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!

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.

July 30, 2010

Where did summer go?

Man, I looked up and July is over!

Last weekend we went to Sanford for Keelyn's baptism, and a great time was had by all. Here's a picture of the Sanford Riley ladies. We saw many old friends at the church there; it was wonderful to be home again.

Odd that as we were coming into town we went by a halfway house and I commented about how a youth group I worked with cleaned the lot up so so many years ago. I told Terri and Jackson that we found some vine that someone thought looked like an anchor. I think that was the group we took on the tall ship HMS Rose off Nova Scotia (can't remember for sure). One of the kids broke the anchor screwing around, and Jay whipped a cord around the base which still holds. We found this in the youth room in Sanford.

Then it was off to the house to celebrate Cooper's 4th birthday. Poor kid doesn't get any toys, but he made do........................

He really liked the cake also

And Keelyn was so happy she could just.......well you know.

I'm all out of that thing called a metaphor....here on that old eastern shore. Looks like the wind is going to be tolerable tomorrow; FO is on his way for one day of fishing. It's been a while since I cranked the boat,so keep your fingers crossed. Maybe, just maybe we'll have some fishing pictures next week, stay tuned.

My boats are rotting
July 23, 2010

Another week where the wind blew a little too much for our little boats. A friend and neighbor sank his during the Barta event last Friday, so I shouldn't complain. I decided that if it ever gets below 5 knots both Bobby and I are going to call in sick....actually he has to go to a "conference" that day; I'll be sick.

Busy week at work and on the social calendar as well; had my nephew and his girlfriend over for dinner one night this week, good time and good food, wahoo on the grill, yummy. Jackson and I played golf one evening (he's getting much better, might need to rein him in a bit so that he doesn't get too good), and last night we finally went to our first Marlins game. Fun time, it was PAWS night for the local pet adoption agency; we came home with 6 dogs and a couple of dozen cats. It's always fun to adopt those animals and then come home and turn them loose again; I think it keeps the PAWS people busy and provides them with job security. We did keep one cat for a special Cantonese dish we're trying tonight.

Off to Sanford tomorrow for Keelyn's baptism and Cooper's 4th birthday party. We're looking forward to spending time with friends and family. Pictures of the celebrations next week, I promise.

Oh and yes, I was just kidding about the pets. I know, I shouldn't joke about serious issues like that; it's not a Cantonese dish................ it is Szcheuan. Sorry.