Nothing Short of Thankful

The older I get the more Thanksgiving emerges as my favorite holiday. I pretty much had the whole week off because I suffered through the worst training course of my life last weekend in Tampa. So I had plenty of time to get my life in order and enjoy the holiday.

Folks came here this year. Since it is my favorite holiday I have somewhat elevated expectations. There are certain things that I want to eat/have/do on Thanksgiving and I know if I don't make them happen I am not going to get them (i.e., fried turkey, green bean casserole, listen to Alice's Resturant on the WRIF at noon, the Lions, and of course being surrounded by fellow lost souls). I have a few new things to add to my list of Thanksgiving musts after this year - pre-dinner hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps (reminds me of tailgating at MSU) and rock shrimp appetizers, corn bread salad and ridiculous brownies from Something Sweet (brownies with Snickers and chocolate chips mixed in, topped with ~18 inches of chocolate frosting, topped with more chunks of snickers and chocolate chips). Casey came through with the GB casserole this year along with some delicious twice baked sweet potatoes and corn bread stuffing... Thats right, the men did all the cooking... Just making sure my expectations are met....

We went out to the Refuge Friday morn and saw lots of ducks including a Eurasian Wigeon and a Ross's Goose. We also saw a bobcat sunbathing about 25' away. He didn't have a care in the world, just bathin'.

Grateful... good company, good food, new begins, the hot tub ;-)

On the Go Yo

I am so sick of driving. Jacksonville last week. Just got back from my second trip to Gainesville this week. Ormond Beach tomorrow. Tampa this weekend. The reward - all of next week off (probably more driving though).

The change of scenery is definitely nice... I guess it's also nice to finally be busy. Things were slow for a while. I have often said that I would rather be swamped than bored out of my mind trying to find something to do. Well I should probably be careful what I wish for. I am pretty disciplined about not working more than forty-ish hours, but I can see how that might be a problem in the near future...

A Mother's Love

Vandals, Scandals, and Talent to Leave Your Mind in Shambles

What a weekend. I waited for the shuttle to launch Friday night before I headed to Hogtown. It was my first real look at a night launch. I saw one from Tampa a couple years ago and there was one a couple months ago at 2:00 in the morning, but it immediately disappeared into the clouds so I never really saw it. I am glad I didn't go down to the Lagoon for that one. This one was spectacular; full moon, mostly clear... special stuff.

Got to G-ville in time to make the rounds. Took Gunner out after we got back from the bar and somebody had slashed three of my tires. That was sweet. Apparently I just missed the guy too. Two guys were on the phone with the cops, and they told me what happened. I guess he was just randomly picking cars and I was one of the lucky ones. He also got a couple luxury cars and an older van. The cops didn't show til around 7:00 am. Luckily, Emily has AAA, so she got my car towed for free. For being such a shitty situation everything went relatively smoothly; The Trixster was ready to roll by noonish.

Marty and I hung out with Casey and Jen and the new pup in the afternoon before CL smooth and LB-L cooked up some mullet, trout and redfish for din... one word: mulletastic.

Then the main event... The 1st Annual Backyard Talent Show... Basically, Kevin put on probably the coolest party I have ever been to. The turnout was incredible. One stage, fifteen acts, three judges, a cool DJ, and an amazing atmosphere on a crisp Nov. night. It was such a great time, so many friends, so many brave performers... Kevin already has a warehouse secured for next year. Based on how awesome this year went, next year is going to be off the hook.

And the ultimate... After the show we danced the night away. They say all is right in the world when Casey dances... Well all was right in the world. Welcome back buddy.

Believe

See-ya Bitches

Goodbye says it all...

Heartache... and Optimism

My heart sunk when I saw that Joe D. dealt Chauncy and Antonio to Denver... Although, in return??? A.I.! He is one of my favs. While loyalty and good character are admirable, sometimes they are not as sexy or exciting as an outlaw... Whenever overcoming adversity is in the storyline, it makes the victory soooo much sweeter... Redemption--the villain becomes the hero (i.e. Andre the Giant, Macho Man Randy Savage, Sawyer on LOST, Hillary, Kenny Rogers (Tigs Pitcher), T. Boone Pickens, and someday...me).