Oil-free & Sunny...

A Self Portrait

Last weekend we spent our anniversary at Sandestin, FL. We didn't know at the time what we were heading into.... the weather forecast was 60% chance of rain everyday, and the BP oil situation was even more concerning. On top of that, the day before we left, our car had a puncture in a side wall of one of the front tires. We were waffling between driving our convertible and our Toyota Sequoia. It was the convertible that had the flat... that almost made the decision for us.... after all, we expected rain each day....

View From Our Condo

Well, the flat was fixed by 8 AM departure day, so we decided to take it - solely by faith that the weather would cooperate. Turns out that we were able to "go topless" for the duration of the trip except from Huntsville to Birmingham. I think we actually got more sun while in the car than we did at the beach.... We used a lot of sunscreen while in the front seats of our red IS 250C. It was a great trip down and back as we travelled over back roads for most of the trip.

The beach was beautiful! No sign of any oil... although everyone was talking about it and the crowds were definitely down. We didn't wait anywhere when we went out to eat. We did hear that one hour west of us, small signs of oil were showing up on the beaches. It was just a matter of time...

Oil-free & Sunny

It was a very well deserved relaxing time for both of us. We have each been busy doing a plethora of things for everyone else, so it was great to spend quality time on us. The weather cooperated grandly. Tami got burned.... she always does. And I enjoyed simply spending time with my lovely bride of 28 years. On our way back from Sandestin, Tami had to drop me off at the Birmingham airport so I could fly to CVG for meetings the following morning. I arrived at my hotel about midnight.... back to the real world....

Caitlin - A Girl with Taste...

Check out one of the most impressive web sites I've seen in a while...

You'll love reading it as much as I love tasting it!

Thanks Cait!

28 Years!

Twenty-eight years today! Tami & I have been married for 28 years! Add the five years we were together before that, and you get 33 years of pure bliss... well, almost pure bliss...

This year we decided to escape to the beach for a few days to remember and reflect and relax. We don't get much free time to do any of those very often.

We each remember different details from our past years together. As you get older, I guess that happens. Of course we remember some of the same things too, but between the two of us, we can put a pretty good picture back together. She's the one for me and always has been!

I started this blog one year ago to the day. My first post was the day after our anniversary last year. You can read it here. Tami won't get her 28 roses while we are at the beach, but they might be waiting for her when she arrives home... the tradition continues... I love you Tam.

How Much Have You Paid?

Thank You! You are Appreciated!

So many have given so much... for you & me. Honestly, if you're like most Americans, we take it for granted. It's true that you rarely get anything for free. This goes for the freedoms and independence that we enjoy in our country today - and our enjoyment comes at a cost. Have you paid a price for the freedoms you have? Maybe so... maybe you know someone who has... but the vast majority of us haven't really paid for our freedoms... we haven't!

These freedoms are many! They can be as simple as worshipping where we want, when we want, without any concerns whatsoever. They can be as explicit as military protection from the crazys of the world that hate us with a passion... and there are a boat load of other freedoms in between. My hope is that all of us, starting with me, will appreciate the cost someone else is paying on our behalf.... not just on this Memorial Day, but everyday!

I'm truly sorry that I don't do this. I vow to pray everyday for those that are protecting my freedoms as a American citizen. I always want people to appreciate what I do for them - it's only right that I appreciate what these heroes have done, and are doing, for me. Most of us can't get to the Arlington Cemetery easily, so I encourage you to check out this on-line tour. Clicking on the red circled areas will drill down to more information regarding the highlights.

Thank you! You are appreciated!

Ten Things About Bethany

The Future Bride & Groom...

I've been wanting to get this off my chest for quite a while now.... so, here it comes, with all the honesty I can muster....

Ten things I don't like about my future daughter-in-law:

1) She is always smiling.... something must be up

2) She never says anything bad about anyone.... I've tried to bait her, but she never bites

The Graduates

3) She was a great student.... magna cum laude... I'm never playing her in Trivial Pursuit

4) She seems totally authentic... Come on, who's always totally authentic?

5) She didn't find my son soon enough... what took so long?

6) She has a wonderfully tight family... very close... they have loads of fun... maybe explains the smiling

7) She is a choco-holic... she needs to branch out... probably would never eat "white" chocolate

8) She has way too much hair.... curls everywhere... I've got 50 hairs- she has 50 bazillion

Probably Something Chocolate...

9) She's an adventurous cook.... Jordan is going to weigh a ton

10) She doesn't come around enough... it's only 10 1/2 hours from Michigan to Alabama.... Come on!

Other than these items... she's perfect!

An Early Morning 29...

After rising at 5:45 this morning, Jordan & I rode 29 miles on our road bikes. For the most part we had the road to ourselves.... after all, it is a holiday weekend and it was 5:45 AM! Even though is was 97% humidity and 72 degrees, the weather was lovely and the ride was even better. This is the longest that either of us has ridden this year. We have been riding a bit during the week - about 14 miles each time, but this was a great spring board into the summer riding season. For me, at this stage, the 29 miles are impressive, but even more so, is the fact that a recently graduated collegian is getting out of a perfectly comfortable bed at 5:45 AM to ride with his Dad....

The farthest I rode last year was 54 miles. I hope to eclipse that this summer and this 29 is a good start. Jordan even had the gumption to suggest (or challenge) that we ride 100 miles before he departs for his married life. That gives us only about 3 weeks to achieve the three-digit milestone. I don't think I can do it, but we'll see how my progress matures. His challenge kind of gives me the feeling that he's been "holding back" on the Old Man.... I guess it's not surprising since he is almost 30 years younger than me.

So, here's to all you Dads out there trying to stay young, trying to burn more & more calories, trying to keep up with your kids, and trying not to look too terrible spent when your son keeps looking back and asking you, "Are you alright Dad..."? Maybe I'll let some air out of his tires next time....

WOW!

Check out Savannah's WOW Factor!

Congrats to the Graduate!

The youngest Bolte has successfully acquired a BA degree from a prestigious institution of learning. I was there to witness it! It makes a parent proud to hear the name of your child called out to thousands attending the commencement ceremonies after 4 years of hard study and special experiences that can only be obtained from a college adventure. "Jordan Thomas Bolte"! Way to go dude!

Five hundred and sixty students graduated from Taylor University this past Saturday morning. Tami, Caitlin, and I joined my Mom & Dad, plus Bethany's family, as we sat amongst the masses. We had reserved seating - mainly because Jordan was this year's Student Body President. As we were seated and waiting for the proceedings to begin, three people stepped into the row in front of us and proceeded to take their seats. I kid you not - these people had to hail from the "land of the giants"! Midway through the commencement, I mustered up the nerve to ask the young man directly in front of me, "How tall are you?" Get this: 6' 10"!! Six feet, ten inches!! I can't see squat in front of me! His father, 6' 5", sat next to him! I'm guessing that his mom was about six feet! So much for the reserved seating... Luckily there were large screens available that allowed me to see over Goliath & Crew...

Future LA Lakers Star!

I heard a reputable news agency recently report that only 25% of this year's college grads will find jobs. It sounds like an uphill battle for Jordan & Bethany. They are actively looking across the country for appropriate employment - but it's not an easy task in this economy... millions of people can attest to this. Jordan majored in Biblical Literature and Bethany in Media Communications. Pray for jobs people... Pray!

Two Happy Graduates!

I really am proud of Jordan's accomplishments. He has demonstrated wonderful leadership and relational skills. I suspect that they will land jobs soon, and the next chapter in their lives will be off and running. Keep up the good work JB... you have much, much potential. But, next time you invite me to a big event, can you get me some better seats....

A Letter to Jordan

You will graduate from Taylor University this Saturday.... I'm so proud of you Jordan!

Not so much because you have persevered through 4 years of studies.... not because you were the Student Body President your senior year.... not because you've demonstrated leadership via multiple roles on campus.... not because you tend to make wise decisions and never hesitate to seek advice.... not because you've called home "almost" every week.... not because you obviously have great judgement in selecting your bride-to-be (you are clearly marrying up).... not because you have a personality that simply won't quit... But, I'm more proud of you Jordan because you are a man of God and you exude what we have tried to model for all of our kids: Love God & Love People. You do this.... and for that, I am so proud of you son!

Dancing through Life!

Without getting too mushy... let me just say that you are a load of fun to be around. You are a magnet, drawing people in with your infectious personality and humor. You're no slouch intellectually either - but still no match for your father... However, I always enjoy toying with you via verbal exchanges that only you & I can muster. Keep practicing...

Tami, Jordan, Bethany

Even as a little boy, you had the energy, charisma, and charm that would keep your parents, teachers, and babysitters on the edge of their chairs. You seemed to be unafraid to say or do anything that demonstrated a fullness of life that few seem to enjoy. You also weren't reluctant to step up and "do the right thing", even if it required taking risks. You would often defend your class mates if someone was bullying or making fun of them. I truly believe that your 22 years of life have touched and positively impacted more people than you may ever know, this side of heaven.

Be Afraid... Be Very Afraid!

Jordan, as I join you this weekend in Upland, IN, to watch you graduate with a Biblical Studies major, and as you prepare to begin the next new chapter of your life with Bethany on July 2, please know how much I love you and appreciate you. Thank you for being a great son... I'm so proud of you Jordan.... Dad.

Cycling with the Mayor....

Jim Ryan... Me... Ono-san... Wes Woods

Four of our Toyota management team joined a few hundred other cyclists and the Mayor of Huntsville in his 2nd Annual Ride with the Mayor event in downtown Huntsville. The event is used to highlight bicycle safety and to promote the sharing of the road between vehicles and bicycles.

It was a short, flat, easy course, and we had a great time. The Mayor only had one rule: Don't lap him!

Ono-san Looking Colorful

Jim Ryan... Me... Ono-san

Guess which one is the Mayor?