Happy Earth Day

I would like to thank the Earth for everything that it has given me today, but I will talk to that more in my Top Ten List. It has been an interesting few weeks. Heather and the baby are coming along quite well, with about 11 weeks left to go. I really want to meet this little one that has become such a miracle to me. They say that children teach their parents as much as they learn from them. This one is already teaching me patience, because I can't wait for him/her to arrive, and wonder, because I wonder what she/he will be like.

Speaking of babies, my friends Dan and Mindy Oler welcomed their fifth son into the world today. I am very happy for them. No word on the name yet. If we have a boy, then I am hoping that the two will be great friends like their fathers are. If we have a girl, then one can hope that perhaps the two will...join their respective family trees.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching our school's entries for One Act, and they were all wonderful. Each one has something that is unique and great, but I have a hard time figuring out which is my favourite. They all brought something great to the table. I was put on a roller coaster of emotions. I was laughing, entertained, brought to tears, scared, moved, and just overall very satisfied. I hope they do well this week with their performances and the competition next Saturday. Unfortunately, I will not be able to be there on Saturday, as I will be at the Comic Expo. It features the entire cast of Star Trek The Next Generation! Awesome!

Here is my Top Ten List: The Top Ten Things Earth Has Given Me:
10. Oxygen. Can't breath without it. Well, not very well at least.
9. Sunsets. A beautiful way to start each day.
8. Fruit. All kinds. I thought I could pick one, apples, grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, but I love just about all kinds.
7. Forests. I have always loved just tromping through the woods. As a child, I remember just walking through paths in the trees that ringed our property in Fort Macleod. Still enjoy a trek through the woods every chance I get.
6. Birds. Again, all kinds. I like the ones that sing, the ones that swim, the ones that have pretty feathers, and the ones that taste good barbecued.
5. Pets. Yes, animals are going to feature heavily on this list. I have almost always had a pet of some sort or another. Snoopy the cat, Tasha II, Midnight the rabbit, and of course my darling Annie. Pet animals, especially dogs and cats, are always very comforting and educational.
4. Spring time. I love this kind of year. I love having the dreariness of late winter replaced with green, freshness, and life. Having the leaves appear on trees, flowers appear in fields, and sleeping critters emerge.
3. Wildlife. I believe that this is why I love places like preserves, national parks, and zoos. All kinds of wondrous animals have been placed on this Earth. From the elusive okapi in the Congo, to the industrious beaver of Canada, they are all wonderful. I have a special place for birds, but all wildlife is precious. Especially...
2. Platypus. Come on, did you think that I would leave out my favourite all time critter? But what could be better than a platypus?
1. Birth. Again, a wondrous event. 11 weeks to go. See you soon, little one. Love, Dad.