Facebook | Sarah Hille's Photos - Weekend @ Grandpas

I am trying to post a picture album of our last visit from the grand daughters. Here it is.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Randy-Gibbs/1212527574#/photo.php?pid=30716592&id=1194557911&ref=mf

Lauren and Madigan spent from Thursday evening to Sunday evening with Amy and I. It was a good weekend, but I understand why it is good to have small children when you are younger. So much energy! So much curiosity! So little time! These pictures are some that Sarah took of the cousins enjoying time together. Amy found it just the ticket to try the two story water slide! Since she rode on the back of Ben's harley from Hays (in a rain storm) this must have been next on her list of post-stroke things to do.

This has been such a great summer weather wise that I have had a chance to enjoy a few cigars. I have done so with friends and by myself with a good book or two. Of course, it is made enjoyable with a good stout beer or perhaps a good single malt scotch.


I have enjoyed any Rocky Patel product but the Conneticut Wrapper is a great, smooth smoke. One of my favorites. A new favorite is the Man O War. Good, full bodied smoke. Then you can't go wrong with a Monti Cristo White. The other picture is of a Cuba Libre. Not bad at all.

Have a new addition to the man shed. I now have a bar and a couple of bar stools. It is quite a nice place to enjoy a good cigar, also known as herfing. I have come to possess a number of fine cigars to enjoy, especially the Man O War. Here is the shed and a picture of the nice ash my neighbor took a picture of. (yes I know the pun that can come from this.)

The first week in July was very full. Amy and I were host to our Grand daughter Madigan's very first birthday party. You can see pictures of that event on Sarah's blog. Then it was off to pipe school for me. A week of fun and hard work on the pipes and with my piping buddies. It was a great school this year and I came away with much to work on. Of course the way I pipe there is always much to work on.

After a week at home I celebrated my 3oth anniversary of ordination with a party thrown by my flock. Lot's of family and friends ... and pipers! It was a grand bash.

I am now at a continuing education event learning about Luther's teachings on vocation. It is a lot of reading and discussion, but it has been worth it. It can't hurt that I get to stay with Sarah and Brett and the lovely miss Madigan!

They're back!

After a long winter away the Mississippi Kites are back to our skies and backyard tree. First the buzzards started flying around about a month ago and we wondered if the Kites would return. Well, they have. They are such regal birds and have a distinctive cry. They drift on the currents and float around just like, well, kites. We love to watch their antics and to watch them watching us. We are so easily amused!

Gatherin' 09

Another gatherin' has come and gone. It was a great weekend. The weather was perfect Scottish weather, drizzle off and on but no wind! It was cool but not cold which made for a wonderful day to take in the activities. There were three bands to provide great Celtic music. And, of course, a piper! My buddies in the Rogue Pipers of Western Kansas Association were not able to make it so I did my duty and obeyed the law of the pack, so to speak.

Since the weather cooperated, we were able to light the Bletane Fire, a highlight of the festival for many people.

Tuck, my sons dog, and my dog Guinness enjoyed scrounging the other camp sites for left over food. Who can say no to a Wolf hound who can look you in the eyes with a hungry look? I now look forward to next year.

In the mean time I am planning to pipe and the Veterans Cemetery for Memorial Day. A chance to wear the military uniform I got from Amy for Christmas.

Zac is in Iraq.

We don't hear that much from him and when we do it is just going fine. Then I recieve a copy of the home town newspaper with the picture and caption about an award he got. We are proud of him anyway, but this is a button buster for his parents and grand parents.

Caption reads: Kansas Army National Guard certificate of appreciation. A Kansas Army National Guard Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Specialist Zachary Gibbs for responding to the aid of a fellow Soldier experiencing a potentially serious medical condition. "Specialist Gibbs' quick and cool headed response aided in the timely care and transport of this Soldier. His actions reflect great credit on himself, the 287th Special Troops Battalion, and the United States Army." "Following training, we were returning to the barracks when I noticed my bunk mate displaying signs and symptoms that could indicate a serious medical emergency," Gibbs stated. "I advised him to report to medical, and he agreed. While we were escorting him there, he collapsed. I checked for a pulse and breathing, called for medical, and provided first aid and necessary interventions. I was recommended for the award by the medics, and the sergeants who observed my response. They were impressed, because the response was far above my military training. This is because I relied 100% on the training and experience I received as a Phillips County E.M.T. first responder. Any of Jayne's staff could, and would have done the same thing."