Osprey

Late posting - This was a brilliant sighting. An osprey with a fish in hand right over our driveway. Taken in early October 2008.

Mature Coopers

Continuing with my raptor watching series, this mature Cooper's Hawk was in the trees to the south of my house. He didn't let me get too close, shortly after this was taken he flew off to the east.

Immature Bald Eagle in Selinsgrove

My quest to discover Bald Eagles on the Susqu continues. Me and Zach went looking for them on the railroad tressle today. We saw a total of 6 sightings, with 2 at once. Gary and I went back today and found this guy perched on a birch between the islands. This is an immature Bald - 3rd year my guess.

Bald Eagle

Mature Bald on the Susquehanna, taken on Rt 11/15 north of the Clarke's Ferry Bridge. I see Bald Eagles almost every time I drive the river route. There's lots of them there!

Project

I have a project. I have on loan from my friend Bob the Fireman these scrapbooks. They chronicle the history of firefighting in Royersford since 1976. They are a treasure of information, and I don't want to give them back. But, its time to part company with them. But, before I do I am scanning in ever page, so I can have them forever. Here is a sample. This is a fire that occured at the Spring-Ford High School in 1990. The fire gutted the (at the time) new wing of the (at the time) high-school. Here in the picture, you see the old Ladder 84 (84-11 at the time), and in the background you see the new 54-21 (Engine 54 as its called now). Coincidentally, the chassis on the ladder is still in service on Rescue 84. It is the first firetruck I learned to drive. Who taught me how to drive it? Bob the Fireman.

Fox

This critter stumbled into our yard yesterday - a baby fox. What an opportunity! Before returning him safely to his natural wooded environment we took advantage of the moment. I put on the gloves and coat, and got some good pics with the help of GCreely.

Lately I have been trying to explain to the girls why God made some animals predators. We frequently go to Hawk Mountain to observe migrating raptors. In the process I have tried to explain what foxes are. This was a great opportunity to show Kaitlyn a real predatory canine up close and personal.

Don't worry, this little guy couldn't hurt fly yet. Won't be long though, he'll be out there doing his thing - keeping our groundhog population down!

Truck Crew

On Monday, while I was waiting for Chrystal to come home from a retreat we got banged out for a house fire on Sherman Street. I scooped Kaitlyn up and into the car to get down there and take pics. It turned out to be a small fire in a garbage can, but here is a pic of the Truck pulling on scene.

Hawk Mountain

Hawk Mountain is cool. Its located on the Kittatany Ridge (Blue Mountain Ride) off of route 61 between Hamburg and Pottsville. It is a sanctuary for raptors, or birds of prey. I fell in love with Hawk Mountain in 5th grade, after I was influenced by a teacher of mine named Mr. Kline to watch raptors. We are members at Hawk Mountain, and we go there several times a year. This is a trip we took on Saturday April 5th. All we saw was an American Kestrel, and several vultures but we had a great time.

Easter Musical

This year for Easter, we are putting together a really cool musical called 'My Utmost for His Highest'. Its been around for awhile, I did this in Royersford in 2000. But it is really cool, so we're doing it here in Selinsgrove. I hope you can come. We are performing it both services Easter Sunday, and Friday and Saturday following easter at 7PM.

This is truly one of those times that we need to take advantage of. The production will come and go. Were we ready for it? Did we realize the potential and the power of the moment? I hope that we do.

KB

As you know, I have the most beautiful little girls in the world. (no offense to the thoursands of other 'most beautiful little girls in the world') This picture characterizes Kaitlyn at her best. Its her first dentist appointment. Note that she is wearing sunglasses and clutching her toy. She amazes us every day.

Phillies 2008

Its baseball season again! Its time for warm nights and the voice of Harry Kalas calling the Phightin Phills. Here is a picture of a game at "The Bank" toward the end of last season. Ryan Howard hit a BOMB over the center field wall. I paused the rally towel momentarily to capture the moment.

My Family

Here is a picture taken of us in the Fall of 07.

Nazarene Theological Seminary

Since graduating ENC in 1999, I have dreamed of going to grad school. If I could have had my choice, it would have been to go to seminary at NTS. Since my wife has been staying at home with the kids, she has encouraged me to pursue this further. Well, one thing led to another. Currently, I've been accepted at NTS for the Masters of ARts in Christian Ed In-Service program. I am really pumped about this. The only thing now is figuring out if I can afford it. Hey - if God wants it, He'll work it out right?

Selinsgrove Fire Department

This year, I am taking the position of Captain around the block for a spin. As Captain, I am 4th in total command of the department which covers the boro of Selinsgrove, and Penn Township. So far so good. I directly manage a line-officer's team of 3 Lieutenants. Together, the four of us are just that - line officers. This means that we supervise teams of firefighters - perhaps up to 5 each on a fireground. I have been a lieutenant for a total of 5 years between two companies, and this is my first as Captain.