Unofficial Study at Eastern 4-H Completed

The research is complete...hypothesis confirmed. Youth and adults love the Eastern 4-H Center. RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards wraps up in a matter of moments. This was my 3rd experience with RYLA, and they keep getting better and better. I "earn my stripes" with this discerning group. Rotary Clubs of District 7720 sponsor this specific RYLA. The dedicated team of Tony, Ed, Heather, and Governor Vivian Mott have ushered in a new "order" of RYLA. With their own, brand new "curriculum", they have revolutionized the program...its now more of a destination, than an event...I applaud their efforts!

Program Staff delivered great programs. We facilitated "leadership encouraging" teambuilding for the high school juniors. We also led a service project...we now have 9 of the sturdiest (heaviest) picnic tables I have ever tried to lift. The counselors (all volunteer) did an amazing job, and have been proactive in offering new ideas for next year, as well. Last night, as Scavenger Hunt was conducted...no Scavengers were found, but the participants did find a lot of random items.

This weeks agenda - Dock of the Bay (Monday), Tyrrell County & Columbia festivals (Tuesday), Weekend Outlook (Wednesday), Random Thoughts (Thursday), Countdown Begins (Friday)...

Please responsibly enjoy the photo of RYLA 2009 below...

Late Night RYLA Blog

RYLA is going GREAT...I have only spilled popcorn twice...i will have to clean it up before Terri finds it!

RYLA'rians are currently watching "Pay it Forward"...it is about doing favors for free (or without payback).

Callie signed up for Twitter...she is confused and now hates twitter.

Special Thanks to Kyleen Burgess (Extension IT)...she helped me on a top secret project concerning this blog and she also showed Lee how to turn on his computer. Kyleen will keep our project a secret, I hope!

Tonight we had an "Etiquette Dinner"...Sara Phelps, our Marketing Director, emcee'd the function...it went really well. Joe and Stephanie, program staffers, helped "warsh" dishes in the kitchen tonight, in an effort to speed up the process. Job Well Done!

I found out that the Carolina Hurricanes were in the playoffs tonight...I also found out that north Carolina had a hockey team, too.

See you Monday...

The Great One has returned...

I am back! Despite the trumpeters bugling in my ear as I walked through the office threshold this morning, I arrived with a little less fanfare than expected.

The best part about being sick is getting better. Being able to smell stuff again is quite refreshing...same goes for taste.

RYLA is here this weekend. RYLA is an acronym for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. For those of you unfamiliar with Rotary or RYLA - Rotary is the world's first service club organization...their motto is "Service Above Self"... There are Rotary Clubs on virtually every planet...especially Earth. There are even clubs on Antarctica! They meet indoors down there.

RYLA is the youth development branch of the Rotary...Each Rotary Club sponsors, on average, 2 kids (juniors in high school) to attend. The selection criteria is simple...the best students who receive the least amount of acclaim, it seems. All of the bright students are generally on tap to be in the top 5 of their graduating class...so there are a lot of smart kids. I was 10th in my class in high school. There were 11 people in my class.

RYLA will do a service project (Service above Self)...they will build pinic tables...most of the tables we have now, were produced by RYLA...and we have a load of them.

RYLA will also participate in breakout sessions that encourage and cultivate leadership. The program is really designed to promote future leaders and increase Rotary awareness.

RYLA will also be put through the rigors of our Team Challenge Course. Our facilitators regularly turn whiners into winners! These students will certainly appreciate the course we have laid out for them this weekend!

I will be in the office all weekend...making up for my sick days, I reckon. Next week will be a little slower than this week, but the weekend will be capped off with a visit from the Hyde County SOS group...more teambuilding! We do an awful lot of this!

Enjoy your day...

Late Night Blog

So I have been sick since Sunday...I have been outta the office for a couple days, too, so I haven't been able to catalog a blog, either.

The worst part about being sick is that you can't do anything with normal ease. I can't carry on a conversation without sneezing or coughing. And...more than normal, people are avoiding me.

Day Camp ended today...the staff had a lot of fun with those guys...we had some "old" faces, as well as new. The Junior Guild, from Northampton County was also here...and now they are gone...they were a special group of young ladies. Despite the rain, Joe was able to put on quite a show of teambuilding prowess. He had to pick up where Chris left off on Monday.

Also, Casper will be experiencing an interview with another 4-H Center as a potential program coordinator...I like the fact that I have cultivated several professionals in the Outdoor Education and Camping profession. Obviously, I can't take all the credit, but I will. I hire only the best (usually ;).

Nikki locked herself out of the office today...no surprise there! Teresa also said that I looked pasty...but I am sick. I haven't received any "get-well" cards, flowers, or balloons, but I am sure they are own their way.

Anyway...RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards are here today and through the weekend...this group is BIG and a lot of fun. Saturday we will lead a teambuilding activity and service projects with them...More on RYLA tomorrow...

Enjoy your evening...

Spring Cleaning

Its that time of year again...SPRING CLEANING. When the weather warms, you can do lots to get your house ready for the upcoming spring season. Oddly enough, have always wondered why our places get so messy during the winter...Spring cleaning is a time to clean out the gutters so that April Showers don't weigh down the roof of your house. Getting leaves out of the yard will allow your grass and weeds to grow without hesitation. Cleaning the house makes everyone feel better for a couple of days, too - until you have messes it up again. I have some ideas that I like to use....you can use them, too, but only if you are as an extreme cleaner like myself.

Disclaimer: No matter what you do to clean, you can never do enough to rid the evidence of Lee Scripture IV. This tiny Tyrant can get into a building and ransack the place in a matter of minutes. He can even hide stuff in the far corners of your room, as well as the universe. Also, you will never, ever clean a house or room as well as the Housekeeping Crew at the Eastern 4-H Center. Terri & Cindy can clean ANYTHING. For a challenge, they often sweep the flower beds free of dirt, clear down to the mantle of the earth.

With that being said, this is the single-man's guide to cleaning your residence:

1) If you have a girlfriend...arm wrestle her, the loser does chores for a year!

2) I love the smell of an evergreen forest. Pouring Pine-Sol into your air conditioning unit will leave your place smelling like a Red Spruce for ages. Even after you have replaced your air conditioning unit, the scent will linger.

3) Vacuum with a shop-vac...there are few things more manly than lugging a tub shaped vacuum around your living room. My Shop-Vac can pick up anything from dust and pizza crusts to small pets and lawn furniture.

4) Cleaning Counter tops is no fun...I just by a can pf spray paint that matches my counter-tops. You can also by the primer coat for that professional look, but I prefer to just spray over the entire counter, coffee grinds and all. It gives me that textured look.

5) Cleaning out the refrigerator is always a fun experience. I feel like a spanish conquistador over newly chartered lands....Why? Because I have no idea what I am about to find. I have been through my parents refigerator in the past year and found items like Coca-Cola cans that read "Happy Holidays 2001". I know that they area little old. I also like to find the 3 year old jams and jellies. This fur covered confections should be discarded immediately.

6) Sweeping the floor is also a cinch...just use your Shop-Vac.

7) Build shelves....this handy items will give you tons pf storage space...you can get everything off of the floor! Shelves can also be put anywhere - garage to bathroom!

I love cleaning a little bit. I think that cleaning men help to debunk stereotypes about cleaning. One thing that I will never understand...Why make a bed everyday if you are only going to get in it again. I don't host many open houses, so I do not think it is that important. Growing up, I was a bit messy. My Mom went on Strike in 1994 from helping me clean my room. That is the truth. She has held firm in her conviction, too. But if it weren't for the "Great Strike of '94" *** I would never have learned to clean!

***My mom went on Strike the same year major league baseball went on strike. So I had nothing to watch on TV...I started cleaning.

Enjoy your day

Easter Weekend......

Another Easter has come and gone...The Vaughn Family Reunion was here over the weekend and they seemed to have all had a whole lot of fun. This was the first Easter that I have not been able to attend an Easter service, but I upheld another tradition, in part due to my "locked-in" status at the Staff House. I also went to the aquarium at the Outer Banks (Manteo, actually).

Every Easter, the most regal of all sports events is held in Augusta, Georgia - The Masters Golf Tournament is held at the Augusta national Golf Club. I have only had the pleasure of seeing this course on the TV set...The meticulously manicured course is a spectacle to behold, and with the added pleasure of the blooming azaleas, the desire for HDTV only grows in my gut.

Personally, I am not the greatest golfer. I am not even good. I am better than most of my friends, but most of them don't play golf. I have always wished I could beat my dad, and I never have. He says thatas he gets older, my chances will increase...but I think we are aging at the same pace. I remember when my dad could put the golf ball where he wanted...anywhere on the green. I could barely get the ball in my pocket at the end of a hole. For those that play golf, you completely understand that golf is about 90% mental and 10 % physical, or as Yoggi Berra would say 1/2 mental and 1/4 physical. I have the 10% physical part down pat...but look at golfer's on TV. One look at this year's Master's winner and you can tell that his pregame routine probably involves a Big Mac or three. But mentally, he's in great shape.

I cannot keep my emotions in check. One errant shot is followed by one errant tossed club. I asked my dad for advice and he replied "Take two weeks off, then quit." I didn't quit, but his advice may have eliminated my slice.

Nevertheless, the Master's is a fun way to spend a weekend when your stuck in the domicile for the weekend.

I also went to the aquarium at Manteo. If you go to the aquarium to see big tanks of fish with sharks and stuff, do not go to Manteo. Their specialty is education related...Callie and I enjoyed ourselves, though...she took pictures of everything...even the ticket-taker. I tried to get Callie in on the "youth" price, but this is done by age and not height.

Not much else happened this weekend, but this week will be busy! Day Camp is in session, along with the Junior Guild. The Tyrrell County Livestock Show is Wednesday! We also have an Advisory Board meeting on Thursday...RYLA arrives on Friday and rides out the weekend! We are hoping for a GOOD weather weekend, for the first time in several RYLA's!

Enjoy your day...

Recession proof your life NOW!

Recess is fun...Recession is not. I can make your life better with the following tips. I like to randomly pretend that the economy is in recession, even when everybody in the world can qualify for a million dollar loan. The following tips are ways to modify your life, while still keeping what you like...

Save water! Water is expensive. Buy a Nalgene water bottle and fill it up at the tap, at work. Save your water use at the house. Also, shower only once a month, whether you need it or not. You can also keep a large bowl in the sink, so that every time you wash your hands, the runoff is collected. Water your garden with this leftover water.

Grow/make your own food! Restaurants are delicious and expensive. A general rule of thumb is that only 10% of your restaurant bill is food. You can cook the same meal for 90% less. You can also grow a garden. Growing a garden will save you about $75 with only about 300 hours of tiring work. Think of all the $30 shovels as long term investments, though. Ramen noodles can be home-made, too. The ingredients for one serving of Ramen noodles are 1 cup salt, 1/3 cup rice flour, 1 egg, and 1 Automatic External Defibrillator.

Along those lines...Dinner parties are always fun. However, they are expensive. I hosted a dinner party last night, and saved a lot of money...my guest list was: Chef Boyardee, Molly McButter, Betty Crocker, Slim Jim, and Mrs. Butterworth.

Stop wild purchases! If you didn't have it five years ago, you don't need it now. I will return my car immediately. I will also look at canceling my XM Radio subscription, on account of it has poor reception in Columbia, NC.

Watch Public TV! Public TV is free, unless you contribute to their telethons. I prefer to encourage others to contribute to the Public Television Fundraisers.

Do something nice! As much as recession stinks, it is probably a lot worse for non-readers of this blog. Donate money or time to youth organizations.

Exercise! Exercise is the world's original recreation...and probably the healthiest type of recreation. If you have a tough time exercising, try putting all of your food outside...that away, at least you have to get up and go outside...you can even shuffle and pout on your way out of the door.

Remember that the Recession will end! It may end with a Depression...It may end with a bull market. The Bull Market is not the same as a livestock sale. The Bull Market smells much better. I prefer Bull Markets 3 to 1.

Recessions force people to make concessions about the finer things in life and become creative problem solvers. I have given up my Keurig Coffee for Maxwell House. I make less trips to town. Hitch hiking is still out of the question, though. Creativity and ambition are two great American characteristics. Even if you have no concerns about the recession, I still challenge everyone to be creative and make wise use of your resources and our natural resources. And if you can save money from that...donate it to someone or someplace that can use it...I have never seen a Uhaul behind a hearse anyway!

Lee Scripture brought Lee Scripture to work today...enjoy Good Friday & Easter. We have a ginormous family reunion in this weekend...so the Easter 4-H Center rarely takes a break! I'll be here, waiting on the Easter Bunny!

Summer Camp needs

As summer gets closer, I ALWAYS have a few more needs... If you can help with this, lemme know!

I need 2 lifeguards....they must be able to swim and hold a lifeguard certification from the American Red Cross or be eligible to obtain it. DUH! One lifeguard will work at the pool, while the other will work at the waterfront...I like the waterfront the best, but the pool is cleaner than the Albemarle Sound.

I need 1 male cabin counselor...for the 2nd consecutive year, I have had 90% of summer staff hired before May...yes, this is impressive. I cannot help people want to work here...It is a great place. If you wanted to work here, and the desired position was filled, then you can check with our competition...they always have openings, probably because: (a) The Eastern 4-H Center got all the good staff first, or (2nd) nobody wants to work anywhere other than the Eastern 4-H Center.

If you know anyone that might be interested, can you please tell them to contact me by: email (chase_luker@ncsu.edu), phone (252.797.4800), or cell phone (252.394.6093). I can send them an application and determine whether or not they are cut out for a hard/hot/fun summer.

I also need some more campers to register for Camp Canvasback, Marine Science and Sailing, and Cloverbud. Camp Canvasback and Marine Sci & Sailing are available to 12-17 year olds, while Cloverbud is open to 5-8 year olds. Our other camps are basically filled to the brim with 8-12 year olds...If you have a 9 year old that wants to go to camp, check with our competitors...they always have openings when we are full...wonder why? We can still wait list your potential camper, though if you dare not risk another eastern North Carolina summer camp. For descriptions of these camps go to www.eastern4hcenter.org - you will also find prices and dates.

I also need some paper archery targets...about 5 of them. I need them to be 3.5' by 3.5'. They are expensive, so if anyone has a good source for these, let me know.

I also need more sleep in the summer, but I conceded that a while ago.

Enjoy your Thursday.

Bye-Bye Farmer!

Today is Farmer Elementary's final day :( . What a fun group! I remember all groups well, but there are 3 or 4 that stick out vividly in my mind. One of those is the 4-H Ambassadors from Kentucky. Last year's RYLA will be tough to forget. I am quite sure that Farmer Elementary will be lodged in my memory for quite some time. The best part about these groups is that they bring the summer camp season to April...I wish Summer Camp was year-round, but then that means that summer would be year-round, and thus, no Christmas.

I enjoy Summer Camp because: Kids make me laugh, warm temperatures, and I can set my own hours. Oh yeah, you read it right, I set my own hours! Lee sets the hours in the middle of the day (8-5), but I get to set all of the hours outside of that. I don't have to leave work until midnight, if I s choose. So as long as I work 8-5, Lee is happy, and for the hours outside of that, I get to determine.

Thursday we will have an Advisory Board meeting. I will be there. You probably will not, but that's OK.

Next week we have the Junior Guild coming from Ahoskie, North Carolina. Joe will be facilitating their teambuilding and working magic. We also have Spring Break Day Camp! Next week will be lots of fun, especially since I get to see all of the Summer Day Campers!

In "Sleeping News", I can report that I have had very little lately. I will attempt again tonight to makeup for lost sleep.

Apparently, corduroy pillows are making headlines everywhere.

Last night, I selected the "Make Yourself Look Foolish" button in my brain when I decided to do the robot in front of all of the campers, but I had some help. The Program Staff and I also inducted Farmer Elementary students in to the Secret Scoggin Society. For more on the Secret Scoggin Society, contact Chris Sova, Program Staff about membership guidelines.

Enjoy your Wednesday...

New Champions

More bad news concerning the "State of North Carolina" came last night. Along with the abysmal economy, the University of North Carolina was determined to be the "meanest" basketball team around. After a story book season, Michigan State played in front of the home team crowd in the Motor City with aspirations of a National Championship. However, leave it to UNC to crush those dreams...check that, OBLITERATE those dreams. How rude!

Well, what's done is done. Tyler Hansbrough can finally graduate after what seems like 7 years as America's gutsiest player. I'm not sure what Ty Lawson will do, but if he stays for his final season, he'll continue to dream crush on a regular basis. There are several UNC players that could graduate or go to the NBA...My advice - DO NOT GO PRO. Forego your NBA rookie season! If there was ever anything I would go back in time to it would be my college years (and my 6th birthday at McDonalds). Wait until the economy is better and your professional millins are actually worth something. And, by the way, a college degree never goes out of style.
To all of the UNC players that read this blog religiously, heed my advice and enjoy yourself in Chapel Hill. Wear Baby Blue for another year...

Moving on, Farmer Elementary is here for a 2 Night field trip. Yesterday, our activities were: GPS, Bears, Wetlands and Waterfowl, and Team Initiatives. They appeared to be having fun. They could have just been laughing for no reason, I suppose...but I'll go with fun. Last night we had campfire s'mores, which, if you've never had them, you do not know what you are missing. Everyone appears to be pleased with the programs, food, and facility. One kid said "this is the greatest day of my life"...I am not making that up! He said it! We have lots of stuff in store for them this morning including a Pocosin Super Hike, Weather Walk, Team Challenge Course, and River Basins. I think they are planning on going to the beach after they depart...I'm glad we didn't have to follow up to the beach...the beach is prettier than the program staff.

Lastly, why is it so cold outside? Can the weather not read a calendar? My calendar is still on March, but I'm slow to change...It's April, now warm up!

What a Weekend!

Our first "Operation 4-Hero" family camp went off "hitchless"! Time and time again, the resiliency, toughness, and tenacity of our country's military families and children ceases to amaze me. For a group that gives so much, can we ever repay their service? That's tough to decide...I think we do deserve to give all that we possibly can to as many as we can. So nevertheless, I thank all of the military families that visited us this weekend...and I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Hats of to the Kitchen Staff - the meals were delicious! The Program Staff delivered solid programming, as always...

Checkout some of the pictures from the weekend...

Yeah, the climbing wall is really high...

Lil' Zac makes his ascent...

Isaiah appears to be starting earlier than Tiger Woods...

Joe hooks Kevin into the belay line...not a big deal for Kevin...he aspires to attend Columbia Med

Arod could definitely be counted on for some laughs...

Randy turned out to be a great clay pigeon shooter - 7 of 7 was a great streak!

So there you go...a pretty good weekend. Today, Tuesday, and Wednesday we have Farmer Elementary and some rain. We will overcome the rain....and show Farmer a great time!

"Happy Birthday Stephanie"

Easter is only a few days around the corner...and I am looking forward to it. According to tradition, I will probably only find a few Easter eggs. Legend has always said that Easter eggs are hidden by the Easter bunny, and are only found by good children. I am good about half of the time. Nevertheless, if you want to disturb people with your vast knowledge, you can take what you learned from today's blog. Also, the Eastern 4-H Center will not host an Easter egg hunt...but we will host an Easter week Day Camp, which is much more fun than an Easter egg hunt.

So, why do we hide eggs? Apparently, Saxons (pre-Christians) in England celebrated the birth of a new year around the Spring equinox. There is nothing more literal (and available to 1st century nomads) than the hatching of an egg with a kickin' chicken inside. They also ate spring hare for the celebratory feast. Eggs were presented to the pagan authorities as tokens of appreciation.

Primarily, chicken eggs are used around Easter, mainly for their palability. That means they taste better than other eggs. Luckily, someone invented an animal that lays plastic eggs filled with jelly beans. These colored, plastic eggs are much better than the real thing. Do not attempt to scramble a plastic egg. Soon after these animals began breeding, a mutation occurred that led to the laying of foil-wrapped chocolate eggs, some of which have creme-filled centers. Please note the spelling of "creme". This is not the same as "cream", as "cream" is a real milk product, and "creme" is a real sugar product.

Faberge` eggs were generated by Russian citizens for their leaders. These items are now highly regarded as works of art. If your child finds a faberge` egg next Sunday, call it the "prize egg" and give them $5. You should then sell the faberge` egg for about $100.

"Why do we use the Easter basket during an egg hunt", you may ask. Well, the basket is traditionally laced with straw to simulate an bird's nest. Recent traditions were originally plastic grass, but these grasses choked birds if left behind. Now "natural" grass comes in colors like pink and green, but I prefer the real grass. You can also substitute an Easter egg basket with other containers such as small buckets and coffee carafes...just ignore the strange looks.

Another tradition is the Easter egg roll, held on the White House lawn. This genteel tradition is kind of ridiculous, especially compared to a Chinese egg roll...honestly - which one would you rather participate in? But kids don't like Chinese egg rolls, and since this blogger prefers happy children 8 to 1, I will condone the White House lawn Easter egg roll.

Chocolate bunnies, to many, seem a bit macabre. This is in essence, up to code with pre-Christian traditions. As mentioned earlier, the spring hare was used as the main course in the pagan Spring Feast. They ate real bunnies, though. Thankfully, technology has provided us with a tastier version in cocoa form.

Whatever your Easter tradition is, I hope that you go all out. Holidays shouldn't be taken for granted. I am guaranteed to spend the majority of holidays away from my family, which is a little disappointing. However, when we are all together, we go nuts with the celebration. Holidays are a time to decorate your home, take family pictures, and put silly looking paper placemats at the "Kid's Table." If you do not celebrate Easter, then celebrate the weekend itself. Weekends are a great time to catch up with family and friends. Have a pig-picking (or a hog roast as I heard it called yesterday)! For those stressing out about Easter plans, take my approach to big occasions...(1)enjoy it as much as possibly (2) wear a bib all day long (3) DO NOT CLEAN YOUR HOUSE, otherwise people will want to stay longer (4) and know that it will be over before you know it, and then you'll find yourself with a ton of leftovers. I prefer to enjoy my life, not stain clothes, enjoy family and friends responsibly (quickly), and scavenge from the refrigerator.

Enjoy your weekend...and happy birthday, Stephanie!

Operation 4-Heroes, Farmer Elementary, 3 random thoughts

Good Morning folks...this weekend will be pioneering for the Eastern 4-H Center. We are hosting our first family camp. We have hosted other group's family camps, but this one is OURS! So we invited the families that we think are very deserving...our nation's military families. We have a nice collection of military families coming tomorrow...they will do some: scavenger hunt, ecology, rock climbing, challenge course, target shooting, archery, etc. We are also having a "couple's night" for the husband and wife of each family. Eating steak, shrimp, and cheesecake will be the main objective. Afterwards, the couples will enjoy a movie in our "theatre". Our Program Staff will host a "barbecue" for the children, filled with fun activities and a campfire while the parents gorge on delicious steak. I am STI-ZOKED for this weekend.

Next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the Farmer Elementary 5th Graders will participate in our unique Environmental Education programs. They are coming all the way from Asheboro. There will also be lots of parents as chaperons...I have fun with parents. Below is a statement that I get from 92.4% of parents. Also, 84.32% of all statisitics are made up on the spot...

Parent: "Chase, when I went to camp, our cabins were not this nice!"
Me: "Well, parent, we have ice cold air-conditioning, toasty heating, hot and cold water, and no drafts." Our bathrooms are also very spacious and comfortable."
Parent: "The food is also amazing. When I went to camp we ate PB&J sandwiches. Your fried chicken is impeccable."
Me: "Our fried chicken is very impeccable."
Parent: "I especially like the tranquility of your camp. The gazebo is an amazing place to drink my coffee. Watching the Albemarle Sound is very fun!"
Me: "I agree with all that you say."
Parent: "Chase, how did you become so smart?"
Me: "I'm not."
Parent: "Oh, YES YOU ARE."
Me: "I appreciate your remarks."

So, I have another opportunity to blow the misconceptions and perception of what a camp is all about. I especially dare the parents to participate in our programs with the students...Our instructors are amazing at teaching and marking progress. Parents that fade into the background during the instruction can watch from a safe distance as the students' minds are blown about black bears, hurricanes, the proportion of the Albemarle watershed, and wetland waterfowl.

Nevertheless, we are getting ready to change the lives of roughly 130 people over the next 5 days. Friday is Stephanie Spears' birthday...She is quasi-excited. Atleast she is not nearly as old as Lee.

Yesterday was April Fool's Day. I didn't April Fool's anybody. I went fishing last night, too*.

The End!

* Fishing is stupid, but I went. I hate fishing with every fiber of my being, unless I am catching fish. I prefer to catch my fish from my local grocer's freezer.

Random Thoughts

In reference to my "Dialect" post a couple of weeks ago...my dad provided me with a couple of new words that were created in Alabama (where my parents reside). Also, I want to mention the northward migration of waterfowl. And 3 staff members celebrate April birthdays...we had a cake this morning in lieu of the age increase.

My dad is a public official in Alabama, so he's a lot of people. He also reads my blog, and emails me occassionaly. The blog is used to keep an open line of communication to all of my fans, friends, and admirers. My dad is all 3. Nevertheless, yesterday a person came into the Courthouse in Coosa County, Alabama and announced to my dad that "yestiddy, I wassah clumbin' the ladder, when I falled offit and turnt my ankle." Apparently, in Alabamam there is a present tense, past tense, and a past-past tense, and all can be used in the same sentence.

According to my Ducks Unlimited calendar, Canada Geese should be arriving in the Dakota prairies to begin nesting efforts. If you live anywhere near grass or water, then you probably know that not all geese have left for the prairies. This is because there are "resident" geese. They will never leave. They will stay there and perform all major functions needed to survive: eating, using the potty in your yard, and mating in your yard. Do not give them privacy, they don't require it. The geese are just being uncouth. It is fun to watch them fly, then pitch and cup to your lawn...pretty amazing sight, if you ask me. If you want rid of the geese, ask your county extension agent about helpful tips.

The Center staff declined to see my potential head shaving...so I may do it anyway.

Stephanie Spears, program staff member will celebrate a birthday on Friday. Lee will also celebrate his birthday over the weekend. He will turn 2304980 years old.

Charles, maintenance director, is angry with my blogging. He says I blog about him to often. He is a hero of mine though, and this practice will continue. However, I am interested in training all wannabe bloggers to begin their own blogs.

Weekend Program updates will come tomorrow. Enjoy your day...