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!

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

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.

##########

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.