open thread

89 Comments

  1. Posted June 28, 2006 at 5:02 am | Permalink

    Wichita is going through an incredible rebirth. It’s going to be completely different in the next 10 years, and for the better. We are staking our claim on the map and Wichita is going to turn out to be one great city. I’m proud and excited about calling it home.

    I was reading an article on Kansas.com about the cost of the new airport terminal going up. No real surprise. But regardless of the increase price tag, I believe we will obtain enough funds to cover the cost without dipping into local monies.

    I’ve had the plans on the new terminal for quite awhile and just wanted to comment on its design and layout. It is going to be one sweet airport terminal, and man will this ever be one incredible upgrade to our city. I put this is as the most important need for our community. Yes people, even much more than the downtown arena!

    I know other projects get more attention, such as the arena, waterwalk, and Kellogg, but let’s not forget our airport.

    I just want to give kudos to the designers of our new airport terminal. It’s going to be fantastic, very functional, and eye-appealing. It is going to catapult Wichita big time. It’s going to create the experience of a big city airport and it’s about time.

    http://www.flywichita.org/About/NewTerminal.htm

  2. TRACY
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 6:20 am | Permalink

    On the lighter side, here’s some new headlines, courtesy of Red State Rabble.

    HARD TIMES FOR RUSH LIMBAUGH

    Why Rush Limbaugh Won’t Go Soft on Liberals

    Rush Limbaugh: A Stand Up Guy

    Rush Stands Firm

    It’s Hard to Be Rush Limbaugh

    (Great job Pat. We appreciate all your HARD work!)

  3. flike
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 6:56 am | Permalink

    Plan looks ok, Joe, but one of the very best things about ICT, imo, is that it’s a such a *small town*, laid-back airport.

    I love flying back into Wichita from everywhere else I can think of because ICT is so small and simple.

    ICT is like a small Dillons store - and that’s a good thing, imo.

  4. Hank Price
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 6:57 am | Permalink

    He told his doctor he was worried about the next ELECTION, not . . .

  5. Ed Friedemann
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:01 am | Permalink

    Guys, Be careful what you wish for. Bigger is not better.

    Dallas was a nice city. Now it’s an unlivable hellhole.

    About 30 miles to the north, they built a new “Dallas” and named it Frisco.

    There are some places in Dallas, where the police are reluctant to answer calls, unless they show-up in force.

  6. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:08 am | Permalink

    Yeah Ed, and look what has happened to Austin. When I moved there the SMSA was 500,000. When I left, 14 years later, it was over 1 million. The house I bought for $75,000 is worth over $200,000 today. It was nice to be a seller, but hard to be a buyer there these days. Water rationing because the treatment plants and distribution system couldnt handle the number of new meters. And dont even get me started on traffic. The most deadly stretch of 1-35 is 2 miles through Austin.

    Sigh. I miss the low cost of living there, the laid back, hippie haven for artists and musicians. The worst part? As an economic development professional, I helped.

    “Dont it always seem to go that you dont know what ya got ’till it’s gone. You paved paradise, and put up a parking lot.”

  7. Ed Friedemann
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:13 am | Permalink

    Yup!

  8. raptor
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:15 am | Permalink

    Amen on the traffic, KFG. Was stuck in Austin traffic last Friday afternoon on my way back from San Antonio. The bike was overheating, as it took me 90 minutes to go about 20 miles. I knew I left California for several reasons, and that is most certainly one of them.

    Driving 7 minutes to get to work is heaven…!

  9. KansasClassicLiberal
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:18 am | Permalink

    Joe Williams, please do me a favor and never call yourself a libertarian until you forsake all the government projects you promote.

  10. Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:28 am | Permalink

    KCL! What is wrong about supporting a new airport terminal building? That is a transportation issue. The same reason why I support the Kellogg expansion. A city our size needs an airport. We can’t just do without one.

    I don’t get it KCL! Do you want government completely out of everything? Even building roads and airports? You are not going to get private entreprise to build these things or we would be paying tolls on every single road we drive on.

    I proudly call myself a LIBERTARIAN. And I’ve been critical on using public funds for other purposes, but I’m going to stand behind the new terminal. It just makes sense.

    How about you stop calling yourself a classic liberal and just call yourself an Kansas Classic Anarchist.

  11. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:50 am | Permalink

    Rap, I worked a consulting project in San Antonio for over a year and commuted every day.

    If I left Austin at six am, I could be in the Alamo City by seven thirty, but if I left at six thirty am? It was a three hour drive.

    Who said be careful what you ask for, you just might get it?

  12. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:50 am | Permalink

    heheheheh. Molly Ivins column about the republicans “cut and run” week….

    http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=21002

  13. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 8:01 am | Permalink

    I think the lesson on the traffic and water rationing in Austin is that successful communities LEAD with their infrastructure development.

    If you wait until the growth occurs to build infrastructure, you are late out of the gate, and you will never catch up. No matter how hard you run or how much money you throw. Timing is everything.

    I guess that is why I laugh when communities out here say “we dont need a new school”, or water plant, or whatever, because “we arent growing yet. Let’s wait to see if we grow and then we’ll build it”.

    For some reason, kansas seems to be attached to the concept of “enough”. We have just enough of everything. No more, no less. Got a vacant building? Tear it down, level the lot, and declare it clean. Then you can build a nice new METAL building in its place, should you ever need it. (big eye roll here)

    Problem is that you have to make room FIRST for new people, new things to come in. If you want something new, you have to create a “space” for it FIRST.

    If you have just enough, there is never a vacant building for a new biz, never enough housing when it is needed for growth, never enough sewer or water capacity for new development.

    You are always chasing your tail, and never, ever catch up.. until the growth stops. Then the clamor is for someone’s head because “we overbuilt”. Well, no, you didnt. You underbuilt and then built too late.

    But the cave people (citizens against virtually everything) will never listen again, and the next time growth or opportunity comes a knockin’, no one will ever answer the door again.

    Communities are either in an upward spiral or a downward spiral. Like sharks, there is no such thing as standing still. If you stop, you are dead.

    Which would explain the bodies of dead communities that line the roads out here…..

  14. Posted June 28, 2006 at 8:17 am | Permalink

    How did you go from Austin to rural Kansas?

  15. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 8:22 am | Permalink

    I accidently swallowed a big fat stoooopid pill.

    I was just tired of the city, the hassle, and frankly, I didnt want to work as hard to make a living as I had to work in Austin. I thought kansas would be better. It was time to either come back and live on the farm or sell it.

    I thought I wanted to live here in peace. I thought I wanted to farm the family farm. I thought I missed this place. I thought I loved these people of kansas.

    I thought wrong :) I am rethinking the whole thing.

  16. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 8:33 am | Permalink

    …and you know what is REALLY funny joe? I thought I would have more FREEDOM in kansas. That wide open spaces thing. heheheh

    I thought people were tolerant here and I remember saying, much to my chagrin now, that people in kansas didnt judge you by the clothes you wore or if you were a man or woman. They judged you on results, on contributions, on what you could do.

    heheh. Little did I know that people in kansas, somewhere over the last 20 years, moved to judge based on what church you attended, or if you attended. And how red you are. Not good enough to be gop, you better be the REDDEST of the gop.

    Silly me. In Austin, I had freedom from religion (madeline murry ohare was from austin) I lived in a community that cared about the environment, there was unlimited opportunity for entrepreneurs (think michael dell) and music and art on every corner. Austin is also big on participatory government and inclusion. A stark contrast to kansas.

    And gay people were not only tolerated, but welcomed. There actually was a gay community, unlike in kansas. I thought being “from here” would be of some benefit in the tolerance dept. It is on a personal level here in my hometown, but statewide?

    get a rope.

    In short, I didnt have my beer goggles on when I decided to move here. I apparantely didnt even have on rose colored glasses.

    I was just damn blind. But I am seeing better everyday. :)

  17. Julie
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 8:40 am | Permalink

    I’ll share my rose colored glasses with you!!!

  18. Posted June 28, 2006 at 9:07 am | Permalink

    Yeah! I understand that people in Kansas can be less tolerant than I would like it to be. Most of that has to do with religous organizations and plain ignorance of the real world.

    Although I try to not look at things through rose colored glasses or beer goggles, I at least look through binoculars and try to see a better future.

  19. Posted June 28, 2006 at 9:30 am | Permalink

    Dear ksfarmgrrl,

    Maybe it’s you that isn’t very tolerant. Just maybe. I can’t remember the topic, but you’re very first response to one of my posts was a tirade about me being homophobic or something and I didn’t even know you were gay. I don’t care if you are gay.

    The first picnic you came to I was delited that you came. It sure seemed to me that every one on this BLOG accepts you.

    I have some very religious views. I very seldom talk about them here. But I constantly get attacked for them. I don’t think I’ve ever said anything disparageing about your life style.

    I have some very strong views based on my faith. I’m not an activist, but I do support causes and people that believe the way I do. Maybe if you were more tolerant, Kansans would seem more accepting of you.

    Hank

  20. XXX
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 9:34 am | Permalink

    Much as I hate to admit it, I agree with Joe about growth in Wichita. I spent about 30 years in Salina before moving here. I was headed to Texas, but fell into a great job in Wichita. There was no real oportunity in Salina and there’s not much to do there except get drunk and make babies. I know Wichita isn’t that big, but coming from a town of 50,000, Wichita is big enough. I have to laugh when I hear people say there’s nothing to do here. It may be a little sparse in the winter, but in the summer? Lots to do!Advertisement: does everybody know about the free open air concerts at Bradley Fair on Friday nights? Highly recommended!Kansas politics suk, but I mostly don’t discuss politics outside of this blog. There’s an admonition about discussing politics and religion in Masonic tradition, and that really works well around here.Joe, The projects you refer to are GOOD for Wichita, but I wish we could find a little better way to pay for them rather than loading so much of the responsibility on the property owners back. I voted for the arena. The deciding factor for me was paying for it with a short term sales tax leeve. The alternitive was a 20-25 year raise in property tax for the Colesium (sp). I hear so much about how bad the sales tax increase is, but with a sales tax, everybody helps pay for it including people from out of town. Being the biggest town in this part of the state draws shoppers from all over. I know when I lived in Salina, a shopping trip to Wichita was a big deal. Shopping, entertainment, lodging. We always made a weekend of it (and spent lots of money).

    Wichita has it’s problems, but so does every city. Ours aren’t that bad compared to some. I can survive this, lol!

  21. Posted June 28, 2006 at 10:34 am | Permalink

    The infrastucture problems that kfg was referring to are one of the biggest problems in Wichita. We are suffering from half a century of ‘catch-up’ or no planning.

    If you look at Tulsa, KC, Omaha, OKC, etc., and see how their espressway systems have developed over the years you’ll see that they are decades ahead of us here in Wichita. Kellogg has always been developed to be just a little obsolete.

    And the main problem is with Wichita politicians. Take the 235 bypass around Wichita, ever wonder why the off ramps and on ramps seem to be inconvieniently located in obscure neighborhoods? If you follow K-42 into Wichita you’ll end up at a stop sign at Maple confused if it’s your first time into town that way.

    The reason is that the State determines the bypass location. The feds pay for most of it, acess to I-135,I-35, etc. Wichita has to pay for the access ramps into town. That’s why when you get off soutbound at Central you’re in a neighborhood in the middle of nowhere and if you want to go to Town West You have to drive through the K-Mart parking lot.

    Hank

  22. Posted June 28, 2006 at 10:39 am | Permalink

    How many are coming tomorrow? I’ve got about 12 so far, if you’re still planning to attend let me know.

    Any children coming? We are kid friendly. If we have enough I’ll arrange for some extra paddle boats.

    Hank

  23. Julie
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 10:41 am | Permalink

    Two of us no kidsI’m gonna bring brownies or cookies (of some sort) but homemade. Any requests?

  24. gster
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 10:44 am | Permalink

    I’m solo.

  25. Posted June 28, 2006 at 11:00 am | Permalink

    Ms and Mr. Julie 2Me, momma and the boy 3Mr and Mrs Damoon 2gster 1XXX 1Rage 1JM 1RD 1Joe Williams 1

    13 so far, let me know who I’m missing.

    Hank

  26. XXX
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 11:11 am | Permalink

    Hank, you forgot Walker.

    You still haven’t told me what to bring. I hate to be a freeloader, lol.

  27. XXX
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 11:12 am | Permalink

    Oops, I see “JM” on the list. Duh!

  28. XXX
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 11:13 am | Permalink

    JR, the purple chicken landed in the rose bushes.

  29. Posted June 28, 2006 at 11:21 am | Permalink

    XXX,

    Hot Dog buns, but I don’t know how many yet. I’ll have at least 20 brats to cook, but I have a few buns at the house. I just don’t know how good or how many.

    Hank

  30. gster
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 11:24 am | Permalink

    I’m riding my motorcycle there- I can help with the buns. Just let me know.

    G

  31. Posted June 28, 2006 at 11:27 am | Permalink

    Hey gster,

    How about 16 hamburger buns? I’m gearing up for at least 20 people at the present time, but I also have a few hamburger buns.

    Hank

  32. XXX
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 12:05 pm | Permalink

    I’ll bring hot dog buns and some chips. Chips worked pretty well to trade to Mountian Man for some of Julie’s excellent cookies and brownies, lol.

  33. gster
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 12:11 pm | Permalink

    Hank- No problem- I’ll handle it. Thanks

    G

  34. Julie
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 12:29 pm | Permalink

    XXX,So what cookies to you prefer (don’t have enough time for snickerdoodles - sorry) or brownies?

  35. Julie
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 12:30 pm | Permalink

    should be “do” you prefersorry

  36. XXX
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 1:08 pm | Permalink

    Your brownies are devine!

  37. XXX
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 1:09 pm | Permalink

    Chocolate chip is always great.

  38. Heckler
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 1:32 pm | Permalink

    Joe

    Wichita could do with a new terminal and I don’t have a problem with the layout of the thing but IMHO it looks like hell from the limited number of artistic pictures I’ve seen of it.

    I don’t know what I’d do different because I don’t have an artistic bone in my body but I’d sure do something different.

  39. Posted June 28, 2006 at 1:34 pm | Permalink

    I can’t make it due to work commitments, so Nathan, Godspeed and remember to duck!

  40. TRACY
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 4:24 pm | Permalink

    GOOSE, GOOSE!!Ooops, I meant duck.

  41. Posted June 28, 2006 at 4:48 pm | Permalink

    Hey TRACY

    you coming tomorrow?

    Hank

  42. J M Walker
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 4:50 pm | Permalink

    Ya, TRACY, come on down and cook some goose with us . . . or better yet, duck:-)

  43. Posted June 28, 2006 at 4:51 pm | Permalink

    Ms and Mr. Julie..brownies

    Me, momma and the boy….ch. burg./brats.Mr and Mrs Damoon

    gster……ham. Buns

    XXX ……hdog Buns/chips

    Rage

    RD

    JM…

    Joe Williams

    13 so far, let me know whom I’m missing.

  44. gster
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 4:58 pm | Permalink

    Hank - THE BUN REPORT- I have rebunned and will take same tomorrow. My buns have Sesame seeds, but you’ll have to take my word– no gawking please!

    G

  45. Posted June 28, 2006 at 6:57 pm | Permalink

    Hank! I won’t be able to make it. My job is unpredictable from day to day and tomorrow I’m going to Hugoton, which is about a 4 hour drive one-way. I won’t be getting in until night time.

    Nathan! Keep your butt safe and we are all proud of you and your service. Hopefully you never get into harms way, but if you have to fire a rifle, don’t die for your country…make that bastard die for his.

  46. J M Walker
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:53 pm | Permalink

    eyall brunged sum beerssss . . . o wate . . . der gon . . . neber min . . . dat were da las opened thred.

  47. J M Walker
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 7:55 pm | Permalink

    Joe, “My job is unpredictable from day to day and tomorrow I’m going to Hugoton, which is about a 4 hour drive one-way.”

    I know for a fact the only things to do in Hugoton are hunting pheasant and watching pay-per-view fights, and pheasant season ain’t open . . . hmmmmm . . . :-)

  48. Damoon
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 9:38 pm | Permalink

    Hank, I’ll bring a watermelon or something, I don’t have time to cook cuz I don’t get off work til 5. What time are we getting together and what else can I bring?Looking forward to seeing everyone, it’s been a killer week and I’m ready for some fun.

  49. Hank Price
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 9:42 pm | Permalink

    Dear Damoon,

    Watermelon or something will be fine!

    We’l start about 5 and go on until what-ever. I know it’s a work night for most so we’ll eat a while, talk a while, belch once or twice and go home.

    If anyone gets lost my cell is 641-6347. Call me, I’ll talk yuou down.

    Hank

  50. RD
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 10:30 pm | Permalink

    I’ll bring some kind of side dish. What kind will depend on how much time I have to do something.

    And it’s looking like I’ll be able to get there reasonably early. :)

  51. RD
    Posted June 28, 2006 at 11:36 pm | Permalink

    Does Wichita need a new airport?

    I’ve done a bit of flying over the last few years, both out of Wichita and out of KC, and it didn’t seem to me that there were a lot of people flying in and out of Wichita. I admit that the last time I used Mid-Continent was in 2003, and the line to get checked and through the metal detectors was quite long, but there didn’t seem to be a lot of travelers, considering the flights going out.

    If things have changed, I’m all ears.

  52. Mojo
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:01 am | Permalink

    XXX

    HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! (Wednesday)

    The purple chicken is busy and does not want its head cut off.

  53. TRACY
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 6:11 am | Permalink

    Gentle WE bloggers, I would really love to come down, but I just don’t have the time (read money).Really, I live about as far from Wichitichi as you can get, and still be in Kansas.I really want to come to a meet one of these days, and it could happen! I have a brother in Mulvane, and Hank you and Nathan really have the same political and religous perspectives as him, you’d really like him. He’s a ditto head, UGH!! I also have aunts, uncles and cousins in Wichita, so I do visit ocassionally. One cousin is a CLOWN!! No really, Bubbles the clown. Potential entertainment for any get together-he’s really good.I do enjoy this bad habit (commenting), and thanks so much for including me in your ‘circle of trust’!!

  54. JWink
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 6:38 am | Permalink

    Hank and Nathan: Sorry I can’t attend your get-together tonight. But Nathan, best of luck on your new mission. I enjoyed meeting you at the WE Blog get-togethers. JWink

  55. writerdog
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 7:45 am | Permalink

    (I was just tired of the city, the hassle, and frankly, “I didnt want to work as hard to make a living as I had to work in Austin.”)

    LoL, so you took up farming!!!!!How fooking big was that Pill?????

  56. writerdog
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:21 am | Permalink

    I do enjoy it here, I can express my views and there are some that actually listen. Sigh! The only one at work that I could talk to about politic and world events was a hard core liberal! I thought he was going to jump me when I said I am a republican. But at least he was aware of what was happening outside the store. He got fired!But last night I realized there is someone else I can talk to about the world. He listens to what I say, comments on what I say and does not try to change the subject to sports or work. The problem? The guy that I can talk to about politics and the world is the same guy that said he is just working till he get the 1.5 Million dollars he won in a foreign lottery. That he did not enter but was informed by e-mail that he won and all he has to do it send them the taxes on the 1.5 Million to claim his prize! He has sent the tax money and can not understand why he has not gotten the prize money yet?Now for my fear….Does this mean we are intellectual equals? LoL…..Help me dear Abby!

  57. flike
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 11:31 am | Permalink

    “…More importantly, the [United States Supreme] Court held that Common Article 3 of Geneva aplies as a matter of treaty obligation to the conflict against Al Qaeda.”

    Thanks to the US Supreme Court, President Bush’s War on Terrorism has finally become even remotely winnable.

    Good news for the USA!! Finally, a good reason to celebrate July 4!

    http://www.scotusblog.com/movabletype/archives/2006/06/hamdan_summary.html

  58. Hank Price
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:58 pm | Permalink

    Latest.

    I’m providing cheeseburgers/fixins. Brats. Momma made cookies, don’t know what kind (she hid them). She also made pasta salad.

    I’ve got about a case of Cokes, half a case of Sprite, momma made some tea and we have a few cans of lemonade. I’ve also got about a case of various light beers (confiscated from the college kids).

    gster is bringing hamburger buns (with seeds)

    XXX is bringing Hot Dog buns

    Damoon is bringing watermelon or something.

    Julie is bringing brownies/cookies.

    RD is bringing a side dish.

    Looks like we’ll have plenty to eat and drink!

    Looking forward to seeing you all again. cell 641-6347

    Hank

    PS. It’s still an open invitation, if you are reading this you’re invited!

  59. Julie
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:14 pm | Permalink

    I’m bringing homemade brownies (they’re really rich and yummy).No cookies - ran out of time last night.

  60. XXX
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:49 pm | Permalink

    ACK!!!!!! No cookies?!?!?Move away from those brownies!

  61. XXX
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:50 pm | Permalink

    JR, (cue purple chicken noises)

  62. J R
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:25 pm | Permalink

    XXXDid you step on a purple chicken?

  63. Julie
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:44 pm | Permalink

    Hank and all,May be bringing the ma-in-law tonight. She’s a real sweet lady.

    XXX,I packed a little baggie of brownies just for you. Hopefully MM didn’t eat it - if he did I’ll let you deal with him :)

  64. J M Walker
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:51 pm | Permalink

    I’m brigning something, as soon as I figure out what.

  65. Julie
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:59 pm | Permalink

    Walker-How ’bout ‘tater salad or cole slaw or pop?

    Do we have plasticware covered?

  66. Hank Price
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:07 pm | Permalink

    I’ve got dsome plastic ware, I’ll bring it.

    mama in law is elcome!

  67. Posted June 29, 2006 at 10:30 pm | Permalink

    How was the meet up?

  68. RD
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 11:15 pm | Permalink

    Hank,

    Thank you for a delightful time! I know you can’t personally order up perfect weather (or can you? *grin*), but it certainly was, as was the company. Great evening with great friends. I hope it’s okay to call you all that. :)

    Again, my best to Nathan. We may disagree on many things, but that doesn’t stop me from caring or keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Stay well. (And I mean that. *shaking finger*)

  69. J R
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 12:20 am | Permalink

    Joe Williams we are fated to never meet!

    I did not RSVP or even discuss this meetup. I get myself into trouble/”cause” trouble when I post about meetups! And this was one where I had a real desire not to cause a distraction. I was unsure up to the very last minute if I could attend. I apologize for that.

    That said, I was welcomed warmly. It was good to meet gster who I say is a promising and humorous poster. Good to see again those I have met before. I didn’t get to visit with anyone as much as I would have liked.

    Hank? My Nathan enjoyed his visit with you and seeing the sheep and dogs.

    This “meetup” was about farewells. Not goodbyes but farewells.

    Rage? I’ll hold ya to your 2/3 promise. (He knows what I mean) Get yourself back here to visit and I will personally FORCE a meetup to welcome you. You know I can do it!

    Nathan? In person I am clumsy with words. Here too in this case. Do stay safe. Remember your training. Be alert and suspicious. But be a good ambassador too when you can. I started to say a lot more but it is not my place and I don’t presume to have your training. Just try and keep your ass outta drafts.

    If you get a chance before you go, you should take your farewells from the blog Nathan and Rage.

  70. RD
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 12:42 am | Permalink

    JR, how’s your dog doing?

  71. J R
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 12:56 am | Permalink

    RD!

    Thank you for asking!Mojo is resting comfortably right here beside me. I have another antibiotic to put in his eye here shortly and then off to bed. He goes to the vet again tomorrow. He is so good and hardly scratches at his protective collar at all even though I know he is hurting.

    Mojo would say Hi RD but he is sawing logs. Thanks again for asking.

  72. Rage
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 8:45 am | Permalink

    Well, JR, it might take a bit for me settle in, tech-wise, but then I won’t really be “gone” any more than any of the serious out-of-towners like Ed or Tara are.

    Whether I’ll have time to post is another matter.

    As for Nathan, well, I hope he has PLENTY of time to post! ‘Nuff said about that.

    Hope you get your Mojo working! (Sorry, couldn’t pass that line up!).

    Until next time (whenever that is),

    Rage”Still in Wichita a little longer”

  73. Julie
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 8:59 am | Permalink

    The meetup was thoroughly enjoyable.Good food, good friends.Awesome weather!Rage - didn’t get the chance to visit as much as I would have liked but please keep posting and good luck with the move and future endeavors.Nathan - said it all last night - keep yourself safe and in one piece and come home in that condition.RD - Thankyou,thankyou,thankyouDamoon - thanks for the fishing offer I’m sure we’ll be down this summer.XXX - watch your bs (both varieties) :)Walker - you’ll get a special baggie next time - nathan had to have this one - gotta fatten him up before he’s deployedJR/not that Nathan - so glad you guys came out it was wonderful to see you - I’m still waiting on that next email JRGster - nice to meet you - we’ll get a chance to visit more next timeHank - it was a wonderful evening

  74. gster
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 9:11 am | Permalink

    I’m kind of a loner type, but last night was a lot of fun!Thanks to Hank ,et al and more than good luck to Nathan.

    Gary

  75. gster
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 9:20 am | Permalink

    Julie- Thanks- I got away last night without trying those brownies I was oogling. I guess I’m going to have to ground myself tonight with a 6 pack , and ponder that shortcoming. Great! Another bloomin’ character disorder!

    G

  76. Julie
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 9:33 am | Permalink

    Gster - you’ll just have to come out to another meet-up, I bring brownies (fully homemade from scratch) and cookies (if I have time). Brer Rabbit likes the snickerdoodles :)After september I might have a beer with you :)

  77. J R
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 10:04 am | Permalink

    Last day in doodah Rage. Ya know what we all oughtta have our knuckles rapped for? We shoulda came over and helped ya load up. Bad on us that nobody though of that. And you better post here from time to time. If ya don’t, I’ll troll your nic and make ya infamous!Mojo is stable. Just about to go to the vet. We hope for good news.Do let us know you arrived safe and got YOUR mojo working!More later.

  78. J R
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 10:16 am | Permalink

    Oh and real quick.

    GOOD ON YOU J WINK!

    For those who don’t know, our own J Wink had his rather excellent take on an evening with the Wranglers posted in the editorial page today. That piece is the same peice he posted here on the Wranglers thread just a few days ago. We have lots of good writers here. It is good to know that the Eagle may occasionally “elevate” a particularly good post to a bigger audience.

    Well done J Wink!

  79. RD
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 12:39 pm | Permalink

    Congrats on your editorial piece, J Wink!

  80. Damoon
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 9:57 pm | Permalink

    What a nice get together last evening. Hank, you and your “better half” are lovely hosts, the food was great and the company even greater. I enjoyed getting to know you better, RD. Julie, MM, and mom, I hope you’ll all come out soon, maybe we can have a fish fry….I really loved seeing you and your boy, JR. He’s a sweet kid and SO good looking!XXX and JM, I always enjoy you guys so much and look forward to our big “shoot out” in a few weeks, Gster, glad you could make it, next time bring your guitar!!Nathan, PLEASE just be safe. I’ll pray for you every day and send good thoughts your way. Godspeed.

  81. J R
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 11:10 pm | Permalink

    Yes do be safe Nathan. On the other open thread you expressed gratitude for those who showed up and counted it as a blessing. I consider that an honor. You’re welcome.

    The “Ann Coulter doll” story alone made it worth coming. That and seeing everyone again.

    Damoon? Fishing? My Nathan and I fish. Well Nathan “fishes” and I bait hooks, untangle lines, let him know when he has a bite and remove fish. Let us know when and we’ll come! I missed visiting with you more. My Nathan is even sweeter when he is asleep! And he looks just like I did when I was 12. Thanks the compliment.

    All in all a good meetup and too much to say other than it should happen again.

    Not to end on a downer, but I will take all the good wishes and prayers I can get.

    It was about this time last week when my little dog’s troubles began. Since I shared that story and some have asked I felt an update is needed.

    It is a late night tonight for me. I wish I had better news about Mojo. His condition has worsened. His eye has ruptured and he has had third eyelid surgery to try one last attempt to save his eye. It is 50/50 as to success. He is resting now but cries out now and again.

    You don’t need to post them but kind thoughts are appreciated. He is a good little dog.

  82. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted July 1, 2006 at 8:40 am | Permalink

    JR, I am thinking of you and your family, both dog and human. Sorry for the little guy’s pain.

  83. Damoon
    Posted July 1, 2006 at 4:51 pm | Permalink

    Me too, JR. I hope your dog gets better soon. Please feel free to bring your son out to fish anytime, you are both more than welcome. Just let me know when so I can set out the fishing permits for you if I’m not home.

  84. J R
    Posted July 1, 2006 at 5:03 pm | Permalink

    Thanks Damoon the invite and good wishes for Mojo. Thank you too kfg.

    He is resting right now. Vet gave us meds for pain this morning. I don’t know why they didn’t do that before. I wish I had had them for last night. Hard to watch the little guy hurt and not be able to do anything for him. I think/hope the meds help make him sleepy….he has been sleeping most of the day. I need to get him up to eat pretty soon.Thanks again the king thoughts. It means alot to me.

  85. J R
    Posted July 1, 2006 at 5:04 pm | Permalink

    kind not king. Long night last night.

  86. XXX
    Posted July 1, 2006 at 6:56 pm | Permalink

    Poor little guy. Damn, I’m sorry to hear he got worse. You know you have my best wishes.

  87. RD
    Posted July 1, 2006 at 10:32 pm | Permalink

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, your Nathan, and Mojo, JR. Our pets are so often a major part of our family. Hope you get some rest tonight and tomorrow is a better day for all.

  88. Nathan
    Posted July 1, 2006 at 10:39 pm | Permalink

    Dogs are truely amazing animals. I have considered my dogs as brothers and sisters and it feels just as bad when something is happening to them as if it were a person.

    I pray that you have peace of mind and things work out for you and your family JR.

  89. J R
    Posted July 1, 2006 at 10:52 pm | Permalink

    Thanks to all so much for kind wishes and prayers. Mojo is right here with me just as he always is. I’ve just given him another pill for the pain. The meds help and also make him sleepy I think. So tonight should be better.