Reunion / Vacation Plans 2014

Deb, in the parking area next to the House/Cottage

This is the year for the Scott Family to join together (with all of our progeny).  Ben took the initiative and found a house big enough for all at the Lake of the Ozarks in Sunrise Beach, MO.  Deb and I decided to go down and see it.  It has 2 living units with 3 distinct living areas, the house with 5 bedrooms and a cottage.  More details on: www.vbro.com/258021# .

The house

The house overlooks the Lake.  On the opposite shore is the docks for the boat rental and a local restaurant.  The property includes a dock and swimming area as well as a small play area for small folks.  Remember, these are 'Winter' pictures.

Play Area

The house overlooking the Lake

A view of the house from the boat rental dock

Another view from the opposite shore

Boat dock (the lake will be 7-10 feet higher in summer)

Celebrate Scarlet Elyse Jensen

OMG - the most beautiful little bundle from heaven came in last week on a cloud in the middle of the night (1:57 am) in Olathe, KS to two blessed creatures of the realm, Bo and Farrah. Here's a picture.

Christmas at Disney World

Thank you DeLynne for hosting us in your world, Disney World. It was a fabulous get away for Debbie and I. Not once did I succumb to the computer or checking e-mail, although mom kept up with text-messaging (so did I with the office).

We got delayed with snow in (of all places) Nashville. The de-icing took over an hour. Waiting in line to de-ice took almost an hour. Orlando was experiencing below normal temperatures (down to 29 degrees). It was in the low 40's with wind throughout Monday. Tuesday it warmed up, was a little warmer, and we picked up 2 extra hooded sweatshirts. The wind was more tame but it was still cold.

Monday night we saw the famed Christmas procesional. Over 300 voices - 80 from Disney cast members, 300 from local churches and schools, 8 from the professional Disney singers along with the Disney World Orchestra. It was amazing.

Valentine's Day Dance - Lenexa

Debbie and I took occasion tonight to 'crash' the Adult Retro Valentine Dance in Lenexa . We doubled with Greg and Becky Taylor good friends of ours. We had a blast while dancing to the early 60's / late 50's music in our fun outfits. We also saw Lindsay at the dance and did the Limbo. The winner is pictured here. Lindsay also did the limbo even though she's due to deliver a new child to the world in May.

To the Senators

Please do all that you can do to cause this 'Stimulus' package to fail. It is not about stimulus. It is not about helping anyone, the more we learn, the less we see it as a real solution and it will contribute to the huge deficit already held by the US government. On the eve of a report on abuses from the previous, we HAVE to pass a bill before the obvious failings of the previous one is reported on. Don't let the bill pass. If it cannot see the light of day - it is not safe.

The worst part of the economy is a head of state expressing his inherent distrust that the American public can take care of itself. If the rules of the economy are a changing scenario, no company will risk its future with what used to be common sense - that's why people are put out of work. Who knows what to expect?

To my Representative

Congress has a nice interface for writing to your congressman - My congressman is Dennis Moore. I wrote him today. Too late for the first vote on the 'Stimulus' package, but in plenty of time for the revised package that will return from the Senate with over $100 B added to the already overwhelming package.

It's interesting that you can't fund a war, but you can fund every pet project ever invented and call it a 'stimulus'. It only stimulates the imagination to try to get more from our government.

Here's the letter:

Thank you Dennis for providing this forum for me to contact you. I appreciate it greatly. I know that the democrat party would like us to believe that the 'Great Bailout' bill is to help America re-arm itself, but it seems to be a 'great boondoggle' for those who helped capture the congress and Whitehouse.

There is no provision for small business to benefit with a more predictable legislative or tax climate. There are massive provisions for giving money and funding to those who have proven their inability to perform. It is a natural punishment for those who contracted legitimate debts and now can't pay to lose their collateral. It is a natural effect that those who loaned to those who can't pay won't get paid. The reality is that the 'government-owned' Freddie-Mac and Fannie-Mae encouraged lending practices that were fundamentally unsound, urged on by legislation that tried to provide home ownership to groups that couldn't afford it.

Now from the floor of Congress, we hear the same congressmen who now want to fund community action groups deride the wisdom of Banks owning planes that could be used to facilitate their business.

Please act SLOWLY to vote on a bill that is so full of perks for EVERYONE that it damages us for years to come. Continuing support for this bill will only serve to verify that you are part of the congressional community that needs to 'pay back' its supporters at the expense of the good of the country. Please find an alternative to the largest pork barrel piece of legislation ever.

Thank you,

Jim Scott
a lifelong registered Democrat

Seen at Union Station - KC, MO

Amazingly young looking, these two were seen on Segway two wheelers at Union Station celebrating the anniversery of 26 years of marriage. A handy artist was on hand to capture the moment.

There is no greater love than that forged in the fire of time and tempered by the endurance and patience excersized by two committed to each other and supported by family and loved ones.

You've all contributed to the success of this union.

Thank you, and love to all.