A poem I once ignored but seem to understand it now.

Splendour in the Grass

 What though the radiance
 which was once so bright
 Be now for ever taken from my sight,
 Though nothing can bring back the hour
 Of splendour in the grass,
 of glory in the flower,
 We will grieve not, rather find
 Strength in what remains behind;
 In the primal sympathy
 Which having been must ever be;
 In the soothing thoughts that spring
 Out of human suffering;
 In the faith that looks through death,
 In years that bring the philosophic mind.

-- William Wordsworth

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving visit and dinner at Steins and Nicolette's new home. Keira is just getting beautiful as she keeps growing. It is enjoyable to watch my son be a dad and demonstrate the care and caution it takes to raise a child.  Nicolette is an amazing cook and the dinner was very good. Looking forward to having the entire Stoddard family at the house this Christmas. Good Times!

Summer recap-
Been in school for two weeks, turned 57, and I was wondering why I was so tired. Then I started to think about all the things that happened this summer and decided to give myself a break and  rejoice in the fantastic events that I enjoyed and experienced these last few months. Starr's graduation, Skye's graduation, ,finished my first year as Athletic Director, Shoulder Surgery, Keira's birth and resultant stay in the hospital,Trip to Australia two weeks later, a few weeks off and then off to Kjell's graduation in Phoenix, after Kjell gave birth to Ryu a week previously.Moved Starr to Fremont for her new job-yes she got a raise!( Got to experience first hand the 49ers and Raider's rivalry with Stein.) Skye back to San Jose State to teach!!!
Obviously, my family and close friends just read this blog so I want you all to know how proud of you I am and, this pride goes out  JC and Nicolette, who joined the Stoddard's sphere of reckoning. Hang in there.:)  Anyway, love you all and the next experience is going to the Utah /BYU football game in Provo on the 16th of September. Go Cougs!!! Stein is going too, and of course Alex.

MORE SUMMER 2011 BLISS

THE STODDARD FAMILY WELCOMED TO THE WORLD KEIRA RAYNE AND RYU EVERETTE

Dad's Tremendously Big Summer

STARR,SKYE AND KJELL GOT THEIR MASTERS

KEIRA IN THE HOUSE!!!!!

Here is the first picture of Keira in the hospital;she is home with her dad and mom getting excited about their new home.

Les Mis

Life, misfortune, isolation, abandonment, poverty, are the fields of battle which have their heroes; obscure heroes, who are, sometimes, grander than the heroes who win renown.  Chapter -Marius the Indigent

After seeing Les Miserables again with my daughters Skye and Starr (my second time) I felt inclined to finally read the book. I am half way. I like this quote because of the tiniest battles against everyday problems of life happen and we all fight ""the good fight." Perhaps we are all heroes.