intoto in transit

On November 4th, 1986, William Josiah Fincher was born in Hollywood, FL. And he changed our lives. Jan, Ashley, & I welcomed this new happy baby to our Ft. Lauderdale home & “Holywood”, “Willigator”, & “Will-Son” became part of our daily vocabulary.

We’ve watched him grow (too fast) into a young man chasing his dreams. And I don’t think that two parents could be prouder of a son.

Will, we love you son. Happy Birthday!

Twenty five years ago today, at 6:30 AM on a chilly Saturday morning, Janet Norrell said “I do” to Pastor Lee & God agreeing to be my wife! Neither of us knew all that these two little words would come to mean for us.

Thanks to the Grace of God, we have stayed together these many years. God knit us together with our daughter Ashley, who had a “head start” on me by 4 yrs. A year & a day later He added Will, and a bit over a year later, the caboose to this growing train, daughter Aimee.

Our marriage has survived because of God & in spite of us. We both know that love is something that you do, not something you merely fall into – though we certainly did THAT! My hard-headed woman refused to walk away from what God had put together even during times when a lesser woman would have gladly left. And God has honored her & my commitment to Him & kept us by His strong arm.

Jan, I am glad that I’ve had you by my side these 25 years! Lets go for another 25!

What a poignant word that is. We’re told to call God, Abba, which we are also told is similar to the English “Daddy”. A term of endearment; of deep intimacy.

A year ago today, February 14, 2008; my Daddy left the bonds of this earth to dwell eternally with God. I don’t doubt that at all – I understand it deep within my heart & soul. And, because of that truth, I will see Daddy again someday.

Daddy loved my Momma & his four children dearly. He worked hard all his life to care & provide for us. He took us to church and he took us fishing. They both were as much a natural part of who he was as was his ready wit & even temper.

I miss Daddy and my eyes still quickly fill with tears when I write or think about him. I miss talking to him, his hugs, the feel of his rough face against mine. I miss his smile, his laugh, the way he so readily told us he loved us. I miss holding his hand & I miss praying with him. I miss that I can’t pick up the phone & hear his voice. I miss my Daddy.

But I have an Abba, a God who knows my loss, a God who promises me and Mom & my brother and sisters & my wife & my children that we will all be reunited with Daddy and Daddy Ed & Dean one day. And that reunion will be glorious! And with that vision, I can say with the Apostle Paul – “Maranatha” – or “Lord, Come!”

Interesting, artsy hotel in downtown Seattle. Here for TechReady 7. Every door has a different picture. I liked this one.

and this was on my door…

The Fincher’s have moved!  And to prove it, here is our new two-car garage after the invasion!

Daddy would be proud!  Now our goal is to reduce that mound of stuff & hide it sufficiently inside the house in closets, attic, etc.  We really do expect to use this garage for cars.

So, our resident chef, Will, is busy learning & cooking his way through culinary school in Charleston, SC.  And from all accounts having a great time! But… Will has never been really safe around sharp instruments.  Dicing garlic, peeling blanched tomatoes, an occasional finger nick here or there… Will usually just brushes it off and completes the meal. But this time, he got a little more than a nick!  Wills arm meets a meat saw, 14 stitches!

Not for the faint of heart!

For the really inquisitive – (you’ve been warned!) It actually looks better than before it was stitched.!

In Vegas for MMS 2008 (technically for work).  But even techies have to eat.  So… w/o further waiting…

Bouchon

Thomas Keller’s Las Vegas bistro serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner.  I decided to try out the breakfast menu (walk in, no crowds a 7:00 AM) & enjoyed an excellent start of the day on the outside terrace.  Had to try out the Bouchon French Toast as seen here:

The menu description defines this slightly decadent "start your day off with a sugar rush" aptly; "Bread pudding style with warm layers of brioche, custard & apples. Served with Maple syrup." With a side of sausage & cups of strong coffee, and fresh squeezed orange juice, this made for an awesome start to my day!

In Vegas for MMS, but even techies have to eat!  And at the Venetian, we have some stellar choices.  Dinner at "B&B Ristorante" the restaurant created by Chef Mario Batali and his partner/ winemaker Joseph Bastianich is in a word superb!  The meal proceeded thusly…

 ANTIPASTI

Fresh Mozzarella appetizer w/olive oil

PRIMI

Stinging Nettle Tagliatelle with Spring Lamb Ragu

SECONDI

Grilled Quail with “Scorzonera alla Romana” and Saba

CONTORNI

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Rosemary

DOLCI E FORMAGGI

Meyer Lemon Torta  – Toasted Almonds with Honeycomb and Meyer Lemon Segments

When in Seattle, I try and attend Mars Hill Church. Pastor Mark Driscoll is a great expositor of the Gospel, and the worship is great! Easter Sunday, they baptized 120 new believers!  Here’s a worship video with many of the baptisms as the images.

Pastor Mark talks about this special Sunday here:

Don’t miss UAB’s Cabaret the Musical at the Sirote Theater, Birmingham, AL –

April 16-20, 2008

Yeah, that is Aimee!