"If we did our jobs any better we'd have to buy you dinner first." - TSA

In the TMI category, an update on Jack.
I think we’ve turned a corner in the house training department. We’re learning each others’ body language, so he gets excited when I lace up my shoes and I’m getting the sense when he has to relieve himself. I also think he’s figured out the connection between peeing in back and getting a biscuit as reward.
I had to make a quick run up to Pet Smart to get food last night. We fed Al dry IAMS chicken & rice because that’s what the Greyhound adoption people recommended. When we went to get that for Jack those shelves were bare. Same for Eukanuba. Turns out those brands are both made by Johnson & Johnson at a plant that had a salmonella contamination, so all their dry food has been pulled from the shelves and they’re building a whole new plant.
One of the sales people, a guy about my age, asked if I needed help. Long story short, this guy could talk the leg off a wooden Indian. Goodness! But after a lot more spiel that I wanted I came home with a small bag of dry food made by Bil-Jac. I’d never heard of them. It’s a family-owned business (Bill and Jack are brothers) that’s been making dog food for 60 years. I got a coupon for $5 off my first purchase and a booklet that does give some pretty impressive information (also found on their web site). Very different ingredients and manufacturing procedures from other dry dog foods.
Because it’s better stuff you’re supposed to feed about 15% less food which should help offset the higher price. But the part I’m looking forward too (and here’s where it gets to the TMI part) the dog’s stools are supposed to be smaller and harder. Since Jack does that part of his routine on our twice-daily walks, and since I have to pick it up through a plastic bag (GROSS!!) I’d sure like to improve on his very loose, soft piles. I’d pay a lot more just for that improvement.

I spent eight hours this morning swinging the pick ax and wielding the shovel. I have about 1/3 of the excavation left. My goal is to have it done by Wednesday noon and that’s going to be tight. So are my muscles.

I'm not sure what my 88-year old dad is doing on You Tube but he sent this today, and it's pretty cool:
Effectiveness of Military Barricades

This series of clips focus on the less effective. My favorites are the one with the cheating cyclist and the next one, the guy with the car on ice.
Funny Accidents

I am humbled to be the pastor of the people at Pathway. From time to time I think about what it would be like to have a large congregation. I'm afraid the quantity/quality balance would tilt to a point that would cheat me out of the interaction with God's dear children that is, for me, the essence of being a pastor.
The people are the best part.