USBC Nationals - Day Eight

Travel day home. Not a lot going on but sitting on my keester and watching the scenery go by. I tried to get up based on eastern time as I tried to start getting my body back on the right time. After breakfast at 6:30, I spent the majority of my time scouring the landscape for animals. Here is what I found:

• 1 Beaver
• Many Deer
• Several Sheep
• 4 Turkey's
• 20+ Mule Deer
• 1 Eagle
• 2 Moose
• 2 Coyotes eating a dead cow
• Lots of snow scenes on the mountains
  

Numerous fuzzy shots because the train was going so fast and the trees even faster the other way.

Other interesting things going on:

• One young lady going around to the different guys whining how she was so unlucky in love. Sounds like a fishing trip to me.
• The Conductor found a cigarette butt (hand-rolled) in the bathroom and was walking around looking. At the same time, some young knucklehead rolling 4 more cigarettes for the next smoke break.
• 4 young adults looking for fun when they said "let's go use 1/2 of the shit left over." Gee, are they a couple of poop players.
  

It never ceases to amaze me some of the stuff that goes on when you ride the train. Dad and I use to laugh a lot about some of these goings on. Conversation was kind of lacking today as there weren't many people on board from Reno to Denver. The problem I guess was the fact the train started in Reno and not in Sacramento. This was due to snow and mud slides in the Sierra Nevada's.

One young man on board got a phone call from a friend who said the one on the train had been served divorce papers. Then the real fun started. Now, I had been watching him hit on 2 young ladies ever since Reno. So he then told his seat mate that he couldn't understand why his wife did that. Then he decided he would try and call all her friends and see if he could get something on her. Did she have something on him? Then he told the seat mate he would make something up if need be. Then to cap this whole drama off ... he told his seat mate, "lets get some beer and see if we can get them (the girls) drunk. Now why would he do that if he was so faithful? A leopard just can't change his spots.

We left Denver on time so lets see if they can hold it. Guess I should try and go to sleep!

USBC Nationals - Day Seven

Well, sad day ... time to go home and re-enter the rat race of life. No, going home isn't sad the sad part, it is just leaving a small group of very good friends knowing we won't see each other for a year. Bowling this tournament for 21 years you manage to get to know the bowling and personal life of many people. Perhaps the scary part is not knowing if you will ever see them again. This has happened several times with just my team members. George died 2 months after the 2008 tournament and Vince about 3 months after the 2009 tournament. This doesn't count the number of life issues that have kept some people from ever bowling again. Looking back, I get a small appreciation of just what my 21 consecutive years means.

I was lazy and didn't get up till 10:00 am once again. Packed my memories away and checked out of the Silver Legacy until I return to Reno in 2013. I checked my baggage at the train station and wandered back to Stadium for my last goodbyes.

On the train and headed home ... and I am lucky ... no man-lovers anywhere near me! I had an interesting dinner with a lawyer and a doctor. The lawyer was recovering from a recent snowboard accident. Remind me ... to stay away from snowboards. We even have musical entertainment. Two riders are playing music on a flute and guitar. Makes you feel like campfire time at a Boy Scout campout.

Well, the sun is down and complete darkness descends upon us.

USBC Nationals - Day Six

Big bowling day. I slept in and ate breakfast about 10:00 am. Today I bowled in the Bowling This Month (BTM) tournament. It is a great tournament with a shot very similar to the one at the National Stadium. I bowled 4 games across 4 pairs of lanes. I averaged 180 on a tough sports shot, so it was respectable but not enough to win money. I did manage to squeeze some nacho's and cheese in before I bowled my National's singles and doubles match. After 10 games in a matter of 7 hours, I was running on empty. I actually started cramping during dinner. Nothing like a arm cramp and a leg cramp at the same time. I had dinner with the Visionary Bowling crew at The Rail City Casino Buffet. I have to say it was absolutely great. Where else could you get a buffet for $7.95 that included your drinks and had crab legs! I did not do crab legs but I did manage to put a severe dent in their fried shrimp supply. Also what made dinner great was listening to stories of Frankie May while he was touring as a PBA professional. I think running a booth at the National Tournament would be the best job ever. The pay isn't great but you sure can meet some interesting people every year. Finally, I managed to go to bed about 1:30 am .... cramps and all.

USBC Nationals - Day Five

Today started with more snow flurries. Most of the day was spent getting my bowling equipment ready for Friday Night. I tried to sleep in but at 4:00 am PDT I was wide awake. I guess the old body is stuck in Eastern Time. I walked around town a bit to see the changes. I guess the biggest change is the Bus Station moved nearer the Train Station. Lunch was nice and I sat where I could watch the people walk by. Some sights are such you should never have to see them in public. You have to wonder what the person was thinking when they got dressed.

The bowling team was pretty much the same as last year. Just a little more gray and a tad bit slower in their movement. Nate was unable to come because of personal issues and without fail the USBC representative showed up to give him his 20 year pin. We called him from the bowling lanes to tell him what he missed. I listened to their tales of their drive up here since they had to deal with the snow storm in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Plus they saw gas range from $4.15 to $4.69 a gallon. Gee, and we think $3.50 is high.

The Visionary Bowling team is the same. They talked with me about being a official Visionary Bowling Products equipment tester for the next year. So I will have to think about it before I commit to the job. We are planning on going out to dinner Saturday night. We did that last year and it was a blast. One of the managers and VISE representative is from Panama City ... specifically from Southport. Small world!

Well, I bowled tonight and it was fun to participate. I could never get anything going. My stomach was on the fritz so it distracted me a lot and my energy was low. So I will get back to the room and get rested and hopefully feel better tomorrow. All I can figure it was the Killer Nacho's and beer I had for lunch.

USBC Nationals - Day Four

I woke up as we pulled into Winnemuca on a side track while they decided what to do. The night went pretty good as there wasn't much civilization around to provide lights to watch as the train went by. My Buddy with the loud mouth and a penchant for men wound up getting moved by the Conductor after someone else complained about he language and language topics. Of course he blamed me for starting it all. Grow Up!

After about 90 minutes they decided the track was clear enough for us to proceed to Reno. Yeah! Of course that meant that we had to backup some seven miles so they could switch back onto the main line. After a lazy breakfast of French Toast, we headed for Reno and an uneventful 200 mile ride.

I got to my room about 11:30 and proceed to get rid of the train smell that had soaked in for 3 days. This is when I discovered I had no socks in my suitcase. Guess where they were? Yep, a 3 year old took them out after I placed them in the suitcase. Oh well, there were worse things I could have forgotten or left behind.

Tonight, I will hopefully have a practice session at the local lanes with the Visionary Bowling Team. That should be fun.

USBC Nationals - Day Three

Day 3 started with our arrival in Denver. That place has changed. They now have a new AMTRAK building near the old Union Station. But after getting off for a leg stretch, I saw that this new setup is just an accident waiting to happen. The new building is on the other side of the street. To get from the building to the train, you have to walk 150 feet and cross a 4 lane road. Even today about 50 people got on and the end of the line while they were waiting stuck out into the road. The last guy almost got hit when the light changed and the car took off. Who ever thought of this design needs to get their smarts checked out. Of course we had snow flurries but I don't care because it is warm in the train. The climb through the mountains was beautiful but there is definitely more commercial building going on. Especially at WinterPark and Glenwood Springs. Saw a lot of wildlife including some "Wapiti" and there were also 3 moose in Frazer Canyon. Lunch was nice. I ate with 3 widowers heading for a retreat in Moab UT. It was fun because they all had hearing aids and trouble hearing. Everything I or they said was followed by ... "say it again, I missed what you were saying." Laughs a minute.

God must have something out for me this trip. Every stop someone of the same sex persuasion gets on and call all their friends. They only know one voice ... loud. At one point about 10:40 at night, I had enough and asked the young man to take his phone to the observation car. Of course, he asked me if "I was going to be rude all night." I replied, "I am sorry but your discussion of your and your life-mates adventures with a horse are over the top. Beside, it was quiet hour." He finally moved after some other Lady nearby called the Conductor. I tolerate a lot but sometimes I balk at TMI. I did laugh out loud when he told his friend on the phone that "he was volunteering in San Fransisco with the Health Department Exposition to provide STD counseling and information and then asked his friend if it was too much to dream he would meet the man of his dreams." Just where you want to meet someone ... at a STD meeting. Anyways, I hope things calm down a bit and everyone returns to normal.

Dinner was filled with talk of bowling and flying. Three guys from Michigan were also heading to Reno to bowl.

Great news ... the rail track across the Sierra Nevada's is snowed over and rock and mud are mixed into the mess. The plan now is to put me on a bus to Reno when we get to Winnemuca UT. The train will detour to another track to get to Sacramento. This really mucks the plans up. They don't know how Sunday will work when I try and return home. I guess flexibility is the game plan.

USBC Nationals - Day Two

Day Two started in Chicago waiting for the train to leave for California. My beauty sleep was interrupted by a bunch of people who got on in Pittsburgh. They were fuming and fussing because the train was 30 minutes late and they couldn't find seats together. They managed to wake everyone up with their bickering and one Lady must of said "this is ridiculous" a hundred times. Finally the conductor shut them up and found them seats. My first stop was Cinnabon Shop for a roll and coffee. Lunch was Chicago style chili dogs. Hopefully, I won't pay a price for eating them later. The six hour lay-over was spent sitting and watching the people walk by. I did manage to have a few laughs on them. I most enjoyed a lady who wore cowboy clothes with bells on and looked like the mule had kicked her in the face numerous times. One person made me wonder just how much can you pack into a pair of leotards? The seams were stretched to the busting point but at least they held for the time she took to walk by me. Thank goodness! My seat partner for the ride to Denver is one of those that don't believe in the US Government and refuses to pay taxes. By Galesburg, I am tired of his political views and grousing. The only redeeming part is he loves the Observation car and might leave me alone for a good while. The scenery is nice and will only get better as the mountains get closer. With the overcast, the sunlight will be gone by time we get to the Mississippi River. Once the Engineer gets this train up to speed we cruise at 80 mph. Dinner was great but listening to the rain hit the glass and watching the lightening was a show unto itself. I wonder if there are any tornado's nearby? I am missing the news but then again I don't have to hear what idiotic things Congress or the President does. This would give me a good reason to setup the news app on my phone ... naw!

USBC Nationals - Day One

Day One of the great Annual adventure to Reno Nevada is finally here. After waiting a whole year my vacation begins. I am traveling alone this year but not from the lack of inviting select people to go. The day started with a session of packing. hat should of been a routine start to the trip wasn't. It seems a curious three year old really made it interesting. As fast as I folded and packed, he would pull it out and ask "what is this?" I would tell him and he would grab something else and ask the same question. A few times he would grab something from the drawer and toss it into the suitcase. But despite his best effort I managed to get packed. After a few more errands, I managed to head for Union Station about 11:30. Cheng and I had lunch at Sbarros as usual. I must really be a creature of habit. But, Stromboli and pizza are great preparation for a train ride. They offered me a sleeper upgrade for $699. $699 for one night, can you believe that? Why I wouldn't even pay that for a luxury motel room much less a roomette sleeper. I boarded the train on time and headed west. The train car was full but I managed to get a window seat. No, I did not beat up an old lady and throw her off! Of course, Murphy's Law prevailed and the guy behind me was a flamin man lover. I was so tired of hearing his goodbyes to all his boyfriends. He made no effort to be quiet much less discrete. Finally, he exhausted his little black book and went to sleep. Dinner was great and I enjoyed it with a young couple who were Italian and worked in Holland. What a combination! Dinner was New York strip and Hagen Daz ice cream. The rest of the night was spent watching the stars go by in between spells of sleep.

Slow Friday

Well, USBC Nationals is almost here. I leave on Monday @ 1605. I still have a few things to do to get ready but I can now enjoy the excitement of a great week of bowling and train rides. I will be staying at the Silver Legacy in Reno once again. I should own a room by now after all the times I have stayed there. I think this is my 11th stay at the Silver Legacy. The memories of my first trip in 1990 to Toledo seems so distant. As usual, I will try and blog everyday and hopefully give you a small taste of what is happening. Anyone who wants to donate money for my good time is more than welcome.

Wild Mom is doing fine though Muffin is having a rough time. Squirrel Man is back to driving. I will have to start planning another weekend trip down there soon so I can finish up what I did not get done last time. Anyone want to go and help drive? Lady is fine as ever and is working hard to finish cleaning out her craft room. It has turned out to be a tougher job than first envisioned but she is getting it done. Gee, it just dawned on me, there is only 3 weeks till Lady and I sneak off to Williamsburg for the weekend. Wow! She will be in a bikini so I best get my body into speedo shape!

#1 is working and teaching hhgreg what to do. #2 is a phantom who only passes by and the only prolonged sightings are at the dinner table. Peanut doesn't want me to talk about her size so I won't. But ... the baby is getting bigger! Most the Doctor news lately has been good and everything is set for a successful launch. Gung Ho Jenn works and is ticklish as ever. Of course, I do my best to refrain from tickling her.

The Grandkids will be here this weekend for the first time in 3 weeks, so life will be exciting and non-stop activity.

Almost time to start up my comments on the "Sidewalk Observations from My Window" series. The foot traffic on the street is picking up and already there have been some amusing scenes. Such as the woman who was chatting with a friend while standing in the Taxi parking lane. The Taxi pulled in behind her and stopped within inches. The woman then backed up, not knowing the Taxi was there, hit the car, lost her balance and managed to slide off the hood onto the ground. Bad part is her dress caught on the hood ornament and remained there. So for a few minutes the passing cars were treated to a funny scene until she got her footing and unhooked her dress. Of course, I was almost in tears as I laughed at the scene she made. I know there will be more episodes and can't wait, maybe I should keep my camera handy.

My Yen's Worth

Today I heard a commentator ask why the Japanese are responding to this disaster as they are. They are doing things such as "no looting", "standing patiently in long lines," and "giving of what food they have even though it is obvious they don't have enough for themselves." I mulled it over a bit and the answer sort of sneaked in. Perhaps their values of family, respect for all, accepting responsibility and not expecting a handout are central parts of their astonishing behavior. Japanese have always been known as a polite people. We as Americans were that way until we kicked Christ out of everything, adopted a "me first" attitude and decided it was never our fault, and that there was always a reason or excuse as to why we were that way. When was the last time the looters didn't show up at some disaster? We have come from a society that never locked their doors and windows to one where we create a Ft. Knox type of home. We will shoot someone for just coming in unannounced.

Perhaps we should thank the Japanese people for the lesson and then get on our knees. Take America back to a "Christian" Nation.

Recap 01

Well, time to post some more. Everything is progressing fairly well. Bowling is winding down. The Youth Team is still on top and the Adult team is slowly getting higher up the ladder. I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Alabama and Florida. We picked up the last of Cheng's tools and did some computer work for Wild Mom. Still more to do but that will have to wait for another day. I will leave for National's next week. I will once again be traveling alone, not that it is a bad thing but sharing is also nice. Kline's is open so I must arrange my schedule to get some ice cream. Lent season is upon us and my goal this yer is going well. Not perfect, but getting better. It is hard to believe but Easter is almost here. Someone slow this train down before I run out of days.

Lady is doing fine except for her spring cleaning stuff. #1 continues the pursuit of a million dollars though the numbers are climbing slowly. Peanut continues to grow and the sprout is of a male gender. Now we must wait to see if the sprout resembles mom or dad. Gung Ho Jen works and works and works ... hmmm, sounds like the energizer bunny. Miss the grand kids because I haven't seen them in several weeks. Am I daff for wanting them to show up and demolish the peace and quiet?

Moment To Think

A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to 'Dad.' With the worst premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

Dear Dad:

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice. But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it' s not only the passion ... Dad, she's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy. In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it. Don't worry Dad. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.

Love, Your Son John


PS. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Tommy's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than a Report card that’s in my center desk drawer. I love you. Call me when it's safe to come home.

Last of the February Soap Box

March is almost here and just over 3 weeks till I am Reno bound. The adult team is showing a modicum of life as we have gone 11-3 the last two weeks. The Youth team is in first place and now we must hold on to that place. The last few fronts that have passed through here have brought 60+ mph winds and today is no exception as they are forecasting 70+ mph winds. I have narrowed down my next two trips to Florida to 1 of 2 weeks. Hopefully in the next day or so, I can lock the weekend in and start prepping for the mad dash down there. lady and I are about 5 weeks away from our next weekend get-a-way.

Wild mom is fine and getting over her cold. We still have about a week to see if Squirrel man get his license back. #1 is working and he decided to shave his hair off and now looks like Mr. Clean. No changes for #2 but the clock has just about run out. Peanut still get bigger and her food craves get wilder. Gung-Ho Jenn works all the time. Good thing because if she were at home, I would tickle her more. The GrandKids (Lou, Lil Princess and AJ) are doing great and maintaining their high activity levels. I was wondering if the TV stations play anything other than Sponge Bob?

Church still remains as a large area of concern. Supposedly, next Sunday, the whole game plan will be revealed to the congregation. Where do I stand? Well, I am keeping my mouth shut and trying to not get mixed up in any discussion on its merits. Time will tell and I will leave it laying there.

Capitals and Wizards, quit making excuses and using worn out platitudes, admit it ... the both of you are LOSING teams. No amount of whining will change that fact.

The more I hear about the UNIONS involvement with the world protests ... the more I dislike them. Perhaps it is time to rename the Unions to more closely reflect their ideals and actions ... The American Socialist Movement.

Gas ... the time for regulation is here. Obviously, the Oil Companies intend on gouging us for an essential commodity needed for life. Look at their published profits between 2.5 and 7.6 BILLION dollars. And now they want more because of Libya ... sad part is we get NO gas from them. In other words, the opportunity to gouge is there so jump into it with both feet will the pickin's are good.

Day Off Ponderings ... Or Reflections of a Bored Old Man

Well, it is fun having a day off. No phone calls from work yet. For a while I was thinking of what would make the day perfect. Too many choices, I guess because I can't decide. Bowling went well last night as we won 6-1. Even better was that the team we bowled was just ahead of us. We might get lucky and move up 2 more places with 7 weeks to go. The Youth team went 7-0 as we had little trouble with our opponents.

Wild Mom is fine. She is planning another getaway to the motor home. That may be a good thing thing since now she is having fun breaking her computers. She will do anything to get me to Florida for a few days. j/k I must admit it has been way to long since the last visit. No word words yet on Squirrel Man getting his freedom back (drivers license).

#1 is on the road with his friend making their pilgrimage to South Carolina. #2 keeps looking and also learned a three year old can wear you out. Peanut is getting bigger. Starr and Chicken Man are in Georgia enjoying life and getting rich. Well, at least there is a lot of green grass to eat. The three kids ... Lou, Lil Princess, and AJ entertained us this weekend. The house can be clean but within 15 minutes the living room has a giant pile and is impassable.

** End of Light Reading **

As iron sharpens iron, Lady and I agree for one of the few times in 35 years. Usually we have different thoughts and after discussion find the best solution. But this time we agree and it feels different. The main thought is that after 20+ years, home doesn't feel like home anymore. Where this leads us I don't know. I knew yesterday that she was upset when I touched her and got a "no, that will just make me cry." She took down Brian's blanket and sent it to the safest place and where it belonged. Is there such a thought as being somewhere too long? Do we as humans thrive on change and the challenges of meeting and making new friends. For most of my life we were in the military and basically moved every three years. We became very adept at meeting and making new friends. But now we have lived here for 20+ years. Are we resisting change or the reason for the changes or perhaps we just feel it is not right. These will have to be answered at some point. But for now, we are disappointed and have been put in a position to question and re-evaluate everything.

Hmmm, maybe I need some Prozac, a bottle of Southern Comfort and a big Cuban Cigar. That surely would make life different and less worrisome.

Oh Hum

Here I sit in Aberdeen once again. I can hear a certain Lawyer saying, "listen to me, no more, we will do no more." Yesterday was fun as Lady came with me. But she needed to go to work today ... someone must pay the bills. Yesterday was not a fun day as it seems three different thing took a gut shot at me. Funny thing was my stomach was messed up so I had a pain to associate with the events. It is amazing how you try to live your life to a respectable standard and in return you get lied too, mislead, left out and then made to feel your opinion is insignificant. These make it tough to keep a christian outlook. While I know I can maintain my integrity, what I can do is make sure this never happens again and thereby denying certain individuals making sure they get no satisfaction.

I guess Starr has made it to Georgia. That is how I interpret the Facebook entries. Wild Mom is fine and perhaps Squirrel man will be allowed to drive again after about a 6 month hiatus. They are both fed up with boredom and cabin fever. Besides, the new motor home is awaiting someone to drive it around. Not much has changed with the kids.

Valentines Day was great as my Valentine spent the day with me and then we capped it off with dinner at Bella Vita's. Evey year gets better and who knows what next year holds. Maybe it is time to just escape on a Southern Caribbean Cruise for 14 days.

Time to go practice saying "No." 10,000 times will do it and then I can make the 3 hour drive home. :)

Life Marches On!

I was sitting here and thought I would catch up. Today was our weekly trek to El Agave and we had a crowd there ... 13 people. Next week starts off the same ... road trip to Aberdeen, but this time Lady will ride with me. That will make the day special, as if Valentines Day isn't special enough. The new Youth Bowling league has started and the team has some potential to win it this time. The Adult team still seems mired in the bottom 5 teams. We just can't seem to break out of that pack. Nationals are just over a month away and I can't wait. The train ride will be fabulous. Any takers on a train ride?

Starr and Chicken Man are heading for Georgia tomorrow since the grass is greener and there is a new hope for a different outcome. We wish them the best and maybe will get to see them on one of our excursions to Wild Mom's. Speaking of Wild Mom, she is doing fine just dealing with cabin fever and wishing for Spring. But who isn't.
Let me see, #1 works, #2 looks, and Peanut gets bigger. AJ continues to grow and develop an attitude, Lew grows into a young man, and Lil Princess steals our heart as she becomes a looker. Our Myrtle Beach trip was a smashing success and will be on our list to do it again. Missing the snow storm was just icing on the cake. We have planned another Williamsburg trip (April 8-9) and a New Bern NC trip (May 20-21). Those two trips should prove a lot of fun. Still in the planning phase is Smokies in October and Myrtle Beach in January. We may even manage a cruise sometime in between those other trips. Cheng is back from Alabama and his house has sold. He still needs a weekend to clean up things in Alabama but that will come later.

I wonder sometimes where life's road will take us. Based on the past course, it should be really interesting. I don't always understand where it takes me or even agree with it's turns but I doggedly follow it. I do get tired of the games and twists, I wish things would workout so Lady and I could retire and slow our life down. But for now, We keep on and wish others would follow. But true to course, they won't and sadly one day regret it and find it is too late. We are coming up on the 5th anniversary of Dad going home and I still find myself wishing for 1 more hour. Sadly, I too waited too long and found myself too busy or obligated.

Well, here I am in the SUNNY and warm south. We are having fun exploring South Carolina. Standing on the 14th Floor, I just can't find any snow! Here I am looking southwest towards Charleston.


This next picture is where we are staying. Well, actually, this is the sister tower. I am taking the picture from where we stay. We can see up and down the beach as far as we can see on a clear day.


It seems this trip we are hitting all the All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) places. That in turn causes us to nap a lot as we sleep off the "stuffed belly" syndrome. I also love the lunches as they are loaded with greens ... and I love them. Today, Lady started the sewing machine project so we have stuff all over. Green Giant had another birthday and we celebrated as usual at the AYCE restaurant in Mullins South Carolina. They even sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Tomorrow, we are planning a beach excursion as the temperature is expected to be high 50's. I am still getting a lot of emails and texts that are work related but I can't turn the phone off as I would the MISS all the texts from the kids in my life. Danged if you do and darned if you don't. This week has allowed us to get our TV viewing sequence down. The Cape and American Idol are the mainstays. I did manage to not see Obama's waste of time the other night. I am so ready to see him out of office. There are some really nice beach houses for sell. But, do I really want to live here during the summer? Right now all we see is old people every where we go. Lunch yesterday was at the Sea Captain's in North Myrtle. The chefs special of Flounder was my choice and it was very good. As we ate at the Sea Captains yesterday, the old ladies behind us were discussing the many ways they had their loved ones cremated. And you couldn't believe how they bickered and complained about everything involved with the process. This was such a nice lunch topic.

Well, dinner is over with, the girls are shopping and so I guess it is hot tub time. Enjoy and have fun ... we are!

Fun Times Again - II

Well, another day on the beach. We were lazy and started the day late and then headed for lunch at Prosser's. I managed to consume a pile of collards, sweet potato casserole and corn. Dessert was Banana Pudding, so with full bellies, we then headed south to the Market in Charleston. Not much had changed at the Market since our last visit but the day was much nicer. Sun and 50's! However, tomorrow they are saying rain will pass through in the morning. More seafood is planned with dinner at the "Captain's Table." This is always a dining choice to be made. The order of the day is pretty much unscheduled. Reading, napping and munching consume most of our time. Dinner was the usual stuffing we get when we eat at Logan's Roadhouse. We are going to sit down this week at some point and plan out a few weekend get-a-ways to somewhere this summer. I still have a small pile of points leftover.

I started a new book but more about it when I get further along in it. Yes, we watched the football game but were really disappointed. I was amazed that all of the good teams weren't there. They had two backup teams play and then that was one-sided. Maybe the TV networks will learn one day to use ... the top teams and it will be more competitive!

Lady hasn't broke out the sewing machine for a few projects she wanted to do. I guess that means a road trip to the arts and crafts store tomorrow.

Well, best I turn in and get some more sleep.

Fun Times Again

Well, we made it. Well, not exactly. We are spending the night in Conway SC. We figured the Green Giant would like to take his wife with us, so we stopped and picked her up. She had spent the last week her with her mom and family. The trip down was uneventful except for the laughs and shenanigans. We did see one accident where a truck towing a large trailer lost control and flipped into the median. We hope no one was injured, at least not seriously. Tomorrow, we will make the 24 mile drive to North Myrtle Beach and check into the resort. Well, that is if we don't get so drunk we oversleep and not make it! Dinner tonight was in keeping with our theme of Mexican Saturday. We ate at El Cerro in Conway. It was good but our favorite still rules as the best.

I will as usual try and keep you abreast of our travels and adventures. Provided they remain PG rated.

Truckers Corner:

• Blue is in Oklahoma heading for Vegas.
• Alodar is in California heading for Indiana.
• I am just plain lost!

Gulp!

Too much Aberdeen MD., I have had my Saturn 3 months and already put 4000+ on it. Just turned 200,000 miles!

Blog #701

I just noticed that this is Blog #701. Gee, have I been that long winded? Can you believe that 2% of the year is already gone? The best part of the week is our mini-vacation is 2 weeks away from today. We will be gone 01/22/11 through 01/30/11. We can't wait for the down time. It seems like I have gone to Aberdeen every other day and next week will be no exception. My caddy is gone and I think I will miss it but I won't miss the gas bills. My Nationals Date and times came this week so I can start planning that little train ride and adventure. I bowl March 25 and 26. Who knows ... maybe this will be my year.

Wild Mom is doing fine as she had a small bout with a cold. Camping trips have slower down as a result. But rest assured, she will make up for it. Lady is fine. She is busy doing end of tax year stuff. #1 continues to work and #2 even managed to get an interview this week. Could he be employed in the near future? Peanut continues to work and puke and not necessarily in that order. Gung Ho finally got her truck issues settled and will be back on the road very soon. I picked up a 96 Mazda B3000 and finished getting it road ready this week. AJ, Lew and Lil Princess are still having loads of fun with their Christmas gifts. Although we are getting tired of Scooby Doo movies.

It is a Wonderful Life

Well, 2011 is here and time marches onward. I look back to 1952 and wonder where it has gone. One day I sat here playing the game in my mind, "What if I changed one decision." But no scenario would give me the joy that I have now.

Lady - what if that blind date had never occurred. What memories would be lost. It is imaginable what I would be feeling right now. They always have movies that the central plot is returning in time and changing one event. Please, don't ever do that! I would lose too much.

#1 and #2 - What if we never took those certification classes and never saw you. Believe it or not, you two are part of me and more precious than life.

Starr - You are just that. A twinkling of light that lit up our lives. Do we agree with everything, no, but that is the cost of being open and vulnerable. Please, never hide that light.

Princess - Oh, those 5 days before we went to court for you. Your phone call sent waves of emotions and feelings as we raced to make it happen. We want to be deeply involved with your life. That is why we stand at the door and knock so much.

Peanut - Your entrance into our life was no less dramatic. We could have never envisioned where that road would take us and it is a journey I would not have missed.

AJ, Lew, Lil Princess - If you ever thought kids were great ... try Grand kids.

I know some will feel I forgot them ... but remember ... I said it earlier ... I would not change a thing ... everyone has made my life a "Wonderful Life."

Happy 35th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary
© Kirk A. Finney

When years are passing by like days,
and in my hand your hand is placed,
a knowing smile crosses your face,
a simple touch can still make my heart race.

When I can see my soul in your eyes,
and you see your soul in mine we realize,
that a love so deep can harbor no lies,
where our only tears shed were happy tears we've cried.

I love you as much now as I ever did before,
if possible, I may even love you more,
all starting from a feeling we did not ignore,
a feeling of connection we chose to explore.

I don't know what it is that you saw in me,
what I saw in you was the utmost happiness that can ever be,
even more so on the day when you and I became "We",
I can still smile and say with love and truth Honey,
I love you ... Happy Anniversary.

Jesus

Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. Re-post if you believe with your heart ... Merry CHRISTmas!

Southern Ten Commandments

Some people have trouble with all those "shall's" and "Shall nots" in the Ten Commandments. Folks just aren't used to talking in those terms. So, in middle Tennessee they translated the "King James" version into "Jackson County" language ... no joke! This was posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro, TN.

1 - Just one God
2 - Put nothin' before God
3 - Watch yer mouth
4 - Git yerself to Sunday meetin'
5 - Honor yer Ma & Pa
6 - No Killin'
7 - No foolin' around with another fellar's gal.
8 - Don't take what ain't yers
9 - No tellin' tales or gossipin'
10 - Don't be hankerin' fer yer buddy's stuff

Now that's plain and simple. Y'all have a nice day now ya hear! And bless yer pea pickin' heart ...

November Vacation - Final

Well, another week passes and our mini-vacation is about over. Our last couple of days were filled with just driving around and checking a few things out we had seen throughout the week as we drove between Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown. One of them was to visit Jamestown Settlement. We spend nearly 3 hours wandering through the museum and outside area. Do you realize how small the three boats are that the settlers came across the Atlantic on? They were nothing like even the smallest cruise ship we were on. We wanted to play Putt-Putt golf, since the last time we had so much fun. But alas, they were closed for the season. I guess the Ladies will have to wait a bit longer for their lesson from the Guy's. Of course, Pierce's was great. I think everyone stuffed themselves on the BBQ. We have definitely decided that we can't wait for January and our trip to Myrtle Beach. While it is about 7 weeks away, it can't come fast enough. We ended the trip with lunch at El Agave just like we started it. The little red car ran fine and averaged over 34 miles per gallon. With gas prices hitting $3.00 a gallon that is good and welcome news. We did see gas prices in the $2.51 range down in the Tappahannock area.

Well, it is back to work, church, bowling and life in general. Smile ... I am all rested up!

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You have to wonder about Obama. He snuck over to Afghanistan only have Karzai ignore and not meet with him, and to tell the troops that they were supported but going to have to come home without a victory. To help their morale, they would be able to now embrace their homosexual friends openly. Furthermore, all those people back home that keep them supplied with the essentials of life and combat would be getting a pay freeze or cut. All this to let them know ... we appreciate all you have done!

November Vacation - II

Well, we are having fun. We have spent two days in Colonial Williamsburg and still managed to see both Yorktown and Jamestown. This time in Williamsburg we did mostly tours and managed in our advanced age to learn something. See, even old dogs can learn new tricks. We had lunch both days in two of the city taverns (Chowning's and Shield's.) While yesterday's lunch was good, today's (Shield's) was really good. Yorktown was interesting but I seemed to like Jamestown more. The smallness of the original fort amazed me. How would I do living in such a small place when death was everywhere outside of it. I will come back to spend more time when it is warmer and not so windy. With the temps in the mid 40's and the wind about the same, it was brutal when it came off the water. Needless to say our stay was curtailed or limited to inside the buildings. Now we have Thursday and Friday free to do what we like best ... sit around and do nothing. Well, nothing does include reading, puzzles, crafts and such. Of course we still have a date at Pierce's BBQ someday for lunch. If you have never ate there, well, you are missing something special. Lady is doing fine but the long walking does take its toll later in the day. I think she is nearly done with her crafts.

November Vacation

Well, it is vacation time. 7 days to forget the world and get some rest. So far I have slept in every morning and managed to get up around 8:30. Lady is crafting away the hours and not to mention doing some power shopping. The drive down was uneventful and quite scenic as we drove US 17 instead of Interstate 64/95. We started the trip off with lunch at El Agave in Warrenton. Saturday was a late dinner at an Italian restaurant and some TV as we started our relaxing rest. Sunday night was spent at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. This is a must for a family. The lights were great and we even managed to see all the Christmas themes by country. We managed to squeeze in 2 shows, Santa's Fireside Feast and Miracles. Next time we will see a couple others. We rode on a flight simulator as it flew us across the European countryside. We spent time watching a candle maker do his craft. Green Giant even bought a Harley Davidson theme candle. While we were in the "France" theme town, the snow maker came on and the snow flakes created a really nice feeling. The night was cold too as the temperature dropped into the mid-30's. Hot chocolate, cider, tea and coffee were the drinks of choice. We rode the sky-tram and flew over the whole park and enjoyed the lights. Then we rode the train around the park and saw things we couldn't see from the air. Today was the Pottery factory and we saw a lot of "stuff." Tomorrow we will do our first of 2 days in old town Williamsburg. Thursday will be Jamestown and Friday will be Yorktown. So we have enough planned to keep us busy. The 3 bedroom condo is really nice with lots of room. Sorry that everyone has missed this great time. Maybe next time you will jump on the band wagon and come along.

Turkey Day 2010

Well, believe it or not ... Thanksgiving has come and gone. Next up ... Christmas. 2010 has been a short and fast year. I hope everyone spent time with their family and renewed some relationships. I was blessed by having all the family at the house for some part of the day. It would be nice if that could be the daily norm but until then I take what I can get. Lady and Peanut did a bang up job with the meal. I could easily see myself at 300 lbs. if that was a daily occurrence. Wild Mom camped through the holiday and I know she enjoyed it. (Better if I had been there!) Work for everyone resumed on Friday except for Lady. Yes, I had to show up for a bit to get rid rid of a rootkit and trojan virus. Seems like the last two holidays I had to come in and fix a computer.

I am thankful for a loving wife and family. Was this one the best? I don't know because every Thanksgiving has been special. This day is better in my opinion because unlike Christmas it isn't buried under the presents and toys. Yes, we did eat a lot but it is hard to get mad when your belly is full and your eyes almost closed on their journey to sleepy land.

Thank You Princess for a special memory.

===============================================

Good Football since the Deadskins weren't playing. Geaux Saints!
Maybe it is time to do with Portis that we do all Turkeys. Pluck him and freeze him. e can't finish a season ... Have Obama pardon him and send him to pasture.

Is it Christmas, Thanksgiving or Halloween? The Stores don't know!

Let me see, it is November already. Anyone know where the time went? Bowling is progressing smoothly as we approach the midway point of the season in a few weeks. I sure hope the second half goes better. I hate being in last place. My job continues to require long hours. Just about when I think I have caught up and have a handle on things, the dam breaks and I am fighting for air all over. The vacation in Williamsburg Virginia at the end of November can't come soon enough.

Wild Mom is off camping in the new motor home and will return in a few weeks. Is that what retired life looks like? Hmmm. Lady's knee is getting better but it is still an annoyance. Though Sunday she did really good bowling when she rolled a 210. Sure beat everyone else that game. We always knew she had it in her. Once she gets the knee better and gets into bikini shape ... snort! The work scene at home remains the same with 3 of 4 persons gainfully employed. We all will be glad when #1 gets off the late shift and gets back to bowling before he forgets and can only manage a 145 average. The Fridge looks funny with all the work schedules hanging there. Great Christmas present though! AJ will have to find somewhere else to stick his pictures. Oops, no pins and staples on that wall! Lew, Lil Princess and AJ are doing well. Lil Princess and AJ are working on their attitudes. Trouble is we like it better before they started. Hopefully, the stonewalling, acting out and not hearing will go away as they get bigger. Is it wishful thinking? Starr left the grassy green fields of New Hampshire for the stubble of the Battlefields of Manassas this morning. Her and Chicken man will be moving in an apartment over on Yorkshire Lane. Isn't there a requirement that says kids will live X miles away from home when they move out? I must have misread the parenting guide. Oh, that is right, they never move out and then the rules are changed. Princess works all the time. Ruling her kingdom requires a major effort with little free time available. Someone promote her and give her a big pay raise!

The emphasis this Christmas will be on relationships and time spent together. So other than the grand kids, gifts and presents will be very minimal from me. I would rather spend time with you and have a meal with you. Lady is planning a great Thanksgiving meal and Christmas meal. So to start ... FREE FOOD with a grumpy old man on the side. I don't know anyone who would argue that the meal won't be great. So let's forget the commercialization and focus on relationships. If you disagree, please tell me.

Where Has the Time Gone?

Gee, I am really behind on this Blog. Needless to say, this past month I have been very busy adjusting to the new position at WAVA. Cheng left in early October and I naturally assumed all his jobs. They have hired another engineer to help out but He needs sometime to learn our system. For those who worry about this stuff, yes, it did mean a small increase in funding to me.

The trip to the Great Smokey Mountains (GSM) was fun. It was restful but we did manage to get in some shopping and sightseeing. One fun part was visiting this artist's shop in Gatlinburg. He came to our church a few months back and did a pottery demonstration while the Pastor spoke. Of course the visit turned from a sightseeing to one of souvenir buying. The 2010 Rennaissance Faire was good as ever. We managed to spend 6 hours watching and walking before we were wore out and needed to head home. I still didn't get Lady to buy the female metal breast plate! Bowling is ok. Both teams are living in the cellar these days. We just can't seem to get over the hump and win the close ones. Lew is averaging 89 and slowly getting better. That is, when I can keep him focused on bowling and not on playing with the other kids or video machines. When he is focused, his scores are more in the 115 range. Wild Mom is well. She enjoyed the GSM trip and then Camp Bluebird a week later. Now her new toy is at home. No, not Squirrel Man, but a 32 foot motor home.

I guess we will never see her any more as she wears the motor home out on the camping trail. Lady is well, though her knee is bothering her a bit. I guess the weather change is keeping it tender. Her Doctor's appointment went well with a clean bill of health. #1 is working and not bowling so well. #2 is neither working or bowling. Peanut is working and chasing after AJ. Of course, room rearranging is the highlight of the day. It is amazing how many combinations you can come up with even with the smallest of rooms. Gung-Ho Jen made it here with minimal hassle and problems. She is all moved in and busily hunting for work. Well, in less than a month, she has landed one ... Wal-Mart. Maybe #2 will check out her technique and learn something. Halloween proved great as AJ was Scooby-Doo, Lil Princess was a princess, and Lew was a super hero. Needless to say, way too much candy was given to such small people.

Leaves are a Changing Time!

Can you believe the week is almost done and we have a few days of vacation planned starting Friday! Well, that is true. Life at work will really change now that Cheng's last official work day is also Friday. Oh what will they do after that? More on that saga and my life another day. On a sad note Mary Faris, a church member passed on Sunday night and we will attend the services on Wednesday and Thursday.

Wild Mom is already in Nashville Tennessee. Did someone say "in a hurry"? The ease of the drive surprised her as she planned for two days and then did the drive in one day. I say she just had a lead foot! Squirrel man thinks she was just too cheap to pay for a room at the motel. Bowling was OK this weekend. The kids did the best to date and went 5-2. Lew had a really good day averaging 115. The Adult team continued it's slow start going 2-5. Though Green Giant had a great day that included three strikes in a row and a 141 game. He almost beat #1. Starr is having fun up north and even has a new pussy ... yeah, they gave her a new kitten. Just what she needs ... two hand fulls ... chicken man and a cat. We will miss Lew and Lil Princess this week while we are gone away. Oh how will we ever survive the peace and quiet! AJ is almost like a mini #1 as he is strong willed and opinionated almost to a fault. Peanut works and continues her quest for happiness and a bikini bound body. Princess is our resident workaholic, in a good way. Sometimes I wish I could wave my magical wand ... but alas, I lost it somewhere along life's road.

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Sadly, the Baseball season is drawing to a close and the Braves choked horribly in September.

Happily, the Redskins continue their losing ways.

Only 9 more months till the Tour De France returns.

Take this Job and Shove it

There are many things going on this week. Dancing With The Stars started their 11th season and the first week was interesting though my favorite dancer is taking this season off. On the bowling scene, not much has changed but Lew did have his first bad week. Green Giant is doing well in his rookie season. On the work scene, Cheng resigned effective 10/01/10. That is providing the impetus to make this and next week very interesting. There are many decisions that need to be made so time will bring resolution. I am not sure how I really feel about this but I am happy Tom will finally enjoy work once again. One week left to we head for Pigeon Forge for our Fall mini-vacation. I can't wait as I know everyone else is looking forward to the time off. Starr and Chicken man leave for New Hampshire on Friday to start a new life. It is bitter sweet when one of the chicks leave the nest but at the same time ... it is time.

Wild Mom is pumped about Pigeon Forge and they actually leave this sunday to start the trip up there with a short stop in Nashville. Lady is always busy and her exercise program is starting to pay off. She too is ready for the upcoming weekend. #1 has another interview soon and #2, well who knows. He lives every breathing moment in his man-cave. I wonder when the hibernation period will end? Peanut is doing fine. She even works out with Lady. She wants to be more beautiful. AJ is surviving. He has hidden one pair glasses, which means #1 can't bowl worth squat. I think he has a 150 average right now. AJ also hid the TV control which makes life miserable. We have searched all over and it amazes me how they can just disappear. Is water-boarding legal? Can we torture Peanut and get him to confess? Lew and Lil Princess are a joy though sometimes they get a case of the arse and make life troubling. It isn't the first time and definetely won't be the last.

Princess has returned to my life. Since my birthday, we have chatted and text almost everyday. That is good. I know I am an attention junkie but I am coping with what I can get. Maybe one day both our dreams will come true ... just like in the fairy tale. Right now she is fighting a cold and the work won't give her a chance to recover. Maybe one day I will be good enough to be her friend on Facebook! More social networking will be possible!

New version of 23rd Psalm?

Obama is the shepherd I did not want.
He leadeth me beside the still factories.
He restoreth my faith in the Republican party.
He guideth me in the path of unemployment for his party's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the bread line, I shall fear no hunger, for his bailouts are with me.
He has anointed my income with taxes, My expenses runneth over.
Surely, poverty and hard living will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will live in a mortgaged home forever.
I am glad I am American, I am glad that I am free.
But I wish I was a dog ... And Obama was a tree.

Color Change Days

Well, where do the days go? We are almost halfway through September and 3 days away from Peanut getting older! Only 17 days till it is vacation time for a few days. We are still unable to lock down a weekend at the Renn Faire and time grows short. All the Bowling leagues are in full swing now. The bad part is both teams are slow to start their winning ways. Lew started this new league with a 110 average. A far cry from the first league at 58. Green Giant endured his first night with the Sunday Night team and he did better than expected. Gee, how hard could bowling be? Wild Mom is doing fine and Squirrel man is frisking as ever. Their little episode at the campground wasn't serious and all is well. They are now heavily into planning the Pigeon Forge getaway in October. Lady is getting finer and finer. I am getting use to all the points chatter every time we sit down to eat. Meat and potatoes are my mantra! #1 made his run to Myrtle Beach and all is well down there. His bowling is suffering because he can't see so good. He keeps forgetting his glasses, so he can't see what he is doing. The perfect excuse. #2 has no change to his potato status. Games, games, games and hanging with his buds is his daily mantra. Peanut continues to work though her schedule will change some this week. Now we just need to find a way to get her up and to church on Sunday. AJ is growing and constantly moving. He has shifted from Guacamole to Queso Dip as his favorite at El Agave's. He wasn't too happy when the swimming pool got put away for the season. Lew and Lil Princess shifted their time with us a bit but we were happy to spend Friday Night and Sunday with them. Starr is invisible right now ... haven't seen her in several days. her phone must be broken as the text messages have gotten lost. Oh well, one day she will reappear. Kind of the same story for Princess, the phones are broke and the car has forgotten how to stop outside the house. I wonder if it is contagious and will it spread to others? Cheng is enjoying his vacation in South Alabama. He is having too much fun or the gators and snakes got him!

58 ... Last Night? Brrrr

Gee, I have forgot to keep this blog current. Must be Peanut's fault! The Holiday weekend went well. Other than the yard work, it was a quiet peaceful weekend. We can't wait for our weekend at Pigeon Forge in early October. I think we all need some downtime. Work remains the same and Cheng is enjoying a mini vacation down south. Hopefully he won't turn in to gator chum. The Sunday Night bowling league has started and the Youth league starts this weekend. Needless to say, #1 is already talking up the smack. Church meetings abound galore as we prep for Charge Conference. Wild Mom is enjoying all the travel and camping. She seems to spend most her time at the post office changing the delivery dates of her mail. Though last night, Squirrel man suffered a small setback but God is in control and fixing things. She is already packed for the Pigeon Forge weekend, but when isn't she ready to go? Shoot, even the motor home bug bit her, but one look at the checkbook balance cured her. Lady amazes me as she continues to maintain her busy schedule and whenever the chores fall through ... she is there to fix it. She has added her exercise class back into her schedule as she prepares for bikini season next spring. makes my heart race just imagining and thinking of it. She has even managed to get TL involved. Oh, by the way, Green Giant and TL will be bowling with us ... this should provide many memorable happenings to be posted here. #1 continues to work at the temp place but an interview is setup next week with a more permanent job at stake. We keep our fingers crossed it will work out. Same old story with #2 ... slow out of the gate and finished by the first pole. I sometimes wonder what the future will look like ... Oh crystal ball don't fail me now! Peanut is getting older on the 16th of this month. I need to check her for grey hair next time I see her ... that is a downside to aging. AJ continue to grow and develop an attitude. Oh wait, everyone in the house has one ... so why would he be different? His vocabulary is rapidly growing and hopefully the "adult examples" in his life will adjust accordingly. That or I will have to rename him ... sailor AJ. Starr is the same except she is now getting married to BMX Boy. That should occur mid to late November provided everything falls into place. Lew and Lil Princess continue to grow up too fast. Lew is in school now and Lil Princess continues to develop her control of the men in her life. Who can say "no" to her and make it stand? Reminds me of Princess a lot, but I haven't seen her in so long so who knows how she has changed. Blue and Alodar seem to pass through town once a week now. Amazing, He has tried to get through here for years but had no luck ... bam ... he has been here 3 times in the last month. Alodar is learning to drive the big rig quickly though shifting continues to challenge him. So if you see a Blue tractor with a Prime Inc trailer ... give it some extra room!

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The Braves are stumbling badly right now ... hopefully they will pull it out before they throw this whole season away.

Redskins ... well ... a great season will be 7-9. It is nice to know all that money has bought such a good team!

National seem to be playing well now that they are mostly using rookies ... doesn't anyone see a pattern here?

Sniff ... Do I smell Snow?

Can you believe it ... August is almost gone. Even the weather for the next few days is Fall like. As usual, everything is busy and not much time is available to get it done. Youth Bowling ended last night. The team finished 5th though the Bowling alley hosed the final standings. The Lady got fired for messing it so bad. Lew's average jumped 15+ pins and he even managed to roll a 141 including three strikes in a row. Move over #1, your worse nightmare has arrived. We start the Fall Adult league next Sunday. 36 more weeks of fun and competition. Wild Mom is camping and enjoying the nightlife at Styx River. Wild Mom is benefiting from her Doctor's visits. Now we just have to wean her from waiting to see the young doctor. Lady had an easy Friday as her boss took several of the ladies from work out for a boat ride and the day on the water. Well, the ride was short as the boat broke down and they had to be towed back to shore, thus making the day shorter. #1 has another interview this week ... hey maybe we will get lucky and one of them pick him up as an employee. #2 is looking once again. Nothing ever lasts forever! Peanut continues to work, take care of AJ and spend time with her friend who is visiting. She keeps pushing the envelope by baking cookies and then wanting us to eat them so she won't be tempted. AJ is full of fire. It looks like the terrible twos are gaining a foothold. But even then, he is still adorable and fun to watch. Lew is preparing for first grade when school starts in a couple weeks. Could he be that old? Lil Princess continues to keep us laughing and gets more beautiful by the day. She will be a heart breaker someday. Starr works all the time but her cold has slowed her down a lot this weekend. Maybe now I can get a word in edge wise, not to mention see her. My good friend, Bluewolf rolled through with his 18 wheel truck this weekend to pickup Alodar. Blue will train him to drive trucks for the next 5 months. That should make the roads crazy for a while. They left this morning for the Boston area. Speaking of Boston, we will be going to Baltimore for the Orioles/Boston baseball game next week. That always proves to be a great time and has become a yearly event for us ... just like the Renn Faire in Crownsville MD in a couple of weeks.

Promises ... Promises

Well, I thought I would catch up a bit. All is well except for a few sniffles. The constant pressure changes seem to keep the sinuses guessing which way to go. Youth Bowling is done and this week will be pizza and no-tap bowling and trophies. That leaves me 2 weeks before the Fall leagues start. Sometimes it seems to never end. Who knows, maybe one year I will take the summer off. Like I said, Lady, me, #1, Peanut and AJ seem to have the sniffles. AJ is getting a lot of use out of the pool. Wild Mom heads out today to camp for a few days at Styx River. I can picture it now as the mosquito's have been fasting for the week in anticipation of her arrival. #1 has an interview today so cross your fingers. #2 is back into normal mode as he was a victim of downsizing at the place he worked. I don't understand their logic for the move but what the heck. Peanut is working and trying to entertain as a friend is her for a few days. We went to see "The Expendables" and it was ok. The movie lived up to its name as the old heroes pumped up the steroids and acted like 20 somethings. I kept waiting for Stallone to call out for "Adrianne" as he got pummelled during the fight. AJ is well though his attitude will get him into trouble before long. "No" and hitting will be short lived. Starr is always busy as she pushes for her goals. We just hope the health lasts as long as the work does.

Falsely wearing a "Medal of Honor" is a free speech right? According to a Judge, it is. What a slap to all the legit wearers of this medal! Perpetuating this lie doesn't harm anyone? A lie is intended to deceive someone in order to benefit from it. This guy wore it to deceive his friends, lying about his actions for popularity. What we need is a major house cleaning of these liberal, bleeding heart judges. Interpret and apply the Law and quit making it up according to your personal beliefs. Some of these guys watch too much TV and want to be Judge Judy wannabes. Perhaps it is time to place these bozoes on the ladder just below Lawyers.

Well, enough soap box for one day.

Another Weekend of Yard Work

The weekend is almost here! Though the weekend should prove to not be the best of weekends. Tomorrow starts off with Yard Work and ends with Sunday concluding with a vote after Church concerning a proposed new ministry. Needless to say, I don't have a good feeling about it and its impact on the Church. Our Bible Study on Thursday has concluded for the summer. Now we have to find something to fill in until it restarts in the Fall. Wild Mom is feeling good now that she visits the Chiropractor several times a week. Until I get back home I will not really know whether it is the doctor's looks or his medical skill that is bringing her back. She is trying to figure out a better camping schedule once the doctor's appointments slow down. Lady is doing very well, her walking and exercising are reaping benefits and by vacation time the bikini will be the dress of choice. Her vacation while the boss is out of the country ends today as he gets home. She will have to move out of his office and go back to her cube. No change for #1 but next week has a job interview scheduled. Fingers Crossed. #2 is managing though he did tangle with the mailbox and the truck survived. However the mailbox is in serious condition. Peanut just can't stop working so it makes the time we have special. Of course, AJ helps a lot too. That little guy is a parrot at heart ... copying everything he sees or hears. One more week of Youth Bowling. I sure wish I could say we did better but this was a bad season. Oh well, that is why we stop this one and start over all fresh. Lil Princess get prettier by the day though her attitude is developing ... gee that reminds me of another Princess. Hmmm. Starr seems to have lost the concept of being at home, she just loves the work and long hours. Maybe next time she will remain hourly and get overtime for the work she does. Sounds better than being worked like a slave all day long.

Steven Slater, Jet Blue Attendant. Hey guy I know how you felt and I agree the public has gotten nasty and has little respect for others. Gee, isn't that mode most people are in now? Respect, Integrity and Responsibility are replaced with the "ME first and foremost" complex.

The Redskins start their march to last place in the NFC East tonight. Sounds good since then they can match the Nationals record. Go Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys. Wish I could move there and be part of a winning culture.

Wasn't the debut of Jackie Evancho on America's Got Talent awesome? Though I did like Kristina Young's performance too.

Hot Hot Hot

Well, Sunday evening and I sit here watching the first preseason NFL game ... Dallas vs Cincinnati. Today was a usual day, church and bowling. The Sunday night adult league starts up in 3 weeks. There is only one week left with the kids and we are in last place. I have the best average I have had in a while and Lew is also doing great. Who would figure we can't win. The grand kids were fun this weekend. They started the weekend at the "House of Bounce." AJ did have some issues and didn't want to go down the big slide. In time he will change. The other two, Lew and Lil Princess, ate it up and squeezed every ride they could get in. Wild Mom is having fun buying furniture and getting ready for another trip to Pigeon Forge. Lady is doing fine, though her walking buddy is out of town this weekend. They are in Myrtle Beach where we will be in January. They like what they see of the resort where we will stay. #1 did his usual ride to Myrtle Beach with his friend to bring his daughter back for the week. #2 has been on the go trying to rest up from work and spend some of his paycheck. Starr is fine though her teeth are bothering her again. Seems like when you get money ... numerous things pop up to help you spend it. Peanut is settling into the routine of work and caring for AJ. Her next big event is when Katy shows up for a visit. This should be interesting from a bystanders point of view. Work is about the same ... too much time and too little compensation. They officially took over the new Radio Station this week. Now come the next round of changes since we took it over. It is a never ending cycle.

Hmmm ... 01

I wonder! If no one gets hurt ... is it OK to break or stretch the rules?

Well, Saturday afternoon and all is well. The food at El Agave was great as usual. The Grand Kids will be over soon and the activity level in the house will climb accordingly. Looks like this years cruise will get postponed but we managed to get three other events reserved.

September 2010 - Renn Faire in Maryland.
October 2010 - Weekend trip to Pigeon Forge to see the leaves change.
November 2010 - Week trip to Governor's Green in Williamsburg.
January 2011 - Week trip to Myrtle Beach.

So we shall be busy even with all the usual activities we usually get involved with. Wild Mom is fine. She is just getting use to being home and not having the road life keep her busy. I can almost hear the creak of the rocker on the porch. Lady is fine. She is back to exercising so she can get into her bikini when we go to to the pools and hot tubs at the different resorts. #1 continues to moan and groan as he punishes his body at the gym. I wonder why he feels that way but then I remember ... he is almost 30! The body does funny things when you get that old. #2 is working and hoping for more hours. I guess the new girl friend eats a lot and he needs more money to pay for it. Gee, now he realizes, in a small way, what it costs me to take this crew out to eat. Starr is still waiting for her clearance to go back to work. She doesn't like all the free time around the house. Peanut, well she is still the same, working and trying to corral AJ. AJ continues to grow like a weed. He is also developing an attitude ... much like Peanut's. Lew and Lil Princess will be here later so I will have to save my comments until later.

Some times events or comments occur that just boggle my mind. I guess what really amazes me is they won't sit down and talk face-to-face. Everyone has opinions and views in their mind of what occurred ... That is understandable. But at least sit down, discuss it in a personal way and maybe then both people will modify their view of the events. Heck, maybe one of them will figure out that it isn't worth the crap and drop the whole issue just to help heal the pain and move on with our lives. There are many times I find myself wishing for just 5 more minutes with Dad ... so much to say, even more to feel. But alas, axe grinding is sometimes the preferred method of avoiding our feelings. Too bad that one day it will follow with "gee, I wish I had done it differently." Self flagellation will never solve anything except making you feel like crap ... so change ... each one of us is a person, a human being, thus we are valuable and have a purpose. Why do you think God loves us so! He sees our value even though we feel like plugged nickels. Sometimes, I hate to think that I will never get to share, love, and get to know someone this side of Heaven, all because of "I don't need you ... I can do it myself."

Summer 2010

Let me see ... how far to go back and catch up. Our little mini-vacation to Pigeon Forge TN was great. The breakfast show at Black Bear Jamboree was worth every cent. I would recommend you trying it. Of course the meal at the Old Mill Restaurant was both too much food and taste too good. Needless to say everyone over ate and spent the rest of the day suffering from pot-belly syndrome. Wild Mom was there and that made it special. Saturday lunch, late because we were still full from the Old Mill was at the Apple Barn. Once again, we ate too much. Then to top it off we walk all through the Smokey Mountain Knife Works and the Tool Outlet store across the street. We rested by driving to Cades Cove and driving around the loop road right at sunset. We saw a lot of animals especially deer. The trip home was ok except for a tire blowout. We were safe and at low speed. 3 hours later we headed home with no more incidents. Wild Mom followed us home ... probably because we fed her at Old Mill. Took us a week to convince her to go home and eat there. We even tried to get her to stay with my brother on the other side of town but mistakenly fed her some home-made ice cream ... and she came back very quickly. Really, we enjoyed her and squirrel man being here. The trailer fit perfectly in the driveway and all the hookups worked fine.

Lady is doing fine and getting finer. Work, Grand Kids and church fill up her free time. Of course a few trips to the nail salon could be squeezed in without trouble. By the way, she is ready for another road trip. #1 continues on his trek through life and the only change is he goes to the gym every night. #2 is working at a seasonal job and is being kept busy. He loves having Starr as his boss. Yes, Starr has taken up temporary residence with us as she get organized. I don't know if she loves the job more or telling #2 what to do. Peanut and AJ are also back with us. See what happens when you take a mini-vacation. Work keeps her busy and AJ is a joy to see more often. Still have a bunch of things to iron out with everyone here but time will help. Lew and Lil Princess continue to grow and warm our hearts. When Lil Princess plays her DVDs, it is fun watching her sing and dance to the video or music.

On the other front, work sucks just like the Nationals. The Braves continue on in their winning ways. Youth Bowling is ok, the team can't win but I have my highest average in several years ... 199. Lew continues to bring his average up and got his first 100+ game the other week.

Lil Bit Davis

Good Bye - Lil Bit

03/27/97 - 07/14/10
A part of our Family Forever.

It is amazing how a pet will become so much a part of you. We try and act like it doesn't matter but it does. You will cry, grieve, and feels the loss ... even for the toughest of people. Lil Bit was a gift to Ronda but in the end he had become a part of everyone's heart. Yes, there were times he irritated and was a nuisance but then he would cuddle with you and love you and every care and problem you had would melt away. If licks were kisses, Lil Bit smothered you with them and slighted no one ... family, friend or guest. Perhaps God put him here to remind me that Jesus loves us just as much. I am much better for the time we shared and what you showed me.

You will be missed.

Heat vs Attitude

Well, another weekend has come and gone and the work scene did it's best to screw it up. Lunch at El Agave was filled with phone calls. Cheng returned today but that usually doesn't stop the downhill flow that much. It doesn't matter if they do the work ... just how soon we respond to their voice mail. Don't return the call soon enough and their mistakes are wiped out ... it is our fault. Needless to say, Work isn't very high on my favorites list right now. Just a few more days till we head to Pigeon Forge for the weekend. We are looking forward to the rest and relaxation we hope to find there. Wild Mom is already on the road and will eventually get there and then follow us home. Is it possible for me to get lost coming home?

Lady is doing well but life's stresses do weigh heavy. The nursery class at Church was tough Sunday as every kid must have been wound up in overdrive. Kids Moments sounded like the children were in control for most of the time. Good thing I wasn't the one down their in the middle of the cacophony of noise. #2 is working for the next few months. He is helping provide care to a friend's father following his accident. Another interesting point is Starr started her new job today. It is known as being in the right place at the right time. With Peanut working that leaves #1 as the only one not working. Hmmmmm. The grand kids were fun but very exasperating at times this weekend. The kiddie pool got a good workout. It is amazing how such clean water have so much grass and leaves in it so fast. The box of Popsicles and bag of string cheese also took a beating.

The wall and door are up and painting has begun. Hopefully the first coat will get on the new wall tonight. Someone remind me amongst the drywall dust, dirt, and paint that she is worth this effort! Perhaps every 5 minutes would be nice.

Bowling wasn't so much fun as the team lost all 3 games. Lew wanted to play more than go to bowling so we bowled him blind. Nothing like bowling good (600 series) and losing by less than 10 pins each game. Also frustrating was the fact the other two bowlers had spares in the 10th frame and one threw a gutter and the other only hit 1 pin in the fill part of the frame. The first game their 135 average bowler rolled a 179 and the last game their 113 average bowler rolled a 190. Tough to be them doing that. We could have won if I rolled a 246-239-277=762.

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Tour De France really changed following Lance's 3 falls. Guess there will be no podium for him this year.

Life is good ... following the first half of the season, the Braves are in FIRST and the Nationals in LAST. Oh such a natural order of things.

Mid-Week Hopes

It is nice to be on the downhill side of this week. Cheng being on vacation has made it very interesting. We continue to move along in the Wednesday Bible study, "7 Deadly Sins." This weeks lesson seemed like everything I read pointed its finger at someone in the house. I guess it made it even more personal since only Lady and I were there with the Pastor. Thursday's Bible Study should also be good. I really liked the first part which we saw last week. I saw the parable of the "Sower" in a different light and even managed to learn something new about sowing wheat. The new wall build out downstairs is nearing completion. One more time of drywall prep and we should be ready to paint. Oh, let me see ... what color this time. Fire Engine red? Numerous changes around the house with the temporary addition of Starr. Hopefully, everything will resolve itself in 3 months and she can charge full speed ahead with her life. I have enjoyed the no mowing time but I do wish some rain would come and get rid of the crunchy brown grass we have. I am winning my battle against the back fence weeds and vines. The spray is really killing them all the way to the roots.

Wild Mom is busy getting ready for the next road trip which will bring her through VA. Reunions, Pigeon Forge and Grand kids ... a full plate. Lady is busy but is happy Vacation Bible School is over and she has some time free in the afternoon and evening. Little things are bugging her but like alawys ... she will straighten them out and move on. #1 continues his pursuit of Arnold's body at the gym. He comes home looking like a whipped puppy from the workout. #2, well he looks like a whipped puppy and no gym is involved. Peanut is working late. The swimming pool is dry and clean waiting for the grand kids to come this weekend and have fun. Starr has an interview on Monday ... hope it goes well. Gee, I wonder if #1 and #2 could take some pointers! Bowling resumes this week and it will be fun to see if Lew continues his 100+ streak.

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Enjoying the Tour De France ... some of the scenery is great and sort of makes you want to go there.
The Braves are doing great and the Nats are fumbling along as usual.

Grins

Ever wonder why it pours?