My Brother in a Skirt

I like to travel. I really haven't done that much of it, but I've done enough to know I like to be a tourist. When someone is going on a trip, I always want to go along. Unfortunately, that job/money thing complicates my travel plans. However, I've learned you can "see" a lot of places without leaving home. Sometimes I hear of a place that for one reason or another is of interest to me.  I like to look it up and see what it is like. Here, let me show you...

Have you ever wondered what it looks like in Idaho Falls, ID? Click here and you see some photos of it. It's pretty, huh?

OK, let's try Houston, TX. Click here and you will get a chance to see some of Houston.

Can you see how I can waste an evening bopping around the internet? Well, one night I was doing that and I was looking at photos of Lead, SD. I went to this site and clicked to the right to look through some of their town's photos. I stopped when I saw this one.

It caught my eye because that guy just right of the center looked a lot like my brother!

My brother did learn to play the bagpipes once upon a time, but he's lived in Florida for several years now. So, I downloaded the photo and blew it up a bit, trying to get a better look.

Hmm...that guy had a goatee. The photos is blurry but I can see that much.

I don't think I ever saw my brother with a goatee...but still.

I kind of thought I remembered he once told me he played in some parade.

Then, I noticed that my photo program made note of the year that photo was taken - 2005.

OK, maybe? He was still living in Wyoming then.

Wyoming isn't far from South Dakota.

I finally spoke with my brother on the phone and made him click to that site.

Sure enough.

It's him!

He had no idea a photo of him was on the site of Lead, SD.

Now, wasn't that a weird little surprise?

I found a picture on the internet of my brother wearing a skirt.

Mike's Day

Today is Mike's Birthday!

Mike is a mysterious and complicated guy.  There are so many sides to him! 

 I will tell you about a few...

Many know him as their pastor.  Those people probably don't realize he is actually an introvert because in his pastor role, he pushes himself to be available to all.  He's a natural and easy speaker and a knowledgeable teacher, as well as a kind and caring spiritual advisor.

I like observing Mike as a brother.  I think he's pretty special to his sisters and I know he cares deeply for them.  He makes an effort to keep those relationships strong.

Mike, as a son, keeps his mother's life interesting!  He has long talks with her on the phone at least weekly.   When together, he keeps her on her toes, often teasing her mercilessly!  She loves it, of course.

I pat myself on the back for my choice of Mike as my children's father.  They are blessed to have him as their Dad and they know it.  They can rest certain in his steadfast love for them.  They value his opinion and enjoy his time with them.

Mike as a grandpa is where he has really come into his own.  Cordelia sees Grandpa as her destination for fun!  He's so patient and attentive to her.  They have hours of fun together!  Their bond is already so very strong.

Mike as a songwriter...many who know him have no idea how many songs he has written!  The man's head is full of songs and he is really very, very talented.  I still think he deserves to be discovered!

Mike as a husband, I will say that he is my best friend.  He's supportive and caring, funny and adventuresome.  We've traveled many unexpected roads during our time together and I am so grateful to have been side by side with him on this journey of life!  No one can make me laugh as he does!

No matter all the roles Mike has taken on over the years, this is how I still see him, the farm boy I married...

So, to my very complicated farm boy, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  I'm really glad your time on this Earth coincided with mine.

P.S. Mike told me I didn't have permission to put his picture in my blog...   ooops!