December 29, 2009
Now with video..............................

Ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et messieurs, it is with great pleasure that I introduce.........

Now let's bring him back, this time with his new instrument (given to him by his Cappy); sometimes he has to try extra hard to hit the high notes; but then again, don't we all?

And a brief introduction of the guests, and some other people who just showed up unexpectedly, you decide which is which

And the visitor from a foreign land you might ask (if you read the last post)? Niece Kristi made a surprise appearance yesterday! Looking forward to seeing her and the Highs this week in MhC. We'll see if Terri can once again beat her catering record of excellence as we play host for our annual NYE celebration

Pop is holding his own. I went this morning and the dietitian was visiting him; she asked if I was the egg custard chef, then told me that he can eat anything he wants, as long as he is eating she's happy. Looks like I'm cooking hot dogs tonight, y'all come on down.

Happy New Year!

December 28, 2009
A very special Christmas

One reason this was a very special Christmas was this picture. I asked Pop what was his favorite Christmas and his reply was "this one!" Got to agree; it was very nice seeing so many Rileys around

Uncle Dave was mighty proud of his shiny sheriff star, he kept telling everyone that "there's a new sheriff in town." When asked why I thought this to be an appropriate gift I replied "well, I don't think he has one!" That line always works.
He even learned how to take his leopard skin t-shirt off in a new way!
Terri once again made the whole thing happen, and was happy and relieved that no one was knifed, shot, cut or poisoned.
Took some neat vids but the machine doesn't seem to want to load them tonight, maybe later

Strange visitors in our house from all over everywhere..........who will be our next visitor? Will they come from Durham....or maybe a loooooooooooooong way away?

December 25, 2009

Joy to the world!

Merry Christmas from the Riley family. We went to the Matthews gathering yesterday and were not successful in the eating contest, although we did our best. Last night we went to the Christmas Eve service at our church and had a good time. Up early today to share presents; right now we're cooking up a storm with custards in the over and a fresh ham going on the grill soon. We are excited to have Kevin and Heather here and will have a family dinner tonight.

Daddy is back in the hospital in CCU. His colon is in a lot of trouble so they are treating him with antibiotics and hoping to get him well enough to get back to Crystal Bluffs. He's been through a lot but continues to fight to get better.

Peace on earth goodwill to men on whom his favor rests

December 19, 2009

Another chance

Well the old boy looks to be on the road to recovery again; we used to call our old bird dog Houdini among other things, think we're going to start calling Pop that name.

He looks and feels a lot better but is very confused over what happened over the past three weeks. If all goes well he should go back to Crystal Bluffs early in the week.

We're about ready for Christmas and a visit from that old man from up north....no not Santa, Kevin is coming home tonight with Heather. We can't wait to see them next week.

Joy to the world!

December 17, 2009
Poor Guy

Pop had to go back in the hospital yesterday; he was having fever, chills, etc. He has infection in his right elbow as a result of the colitis surgery, lots of pain and swelling. But he did have a comfortable evening and ate a little breakfast this morning.

At this writing (9:45AM Thursday) he is waiting for arthroscopic surgery to rinse and drain the infected area, similar to a knee scope. He will have general anesthesia which is worrisome.........but necessary.

More later

December 11, 2009
Weekend update

It's hard to believe but my father came home from the hospital yesterday. We really were surprised and elated to have him back at Crystal Bluffs. I went by there last night and he was more alert, but still a little confused about what happened. Good news

I was in MD, DC and VA for most of the week; too busy for pictures.

Good news from Sanford; Jay and Holly are expecting a little girl. How does Dink Duke Riley sound?

Preparing for Christmas, and you?

December 6, 2009

Another Pop update

Good news, he has been moved to a private room. There aren't any significant changes, good or bad to report, but he continues to hold his own.

We're all waiting on a big old you-know-what to get that reconnected colon working right. Thanks for your thoughts, prayers and concern.

December 2, 2009
Pop update

FYI, my father had some health issues Sunday night which required surgery Monday morning for colitis. In his health situation surgery is and was the last resort. Not unlike a lot of people in that age range with the last stage of kidney function, getting him to wake up and removal of the ventilator were among many major concerns.

So far, so good. This morning there was no change but I just visited him after lunch today (Thursday) and he was sitting up and able to speak. His speech is hoarse and not very legible, but a big improvement from earlier.

I will keep you updated.

November 29, 2009
The poor child..............................

OK, got it; take a look at the nose wiggling going on here; why you would think she had half a pork chop bone sticking out of her foot with all of these visual clues. Guess we're lucky it was only one wooden bead up that hooter.

Enjoy K-girl

Great weekend with the Sanford Rileys; off to MD and VA for next week

November 27, 2009

First and foremost, happy 50-something birthday to the Dutchass

Now for some sordid and assorted videos retrieved from the vault.

#1 Cooper gets a flying lesson from GUD

Next, NK shows us his hand dexterity

In this video, at 0:46 everyone gets a threat, or was it a promise; then Kevin gets busted by Dink, who we later learn "has a bag"

Then Jay retrieves his gift, gets busted by Dink, then gets advice from Dave, Dink, and then yours truly

Now a sermon from NK

last an intersting video featuring Princess Kristi. Observe closely, at 1:19 Kristi makes a strange motion with her nose.....anyone care to guess what that was all about? Oh sure, easy to know now, but who knew at the time that she had secretly hidden a 1963 Chevrolet Biscayne up her nose? OK, my imagination running wild....yes MY imagiantion running wild; it was only a wooden bead from the summer before.

(OK, I tried for a day to upload this darn thing, I give up; you'll have to see it on your next trip to MhC)

Interested in buying copies? Before you answer "heck yeah" remember that Jackson is going to school next year and we need LOTS of moolah if he wants to go to Hampden-Sydney; they're not going to be cheap.
Happy Thanksgiving

November 22, 2009
Back from DC, some more pics

Here are some shots leftover from last week in DC, and by popular request, well, read the whole blog and you'll see it

Pennsylvania Avenue from the front of our hotel; amazing to think of how much history occured on this road, especially on November 22.

Another shot of the Capitol from the mall.

And one more from in front of the hotel

Terri met the most famous DC resident; honest to goodness she made me take this picture

Terri in the US History museum. Listen carefully to her speech (your speech will appear in 5 seconds) I guess she got mad when I put the camera on good old LBJ

And last but not least by request, Riding On The Train.....enjoy Cooper, see you Thursday!

Oh, still there? Jackson visited Hampden Sidney College Saturday and was impressed.

November 15, 2009

In DC this week for some industry meetings (www.AHRInet.org). Left Rocky Mount Saturday morning using AMTRAK. The train is a good way to get to downtown DC, and not have to pay $40 a night to park the truck. This was Terri's first trip on a train, the car was not as clean as she would like, the ride not as smooth.....................probably not going to be the way we see Europe.

Interesting to go into the terminal in Rocky Mount; here is a shot of the tile pattern in the bathroom. It is the same design as the bathroom at 520 Mill Street. That's an odd coincidence don't you think? ACL must have got a very good deal on a bulk buy in 1954.

Guess we should just be happy we didn't have one of these too

Oh by the way, sometimes people don't like it when you take pictures in public restrooms. While in DC we went by the White House, very pretty in the twilight. Guess you're not just supposed to drop in un-announced; we couldn't see the Obama family. Another thing I learned on this trip......

And now for something completely different; something for you FO..............

And a film for you Cooper; filmed while riding on a train. I wrote a song about it called Riding On A Train; it has the same melody as Peter Griffin's Riding On A Bus. Let me know if you want to hear it; I recorded Nana singing it(comments, down at the bottom of this post)

Our reception was at the ESPN Zone last night, lots of fun. Saturday night we had a dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill; we're not starving.

That's it from DC

November 8, 2009
Lots to talk about......

Yes I know I am not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition, but the I think what is that all about?

Anyway, last week we went to FL for a trade meeting, where is the proof complete with the geek with the badge.

We came home Thursday night, and fished with the Fishin Optishin Saturday and Sunday. I'll tell you more about those days later, but here is a sneak peek, dinner Saturday night: Virginia Mullet with bacon grits and a vegetable medley. Yummmy! Wonder how many points this is, especially when eaten with a chocolate martini? I'll post some more pictures from this trip as soon as I get them from the FO.

Jackson's last game was Friday night in Little Washington. We took his friend Katie and shivered through a last second 17-14 loss.

Here is the first punt, watch closely and you'll see something happen for the first time this season.

I thought the rout was on but West fought back and held the lead going into the fourth quarter. Here's what the newspaper said about this punt.

Things appeared to be going the exact opposite way in the third quarter. After trading possessions, a 54-yard Riley punt pinned Washington on its own 1-yard line midway though the period. On the Pam Pack’s second play from scrimmage, quarterback Tony Turnage fumbled the snap and McClung recovered at the Washington 2-yard line.With 5:20 remaining in the third quarter, Simmons leapt over a pile of Patriots and Pam Packers for a 1-yard score, and after a Dalton Knight kick, West held a 14-7 lead.

Here is the 54 yard punt

But then again, this is how the headlines for the article read:

West falls in heartbreaker to Pam Pack 17-14 but still squeezes into 3AA playoffs

I'm not sure where they get their material, probably from that guy in the tackle department at the Wal-Mart who always seems to know where the fish are and what they're biting, but alas and alack.....West did not make the playoffs! Season over, and winning 5 games was a big improvement so congratulations Patriots.

I'll post fishing pictures later, FO caught a 13 pound FA

November 2, 2009
Orlando FL
From the Sunday Carteret County News Times:

After a Riley Jackson punt pinned the Rams deep in their own territory, Havelock avoided disaster when a George fumble was recovered by a teammate at the Rams 7-yard line. West was able to force a Havelock punt six plays later. The Patriots started their drive with excellent field position at the West 40-yard line with 3:51 remaining in the half and a chance to tie the score.Papillion, who led West with 146 yards on just 12 carries, gained five yards on first down to set up second-and-five at the 45. But a high snap over quarterback Chris Dodge’s head and a Havelock sack pushed the Patriots back to their 30-yard line.

Riley booted a 55-yard punt to pin Havelock at its own 15-yard line with 2:46 remaining in the half. The West punter, one of 14 seniors honored on senior night, played well in his last game on the Patriots field, averaging 45.6 yards on five punts.

Jackson had his career night Friday night; great way to finish at his last home game.

In Orlando, might take some pictures while I'm down here

October 30, 2009
An evening at the Aquarium

For Halloween we went to the aquarium for some fun and trick or treating. Terri said I would smile, have fun, and take pictures of my grandson and by gum golly she was right! We had a lot of fun playing with Cooper and hundreds of other little rugrats.

Here Cooper demands that the candy-holder "stick'm up!"

Cooper was dressed as Boots from Dora the Explorer.

Cute little fellow don't you think?

I asked if this young man was wearing a blouse....he said no, it's a shirt, Sherlock

Storm troopers were on the scene; here his father keeps him from pointing the death ray zapper directly at me. Go ahead Star Wars geeks, correct me and tell me what the proper weapon name is.........I can wait

Jay, Holly and Cooper..............and one in the oven too! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat ?

A friend of ours competed in the underwater jack-o-lantern carving contest

And Terri walked through the strobe light section and had a great time

Wonder how closely you read my comments? Jackson's Senior Night is tonight, and then we're off to Orlando for a few days. I'll post some pictures from Florida next week.

October 24, 2009
A good day of fishing spoiled........

This weekend was to be a fishing weekend with Davis Powers from Ohio and the FO from Durham. Weather forecasters plotted the estimated winds at 20+ so the FO went to the BBQ festival in Lexington and Davis stayed home. Can't say I blame them, it's supposed to be ugly.

So I got up early this morning and went trout fishing, got my limit before 8:00 and then caught a few big Spanish, some speckled trout, a 2 pound spot and a whole mess of crappies......something that I've been feeding you with this sentence. Bobby and Davis, sit down and let your blood pressure calm down, I didn't go; might go for a couple of hours tomorrow morning if the wind isn't too bad. I'll let you know

Ballgame last night: West lost to famous movie director West Craven 52-35. West Craven is pretty good, # 7 in the state (someone beside me, name not mentioned for obvious reasons asked if that was good, I said well # 7 in the state, she asked how many were in the state; not going to mention her name for fear of reprisal, let's call her She Who Must Be Obeyed; the guy next to me told her we are #7 ....in our conference; don't think it registered because where she's from you're either #1 or 2 in the state; nothing else is acceptable) Anyway we scored first on a good drive, they scored on the first play from scrimmage. Kind of like that all night; they had several big plays, long runs and passes for TD's. Jackson had 7 punts; 42,37,35,19,39,25,23.........31.4 average for the night. Had a shank at the end of the first half, but still put them inside the 15, where they scored from on the first play. That type of night.

Oh, what's this? Why thank you for asking.....this is the trophy I won at the Seafood Festival Golf Tournament. It's a Brant decoy hand carved by Joe Fulcher Jr. 18" from stem to stern; can't decide whether to put lead on the bottom and use it as a decoy, or drill a hole in it and wear it around my neck as bling.....you know, when I'm hanging with my posse........... What do you think?

I'm all out of trite metaphors; So that's it from the old eastern shore. Go Yanks

October 21, 2009
This just in..................
Jackson cleared to play Friday night, film at 11

October 18, 2009
A review of last week

First of all I forgot to mention that Da Boss Marty Hansell also won a golf tournament the week before last. Pigs are flying indeed!

Went to OH, IN, and WV last week making branch calls; lots of fun, been a long time since I did that without a rep; need to do that more often.

Below are some pictures coming down I-77 and in some little town in IN, no idea where. Poor guy in the tractor trailer had a bad day

Jackson was in the Homecoming Court! He was fortunate to escort the lovely Staci Hoell, neither won but they had a good time. You'll notice Jackson has a jersey on but no pads; he had a mild concussion earlier in the week and has to sit for a couple of games. So how exactly does a punter get a concussion? Although he only runs a few plays in games he does practice and hit during practice. He's upset to miss a couple of games but better safe than sorry. Sorry the film isn't very good and the volume is loud so you might want to turn it down......

West celebrates homecoming triumph over Conley, 30-14

Published: Sunday, October 18, 2009 2:05 AM EDT
EVANS KISTLERMOREHEAD CITY — There were a lot of heroes in West Carteret’s 30-14 homecoming victory over winless D.H. Conley on Friday night.But one such hero, starting Patriot junior quarterback Chris Dodge, came up big in a different capacity than the Patriot faithful are used to seeing him perform.Against Conley, West was without the services of starting punter Jackson Riley, who was out with a concussion that occurred in practice earlier in the week, and starting place kicker Dalton Knight, who was in limited capacity after an injury to his ankle sustained at a church function.
Dodge, whose older brother and West graduate, Matt, is one of the top punters in the nation for East Carolina University, took over both duties.

In town all week; Pop has a couple of appointments and so do I.

October 11, 2009

Yeah, I don't believe it either; this from the local CC news today

43rd Seafood Invitational Results

Morehead City Country Club Members make strong runs in several flights. Lead by two time Seafood Invitational winner and six time Club Champion Corey Lewis. Corey shot the low round of the tournament with a 67 to win the 43rd Annual Seafood Invitational. Edging defending champion Greg Lawhorn who fired a solid 71. Jeff Tomlin was catapulted to 71 and third place overall finish with a double eagle 2 on hole 16. In the Championship B club member Lance Waggener finished one shot ahead of club member Tim Boynton. Both finished with 71's. Notable club member winners included 4th Flight Ken Tetterton, 7th Flight Wic Southern & 8th Flight John Duke Riley. Narrowly missing out were club members Glenn Gulledge 2nd in the 3rd Flight, Bryan Carithers, Jeff Norris, Bobby Marrow tied for second in the 5th flight. David Barham & Chris Pearson also finished second in the 7th & 8th flights respectively.
Thank you to all participants!!!

Championship A Flight
Lewis, Corey 74-67 1411st $350.00
Lawhorn, Greg 73-71 1442nd $250.00
Tomlin, Jeff 75-71 1463rd $200.00
McIntyre, Matthew 77-71 148 T4th $125.00
Irby, Scott 72-76 148 T4th $125.00
Boles, Bill Jr. 74-76 150
Lewis, Glen 73-79 152
Lee, Christopher 73-79 152
Sheffield, Charles 74-81 155
Mitchum, Bill 74-81 155
Blankenship, Jacob 74-83 157
Lloyd, Chad 74-83 157

Championship B Flight
Waggener, Lance 79-71 150 1st $200.00
Boynton, Tim 80-71 1512nd $150.00
Bigham, Steve 79-73 1523rd $100.00
Foley, Mike 77-77 1544th $75.00
Horne, David 79-77 1565th $50.00
Howard, Sandy 79-78 157
Johnson, Zach 81-78 159
Matheny, Richard 78-83 161
Couch, Lea 79-82 161
Walton, John 85-78 163
Smith, Michael 77-89 166
Stover, Rob 85-90 175

3rd Flight
Bethune, Jason 80-76 156 1st $200.00
Gulledge, Glenn 82-74 156 2nd $150.00
Allison, Michael 77-79 1563rd $100.00
Davis, Dave 80-78 158 T4th $62.50
Jones, Cackie 82-76 158 T4th $62.50
Gorman, Thomas 82-77 159
Ball, Lee 78-82 160
Romero, Carlos 81-82 163
Andrews, Chris 81-82 163
Williams, Sam 82-83 165
Powell, Jim 83-WD
Lane, Kevin 82-WD

4th Flight
Tetterton, Ken 79-83 162 1st $200.00
Best, Donald 85-78 163 2nd $150.00
Tucker, Scott 84-80 164 T3rd $87.50
Perry, Ron 82-82 164 T3rd $87.50
Wilson, Ernie 79-87 166 5th $50.00
Gurtner, Ray 86-81 167
Ramsey, Drew 82-85 167
Gibbs, Buddy 84-84 168
Bruner, Grey 83-85 168
Strickland, Bubba 84-85 169
Tetterton, Jason 84-85 169
Barker, Mike 84-95 179

5th Flight
Lippard, Danny 85-80 165 1st $200.00
Carithers, Bryan 85-82 167 T2nd $93.75
Patterson, Sam 84-83 167 T2nd $93.75
Norris, Jeff 86-81 167 T2nd $93.75
Marrow, Bobby 85-82 167 T2nd $93.75
Sutton, Flythe 85-85 170
Cook, Steve 83-87 170
English, Michael 87-88 172
Evenson, Maynard 86-86 172
Boussias, George 86-89 175
Jackson, Bobby 89-86 175
East, James 93-84 177

6th Flight
Alexander, Cecil 87-75 162 1st $200.00
Young, Robert 86-78 164 2nd $150.00
Monk, Tommy 88-80 168 3rd $100.00
Gray, Charles 90-79 169 4th $75.00
Doody, Mike 82-88 170 5th $50.00
White, Alfred 90-81 171
Watkins, Matt 82-90 172
Budacz, Julius 87-85 172
Honeycutt, Rhett 86-87 173
Beddingfield, Cal 88-86 174
Lanford, GW 90-WD
McLawhorn, John 87-WD

7th Flight
Southern, Wic 84-78 162 1st $200.00
Barham, David 83-84 167 2nd $150.00
Small, Mike 86-84 170 T3rd $87.50
Walls, Jimmy 82-88 170 T3rd $87.50
Patrick, McCleary 95-83 178 5th $50.00
Sauter, Bruce 94-85 179
Ellingsworth ,Jason 90-94 184
Atkins, Jody 89-94 183
Smith, Eric 88-90 178
Lane, Larry 93-WD
Boyd, Tom 94-WD
Elvers, John 97-110 207

8th Flight
Riley, John Duke 82-86 168 1st $200.00
Pearson, Chris 90-80 170 2nd $150.00
Perry, Berry 89-82171 T3rd $87.50
Lewis, Thomas 92-79171 T3rd $87.50
Murphy, Terry 96-81177 5th $50.00
Willington, Brian 91-88179
Collins, Charlie 85-97182
Whitfield, Buddy 90-95185
Green, Brian 90-96186
Stagner, Jubal 91-96187
Phillips, Gerald 101-89190
Garrett, Herbert 92-WD

9th Flight
Stephenson, Steve 94-86180 1st $200.00
Creech, Ritchie 92-90182 2nd $150.00
Harwood, William 92-92184 3rd $100.00
Harrison, Curtis 95-92 187 T4th $41.66
Howe, Norton 94-93187 T4th $41.66
Congleton, Mort 93-94187 T4th $41.66
Leonard, W. Phillip 90-98188
Morris, Larry 100-89189
Ramadanovic, Imer 91-103194
Sprague, James 98-98 196
Harkins, Rea 97-99196
Barker, Bryan 92-105197

10th Flight
Moore, Elisha 98-91 189 1st $200.00
Crabtree, Tom 99-91 190 2nd $150.00
Kirkman, Ken 98-95 193 3rd $100.00
Orr, Kevin 99-95 194 4th $75.00
Thompson, Harry 101-94 195 5th $50.00
Harris, Raymond 101-97 198
Reaves, Paul 101-97 198
Kearney, Lewis 99-102 201
Cotton, Arthur 102-104 206
Fraser, Randy 110-97 207
Blewett, Bob 111-98 209
Harris, Michael 116-110 226

Since it was the Seafood Festival tournament, all weekend had all you can eat scallops, shrimp, clams, flounder, oyster, crabmeat; etc., Riley entertained the gallery with such witty remarks as "somebody step on a duck?" "that baby needs changing" "we're driving by a landfill over there in the woods" and the ever popular "better check your shoe"

After winning Riley was seen rushing to the mens locker room where he was quoted saying "excuse me, somebody is IN here, and I need some matches ....................."

In other news hog farmer William Ward reported seeing a sty-full of his prize pigs take off in V-formation and perform loops and upside down flying in a 30 minute aerial show above his fields. Ward said he knew this would happen one day, just didn't know when.

In weather news, Lucifer called in to report a 31 degree day in Hades........................

Duke beat the mess out of NCSU

Yes, a Riley on the leader board on day one, and a winner on day two; it is hard to believe isn't it?
I also won a beautiful Core Sound hand carved decoy; great weekend, pictures to follow

October 2, 2009
OK, the greatest video ever (on my blog anyway); turn up the volume. This was filmed in June (I think) on a good day for blues. After filling the cooler with blues and Spanish by trolling we cast into some bait balls and found this toothy critter among many others on light tackle. You can see I had a lot of fun, and you can also see me getting behind the cooler after he bit the bimini top and held on............. Lots of fun and serenaded by Saturday Night Rendezvous from Franc White's show. So relax, sit back and enjoy because it's time to re-visit the wonderful world of the great outdoors with the Southern (born) Sportsman, John Riley. Brought to you today by River Ox Boats, House Autry Mills, and Happy Jack dog products....ask for it by name (woof woof)....your dog would

I will endorse House Autry, tried others and I still prefer HA; used to use Happy Jack with that old pointer Sheeethade (figure it out, Jay thought he was French), don't think River Ox is still around anymore; they did made one heckuva a good river boat in the 70's.

And a neat old picture of Jackson at the end. West lost tonight 31-7; Jackson had 4 punts including a 24 yarder that pinned White Oak on their own 5; averaged 32.2 for the night

Thanks to the FO for the film

October 1, 2009

A bueno Spanishimo day!

Had my best Spanish day of all time; or at least on my own boat anyway, kept 12 quality Spanish and 12 nice blues also. Most of the fishing was completed by 930-1000 Thursday morning. Plenty of fish for dinner and the freezer.

The newspaper shot was to prove that it was indeed October 1 and not a previous trip.

Seafood Festival Weekend; Jackson plays at White Oak, FO might come down for a Sunday morning trip, and yes.....stayed tuned for the best video of all time!

September 28, 2009
Coming soon, this week I promise.................the best video of all time. Check back

September 27, 2009

Took Dink to church! She still a little weak from her cold, but decided yesterday she wanted to go. Pop was weak also.

Some FO pictures from a couple of weeks ago.

Very nice, ready to go again as soon as we have a good weather day

September 24, 2009

Nashville TN

From the mind of Bobby High; I proudly present a film by Optika Productions, a division of HeMustBeHigh Films

September 19, 2009

West Carteret 65-3 over East Carteret last night; Jackson had 2 punts, both pretty good. On the second one the runner fumbled it and Mason ran it in.

4-0 start, conference season starts next Friday; things might change a little

September 18, 2009

Where did September go? In Cleveland and OH this week, off to Nashville for Comfortech next Tuesday-Saturday.
Pop is recovering, slowly, but making progress none the less.

FO is heading here tonight for a little fishing this weekend; we hope to be able to do this despite the Super Boat Grand Prix here Saturday and Sunday.

I guess this video got him motivated; although the forecast doesn't look too good.

Mullet Bucket tonight, go West!

Maybe we'll get some fishing videos and pictures up this weekend.

September 12, 2009

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, nobody say anything to the FO; we'll see if he notices this post. If he does he's probably going to be a little pissed off that he wasn't on board for this day; it was a good one. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Let's start with some distraction; here is a nice shot of Terri and Jackson. Lovely aren't they? Some of you may not have seen Jackson in a while, his hair is growing.

OK, again, nobody say anything. Pop is back in Crystal Bluffs so I took a morning and went fishing from 630-11 today. Caught the biggest Spanish I've ever caught: 25", 4.5 pounds. Nice. Kept 6 Spanish and 10 blues; all of the Spanish were big enough that I didn't measure them. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh


And here are a few critters from the yard this afternoon after I did my yard work.

Pop is really weak but mighty happy to be back at Crystal Bluffs. Off to OH Monday....remember, this is our little secret.

September 11, 2009

Thankfully it was an uneventful week; spent a lot of my time in Pop's hospital room. He seemed to be in really bad shape last night, came in this morning and he told me he was going "home." I checked with his PA and sure enough, his vitals were good and they decided to let him go back to Crystal Bluffs. Everyone was happy about that; he got back at 12:00 PM and went straight to bed for a nap.

At this point in his life a set schedule and diet are more important than ever. I'll be in OH next week, and Nashville TN the week following so it is reassuring to know he is back in his new home for a while.

I'll try to take some pics while I'm gone

Speaking of pictures; want to see Pop with the stitches over his eye? Need to let me know if you do...............

September 7, 2009
This week, a three act play

Act One

Scene: Friday night at Croatan High School.

We arrived at the game just as Jackson punted in the first quarter; it was his only punt, 28 yards, and pinned the Cougars back on their own 10 yard line. From there they were shut out by West Carteret 35-0. West is 3-0!

The Patriot Militia was in full force at the away game and Cooper had fun and stayed the entire time. After the game was over the Patriots ran to their locker room through a tunnel of fans; while the Cougars left to go prowl singles bars...................................... 2 3 4............ ohhhhhhh (joke idea courtesy of Jay)

Act Two:
Scene: Saturday afternoon at our house

We had Dink's 86th (or so) birthday party at our house; lots of friends and family were there; there were even some family who are friends......

Dink was in her glory, as she told most of Morehead City for the past week that Friday was her birthday. We had lots of good food and a ton of fun.

Allen and RuthAnn, Jay, Holly and Cooper

BRAT, RAT, Dink and Bev

The Queen's birthday cake

Nice picture of Pop, you'll be reading more about him in Act 3

Cooper helped Dink open her presentsWe were even able to Skype with Kevin, Heather, Lance and Krsiti

Act Three:

Scene: Spooner Creek, Crystal Bluffs Rehab Center, Carteret General Hospital

Midway through the party Pop pooped out and went in Jackson's room to take a nap. He woke up to use the bathroom, then got sick. We decided to take him back to Crystal Bluffs where the nausea and diarrhea continued. After he seemed stable Dave went back to the condo and I went home to eat. Hadn't quite started yet when I heard my mobile ringing. I decided not to answer, thought better of it and saw no caller ID, just 252. That is the only ID I get when Crystal Bluffs calls, checked my voice mail, was told they called an ambulance for Pop, called Dave and started for the rest home. Followed the ambulance to the hospital thinking they wanted to get some fluids in him but was surprised to see him with a bad cut over his eye where he fell. He is still in the hospital, had some more issues with his kidneys, but seems to be improving. If they can type and implement a blood transfusion maybe he can go back tomorrow.

He has two nice shiners and 10-12 stitches in his eyebrow; trust me, you don't want to see that picture.

Busy weekend, and not the first weekend this year when Jay and family came to see us only to see Pop go to the hospital. Beginning to see a pattern here........

Epilogue: Lost an old friend last weekend, don't know if you recall my talking about Everett Lytle with whom I worked in the 80's at Trion. A really colorful character who I considered shooting on many occasions, but who also did one of the kindest most selfless Christian deeds I've ever witnessed. Funeral is Wednesday in Durham; we've lost one of a kind.

August 28, 2009

Trying to reason with another hurricane season; TS Danny is going to brush up to our coast tonight; shouldn't be too much of a problem but its always worrisome to see those things form up off Africa and come across the Atlantic. There is another one behind it about a thousand miles off the Cape Verde Islands....of well, take the bad with the good.

Last Friday night West Carteret opened their season with a 21-18 win over North Brunswick. Jackson averaged either 31 or 37 yards, depending on whether you trust my stats or the newspaper's. Theirs sounds better.

Before the game some students gathered to tailgate. Nice picture of Staci Hoell, Rod and Debbie's daughter. She is one neat young lady, very smart and looking at colleges near San Francisco for next year. She is going to do well at whatever she tries.

And a picture of Jackson after the game. Due to Danny they played their second game last night and defeated Swansboro 58-6. 2-0, first time West Carteret started that well in quite a while. Jackson had 3 punts and averaged 31 yards again according to my calculations; we'll see what the paper says tonight.
Worked in the Tidewater VA area this week, stopped at Edenhouse Bridge on the way and revisited a place I used to really enjoy when I was a kid. We fished out of this landing in the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River for many different types of fresh, brackish and saltwater species. I remember catching a bream on one side of the boat and a flounder on the other one hot summer day under the old bridge. Beautiful water and good memories

And now for something completely different; a Hyundai Genesis; after looking at the the logo on the wheels and the design and paint I thought it was a Bentley. Really nice car.
And a shot for the SkuttleDude, I found the AC Dude. Wonder if its the Air Conditioning Dude, or the Air Cleaner Dude? Now try to remember....who was the Assman?
And last but not least a shot forwarded to me by the SkuttleDude. Look closely at the nameplate above the license plate and the prancing stallion to the left of it. And I always thought my roadster was made in Japan, come to find out she's from Maranello!

At this point I'm supposed to be in town all of next week and then we have Dink's birthday planned for Labor Day weekend (we'll celebrate yours too Kevin, but Dink likes to suck up all of the oxygen in the room) Terri will be very busy with the preparations, wish her luck.