Jayden Kyle Arrington - Hits Big # 1

Jayden is happy to open presents...

And he loves cupcakes...

Happy First Birthday!!!!!!

I am so proud to be this little guy's Paw Paw

just one of many reasons I am so blessed...

"Hitting Pay Dirt"

The term "hitting pay dirt" leads me to believe that something positive had occurred. A successful outcome to whatever type of project you were working on, a happy moment, positive situation, etc. It does not lead me to think of something in a negative way. In fact, Dictionary. Com explains the term this way..."any source of success or wealth, a fortunate discovery or profitable venture". So my view and understanding of the term is really not that far off. This leads me into the main topic of this post...this week's edition of the Azle News and its coverage of drugs being found at Azle High School.

Last week, Azle Police found drugs in 12 vehicles in the parking lot via a K-9 detection dog from Bridgeport Police Department. Officer David Vanderkaay stated that they usually only find one vehicle each time the dog comes to the school. Chief Myers stated that “It’s a big concern. Existing education programs don’t address the fact that the vast majority (of drug use by teens) is coming from prescriptions from the home." The story ends by saying that the Azle Police Department will be hosting "Shattered Dreams" this month.

In regards to the whole "pay dirt" thing...the story says that the "dog outside (in the parking lot) hit pay dirt. REALLY? Finding drugs in kids cars is hitting pay dirt? Finding drugs in 12 vehicles was a fortunate discovery? Do you really view this as success? I would also like to know what research Chief Myers has conducted concerning "existing education programs". How does he know that they do not address prescription drug use? What data is present that affirms his statement that the vast majority of drugs used by teen is coming from prescriptions from the home?

Tarrant County Challenge (tcchallenge.org) research does not support this statement and I would think they have done a bit more research than Chief Myers has. There are many "existing education programs" that cover the issue of prescription drugs...D.A.R.E. , T.E.A.M. and L.E.T.S. ALL cover prescription drug use. So I'm not sure what more education he wants. The Shattered Dreams Program is an anti-alcohol program sponsored by TABC. It is a fantastic program that focuses 100% on drinking and driving...not prescription drug use...I really am unsure why this was even mentioned in the article.

The fact remains...reaction to the problem continues to prevail...always playing defense... My hope and prayer is that some day...one guy within the Azle Police Department will quit putting bandaids on an arterial wound...if that were to happen...that would be hitting pay dirt.

Hump Day Thoughts

• Sorry I have not posted in awhile, but I've been very busy.
• My grandson turned one year old last Thursday, we had his party on Sunday at mom's house. He sure is a handsome little guy and enjoyed his cupcake, pics later.
• I had one of the best weekends that I can remember last weekend. Chris and I took Layla to Highland Village and camped at Pilot Knoll Park. Although the weather was a bit cool, Chris and I got to spend some great quality time together relaxing and unwinding from the day to day grind. It is great to spend uninterrupted time with your very best friend.
• I've got to get some TV time in this week, my DVR is almost full.
• Chris and I went a saw Slumdog Millionaire last Saturday...good movie...but I did not see it as 8 Oscar worthy.
• I went to the Azle City Council Meeting last night, more about that later.
• Layla is too tall for the carport next to my shop, Layla is 9'10" and the carport is 9'03". We have called the building guy and he is coming soon to "raise the roof".
• Tonight is left over night...oh boy...oh boy...
• I got a new t-shirt this week...it has a pic of a sleeping bag and cookware on a open fire and says..."Bed and Breakfast"...cute...thanks Chris.
• If you guys have not seen what Chris got for me, see Chris' blog. She took several of my Masonic photos and had them professionally matted and framed...they look unbelievable. She has now created a true family heirloom for me to p[ass down to my grandson...yes, I cried.
• You will not believe the next project she is working on, it is going to blow you away.
• Last night's Biggest Loser...the brown team's dad needs to go...I'm just saying.
• Spring is coming...the weeds almost need to be mowed in the yard.
• My 1995 F150 pulls Layla great with the exception of a little horsepower issue...I'm thinking about upgrading the ignition and putting a performance chip in her to give her that needed boost.
• Chris had surgery yesterday and is recovering just fine.
• There was a very interesting article in the Azle newspaper this week...more about that later also.
• Chris just got home and I think we are going to town to get some gas...I'll be back later to post about the council meeting last night, Jayden's birthday pics and the newspaper article.

Blessed beyond belief...

-g-