Monthly Archives: June 2012

Arthur O’Shaughnessy Ode from his book Music and Moonlight (1874): We are the music makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams, Wandering by lone sea-breakers, And sitting by desolate streams;— World-losers and world-forsakers, On whom the pale moon gleams: Yet we are … Continue reading →

At 9:30am, after playing Father Noah to the three dogs, and Quintin, the car was loaded of its passengers and we departed Kettering fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. Chief was only ill once, and the pups seemed to do slightly … Continue reading →

A short while ago, I saw this item on Facebook: Several times I had pondered the purpose of, not only the megachurches, but the enormous, elaborate cathedrals and churches all around the world.  Along one route I use to drive … Continue reading →

I have never been a big fan of youth mission trips that go abroad to other countries.  Sometimes, I am a bit agitated, even incensed, when our government rushes out to help other countries feed their hungry when we have … Continue reading →

The Barmes Family [The original German spelling for Barmes was Bermes.] About the Barmes Family… Citizenship of John Philip Barmes: John Philip Barmes, a native of Bavaria and at present residing in the County of Bartholomew, Indiana, appeared in open … Continue reading →

Twenty-five years ago, today, I was touring Europe (Switzerland, Austria, Germany) with the Ball State University Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Douglas Amman.  On this day, we were wrapping up the tour with a few days in Heidelberg, Germany. … Continue reading →

I am taking a ME-Day. That can stand for: I am taking time for myself, “me,” and doing fun things I am taking a mental-enjoyment day I am taking a mentally-enriching day Whatever it stands for, I am taking time … Continue reading →

My Mary Todd day lilies bloomed in the middle of the night.  I took photos of them last night around 9:30pm, and this morning they were open, and looking quite beautiful!  Several folks passing by the house have stopped to … Continue reading →

Today, my 85 year old neighbor lady from across the street came over to tell me how lovely my front yard looked.  I was humbled because her yard is immaculate! My friend, Debbie McCutcheon, bought me several Mary Todd daylilies, and … Continue reading →

Dust 1. earth or other matter in fine, dry particles. 2. a cloud of finely powdered earth or other matter in the air. 3. any finely powdered substance, as sawdust. 4. A pain in Darin’s ass! What a hideous thing! … Continue reading →

I changed my iPod’s name to Titanic. It’s syncing now. When chemists die, they barium. Jokes about German sausage are the wurst! I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time. How does Moses … Continue reading →

On a Thursday morning at 10:55am, June 3rd, 2004, my grandfather, Leroy “Red” Barmes, slipped away from this life. Throughout most of my life, he was more than just ‘grandpa;’ he was also a second dad. He was the one … Continue reading →

These past two weeks have been fun, hectic, and tiring.  Friday was so tightly packed, but one of the best nights – just like Wednesday when we saw WICKED.  It was just a happy week. After the Wilbur Wright ceremony … Continue reading →

The centennial of Wilbur Wright’s death was this week.  Wilbur, age 45, died from typhoid fever on May 30, 1912.  His funeral was held at Woodland Cemetery, June 1, 1912. Yesterday, members of the Wright family, astronaut Neil Armstrong, Dayton’s … Continue reading →

As a young boy, I had a portrait of Neil Armstrong hanging above my bed before he made his famous walk on the moon.  I was so excited to learn he would be a guest speaker today at the memorial service commemorating … Continue reading →

The day began at 8:15am with a private lesson before the student headed next door to the high school for a final exam.  By 10:00am I was on my way to the middle school for the last time this Spring, … Continue reading →

I just discovered this link about the Wright Brothers’ longtime secretary, Mabel Beck. There was always speculation that Orville and Mabel were more than just boss and secretary. In twelve years of research, I’ve never uncovered any supporting evidence. Mabel … Continue reading →