October 1, 2010
Nicole

TS Nicole bothered us a lot more than we expected and was meaner than Earl. We've had nearly 15" of rain since Sunday and everything is soaked.
Here's our boat landing 3 hours after high tide; the post with the chain is the beginning of the landing

Ever been through a hurricane? Ever wondered what it is like? Well Nicole wasn't a hurricane, just a lightweight tropical storm; but still not very pleasant. See if you can tell where this video is going, and remember as you listen that the windows of the Jeep are up; it was that loud

(The video is below, BUT it has been shanghaied by YouTube, no idea why; but it is good! E-mail me if you want to see it spoonerscreek@gmail.com

Might have a couple of days on the road next week, and then next Friday Jackson will be home for fall break, looking forward to that.

Now to dry out...............................

September 27, 2010
So I'm a little late................

I've been busy and on the road for two weeks, gimme a break. Anyway last week was Comfortech in Baltimore; good times, saw a lot of old friends, and I think we may have sold a few products. Well that is the plan after all.

Got back Saturday afternoon in time to see Duke and the Yankees lose, then the tar babies and Kyle Busch win. Guess it wasn't my week. But Hampden-Sydney held at the goal line to win; although Jackson didn't make the travel squad for the game. The # 1 punter had a 70 yard punt Saturday; I suggested an interior line position to Jackson. He keeps trying and we're all proud of him for going through all he has to do to play football. Chin up buddy.........

On Sunday Bobby and Andrew came down for a half day fishing trip; ended up being a one third day trip as the rain and storms chased us back in before lunch. We had some fun anyway, and then celebrated with lunch at the Sanitary.

Then they gave me a ride to Rocky Mount where I picked up the Jeep I purchased from my cousin. It drove well through the storms last night and arrived safe and sound about 8:00 PM.

So I'm home for one week, maybe two....think I could take a day and go fishing? Oh no, rain and wind all week long, even through the Seafood Festival next weekend. That's been the story all year long, the wind always blows or it rains. Oh well...................

So why is this guy smiling? Found this picture online, Jackson's prom date(s) from last year.
Since the wind and/or rain will stick around all week and US 70 will be clogged with eastbound dingbatters, methinks we will go watch Cooper chase a soccer ball next weekend. I'll post pictures.

September 20, 2010
Lots of issues

Who is this? My golf opponent last Monday in Marietta, Greg Costley in town for our annual grudge match with John Hinton and Marty Hansell. Marty couldn't make it this year so the game was a skins match, the winner (yours truly) holds the honors for one year. The honors? You really don't want to know, trust me..................OK, let me know if you want to know

Then off to Cleveland for the Famous Supply Expo. It's been in this hall for several years; the Ferris wheel through the roof always intrigues me. The hours are killer, but we get to talk to hundreds of dealers over two days.

Back to Morehead late Thursday night, off to Hampden-Sydney for Family weekend. Jay was surprised at how Jackson has grown, not in the freshman 15 manner either
Cooper met the mascot; not sure his name, I call him Tony

And Jay and Jackson after the game, both very happy. Jackson would have been happier if he'd had the opportunity to play. He had a good week and pushed the # 1 to a 40+ average game. He's trying hard.

And so that's another week; off to Washington tomorrow, in Baltimore for Comfortech Thursday and Friday. If Jackson makes the travel squad I'll catch his game Saturday in Salisbury, otherwise home mid-day Saturday

September 10, 2010
So what's important here?

We had a busy week, got a lot done, and solved some mysteries too..............

What's important?
For this guy, not having to paddle out. Earl barely brushed us, but still threw swells big enough to push this guy to jump rather than paddle out. He's using a short board; I used to have a 5'4" Hobie, easier to throw it out there and swim for it than paddle it. Wonder how I would do on that board now? maybe I could fasten a stainless bar like they use in handicapped toilets to pull up...............

Nice swell at the Oceanna Pier

Is a car important? I'd like to think so, probably more important than I'd like to admit; but today we said good-bye to Baby; no room at home for her anymore. Sold her to a Marine from Cherry Point. Bye bye Baby. I've been humming the Beatles' "She's Leaving Home" all morning.

She (We never thought of ourselves) is leaving (never a thought for ourselves) home (we struggled hard all our lives to get by) She's leaving home after living alone for so many years (bye bye)

Is the Mullet Bucket important? Is or was to this guy; this picture is still in his bathroom; notice the score 65-3. West and East play next Friday.

One of my favorite pictures of # 1 son Jay, coaching soccer in Sanford. We're proud of him for stepping up and volunteering to coach. He told me at this age the main issue is "no hands." That's Cooper in the blue shirt. He and Holly are good parents and that is really important

And this is important too. Rare picture of Miss Keelyn smiling, or maybe it was just gas. Good thing we're all committed to not spoiling her rotten. "Did Cappy hear you say you wanted a new convertible for him to drive you around?"

And this is important, captured Skype picture from last night. One of Jackson's dorm-mates gave him a haircut for free. i guess you get what you pay for. We're off to see Jackson tomorrow for the Hampden-Sydney/NC Wesleyan game. He seems to enjoy college and the challenge of managing time. Good for him!

And this is important: Kevin and Heather are expecting in April. We're all excited about that; Mama suggested calling the baby Yankee Dukey......has a nice ring to it don't you think?
Off to Ohio next week for the Famous Supply Expo; guess I'll see you there. Back home late Thursday, back to HSC Friday morning for Family Weekend. Have fun

September 3, 2010
Back to the Future

Nice picture of our freshman son up top don't you think? Taken in the spring after he learned to tie a bow tie.

Lots going on this week in Morehead City and eastern NC. I went to a funeral in Sanford Monday for a truly great gentleman; Tommy Mann, Sr. When we lived in Sanford he was an elder and a Sunday School teacher, we knew all of his family, etc.; but reading his obituary was amazing. He was a giver; serving his church and community far beyond the call of a good citizen. People from that generation are the ones who built our schools, parks, infrastructure, and set the example for the rest of us. It was a beautiful service for a remarkable man. Look up his obituary.

This was spotted on the corner Tuesday night. The NC license plates said "88 MPH" I finally figured that out a couple of days later. You don't see many of these around any more; probably a good reason for that........

And yes, Earl came to see us Thursday night. He was lacking his punch as he came through, I saw no damage, no flood waters, and did not hear the usual roar associated with big storms. We got lucky, but I trust not complacent. This was the surf at the Circle Thursday night, beautiful curls with an offshore breeze forming the waves nicely.
Terri stayed at Mama's, all of her neighbors recommended that someone stay there (wonder why?). This picture was taken about 7:00 PM
The most dramatic surf was at Fort Macon. We went to the closed gate, ducked under and walked to the first vista point. The water in front of the jetty at Fort Macon looked like a washing machine, outgoing tide, wind from the NE, and swells coming in caused a lot of churning. But across the inlet was the most incredible sight from Earl; the swells were lined up and breaking off Shackleford 6 and 7 lines out. I even saw some breaking waves in the channel. After watching this for a while a ranger came up and asked us to leave "Sorry folks, the park is closed, the moose out front should have told you" OK, I was the only one who thought that was funny. Still trying to figure out the 88 MPH thing aren't you?

Anyway, here is Beaufort Inlet video from Thursday night. Warning: the audio is LOUD! The wind was over my shoulder but still blowing like a ............hmmm, I got nothing. Blow up the image and see if you can see the rollers. Sorry I didn't get a second take

In other news, we did fish last weekend, but it wasn't that good, got a couple of meals but no more. But we did have a ton of fun and sun, and I got a new car out of the deal. Not really, the new company car arrived. Super efficient on diesel fuel, and the turbo gives it some real torque between 20 and 60. It also has BlueTooth, an accessory I can really use. I just need to watch my speed. FO and Davis made it a great weekend, I laughed harder than I have in a long time.

But alas we must say goodbye to our old friend the Suburban. With 245,000 miles she was just getting broken in.............................

Now I need to buy a truck or a Jeep to pull the boat in and out; anyone care to trade for a 1990 Miata? We're ready to let Baby go to a good home if you know anyone; I'll pay a 5.0% find fee, or a free cheeseburger at El's; whichever is less.

And happy birthday to a great American hero Nephew Kevin. 30 years old yesterday. Why is just seems like yesterday (insert wavy video and dreamy music here) that you were scooting around like a squirrel on hot pavement (my brother's line). I'm mighty proud of you, what you've done, what you're doing, and what you're going to do!
Happy Labor Day, fishing pictures from Bobby will be posted next week!