August 27, 2010

Where Did Summer Go?

Man alive I can't grasp the fact that summer is nearly over, boy did that go quickly. Nice week here, lots of rain and the first little hint that temperatures might be cooling off just a little. Pop and Dink had a good week; Dink has been taking physical therapy to help with her arthritic hip; Daddy has been stable with no major pains to discuss.

I thought that picture might get your attention. I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said "If it's too cold for bikinis it's too cold" I haven't seen enough bikinis this year; too windy, timing wasn't right, raining, the list goes on......................Could also be that the crowd I hang out with doesn't wear bikinis anymore. Seems as though I see more at the WalMart than on boats or at the beach. Course I could help my own cause if I ever actually went to the beach, but that's another subject for another time.

Davis is on his way here as I write this, bringing a new company vehicle. FO heard he was coming so he will be on his way this evening. The winds are supposed to be up, Danielle is throwing a good swell our way, so most of our fishing should be in the sound Saturday. Maybe we can find some flounder, or get back into the shipping channel and catch some VA mullet and greys like I found a few weeks ago. Regardless we plan to have some fun, and possibly have a beer or 17.

Home again next week; one major project for AHRI due, and then look for a tow vehicle. Think we're going to let Baby go; she's turning 21 this fall, and we figure it's about time to let someone else tend to her. Anyone care for a 90 Miata? Anyone care to trade for a jeep or an old pickup?

Behave yourselves out there; fishing pictures next week

August 23, 2010
The old home place

Not our old home place, it actually belonged to a certain Minges family in Rocky Mount oh so many years ago. But it was my first apartment, and you can buy it for less than $140K if you play your cards right. This is a picture of the front of the house; I never saw that part as I was not allowed either into or in front of the house. Many of you know me, wonder why?

This was my view. I was allowed to park on the grounds in front of the left garage door, not the right one, the left one. Visitors had to park on the street. Mike Filliettaz lived behind me, and my father made a ladder out of old pipe so I could climb off the shed under the stairs and get on the ladder to see Mike. Some nights that wasn't too easy.

But you didn't tune in to read about my old apartment, you want to know about our son and his new adventure. Jay begins coaching soccer tonight. He will coach Cooper's 4 year old team; should be a lot of fun.

Oh and Jackson; he's in college, more later.

August 13, 2010
The times they are a changin..................

Happy birthday to my older brother tomorrow; I'm not saying how old he is but it ends with a 9, see if you can figure it out.

Wednesday afternoon we went to Richmond and had a nice dinner at one of our favorite restaurants (Mamma Zu's) in the whole wide world, stayed in a nice hotel, and then moved Jackson into his dorm room on Thursday.

Big goings-ons; Jackson was a little imtimidated by the change, but felt more comfortable after the first team meal and meetings. He will be # 83 this year for Hampden-Sydney and hopes to earn a job as punter. Today (Friday) was the first day of conditioning, so we'll have to see how he feels at the end of the day. He is in pretty good shape going into camp so we hope the heat and conditioning won't be too tough on him.

We are proud and very excited as he opens a new chapter in his life.

The house is very quiet after Hurricane Cooper left....even more so now that Jackson has waved good-bye to Morehead City for a while. We plan to see him often, beginning with orientation next week.

Off to Hershey PA next week and then back to HSC for orientation.

August 6, 2010
Changes on the way

As I write this I adjust my internal clock to accommodate the fact that in one week Jackson will be a college student, or at least a college football player anyway. Hard to believe, but it's just about here. His laptop arrived this week, we need some clothes and a new TV and we're ready. The next weekend after the football team arrives is for Parent/Student Orientation, so we'll be back to see him fairly quickly. In the mean time you should let Ernest and Julio know that perhaps they should add a second shift.

Last week the Fishin Optishin showed up for one day of adventure on the High seas. The weather was a little better than expected and we were able to get outside for a change. Hell I was worried that the boat wouldn't even crank as little as we have used it.

Here is a good shot of our creek courtesy of the FO:

I managed to hang a couple of fish; we caught some sharks, undersized flounder, some decent but not legal black sea bass, and lots of trash fish. This is a happy boy

Right before leaving an offshore reef FO caught this right at the boat, really nice Spanish. Another happy boy

Dinner that night at stately High Manor. Notice the severed tail done to accommodate the fish on the grill. Never one to say no to a piece of tail...............................................

Oh yeah, that was nasty, sorry, couldn't help myself. We had fun that day and did manage to catch a lot of fish, just didn't bring as many home as we planned.

This week we've had Cooper in town, seems as though he keeps us all hopping every time he catches the Greyhound down to see us. He is a bundle of energy.

During lunch I watched NASCAR practice at Watkins Glen; amusing how the announcers were talking about the changes in the 2011 schedule (Atlanta is losing a race, hard to believe isn't it?) and how things will improve SO MUCH! I guess they got the memo that anyone who criticizes NASCAR can expect a fine. Uh-oh, hope they don't fine me for that comment.

In town until Wednesday next week; wish us luck.