OK - I've been a lot of places in my life. I've been in almost every state East of the Mississippi River, and several West of it. I've been to Cape Cod, the Smokey Mountains, the Black Hills, Yellowstone, the Blue Ride Mountains, the list goes on. But during the past couple of months, I've traveled in areas of my own little ole Meigs County Ohio - the county I've lived 4/5th of my life in - traveled roads and seen beauty that I've never known existed right here. Working with my wireless Internet company has given me reason to be in parts of this county I've never had a reason to be in before. Meigs County's East side is bordered by the Ohio River. It's the home of both the sharpest turn in the river, as well as the only place in the Ohio River that it flows Northeast. The East side of Meigs county closely resembles a "boot". Yes - a boot. With a defined toe and heel. The toe of the county is merely a mile and a half wide, from river bank to river bank. And it a beautiful area. It goes from hills that are around 950' above sea level down to around 600' and some flat river bottoms at the river's edge. A bit North of this, are some beautiful rolling farm land. Pastures of well groomed family farms that are still withstanding in the modern economy. This county is the brunt of many a joke by neighboring counties, but I sincerely doubt that the joke makers have traveled the beautiful areas I have the blessing of making my home. Meigs County, Ohio is a beautiful place, and I hope everyone can enjoy it the way I am able to!

Today, I watched my two sons walk across the stage and receive their High School Diplomas. Up until that very moment, it had not hit me. That 18 years had passed since Casey had come into our lives as a little peanut that I held on my shoulder and rocked and rocked to sleep. And at that moment, it hit me that it's been 11 years since Cody, and his sister became our son and daughter. How I can remember oh so well those little faces, hands and feet. It was at that moment that I realized how much I missed those precious little guys running up to my truck when I'd pull in the driveway from work - so eager to tell me what they had been up to during the day, and to ask if I'd play with them. At the time, it didn't seem all that important - routine. But as I watched each of them, in turn walk across that stage - first Cody and then Casey, for that brief moment, all of those scenes raced in front of my eyes. It hit me then that I'll never have those moments again, and how I wish I'd have taken advantage of more of those opportunities.

These two boys have been so easy to raise. They've demanded so little and found ways to be content with whatever they had. Casey tended to be more like me in terms of emotional make up - having is occasional melt down. Cody has always been the poster boy for "whatever comes, just deal with it". Almost to my envy at times. Don't get me wrong - they've both had their challenging moments like we all had for our parents when we were growing up. But there is just something about these two that is different. I believe it's their mother that makes that difference. Either that or the milk man, because I know it's not been me.

OK - I know I'm not the only dad to be hit like this at this moment in life. I suppose all of us feel that we've been terribly inadequate as fathers. I think of all the times I did not stop what I was doing (it was far too important, you know) to give a few moments of undivided attention - moments that you now realize made absolutely no difference to whatever it was you were doing at the time, but make all the difference now - at least to me in my mind.

Casey and Cody - I love you guys. And I am so very, very proud of you. How well you've turned out despite my lack of attention at times. I know all the dad's reading this must feel the same way. I think it's a brotherhood - but for this minute, I feel all alone. Time will fix that - I hope. I do know this. I can't wait to stop what I'm doing when a little guy runs up to me and says, "Grandpa - will you play with me?"

Being a web programmer, I spend a LOT of time in a seat, at a desk, inside a building. Now understand, I have, by most standards, HUGE windows in my office. I am right on the ground floor and it's just a few short steps, and voila - I'm outside. But, as most programmers will relate - you get in the "zone" on a project - and when you do, you put your head down and boom, six hours have passed. You would not even realize that, except that your bladder is screaming at you or your stomach is growling so loud you can't hear the strokes on the keyboard anymore. The worst part of that kind of thing for me is that I get burned out. I've learned to recognize that, at that point, I either take a few days off, or I spend the next few days or weeks just spinning my wheels, until I DO take a few days off. Last week, I hit that wall. So I put in the last three days of this week off. I was out and about on Wed. It was "OK", but it was a rainy, overcast, blustery day. But Thursday - aaahhh - Thursday. I was out all day with a friend, and I have to say that I experienced feelings and emotions that I had not experienced in many years. It was mid 70's with the sun popping in and out from behind fluffy white cotton ball clouds and an ever so gentle breeze. Many times, during the day, I relived little emotions and senses I remember experiencing as a kid. You know, those long, lazy days where you mom locked you outside for what seemed like an eternity to a kid . . . It's amazing how different my perception of time is now that I'm most likely over half way through my life from when I was a kid. What seemed to be dragging hours as a kid is just a few moments now. (Anyway - sorry I digressed). But the point is, I felt as though I was actually coming back to life yesterday. Just those few fleeting hours of God's beauty did it for me. I have no intention of making that my last day. I was out and about all day again today, but it can't compare to the experience yesterday as I experienced this for the first time in a LONG time! Man, it feels good to come back to life again!

For many years in my life, both private and professional, I was a very organized person. I used to work as a field accountant and manager for a very large international construction company. I was always commended for returning the records of a completed project in extremely good order. My home (garage, office, etc) were kept in very good order. Then a funny thing happened. Two or three moves, three kids and a career change. For the past fourteen years, I've been a very dis-organized person. When I started programming for a living (day and night . . .) I quit being organized. This was aided by the event of moving into this home. We moved in on a cold November day, and by the time the last truck was unloaded, everyone was cold and tired, and stuff was just dumped into the basement and garage. So, for the past fourteen years, my garage, my basement and my office have been total chaos (and at times, not even organized chaos).

This year, I vowed to change all that. And you know what? I'm actually doing it. I've gone back to being the one to pay the bills. So I have them organized. Bank statements, incoming bills, paid bills, you name it - it's where it should be! Last Saturday, I spent the whole day in my garage. My two sons helped me empty it. We all drug everything out, and they helped me sweep it out. At that point, I turned them loose (to work on their Senior English paper - the BIG one) and I worked for over six hours just organizing. I finally mounted the electric grinder my father-in-law got me for Christmas so many years ago I can't remember when it was. It's a very nice grinder. Also, for the very first time, my work bench is actually usable! Even my daughter noticed it, and said how much she likes it! There is actually room to get in and out of and AROUND our Expedition in the garage. With room to spare! Oh my!!!

I know that for some of you, this is no big thing. You are always organized - like I used to be many moons ago. Well, move over. There is going to be one more of us in that arena. Well, that is if I can ever find time to get to my basement . . . .

In Chester, Ohio, about 6 miles from our home, is the Chester Courthouse. It's the oldest standing courthouse in the state of Ohio, and maybe the Northwest Territory. It was built in 1824, and is still owned by the county. Beside it is the Chester Academy, built in 1839. Both buildings are being restored by the Chester-Shade Historical Association, of which Wendy and I have been associated with for about ten years now. Anyway, each year they have a beautiful REAL tree donated and decorated inside the courthouse. We love to have family photos taken there. Here are our 2008 Hannum Family Christmas photos, taken Sunday, December 21, 2008.