shadows the regular camera flash. Hmm.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-85665966741293178992008-04-18T08:10:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:49.136-05:00 The lovely Dana with my new lensI didn't focus well. It was my third picture taken with the lens.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-23322605317623180982008-04-18T08:08:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:49.373-05:00Got a new lens yesterday. I took a few pictures. I'll post a couple, but still need to practice.SIGMA15-30mm F3.5-4.5 EX DG ASPHERICALJoe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-71044930703958760172008-04-12T10:23:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:49.539-05:00Jack DanielsWe went to the Jack Daniels Distillary in Lynchburg, TN on Wednesday, April 9. Took this pic of the distillary. Very cool tour. Everyone should try.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-56215464289205764382008-04-08T09:03:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:49.708-05:00Olympic Park So, we're in Olympic Park and Jen's like "pretend you're putting a bomb in the trash can." Ok...I'll just stand by the trash can... No bomb.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-78131724711014362742008-04-08T09:01:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:50.006-05:00 That girl was really upset that Jen was in the "C", but I was trying to take Jen's picture first.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-26397212730224061392008-04-08T08:59:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:50.555-05:00The World of Coca ColaJennifer had a lot of fun taste testing at the World of Coke! There were wonderful as well as hideous carbonated beverages from the world over. There was a kiosk for each continent and three sets of 5 or 6 fountain drinks unique to each continent. It was riotous.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-54247725526515364602008-04-08T08:58:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:51.118-05:00 I think this was my best aquarium pic of Jennifer.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-9597883678306870472008-04-08T08:56:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:51.534-05:00Deepo Jen needed to have her picture taken with Deepo before we left the aquarium. Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-86101959810924939862008-04-08T08:54:00.003-05:002008-12-09T22:44:51.738-05:00Day 3This day we went to the Georgia Aquarium...largest in the world, CNN, and the World of Coca Cola. This picture is in the subway, and the woman statue in the middle has a pigeon resting on her.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-80272046395045586042008-04-08T08:51:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:51.948-05:00The TrashThese trash cans are all over downtown Atlanta. This one was in the Underground area. I just cracked up the first time I saw it. what an advertisement. Notice that this is directly in front of the visitor's bureau.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-46262898685938359812008-04-08T08:49:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:52.162-05:00The Oreo I asked these two security guards to have their picture taken with Jen. They seemed very happy to oblige. after the picture the guy on the left said, "Hey, we done made an oreo." I said that I wasn't sure how I felt about the whole thing! LOL. Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-8646214231833497692008-04-08T08:47:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:52.407-05:00The Poet This young guy asked us if we'd give him some money if he recited poetry for us. Jen gave him one word "eccentric" and he kinda rapped or slammed for about 5 minutes. I gave him $5. It was pretty cool and he was the first guy who didn't just ask for a handout.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-64302897568297845522008-04-08T08:45:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:52.521-05:00Inside the Underground. The Underground is billed as "unique shops" and trendy cool stuff all in this underground mall. Basically, it is really a stink-hole of a tourist trap. Souvenier shops and cell phone kiosks. It's not really worth the effort to see.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-26066425015156657392008-04-08T08:42:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:52.972-05:00On our 2nd full day in Atlanta we went downtown to the Alliance Theater and watched a play. We were going to tour the art museum but decided to wait. We went to the Atlanta Underground, and then found Rocco's a neat little neighborhood pub to hang out at in Marietta.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-60735453453368426932008-04-05T20:46:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:53.238-05:00 Jennifer on the back side of the Art Center.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-64520422293860235482008-04-05T20:43:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:53.525-05:00Jen on the MARTA train.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-67829995610640586642008-04-05T20:42:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:53.762-05:00 My Favourite Southern Eatery.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-43382304478181062732008-04-05T20:31:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:53.880-05:00Our First Full Day In AtlantaToday, we went to the MARTA station and took the train into Atlanta. We went downtown and bought our City Pass and the High Art Museum. It was misting and raining, so we found a neat neighborhood bar and played some pool until the play at the Alliance Theater’s Hertz Stage. It was a great play, and we went back to play a little pool. Afterwards we went back to canton Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-68422882441581881362008-04-05T07:55:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:54.071-05:00Tim and Dana What a cute picture. Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-47756527590312981362008-03-30T09:01:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:54.331-05:00Swans on Fawn River I saw these swans by the bridge (below). They looked graceful and free.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-41244507669701166512008-03-30T08:58:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:54.600-05:00Haybridge Road This is the bridge on Haybridge Road. South of Three Rivers off of Sevison Road.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-12024943377947851442008-03-22T11:50:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:54.920-05:00 ChangeWe went to Harvey House in Constantine, MI , for breakfast this morning. They have about the best breakfast around…mmmm…good. Our bill was $14.66, and I gave the waitress a $20 bill. She brought back a $5 bill and 34 cents. I was disappointed in our waitress’ lack of forethought. Do I leave the 34 cents and let the waitress pay the price of not taking care to anticipate the customer’s Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-51883472474168273632008-03-16T20:52:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:55.330-05:00DisconnectedSaturday, I got out of sync and ended up at home in bed with severe pain and digestive problems again.Since my health issues, which started in January 2008, I haven't really felt myself. I have not been able to find the right schedule and foods that agree with me, and I have been learning about my physical self anew. The struggle to find some equilibrium while experiencing the roller Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-71779066526035464442008-02-27T05:55:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:55.545-05:00 So, diverticulitis it is. I have been under incredible pain and discomfort for some time now with little or no information on what the problem was. It turns out that I have diverticulitis. Diverticuli are pouches or little folds and pockets that form in the colon (primarily the descending colon) as we age. Sometimes those folds can trap fecal matter or food or bacteria. They can become infected Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-59505104660750259472008-02-22T06:57:00.001-05:002008-02-22T07:59:40.787-05:00Bold Predictions:1. Barack Obama will be the Democrat nominee for president. This is no great incite accept that Hillary is running desperate. Do people prefer inspiration over facts? That’s what Hillary is touting… She brings facts and Barack brings inspiration. Well, inspiration wins. We as humans always prefer to be inspired. Bill Clinton knows this, and he, above all others, knows that his Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-76472820662359362182008-02-21T07:09:00.002-05:002008-12-09T22:44:55.778-05:00Last NightI finally ended up at the Three Rivers Health System Emergency Room last night about midnight. I was in terrible abdominal pain, and finally just got up and went. I let Jennifer sleep.Had 4 holes poked in me for various things. Had 2 CT Scans. Peed in a cup. Got an IV. Got antibiotics and pain killers. Got home about 4:30 AM (waking Jen)… Took a shower and went to work!What a wild nightJoe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-28879211624685074672008-02-19T19:49:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:56.037-05:00No Trespassing This is the same rail bridge as the previous post. Liked the contrast of the sign, leaves, and walk bridge.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-24707086371485441372008-02-19T19:46:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:56.267-05:00Rail Bridge I really like this picture of one of the rail bridges in town. I took this a couple of months ago. I was going through some old pics.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-69250944030705920862008-02-19T19:29:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:44:56.436-05:00Behind Mom and Dad'sTook this picture a couple of weeks ago. The water is higher now. This is from the deck on their house.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-61452830075252006742008-02-19T19:15:00.003-05:002008-12-09T22:44:56.572-05:00 Valley Waterdrive PivotI took this picture of a Valley waterdrive center pivot irrigator a yesterday. It's probably 40 years old or more.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-75091446714751261952008-02-03T17:04:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:56.754-05:00The Empty Bench I really like this picture I took in Scidmore Park, Three Rivers, MI. I think it is lonely yet hopeful.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-42420497240889723732008-01-29T19:36:00.000-05:002008-01-29T20:32:29.423-05:00Darkness is not merely the absence of light. I thought of this statement as I drove from work yesterday. It was dark…raining. The sky was overcast, and street lamps, head lights and stop lights struggled to cast their beams. The light was driven to the ground by the imposing darkness. The heavy sky made me feel like when I was a child and I hid under the quilt…the muffled world was out there...Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-86086235321238928962008-01-01T23:04:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:57.072-05:00NEW YEARS 2008We went to Paisano's for new years this year. We had good time. Met a few people. Hung out. Were a little bit crazy....LOLThanks for the pictures Janet!Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-44519446453568255172008-01-01T22:59:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:57.459-05:00BLUE STEELSome of the people at Paisano's were goofing around with us. I had been wearing a 2008 tiara, and turned it upside down. The women told me to give them a "blue steel" look which must be some modeling phrase I'm unfamiliar with. I gave it my best shot, although I don't think I'm a "blue steel" kind of guy.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-61522956705606192562008-01-01T19:23:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:57.595-05:00ContrastI love the contrast of this picture of my brother's family this Christmas. Carter is quite annoyed while Noah is having a ball!Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-41327821370558521622008-01-01T18:31:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:57.800-05:00Last LeafThis last leaf on a tree outside Brewsters just look so lonely. I thought about times I've felt that way.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-58827977912435528672008-01-01T18:22:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:58.086-05:00Hoffman St. BridgeYou can just see the Hoffman St. bridge from Brewsters through the snow and trees.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-72804454181882343562008-01-01T18:13:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:58.292-05:00Rocky RiverIt snowed last night and today. I was at Brewster's today...the only place in town open to watch Michigan, my alma mater beat Florida in a close game. Anyway, it was really slow there, and I went out back and took a few pictures.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-48954851050842806092007-12-28T19:21:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:59.115-05:00Book RecommendationI am currently reading Conrad Richter's three books on the settlement of Ohio. The books are entitled: The Trees, The Fields and The Town.The Town won the pulitzer prize, and that's why I undertook reading them. They move very quickly. They are moving and incitefull. They speak to your heart and make one examine their own moral fibre. I have finished The Trees, and I'm about Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-29122418767281389332007-12-28T19:18:00.001-05:002007-12-28T19:20:11.455-05:00StandardsI was thinking today about how terrible it would be for me to have to try to live up to the standards I hold other people to.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-22241702476799016932007-12-09T18:39:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:59.287-05:00My Beautiful WifeTook this today by a window in our apartment. She is still sad over Bob's passing.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-80599448985355086952007-12-08T15:34:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:59.509-05:00It's a Sad Day: Bob Miller - Rest In PeaceAfter several days of not being able to reach our friend, Bob, we were worried that something had happened. My wife contacted the land lord who opened the door to his apartment where she discovered that Bob had passed away. Bob was a fun guy, a thoughtful guy, and at times a trying guy (who among us is not). This is a picture of Bob at Johan Guenter's Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-64493309423032776422007-12-06T19:59:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:59.636-05:00Ben Graber, Basketball StarI went to watch my brother, Ben Graber, play basketball. He plays on the JV team for his homeschool group in St. Joseph County, Michigan. It was a good game, but they lost handily. Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-12150856333304028902007-12-06T10:09:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:44:59.815-05:00SaugatukWe stayed in Grand Rapids over the Thanksgiving Holiday, and we followed Lake Michigan south back toward Three Rivers. This is a picture of my wife at the pier in Saugatuk. It was frightfully cold and windy.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-63860381679544902412007-12-01T15:32:00.000-05:002007-12-10T07:12:06.326-05:00Crash closes U.S. 131Saturday, December 01, 2007Kalamazoo Gazette Staff Reports WHITE PIGEON -- A stretch of U.S. 131 from the Indiana state line to White Pigeon was shut down for about two hours Friday night after a ``serious'' automobile accident, said Sgt. James Bennett of the Michigan State Police post in Paw Paw.The highway's northbound and southbound lanes were closed shortly before 7 p.m. Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-37471651211471825842007-11-28T13:29:00.001-05:002007-11-28T13:37:51.033-05:00What is Right About AmericaDisability awareness day at Fenway ParkI had tears in my eyes by the time this video finished! Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-38633190311292653242007-11-12T16:56:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:00.102-05:00Michigan Avenue BridgeMessing around at Scidmore Park.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-15134470235275125042007-11-12T16:50:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:00.631-05:00Under the Rail BridgeI was under the rail bridge parallel to Main Street just south of Michigan, and I was playing with the aperture.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-53669999248221171582007-11-10T20:51:00.001-05:002008-12-09T22:45:01.315-05:00Am I A Man of My Word?I sold my Jeep today. I am glad to get rid of it. We had 4 vehicles for a short time, and I really needed to get rid of one. The process of selling the Jeep was less than what I had hoped for. I assumed that the person who I sold it to was trustworthy, but I found out quickly that he was not a man of his word. It caused me to be introspective and reflect on how I come off toJoe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-34015181001533221902007-10-28T17:46:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:01.836-05:00Self PortraitI was very proud of this. I got a wireless remote for my Nikon D-80, and I used it to take this picture of myself.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-58915818521383359032007-10-28T17:43:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:02.055-05:00Lighthouse and Boat I was very happy with this picture. I used my telephoto lens from about 4 miles away to get this picture. This is downtown St. Joe.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-35001007519440890412007-10-28T17:40:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:02.363-05:00Fishing in St. JoeSome guy fishing in St. Joe. I picked this guy off with my telephoto from about 3/4 mile away.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-12988703312436318762007-10-28T17:37:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:02.616-05:00Jen and Her CannonUmmm... Not sure what to say except that this was also in St. Joe.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-25819648225645073972007-10-28T17:32:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:04.026-05:00My Wife by the Tree My wife was standing by a tree in St. Joe Michigan today when we went to see her Grandmother.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-85471686775418028702007-10-23T06:46:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:04.219-05:00PuzzleLet's see who can identify this picture of a landmark of sorts between Three Rivers and Centreville, MI. Oh! I gave it away!Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-62478174704429031202007-10-23T06:41:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:04.693-05:00Three Rivers, MI, CemetaryMy wife took this awesome picture of a Three Rivers cemetary a few days ago.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-11550748577187487482007-10-16T11:39:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:05.015-05:00A beautiful SightA field of soybeans being harvested.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-58238944318621307092007-10-16T06:05:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:05.303-05:00Ben RussellOne of our customers....Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-2935874478404520392007-10-15T11:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:05.601-05:00What was I thinking?I let the Guenter kids do pretty much whatever they wanted to me...they fixed my hair, gave me ear rings, etc...Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-48323091358038745832007-10-15T11:23:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:05.900-05:00KatieElegant.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-54354155760829976262007-10-15T11:19:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:06.088-05:00On the DamTwo guys fishing on the down side of the dam in Three Rivers. The dam is on South River Road.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-76798245798959195042007-10-15T11:10:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:06.321-05:00KatieTook this picture of little Katie yesterday.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-55984800127763608662007-10-15T11:08:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:06.686-05:00Foxy LadyWho is the foxy lady?Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-68838251460762442012007-10-06T15:49:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:06.804-05:00BrothersMy nephews at Scidmore Park in Three Rivers, MI.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-42394487653054350142007-10-06T15:17:00.000-05:002007-10-06T15:19:16.226-05:00Don BaynI went to Battle Creek to see a friend of mine who has terminal cancer. It was very difficult for me to see Don, as he was physically wasting away and was barely responding to any stimulation.I was thinking about Don on my way back, and I was thinking about what Don has taught me.There are Christians in the world that are very particular about trying to do right in every situation. TheyJoe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-63129070791313293942007-10-05T11:45:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:06.972-05:00Nephew and Little Girl This is one of my nephews at Scidmore Park in Three Rivers. I love his look of suspicion toward the little girl.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-65171802164777064002007-10-05T08:47:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:07.114-05:00Nephews My nephews at Scidmore Park last night in Three Rivers. I remember playing at the lion water fountain when I was their age! By the way, I didn't tell them to pose at all. That is just what he did when we came up to the lion.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-53035111225753492852007-10-02T19:41:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:07.257-05:00Al Capone This is supposed to be a guard house just down a hill from Al Capone's mansion in Purgatory, MI. This is just south and west of Three Rivers and was half way between Chicago and Detroit when US 12 was the only route (before I-94).Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-39692110471579524332007-10-02T19:37:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:07.906-05:00Al CaponeThis is a view from just West and above the guard house at Al Capone's house in Purgatory just south and west of Three Rivers, MI.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-4044467391248350112007-09-29T14:40:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:08.186-05:00Rocky River in Downtown Three Rivers Took this picture this morning as I went down to the library to get my Expedition which sat there overnight. A wire had come off the starter.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-29495238540817833552007-09-29T14:35:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:08.354-05:00Johan Guenter RacingLast Wednesday we, as an office, went to a go cart track and rented the whole thing. This was the same day that I got my new camera. This picture of Johan is one of the first I took with the camera.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-27335230913576696092007-09-29T14:26:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:08.537-05:00 NIKON D-80I finally got my new camera. It's a Nikon D-80 with a Sigma 18-55mm lens and a Sigma 70-300mm lens. I've been happy with the camera so far...I have a lot to learn. It's 10.2 MP and has so many features, I can't even begin. While I am happy with the camera, I'm extremely dissatisfied with Abe's of Maine where I bought it, and I've contacted them to no avail.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-90009780074416595762007-09-25T09:54:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:08.672-05:00Anna and Laura I don't know where to begin. I think the last time I saw these two was about 8 years ago, and since then, they have grown up and become women. I was a little embarrassed when I first met them because I kinda gushed that they've become beautiful women! They accepted the compliment with grace, but I was still shocked. I should note that others say that Laura looks like my wife when Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-45013504113529394372007-09-25T09:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:08.897-05:00Painting the Fire Hydrant This nice lady from the Three Rivers Michigan Department of Public Works was painting a fire hydrant the other day out by Frankies. I stopped and asked to take her picture. I asked her name, but I forgot. Bad Joe!Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-66642451623338625622007-09-22T08:49:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:09.152-05:00My Wife I haven't seen my wife for almost a week.... Ahhhh... I'm looking forward to her coming home today! This is by the bridge behind LA's Coffee Cafe'.Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5943352.post-65521398926849262412007-09-22T08:47:00.000-05:002008-12-09T22:45:09.455-05:00Jen Jumping In River Jennifer at Scidmore Park. She's faking that she's jumping in...Joe Graberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03539912347796328452noreply@blogger.com0