December 31, 2010
If you're going to get it done in 2010..................

.............you better get to it quickly. It's hard to believe this year has gotten by us so fast. A lot happened in 2010; lots of good times and unfortunately some sad ones too. But as a wise man once said, that's the way it is, and that is the way it was in 2010. I'm starting to think the world isn't operating on my plan.......
Great Christmas with family in Morehead and Smithfield. Lots of fun, and I'd like to thank my granddaughter for giving me that gift that keeps on giving: a cold.
One last passing shot before I sign out for the year and head for merriment and debauchery in Durham (imagine!), many of you didn't believe that She Who Must Be Obeyed would really spring for a motorcycle for me. Well stand back boys and girls, here's the picture...............

As you can plainly see, an extended member of the family is seen beside the bike instructing me on proper usage. Grandma always said if you can't say something nice.....................
And Happy New Year. We'll be in Durham Friday night (let's see, where is that pistol?) and down to Sanford early Saturday morning.
Off to Ohio bright and early Monday.
Have fun

December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas

Spending the holidays with family and friends; all is well. Planning on more of the same throughout the week, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Parents' 62nd anniversary is the 26th
Oh, and Terri gave me a bike....BMW 1200 RT

December 20, 2010
She's Real Fine My POS....................

Giddy up giddy up POS.............

Saw this specimen from the 60's sitting on the side of the road in Havelock Saturday morning. She's obviously already driven her current owner mad; the price tag is $8,000.00. Uh, say what? Added an extra zero there didn't you Billy Bob? Oh, mint condition, low mileage; well why didn't you say so? Any chance there are a couple of genuine Daytona Rolexes and a wad of $100 bills in the glove box? No? Then I'd say you probably have a couple of extra zeroes on the end of that price.

Funny how we romanticize our old cars; I thought the 68 LeMens; yes I spelled it that way intentionally, was a pretty car; still do, pretty lines, the famous Pontiac snout (you see kids, Pontiac was a GM line years ago, back before the government took them over.............), and a nice throaty 350 under the hood, which was in retrospect one of the best things about that car. That was a nice hood. Let me know if you want to know the LeMens story

Sorriest transmission ever made this side of a push-button Valiant/Dart; the two speed Slim Jim insured a smooth transition from too high to too low. Oh, and it leaked.

Nope, not on my Christmas list, and not unlike some women I know, still a pretty shape after all these years.

And so this is Christmas, a good week planned with family, in-laws and out-laws. We helped Jay finish his playground set yesterday and got home dog tired last last night. This is a slow time of the year so I'll try to finish my Marketing Plan 2011 this week; and my AHRI thesis next. In anticipation of this extra work I've already started packing on extra "energy pounds" or as I like to say, larding up for the grueling work schedule.

My thoughts are with those having a tough time right now.

Merry Christmas

December 10, 2010
It's Time To Turn.....

.........so you don't burn (joke courtesy of John-Boy and Billy), and turn I did, right off Highway 101 and to my sister-in-law's house. Luckily my brother will get to stay there some of the time if she gives him a key. The sign on the Methodist church was my reminder to turn......... Reminds me of something the pastor said at my uncle Dick's funeral; not really sure exactly what was said but from what I understand my uncle Elliot kindly invited him to leave or get his head bashed in..................................but as usual, I digress. Get the full story from Betty Ruth.

They have a nice house in Eastman's Creek and will enjoy it for many years.

Joy to the world! I was in Boston and New England last week, boy oh boy do the people talk funny up there. Had a little ballgame out in Foxboro that had all of them worked up; kept talking about killing the Jets, and from what I heard they did.

Beautiful flight from Boston into NYC, flew over Central Park, down the Hudson, turned at the Battery and up the East River. Looking down on the west side of the park I remembered 30 years ago hearing from Howard Cosell on Monday Night Football that John Lennon had been shot. 30 years; wonder what he would have done with that time? Wish I'd been sitting on the left side of the airplane so I could have taken some pictures, but you've probably seen New York City before.

While in Revere, MA I saw this establishment. I'm not sure what they're selling there but I'm a big fan.

Productive visits with lots of HVAC distributors; I think we did some good.

And I think I'm going to be in town for the rest of the year; other than a possible day trip or two. You'll find this hard to believe but I'm taking the Basic Motorcycle Rider course this weekend at Carteret Community College. 6:00PM-10:00 PM tonight, 8:00AM-6:00PM Saturday, and 8:00AM-6:00PM Sunday. Twenty-four hours! I think that's probably more classroom time than I accumulated at NCSU.

Y'all can keep a secret can't you? Don't tell my daddy. OK, my ten minutes are up; yes that's how long it takes to do a blog weekly, try it sometime.

December 3, 2010
Everybody Dance Now............

In Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina this past week. I enjoy making solo distributor calls and I made a bunch of them this week. Saw a little bit of snow and a whole lot of rain.

Which leads to the first question: Who is this lady and why is she so happy? Looks like she's ready to dance. Here's a hint: she is standing in front of her house on Mill Street..................Perhaps she'd just stepped in something?

And now the next question: Why isn't this guy smiling? He's got it all figured out now; how he's going to grow up and sell IAQ products to HVAC distributors and contractors. Got a cereal bowl haircut, his brother's hand-me-down clothes, and the world by the tail and doesn't even know it. By the way, we're still on Mill Street here.......

And a good picture of the Old Man taken today! Caught him in a good mood this afternoon at Crystal Bluffs; all dressed up in a red sweater and a navy sports coat and living large. It is good to see him laughing. He'd just told me he drove through Richmond yesterday..........

That's it from the right coast; going fishing in the morning and then off to Boston early Monday morning on a rare flight from Wilmington instead of New Bern.

November 28, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving

We had a great holiday with family, in-laws and outlaws. Pretty weather but not nice enough to try and find a few trout to take home. Maybe one more time before we put the toys up for the year...............

Our Sanford edition visited us from Friday through today; Jackson just started back to Hampden-Sydney; it's about 4.5 hours and he's using a GPS that works 50% of the time at best...........that Eagle Scout reckoning will be kicking in soon.

Sadly I lost a golfing buddy from Texas last weekend; Greg taught me a lot of new and innovative methods to improving my golf course cursing over the past decade; I'll miss him.

Off to Ohio tomorrow early AM

Well we were standing on a corner in Scottsdale Arizona.....
November 19, 2010

Such a fine sight to see; we tried to get to Winslow Arizona for the photo-op but ran out of time. Good, productive AHRI meeting (http://www.ahrinet.org/) and actually had some "action" in the Air Filter/UV Light section. That's a mouthful but I take a lot of pride in that section's work for our industry, as I am chairman, ahem...(brushing lapels with knuckles)
Here's the view from our hotel room at the Phoenician in Scottsdale. The mountain is Camelback, more from that later

On Sunday night we had T-bones outside (no, not here) at the historic Jokake Inn. Dinner featured the largest Tequila Bar in Arizona, the largest wine bar in Arizona, and a "Cosmo Corner." That's all I remember hearing about that evening although I'm told it was a lot of fun. JK, calm down..........you really have to learn to take a joke, and maybe a drink. That reminds me..........

OK, I'm back

The next morning Dr. Larry Sabato entertained us with his regular "I told you so" speech about the elections. He is always funny, but seemed a bit more subdued this year than in the past. Afterwards I asked Terri if she thought he is Democrat or Republican; she thinks Republican, what are your thoughts?

Then into a rental car (Rusty Wallace had it over the weekend! Really? You should call Rusty and tell him I have it today) and north to Seratoma, Sertoma, Sanoma, Sedona....something like that. Pretty scenery, kept going to Flagstaff and slightly beyond. We were within an hour of the Grand Canyon but didn't have time for it. The desert turned from red rock to forestry as we climbed north; very pretty and unlike Phoenix.

North of Flagstaff we visited Sunset Crater, a relatively new (less than 1,000 years old) volcano. Reminds me of flying over Mt. St. Helens; looks like the top blew off.

After my meetings and the chairman's lunch Tuesday we climbed Camelback Mountain. Well, we kind of climbed it; didn't make it to the top but got a good workout. Good picture below, in the lower left hand corner you can see part of The Phoenician, the green beyond that is the golf course. Top right are the Bluffs. Dinner that night featured a band, and yes, I took my wife dancing. And contrary to popular belief, I didn't start my evening at the historic Jokake Inn. We had a lot of fun...................or so I'm told.
Lastly I came home to see this old fellow having a good day Thursday. Sorry to say he doesn't have those kinds of days very often, but yesterday was a good one. Good to see him smiling and laughing.

Hampden-Sydney has a playoff game tomorrow at 12; Jackson isn't on the NCAA regulated squad roster for the game; but is one of the 10 alternates. We're going back and forth tomorrow, and then FO is fishing here Sunday. Going to be a busy weekend, and then in town for Thanksgiving week.

November 12, 2010
I been to Alabama................

Seems as though there is a song in there somewhere, but I can't remember where.

So I should begin by telling you that unlike Sherman we didn't burn our way across the South, we decided to eat our way. Outside Atlanta we found this eatery, very similar to Five Guys in quality, huge servings of fries, and extreme courtesy. Would you like a refill on that drink sir? Care for some more fries? Want to try one of our apple pie samples? They must be in cahoots with the cardiac center at WakeMed. Very fine, if you have the means I recommend it heartily

Business has been improving all year, but with a freshman in college it looks like we're having to do a few other things to improve cash flow around the house................a special thanks to TAR for going the extra mile! This from the hood in Atlanta; yes Jackson, Daddy works in bad neighborhoods. Unfortunately we had already eaten when we found this near a distributor in Mobile, AL. They were cooking pork over coals when we came by late in the afternoon; yes Jackson, Daddy works in bad neighborhoods.
No you're not, I am the Stig!

Last but not least, one of my favorite pictures of this couple; AND yes, the faces were cropped to protect the innocent even though the perpetrator was not innocent when caught doing this. He always makes me smile; know who this is?

Packing up tonight, leaving for the annual AHRI (www.ahrinet.org) meeting in Phoenix. Found out this week that I have to present our section's report to the board meeting Sunday morning. Staying at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, really helps make up for the Hindu hotels I have to stay in waaaaaaay too often. Hope TAR wants to go to Barrett-Jackson.

November 6, 2010
Y'all ready for this?

Saw this yesterday in WV, not quite ready for this season, how about you?

Then on the way home through VA I decided to participate in an impromptu cattle drive.

Bossy, Elsie, Baby and crew decided to make a run for it across the highway. Luckily I had my hat, pulled the VW in through the ditch slapped the side of the car and started driving the herd to Dodge.

Well, not into Dodge, more like into "a" Dodge. YeeeeeeHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

And speaking of YeeeeeeHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, how about a HiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiYoooooooooooo. The Fishin Optishin thought the picture of Kevin from last week looked a tad familiar. Think so?

HiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiYoooooo is what this old guy's sidekick used to say, and since FO is my sidekick, or am I his sidekick? I forget which is which. Well they do call it The Fishin Optishin Hole in the Head Gang, so I must be the SunCantDance Kid................

again, hiiiiiiiyoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

And I leave Monday about 630AM for GA and AL. Back home late Thursday night, then off to AZ Saturday for some business in the desert. Sure hope they have banana splits......

HiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiYoooooooooooooooooo

October 29, 2010
What is a BTM?

Off to Planet Houston last week for an industry meeting. It was good to get away but I didn't get accomplished what I planned. We visited the park across the street, this fountain was filled with children cooling off in the high 80's

So..........................is it just me, or does the plaid jacket look a little silly? How about the helmet? Perhaps it is the life jacket. Maybe it's the complete package. Remember Jackson, all college students have a camera with them at all times; pictures and video taken may come back to haunt you. Ain't nothing but a road trip......................

Lots of question may arise from this picture; I have to wonder where that BTM Sports Center t-shirt is, and if it will fit? I can't figure out the hat, or why you killed those little stripers; and who is this guy anyway?

Going to Ohio next week; a visit to the factory and then training for our new reps in the area. I plan to see a couple of key distributors and at least one potential. Behave yourself

October 22, 2010
As Molly Brown said....................

She was a rather famous person and a passenger on the Titanic. As it slipped below the surface she said to a raft mate "well that's something you don't see everyday" The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

Any way, this activity took place across the creek this week; sad to see a house torn down like that. I'd heard it went through foreclosure, and then an auction where the bank didn't receive an acceptable bid. The house was an older one on that street, I'd guess from the 70's, but it's hard to comprehend what I saw. Hope this is the end of the housing free fall, although a lot of experts disagree. We're in it for the long run so HOLD ON!

I went fishing in the yellow boat Wednesday afternoon for a couple of hours, lots of activity, nothing to bring home. I found a hole with some pretty (but illegal) black sea bass, and some undersized flounder. On Thursday morning I took the Sea Pro out in the ocean. Caught plenty of good sized blues, brought them home and fried them, and then took them to Crystal Bluffs for the staff to enjoy; that took about 10 minutes before I had a clean Pyrex dish back in my hands. But this picture below is the story, and of course my little toy camera doesn't do it justice (where's Bobby when I need him?) Offshore there is a bar of shallow water, often with breaking surf on top of it. Unless there is no swell I stay away from it, but this boat must have been on some fish in that shallow water as they stayed right in it. The picture show it well, but every now and then they had a nice roller on the bow. Fortunately no capsize..................

And we're off to Houston in a minute for the annual HARDI Meeting; see you there?

October 15, 2010
Variety is the spice of life

Lots of different pictures from the past couple of weeks. Let's start with a day trip to Sanford where we watched the next Pele.........OK, maybe not quite that good, matter of fact he has a ways to go; but we went to see Cooper play, and Jay coach.
In this shot Jay outlines his strategy
"No hands"

Cooper follows the play.....at a safe distance

I caught Cooper right after he unleashed his super secret weapon on the other team. The boy in the grey jersey on the left just caught a whiff of Jif

Which way do we go team? This way!

While in Sanford we saw this T-Bird in front of the Temple Theater. Betty Ruth had a burgundy one, beautiful car, great lines

Some sights from my trip to northern VA and MD. This is an actual pizza restaurant sign in VA. Hmmmmm, think I'll pass; but if I ever did go I would be realllllllly nice to the wait staff.

And then this from the classy hotel where I stayed in Manassas. You know I'm shelling out the big bucks for lodging when this is strapped to the pickup truck next to me. Not sure what the theme is here.........kind of a pirate animal with a pistol. Any ideas what kind of stuffed animal? Why the patch? Why the pistol? Why do I stay in such nice hotels?

In town some of next week, then off to Houston for HARDI on Friday. Let's go fishing if the wind should ever lie down for a couple of hours

October 8, 2010
What's Going On?
(marvelous Marvin Gaye)

We're thinking of naming the Jeep the JITJeep. See if you can figure that out. Now that's a good looking rig isn't it?

Fished a couple of hours today and yesterday; the sound and ocean look like the Neuse River, well they are the Neuse River. Had some fun and got a few sandwiches for daddy out of it. Beautiful weather, except for the nasty water.

Speaking of daddy, this from my brother Pygmy. He was at the camp last week and saw this grill Daddy built a few years ago, still working. I think they also still use a gate with a support wheel he built, not sure, got to have been from the mid-70's.

And speaking of working, this still shot captured from video during the APR Expo in August in Hershey, PA. I must have been looking for a spec if I had my glasses on, too vain to keep them on all the time. Of course the ones I have came from either the Wal-Mart or Dollar General....wonder where I could find an updated pair that resemble ones made this century?

And Jackson is home! Hampton-Sydney has an away game this weekend, he's not on the travel squad so he caught a ride with his mentor Adam. Jackson has to be back early Tuesday, and I'm heading that way to work, so I'll take him back early Tuesday.

Wonder if he'll want to get up at 8:00AM to unload pumpkins at church, or work on Rollie Edwards' BSA Eagle project? I'm thinking not..........

Wonder what the spread is on Cooper's soccer game tomorrow? I'm betting they'll cover, but who could bet against him? Good luck buddy, keep the coach straight.

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