Country Roads

Remembering Grandpa

2010-02-16T05:28:00.006-06:00

Ten years ago today our family lost someone very dear to us. My son and my nephew carry his name, the rest of us carry memories.Evert Lyell Elson, 1920 - 2000.Grandpa and Grandma, we miss you both.(follow the link for last year's more lengthy post)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2010-02-15T19:55:00.004-06:00

From all of us at Country Roads:HAPPY BIRTHDAYto my baby sister!"Now may the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon you, and give you peace, in your going out and in your coming in; in your sitting down and your rising up; in your work and in your play; in your joy and in your sorrow, in your laughter and in your tears; until that day comes wich is without dawn and without dark." Amen.

Joy in Winters Past

2010-02-10T08:12:00.014-06:00

Most Midwesterners have somewhat of a love/hate relationship with winter. Oh sure, some love it unreservedly, some hate it with equal passion, some love to hate it, but most us both love AND hate it at various times. In my last post I began to delve into some of the unsavory aspects of winter, primarily... it just lasts way too long!The last few days, however, have been a pleasant reminder that

February Return

2010-02-09T20:18:00.008-06:00

The children are sleeping. The fire crackles lazily in the fireplace. The dog sleeps fitfully by the door, waiting for Nikki to come home. Smoke rises gracefully from the briar as the snow swirls outside the window. Fernando Ortega serenades me from the computer as the wind bends the trees and their tops thrash the sky. A train whistle screams through this dark, cold, February night. I sit

"In Triumph doth Wave"

2009-07-03T08:08:00.007-05:00

Considering how well we all know the first verse to this song, it's rather incredible how little most of us know the rest. Take a moment to read through the lyrics as we head into Independence Day weekend. Take a moment to remember that, as with all things worthwhile, our freedom and way of life came at a cost. A cost that was paid and victory won. We may have declared our independence on

"He is Succour to the brave"

2009-06-29T20:01:00.011-05:00

With Independence Day at the end of this week, I have resurrected my blogging for a bit. Tonight we shall visit a beautiful old hymn written in the shadow of a camp of Union soldiers stationed outside Washington D.C. early in the Civil War. I always enjoy looking up the lyrics to these old hymns as they are inevitably richer than the few verses I tend to remember. I do sing this one to my

"... the banshees lonely croon"

2009-06-07T11:11:00.012-05:00

So what is it exactly? Is it the essential American longing for freedom that is such a part of me? The "undiscovered country" that is a part of all of us? The tragically doomed stuggle for a noble cause? Maybe it's just the haunting violin. Whatever it is, I've always loved this song. It's a simple song to be sure, but in my more reflective moments I find it deeply moving. Maybe you will

Remembering June 6th, 1944

2009-06-06T08:43:00.008-05:00

As regular readers know, this blog has rather fallen into the "something has to go" category for quite some time. However, I can never let June 6th go by without remembering the sacrifice made by the Allied soldiers on this day, now 65 years ago. Rather than take the time to write a new post I'm linking to last year's remembrance. I look forward to resuming regular posting once I've finished a

Of Ships, Friends, and DVD's

2009-03-09T10:47:00.026-05:00

I have so far avoided spending much time talking about Obama. The main reason is this, once I open the subject, there's no real stopping. I could easily write about the latest government outrage every single day, leaving time for little else. I've been reluctant to turn this blog into a "chronicle the excess in government forum," not to say that would be without value, but there are plenty out

A Difference of Opinion?

2009-02-19T08:12:00.004-06:00

How about something a bit more light-hearted? To set this up if you haven't already heard it; the "video" is a recording of a phone call between an overcharged customer and Verizon. If you've ever tried to deal with a phone company (or communications company of any kind really) then you'll appreciate this. If you're a student of worldviews, public education, and current thought you'll love how

Remembering Grandpa

2009-02-15T21:30:00.030-06:00

Every February 16th I pause to remember a great man who passed away on that date, year 2000. He was named Everett Lyell Elson and he was my grandfather. He was born in 1920 to a farming family here in Chenoa, IL. They had a successful and fairly well-to-do farm. His grandfather had carved the virgin

Back in the Saddle Again

2009-01-19T22:46:00.002-06:00

As promised, a bit of everything, some of this is a bit old, but bear with me. Strap in for a a bit of a winding post as I try to catch up on a month's (or more?) worth of missed posting. Should we start with politics? Why not.Blago, Blago, Blago... what else is there to say? The whole situation just confirms the cynic in anyone more and more each day. Speaking of, Ralf Selief over at Illinois

"Baseball Daddy?"

2009-01-14T20:01:00.008-06:00

After a long, January day filled with freezing cold tempatures, snow, work, attic remodeling and toddlers who weren't as enthusiastic about their dinner as they should have been; I was going about the task of getting the children's room ready for bedtime. At least one of their toy buckets was emptied all over the floor, the bathroom was soaked from bathtime (how DID water end up on the far wall?

Blagojevich Makes Some New Friends

2008-12-09T09:07:00.006-06:00

In breaking news, our esteemed Governor was picked up at his house this morning (his home in Chicago, not the Governor's Mansion in Springfield...) by the FBI. The Tribune has been running updates on the story here.Among other things, the Governor apparently had Obama's empty Senate seat on Craigslist. Some of those "other things" also included planned retaliation at the Tribune for critical

"So help us God"

2008-12-07T20:10:00.006-06:00

Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, of the House of Representatives:Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government

Quote of the Day

2008-11-19T10:07:00.011-06:00

Uttered by my esteemed brother during an internet conversation about the government's justification for the bailouts. Their repeated claims that all heck would break loose if we didn't give them 750B dollars IMMEDIATELY."Yeah, the world end? maybe its just the Midwesterner in me, but I don't think I'll let someone else tell me when my world is ending nor what qualifies as that end."Well said,

A Hearty Congratulations

2008-11-18T07:54:00.006-06:00

It's a freezing cold morning morning here in Central, IL. The "feels like" temp. on my walk to work was about 10F. (On a side note, is there anything more ridiculous than the "feels like" tempurature? nevermind) Despite the cold, we do have baseball news. All of us here at Country Roads would like to extend a hearty congratulations to Albert Pujols, National League MVP.From Matthew Leach's

Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T07:00:00.006-06:00

"Words alone are insufficient to express our lasting gratitude and admiration to those whose patriotism and courage have ensured our peace and freedom despite threats of tyranny and aggression. Significant disruptions in their lives and other personal hardships have been the price that our Nation's veterans have paid so that the rest of us might enjoy the fruits of justice and liberty. ...... Now

Post-election pondering

2008-11-06T07:01:00.018-06:00

Ready for a long and rambling blog post on politics? Good good. With the election come and gone there is much that can be learned by looking back over recent events and anticipating some of what is to come. I'm struggling quite a bit with this post. Not because it's too controversial, or too personal or any such thing. It's just that... I've said all this before, so many times.Let's go back

Bedtime Reflections

2008-10-29T19:08:00.005-05:00

Barack Obama is on the major networks right now. I would normally be watching such an event. A political candidate with so much money to throw around that he's buying an entire half-hour of primetime on three major networks. However, I know he will just infuriate and depress me.Instead I am clinging to God and guns, to turn a phrase (if only I were kidding... Remington 870's are on sale at

Illinois Corn Huskers

2008-10-21T10:04:00.028-05:00

It's a beautiful Autumn day today. A crisp 54 degrees, bright sunshine and deep, deep blue skies. Perfect weather for harvesting corn. It's been a little wetter than you'd want recently, but today is perfect. The combines are out in the fields in force, mostly John Deere green with a good showing of Case IH red as well. There should be a few New Hollands out there and perhaps an occasional

An Offer They couldn't Refuse?

2008-10-16T07:51:00.016-05:00

Normally I don't read or recommend the New York Times, but take the time to read this story, it should be an eye-opening experience. A few relevant quotes, and a lot of questions:The chief executives of the nine largest banks in the United States trooped into a gilded conference room at the Treasury Department at 3 p.m. Monday. To their astonishment, they were each handed a one-page document

When Confidence Fails

2008-10-15T07:58:00.036-05:00

Of the many things that conspire together to make the United States of America the greatest place in the world to live, our long record of peaceful transfer of power has to among the most prominent. Throughout our 200+ year history our leaders have been replaced and disputes about power transfer have been settled with the ballot or through elected representatives. Obviously this has not always

Monday Quote of the Day

2008-10-13T09:38:00.005-05:00

From Charles Robinson's "Winners and Losers" column at Yahoo Sports:The decision to squib the kickoff with 11 seconds remaining cost the Bears the game, plain and simple. What was with the soft zone in the secondary, allowing Michael Jenkins to catch a 26-yard pass to put Jason Elam in field-goal range? This is a team that could be 6-0 right now with some better coaching decisions.Agreed, with

Catching up and Stuff

2008-10-10T07:17:00.038-05:00

At long last I'm posting again. Life has been keeping me rather busy. An emergency surgery in the family, a family camping trip and time spent sailing into the sea of mortgages have kept me on my toes. So much has transpired since my last post that I would normally write about that I shall try to catch up with an "Impromptus"-style post (with apologies to Jay Nordlinger at National Review). A

Backyard Politics

2008-09-15T06:54:00.004-05:00

How's this for a Monday morning chuckle? Matt Gauntt posted this over at Illinois Review this weekend, I thought it was amusing.I was talking to a friend of mine's little boy the other day. I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up and he replied, 'I want to be President!' Both of his parents are liberal Democrats and were standing there. So then I asked him, 'If you were President what

Remembering

2008-09-11T20:02:00.022-05:00

Hardly an attention-grabbing title I know. What else can anyone do however? There has been a plethora of tributes and memories recorded in virtually any medium imaginable about this day, what can I add? I admit, probably nothing; but I would be remiss if I let this day go by without any recognition.Seven years ago... so odd how time passes and is recorded in our memories. Parts of that day

Let's See that Again

2008-08-29T08:02:00.027-05:00

It's finally happening. I had thought it wouldn't, I had hoped it wouldn't, but here it is. This weekend the crew chief at every Major League Baseball game will have the option to use instant replay to determine a call. Oh sure, it's only to be used for disputed home-runs, fair/foul calls, and fan interference. At least for now... what about hit batsmen? balls caught/trapped in the outfield?

"I'm great! Really! Seriously... come on guys..."

2008-08-28T07:12:00.006-05:00

"Blagojevich on third term: I'm a great governor"So read the Pantagraph headline this morning. I almost laughed out loud right here at my desk. Makes you wonder who he's trying to convince. I had to share it, just too funny. The rest of the article reads (or you can read it on the Pantagraph here):By Associated Press DENVER -- Illinois Governor Rod

Obama, Abortion, and Infanticide

2008-08-19T15:50:00.045-05:00

"Well I think that whether you're looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity...uh....you know is...uh. ...above my pay grade." What the h***?? That's the best Barack Obama can do? The question, in case you haven't heard, was "At what point does a baby get human rights in your view?" Not citizenship rights, or legal rights

Boyhood Treasure

2008-07-28T20:23:00.008-05:00

There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy's life that he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure. Mark TwainSunday my little boy had his 2nd birthday. Happy birthday Little One.

"Open This Gate"

2008-07-24T11:56:00.023-05:00

Let me take the occasion of Barack Obama's speech in Berlin today to remember the words of another American to give a speech in that city. An actual American President, a man, a leader with clear moral conviction and courage.On June 12, 1987 Ronald Reagan stood in front of the Brandenburg Gate and gave a speech that would, in part, define the legacy of his presidency and frame his memory in the

Murtha to be Sent Packing?

2008-07-23T07:29:00.012-05:00

Back to politics. Ready for some good news for once? Some time ago I mentioned Senator Murtha in connection with his remarks on the now-infamous "Haditha Incidient." Those remarks aren't the only reason to object to the existence of Murtha in the senate as he has long been a champion of "pork barrel" spending and "pay to play" politics, but frankly, they're enough for me. This is good news?

The Far Off Country

2008-07-16T20:30:00.010-05:00

As the summer heat begins to set come on in earnest and the work day starts earlier and earlier (tis busy season in the steel fabrication business), let us take a break from baseball and our various national celebrations and turn towards more weighty matters.In the relative cool of the day before work I have been reading through selections from C.S. Lewis' writings. One of my favorite essays of

Independence Day fun

2008-07-11T16:37:00.005-05:00

My lovely wife has put together a brief slide show featuring some highlights of our 4th of July in Hopedale. It's her first attempt at this software (not to mention the two primary subjects of the slide show can be somewhat distracting while trying to work on the computer), but how can you go wrong with kids this cute? Even though John Denver didn't write a song about Central Illinois, we

"Beautiful, just beautiful baseball"

2008-07-09T07:59:00.011-05:00

As I am still working on catching up from the extended weekend (I hope you all had a fantastic Independence Day), I will return to baseball for at least one more post.Chalk this play up as one more reason I'm a Cardinal fan. In an era where the home-run is king of the highlight reel (although this trend seems to be slowing a bit); the art of base-running seems to have fallen by the proverbial

An American Institution

2008-07-03T05:38:00.012-05:00

Let us take a break from politics and government for a moment. As you can no doubt surmise, July 4th is one of my favorite holidays. It is a showcase for so much of what I love about this county and my particular corner of it. I assume this is true for other areas of the country as well, but here in small town Illinois this weekend will be celebrated with parades, fireworks, softball

July 2, 1776

2008-07-02T08:21:00.005-05:00

The Declaration of Independence In Congress, July 4 1776The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with

The FBI on Gun Control

2008-07-01T05:21:00.014-05:00

Surely he's kidding, right?The "he" being the FBI director Robert Mueller. We're all used to hearing inane statements from our government employees, but if this doesn't take the cake, it can sure taste it from here. You can read the story for yourself, but here are some highlights.FBI Director Robert Mueller on Monday criticized the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling that Americans have a right

The Pioneering Spirit

2008-06-19T13:23:00.020-05:00

I originally found this article on the online version of the Pantagraph, but they seem to have left it up for a grand total of an hour or so. After a little digging I found the story posted at the Rocky Mountain News. File this under, "another reason I love the Midwest." It's an AP story and it's headlined with the quote, "We're resilient as hell." It's part of a statement from the mayor of a

Haditha Rembered

2008-06-18T06:43:00.027-05:00

In the most recent developments related to the infamous Haditha incidient, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani has had all charges dropped. Michelle Malkin has posted an excellent article on this subject at National Review Online. My question is, when will Senator Murtha be charged with slander, libel, defamation of character... whatever will stick?There is no need for me to rewrite her article, however

Of Love and Companionship

2008-06-15T21:06:00.009-05:00

Apologies for the long time between posts. My delightful wife and I celebrated our 9th anniversary this week. I took a couple days off work and we spent at least one very enjoyable evening eating here and staying here. I highly recommend them both. We also managed to fit in the new "Indiana Jones" movie and a bit of fishing. All in all a weekend tailored exactly for us, adventure movies,

For Love of Life

2008-06-10T06:25:00.032-05:00

One more fascinating story of amazing medical advances and the tenacity of the human spirit.It's the story of Leah Bowlen. At approximately 18 weeks in the womb doctors discovered that she was suffering from Amniotic Band Syndrome. If nothing was done she risked losing her feet, and possibly her life. At 22 weeks the doctors made medical history by successfully surgically repairing one of her

Operation Neptune

2008-06-06T06:09:00.017-05:00

SUPREME HEADQUARTERS ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will

A Happy Ending?

2008-06-03T08:20:00.023-05:00

It appears that perhaps common sense has broken out in Texas. Judge Barbara Walthers has ordered the children taken from their parents at the Yearning for Zion ranch returned. In in a somewhat convoluted (at least from a non-lawyer's perspective) decision, the court had earlier ruled that the seizure of 430 children from the Texas ranch was unconstitutional. However, they did not order that

Mother's Day Fishing

2008-05-30T07:22:00.006-05:00

On the lighter side of life, my daughter caught her first fish all by her self this month. (Well, I guess I did cast the line for her), but she did hook it and reel it in herself. We went fishing out in Hopedale with my parents for Mother's Day. Great little park they've been putting together out on the edge of town for the last... 10 years or so. She was so pleased. So now you're asking,

Welcome to Country Roads

2008-05-29T13:28:00.006-05:00

Welcome and thanks for stopping by my newly started blog. As this is indeed a new adventure for me, I should start with introductions. This blog will focus on three main areas of my life. Three things that I believe really summarize who I am. In no particular order: 1. I am a patriot. I love my country. I'm fascinated by its history, it's people, culture. Not just our country in the