The Smells and Bells

Frank was reading a blog that has become part of his daily readings, and the phrase, "the smells and bells of Christmas" was used. What the writer was writing of, as he is a Lutheran Pastor, was the different choices available for the worship services associated with the Christmas holiday. The writer elaborated on the use, or non-use of incense, the use of different music, instruments and choir participation, the use of different service orders, etc

After reading through the blog, Frank continued to come back to the phrase, "the smells and bells of Christmas." How strong that is. Think about it, how many memories do each of us hold that are immediately triggered when we smell a certain aroma or hear a certain sound? This concept is especially abundant for Frank this time of the year, during that stretch of time that spans from Thanksgiving to New Year's day.

Some of the smells that will trigger fond memories for Frank are of course the usual ones...the smell of cookies baking, or turkeys coming out of the oven. Perhaps a candle burning or the smell of pine needles and cones. Frank remembers with fondness the smell of freshly baked fruit cakes coming from the oven of his step-grandmother. The powerful aroma as the cheesecloth was removed from the finished products, some spiced with rum, some not. That was the way she insisted, as she knew some of her prized family didn't care for the rum-spiced treat.

The smell of baking sugar cookies is another that instantly transports Frank to a different time and place..the time he and Allison, then only 4, decided to bake sugar cookies for Christmas while Mom worked...from scratch. After several attempts at getting all the right ingredients from the store, finding just the right baking utensils, pans and cookie cutters, the cookies were done. The cookies may not have looked like the picture in the cookbook; so what if Allison was covered from head to toe with flour and icing?...the memory was there, never to be erased.

Another memory that involves smell is the scent of burning wood. This doesn't necessarily have to do with the Christmas season, but more a feeling of security Frank had as a youngster growing up in his parents' home. Even though the house was well-equipped with electric heat, and later a gas unit, Frank's dad also had installed a wood stove in the basement. Frank always took comfort in the fact that his dad had taken the extra steps to keep his family warm. Later, the wood stove was removed and replaced by a full-fledged fireplace, and Frank remembers sitting in front of that fireplace as a teen and young adult, and finding a degree of security as the logs burned.


The sense of sound brings just a many memories and warm feelings to Frank as those aromas do. No one can deny the spine-tingling rendition of O Holy Night by an alto or soprano soloist, whether in a performance or during a Christmas Eve worship service. One of Frank's favorite groups, Mannheim Steamroller does a wonderful rendition of this classic, and each time Frank hears the performance, a sense of wonder and awe is felt. Or perhaps the quiet singing of the classic hymn Silent Night...Frank instantly finds himself in a candlelight service on Christmas Eve, marveling at how several small lit candles are able to more than adequately light the inside of a darkened church sanctuary.

Other memorable sounds include the bustle of shoppers in the malls. Frank and Allison were fortunate enough to spend the morning and early afternoon shopping in two of Nashville's malls on Saturday. As they wandered the malls looking for those perfect gifts, Frank was taken by the sound of hurried shoppers, their conversations and laughter, as they rushed to meet the deadline of Christmas Eve. Frank remembers shopping with his own parents in the "new mall" in Clarksville so many years ago, and the excitement of searching for that one certain item for that special someone.

The sound of snow. There is none. Have you ever stood outdoors, perhaps in the yard, or in a field, or even in the woods during a snowfall? Frank remembers the first time this was pointed out to him what seems like so many years ago. He couldn't have been no more than 10 or 11 at the time.

While in church one Sunday morning, an unexpected snowfall had begun. After service, while he and his dad were walking to the family car in the falling snow the elder Luppe commented, "Hear that?"

"What," replied Frank, "I don't hear anything."
"That's just it...nothing. The most peaceful sound on earth is a snowfall."
Of course, in Tennessee, we don't have the luxury of abundant snowfalls like our neighbors to the north. Which, come to think of it, makes a snowfall all the more special. And a white Christmas, now that's something really wonderful...at least in Tennessee.

Who can deny the memories that come rushing in as the sounds of the gifts being opened or the solemn prayer being said as the family gathers for those meals? As the prayer is said around the table this year when Frank's and Tammy's families gather in their Pleasant View home, Frank will undoubtedly remember Christmas' past. When others sat around those tables in other homes, other loved ones said those words of blessing and thankgiving, others perhaps gone but not forgotten, felt the love of family. Others still that, for whatever reason, are not here this year...they will be remembered.

So, as the sounds of "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" continue to sound and the smells of the season continue to ruminate, Frank and Tammy and Allison and Kendall...all, wish you and yours the most blessed of Christmases and the happiest and most prosperous of new year's.

Da Bears

As the air becomes cooler and the pages of the calendar for 2009 continue to disappear, the holidays are fast approaching. With those holidays come more constraints on time, more commitments to be either here or there, and more self-imposed obligations to take care of all those little responsibilities that seem to never end.

Frank truly enjoys this time of the year as the excitement builds to the big crescendo of Christmas morning. He especially enjoys the family (and extended family) and friends visits, seeing how the children have grown and matured, how new additions have come, and sadly, how some have gone on. This year will be especially fun as Kendall will be nearly three and will have a better idea of what's going on. She won't completely understand, but she'll be closer than she was last year.

The Luppe's have already participated in the Pleasant View Christmas Parade...driving the 2 or so miles of the route, throwing out candy and wishing the onlookers 'Merry Christmas.' Kendall and Allison sat in the back and threw out candy as well...and this year, Mrs. Carson rode along ...she probably won't admit it, but I think she truly enjoyed being in her first parade.

Kendall still doesn't have the knack of throwing candy out the window, but wait until next year!

Tammy and Frank went out Monday night and looked for a Christmas tree. After hitting 3-4 different stores, they finally settled on a 7.5 foot pre-lit artificial. Pretty routine as far as Christmas trees go. Got it home, set it up, lights work...Frank's job is done. Well, unless you count the need to move 22 years worth of Christmas decorations from the downstairs storage room up to the main floor...15 stairs away.

The decorations were relayed up the steps, one or two plastic containers at a time. Of course, Kendall had to look in each container, ask questions, check things out. Near the bottom of the stack in the storage room was the growing stash of bears. One stuffed, mostly white, plush bear for each year that Frank and Tammy have been married. Each bear has the year either embroidered on the foot, or a plastic tag hanging from its ear. Frank began buying these bears in 1988 and has just bought one every year since. The bears had become part of the Luppe holiday tradition.

As the bears made their annual trek up the stairs, Allison and Tammy would remove them from their protective white trash bags (Frank learned early on that white trash bags are better than black ones) and they were lined up on the steps and platform going to the second level of the house. All of this simply amazed Kendall. Allison, a stickler for detail, placed the bears in chronological order on the steps; Kendall placed them in, well, not chronological order. Memories were being made.

In the meantime, Frank and Tammy had moved on to unwrapping the more delicate decorations and placing them around the main floor. The home was transforming into a festive, holiday environment. This task continued on for a few more hours until all was in its place, Kendall was falling asleep in Dad's lap and Allison and Tammy were checking their e-mails and facebooks one more time. The holidays were one task closer.

After school on Tuesday, Allison and Tammy finished decorating the tree. Frank, in the meantime, made a quick trip to Clarksville for one last purchase...the 2009 bear. When Frank arrived home, the bear took its place on the stairs...the latest addition to the Luppe tradition

So, as the holidays quickly approach and each family prepares for this time of the year in their own unique way, enjoy the time with your family, continue those traditions, no matter how cumbersome, no matter how corny.

"The News, and Nothing but the News?"

Frank hasn't been sleeping well the past couple of nights, mostly related to work issues, bumps and noises in the night, etc, etc. This has led to Frank moving the the couch in an effort to find a different environment, hoping to find sleep. Good thought in theory, I suppose, but far from reality.

To add insult to injury, Frank started focusing on these same bumps and noises of the night. The on and off of the central heat and air unit; The gentle grind of the ceiling fan; the dog rolling over in the bedroom. All little nuances that generally go unnoticed during the night, but tonight, as loud as cannons. Frank remembered not too long ago hearing these same noises when he would get up with Kendall when she was on the "Dr. Pepper" schedule.
(For those of you that are asking, "what's the Dr. Pepper schedule," that's the schedule that newborns are on...every 2:00, 4:00, 6:00 during the night, the newborn wakes and needs something...a bottle, a clean diaper, a rocking chair...)
In any event, Frank tried to do his part to help with the new family addition, and he would get up with Kendall during those early weeks and months of her life. Pretty much non-eventful...change her bottom, get her a bottle and she would routinely drift back off to sleep while lying on Frank's chest in the recliner. But then after she drifted off, as was the case last night, Frank would find sleep difficult and focus on the bumps and noises of the night.

During those nights, he became accustomed to the scheduled rounds of the newspaper delivery guy. The carrier would drive through the subdivision between 4:30and 5:00 in a vehicle that was in definite need of a new muffler, if not a complete tune up. Frank would hear him slowly coming down the streets of the development, then speed up, then slow down as he made his deliveries. Frank remembers wondering why he didn't park at the end of the street and just walk his route, as practically every house received a paper.

Last night, while listening to the noises, Frank found a silence in place of the rumble of the newspaper delivery. No sound whatsoever. 'Perhaps there's a new delivery person,' or 'maybe he bought a new car with the 'cash for clunkers' program,' Frank thought as he laid on the couch. However, the more he thought about it, the more he realized, there was to be no delivery.

Frank and Tammy had cancelled their daily subscription sometime back, and soon after cancelled the Sunday subscription as well. The papers were just piling up as they were never read, so why pay for them just to pile them up in a landfill somewhere? Besides, the headlines and stories are posted online at the newspaper's free website, one can get the same news on the local television stations, and if there's something national, its on both the web and television as well, twenty-four (24) hours a day.

As he and Allison were driving out of the driveway on the way to school and the office, Frank made a point of looking at the ends of the driveways for newspapers...none to be found. Just three short years ago, every driveway would've had a newspaper in it...not today.

Frank was talking to a friend of his a couple of weeks ago, and the friend said he was reading the newspaper over coffee. Of course, Frank asked, "what, on the laptop?" to which the friend chuckled and replied, "no, I'm old school when it comes to my newspaper reading. I still like flipping the pages and getting a little ink on my fingertips."

Unfortunately, Frank thought, those days are probably on the way out. With the constant advances of technology, the newspaper will probably go the way of the dinosaur in a few short years, and quite frankly, that's sad. Do we really need to be checking the obituaries of our friends and families on a Blackberry (R)? Almost seems disrespectful in a way. Isn't there something wrong with news being available 24 hours a day on cable? How many stories, and we've all seen them, have ended up on these programs, that 20 years ago wouldn't have even made it to the trash bin in Dan Rather's office. Personal and private stories that are hurtful enough to those involved, and in all likelihood, those hurts are amplified by the added publicity.

One story that comes to mind is the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal of the 90's. Had it not been for the excessive news coverage of the day, this would've probably never been an issue. Its common knowledge that quite a few presidents had similar scandals, but you never had wall-to-wall coverage like we saw with Clinton. Let it be said here, that Frank doesn't agree with what Clinton did, but that was his personal business, not a national issue.

How much additional hurt was caused to the families of those involved by the overabundance of press coverage? How much more aggressive are reporters with the new "rules of engagement?"
Frank is reminded of a popular song from the 80's..."Dirty Laundry"...that touted the mindset of some less-than-scrupulous members of the press. Did the song unwillingly predict the norm of those in the press today?

Perhaps it would be better if we got the news in small doses, such as a newspaper once a day, an evening news report from a respected news person right before dinner, and the late news right before bed. Those are finite amounts of paper and time to be filled. Might bring back the talent of editing again, instead of just lining up the stories, one after the other.

Frank has to wonder if this constant barrage of news, mostly bad, isn't creating other problems. Think about it, if you didn't have the news telling you how bad the economy is, would you really know? Or, would you get up, go to work, and just follow your daily routine? Would you still enroll you children in the local soccer league, or little league, or basketball league? Of course you would.
But instead, we're told the economy is bad, we're told it may not get any better anytime soon. Is that affecting our routines and decision making? Probably. Are we spending less because of this constant bad news on the economy? Probably. Could it be argued we are taking less risks and purchasing fewer large purchases because of this? I think so.

The likelihood of the 24-hour news channel going away is pretty remote. The re-emergence of the daily newspaper probably isn't going to happen. And news alerts sent directly to your cell phone are just going to increase.

Kind of makes you long for a little ink on the fingertips, don't it?

47...are you kidding?!?!??!

Sometime on Friday afternoon, around 3:30 I think, Frank will officially turn 47. One might think, "ok, no big deal." And, truthfully speaking, it probably would not be considered one of the "biggies." The "biggies" being 16, when one is old enough to drive, 21, when one is legal to consume alcoholic beverages, 30, 40 or 50...those milestones that those Frank's age look at with a certain degree of chagrin.

This whole age thing has crept back into Frank's consciousness lately due to some changes and events in Frank's life. Frank has started noticing he can't sleep as well as he did not so many years ago. To compound this, he has noticed the ol' bladder just can't make it through the night like it used to. And finally, 10:00 at night, well, it just seems way too late to stay up and watch the news. He can find all that information in the morning on the 'net.

Frank was trimming around his beard this morning, and noticed that the majority of the hair in his beard is grey, instead of brown. We're not even going to talk about the bald spot on the crown of his head about the size of a cup saucer, let alone the receding hair line. And finally, the 17 inch collar seems way too small, not to mention the lovely Tammy has commented about his needing to schedule maternity leave in the Spring, as he looks like he's about 4 1/2 months pregnant. Thanks dear.

But the biggest issue that has brought the age thing to the forefront is the recent decision that the Luppe's made to join a local fitness center. Allison's golf coach wants her to strengthen her upper body muscles, Frank wants to lose the "spare tire" and Tammy has expressed an interest in a fitness routine.

Frank turned in the application Monday evening and immediately wanted to start working out...he wants to get his money's worth. So, after dinner, he and Allison returned to the center and Allison began working with the trainer, Pam.

Frank, in the meantime decided to work on his own. Probably not the smartest decision he made Monday, but a decision nonetheless. The only point of reference he had was the routine he did at the Y about 5 years ago. So, he used the numbers to set the treadmill, the weights on the Nautilus (R) machines, and the overall degree of difficulty of the workout. The only problem, he used the numbers he used when he stopped working out those five years ago, not the numbers he used when he started working out about six and a half years ago. Again, not the smartest decision he made this week. And, definitely proving there are some things that shouldn't be done without adult supervision, regardless of your own maturity...or lack thereof.

The results...well, let's put it this way...Today is Thursday, and even though he worked out again last night (using more realistic numbers this time), he has a great degree of difficulty lifting his arms above his head. His greatest joy...standing in the hot shower for 30 minutes at a time. Furthermore, he is beginning to regret having a 2 story house with a garage in the basement. Between getting from the vehicle in the evening to putting Kendall to bed at night...just getting around the house is proving to be a challenge. Those of you who have been in the Luppe home may ask why the jacuzzi isn't being used. Response...you have to be able to get into the jacuzzi before you can use it!

But, he has a good attitude about it...laughing at his own stupidity and realizing he's not thirty-something anymore. He knows the soreness will pass in a week or so, and life will resume and he can start enjoying the benefits of his efforts, such as added energy levels, as well as a sense of accomplishment.

So, as Frank closes the chapter on the past year and looks forward, the future is bright. He has a wonderful and loving family. The network of extended family and friends is broad, diverse and supportive. The business and its staff are growing and there are some interesting opportunities on the horizon. He compares that to the memories of his thirty-somethings, and he just doesn't remember it being quite so good.

Maybe turning another year older isn't so bad after all.

Thoughts on Daylight Savings Time

Frank's routine is slowing getting back to a kilter stage due to the recent time change associated with daylight savings time. Yesterday, Monday, was better than Sunday, and hopefully today will be better than Yesterday, but this would all could be easily avoided by one action . . . ELIMINATE DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME!

The concept of modern daylight savings time was conceived by an entomologist from New Zealand in the late 19th century. That in and of itself makes no sense whatsoever...why in the world would someone that studies bugs be tinkering with the whole concept of the amount of daylight enjoyed in a given day? Do the bugs wake up in late October and say, "nope, not going to be studied today, daylight savings time ended last night and I get to sleep an extra hour this morning?" Do these little bugs get up an hour early in the Spring and down a pot of bug coffee so they can be studied? I think not.

Daylight savings time creates a loss of productivity and loss of resources. All the clocks, and watches, and coffee pot timers, and stovetops have to be reset twice a year either the night before or the morning (or later) after. Come to think of it, that's probably why we don't see as many of those neat bank signs with the time on them...it probably cost a fortune to get a technician out twice a year to change the time.

Fortunately, the new computer operating systems have now built in the time changes automatically. It would be nice if the carmakers could make that magic happen. It takes longer to find the owner's manual than it does to change the time on the clock!

It takes at least the Sunday and Monday after to get the body clock adjusted to the new time. This happens twice a year, four days a year, at minimum. Suppose the average life expentancy is eighty-five (85) years old. That means one would spend three hundred forty days in a lifetime adjusting to time changes. Nearly a year lost in a lifetime because of a bug scientist in New Zealand.

If one more person tells Frank that he gets an extra hour of sleep because daylight savings time ended, he will probably scream. There are two elements in the Luppe household that negate what little bit of benefit that may be realized; one, Kendall...she's two...she doesn't know how to tell time, even with a digital clock. She doesn't understand that she should sleep an hour more. All she knows is that "Max and Ruby" isn't coming on the television when it should.

The other element, the family pet, Shay. She has a bladder that is over nine years old. Regardless of what the clock on the microwave reads, when its time for her to go outside, its time to go.

Now, Frank could rant and rave about this issue, and be long on problem and short on solution, but he has a plan.

Simply, make daylight savings time voluntary. If one choses to enjoy longer days, then get up an hour earlier and leave the rest of us alone. If you want to sleep in in the fall and winter and stay up later at night...knock yourself out. You don't have to change every single clock in the country just so there's another hour to play softball.

As far as government entities, such as schools, and courts, and the like, well, they would be prohibited from adopted daylight savings time. If a judge wants to go in early to work, that's his/her business. That doesn't mean the rest of us should have to go in early as well. If Congress wants to hold hearings on the snail darter salamander an hour early in the Spring, go right ahead. But don't expect the rest of us to be there bright-eyed at 7:00 in the morning.

Just some thoughts...

In the middle...

We had a few storms move through Middle TN last night, nothing serious, but storms nonetheless. As has become the custom its seems, Kendall made her way downstairs to Frank and Tammy's room, and promptly climbed under the sheets and comforter between her two parents. She was "in the middle," her safe place.

Over coffee this morning, Frank was remembering how Allison, up until just a few years ago, would do the same thing. If a storm were to roll through during the night, if she was frightened by a dream or a "bump in the night," Frank and Tammy could pretty much count on Allison finding her way to "the middle" by daybreak.

Allison doesn't find her way to Frank and Tammy's bedroom on such occasions anymore, being more content to sleep in her own room, in her own bed. On occasion, when the storms are especially bad, Frank will have her get in bed with Tammy and Kendall while he sleeps on the couch watching the weather channel, but that is more for the peace of mind of Frank than for Allison's comfort.

Frank was trying to remember whether he, as a child, would go to his parents' room when he was frightened. He doesn't remember doing so, some 40 years ago, but he does remember knowing that should he be frightened, he knew he was safe with his parents. Frank grins imagining himself now, all 6'4" 240 lbs, climbing in bed with his parents in their home in Clarksville...what a visual!

But isn't that exactly what we do in our everyday lives, to some degree or the other? We like existing and functioning and living and working in those environments that we feel comfortable and safe in. How many times have you said, or heard others say, they didn't sleep well while staying in a hotel? Even though the hotel may have offered the most luxurious accomodations available, the comfort level was not there.

>How many times have we not taken that risk that could've yielded rewards, because it didn't fit in our comfort zone? Frank can remember some four years ago when he stepped out of the comfort of working for a local government and opened the office. He remembers being very apprehensive about the move...would he be able to meet the financial obligations, would he be able to keep up the pace, would he succeed?

He remembers spending countless hours developing a very conservative budget, taking into account every possible scenario, counting every penny. Finally, he reached that comfortable place, "in the middle" so to speak, and he announced his resignation from his position. Tammy and Allison were there to support his decision, friends and family wished him well and told him he would do fine, but he had to reach that place in his own mind and heart.

He had to believe it.

The point of this is not to emphasize Frank's ability to take risk. Far from it. There is no doubt that Frank was scared to death the night he made his announcement to the county commission. Even though he had done all his homework, he had analyzed every angle, he had taken into account every possibility, the butterflies in his stomach not only fluttered about, they felt like vultures gnawing away at him!

The point of this is to make others think about the options that are face, the knock of opportunities that go unanswered, the paths not taken because it is outside of that safe place that we know and cherish.

Just as a side note, less than eight months after opening the office, Frank and Tammy learned they were having Kendall...a possibility that was never considered!

PSS...Oh, by the way, today is my "little sister's" birthday! Happy Birthday, Sis...hope you have a good one! Just as a point of trivia, some forty-something years ago...it snowed 6 inches in Clarskville, TN! Sis always did like to make an entrance in a big way!

A Politcal Topic? Oh No!

Frank didn't do coffee with me this morning...he slept in...until after 10:00! Yesterday was the last day to file returns for tax year 2008, and he had a very long day. It was well after 8:00 when he finished up last night, and well, he essentially took today off.

But, we've been talking the past couple of days, and Frank has been thinking about a matter that is probably about as close to a political issue that we have ventured into since doing this blog. It has to do with those that serve in political office for extended periods of time. When Frank was working in Kentucky back in the '90's, the congressman for that district passed away after serving in Congress for over 40 years. He had even set the record for the most consecutive congressional votes at 18,401. Frank thinks that such dedication to public service is admirable and should be recognized, but shouldn't there be a cut off somewhere?

This is added to the recollection of a senator from South Carolina that served in that position from 1954 to 2003 when he died at age 100. Not only was he the oldest person to ever serve in the Senate, but also holds the record for the longest filibuster at 24 hour and 18 minutes. Again, very admirable, but he probably should have retired after that record-breaking speech.

Longevity is not restricted to offices held in Washington, DC, but also state houses across the country. Right here in Tennessee, there is a state senator that announced in March, 2008, that he would not run for re-election to a seat he had held since 1958, and serving as Speaker of the Senate from 1971 to 2007.

Of course, these are exceptional tenures and, as stated earlier, should be recognized for the dedication and loyalty of these men to their political aspirations. But, when the government was set up in the late 18th century, is this what the framers had in mind? Frank would like to believe that the founding fathers envisioned a government run not by career politicians, but by those that have looked at it as a short term opportunity to serve, to return at its conclusion to the lives and careers formerly held.

How would the writers of the Constitution look upon the hour upon hour of committee debate recently played out on C-Span on the health care issue? What would they think of the exploded budget with billions and billions of dollars spent on pet projects and earmarks? How would they view the multiple offices and staffs employed by Congress persons and Senators? The budget for staff Blackberries (R) would probably exceed the household budgets of many homes in this country! There is a commercial for a cellular phone company that has a legislative body conducting business through the use of its walkie-talkie service. In this 30 second television spot, the entire legislative agenda was accomplished. Something to think about.

Frank has always thought there should be term limits in place for political office, but has been reluctant to advocate for legislation creating such limits. The reason for the reluctance is that (1) in Frank's mind, it is a violation of the freedom of speech concept, and (2) there could be a legitimate reason to allow a person to hold an office for longer that a legislated term limit. Such reasons might include a national emergency, an issue the person holds a special expertise in, or there just isn't a good candidate to oppose the office holder. In other words, if term limits are legislated, it paints the process into a corner, regardless of what current situation exist.

In essence, the idea of term limits holds a special attraction, but the limit should be set by the voters, not by legislation. But, in order to make term limits a reality, there must be a push by all concerned to recruit qualified candidates to run for these offices. And not just by the established political parties, but by grassroots organizations such as business associations and civic clubs.

And while we're at it, maybe we should advocate for a better understanding of the government by voters. Frank is constantly amazed by the fact that education of the public on civic matters is left to the likes of news organizations, political pundits and talk radio hosts...all of which are chasing advertising ratings.

A thought on conflicts

Frank starting thinking about the concept of grudges this morning. He had a little more time, and even though he and Allison didn't get to walk this morning, things were alot smoother than in recent mornings.

Many people spend a great deal of time, energy and resources harboring grudges about incidents that happened many years ago, sometimes decades. Without getting too detailed, Frank knows of several of these types of relationships. One he can remember vividly involved money, and the close relationship that once was, is now demolished...all for the sake of money. Now, one party would contend that it wasn't the amount of money, but the fact that a trust was broken; the other party would contend that the accusation was false. Both parties dug in their heels pretty deeply, and the relationship has suffered in excess of 25 years. As the two approach the twilight of their years, it has become apparent the two will never rekindle the closeness they once had.

Sad.


Another situation that Frank was involved in a number of years ago revolved around a dispute and the way Frank handled it. Looking back, the way Frank handled it was wrong and probably lead to more hurt feelings than the underlying situation itself. That grudge lasted for about 4 years, and fortunately, reconcilement was forthcoming and Frank and the other party are the best of friends today.

That's good.


Now Frank is involved in another situation, one that will, at least for the foreseeable future, result in another friendship or two being lost. And, this time, there's really nothing that Frank can do to resolve the situation...he has done what he can, but the other party feels wronged, and there's nothing Frank can do to change that. Frank has wracked his mind trying to figure out a way to mend the broken fences (more like the fence around a property after being hit by an 18-wheeler full of logs!), a way to see the other party's side of the situation, a way to reconcile. But no fixes, either quick or complicated are forthcoming.


Even if Frank apologized to the other party, it would not be sincere, and Frank knows that. Frank truly believes he used every weapon in his arsenal to support this person, only to become a victim of this person himself. There have been many things said, many things left unsaid, that hinder the process of healing this situation. To say that Frank and others have lost many sleepless nights over this situation, would be an understatement. To say that wounds have occurred that will take many, many years to heal would be very accurate.

Sad.

The only thing left to do is move on from the situation. A situation that has been consuming an increasing amount of emotional, physical and time resources for the better part of two years. The hard part is, in the words of Kenny Rogers, "you have to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold, know when to walk away, know when to run." It is so difficult for Frank to give up on a situation, he hates to quit on someone or something that he supported so ardently in the past. But, Frank knows, its time to fold and walk away. But, walk away with his head held up; walk away with the sincere belief that he did all he could, was supportive as far as he could be, and there's nothing left to be said or done that will change the relationship back to the way it was.

Maybe time will heal the wound and the scar won't be too conspicuous, but, let there be no doubt, a scar will exists on the minds and souls of all those involved.

Looking back...looking forward

Coffee with Frank this morning was rushed and brief. Frank stayed up way too late to watch the Sunday night game and his Steelers score a win, albeit an ugly win, against the Chargers. On top of this, Kendall climbed in bed with him and Tammy about 2:00 this morning. Frank is convinced the girl is part octopus...no matter what part of the king size bed he gets on, Kendall can always manage to kick him or punch him!

So, after fighting the urge to sleep in and do permanent damage to the alarm clock, Frank rolled out a little after 6 and got breakfast going for him and Allison. After a quiet shower (didn't want to wake Tammy and Kendall), Frank had a few moments with me and his coffee before rushing out the door to get Allison to school.

Allison has this project due in her World History class in which she has to interview an "older" person to gain perspective on how things were in days gone by. Allison has chosen to interview Frank's dad. Dad is being great about it and is looking forward to the experience. He has even gone so far as to ask for a "sneak preview" of the interview questions, so he can better prepare his answers. Once again, he's showing Frank how to be an effective and loving grandparent, just as he demonstrated how to be a great parent so many (????) years ago. So the date has been set for Wednesday evening, and of course it will probably become a family event, as not only have Frank and Allison been invited, but Tammy and Kendall are expected as well. And never let it be said that Frank's parents allowed anyone to leave their house hungry...the feast will rival anything served by the White House kitchen for visiting dignitaries.

This whole project got Frank to thinking about how those that have tread these parts would view the "progress" that has occurred since they have passed on. Frank thinks of his own grandparents, especially his maternal grandfather who passed on when Frank was only 10 years old. How would he view the changes that have occurred since his unexpected passing in the summer of 1972, some 37 years ago?

Just for a moment, Frank imagined how his grandad would react were he somehow to view the changes. For instance, I-24 did not exist in 1972 between Clarksville and Nashville, and the primary route was Highway 41-A, a road then called Nashville Highway. Highway? How in the world did that road get the title of 'highway?' On a good day, you might get your vehicle up to 55 mph, and that would be at 2:00 in the morning! Well, maybe not that bad...but close!

As Frank's grandad spent practically his whole life in Montgomery Co., TN, Frank imagined how he would react to the changes north of Clarksville. Remember, once your crossed the Red River heading out of Clarksville toward KY, there was very little between the city limits and the state line. Corn fields, tobacco crops, a church here and there...but that was about it. Frank remembers crossing Guthrie Highway back then on his three-speed bike on a summer afternoon...don't try this now...unless at one of the many traffic lights. If you told Grandad you were going to the mall, he would probably think you were going to the Clarksville Plaza...a structure that now houses most of the county government offices on Madison Street. There's another change he would probably have issue with...Frank could hear him now..."You're going to Montgomery Ward to get your license plate?"

But Frank thinks that the biggest change that would strike his grandfather would be the change in technology. In the early 70's, if you had access to a typewriter, you were considered high tech. A computer? Didn't NASA use one of those to put a man on the moon? How about a cell phone? Please...if you had a rotary dial phone in your home...one line...no call waiting, caller ID or answering machine...you were modern.

Frank wonders how he would react to all this, but most of all, Frank wonders what the answers will be if he is fortunate enough to someday sit down and help one of Allison or Kendall's children with a history project. Will he reminisce about carrying that huge Blackberry Curve as opposed to having an implant in his ear? Will he remember driving the gas-guzzling Ford SporTrac as he boards a solar-powered bullet train for dinner in New York City? Or, will he remember typing this blog some 30 years from now, and wonder, how did he remember where all those letters were on that keyboard?

Change is going to happen...Even if a single new bit of technology is never invented, change is going to happen. Will we long for the "good ol' days" when we look back, or will we marvel at the wonders that we have accomplished in our lifetime? Interesting...very interesting.

Fall and Sun

Frank had noticed that he was feeling a lot better than last week as well as being a great deal more productive. Granted, last week was essentially a train wreck based on everything that was going on, but it should not have had an adverse affect on his attitude.

This morning, for the first time in over two weeks, Frank and Allison enjoyed their morning walk together. During the persistent rains of the past couple of weeks, Frank had refused to go on the walks they had become accustomed to, under the reasoning that the walks should be enjoyable, and not miserable. That being said, they set out this morning a little before 6 a.m., and away they went. Some pretty significant changes from the last walk though. As its now a little later in the year, its still dark. Frank was glad that Allison had the foresight to wear her white hoody, not that there was a great deal of traffic going through the subdivision.

Another change was the temperature...a pretty big temperature swing from those walks of late summer. Both he and Allison wore hooded sweaters, and they really felt good. The two of them did the short walk...no sense in overdoing the first day back.

Frank looks forward to this time of year, the early fall, when there is that oh-so-subtle bit of a nip in the air. There is a freshness about that is so unique to this time of year. Especially noticeable this morning was the smell of freshly-cut grass, as he and his neighbors finally had the chance to mow the yards since the rains ceased.

Another aroma is the smell of tobacco curing in the smoke-filled barns. Frank refers to this as his opportunity to get his nicotine fix for the year. During the fall, the smoke lies like a blanket on the valleys around his native Middle Tennessee, almost as if it is readying the ground for the colder air to come. Frank remembers his one bout with the labor intensive job of harvesting tobacco some, wow, almost 30 years ago. A smile creeps across his face as he remembers how the smoke poured out of that barn as he and his friend stood in front of those huge opening doors. Was that really almost 30 years ago? Need to check the math on that.

As he and Allison arrived back at the house and she had scurried off to get her shower, Frank began preparing breakfast for the two of them. "That felt pretty good," Frank thought to himself as he sliced the sausage. "Even though it was cool, the sun felt good as it came up." This got Frank to thinking, "I wonder if there's any evidence that the sun shining has a positive effect on the human attitude? I'll have to look that up over lunch."

So, while eating his Wendy's medium number 2 combo meal with no cheese and a coke, Frank typed into one of those search engines "sun's affect on attitude." After searching though the results, he came across the following quote from a medical publication:

"If light does make us feel better, it probably does so by acting at the hypothalamus, probably at the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and it probably affects the serotonergic neurotransmitter system."

Huh? Now that's a mouthful! Not exactly the most conclusive statement, is it? Well, Frank doesn't know a great deal about the hypothalamus or the suprachiasmatic nucleus, but he does know that he's having a much better week. That's a good thing, he hopes his serotonergic neurotransmitter system is enjoying it as much as he is.

Routines

It's been a long week and it's only Thursday. We've all had them...those weeks that drag on and on, one crisis after the next, another fire to put out over there as soon as you get this fire put out.

To start with, its been raining for over a week in middle Tennessee, which always seems to drag Frank's spirits down. On top of that, Frank is having one of those weeks...and to his own chagrin, most of it is self-induced. Not all of it, but definitely a large part of it. What is driving Frank absolutely nuts is that he began the week with good intentions, excited about the positive changes that were in front of him...little did he know.

About a month ago, Frank decided that new computers were in order for the office. Something that should be done at least every 3-5 years. Its been 4, so Frank figured now was as good a time as any to do the deed. So he, with the help of his faithful IT consultant Dave, ordered what some would term "whoop-de-doo" computers...those wonders of technology with all the bells and whistles. They arrived last week and the install was to begin on Monday.

Monday rolled around after much anticipation on Frank's part all weekend and Dave arrived about 10:00 a.m. Perfect, absolutely perfect. Dave started to work and started moving data files and icons to temporary locations on the server and life was good. Somehow though, over the next two and a half days, something went off course. No single event to point to, but it just didn't seem to be going as smoothly as Frank thought it should.

And the rains continued.

In the midst of this conversion, some of the "high-maintenance" clients that Frank's office serve had crisis in their own operations. Some, self-imposed; others, not their fault, but nevertheless, a crisis. All these crises had to be dealt with and required Frank to devote some attention to each. Nothing earth-shattering, but a definite diversion.

And the rains continued.

Frank has been working on a very large project, and near the conclusion last week, a situation cropped up that is going to delay the project. Frank is probably making more out of this than need be, but it is requiring additional time and resources to resolve. Frank would really like to move this project off his desk, but until this aspect is resolved, the project is not moving.

And the rains continued.

And yesterday, just to add insult to injury, the roof started leaking in the lady's restroom of the office. And we're not talking one of those occasional drips, we're talking major...to the point the moisture that accumulated demolished a ceiling tile. Another fire to put out...but at least there was ample water available.

So, after a very long day Frank went home, had dinner with the girls and Tammy, and relaxed for a while, before going to bed around 9:30. Enough is enough.

This morning, Frank got up and cooked breakfast for him and Allison and had his morning coffee. It occurred to him that most of the issues that had, for the most part, ruined his last three days were a direct result of a routine...a routine that had changed.

The routine of Monday morning had been disrupted due to the computer change-out. Payrolls were not done on the schedule that he and Glenda had established, bank statements were not reconciled on a routine. Even though the work was done and by deadline, it somehow just wasn't right.

The challenges presented by the clients were disruptive and required attention to be diverted...a precious commodity that Frank didn't have a surplus of, that extra attention needed to address these situations. But, somehow Frank mustered up the needed resources to assist his clients.

The large project would get done on schedule...Frank remembered that he had a colleague that could help him with the problem aspect. It may require some more work, but with careful planning and scheduling, the project should be off his desk by Friday evening.

The roof...Frank talked to his landlord last night before throwing in the towel for the day, and was told that a roofer had been contacted to give a bid. The leaks had stopped this morning and the ceiling tile would be replaced.

Frank has a friend that is highly involved in project management. After this week, Frank has developed an appreciation for those that can move from one project to the next, or better yet, manage several projects at one time. Each project has its own set of challenges, its own set of fires to put out, its own set of positive changes when finally completed. How in the world can someone make a career out of dealing with all of those aspects day in and day out?

But then Frank, after swallowing down the last bit of coffee, reasoned that some are talented in that arena, while he likes his routines and lists. Life for Frank will assume more of a routine soon and he will be more in what some term his "comfort zone."

Until then though, the rains have stopped.

50 years

Frank is beginning to get back into a routine...a routine that has been somewhat disrupted for the better part of the past month by the preparations leading up to his parent's 50th anniversary celebration. He and his sister, Tammy (not to be confused with his wife Tammy...) have been planning, along with their respective spouses, Tammy and Scott, this celebration for the majority of the past year.

It was a nice affair. Held in the fellowship hall of a church, catered, with a brief program, it allowed for the gathering of friends and relatives from the past 50 years. There were about 70 people there, some Frank hadn't seen, or thought of for that matter, in quite awhile. It was really good to meet some of his parents new friends and remember and share for this joyous celebration.

Frank took it upon himself to produce a video of images and pictures from those years and set it to music. It turned out good, or at least that's what everyone told him, and Frank took a great deal of pride in his work. Having worked though volumes of loose pictures, submissions from family members and friends, and trying to whittle down to a reasonable length, it was a work of monumental proportions. How does one go about condensing 50 years of images to a short video?

This morning, over coffee and doughnuts, Frank began thinking about 50 years ago. What was going on in 1959? That year, Cuba was taken over by Castro. Rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash. The first Daytona 500 was run. The Cold War was approaching its height and the Vietnam War was beginning. The phones, where available, were rotary dial, Eisenhower was President and there was an up and coming star on the political stage, a senator from Massachusetts, John F Kennedy.

But, there were two people in love...her a southern belle from Tennessee, he a soldier from western Pennsylvania stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY. Both young and eager to set off on their on, but I'm sure as we all are at such times, somewhat scared and apprehensive as to the holdings of the future. Before long, their marriage was blessed by two children, Frank and Tammy. There were challenges, there were hardships, but they filled their home with love. Before long, the kids were grown and on their on, and soon they were again blessed with children...grandchildren this time. First came Allison, then Jonathan and Kaitlyn and surprise, surprise, here comes Kendall.
When the grandchildren are about, there is a twinkle in the eyes of the grandparents that cannot be put out!

So, here's to 50 years of marriage...a milestone? absolutely. Is it something we can all aspire to achieve...yes. Thanks Mom and Dad for marrying, for loving, for facing the challenges and providing a loving home. Thanks for being there as we entered adulthood and letting us spread our wings...but, being available to pick us up when we fell. Thanks for being there to share the joy of our children, the challenges we face, and for just being our friends.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad...enjoy your vacation!

Note to Self

Frank is one of those list makers. You know the sort, they have lists created for the purpose of keeping up with all those "to do's" that seem to accumulate in all of our lives. He has lists that detail items he needs to get accomplished at the office, items he needs to get done at home, people he needs to call, or talk to, and even lists that keep up with lists.

Frank has read quite a few of the Getting Things Done books by David Allen, the consummate list maker. It occurred to Frank this morning though, that one list that is absent is the list of contacts that have been lost over the years. Frank was thinking about a friend he had made on a high school trip some 30 years ago. They had stayed in contact pretty well, getting reacquainted during the college years after she moved to Florida. But, contact was lost as they both began their careers. She, in medical technology, he in retail management.

She had returned to the Tennessee area with her husband in the early 90's, and had two children. Frank and she had re-established contact when he and Tammy had moved to Nashville in '95, and she had even provided childcare briefly for their oldest daughter, Allison.

But, as with many friendships, they had lost contact. The last Frank had heard, her family was doing fine, and by Frank's calculations, Michael, her oldest should be close to graduation, if not already.

With the advent of Facebook, Frank has managed to re-establish contact with several friends and acquaintances from high school and college. Some, he hadn't "talked" to for over 25 years. It was truly a wonderful thing to re-connect and relieve some of the "glory days" from days gone by. But, others, would enter Frank's memory banks and he would wonder, "whatever happened to him/her?" ... only to dart out of the mind again as Frank took on the issue of the moment.

This has especially been driven home as Frank and his sister have been working on their parents 50th anniversary party. Frank has taken on the task of trying to locate his Dad's best man, a gentleman by the name of William Jordan. Very little information as he and Dad were in the military together when Frank's mom and dad were married. The only tidbit Dad could provide, "he was from the New England area."

As you might imagine, there are a lot of William Jordan's in the world, on Facebook and elsewhere; so, essentially, Frank is going to come up short on this task.

But it got him thinking...what about his own best man from 20+ years ago? Even though they were cousins, he and Paul (the best man) had lost contact...careers, families, etc. had taken another friendship hostage. Almost like history repeating itself in a way.

So, note to self...write down those contacts that have been lost, and see if they can't be re-kindled; see if you can find those friends from days gone by. The longer you wait, the harder it will be.

Two Daughters -

As one may have noticed from our previous posts, Tammy and Frank have two daughters...Allison and Kendall. Allison, will be 14 in September and is a freshman in high school. A child no more, but not yet an adult.
Kendall is 2, will be 3 in December, and is full of energy and vitality, starting to explore the world, and test the boundaries.
Frank has recently started to try and strengthen the relationship he enjoys with his daughters...he realizes that these two are actually a gift from God that are his and Tammy's responsibility to raise and nurture, to laugh with, to comfort when they're crying, to do the homework with, to tuck in at night, to love.
As you may imagine, the two are vastly different...13 and 2 year olds generally don't share a lot of similarities. Allison is wanting to do more adult-like activities...walking, learning golf, chat on Facebook (R)...but yet, still wants the other things...playing with her DS or mom's blackberry, watching TV, just chillin' with a book.
Kendall, on the other hand, has other activities. Explore everything and anything she can get her hands on; watch TV with a bowl of cereal in her lap and a cup of apple juice in her hand; and sometimes, just fall asleep in the arms of mom or dad.
Frank cherishes the time he gets with both of his daughters. It challenges him, especially when the transition between the two is quick. How do you go from doing Algebra homework to cuddling a two year old in the recliner as she drifts off on her afternoon nap? This is a challenge for the parents of these two on a daily basis.
Frank realizes that all-too-soon, Allison and Kendall will be adults. He remembers the days when Allison, herself only 2 or 3 at the time, would cuddle up in his lap and fall asleep while watching something on TV. He remembers that day, and it seems as though it was yesterday, when Allison started kindergarten. She, eager to go, Frank and Tammy holding back that lump in their throats. Or, the day they put her on a bus to camp...again, another stepping stone to her maturity, only to go shopping for baby items, as they had just discovered they were to begin the adventure again with Kendall in a few short months.
Frank watched the eulogies delivered by the sons of Ted Kennedy yesterday. Frank was struck by the fact there here was a man, a political powerhouse, who found time to be a father to two sons that had challenges of their own...one, lost a limb to bone cancer, the other, struggled with asthma. But, as the two sons spoke, Frank was struck by the compassion and tenderness describing how Kennedy helped the two cope with their limitations. How he coaxed them on, to overcome, to succeed. Even while being arguably one of the most powerful legislators in American history, while seeking the office of president, while assuming the title of patriarch of a family following the deaths of several siblings and family members, this man found time to be a father.
Now, let it be said, Frank is not a fan of the political traditions espoused by Ted Kennedy. But, as he and Tammy watched the first pit-fire of the year last night, they spoke how even though they didn't agree with Kennedy politically, they admired the man for being committed to his convictions. He never waivered from the core values he believed in and fought for.
But, isn't that all that fathers can hope to do? To be true to their own core values? To raise our children with those values, and strength with which to face the challenges put before them? To coax and love, to challenge and be there to pick them up when they fall? To give them as many of the tools as possible to succeed?
Not an easy job to be a parent. But a job Frank wouldn't trade for all the riches in the world.

Mondays - The hated day

Good morning everyone, I'm back from an eventful, but fun weekend. Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as I did. I was fortunate enough to get completely washed, rinsed, steam cleaned and dried in the dishwasher this weekend. Even got all that gunk out of the crevices of my handle.

Frank and I were talking this morning before the kids started rolling out of bed, and we got into this conversation about Mondays. Mondays get a bad reputation, but why?

Now follow us on this one. The weekend is normally a time of good times, family, relaxation, getting caught up on things around the house, etc. As far as Fridays go, those day are filled with anticipation about the coming weekend and the end of a workweek. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday...well they're just kind of there.

But Monday, well if there has to be a black sheep of the week, it would have to be Monday. And its really undeserved if you think about it. Just because it happens to be the day after the weekend...talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time!

There is a thought, however, that Mondays could be celebrated, instead of hated. Think about it. New week, new opportunities, a fresh start, if you will. For example, all those projects and tasks that didn't get done last week (or even before that), they can be completed this week, PLUS the projects to be done this week. Mondays actually signal the chance to excel, show what one can really do when pushed...a chance to strut your stuff!

Mondays also signal the end of the weekend, and that can be a time of remorse. But the weekends sometime serve a necessary function to separate workplace conflicts and give a "cooling down" period. How many times have you had a workplace conflict interrupted by the weekend? On Monday, the conflict, at least in my experiences, didn't seem as bad as it was on Friday. Another reason to celebrate Monday.

And one last reason to celebrate Monday...a lot of federal holidays fall on Monday...thus, three day weekends. So, does that raise the stature of Tuesday among the days of the week? hmmm, something to think about.

So, hate Mondays if you must, but we think Mondays have a lot of potential.

Sunday Morning

Sunday mornings...peaceful, quiet, well...at least for a little while. Frank and Allison did their weekend walk this morning...they added about a 1/10th of a mile or so...and seemed to have enjoyed the unseasonably cool weather in August...Frank calls it "global warming."

They seem to be having some good conversations while walking. For a couple of days there at the first, they were walking the entire route without speaking, but that seems to be changing. I think Frank may be having some thoughts about his "sweetpea" growing into a beautiful young lady. He really wants to try and spend more quality time with her, and try and help her understand that he is there to chat, should the need arise..

Frank and Allison played a 9 hole round of golf with Scott and Jonathan yesterday. It was an "interesting" experience, but exposed the kids to the golf course. No score keeping, just an introduction.

Frank and Tammy attended a wine tasting last night as a fund raiser for their college alumni scholarship fund. Met some new people, had a chance to chat with some friends and colleagues, and enjoy some much needed adult time.

Today is expected to be a fairly quiet day...off to church, then home...maybe stop at the store and pick up a few things for the week...then generally wind down before the week starts over again. Maybe grill out tonight or even light up the new fire pit Frank was given for father's day. Depends on the temp though...Frank doesn't find a lot of pleasure sitting around a fire pit and sweating.

Oh, by the way, I'm the cup Frank generally uses on the weekends. I'm one of those cups that can hold one of those little pots of coffee. Only problem is, I have to keep going in the microwave to keep my contents the preferred drinkable temperature.

August 20, 2009

It's a little after 6 a.m. and Frank and Allison have gone for their "every-other-morning" walk and will be back soon. You see, Allison started taking golf lessons a couple of months ago, and her instructor has strongly suggested that she start an exercise regiment of some sort to start building the muscles up she will need to play golf. So, every other morning, Frank and Allison set out on a morning walk around the block. We'll see how long it lasts.

Last night was kind of rough for Frank, Tammy and Kendall...Kendall woke up about 1 from the brief storms that were blowing through the area, and then again at 3 from the effects of allergies...coughing, congestion and the like. Tammy got her some OTC's and she is still asleep. Hopefully, she'll get to feeling better today.

Looking at Frank's calendar, he has a pretty busy day. Meetings at 8, 10 and 5. He also has to get Kendall to a dance lesson at 5:30, which logistically, is impossible. He is considering calling in family reinforcements to solve the scheduling conflict, but he really hates to impose like that.
Also, have sales tax reports due today...need to have Renay submit as many as possible electronically.

They're back from their walk and have begun to shower and get ready for the day. Frank has poured coffee in me and my contents will be about the right temperature for drinking by the time he's ready to leave.

Tomorrow, I hope to have pics available to introduce you to the others that will be posting in my absence. They're a great bunch of guys and I think you'll really enjoy their insights.

Day 1 - August 19, 2009

Good morning . . . I'm Luther . . . Frank's cup that is. Let me begin by describing myself. Of course, you can see my pic to the side, but I have some features that make me one of Frank's favorite. I am 4 1/2 inches tall, am 3 inches across and have a handle that can accommodate three large fingers. I can easily hold enough coffee to make it worth your while...not being one of those dinky types that you have to refill every few minutes.
I am maroon in color, and have been around for a couple of months.
I mentioned that I am one of Frank's favorites. From time to time, I will share this post with some of my colleagues in Frank's cabinet. You see, I only agreed to take this job based on certain working conditions. . . one of which...I don't work on weekends! To prevent confusion, you can call me Luther.
Frank has many cups and I'm sure he has been in negotiations to try and cover on weekends, so you will probably see others on here.
Let me tell you about Frank. Frank is 46 years old...6 foot 4 in height and weighs about 225 lbs. Frank is married to the lovely Tammy for over 21 years and has two beautiful daughters... Allison and Kendall. The family also has one of those dog things, a black lab/corgy mix...goes by Shay. Frank, Tammy and the girls are involved in their church, place a great deal of importance on family, and Frank is involved in a variety of civic and business organizations.
Frank is an accountant by trade, and operates a CPA firm in his local town. His background is varied, having worked in retail for over 19 years, mostly as retail supervision for large volume grocery stores in the western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee area. In 1995, Frank began the process of changing careers, and returned to the classroom to begin the long process of preparing to be licensed as a CPA. Finally, in February, 2000, he earned his prize, and began his career as an accountant. While working toward his license and for a time afterward, Frank worked for the Tenn. Dept of Transportation and later was appointed as Director of Accounts and Budgets for Cheatham Co. Government.
But, in September, 2005, Frank opened his CPA firm and has been going strong ever since. Today, the firm services business clients on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, and his tax practice grows every year.
So, away we go. I'll keep you informed what is on the mind of and what's going on in the life of Frank and the family as well as in the firm. You'll probably hear how Frank feels about some of those issues that are being bantered around in local, state and federal politics, as he's not terribly shy about expressing his opinions...sometimes to his detriment.