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.