An amazing young woman, out on the front lines doing the Lord's work, is having a birthday today. Please join me in wishing Melissa at Psalm 19 a happy day.
Newbius
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Awareness
The number one rule in personal survival is personal awareness. Know your surroundings.
Number One Son got mugged last night. He is OK, but a couple hundred dollars lighter. The Missus and I are awaiting the rest of the story...
But, Situational Awareness would have helped here. Just saying...
Newbius
Number One Son got mugged last night. He is OK, but a couple hundred dollars lighter. The Missus and I are awaiting the rest of the story...
But, Situational Awareness would have helped here. Just saying...
Newbius
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Joining the 21st century
Thanks to my family (Happy Birthday to ME), I am now the proud owner of a new Kindle 3G. Alan might be right. This eBook thing might have something to it after all.
I am off to go read something.
I am off to go read something.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
All that and Brains, too!
She is my best friend, the mother of my children, and my soul-mate. I love her dearly.
Happy birthday, Mrs. Newbius!
Newbius
Happy birthday, Mrs. Newbius!
Newbius
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Live long and prosper
Happy 89th birthday to my Grandmother. She has lived through wars, economic depression, multiple Democratic presidents, and survived 2 husbands. She is also a Great-grandmother to my children, and Great-great-grandmother to my niece's daughter.
Love you Grandma!
Newbius
Love you Grandma!
Newbius
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Blogger-versary
Three years ago I put my first post out there for any and all to see. It wasn't much, but it was my mission statement for what I wanted to do here. I did not know at the time that this would turn into anything. It was (and is) intended as an outlet for me to say what I feel needs to be said, without breaking televisions, or alienating my family, or scaring the pets.
Since then, I have met the most wonderful group of people-the "gun-blogger" community-through interaction on this blog. You people are amazing. I am proud to call many of you my friends.
For all who have stopped in over the past three years; for all those who have linked to this page; and for all those who have added their wisdom and insight through comments: THANK YOU.
Pax,
Newbius
Since then, I have met the most wonderful group of people-the "gun-blogger" community-through interaction on this blog. You people are amazing. I am proud to call many of you my friends.
For all who have stopped in over the past three years; for all those who have linked to this page; and for all those who have added their wisdom and insight through comments: THANK YOU.
Pax,
Newbius
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Light posting fare here
Only because the Holidays are the time that I spend entertaining family (and a few friends). So instead of reading fare, I get to do eating fare.
This week will have a pizza party for the college friends, all homemade from scratch. The recipes are posted elsewhere on the blog (tags: pizza, more pizza) and are very tasty.
This Saturday, I host an annual family party for the relatives on the East Coast. The past many years the menu has consisted of roasted prime rib, a scampi-style shrimp of my own recipe, and numerous side dishes. All of this served with good wine and loving fellowship.
This year, I am planning to mix it up slightly. Instead of the traditional baked potatoes, I will do a twice-baked version as well as a pan of Au gratin Potatoes Alfredo. And, instead of prime rib, I will be doing a couple of whole Tenderloin roasts (Chateubriand), one wrapped in bacon, one plain.
I post this only because I have not ever done a whole tenderloin before...(yes, I am living dangerously). I have researched many recipes-including Alton Brown's slow-roasted version-coming to the conclusion that there is no 'right' way to roast one, but that it is easy to do incorrectly-no matter the method. Any pointers my readers have (Brigid?) would be welcomed.
I hope you all had a merry Christmas. I pray that we will all have an amazing new year. Stay safe.
Pax,
Newbius
This week will have a pizza party for the college friends, all homemade from scratch. The recipes are posted elsewhere on the blog (tags: pizza, more pizza) and are very tasty.
This Saturday, I host an annual family party for the relatives on the East Coast. The past many years the menu has consisted of roasted prime rib, a scampi-style shrimp of my own recipe, and numerous side dishes. All of this served with good wine and loving fellowship.
This year, I am planning to mix it up slightly. Instead of the traditional baked potatoes, I will do a twice-baked version as well as a pan of Au gratin Potatoes Alfredo. And, instead of prime rib, I will be doing a couple of whole Tenderloin roasts (Chateubriand), one wrapped in bacon, one plain.
I post this only because I have not ever done a whole tenderloin before...(yes, I am living dangerously). I have researched many recipes-including Alton Brown's slow-roasted version-coming to the conclusion that there is no 'right' way to roast one, but that it is easy to do incorrectly-no matter the method. Any pointers my readers have (Brigid?) would be welcomed.
I hope you all had a merry Christmas. I pray that we will all have an amazing new year. Stay safe.
Pax,
Newbius
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Driving Across the Country, Part 4
I am awakened, disoriented, by the sharp turn of the wheel. It is dark and foggy outside the windshield. Ice patches punctuate the streaming monotony of the stark white line on my right. We are somewhere west of Kentucky in southern Indiana, dodging ghosts and phantom animals in the Hoosier National Forest. I have been asleep, fitfully, for only a few hours. It is almost 4:00 in the morning.
We cross the Ohio River about 45 minutes later. I am now awake enough to have a coherent conversation with my wife, who is getting sleepy. After touring the darkened downtown of Louisville, we exchange positions at a rest stop. Now it is my turn to fight the phantoms of fatigue and the ice on the road.
We had been driving east, in a window of clear weather between two storm fronts. The one preceding had left only a few days before, leaving dustings of snow and ice on the ground ahead of us. At every stop tonight, frost-covered door handles greet our arrival. State highway workers huddle in the warmth of their mop closets. Behind us, hundreds of miles to our west, another storm is chasing us. We are thankful to have mostly-dry roads as we speed home.
I stop in Lexington for food and fuel, hoping that some calories and caffeine will make the pre-dawn drive bearable for a few more hours. It doesn't. I have only been at the wheel less than two hours when I have to pull over. I had been fine, alert and lucid, when out of the blue I "head-bobbed". You know what I mean. One second you are looking at the road, the next second you are jerking your head up in a panic, hoping against hope that you are still in your lane and not about to die at 70 miles per hour in the middle of Kentucky. A rest stop looms ahead 2 miles away and I pull in. The sunrise 50 miles west of West Virginia was glorious. I am too tired to appreciate it. My wife has been asleep less than an hour.
We switch places, as she insists that she is good to go. An little less than an hour later, she pulls into a rest stop. We have both hit the wall. It is time for some real sleep for a few hours.
Except I don't really sleep. Oh, I got some. Maybe an uninterrupted hour, not much more. But, now I am alert. The sun is up. The frosted fixtures of the rest stop shimmer and twinkle in the morning sun. The air is cold and my breath fogs as I walk to the restroom to splash water on my face and wash the crust from my eyes. I have decided to press on. It is 10:00 AM.
Crossing into West Virginia begins the final leg of our trip. The route that I-64 takes through the state is a twisting panorama of river valleys, gorges, and passes, punctuated by the last of the fall leaves coloring the forested hills. The road is narrow, and shared with returning vacationers and trucks on deadlines. Everybody is going fast and following closely. The nervousness keeps me edgy and alert. The road's twists finally wake my bride up in Charleston. She feeds me coins for the toll workers so I can focus on the task ahead.
At 12:45 we cross into Virginia. For the past hour she has slept. She finally looks rested and it is time for another change. We trade places in Clifton Forge, after filling up the tank for the final time.
Southwestern Virginia horse country rolls by the window at a steady pace until we connect with I-81. Here, the road construction and the holiday traffic conspire to reduce speeds to a walking pace for nearly 10 miles. Traffic breaks up before we get to Raphine and the drive into Charlottesville goes swiftly. More horse country rolls by. This is the Virginia of Madison and Jefferson. Some of these farms date back to pre-colonial times, passed between the generations as tangible proof of quieter times.
We follow the Virginia byways and back roads through Civil War battlefields until we connect with the busiest route on the east coast, Interstate 95, just 20 miles from home. And it is crawling slowly...we are so close, and we are stuck in traffic again. We've driven 2,700 on the return journey and only the final day presented any traffic difficulties. Go figure. Finally, the road opens up again though, and we finish the final few miles at speed.
As we turn down the drive and park, it hits me. I am home.
Pax,
Newbius
We cross the Ohio River about 45 minutes later. I am now awake enough to have a coherent conversation with my wife, who is getting sleepy. After touring the darkened downtown of Louisville, we exchange positions at a rest stop. Now it is my turn to fight the phantoms of fatigue and the ice on the road.
We had been driving east, in a window of clear weather between two storm fronts. The one preceding had left only a few days before, leaving dustings of snow and ice on the ground ahead of us. At every stop tonight, frost-covered door handles greet our arrival. State highway workers huddle in the warmth of their mop closets. Behind us, hundreds of miles to our west, another storm is chasing us. We are thankful to have mostly-dry roads as we speed home.
I stop in Lexington for food and fuel, hoping that some calories and caffeine will make the pre-dawn drive bearable for a few more hours. It doesn't. I have only been at the wheel less than two hours when I have to pull over. I had been fine, alert and lucid, when out of the blue I "head-bobbed". You know what I mean. One second you are looking at the road, the next second you are jerking your head up in a panic, hoping against hope that you are still in your lane and not about to die at 70 miles per hour in the middle of Kentucky. A rest stop looms ahead 2 miles away and I pull in. The sunrise 50 miles west of West Virginia was glorious. I am too tired to appreciate it. My wife has been asleep less than an hour.
We switch places, as she insists that she is good to go. An little less than an hour later, she pulls into a rest stop. We have both hit the wall. It is time for some real sleep for a few hours.
Except I don't really sleep. Oh, I got some. Maybe an uninterrupted hour, not much more. But, now I am alert. The sun is up. The frosted fixtures of the rest stop shimmer and twinkle in the morning sun. The air is cold and my breath fogs as I walk to the restroom to splash water on my face and wash the crust from my eyes. I have decided to press on. It is 10:00 AM.
Crossing into West Virginia begins the final leg of our trip. The route that I-64 takes through the state is a twisting panorama of river valleys, gorges, and passes, punctuated by the last of the fall leaves coloring the forested hills. The road is narrow, and shared with returning vacationers and trucks on deadlines. Everybody is going fast and following closely. The nervousness keeps me edgy and alert. The road's twists finally wake my bride up in Charleston. She feeds me coins for the toll workers so I can focus on the task ahead.
At 12:45 we cross into Virginia. For the past hour she has slept. She finally looks rested and it is time for another change. We trade places in Clifton Forge, after filling up the tank for the final time.
Southwestern Virginia horse country rolls by the window at a steady pace until we connect with I-81. Here, the road construction and the holiday traffic conspire to reduce speeds to a walking pace for nearly 10 miles. Traffic breaks up before we get to Raphine and the drive into Charlottesville goes swiftly. More horse country rolls by. This is the Virginia of Madison and Jefferson. Some of these farms date back to pre-colonial times, passed between the generations as tangible proof of quieter times.
We follow the Virginia byways and back roads through Civil War battlefields until we connect with the busiest route on the east coast, Interstate 95, just 20 miles from home. And it is crawling slowly...we are so close, and we are stuck in traffic again. We've driven 2,700 on the return journey and only the final day presented any traffic difficulties. Go figure. Finally, the road opens up again though, and we finish the final few miles at speed.
As we turn down the drive and park, it hits me. I am home.
Pax,
Newbius
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Driving Across Country, Part 2
After a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with family in San Diego, we packed up the car to begin the return trip. The plan was to take I-15 North, and hook up with the I-70 East in the middle of Utah. We departed around 10:30 PM local time on Thursday night, full of turkey and stuffing and new memories to cherish.
My lovely bride took us as far as Las Vegas, where we changed drivers, got some gas and some coffee, and took a slow tour through the underbelly of society. Black Friday came early in Sin City and the shoppers were out in force, as were the prostitutes. It seems as if the LVPD was only interested in traffic enforcement as the wheels of commerce were in full spin...
Leaving Las Vegas behind us, we began the long climb up into Utah. The Virgin River Gorge is very pretty (I have driven this route before), but in the dark, dodging falling rocks, and with temps below freezing, it is just a tense serpentine blur.
We got breakfast in St. George, Utah, then headed up the snow-dusted central spine of the state to Interstate 70. As the sun rose to our right, the cliffs and breaks on our left lit up in a wonderful palette of green, yellow, orange and red. The road was clear. The temperature hovered in the single-digits. The speed limit was 80... :) Time to make tracks.
Shortly after changing onto the I-70, it was time for another diver change. I got to watch as the surreal scenery of central and eastern Utah gave way to the high plains and canyons that approach the western slope of the Rockies. Although I didn't sleep, the rest was welcomed as I needed to take over driving again near the Colorado border.
Driving along the Colorado River for 2 solid hours, we got to see scenery that postcard photographers can only dream about. The temperature was below freezing and there was a dusting of snow on the rocks and plains, and the shores of the river were coated in ice. The river gorges gradually gave way to the ski towns of Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge. The roads through the mountains were icy in spots, but no chains were required. The drivers showed as much caution for each other as the skiers do. I was driving at a black diamond pace. They were flying along much faster than I.
We exited the mountains and dropped down into the Denver metropolitan area before sundown. We toured some of the suburbs there, trying to get a feel for an area that might become our next home. As the last of the twilight faded in the west, we pulled into the driveway at our destination for the night, Monument, Colorado.
This leg covered roughly 1,175 miles in about 19 hours including stops. The visit with friends was a welcome break. Their hospitality, food, and beers were very much appreciated. The 10 hours of sleep were much needed.
More in part three...
My lovely bride took us as far as Las Vegas, where we changed drivers, got some gas and some coffee, and took a slow tour through the underbelly of society. Black Friday came early in Sin City and the shoppers were out in force, as were the prostitutes. It seems as if the LVPD was only interested in traffic enforcement as the wheels of commerce were in full spin...
Leaving Las Vegas behind us, we began the long climb up into Utah. The Virgin River Gorge is very pretty (I have driven this route before), but in the dark, dodging falling rocks, and with temps below freezing, it is just a tense serpentine blur.
We got breakfast in St. George, Utah, then headed up the snow-dusted central spine of the state to Interstate 70. As the sun rose to our right, the cliffs and breaks on our left lit up in a wonderful palette of green, yellow, orange and red. The road was clear. The temperature hovered in the single-digits. The speed limit was 80... :) Time to make tracks.
Shortly after changing onto the I-70, it was time for another diver change. I got to watch as the surreal scenery of central and eastern Utah gave way to the high plains and canyons that approach the western slope of the Rockies. Although I didn't sleep, the rest was welcomed as I needed to take over driving again near the Colorado border.
Driving along the Colorado River for 2 solid hours, we got to see scenery that postcard photographers can only dream about. The temperature was below freezing and there was a dusting of snow on the rocks and plains, and the shores of the river were coated in ice. The river gorges gradually gave way to the ski towns of Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge. The roads through the mountains were icy in spots, but no chains were required. The drivers showed as much caution for each other as the skiers do. I was driving at a black diamond pace. They were flying along much faster than I.
We exited the mountains and dropped down into the Denver metropolitan area before sundown. We toured some of the suburbs there, trying to get a feel for an area that might become our next home. As the last of the twilight faded in the west, we pulled into the driveway at our destination for the night, Monument, Colorado.
This leg covered roughly 1,175 miles in about 19 hours including stops. The visit with friends was a welcome break. Their hospitality, food, and beers were very much appreciated. The 10 hours of sleep were much needed.
More in part three...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving
I have many things to be thankful for. Mostly, I am thankful for the continued blessings of friends and family. I hope that your "Day of Giving and Thanks" is special. Cherish those who are close to you. Remember those whom you are away from.
Be well.
Pax,
Newbius
Be well.
Pax,
Newbius
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A Good Weekend
Friday: Did homemade pizza for the kids and their friends. Played some games. Had good conversation. Good food, good music, good times.
Saturday: Had a relaxing morning doing minor repairs on the car, then board games followed by dinner out for my daughter. Got a surprise visit from a very special friend of my son's.
Sunday: Church service, then more games with the kids. Prepped some frozen pizzas for college, and then taught an adult class at church. Got the kids sent back to college with clean clothes and some homemade goodies.
Now? Just chilling with a Cuervo Gold on the rocks, snuggled with my honey.
This was a very good weekend.
I hope yours was, as well. :)
Pax,
Newbius
Saturday: Had a relaxing morning doing minor repairs on the car, then board games followed by dinner out for my daughter. Got a surprise visit from a very special friend of my son's.
Sunday: Church service, then more games with the kids. Prepped some frozen pizzas for college, and then taught an adult class at church. Got the kids sent back to college with clean clothes and some homemade goodies.
Now? Just chilling with a Cuervo Gold on the rocks, snuggled with my honey.
This was a very good weekend.
I hope yours was, as well. :)
Pax,
Newbius
Sunday, September 12, 2010
What I did on 9/11/10
Remember the message of 9/11/01?
I do.
I hugged and kissed my wife. I checked on my neighbors. I made sure my kids were safe at school. Then, I cleaned my guns and made sure they functioned and I re-checked my ammunition supply. Then, we watched in horror and fear as our way of life was threatened, our citizens were murdered, and symbols of our prosperity came crashing down-killing thousands.
So now it is nine years later. The only extant threats to our way of life come from our own government. The "religion of peace" advocates are still at war with the West. The Patriot Movement is branded as nothing but Domestic Terrorists. And, normal people continue to live their lives as is they have no power or control in our society, where power and control rest in The People.
So what did I do yesterday? I changed the backstrap on my new pistol to better fit my hand. I made pizza for my kids in college. I did some shopping. I took my wife and oldest son to visit my other two kids at college. We had dinner and conversation until late in the evening.
I lived my life normally.
In the United States today, living life normally and well, enjoying the time together, is the ultimate tribute to those who have sacrificed to make it possible.
Our nation is not just a geographic location. We are a state of mind. Our soldiers do not fight for territory, they fight for ideas. We fight for ideas. We fight for Liberty, and the ability to enjoy it.
So, on 9/11/2010, I celebrated Liberty. I lived. I loved. I prospered.
I hope that you did too.
Pax,
Newbius
"We are vulnerable, and the bad people want to kill us and destroy our way of life."Remember what you did on 9/11/01?
I do.
I hugged and kissed my wife. I checked on my neighbors. I made sure my kids were safe at school. Then, I cleaned my guns and made sure they functioned and I re-checked my ammunition supply. Then, we watched in horror and fear as our way of life was threatened, our citizens were murdered, and symbols of our prosperity came crashing down-killing thousands.
So now it is nine years later. The only extant threats to our way of life come from our own government. The "religion of peace" advocates are still at war with the West. The Patriot Movement is branded as nothing but Domestic Terrorists. And, normal people continue to live their lives as is they have no power or control in our society, where power and control rest in The People.
So what did I do yesterday? I changed the backstrap on my new pistol to better fit my hand. I made pizza for my kids in college. I did some shopping. I took my wife and oldest son to visit my other two kids at college. We had dinner and conversation until late in the evening.
I lived my life normally.
In the United States today, living life normally and well, enjoying the time together, is the ultimate tribute to those who have sacrificed to make it possible.
Our nation is not just a geographic location. We are a state of mind. Our soldiers do not fight for territory, they fight for ideas. We fight for ideas. We fight for Liberty, and the ability to enjoy it.
So, on 9/11/2010, I celebrated Liberty. I lived. I loved. I prospered.
I hope that you did too.
Pax,
Newbius
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Proud Father
Yes. That's me. Yesterday, Saturday, my youngest graduated with honors from high school. She will join her two brothers in college in the fall. I am very proud of all of them.
I hope your Saturday went as well.
Pax,
Newbius
I hope your Saturday went as well.
Pax,
Newbius
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Year!
Sorry for the dearth of posting. I just finished a week of visits by family and friends, at times with nearly 30 people in the house enjoying good food, drink, and conversation. The weekend was capped off by a joint (Boy Scout and Girl Scout) Court of Honor ceremony awarding the highest rank that Scouting offers to each of my children. Oldest and Middle Child are now, formally and officially, Eagle Scouts, and Youngest has earned her Gold Award.
They have earned their ranks and are fine young leaders. And, yes, I am a proud father of all three! They did good! :D
I hope that your New Year also started out well. Let's make 2010 the year in which we return our nation to the Founder's values.
Pax,
Newbius
They have earned their ranks and are fine young leaders. And, yes, I am a proud father of all three! They did good! :D
I hope that your New Year also started out well. Let's make 2010 the year in which we return our nation to the Founder's values.
Pax,
Newbius
Monday, December 14, 2009
Four wheeled fun
This past weekend I went karting with my son and daughter. My girl had been pestering me to go for a few weeks, ever since she went with a "guy friend" of hers. I have been racing before, and knew it would be a lot of fun, but didn't want to spend money that was not in the budget.
Well, Saints be praised, I got a small bonus (really a return of the pay cut I took earlier in the year). So, Saturday night we braved the cold (well, cold for Virginia at 33F) and went to the indoor kart track in Fredericksburg and did some racing.
My daughter was excited that "I did so well for my first time out", and I was wondering which corners I was losing so much time in. Different standards, I guess...
I think I might have the racing line worked out for the track now. Maybe with a few adjustments, I can recover the second per lap that she is beating me by. I already know that I can carry more speed through the turn onto the pit straight if I line up the apex right...next time!
Click for full picture
Oldest son leading the group into the turn on the yellow, daughter is #4
Click for full picture
Me (#18) stuck behind traffic on the yellow flag
I plan to do this again. It is a really good time, and not too expensive for today's world, with liability costs and gasoline and all being so expensive (about $18 per race with membership). Racing will get the heart rate up and the adrenaline flowing and maybe let you connect with your kids a little bit more.
Maybe next time I'll prove to the girl that I've still got it... :)
Pax,
Newbius
Well, Saints be praised, I got a small bonus (really a return of the pay cut I took earlier in the year). So, Saturday night we braved the cold (well, cold for Virginia at 33F) and went to the indoor kart track in Fredericksburg and did some racing.
My daughter was excited that "I did so well for my first time out", and I was wondering which corners I was losing so much time in. Different standards, I guess...
I think I might have the racing line worked out for the track now. Maybe with a few adjustments, I can recover the second per lap that she is beating me by. I already know that I can carry more speed through the turn onto the pit straight if I line up the apex right...next time!
Click for full pictureOldest son leading the group into the turn on the yellow, daughter is #4
Click for full pictureMe (#18) stuck behind traffic on the yellow flag
I plan to do this again. It is a really good time, and not too expensive for today's world, with liability costs and gasoline and all being so expensive (about $18 per race with membership). Racing will get the heart rate up and the adrenaline flowing and maybe let you connect with your kids a little bit more.
Maybe next time I'll prove to the girl that I've still got it... :)
Pax,
Newbius
Friday, August 28, 2009
More changes
Number 2 child is at College and Number 1 child is doing well also. Number 3 is about to start Senior Year! It is starting to get kind of lonely at Casa Newbius.
Off to see my baby sister as she prepares for a big move to Noo Yawk State with her husband and my adorable nephew.
More fun stuff tomorrow, I promise.
Pax,
Newbius
Off to see my baby sister as she prepares for a big move to Noo Yawk State with her husband and my adorable nephew.
More fun stuff tomorrow, I promise.
Pax,
Newbius
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