Happy Halloween

Here's a snapshot before they set out for the tricks and treats. Keller had a great time and so did the boys. I stayed home and played the old man handing out candy on Halloween. Shadow is so happy it's his special day. It's not every day that he gets to wear his black cat costume!

We were heading up into the mountains for the Upstate Forever annual meeting and nature hike; but, Miles is looking and feeling a little puny. Tricia and I have a date tomorrow night at the Peace Center to see the Avett Brothers. It's my birthday present and just what I wanted. I see a trip to Mellow Mushroom in there too! We have a sitter coming over around 5pm; so, it should be a fun night for us.

Then, on Sunday morning (thank you God for Daylight Savings Time rolling back the clock), I am getting up early and driving to Sumter. I am going to speak at Home Branch Baptist, where my Mom and Pete go to church, about the Africa trip. Home Branch provided a great deal of support for my last trip and it will be great to speak to them about what we did there. Then on Sunday night, the Alice Drive team is going to offer a recreation experience of the Africa trip at Alice Drive. It will be a full day speaking and sharing about the Africa trip and the vision for what is happening and needs to happen there. So, it's probably a good thing we canceled our trip to the Upstate Forever meeting and hike. I am still working on the presentation for Home Branch. So, please say a prayer for me and the rest of the team. While you are praying, remember to lift the church in Botswana. Here's a link: http://oldnaledifellowship.org

Gotta give out some more candy!

See ya! Go Tigers! Beat Boston College!

Baseball is done for 2008

A fun, but kinda crazy, World Series ended last night with the Phillies picking up the suspended game and putting an end to the 2008 season. Nice to Jamie Moyer still getting it done. Tricia and I enjoyed watching him pitch with the Mariner's back in the 90's. It really blew hitters' minds to see Randy Johnson's 100mph fastball one day and Jamie's 75mph change up the next day. It was a deadly back-to-back combo.

Here's an old baseball memory of mine from the early 1980's. I recently found this newspaper article and scanned it for internet archiving. A sad, frustrating appendix to this story...someone stole this baseball from me. I always had a good idea who did it; but, we never could get him to admit or find evidence. Oh well, it was an adventure and at least there is this article as some proof. Would have been a very cool conversation piece these days... See ya!

Slow Rain

Just enjoying the slow, cold rainy day here in the Upstate. It's only 50F and rain...hmmm, reminds me of one of my favorite places, the Pacific Northwest. This is when I feel like I am in the right skin, no humidity, no sweating and suffering. It will always call to me. Always. I can't help it or fight it.

Last night I had the great experience of working The Mocha Club booth at the Matt Wertz show at The Handlebar in Greenville. I got 10 new members to sign up. They got Matt's latest CD for signing up. It's only $7/month but that is SO much more to the poor in Africa. I was on the guest list and that's always nice to get to hear free LIVE music and introduce others to a great way to help Africa. I was on the guestlist for another big show in Clemson with Lady Antebellum at the Littlejohn Coliseum; but, we have the Halloween Hoopla tomorrow here in Greer and I had to cancel.

The Halloween Hoopla is an awesome free festival that our church, Freedom Fellowship, does every year for our community. It's a great time to serve the community and let kids be kids and enjoy the Fall. I missed it last year as I was returning home from my trip to Europe. Tricia and the boys reported that it was a great time and the boys are really pumped about going again.

We were scheduled to take our family picture down by Lake Robinson in the park tomorrow but I think that's been pushed to Sunday because of the weather. We need to wash Keller too since he's going to be in the picture. Shadow said he would take a rain check.

Tonight, the boys are going to hang out at Hurricane Martial Arts, while we enjoy a Parent's Night out. They are going to have fun while we do a little shopping and I'm sure there is a coffee shop and a small,cozy table in Tricia's plans too. It's nice to have that break and attempt to not talk about the kids for a while and act like husband and wife.

I just made Dylan's day...he was acting really bummed about missing a brand new episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Cartoon Network. Little did he know, but I ordered a DVR for the living room this week. He helped me program to record the whole series and now he's "cool" with going to Hurricane and watching the show in the morning. I guess the cost just got justified by Mr. Dylan. I am also recording the World Series and watching when I have time. This is why I sacrificed the $100 for the DVR. I have investigated and read about it for the last few months on Direct TV's website. Ok, I'm geek out on my new black box; but, that's nothing new for me!

Well, enjoy your weekend and the cool temps! See ya!

Updated Johnson Family Web

Hey, I updated the family web site, including a new Guestbook. Be sure to stop by and check out the new front page. I have some work to do with the picture galleries but think it works fine for now.

http://johnsonfamilyweb.net/

See ya!

Went to Church last night

I had some tickets to see the Blind Boys of Alabama with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band last night at the swank Foundation Performing Arts Center on the campus of Isothermal Community College up in Spindale, NC. WNCW put me on the guest list when I was working the phones on Saturday (another great perk for answering the phones on the fund drive). It was an incredible show that sounded great and really moved me. It was Gospel at it's finest and the hertitage and feeling of New Orleans permeated throughout the 2 sets. My friend from Freedom, Steven Somers, went and we both agreed it was a fantastic show that featured rich and deep vocals with excellent musicial chops all around. Check out some pictures here: Blind Boys at Isothermal

Of course, I recorded the sets and the recording turned out fantastic. I have been uploading to friends and fans all day on the internet and listening while I work. It's one of the reasons I moved here, to be able to go and enjoy music on a week night or weekend without having to drive dangerously long hours after the show to get home. I was in the bed by 11:30pm with a song in my head and smile on my face!

Life Group tonight as we continue focusing on Love and Respect in our marriage. It's been a great series so far and I think Tricia and I are both learning ways to improve our communication to avoid all the crazy cycles that come from poor communication. I may never be able to understand her completely but at least I can learn to communicate with her on a level that brings us closer and fortifies our marriage bond.

Ok, a little more work to finish. If anyone wants a Labradoodle puppy, let me know. My neighbor has 3 and she wants to find homes for 2 of them. They look to be about 2 -3 months. See ya!

Sun Comes Up, It's Tuesday Morning

Random thoughts this morning:

> Dylan and I had a corporal punishment moment this Sunday after church after his Mom explained to me how bad his behavior and attitude were during church today. It definitely caught him by surprise and stung more than a little since the belt was involved. He got the message and I think Miles did too.

> I write about that lesson for Dylan because it's never easy to hurt our children and I later in the afternoon told him how much it hurt me. But, I also told him it hurt me more to have him act so ugly in public, especially at church and towards others. He got the message. He made need a reminder, just like the rest of us. God have mercy on us all.

> Miles, Dylan and Tricia were out of school yesterday (Miles and Dylan were off on Friday too) and I did get to spend some time with Dylan yesterday after work. He and I took Keller down to the creek for a romp. On the way down there, I noticed a snake in our path. Dylan didn't see it but I stopped us about 5 feet from the snake. I think it was a Pine snake. Keller did his best to investigate but after we poke it with a stick (to make sure it wasn't a Copperhead) it crawled into the hollow of the tree it was near. Dylan was thankful I saw it. Later we hung out in the backyard and pulled some weeds and played on the zip line. I gave him $2 for helping as we did pull a bunch of those darn mustard weeds off the hill. I'm just thankful we don't have the wild onion problem we did in Sumter. It was great to hang with Dylan and just enjoy the sunshine and cool afternoon temps. It doesn't get much better than that!

> Saturday, after Dylan's end of the year soccer banquet, I went up to Spindale, NC to work WNCW's fall fund drive. It's always a blast to go there and hang out with the DJs and staff at the greatest radio station in the world. I also picked up a pair of tickets to see the Blind Boys of Alabama with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band tonight at the swank theatre there on the college campus (Isothermal Community College). I'm going with a friend from Freedom, as it's a school night for Tricia. We also got the pleasure of hanging out with Jim Lauderdale, who came by to pitch for the drive too. Saturdays are always a fun time as it's bluegrass for 8 hours and you get some very interesting phone calls during that show.

> Although Clemson lost to a very tough Ga Tech team (they own us throughout our history of games with them), I am proud of how the campus and Tiger nation came together for the game and the healing after Tommy Bowden's departure. We have a long way to go but can only move forward now. A win would have been over the top good but that's a difficult thing right now and won't get any easier with the injuries and Boston College and Florida State up next. I just hope we can beat Duke for the Homecoming since we will be there!

Ok, got some work to finish. More later. See ya!

Bobby D's words

Somewhere in line behind the words of Jesus, the words of James, John, and Neil Young, the words of Bob Dylan have made such a difference in how I live and see the world. Lately, politics have turned into a shouting match inside my head. On my walk with Keller today in the rain, I was listening to the recently released alternative version of "Mississippi" from Bob Dylan's Tell Tale Signs set. It could not have been more poignant and striking to me. Keller was clueless of my moment; but, that's why we have good dogs in our life: to remind us that running down a trail in the pouring rain is a true joy of life! See ya!

Mississippi

Every step of the way we walk the line
Your days are numbered, so are mine
Time is pilin' up, we struggle and we scrape
We're all boxed in, nowhere to escape

City's just a jungle, more games to play
Trapped in the heart of it, trying to get away
I was raised in the country, I been workin' in the town
I been in trouble ever since I set my suitcase down

Got nothing for you, I had nothing before
Don't even have anything for myself anymore
Sky full of fire, pain pourin' down
Nothing you can sell me, I'll see you around

All my powers of expression and thoughts so sublime
Could never do you justice in reason or rhyme
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long

Well, the devil's in the alley, mule's in the stall
Say anything you wanna, I have heard it all
I was thinkin' about the things that Rosie said
I was dreaming I was sleeping in Rosie's bed

Walking through the leaves, falling from the trees
Feeling like a stranger nobody sees
So many things that we never will undo
I know you're sorry, I'm sorry too

Some people will offer you their hand and some won't
Last night I knew you, tonight I don't
I need somethin' strong to distract my mind
I'm gonna look at you 'til my eyes go blind

Well I got here following the southern star
I crossed that river just to be where you are
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long

Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drownin' in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothin' but affection for all those who've sailed with me

Everybody movin' if they ain't already there
Everybody got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now

My clothes are wet, tight on my skin
Not as tight as the corner that I painted myself in
I know that fortune is waitin' to be kind
So give me your hand and say you'll be mine

Well, the emptiness is endless, cold as the clay
You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long

Copyright ©1997 Special Rider Music

Neighbors

I want to use this post to write about neighbors. Having good neighbors is key to a good life. Neighbors who watch out for you when you are gone and when you are home, neighbors willing to watch and feed your pets while you are gone and neighbors who are willing to lend a hand when needed are gifts from God. Tricia and I are extremely blessed to have neighbors like this all around us in our new neighborhood.

My neighbor, Barry, not only helped me unload the U-Haul on Sunday night; but, he always followed me in my van to the U-Haul return center and waited for me while I turned in the van. They also watched and feed Keller and Shadow last weekend while we were in Sumter. Barry and Linda are good neighbors and good friends! Thanks Barry! Thanks Linda!

I hope some of you watched the PBS Frontline special about the Presidential election candidates last night. It was a well-rounded 2 hour special on the 2 men and their histories and how they arrived at this moment. Tricia and I remained interested the entire 2 hours, a rarity indeed.

So far, the feeling about our interim coach at Clemson, Dabo Swinney, has been nothing but positive. I have given him credit for our great recruits of late and now see him as the motivator we needed to make use of the great recruits. My good friend, Jock Hendricks, who is the worship leader at Alice Drive Baptist, said this about Tommy Bowden , "He's like the nerd dating the super model, he doesn't know what to do with what he has, much less where to take her on a date." I think Dabo may have some ideas on where to take his date. Saturday at 12pm will show us if he has some idea of what to do with the talent. It's gonna be a wild ride no matter what!

Off to walk with Keller and get the family off to school!

See ya!

A new chapter

Well, the axe fell yesterday.  Tommy Bowden and Clemson parted after nearly 10 years together.  It's a new chapter for the Clemson football team.  I saw it coming, thought it was something that needed to happen but not 100% I thought it would happen mid-season.  Now, we have to rally the team and somehow salvage what's left of this season.  I wish Tommy the best in his pursuits and in life.  I think Dabo will do a fine job for the rest of the season and we will see what the end of the season brings.

This past weekend's reunion festivities were so much fun for us.  Although we didn't make it to the SHS football game on Friday and then missed the family day picnic on Saturday, we made the most of the dinner/dance on Saturday night.  I think Tricia was a little nervous about the reunion; but, it didn't take long for her to see we were in for a fun time.  It was great to see so many friends from high school that I hadn't seen since graduation day.  We had a great party and I look forward to catching up with everyone on Facebook and online soon.  In fact, we have been very busy with Facebook in the last couple of weeks and even more since the reunion.  Lots of friends in some really good spots in life and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves just like us.  

After hanging with the family on Sunday, we made it to Alice Drive for a very stirring sermon #1 from Clay Smith on elections and the Christian role.  It was not what you might find at every other Southern Baptist church and I thank God for Clay's gift and vision.  It's not easy to stand up and say things that make everyone uncomfortable, regardless of political slant.  It was so amazing that Tricia and I had the very same conversation on the way to Sumter on Friday and God used that conversation as a great lead to Clay's sermon.  I am going to make a strong effort to get the remaining 3 sermons of this series that will end before election day.  

On the way back to Greer, we stopped in Irmo.  I should also mention we had a U-Haul truck with us.  We pulled out of my sister Susan's drive-way with the dining room suite and a 56 inch rear projection Sony TV.  The house has definitely changed and still in settling process.  That TV is a 2003 model and we picked it up for a low $500 and it looks great in our living room in place of  the former 26 inch TV.  That 26 inch TV is now up in the hangout room for the boys.  They are really excited about the new TV.  Tricia is really excited about the dining room!  I think the TV will last more than a few years and be a great bridge until I can afford a OLED TV.  That dining room suite was my Mom's suite originally and Susan is getting a new set.  This set had been promised to Tricia and she waited very patiently for MANY years!  It cost me right at $200 for the U-Haul and the fuel.  MUCH, MUCH cheaper than a new suite and it's actually furniture made in the USA.  Wow!  Can you believe it?  They once made furniture here in the USA?  I thought China was the only place anything was made!  

Last night, we went to Miles' Upward football banquet.  He had a great time playing this year and learned that football is not easy!  Just ask Tommy Bowden!  Ok, time for my walk! 

Have a great day and hope to see you soon!  Go Tigers!  

See ya!

High School Redo

This weekend is my 20th high school reunion. Well, I think that is some kind of sign you might be getting old...your 20th High School reunion. I haven't attended any of the previous year reunions, so this should be interesting. It's also amazing how quickly Facebook has connected most of us recently too. Folks that I haven't seen or talked to or even thought about in 15 to 20 years have suddenly been added as friends in Facebook. Many of us have held "mini-reunions" via Facebook lately but there are still many who still have yet to make any contact or presence online.

We are leaving tomorrow after school and heading to the Sumter High football game with the boys. As long as the rain holds up, we should have a great time. Then Saturday, we have a family day planned at the high school followed by a dinner/dance with the rest of the alumni.

It's amazing how fast 20 years have gone by and it's going to be interesting to see how friends have changed during this time. Of course, when you are in high school, it's your world. Your life expands focus almost immediately after high school graduation and it's never the same. Who still lingers in the high school party and who has grown with life will be the key observation of the weekend. Hopefully, I find myself in the later.

We are also going to stop by Susan's place and get the dining room suite she has had since she got married. The suite belonged to my Mom and Tricia has been waiting so patiently for her turn. Our current table has been with us since a friend gave it to us back in Tacoma in 1997. It will be something different to have furniture in the dining room that matches! Tricia and I have waited through several "almost purchased" false warnings from Susan. We decided to hold her feet to the fire and will have the U-Haul in the driveway this Sunday after church!!!

Hope you have a great weekend. Miles and I are sitting her watching the Clemson v. Wake Forest game and it's not going so good so far. Come on Tigers! It's not or never!

See ya!

Miles' Green Belt

View Album

Get your own

See slideshow for pictures from Miles' graduation to green belt in karate.  He now starts the real deal, the leadership course towards black belt.  We are proud of him and have encouraged him to push towards that goal and to work hard.  Of course we celebrated as we know best... with Ice Cream!!!

See ya!

Health Informatics

Someone today asked me to explain Health Informatics since I have that listed as my career on Facebook.  I thought I would share with you since I thought it was kinda clever!

Health Informatics. I like to explain kinda like this.

In the Academic world: how can this software (or system) create better outcomes for the patient (and increase the profit margin for the hospital)

In the Hospital world: how can this software (or system) make the nurses happy (and increase the profit margin for the hospital)

In the Business world: how can this software (or system) make the doctors happy (and increase their profit margin)

Almost feels like Fall

This morning, Keller and I had a great walk in the woods on the trail.  The air was crisp and I could almost, yes almost, see my breath.  After the walk, Keller was worked up enough that I could see his breath each pant but I didn't run up and down the creek the whole time either ;-)  

I really love this time of the year.  I suffer in the heat of the summer but the fall brings me outside more and I feel in the right skin and not breaking a sweat just sitting on the porch.  The leaves are falling along the trail and the woods are changing.  It's a true joy in life to see the big old orange sun rising in the east as I turn to head down the trail with my good buddy, Keller.  

I think the theme song for today was Robert Plant's "In the Mood (for a Melody)" , it started as I turned back towards home on the trail and just exemplified how things felt today.  A song and a walk in the woods when the seasons are changing can be a true treasure in this crazy, chaotic life we live.  I could live in that moment forever, given the chance.  I am glad that I was able to enjoy it and some how share it too.  See ya!

I'm in the mood for a melody
I'm in the mood for a melody
I'm in the mood
I'm in the mood for a melody
I'm in the mood for a melody
I'm in the mood
I'm in the mood for a melody
I'm in the mood for a melody
I'm in the mood

I can make you dance - I can make you sing
I can make you dance - I can make you sing
If you want me to
I can make you dance - I can make you sing
I can make you dance - I can make you sing
If you want me to
I can make you dance - I can make you sing
I can make you dance - I can make you sing
If you want me to

Any little song that you want to sing
Little songs that you want to sing
Any song will do
Any little song that you want to sing
Little songs that you want to sing
It's up to you
Little songs that you want to sing
A little song that you want to sing
You're blue

I'm in the mood, I'm in the mood, I'm in the mood

I can write it on the door - I can put it on the floor
I can do anything that you want me for
If you want me to
I can do it right - I can do it wrong
'Cause a matter of fact it'll turn out to be strong
If you want me to

Oh yeah...

One small thing I would like to add to my posts about last night.  I would have loved to see "Blue Sky" as we were in Carolina on a beautiful blue sky day.  Shame we didn't but that would have required Warren and/or Derek to have played in Phil's set, which didn't happen either.  But, again, small issues on the grand scheme of things.  

Nice bookend for me:

8/04/01

same bands

same venue 

same great time!!!

10/04/08

See ya!

Phil Lesh set and show review

Cumberland Blues
Ramble On (not Ramble On Rose, some tune with Jackie Green on lead vocals)
Rock and Roll Blues
Minglewood Blues
Row Jimmy
Golden Road
Uncle John's Band
Long jam
Dark Star
So Many Road
Dark Star
Midnight Hour
E Cosmic Charlie

This was such a great night of music. For $26, we got almost 4 hours of jams. The mix was pretty good from center on the lawn. I can't find any reason to continue paying through the nose to sit up close any more. I have seen my fair share of shows up very close and can't see the benefit of paying higher prices for more hassle. I like the freedom of moving around on the lawn and with my low rise beach chair, it's perfect on the lawn or you can get a seat on the front section. I really should have taken my recording gear as the sound was great center. I talked to a couple of other tapers I know and should have a copy soon.
As for the music, I already wrote about the Allman Brothers set being full of energy. That was the call of the night, Derek was animated: bending strings way out and I think he played some effects for the first time ever heard by me (but I could be wrong, might have been that 1 $12 beer going to my head ;-) ). I can't complain about any of the music in their set. I finally got to hear "Gambler's Roll" and hearing "Come On Into My Kitchen" with Larry Campbell on fiddle was classic. My all time favorite ABB tune, "Dreams" did not disappoint and both Derek and Warren got full solos in on that one. Oteil was funky as ever with "The Same Thing" showcasing just how their rhythm section has no compare. Can't wait to hear that one again. The encore of "Whipping Post" was nicely done with some "Norwegian Wood" teases going throughout.
Nice tight focused set that was 2 hours of classic ABB with choice covers and ABB chestnuts.

Now, Phil Lesh and Friends...wow! Where do I start? It's been since 2001 since I caught up with Phil. He looks great and sounded full of vitality. He will be 70 in 2 years and it did not show. He played a HUGE modulus bass and showed his complete mastery of that 6 stringed monster. His bottom line was the drivin' force of the set. John Molo held down the jazzy funk percussion with much skill. This was my first time seeing this line-up with Larry Campbell and Jackie Green too. That two guitar combo were in fine shape last night turning Phil's set into a more rockin' country outfit and then immediately turning and doing a 180 degree into a spacey psychedelic jazz group with Steve Molitz providing sound effects and keyboards from the moons of Saturn. The jams never felt forced and the rock edge almost never left any of the tunes. I had seen Larry Campbell with Bob Dylan and with the Levon Helm band. He is adept at almost every instrument he touches and last night, his vocals and instrumental attack showed why he is so highly in demand as a tour musician and in the studio. But, I have to say I was most impressed with Mr. Jackie Green. I had heard some of his work on the The Band tribute CD. But, I had not idea that he was such a master of guitar and his vocals were spot on for the Dead tunes. He really showed his level of musical maturity on "So Many Roads", an old Garcia/Hunter tune that Jerry worked very well in the later years of the Grateful Dead. Jackie paid homage to the original but he really made it his own last night. Theresa Williams came out for a few tunes as well for vocals and made Phil sound really good on the harmonies that blended well. She had a great stage presence that seemed to make everyone relaxed and she came and left when not needed (ie. long jams). These were the best vocals I have ever heard on a Phil set and the end of "Cosmic Charlie" with just the vocals singing "Go on home, your Momma's calling you" said it all. Phil is in great shape and spirits and has put together yet another fine outfit that shows he is the one who is carrying the Dead legacy forward...furthur!

Thanks to Joey, Jess and Greg my friends from Greenville for a great afternoon of music, fun and spirit! See you all soon!

Charlotte ABB 2008

Done Somebody Wrong
Don't Keep Me Wonderin
Same Thing
Gambler's Roll
Ain't Wasting Time No More
Manic Depression (Oteil)
Come and Go Blues
Come On Into My Kitchen (w Larry Campbell on fiddle)
Into The Mystic
Dreams
Black-Hearted Woman
Southbound
(w Jackie Green on guitar, John Molo drums)
E Whipping Post

Most energetic show I seen in a long time

--
Sent from my mobile device

Mark H. Johnson

"It seems to me what you lose in mystery, you gain in awe." Sir
Francis Crick @@ "See ya!" Stevie Wonder

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Yonder Mountain String Band

Last night at the Handlebar here in Greenville, the Yonder Mountain String Band of Colorado played to packed house of fans and onlookers. These guys have energy and talent. They can play the traditional bluegrass and swing and then bring it to the other side of the universe with their own version of bluegrass-based jams.

I had a blast with my buddy Dan from Freedom and some other folks from Greenville. It was full 2 sets and I got home after 1:30am. So, needing an extra cup of coffee this morning. I think the Handlebar sounded really good last night, probably due to the all acoustic setup of the band. There were plenty of drunks and staggering idiots and I got more than 1 instance of someone grabbing the mic stand because they just knew it was there only to keep them from falling to the floor. Oh well, that's how recordings go in bars and small music halls. It's the ambience, right? Whatever, I have to get to work! I will be working on the music files throughout the day!
Enjoy this cool weather, I almost considering getting an extra blanket out last night but made it through. It's still in the 40's here in Greer and it's 0900am. The Lord knows I love Fall!

See ya!