My Sweet Home in Alabama

Journal: Saturday September 21, 1985

2011-12-19T17:42:00.000-06:00

We all have days that stand out in our memory. Often they are red letter days such as engagements, weddings, deaths, or the birth of children. Sometimes they are memorable for other reasons. Saturday September 21, 1985 was certainly a memorable day for me. As memorable as it was, I didn't realize how much I forgot about the day until I recently looked back at my old journal.

Some of the time I was in college in the 1980s I wrote in my journal. I wish I had written more through the years. My journal entries typically were blow-by-blow accounts of the mundane details my day rather than delving into analysis or deep thought. Occasionally I did the latter, but the entry for Saturday September 21, 1985 was a typical narrative.

One of my best friends, Johnny, drove from Huntsville to visit me in Tuscaloosa. Johnny and I attended high school together and we have remained close friends through the ups and downs of life throughout the years, to this day. It was really cool getting to show him around campus at the University of Alabama and share some of the people and places I was experiencing. Johnny has been a lifelong Alabama fan and this was his first Alabama game to attend in person.

I had forgotten the fact we got to eat at Tutwiler and Paty Halls that day, that we met my former roommate who allowed us to visit my old dorm room at Palmer Hall, and that we had taken photographs. I wish I had those photographs. I cannot find any photos from that day and it is likely that Johnny lost his during the November 1989 Huntsville tornado.

As fun as the day was the most significant part of the day was our late night discussion. Johnny and I discussed faith and religion from 11 pm until 2:30 a.m. At that time I was really searching for the truth about God and Johnny shared numerous ideas with me from Scripture that were the seeds of my emerging faith in Christ as my savior. In a few short months I accepted Christ into my life by faith for the first time.

It was a great day! My long term memory isn't usually as good as Johnny's. I wonder what his specific memories of that day include.

...

America's Challenge

2009-03-05T16:08:00.000-06:00

Here is my hypothesis on the economy. Using the market as a measure of our economy, I submit that one of the biggest problems is a crisis of confidence. Those with the ability to invest capital drive this economy one direction or another. At this time those people are afraid, and rightfully so. Their president has done nothing but show pessimism since he has been in office. He used (some would say ginned up) the crisis to promote enormous wasteful spending. People with money to invest saw the danger in that, especially in an already tenuous situation. The reports of massive pork barrel spending only added to the suspicions of many. People are confused about how the President plans to cut the deficit in half while at the same time increasing spending at the most rapid rate in history. They were already concerned about taxes and this only adds to their concern. Then, of course, there is the inevitable inertia factor.

What we need right now is the President to show true leadership. I suspect that he won’t do this. I wish we had a president who would address the nation something like the following:

While I acknowledge the difficulties we are having as a nation, I want to assure you that the United States will survive, and eventually we will thrive again. Recovery does not begin in Washington D.C. I am calling on all Americans to join me in the following steps to recovery. First, as a nation we need to humble ourselves before God and ask His blessings on this nation, thanking Him for what He has done and for what He will do. Second, I am asking every able-bodied and sound-minded individual to take responsibility for your own destiny and the destiny of your family. Work harder than ever before. Invest more. Be productive. Do not succumb to the pressures to quit or to fail. Have faith in your country and what it stands for.

Here in Washington, I will not propose or sign any bill containing any unnecessary spending. I will also be cutting spending across the board in any federal agency that is not essential to providing for the common defense or able to demonstrate effectiveness in meeting their stated goals. I will also propose tax cuts on any federal tax that hinders economic growth. I am calling corporate America to cut back. I am calling for an end to runaway greed. I will take the lead on this.

Effective immediately, I will be proposing massive cuts for all Federal elected officials, beginning with me. The elimination of perks normally associated with the Congress will be proposed. Again it will start with the Office of the President. Effective immediately I am issuing an executive order to return spending on my staff and operating expenses to the level it was under President Kennedy, adjusted for inflation.

Some of these measures may sound draconian, but I firmly believe that in order to remain the greatest nation in the world, Americans pull together and make sacrifices. Remember our history. Americans faced tremendous odds in preserving our freedom and prosperity on many occasions. Our mothers and fathers fought, bled, died, and sacrificed. I refuse to let them down. America, we refuse to let them down. Let’s get to work. God bless America.

...

My response to the Inaugural speech of Barack Obama.

2009-01-20T17:00:00.001-06:00

I know that inauguration speeches are supposed to be vague. Obama's speech was schizophrenic. At times he sounded like a liberal campaigner on the attack against Bush. At others, he sounded like a Reagan conservative. Either way there were no major revelations and no words that warranted being chiseled in granite. Obama, as usual, had a great delivery. Here are a few thoughts.

“The words (oath of office) have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.”

Our generation does not have the right to claim we are in time of “gathering clouds and raging storms”. We have defeated a dictator in the most powerful Middle Eastern country and have successfully replaced him with a representative democracy that has been embraced by the people. Terrorists who hate America are still out there, but they have been mightily weakened after relentless pursuit by President Bush and our military/intelligence complex. Our economy is in a downturn, but it is not as bad as advertised. Statistically it does not even compare to the poor economy of the late 1970’s. Also not acknowledged are the many modern conveniences that we know consider a right and an entitlement. Personal computers, cell phones, instant messaging and global communications are at the fingertips of the poorest of welfare clients. Economically we are not in a "stormy" environment. On the contrary, we are spoiled.

Obama blames a weakened economy on the greed and irresponsibility of some and our collective failure to make hard choices. This is very vague. Does anyone know who or what he is talking about and what evidence he can offer? The speech only leads one to assume.

The cost of health care is an issue. How much does health care cost the average citizen? Is it worth it? Is our health valuable enough to cause us to spend less on our toys rather than ask the government (i.e., taxpayers) to buy health care for us? What is his plan to change this? Who will pay for it? Will his idea work? We will not learn the answers to those questions from this speech. How does the energy we use threaten our planet? I know the global warming theory and I disagree with it. The Earth has been cooler during the last two years than it has any year since the 1970's. How much money does He plan to sink into this issue? Who knows? Any is too much in my book.

Saying our schools fail too many is a loaded statement. Is he admitting that government run schools are ineffective? How many administrations will we have to live through before we can say that our schools are successful? How much money do we have to pay the education establishment to accomplish this goal? The National Center for Educational Statistics stated that we spent nearly $9300 per pupil in the 2004-2005 school year. This represents a 50 per cent increase in 20 years. Despite this, our schools “still fail too many.” Has anyone considered that the problem may not be with schools? Or, if it is with the schools, has anyone ever thought that maybe we need to change the way schools operate without spending more money? The problem, again, is that one can only assume what he means.

This is political rhetoric meant to lower expectations. If the economy succeeds, Obama becomes a hero. If it remains stagnant or turns downward, it will be blamed on President Bush. That sounds like a no-lose scenario for Mr. Obama. Don’t get me started on how Obama and his liberal colleagues have drifted away from our founding documents. Volumes could be written about that subject.

“On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.”

This statement irritates me to no end. He is implying that by electing him we have elected the embodiment of hope and purpose. How arrogant! And those who ran against him are the embodiment of fear, conflict, discord, pettiness, false promises, and worn out dogmas. It is distasteful when politicians make these pompous claims during a campaign, but it is a little more understandable in the campaign environment. But can dirty politics and mudslinging be laid to rest at least one day during an inauguration speach? Please.

“We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn. Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.”

It is almost as if a different speechwriter took over the speech at this point. This part was reminiscent of the great words of Lincoln, Kennedy, or Reagan. It is a wonderful description of what has, and does, make America a great country. But again, how will President Obama promote these ideals? That remains to be seen.

“The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.”

I am sorry. Our economy does not call for any significant action, at least no more bailouts. President Bush already made that mistake, and it hasn’t helped. More of the same will not help. I thought this was all about change. We do not need to revisit the New Deal, if that is what he is talking about. Excessive spending is part of the problem, not the solution. Our cars run well enough without the sun, wind, and the soil. I am not eager to drive an Obamamobile, powered by a big sail with an ‘O’ on the side. The best changes do not grow out of inauguration speeches. They grow out of necessity and the inventiveness of the American people as they operate in a free market. How much more of our money do they need? Supposedly 600 private jets touched down at Washington’s airport for the inauguration. If we had a crisis, why are his supporters setting new records for consumption of fossil fuels? How does he plan on transforming schools, colleges, and universities? More money? From whom?

“Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.”

Arrogance has returned to the speech. Evidently if you disagree with President Obama, you are automatically labeled a “cynic”. It is not a stale argument to claim that government is too large and too ineffective. The last I checked this was supposedly a government of, by, and for the people. I am glad that he said that programs that do not work should be ended. Maybe I am cynical, but with a Democrat in the White House and a Democrat majority in Congress, I will be very surprised by any cuts in government programs which fail. He already said that public schools have failed too many of our children. Is he going to privatize schools? Who defines failure? How will they be cut? No answers or clues were mentioned in this speech. Will anyone in the media hold him to this promise? I seriously doubt it and I doubt any federal government workers are seriously worried about their program ending.

“And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.”

Wow! What a change in policy. Ready to lead? I was under the impression that Obama was against our leadership role in the world. He criticized the lead we took in promoting representative democracy in the Middle East. Based on his campaign rhetoric, I expected one very clear agenda item out of this speech. I expected to hear Obama say, “Effective immediately, I am ordering the immediate withdrawal of all United States troops from Iraq.” This is the expectation he gave us during his campaign against Hillary Clinton, even before the violence was mostly defeated by the troop surge. What is his excuse now for keeping troops in Iraq? He has none.

“Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”

Principles, justness, example, humility, and restraint. Great words. How does abortion on demand, changing the definition of marriage, and moral filth of the popular culture fit into this template? Obama is firmly on record as supporting the first two and his greatest supporters promote the last one. We are supposed to sit here and believe he is sincere. Obama’s nominee for Treasury Secretary goes four years without paying his taxes. Now, even with this knowledge, Obama is standing by him to head the IRS. Where is the principle, justness, example, humility and restrain in that decision?

I could go on an on. Time does not allow me to rehash all of the numerous platitudes that Obama gave that do not jive with his record, his current stance on the issues, and his stated plans.

I did not buy his speech and, no, I am not buying a commemorative Obama plate either.

...

Government run health care?

2008-11-05T06:56:00.000-06:00

No one is arguing whether people should have health care needs met. Why bother debating whether it is a right? No decent person wants to see people who are sick be ignored and left to die or suffer.

The real issue is which institution will do the best job of delivering those services. Another factor (way too many people now disregard) is what does the Constitution say. Even if we throw the Constitution away (I know---I'm supposed to read between the lines so I can find justification for anything) we still have the question about which institution would do the best job of providing health care services.

Serious problems do indeed exist in all systems. We live in a fallen and imperfect world. My lack of confidence in government's ability to solve these problems is not just based on my experience in Alabama. For every one example of a successful government run program I could give a dozen examples of failures. I have to get ready for work soon, though, and I cannot afford to take a day of leave to start making that list here.

We are giving in to the ideas and principals that we as a country have sacrificed, bled, and died fighting against. America is giving up more personal freedom and personal responsibility every day in exchange for a promise by the government to solve a problem. Oh, and it's not just the Democrats. GW Bush was the one of the worst we ever had to do that. We already have a quasi-government run system. The government part is the least effective part too.

Here's a question: Which large country, similar in size and scope to the US, has a government-run health care system that you all think is better than our current system? Here is another question: What services do you all believe that the government currently does a very good and efficient job providing? It wouldn't take me very long to answer those questions.

Why do people put so much faith, hope, and confidence in an institution with such a poor track record as the government. Last I checked, the approval rating for Congress is in the 20's and the President's isn't much higher. Yet we want them to govern every aspect of our health care?

According to our Founders, our number one "right" is the right to life. The government's job is to protect it. I will give the government of the United States an "F" in protecting the right to life until abortion is at least against the law. We are killing babies hand over fist. Until the government can figure out a way to make that stop, or at least go way down, I have no confidence in the government providing me health care.

We have come a long way...

2008-10-13T16:28:00.000-05:00

I was driving to my meeting in Montgomery a few weeks ago and happened upon this station by accident. It was a poignant moment for me. As the song was playing I reflected on the struggles this city and this great state have been through relative to civil rights. We have come a long way. And we have a long way to go. But our country needs to remember that civil rights has its real foundation in Biblical truth.

I AM THANKFUL:

2008-09-05T13:37:00.000-05:00

FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHTBECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO,BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHESBECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .
FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTYBECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOTBECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKINGAND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILLBECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.
FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR. FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR. FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD. FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

We're talkin bout freedom

2008-07-04T14:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day

2008-07-03T22:33:00.001-05:00

Lee Greenwood performed his song, "God Bless the USA" in 1985 at the CMA awards show in Nashville, Tennessee. He won the CMA "Song of the Year" award in 1985.

God Bless The U.S.A.
by Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I'd worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I'd thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.

That I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

And I'm proud to be and American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

A random thought....

2008-07-03T18:15:00.000-05:00

I am fortunate enough to remember being taken to the free movies for "patrol boys" in the fifth grade.

This video captures that memory well.

A trip back to 1985...

2008-05-17T22:40:00.002-05:00

Part 2:

Part 3

This is the actual play by play call of the end of the Stars' SL Championship victory over the Charlotte Orioles. Rick Davis was the announcer for WFIX Huntsville and WFMH Cullman.

1985 Huntsville Stars 78 - 66
SOUTHERN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Southern League baseball came to Huntsville in 1985 with the Stars winning the league championship in their first season. The team had several stars, the first of which was Southern League MVP Jose Canseco. "Jose Parkway" hit .318 with 25 homers and 80 RBI's in just 58 games before being called up to Tacoma and then Oakland. 1B Rob Nelson led the team with 32 homers, still a franchise single season record, and 98 RBI. Stan Javier stole 61 bases and scored 105 runs, Luis Polonia hit 18 triples and scored 82 runs, and Terry Steinbach hit .272 and had 72 RBI.

The pitching staff included Tim Belcher (led the team with 11 wins), Todd Burns, who only made 4 starts but was 3 - 1 with a 1.19 era, Wayne Giddings (49 games, 12 saves), Pete Kendrick (6-4 but with 5 complete games and 2.45 era), Eric Plunk (8-2), Greg Cadaret, and Bill Mooneyham (2-1, 1.98).

But it was Rocky Coyle (.282-5-25) who won the hearts of all Stars fans with his charisma and hustling style of play, and it was Rocky Coyle who hit a solo home run in the 9th inning of the 5th and deciding game of the Southern League championship series, giving the franchise it's first league title.

Roster:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/roster...

Statistics:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/statis...

Team page on Baseballcube.com:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/statis...

I have been a Stars fan since their inception in 1985. My Dad and I hoped Huntsville would get a minor league team throughout my childhood years. When it finally happened, Dad bought us season tickets the first few summers.

The Stars have quite a history, all of which is documented on the excellent "Baseball Cube" website. Anything you want to know about the Stars' history can be found there.

Southbound, headed for a wreck

2008-05-05T18:04:00.002-05:00

Recently as I drove north up the interstate I heard on the radio that there was a terrible wreck involving two trucks to my south. The announcer was advising southbound travelers that they should exit and detour to keep from being stuck in traffic. All southbound traffic was halted and being rerouted by law enforcement. As I continued northbound I saw numerous vehicles in the southbound lane. Most of them were unaware that they were just a few miles away from a traffic jam that would change the course of their day. Some of them would likely be stranded for hours. I saw 18-wheelers who were on a strict time schedule. There were probably people going to work, doctor appointments, visiting family, going to the beach, job interviews, classes, and many other things. Many of these people would be late, miss opportunities, lose money, and have disappointments due to the terrible accident that happened a few miles in front of them. That is to say nothing about the impact the accident had on the people involved in it directly.

One thing most, if not all of these folks had in common was that they were clueless. They had no idea that they were going down the “wrong” road. As I drove northward, part of me wanted to pull over and make a sign and hold it up to the people heading south to warn them of the impending problem so that they would turn around and find a better route. I felt so helpless not being able to do anything about it. Then I thought about this as a metaphor about life. As a Bible-believing Christian, I know from God’s Word that there is one any only one road that leads to heaven. That “road” is Jesus Christ. In John 14:6, He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The road of life is like an interstate. There are lanes going to heaven and lanes headed toward hell. There are not as many on the road to heaven. Those of us on that road are there by the grace of almighty God. We may get out of our lane, take an exit, or get temporarily stalled on the side of the road. But, fortunately, we are going the right way. Our destination is sure and it will be awesome beyond our wildest imagination.

On the other hand, as we are on the road to heaven, we see many more “cars” heading south. Most of these people do not know what a terrible outcome awaits them. Some know but do not care. Some refuse to believe. Many are good people that are just going the wrong direction. The thing is, those of us that know we are on the right road never should forget that we have a responsibility to inform as many people as we can about the road conditions and show them the right way to go. To me this is one of the most difficult parts of being a Christian.

In what is commonly known as “The Great Commission”, Jesus said to His Disciples in Matthew 28, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Those of us heading north are supposed to proclaim and teach others about how to head “north” on life’s highway. We see people whom we know do not believe in Christ. We are unsure about where many others we know may stand. But if we know they are on the road to hell, or even think that they might be, is it not our duty and obligation to find ways of letting them know so that they will have an opportunity to avoid such peril? Of course it is. Logic dictates that but even more importantly Christ commands it.

I must confess I often feel like a failure at doing my part to fulfill the Great Commission. I have a tendency to be shy. I have a tendency to keep some matters private. I don’t like to offend people by telling them they are headed down the wrong road. I like to avoid confrontation and I try not to be too quick to judge. I am not creative in the way I communicate. I am not always as “full of the Holy Spirit” as I should be nor am I motivated by compassion and concern for the lost as I should be. Having said that, I have on many occasions and in many ways shared the “Good News” of salvation through Christ with others. I have usually and mostly lived a life reflective of what God has done. I suppose the fact that I am concerned enough to write this post indicates that I struggle with this and would like everyone to know God’s Way. I often pray for people, but not as often as I should.

One thing I do fairly often is think back to how some special people in my life saw me going south about 22 years ago. They gave me their unsolicited, but desperately needed time, energy, and attention. They listened to my arguments. They were patient and gave me the time and space to make my own decision. They framed the question so well that I knew the choice that I faced; that we all face. They suggested the place to go for the answer; the Holy Bible. God did the rest! I am very thankful they allowed themselves to be used in that way for my eternal benefit.

There are many reasons we should show people how to head north. Compassion, gratefulness, and the fact that God commands it all come to mind. In Mark 8:36, Jesus asked, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Doesn’t that sum it all up? We do so many things and are involved in so many activities. We read, we watch TV, we entertain ourselves. We spend our lives working, playing, and even helping other people. None of these things are necessarily evil or bad. But how much time and energy do we spend trying to help people turn around and head north? I can only answer for myself. I confess that I do not do it nearly enough.

Fishing at Smith Lake for Spring Break

2008-04-26T13:45:00.001-05:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

It was a beautiful weather day at Smith Lake Thursday for fishing. No, it was not a good day for actually catching fish. We were there for 9 or 10 hours and the fish caught more of us than we caught of them. I say that because Matt gave us all a big scare when he leaned into the water to get his hook untangled and he fell into the water. The boys said the never saw me run so fast. Another gentleman was closer and pulled him out. Prior to that David severely bruised one of his toes by walking around barefoot on the dock and hitting it on a metal tie back.

Do you hate Hillary Clinton?

2008-03-26T18:05:00.003-05:00

My good friend Sharp recently mentioned an article in Christianity Today entitled, "Hating Hillary". In the editorial, the author equates jokes, marketing, and satire with personal hate. I think it is possible as a Christian to love someone, especially a public figure, while at the same time making fun of their politics or persona. God has called us to love our enemies, not to like them.

Franky, in some ways, she is my enemy. She is a politician who actively promotes things that are adverse and offensive to my world view as a Christian. This is not only true on economic issues, upon which many Christians can have honest disagreement. It is mainly true on social issues. God is not a Republican, but I believe with my whole heart that He is pro life. I also do not believe that He is for gay "marriage" either. Everything I have read in the Bible tells me this is so. I could go into many more issues.

This article accuses some Christians of using Hillary's status as an "enemy" in order to create "a feeling of mutuality among those with whom we share dislike. The factions created around enemies may even bear a far-off resemblance to true community." I disagree strongly. I know of no such organization, formal or informal. I think we already have communities of evangelicals, called churches, whose membership is usually fairly like-minded in their world views. Senator Clinton came along later, spouting views that are diametrically opposed to those views.

The article goes on to say that, "vitriolic language directed at political figures does not, to use the Pauline metaphor, attract others with 'the aroma of Christ.'" Of course not! It is not designed to do that. Does cheering at a football game, singing at a concert, or laughing at a play attract others to Christ? Probably not, but I think that activity is permissible!

I believe God calls our politicians to be honest, especially those who claim to be Christian. I believe He calls them to take a strong stand for eternal moral truths that are contained in the Bible. I believe that He expects politicians to look at their office as an opportunity to serve, not as a grab for personal power. Everything I have seen, heard, and read tells me that Hillary Clinton does not even attempt to meet these high standards. No one can be perfect, but I at least want a President that understands the importance of these things and makes a valiant attempt to live up to these ideals.

I don't hate Senator Clinton. I just hate what she represents. And I hate the way she represents it. I think most evangelicals hate those things, but not her as a human being. I think the vast majority can make that distinction. Hating sin and hating her ideas does not equate to hating her.

I hate the fact that she lied about her trip to Bosnia. She said it proves she is "human." I say it is yet another in a mile long string of lies. But way more than that I hate the way she "lies" about how her ideas will help this country. She has not shown how socialized medicine will work here. She makes outlandish claims about crises that we are not having. If one does not agree with her socialist/liberal agenda, she seems to treat them like an ignorant backwoods snake handler.

I hate the fact that she sends her daughter out to campaign and work for her and then whine that she is asked tough questions. Tuesday Chelsea Clinton was asked whether her mother's credibility had been hurt during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. She replied, "I do not think that is any of your business." I think that it is. I think questions about a candidate's credibility are very much our business. They are wanting us to "hire" them, right? If Chelsea can't handle the heat, she should stay out of the kitchen. I would. To me, if you want to lead the free world, or campaign for someone who does, then put up with it or shut up.

Most of all, I hate her support for abortion on demand. Is it all right as a Christian to hate abortion, lack of personal responsibility in leaders, condescension, socialism, liberalism, and lying? Sure it is! These are moral issues, ideas and character traits, not people.

Finally, we are told in this article that the most courageous thing we could do this year is love Hillary. I already do that, and it takes little or no courage. I want Senator Clinton to know Christ as her Savior and Lord. I want her to be blessed personally and professionally as she does that.

The most courageous thing we could do as Christians this election season is take a firm stand for eternal moral truths. We should write about them, talk about them, and live them out. We should even do it if (in so doing) we are branded as haters by others. That is courage!

I Dreamed About Jesus

2008-03-26T06:48:00.000-05:00

By Parker and Evelyn McDonald...

Just a Little Talk With Jesus

2008-03-26T06:10:00.000-05:00

From 1989: Evelyn & Parker McDonald and your's truly in 1989....

Mamaw's story from 9/4/88

2008-03-23T23:57:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite memories of Evelyn McDonald....

Sad news

2008-03-23T08:37:00.004-05:00

I just got the call from David. "Mamaw" passed away this morning at 6:30.

I say "sad". I know she is not sad now! It's just a selfish sadness for those of us she loves.

Thanks, Lord, for letting me say goodbye, for now.

Obituary From the Cullmann Times:
Funeral services for Evelyn Ruth McDonald, 91, of Cullman will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at Moss-Service Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in Bethlehem Cemetery. Officiants will be the grandsons of Mrs. McDonald.

Moss-Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. McDonald passed away on Sunday, March 23, at Cullman Regional Medical Center. She was born on Sept. 4, 1916, in Cullman County to George and Alta Grimmett.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Parker McDonald; a son, Jerry McDonald; three brothers, Arnold, Bill and Don Grimmett; and a sister, Helen Dickerson.

Survivors include four daughters, Mary Ruth (Henry) Knight of Birmingham, Janice (Larry) Gambrill of Cullman and Paula (Ben) Knighten, both of Cullman, and Gail (Frankie) Wilkins of Helicon; a daughter-in-law, Celeta McDonald of Walker County; two brothers, G.W. (Faye) Grimmett of Blount County and Windell Grimmett of Cullman; three sisters, Rosalee Lynn of Pell City, Allene (Odis) Ponder of Cold Springs and Carmen Davidson of Birmingham; 16 grandchildren, Tony (Anita) Knight of Tuscaloosa, Terry (Pam) Knight, Pam (Barry) Todd, Sandra (Curtis) Garrison, Larry Gambrill Jr., all of Birmingham, Laura Oliver of Vinemont, Tim (Lori) Turney of Jacksonville, Fla., Angela Carroll of Kennesaw, Ga., Gina (Jeff) Bishop and Bobby Childers Jr., both of Dodge City,Teresa (Ricky) Bartlett and Lisa Childers, both of Cullman, Kim (Ronnie) Overton of Crane Hill, Darron McDonald of Wilsonville, Brent (Dana) McDonald and Ben (Lori) McDonald, both of Empire; four stepgrandchildren, Ann Carter of Florida, Chris Wilkins of Birmingham, Ginger (Norman) Bacate of Good Hope and Angela (Michael) Day of Holly Pond; and 27 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was Monday.

My little tribute to a great lady

2008-03-22T21:42:00.004-05:00

The sky I wish Mamaw could have enjoyed at 6:45 p.m. tonight, just before I saw her for the last time....

There is a precious lady that tonight needs your prayers. She is one of my favorite people in the world, and has been ever since I first met her 20 years ago. Evelyn McDonald is the grandmother of my ex-wife. She is 91 and tonight she is in the hospital with a severe illness that is attacking her body, but not her precious spirit.

Do you believe in unconditional love? Do you believe that a life best-lived is the life that is centered around meeting the needs of others, rather than self? Do you believe in being positive when everything and everyone else around you is negative? Can a person do that while maintaining a healthy sense of humor? Do you believe that a human, other than Jesus Himself, can exemplify these characteristics? I do. I have seen it lived out beautifully in the life of Evelyn McDonald.

I am hesitant to even write for publication some of the things that she put up with. I don't like saying negative things about people. One of the things that she lived through, though, was the death of her only son. He was driving home from work after working way too long, and he fell asleep at the wheel. This happened in the early 1970's. I think she still grieves his passing. Her husband, when they were in their 70's, was unfaithful. Some would have told her to let him go. She continued to believe in him and hold out for him. She refused to completely reject the love of her life. When he decided to get his life right, guess who was there for him in his time of need? Guess who took care of him when he was on his deathbed? You guessed it!

If there was a family member or friend down on their luck, or just in need of a smile, laugh, company, or an encouraging word, where did they go? Where did people go to laugh, sing, and feel "at home"? That would be the home of Evelyn McDonald.

How do you respond when you learn that your granddaughter is getting divorced from a man that you love and respect? What if he is accused of heinous things that are not even true? I don't know what Evelyn thought, but I know one thing. She treated me with as much love as ever before. She never blamed anyone. She just loved and accepted people, no matter what. What is wrong with that? She didn't even seem to waste her time getting to the bottom of things or getting into who was right and who was wrong. She seemed to have the sense that everyone needed to be loved and treated with as much respect as possible. And she does love!

Tonight I went back. I went to visit Evelyn in the hospital. She has been in and out of consciousness. She can barely speak. She seems to have a hard time recognizing everyone and what is going on around her. She keeps saying, "OK" over and over, as if she is talking to someone and doing something for them. That is not surprising! That was her lifestyle: giving.

The first time I was by her bedside tonight, she looked into my eyes and seemed to light up with recognition, but didn't say anything. She just reached for my hand. I held her hand for a while and told her that I love her. There were a lot of people who came to visit her. I stepped out of the room for a little while and spent some time with my sons David and Matt. Joe was spending the night at his friend's house. David stayed up all night with his mom last night at the hospital. He was supportive and has turned into a young man. I was proud of him. Both he and Matt drank vanilla jungle coffee. I digress.

I felt strongly led to go visit Evelyn one more time. Almost as soon as I came in the room, she saw me. She said, "Mike!" loud and clear. I immediately went to her side, hugged her, told her I loved her, and said, "hang in there". I didn't know what to say other than I wanted her to hear how much I love and respect her. She pulled her oxygen mask off and my ex-wife's sister said, "She wants to kiss you!" I put my cheek up to her so she could and I kissed her back on the cheek and forehead. I hugged her.

I am so glad I went to see her! I am not good at going to hospitals. I am like a fish out of water. This was not easy for me to do at first, but I felt an overwhelming urging from the Lord in my heart that gave me an unusual desire to do it.

Before I left I prayed and prayed. I wanted to be a special blessing to her. I realized I had a unique opportunity. Not because there is anything particularly special about me. I just realized that few people have the ex husband of one of their grandchildren come and visit them like that to tell them they love them. Usually there are a host of reasons why that would not happen. I even struggled with that a little bit. I wondered who would be there and what would they think of me based on the things they have been told. I decided my love and respect for this great lady trumped anythings else.

We all have a tendency to think that great people are famous people. There is no denying that many great people become famous because of their greatness. Most great people don't become famous. One of the greatest is Evelyn McDonald.

茉莉花

2008-03-22T21:31:00.000-05:00

I was part of a group who sang "Mo Li Hua" or "Jasmine Flowers" and "Amazing Grace" at the Chinese New Year Festival at the University of Alabama in February 1992.

This is what it was like to be in the audience.....

What a loser!

2008-03-14T05:57:00.001-05:00

I will admit I have been concerned about Barack Hussein Obama. Why does he hate people to refer to his middle name, anyway? But I really didn't know exactly what he believed until yesterday, other than the fact that he has the most liberal voting record in Congress. I also know he is the least experienced candidate for President in either party.

Obama is a slick speaker, talking about "hope" "change" and various other nebulous, feel-goodisms. He has fooled so many people that Republicans I know say he is not as liberal as Hillary. Check his voting record!

People have spread lies saying that he was a Muslim, which were easily debunked. Now we all know what he believes. His 'pastor' for the last 20 years, Jeremiah Wright, gave him the title for his book and performed his marriage ceremony. Obama said that his church is not controversial and defended his so called "social gospel".

This is pure, unadulterated hatred. There is nothing at all in this message that resembles my blessed savior, Jesus Christ, who told us to beware of false teachers. Everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will not enter the gates of heaven.

I wouldn't vote for Obama for anything, except to say if you don't love this country, you are free to leave it! His pastor is a loser and since Obama supported him for 20 years until he retired, Obama is guilty by association. I am embarassed that my state voted for this clown!

This is some of the most vocal opinionated stuff that I have ever written on this blog, but don't take my word for it, listen and decide for yourself!

I've been tagged...

2008-02-16T00:18:00.006-06:00

Tammy has asked that I give a response to this blog post. I appreciate her asking, but I have struggled coming up with a list. I need to name 7 weird or strange things about myself.

I have been thinking about this for over a week. I even polled my boys. Their responses mainly focused on body noises.

1. My extreme interest in the weather. I have been a weather geek for at least 34 years. Nothing can illustrate why this is number one on my list better than this link. Numbers two through seven could easily be "weather" too. When bad weather threatens, you'll just have to excuse me. It is almost an obsession to learn about, observe, study, predict, and review. The number one topic of discussion in the world is weather. But, if you ask me 'how's the weather', look out! You better really want the answer!

2. My tendency to never give up is legendary. This can be good or bad. Do not tell me something cannot be done. I will die trying to prove you wrong if it is something or someone I believe in. I have been burned by this one: giving people second, third, and more chances to do the right thing. I have been severely used and abused by this on more than one occasion. Faithfulness is good, if it doesn't turn into foolishness. You know the song, "Head Over Heels" by Tears for Fears? It is a good soundtrack to #1 and #2 for me!

3. I am known as a "founding father". I was even called a "legend" when I told a college student at a campus ministry reunion my name. Actually I was just a regular guy placed by God in a really cool place at a really cool time. The Bible refers to believers as a "peculiar" people. I am a believer, and as a result, certain aspects of my life have certainly been unconventional. I do not feel compelled to follow the crowd. The journey of a person who tries to live by faith in Christ is hardly "normal".

My best memories of this aspect of my life were my college days. I was a new Christian and very hungry for learning, growing, and being discipled in the faith. Through a cool series of friendships I was introduced to a man with a vision, Al Baker. His vision was to claim the University of Alabama campus for Christ. Talk about ambitious! His first meeting as the new pastor of the Chi Alpha campus ministry was a radical call to discipleship. A nice sized group of well-churched college students attended. Then there were these other two guys named Greg and Mike who were new to this whole thing. Al told us, from scripture, that everything about us belonged to God. Time, money, you name it. He told us that God sent us to the University of Alabama for greater things than getting an education. He said God placed us there to be witnesses, make disciples, worship Him, and to fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. I knew that he was right.

Greg and I survived this "call". Evidently this was not the type of fellowship the others wanted. I could write about this forever, but God did some amazing things in our midst. But first we had our second meeting. Al, his wife Heather, Greg, and I were the only four in attendance. We packed it up and headed to Shoneys. It was the beginning of a lasting spiritual journey for numerous students from all over the world. I am proud to be known as a "founding father" of an awesome group of people. Only Heaven will reveal some of the amazing things God did in our midst. There are many people I loved dearly from this group that I haven't seen since college days. My friends have taken many different roads. I have friends who have struggled severely with sins that have taken a toll. I have other friends who have served God mightily in the ministry. I have other friends that are serving God powerfully through their families, churches, and workplaces. I love them all.

---

I think I took so long starting this because I knew how much I would get into detail.

Is that number 4? Probably!

4. I asked Joe and Matt, who happen to be sitting with me now for some help. They are playing Xbox while I update this blog. David is still sleeping. Anyway, Joe said that I like sports so much makes me a little on the weird side. Actually, I really do like some sports, but Matt pointed out that he and his brothers know more about some sports, like the NFL, more than I do. I tend to focus intensely on the ones that I like the most and not pay much attention to the others.

5. I am a fairly intelligent guy but my kids know way more than I when it comes to some things, such as animals. I just asked them for a few tidbits of animal knowledge. They could go on all day on that subject...
Koalas are picky eaters and only eat gum tree leaves
Possums have pouches like kangaroos
African elephants have bigger ears than Asian elephants
Crocodiles have 30 eggs per year but only one out of six live
Raccoons like to eat dog food
Joe's dog Lou likes to eat Ol' Roy dog food
Joe' dog is part basset hound and part beagle
Lou ate an aluminum cola can and survived without any signs of problems
Asian elephants help their owners drag logs and do other work

6. Matt said that I call people weird nicknames. Matt has been called "Ryno", I have called David "Gooseneck" when he was a toddler. I called them all "Boog" (the short version of booger), with the short 'u' sound. Matt said now we are getting into the personal stuff. I have plenty of other examples, especially when they were younger.

7. Matt had a great idea, I think! He said that you, the reader, can vote for number seven by making a comment!

I Hope You Dance - Ronan Keating

2008-02-11T17:55:00.001-06:00

Mobile phone tracker...

2008-02-01T06:26:00.000-06:00

This is kinda scary, it found me!

This is interesting... Just click on the link, enter someone's cell phone number, and the satellite map will show you where they are. It's called 'mobile phone tracker' and was first put to use to aid 911 responders. Using a satellite map track any connected mobile phone with coverage anywhere in the world.

To give it a try log on to http://www.satellite-gps-locator.com

PS: Works on your home phone also. Tracks right to your address and shows which end of house you are closest to. House phone must be off hook for this to work. Cell phone just needs to be turned on for it to find its location.

Happy Birthday, Matthew!

2008-01-29T19:00:00.000-06:00

A precious boy just turned nine. As is my tradition (that I got from my Mom) I asked this boy how it felt to be nine. Rather than the standard answer, "Just the same as eight felt yesterday," he had another response. He didn't actually answer the question.

He said, "I just had my first fart as a nine year-old."

I said, "Well.......how did it feel?"

"Great!" was his reply...

I will share this with his girlfriend someday.

Enough said.

December 2007 with my family....

2008-01-23T19:07:00.001-06:00

www.rickandbubba.com

2008-01-23T17:39:00.000-06:00

I have listened to Rick and Bubba for 10 years now. It is amazing the spiritual maturity that has taken place in their lives during that time. They have always been very open about their lives on that show and as their faith has grown they have become more and more outspoken about their relationships with God. As much as I like Christian radio, I enjoy their program more because they keep things so "real" and do not sugar coat their lives. I am quite certain that they have impacted countless people for Christ over the years through their program. I think this tragedy, however, is something that satan meant for evil but that God is turning it around for good (as He always does) and causing numerous people to evaluate their own relationship with Christ. The message was not only a challenge to non-believers, but maybe even more a challenge to those of us who tend to become "lukewarm" in our faith. And we know what God said in Revelations 3 about lukewarm believers.

Listen to Rick's challenging and inspirational message here.

The faith of a hurting family

2008-01-22T18:41:00.000-06:00

Quotes from Rick Burgess regarding the death of his precious two year old son, Bronner.

Satan made a huge mistake attacking my family. He miscalculated greatly.

So many lives have already been changed because of the appointment God had with him.

The biggest injustice you can do to my son, to my family, to God, is to leave here unchanged.

Bronner is in the care of the only Father who loves him more than me, the Father who he really belongs to.

Satan you have kicked up a can of worms

The fight is on.

Bronner Burgess

2008-01-22T16:10:00.000-06:00

From Rick and Bubba...

"We ask that you bathe Rick, Sherri, and the entire Burgess family in prayer as they deal with the loss of their youngest son, Bronner Burgess. We all are grieving together in this terrible loss. The Burgess's want to give all Honor and Glory to GOD for the many blessings He has given us, especially the life of Bronner Burgess. And while we do not understand, we know who is in charge and His will be done in life and in death."

Sad news from Rick and Bubba

2008-01-21T16:36:00.000-06:00

Please make sure your flash player is up to date. Click here to update.

PRAY!

2008-01-20T22:59:00.000-06:00

On January 19, 2008, Bronner (Cornbread) Burgess, the two-year-old son of Rick Burgess drowned, according to the Shelby County Sheriff's Department. Bronner Burgess loss is a tragedy that no one should suffer.

Shelby County deputies and North Shelby Fire and Emergency Medical personnel responded to a house in Indian Springs Village around 7:30 p.m. and discovered William Bronner Burgess had fallen into a pool.

Exhaustive medical efforts were unsuccessful to save Bronner Burgess' life and the child was pronounced dead at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, according to the sheriff's department.

Bronner Burgess was the son of the radio personality Rick Burgess, co-host of The Rick and Bubba Show (www.rickandbubba.com). Sadly, the Burgess junior had died , announced a message on the show's website. The cause of 2-year-old Bronner Burgess' death was not elaborated in the announcement:

We ask that you bathe Rick, Sherri, and the entire Burgess family in prayer as they deal with the loss of their youngest son, Bronner Burgess.

We all are grieving together in this terrible loss.

The Burgess's want to give all Honor and Glory to GOD for the many blessings He has given us, especially the life of Bronner Burgess. And while we do not understand, we know who is in charge and His will be done in life and in death.

At the current time, the arrangements and specifics are unknown. As more information becomes available, we will pass them along. To send your condolences to the family, please send those to prayers@rickandbubba.com.

May God bless Bronner Burgess and give patience to his parents and family members. This is very sad and our hearts are broken to hear and report this news.

About 300 children under the age of 5 drown each year in U.S. swimming pools. At the time of such incidents, most victims were being supervised by one or both parents. Nearly 70 percent of the children were not expected to be near the pool when they were found in the water, read the report from Mayo Clinic.

Clanton's Peach water tower sunset

2008-01-12T16:49:00.000-06:00

Last night on my way home from Montgomery I stopped and took these photos of the sunset at the peach water tower in Clanton. It was built in 1992 by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company. It is 120 feet high and holds over 500,00 gallons of water. The tank was built upon 114.7 yards of concrete with 11,550 pounds of steel. The weight of the tank without the water is 349,000 pounds and when water is added, the weight adds another 4,186,000 pounds to the structure. The tank is built to withstand 100 MPH winds. It is located at 7th St. South, Clanton, AL, just off Exit 212 (Highway 145) off I-65.

Catching up from the holdays and such...

2008-01-06T21:42:00.000-06:00

I've had a busy but fun holiday. I had the boys from Wednesday December 19- Christmas Day. My sister flew down and arrived on Sunday the 23rd and stayed until December 30th. The boys had several "Christmases" in terms of gifts. I let them open gifts a few days before Christmas and then they got to open presents at my parent's house on Christmas Eve. Of course they did the same with their Mom's family the week after Christmas. As always my Mom made a great Christmas dinner. My sister continued her interviewing of my Dad to learn more about our family history.

I watched the Patriots game to see them become the first team in NFL history to go 16-0 in the regular season but I did watch a little Penn State and Paterno win yet another bowl game.
Of course I enjoyed the Crimson Tide's victory over Colorado in the Independence Bowl. I watched the first half with my Dad and the second half with my Mom. My Dad decided to go to bed at halftime and he said that if Colorado came back and won he wouldn't want to see that anyway. It almost happened. Bama had a 27-0 lead early in the second quarter hand had to hold on to win 30-24.

On New Year's Day I unexpectedly got the chance to get the boys and we went to the theater to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks, which was cute.

Thursday we had basketball practice. While the youngest two practiced, I defeated my 14 year old and his friend for the umpteenth time in a game of "21" by a score of 21-4-0. or something like that. Then David and I played against his friend and his friend's dad. We should have won because we were blowing them out but we lost our intensity and let them come back and beat us by one point. We had Dominoes Pizza that night. They talked me into getting the large Brooklyn style rather than the 3 mediums for $15. We should have gotten the three mediums because one large just isn't enough for the four of us.

We had a good weekend this weekend. Friday night we went to Tuscaloosa and watched the Tide defeat Chicago State 93-79. The best part was that David got to shoot free throws at halftime in a contest to win an Xbox 360. He did really well against a boy who was probably a coaches son or something because he was helping the team. They tied after the first round and were really tied after the second round. But the other boy shot one about 5 seconds after time was up and they awarded the prize to him because the teams had to get back on the court. I was more nervous than David. he said that he was "a little" nervous. It was so cool to hear Bama announcer Tony Giles calling my son's name out over the PA system. I regret that I forgot to save the game on my DVR because he might have been on TV. They competed during a time out about half way through the second half of the game.

On the way home I told Matt that he could choose somewhere for his birthday dinner. Of course he chose the Cracker Barrel. We stopped at the one on Academy Drive in Bessemer. While David and Matt went to the restroom I asked the waitress (who happened to be a cousin of Demetrius Jemison, one of Alabama's basketball players) if they could sing for Matt's birthday. She said most of their singers were gone but she would try to work out something. Little did I know that Matt overheard the conversation as he hid behind the partition on his way back from the bathroom. We were 'wowed' by what happened next. A young man with one of the best voices I have ever heard came out and sang happy birthday to Matt acapella. It was so cool! After he left I told the boys he should try out for American idol because he could easily be the next Reuben Studdard. Lo and behold our waitress came back and told us to look for him in a few weeks on American idol. His name is Walter Blair.

Yesterday we had basketball games all afternoon. Matt's team won their first game of the season so I took him to Dairy Queen for a banana split. Joe's team lost both games again but we celebrated anyway by eating chocolate chip cookies and watching "Facing the Giants". I love the inspiration that movie provides, especially from a Christian point of view. We will praise Him when we lose and we will praise him when we win. Lots of good lessons in that movie.

"Things Left Unsaid"

2008-01-03T08:50:00.000-06:00

...by Disciple:

Just a matter of time a few days ago,

I saw you you were fineRemembering what you said

About the book you read

The one I got you the begining of the end

Oh how we talked, for hours upon end

What I would give just to do it again

Your lying there in this hospital bed

Wont you open your eyes

And lets talk once again.

If you fly away tonight, I wanna tell you that I love.

I hope that you can hear me, I hope that you can feel me.

If you fly away tonight,

I wanna tell you that Im sorry,

That I never told you

When we were face to face.

Well Ive been here all night

And Im watching you

Breathe in and Breathe out

Is it really you or just a machine

Thats giving you life and

Making it seem that there could be hope

I could say it to your face?

If it werent for you then

There would be no grace

Thats covered my life.

You took the time to speak into my mind

And my harsh words were lies

If you fly away tonight

I wanna tell you that I love you
I hope that you can hear me

I hope that you can feel me

If you fly away tonight

I wanna tell you that

Im sorry

That I never told you

When we were face to face

Vinemont, Alabama

2007-12-27T05:51:00.000-06:00

Merry PC Christmas

2007-12-25T00:05:00.000-06:00

A story for Dale Murphy fans

2007-12-14T20:14:00.000-06:00

I took the above picture on 2/7/2004

I grew up a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves. One of their best players and one of the nicest guys of all time was Dale Murphy. This guy should be in the Hall of Fame. With all the talk lately of steroids and what is wrong with Major League Baseball, Murphy was the epitome of what was right about the sport. I found this story on Tidesports.com.

Ramblings about basketball and aging...

2007-12-14T18:12:00.000-06:00

The last several weeks Joe and Matt have been having basketball practice. This is allowing me to get some much needed (and doctor-prescribed) exercise. Exercise is easy for me to do if it is something I enjoy. While Matt and Joe are practicing, I have been playing basketball with my oldest son, David, and one of his friends. Have you heard of the game “21”? There are many different versions of the game, but essentially it is a game with multiple players all competing for their own points.

The three of us have played this game four times, and yes, the old man (that’s me!) has won all four. One game I actually won 21-0-0. That score was admittedly a bit of a fluke because the boys use a rule that if someone tips your missed shot into the basket you go back to zero. I put them both back shortly before the end of the game. Plus, I always hustle to rebound, or at least deflect my missed shots so I will not be sent back to zero. I can’t afford that.

I am writing this for two main purposes; to brag and “dog” my oldest son (just kidding) and the other is that I can bask in the last vestiges of athletic glory that I will experience in this life. My son is rapidly approaching my height and shoe size. At the same time my body is deteriorating as I sit behind this keyboard and exercise my fingers, and little else, much of the day.

Last night we didn’t have a chance to play “21” but we did get lots of shooting and dribbling in. I have noticed that at this age I have ‘flashes’ of my younger self. Every now and then I will do something that I thought I couldn’t do. Usually this only occurs after I have really warmed up and have a good supply of energy.

The aging process is really weird and hard to understand. Our bodies naturally deteriorate as everything does. But the factors that contribute to this deterioration are hard to understand. Am I better off because I was so active almost every day until I turned 28? If I had remained more active since then would I have had more injuries and, in turn, less ability now? Or has my relative lack of activity over the past several years (compared to the first 28) caused me to deteriorate faster?

My Dad is 77 and recently had to purchase a walker. Will I need a walker in 35 years? That is hard to imagine at this point. Will I even walk? Will I even be alive? Only God knows. It’s also strange how my mind “thinks” that my body can still do what it used to do, but my body doesn’t always obey. I have lost accuracy, speed, jumping ability, stamina, and most of all, agility.

It doesn’t feel good to be 42 sometimes. I liked the way I felt when I was 22. How would it feel if we could magically jump back in time and into our skin 2o years ago? We probably would be amazed at the difference. It would feel as if we were a new person.

My perspective on this is to enjoy how I feel now as much as possible. Even though “feeling 42” isn’t as good as 22, it is probably much better than 52, 62, 72, and beyond. I think most of us have the tendency to look at the green grass on the other side of the fence, where the glass is always half-full while we whine about our half-empty glass here in our less glamorous version of paradise.

I will resolve to be thankful for where I am now and to not long for the past or the future. In the mean time, I will enjoy winning basketball while I can. It won’t last much longer!

Merry Christmas link

2007-12-14T17:06:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

To my friends....

2007-12-13T17:16:00.000-06:00

Another thing I got via email....

To All My Democrat Friends:
Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Republican Friends:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Homecoming 2007

2007-12-10T06:48:00.000-06:00

Friday was a very special day for my boys and I. My son Joseph was selected as male homecoming representative from his grade. He and my eighth grade son, David, attended their first dance. I must mention here that I never attended any dances growing up, much less was I elected to represent my grade at one of these events. In a nutshell, I have always been rather shy and somewhat geeky. Some of my friends might even take exception to my use of the qualifier, “somewhat”. Joe wrote about it on his blog here. He also posted photos here. David posted about it here and posted photos here.

Needless to say I was extremely proud to learn about Joe’s selection. My boys attend a school that doesn’t have a football team so they have homecoming festivities during the basketball season. Joe is a rather quiet, hard working boy who loves the outdoors. He has always been a bit on the shy side, like his dad. He is very interested in cars, trucks, music, fishing, hunting, camping, and sports, especially football. He is a very smart kid with a great personality. He has always been very uninterested in girls. One thing that hasn’t changed about Joe is that it is difficult to get him wear something dressier than blue jeans. His mom was unable to get him to do it Friday. If he was with me that afternoon, I might have forced him to.

Before the basketball game I took pictures of Joe and his friends. He was walking around, socializing with other children and sitting with the girl he was escorting, Ashley. That alone made it a “coming out” of sorts for Joe. Just a year ago you couldn’t have dragged him kicking and screaming into this role. Now, all of a sudden, he was embracing it and fulfilling it tremendously. It was an awesome sight to see him walk out onto the court with Ashley, arm in arm, as their names and parents’ names were called.

Then came the dance. Just the fact that he was willing to attend the dance was amazing in itself. I had the boys that night and I decided to stay with them for the dance. Their mom pulled me aside and asked me not to attend. When I told her that I had decided to do it, she told me to stay away from them. I can only speculate as to why she was saying all of this, but I think one reason was that she was afraid that I would embarrass them. I was in agreement with her that I needed to give them some space, but I disagreed that it would be a problem for me to attend. She did not attend the dance. I am so glad I did. If I had not attended, I would have missed out on one of the best evenings of my life.

My youngest son Matthew and I sat in the corner most of the time. Amazingly, despite my efforts to maintain a low profile, my boys and their friends came over and talked with me a lot. I must have had 5-10 girls asking me to get David and Joe to dance with them. I really didn’t want to interfere. But after about thirty minutes of Joe sitting by me and watching David wander around the dance floor by himself with his arms crossed, I couldn’t take it any more. First, I whispered to Joe that he needed to ask Ashley to dance with him at least one time. I told him that she would feel really bad if he didn’t. He reluctantly said that he would think about it. Then he said that she had already asked him and he had said that he didn’t want to do it. I told him he needed to dance with her and that he would be glad later if he did. I told David the same thing. I told him that he would probably regret it later if he didn’t do it. I also told him that I was too shy when I was his age and that if I could go back and change things I would. I asked him to at least think about it.

Matthew is the one who usually is best known for his “girlfriends”, dancing, and outgoing personality. That was not the case on this occasion. After his first dance, Joe was “hooked” and basically danced with Ashley most of the rest of the time. He didn’t seem the least interested in dancing with anyone else. There were a lot of girls who seemed disappointed that he wouldn’t dance with them. Once David danced the first time, he ended up dancing the rest of the evening with several different girls.

One of the teachers kept taking pictures of David every time that he danced with a different girl. Every time she took a picture she would come over laughing and show me. I took lots of pictures once they started dancing. There came a point, though, I could sense it was becoming a bit more than they wanted so I scaled back toward the end. Maybe it was when they kept complaining about the flash or when they kept sneaking off to the other side of the room. I got the hint.

It seemed like David and Joe had the time of their life. Matthew had fun too, but he was pretty tame compared to usual. He even refused to dance with another little girl his age. I really cannot explain the emotions that I was feeling watching this spectacle. I was so proud seeing my boys turning into young men right before my eyes. Seeing how they conducted themselves socially, using good manners, showing their personalities, and overcoming their shyness was an awesome sight. I do not think that I am overstating it to say that Friday night was their “coming out” event. They will never be the same. They are transitioning into young men now. That transition is not all fun and games. As a matter of fact, I had to deal with a lot of rebelliousness, immaturity, and disrespect from one of them later in the weekend.

Friday night was a night I will always remember and cherish. I will think back to that night many times in the future. That was the best Christmas gift that I will receive this year. I literally would not have missed it for the world. Ultimately, I must give thanks to God. I have prayed for and cared for these boys every day since before they were born. My dad always told me that he wanted me to succeed even more than he did. When I was a child I never understood that. I do now. It is the essence of love. Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity, responsibility, joy, and even difficulty that comes with raising David, Joseph, and Matthew. I pray that your hand would always be on their lives.

When You're Smiling

2007-12-07T17:48:00.000-06:00

This is one of my parents' favorite songs. They have sung it to my sister, my children and I many times through the years....

When you're smilin', keep on smilin'
The whole world smiles with you
And when you're laughin', keep on laughin'
The sun comes shinin' through
But when you're cryin', you bring on the rain
So stop your frownin', be happy again
Cause when you're smilin', keep on smilin'
The whole world smiles with you

Oh when you're smilin', keep on smilin'
The whole world smiles with you
Ah when you're laughin', keep on laughin'
The sun comes shinin' through
Now when you're cryin', you bring on the rain
So stop that sighin', be happy again
Cause when you're smilin', just keep on smilin'
And the whole world gonna smile with,
The great big world will smile with,
The whole wide world will smile with you.

Dad

2007-12-05T22:08:00.000-06:00

Last week I took my Dad in for some tests. He has had some trouble lately with walking. he has fallen several times going out to get the newspaper or the mail. His ankle was really bruised and I think the doctor was concerned about his circulation. The tests came back OK. He did have to get a walker. I didn't know how fancy those walkers are now. The only walkers I had seen before were metal rods. His walker is a fancy black one with wheels, hand brakes, and a seat.

I didn't blog much about spending Thanksgiving weekend with my parents and my boys. The weekend prior to Thanksgiving, my sister visited. One of the things she did was interview Dad for a paper she is writing. She is taking a writing class and she asked him so many questions. During that time we were looking at some old yearbooks and pictures. The above photo was taken around 1948 when Dad enlisted in the United States Air Force. The picture below was taken on November 18, 2007, almost 60 years later.

Just visiting...

2007-12-03T21:54:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of visiting a friend's church this past Sunday. It was a country church with a small membership. One thing I noticed is the close-knit, family atmosphere among the members. I enjoyed seeing my friend's two sons walking down the pew where their family sat and getting love from every one of them. Those kids will always have a strong foundation to build their lives on.

Glavine back with Braves

2007-11-19T19:49:00.000-06:00

Glavine returns to Braves
Nearing the end of his career, Tom Glavine is returning to his roots. Glavine agreed to a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves on Monday. A two-time National League Cy Young Award winner, Glavine won 242 games in 16 seasons with the Braves. He spent his last five seasons with the New York Mets after signing as a free agent following the 2002 campaign.

Veteran hurler Glavine back with Braves
ATLANTA, United States (AFP) - Southpaw pitcher Tom Glavine, who has 303 triumphs in a 21-season Major League Baseball career, has signed a one-year deal to return to the Atlanta Braves after five years with the New York Mets.

He's back: Tom Glavine returns to Braves to finish career.
ATLANTA (AP) -- Tom Glavine never got used to making that unfamiliar turn in the tunnel beneath Turner Field, the one that took him to the visiting clubhouse the last five years.

Now he's back with the home team. Glavine returned to the Braves on Monday to finish a career that likely will send him to the Hall of Fame, though this isn't just a sentimental farewell. Atlanta believes the crafty left-hander, who will turn 42 before next season, can help them get back to the playoffs after a two-year hiatus. "Starting pitching has been our Achilles' heel. We just didn't have the depth we had in past years, and we wanted to address that," new general manager Frank Wren said. "Tommy was our No. 1 target." This was an easy one to hit.

Career stats

I was a 22 year old college student at the University of Alabama on August 17, 1987 when Glavine made his debut. Other players on the Braves back then included: Dale Murphy, Ken Griffey, Sr., Graig Nettles, Ted Simmons, Doyle Alexander, Gene Garber, and Phil Niekro, among many others. If all of that doesn't date Glavine, nothing will!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-19T17:08:00.000-06:00

Check it out.

Will you give this to my Daddy?

2007-11-19T06:31:00.000-06:00

I received this story via email. I cannot vouch for it's authenticity but it will touch your heart regardless!

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support "Red Fridays." Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal! .

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said "hi," the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, he didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy.

Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you." He t hen hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon."

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing
Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.
We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent!” majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers.

The stuff you can find....

2007-11-07T23:09:00.001-06:00

I found one of my favorite songs from almost 20 years ago, during my college days, on YouTube. These guys were SO talented and original. No wonder why I bought all those cassettes...

Without further ado...Acappella...

Another thought-provoking story...

2007-11-05T06:52:00.000-06:00

One day, when I was a freshman in high school,I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.His name was Kyle.It looked like he was carrying all of his books.I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?He must really be a nerd."I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him.He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyesMy heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. "They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"There was a big smile on his face.It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.He said he had gone to private school before now.I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friendsHe said yes.We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.. When we were seniors we began to think about college.Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.Kyle was valedictorian of our class.I teased him all the time about being a nerd.He had to prepare a speech for graduation.I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speakGraduation day, I saw Kyle.He looked great.He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.Boy, sometimes I was jealous!Today was one of those days.I could see that he was nervous about his speech.So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled." Thanks," he said.As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.I am going to tell you a story."I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile."Thankfully, I was saved.My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.Never underestimate the power of your actions.With one small gesture you can change a person's life.For better or for worse.God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way.Look for God in others.

Food for thought...

2007-11-04T06:49:00.000-06:00

Beautiful message that I received via email.......You Took My Parking Space at Church

One day a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his carand got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, "I always park there! You took my place! ''

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and satdown. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, 'That's myseat! You took my place!'

The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, ' That's where I always sit!You took my place!' The visitor was even more troubled by thistreatment, but still He said nothing.

Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them,the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from thecongregation noticed him and called out, 'What happened to you?'

The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fellfrom his eye, 'I took your place.' When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. This is powerful. Just send this to four people and see what happens. Maybe, just maybe, we can get the world to start thinking of who took our place. Do not break this, please. AuthorUnknown

McCartney is still at it...

2007-11-03T07:44:00.000-05:00

If you were 65 years old and posessed over $1 billion, what would you do? Probably you would do what you loved doing; whatever the Lord put you here to do. I guess that is probably why a guy like Paul McCartney will likely go to his grave singing for whomever will listen...

More weird stuff from work...

2007-11-02T17:10:00.000-05:00

As if the names I mentioned the other day weren't weird enough, today I came across this line in a letter today at work, "He needs to get a fraternity test before any other action is taken in this matter. Since the mother was married to someone else when she had this child...." Please don't ask what fraternity he is trying to gain acceptance to.

The answer to the other day's question: Which one is male, Starlight, Pink, or Sparkle?
The answer is Pink! The bad part is that he is a junior! Why would someone who had the misfortune of being saddled with that name place that burden on their child?

The rest of the story. He is the legal father and there were two additional men that are alleged biological fathers. They are brothers! How pitiful.

My high school alma mater....

2007-10-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

I am a proud member of what used to be known as the FamiLee (also known as the Lee High Generals of Huntsville Alabama).

I was a trombone and sousaphone player "back in the day".

Here is the band in 2007....

Why ask why?

2007-10-29T19:54:00.000-05:00

Today in court I had several cases and here are three of the first names of people I worked with:

Starlite

Pink

Sparkle

Comment on which one you think was the name of an old man....

Definitely the highlight of the week...

2007-10-28T21:17:00.001-05:00

Last week was really tough, but you are looking at the best part of my life. In the midst of a storm, the three precious boys pictured above provided me an oasis of fun, life, levity, and adventure. On Tuesday afternoon, they were still on fall break and I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with them. We decided to play tackle football in the cool light rain and mud. Yes, there was some whining, some bruised egos, and a few black and blue spots incurred.
But David said it best. "That was one of the most fun games of football I ever played." Matt and Dad played Joe and David a fairly even game, even though the old man isn't that agile any more! These are the times of our life we should never forget!

It will be o.k.......

2007-10-24T21:48:00.000-05:00

People can say anything they want on a blog. How many times do people bare their soul to the world? I will say something I thought that I would never blog about.

I tried to be a friend and love someone for almost seven years. She was a gem, in many ways. No one has prayed for me more times than she did.

I was deeply hurt by her lies and mental illness two years ago. Though I haven't officially dated her since then, she reappeared and requested forgiveness....friendship....love.....and even mentioned marriage. Forgiveness was easy, but....

I was cautious. I was reserved. But, deep down in my heart, I was in love. But I was a bit scared to express it.

I want God's will to be done in my life!

I was betrayed and lied to.

I was hurt again.

I still love, but.........

....Today I stood up for the first time in my life and said, "Please do not call me again. Please do not come back in three months and tell me you made a mistake."

Then I said....there is ONE exception....if this guy threatens you or harms you in any way, do not hesitate to call me. Run. Call. I will rescue you and beat the crap out of him if I have to to protect you.

Response: You are so sweet. Thank you.

Me: I do not want that to happen and I don't think it will, so, I hope you don't call me again, because I can't handle it. I wish I could talk to you but I can't handle the pain any more.

Unorthodox end to a relationship:
I "prayed through" with her over the phone. Then, my last words to this awesome person that I will never forget......................

I love you, S_ _ _ _ n

The last call began at 6:10 and lasted 85 minutes and 52 seconds....

I hope R _ _ _ _ t has better luck than I, is what I am thinking now.

Having said all of that, I thank God for all the awesome, good things that happened to me because of her during these years.

Frankly, she has made a mistake. Not because she rejected me. She has stopped living her life (by her own admission) the way the Lord would have her live.

Please pray for my friend.

This post only touches the surface of what I have been going through for years.

I have a couple of GREAT friends who may read this. I thank God for you! You should know who you are! Please pray for me!

Her favorite thing for me to say...

"It will be o.k."....

I cannot regret giving all I had to someone, despite the rejection, for so long.

I wish I had the time to blog about the blessings and the fun I have had because of this special person.

I could focus on some hellacious negatives, but they are overwhelmed by the blessings. I wish her nothing but the best. How many people break up and their last words to each other are "I love you."?

Can a person be too patient?

I didn't respond to her needs. Another guy played on her vulnerabilities. I treated her as a friend and was fair, respectful, and honest.

Why do nice guys finish last?

I hold out faith that the Lord used this time to draw me closer, teach me lessons, and help me mature. I need to heal but life is not over.

I will focus on being a good Dad for David, Joe, and Matt. I will focus on being a good son for Marty and Dorothy. I will try to be a good brother to Cara. I will try to be a good friend to those who have meant so much to me for so long. I will try to be a good employee.

Most of all, I will try to please my Lord and Saviour, Jesus.

And He WILL take care of me.

Fighting cancer

2007-10-16T18:06:00.002-05:00

Brenda Ladun of ABC 33/40 News in Birmingham is fighting cancer again. She started a blog this summer and since then she was diagnosed with the same cancer that she fought so courageously a few years ago. She seems to really exhibit the ability to have a positive attitude and be thankful for what she has rather than getting down about what she does not have.

It reminds me of the story I heard recently about a 92 year old man whose wife had recently passed away and he was being taken to a nursing home. When asked about the situation, he commented, "I really like my new place." He was then reminded that he had not even seen the place yet. He acknowledged that and said, "I know. I made a decision long ago to be thankful for and like what I have rather than to despair over what I do not have."

Life is a series of decisions and choices. Those who are happiest think like the old man in the story. That is easier said than done sometimes so we really have to work at it and ask the Lord to help us mature in that way.

It reminds me of the verse that says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3

Alabama's Gulf Coast

2007-10-16T18:05:00.000-05:00

I had the privilege and opportunity to visit the coast last week on a business trip. I was able to take some photos while I was there.

What's on Paul's ipod?

2007-10-16T17:44:00.000-05:00

I saw an interesting article about my favorite musician and songwriter, Paul McCartney in The Mirror. A lot of articles say the same old stuff, but this interview was pretty insightful. Highlights included,

Macca said he still thanked God for his music, adding: "It's been a difficult time but music is a great healer. Music is the therapy for me. "In fact, going through difficulties has only concentrated my desire to make good music. And I'm still very glad to be a part of it all. I used to work as a coil-winder, making coils for electric motors in this factory in Liverpool. I wasn't very good at it. "They checked them at the end of the line and mine didn't always work. So I thought it was time to get out. "One day George and John showed up over the factory wall and someone said, 'Hey, a couple of mates of yours are asking for you.' And they said, 'We've got a gig at the Cavern'. And that was it. So I know what I could have been doing and I know what I am doing. "And I feel very privileged to be still doing it. So yeah. Thank you, Lord!" Sir Paul said he's still a fan as well as a musician - and has a string of hits by both old stars and new on his iPod. He added: "My iPod moves from Kaiser Chiefs to Neil Young to Guillemots to Bob Dylan to Radiohead to Bob Marley. And if you want to get a dancefloor moving, it's I Will Survive. "Mix that with Foo Fighters, throw in a bit of Fred Astaire, KC and the Sunshine Band, maybe Fatboy Slim and we've got it!" Macca also revealed that the Beatles had briefly considered a comeback in 1976 - six years after they split. He said: "There were phenomenal amounts of money being offered. Millions by Sid Bernstein, this New York promoter. But it just went round and round. There might be three of us thinking 'You know, it might not be a bad idea' - but the other one would go, 'Nah, I don't think so' and sort of veto it. Let's put it this way, there was never a time when all four of us wanted to do it. "And each time it was always someone different who didn't fancy it. "And I'm actually glad of that now because the Beatles' work is a body of work. There's nothing to be ashamed of there. "In the end we decided we should leave well enough alone. "The potential disappointment of coming on and not being as good as The Beatles had been, that was a risk we shouldn't take."

From the "Enough Said Dept."

2007-10-15T12:58:00.001-05:00

This also recently happened in northern Illinois according to Rick and Bubba. It must happen more often than I realized.

Leonard's Losers

2007-10-13T23:51:00.000-05:00

I fondly remember listening to Leonard's Losers on my Dad's AM radio as we drove through Huntsville to pick up building/home supplies at the old Handy Dan store.
"Leonard will be back next week with another bunch of losers. Tee-ill then, this is Percy Peabody, Hoping you'll be with us!" Then you would hear the old banjo music...

I will post more...

2007-10-08T14:38:00.000-05:00

...when I get back from my trip.

Take the test!

2007-10-04T06:51:00.000-05:00

This site allows you to answer questions relative to 11 issues and then matches your responses to show which candidates that you agree with the most and the lease. This is a very interesting idea, but I really wasn't surprised by my results!


	Duncan Hunter Score: 47	Agree Iraq Taxes Stem-Cell Research Health Care Abortion Social Security Line-Item Veto Marriage Death Penalty	Disagree Immigration Energy
	Fred Thompson Score: 47	Agree Iraq Taxes Stem-Cell Research Health Care Abortion Social Security Line-Item Veto Marriage Death Penalty	Disagree Immigration Energy
-- Take the Quiz! --

How do you spend your dash?

2007-10-02T06:19:00.000-05:00

Check this link out and think about it!

Big Spring Jam Friday 9/28/07

2007-09-30T19:58:00.000-05:00

This is the church I grew up in, The Church of the Visitation on Jefferson street in Huntsville, Alabama. We parked close to the church on our way to the Big Spring Jam.

Matt, enjoying the music at Big Spring Jam

David and Joe can't wait for Craig Morgan

Craig Morgan sings, "That's What I Like About Sunday"

We really enjoyed Sawyer Brown as well, even though Joe and Matt began dozing off before it was all over!

Tonight at Wally World

2007-09-26T21:08:00.000-05:00

Tonight after leaving work late I went to Wal Mart in Decatur to find some baby shower gifts for one of my best employees who is expecting her first child on October 27. I came armed with a printout of the list of items for which she and her husband had registered. My first step was to ask someone in customer service how to find out which items remained to be purchased off the list. I entered the data on the screen and retrieved the printout. I headed to the infants section thinking this would be a piece of cake. Wrong.

I could not seem to match the cryptic abbreviations on the printout with the items on the shelf. I walked around the infant section patiently several times and could not find an employee to help. I decided to wander around to neighboring sections. I finally saw an employee who didn't seem overly busy and asked her for help. She tried, but bless her, she really wasn't much help. She mistook the abbreviation for a "tub" of baby wipes for a bathing tub. At that point I knew I was in trouble!

About that time a really nice looking, well-dressed, professional-looking, cute lady with her work badge still attached looked like she needed help. She smiled really big at me and the Wally World lady and said she needed help finding a stroller with a cover. I smiled at her and said that I had already claimed the worker from another section. She smiled back.

After minimal help from the employee I continued to walk aimlessly around the infant section. Uncharacteristically, I spoke to the lady who smiled at me and asked if she found what she was looking for. She did, but she had more than she could hold and dropped several items. I helped her pick her items up and she asked if I found what I needed. I explained my predicament and she offered to help.

She spent a good 15 minutes giving me (a single guy, years out of touch with baby stuff) some really good help and advice on items to purchase. She helped me find several items on my list and a few surprises.

Her kindness, sweet disposition, friendliness, and smile meant a lot to me. She stood close to me as we compared items to the list. At some point I thought about how nice and how cute she was. Then I looked at her finger. She had a wedding band and engagement ring on her finger.

I had almost thought that I should introduce myself and ask her for her name and number until I saw that she was married.

I will never see this "angel" again. It was a good experience for me though. I have always been very shy and insecure. I dated only about four people in my life and I have been divorced now for 6 years. I sometimes wonder if I will ever find someone who will love me and I can love for the rest of my life. This was good for my self esteem and hope.

The Lord will handle that! It may very well be that He wants me to be single the rest of my life. If so, that's great. There are moments, though, like tonight, that give me the thought that He might send someone my way in a most serendipitous fashion.

Write it down; Yesterday was a mistake

2007-09-25T17:38:00.000-05:00

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke yesterday at Columbia University. I was flabbergasted at the coverage last night on CNN. Some idiot, whose last name is Sanchez, who was anchoring the 7CT news stated that having this guy speak at Columbia was simply an exercise in “freedom of speech”.

Excuse me? I was taught that the freedoms expressed in the Bill of Rights were granted to citizens of the United States; not someone who has ties to al-Qaida, Hezbollah, and terrorists that we are currently fighting a war against in Iraq. Not to mention his vow to “wipe Israel off the map”

I was also disappointed by the President’s reaction. This is an excerpt from an answer to a question by his National security Advisor, Steve Hadley.

Q Do you have any reaction to the theme of what Ahmadinejad has been saying today; essentially that, why should we go to war, there is no war in the offing, we're not walking towards war with the United States? Are those comments in any way helpful? MR. HADLEY: Look, what would be helpful is for Iranian officials to give some direction so that they would stop the movement of equipment into Iraq, and training people in Iraq who are killing innocent Iraqis, Iraqi security forces and our kids. What would be helpful is if Iran would get out of the business of supporting terror, and agree to what's been offered to them: to suspend their enrichments capability so we can sit down and negotiate a resolution to the nuclear issue, that would give the Iranian people an opportunity for a truly peaceful civil nuclear program, and reassure the international community they're not trying to find a nuclear weapon. And it would be nice for this regime to give their people more of an opportunity to participate in government. I mean, look -- it would be nice for this regime to take some concrete steps to address the agenda, that not only the United States has, but really the whole international community has with the government of Iran. Thanks a lot.
I thought the President considered him part of the axis of evil and a sponsor of terror. I thought we were at war against terror and that we were going to hunt for and track down all terrorists and their sponsors until they were brought to justice. That’s what we were told right after 9/11. Isn’t that why the left keeps whining about our apparent inability to capture Bin Laden.

Forget the question about letting Ahmadinejad speak. Why didn’t we arrest him and try him for war crimes. Our country has forgotten the horror of 9/11 already. Even President Bush is beginning to succumb to the pressure from those who are soft on defense.

I hate to predict this but I am concerned that someday we will look back at 9/24/07 and ask ourselves, “Why didn’t we stop this madman when we had the opportunity?”

Where I was on 9/11...

2007-09-11T17:52:00.000-05:00

Photos of those who we lost on 9/11/01

I was on leave that morning. I was going in to work late so I was my home in Good Hope, Alabama. As I often did that year, I was listening to the Rick and Bubba radio show while I was getting ready for work. I heard them begin talking about something and that sounded like an accident at first. Then it gradually became apparent that we were under attack. I remember going to see my oldest soms who were in the second grade and kindergarten at the time. I remember discussing it with teachers in the lunchroom as we were all trying to mentally and emotionally grapple with what was happening. I remember hugging my boys. I remember the series of emotions we went through during that day and the days that followed. I remember the Wednesday night prayer service at Seventh Street Baptist Church in Cullman. I remember how our county united, even the worst of our politicians joined together for a photo op singing "God Bless America". I remember flags flying on cars.

I remember...
sadness
confusion
disbelief
unity
concern
tears
anger
family
togetherness
fear
self-examination
Jesus
hope
comfort
war
survivors
stories
heroes
firemen
NYC
Pentagon
Twin Towers
Freedom
security
red, orange, and yellow
Shanksville, PA
2999 precious lives
false news reports on CNN
hate
first responders
War on Terror

One of the best songs

2007-09-11T17:45:00.000-05:00

One of the best songs I have heard that came out of the 9/11 tragedy was "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" by Alan Jackson. Jackson reportedly had some strong reservations abour releasing this song because he did not want to be seen as capitalizing on a tragedy. About the song, Jackson said, "I think it was Hank Williams who said, 'God writes the songs, I just hold the pen.' That's the way I felt with this song." This is one of the few songs I have heard in my life that deeply moved me to tears.

Here are the lyrics:

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

God Bless America

2007-09-11T06:11:00.000-05:00

Heads bow in memory of 9/11 victims
By AMY WESTFELDT, Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK - Relatives of Sept. 11 victims bowed their heads in silence Tuesday to mark the moments exactly six years earlier when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field. The dreary skies created a grim backdrop, and a sharp contrast to the clear blue of that morning in 2001.

I saw a no hitter!

2007-09-10T19:29:00.001-05:00

Last Friday night was pretty special. First, it was cool to get the opportunity to spend some time with my 'old' friends Johnny and Rob. I have known Rob for 35 years. That is almost scary. I've known Johnny for 28 years. The three of us have shared all of life's ups and downs, in's and outs, philosophy, music, spirituality, music, sports, etc., etc., etc. I feel quite blessed to count them as my close friends for such a long time. Friday night we went to the Huntsville Stars' playoff game together. I have been a Stars fan since their inception in 1985. My Dad and I hoped Huntsville would get a minor league team throughout my childhood years. When it finally happened, Dad bought us season tickets the first few summers.

Future superstar José Canseco was the MVP of the Southern League that year. Catcher Terry Steinbach won the MVP award in 1986. Other notable Stars who became major leaguers included: Greg Cadaret, Jason Giambi, Stan Javier, Mark McGuire, Terry Steinbach, Eric Chavez, Prince Fielder, Tony Gwynn, Jr., Tim Hudson, Miguel Tejada, Ben Sheets, Todd Van Poppel, Rickie Weeks, Luis Polonia, Charlie O'Brien, Tim Belcher, Darrel Akerfelds, Eric Plunk, Felix Jose, Ben Grieve, etc. There are many others.

The Stars have quite a great history, all of which is documented on the excellent "Baseball Cube" website. Anything you want to know about the Stars' history can be found there.

There is no telling how many Stars games and other games I have seen in person in my life, but this was my first time to watch a no hitter.

News reports:

9/7/2007
Smokies succumb to Stars' no-hitter, 5-0

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Tennessee Smokies fell victim to a no-hit pitching performance by the Huntsville Stars pitching staff Friday night, succumbing 5-0 to the home team at Joe Davis Stadium. Stars' hurlers Corey Thurman, Dave Johnson and Luis Pena combined on the historic feat, and evened the Southern League Divisional Series at 1-1.

Thurman was able to shake off two first-inning walks Friday night to retire 16 Smokies in a row. He used a commanding fastball to keep the Smokies off-guard, striking out seven over six innings.

The Stars' bullpen would not let Thurman's performance go to waste. Johnson followed with three strikeouts in two innings, including a third-strike wild pitch to the Smokies' Nate Spears in the eighth. The road team could do nothing against Pena either, with three ninth-inning groundouts to secure the no-hit bid.

With Stars pitching stifling the Smokies offense, the Stars' five-run sixth inning was more than enough to win. Hernan Iribarren and Adam Heether kicked off the Stars' attack with back-to-back singles. After Lou Palmisano reached on an error by Smokies infielder Kyle Reynolds, Michael Brantley delivered a two-run single to give the Stars a 2-0 lead. The bases would load up again for the home team, where pinch-hitter Mike Goetz's single brought in two more. A sacrifice groundout by the Stars' Steven Sollmann concluded the scoring for the home team.

The best-of-five series is now tied at 1-1 and will shift to Smokies Park on Saturday. Tennessee will start Jeff Samardzija (3-3, 3.41), while the Stars are sending Derek Miller (6-2, 3.18) to the mound. Tickets are available by calling the Smokies ticket office at (865) 286-2300 or by ordering online at www.smokiesbaseball.com.
9/7/2007

Stars Toss No-Hitter in Win Over Smokies!

Corey Thurman, David Johnson and Luis Pena combined on the first home no-hitter in franchise history in Huntsville’s 5-0 win over Tennessee Friday night at Joe Davis Stadium in the second game of the North Division Playoff series. The Stars evened up the best-of-five series at a game apiece after exploding for all five runs in the sixth inning against Smokies’ starter Justin Berg.

Thurman issued two walks in the first inning before getting Issmael Salas to fly out for the final out of the frame. From there, the right-hander retired the side in order in each of the next five innings, recording six of his seven strikeouts in the game. Berg had blanked the Stars on three singles through five frames before the Stars broke through in the sixth.

Hernan Iribarren and Adam Heether opened the inning with singles before Lou Palmisano dropped down a sacrifice bunt attempt that third baseman Kyle Reynolds fielded but his throw to first base pulled second baseman Nate Spears off the bag, allowing Palmisano to reach to load the bases. Michael Brantley then grounded the next pitch into right field to chase home the first two runs of the night. Steve Moss singled with one out to reload the bases and force manager Don Money to make a decision whether or not to leave Thurman in the game. The skipper opted to send up pinch-hitter Mike Goetz, who made the move pay off by chopping a single over a leaping shortstop Robinson Chirinos for a two-run single to push the lead to 4-0. Steve Sollmann’s fielder’s choice grounder plated Moss with the final run of the night.

Johnson took over for Thurman and walked Tyler Colvin with one out in the seventh before getting Salas to ground into a broken bat, inning-ending double play. He then struck out the side in the eighth before turning the game over to Pena, who saved 12 games during the regular season. The hard-throwing right-hander retired Eric Patterson on a grounder to second, Jorge Cortes on a comebacker and got Casey McGehee to ground out to second base on an 0-1 offering to finish off the third no-hitter in Stars’ history. Dana Allison tossed a no-hitter at Birmingham on August 3, 1992 and Tanyon Sturtze kept Chattanooga hitless on June 13, 1993 at Engel Stadium.

The series continues Saturday afternoon with southpaw Derek Miller taking the hill for Huntsville against Smokies’ right-hander Jeff Samardzija. Coverage of the game begins at 3:50 pm central time and can be heard locally on SportsRadio 730 WUMP and through the internet at www.huntsvillestars.com.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Paybacks are tough, they say.

On June 21, Huntsville pitcher Corey Thurman yielded a home run to Tennessee pitcher Mark Holliman, who went on to pitch a no-hitter against the Stars.

On Friday night, Thurman was one of three Huntsville pitchers to turn the tables on Tennessee, combining for a no-hitter in a 5-0 Stars' victory.

Thurman, a 28-year-old former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher who as recently as 2005 was pitching in independent ball, struck out six in six innings, walking only two, before being lifted for a pinch-hitter. Dave Johnson followed with two innings of hitless relief, followed by Stars' closer Luis Pena, who hit 100-plus mph on four of his ninth-inning deliveries.

With the series evened at 1-1, the playoffs move to Smokies Park in Sevierville at 5:05 p.m. today, with Huntsville sending Derek Miller (6-2) against Tennessee's Jeff Samardzija (3-3).

Game four will be in Huntsville Sunday at 7:05 EDT; game five, if needed would be at Joe Davis Stadium Monday at 8:05.

It was the first no-hitter by a Huntsville pitcher in a home game in franchise history and only the third in club history.

The last no-hitter in a Southern League playoff game came in 2005 when Jacksonville's Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton combined to stop Birmingham in the series opener.

"I've seen some no-hitters but I've never been a part of one," Thurman said. "After Holliman got his against us, I was thinking tonight I'd much rather do it this time of the year."

Thurman, who began the season slowly and painfully, battling food poisoning, saved his best for the postseason. He was almost doing a tightrope walk early, walking a pair of batters in the first and throwing two dozen pitches in the inning. But after putting Tyler Colvin on with a walk, he retired the last 16 men he faced, five by strikeout.

The Stars broke open the shutout with a rat-tat-tat sixth inning against Smokies' starter Justin Berg (7-7), who is 0-2 in two previous starts against Huntsville.

After a pair of hits and a Kyle Reynolds error on a bunt loaded the bases for Huntsville, Michael Brantley swatted a single through the right side to score a pair of runs.

Mike Goetz, pinch-hitting for Thurman later in the inning in only his sixth Huntsville at-bat since a promotion from rookie ball, added two more runs with a chopper over short. Steve Sollmann's infield hit plated the fifth run.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

This weekend with Mom and Dad

2007-09-09T19:55:00.000-05:00

My parents (who are 77 and 74) were diagnosed with colon cancer nine and ten years ago, respectively. They have been cancer free and have experienced the happiest years of their lives and marriage since then. My Mom retired from being a nurse and decided to keep busy by working at JCPenny's in Huntsville 12 years ago. She is still their most reliable employee 12 years later, even at age 74. Part of me wants her to stop, but I know that she enjoys working with people and this is her outlet. It is probably good for her. She really doesn't need the money. She is so dedicated and faithful to my Dad, me, my sister, my children, and her job. People in my generation (I'm 42) and younger that have that type of dedication are so much harder to find. My Mom and Dad seem to live for being a blessing to others.

Since I am divorced, this was the weekend I didn't have my boys. I am very much single and haven't really dated in the last couple of years. I had several things I could have done this weekend. I always have to decide what to do with my time when I cannot be with my boys. I had an opportunity to go to the Bama game Saturday in Nashville. I decided to visit with my parents instead. I am so glad that I did!

Every time that I do something with them, I always think that it may be my last opportunity. My Dad took me to my first Bama game in Birmingham in 1975 when I was 10. As I was driving towards Huntsville on I-565, I couldn't help but think, "This may be the last time I watch a Bama game with my dad." That may sound maudlin, but it's my way of trying to appreciate the opportunity that I still have.

This may sound almost silly, but I wished that I had taped my conversation with my dad during the game.

My parents, and thousands like them, are truly part of the "Greatest Generation" that Tom Brokaw wrote about in his book by that name.

There went 30 years of my life....

2007-08-27T13:38:00.000-05:00

Braves, TBS parting waysStation's 30 years of telecasting team's games is ending in style

Over the past three decades, thousands of Braves games have been televised nationally on TBS. Just 10 more to go. Sunday's Braves-Cardinals game and nine others will end a tradition that began in 1977, when Ted Turner had the seemingly outrageous idea of bouncing his bad baseball team's games off a satellite and across the nation. It was an idea that would help shape the fledgling industry of cable television, as well as the business of sports media. For a while, the ubiquitous Braves even earned the moniker "America's Team." But after years of declining ratings for Braves games outside the Southeast, TBS next season will replace the team as national programming with a package of Sunday afternoon league-wide games. TBS also will carry postseason games for the first time starting this fall, airing all four division series plus the National League Championship Series. Braves games will continue to air locally next season on over-the-air channel WTBS, which will be renamed Peachtree TV, as well as on regional cable networks SportSouth and FSN South. First, though, TBS will mark the end of an era.

Martha's Place

2007-08-25T21:11:00.001-05:00

I had the opportunity to eat at a really good restaurant in Montgomery on Friday. I had fried fish, black eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and strawberry shortcake. It was delicious and the atmosphere was great. It was almost like visiting an aunt in downtown Montgomery for a home-cooked meal. Two thumbs up!

Get more than a meal at Marthas

Matha Hawkins' Website

Recent news article

I once was lost but now I'm found!

2007-08-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

Sometimes the best-laid plans go South. Friday morning was one of those times for me! Let me back up a little bit. I had been out of the office most of the week. I had Microsoft Excel training two days and I has court another day. Friday I had a committee meeting in Montgomery at the Office of Prosecution Services for the Alabama District Attorneys Association. Even though I have been to that building each of the last five years for the same meeting, I thought I better print out driving directions, just in case. The only problem was that I was in court all day Thursday and I didn’t have time to print out directions. Thursday’s court deserves its own blog entry later!

As I mentioned in the previous blog entry, the boys and I were up rather late Thursday. Friday morning, David and I awakened extremely early, around four o’clock. After he took a shower he asked me if he could play a GM career mode baseball game on his Xbox. I asked him if he thought he could stay awake and alert in school if I let him play the game. Of course he said that he could. I decided to say “yes”. I couldn’t get back to sleep so I laid there by him as he played. His game was over by about five so he and I played a college football game on Xbox. I was winning halfway through the third quarter when we had to quit in order to get ready for school and work.

Matt woke up on the wrong side of the bed! Usually he is really good in the morning, but not on this day. Because of that we were running late (which is very unusual). I got them to school at 8:00. Then I had to high tail it to Montgomery.

I had enough time to make it to my 10:30 meeting in Montgomery as long as I drove 70-75 mph and didn’t run into any trouble. Actually, if I didn’t get lost, I would have been at least 15 minutes early. That didn’t happen! My first mistake was attempting to forward voice mail messages to my workers as I was driving into Montgomery. I passed the exit to I-85, and went about 7 or 8 miles out of the way before I made it back up to I-85. Then I had a brain cramp. Instead of looking for Perry Street, I looked for Perry Hill Road. I have had meetings on Perry Hill Road too, but I soon realized I was in the wrong place. Then my mind went blank. Yes, I am getting old! I went further east through Montgomery for several miles until I realized that I was going the wrong way. I had to turn around at AUM. By this point I was completely confused and had absolutely no clue where Perry Street was located. I had already attempted to call one of the other committee members on his cell phone, to no avail. It was 10:45 and I was about to give up!

I actually decided that if I was anything over 30 minutes late before I found the place, I would just have to drive home with my embarrassed tail between my legs. I commenced to praying! Actually I had prayed some already but now I got more serious about it. I said, “Lord, there is no way I will find this place unless you take me straight to it. Help me listen to you, somehow, for guidance. Please help my lack of faith.” I really didn’t believe I would find it on time.

At times like this you may be tempted to think, “I could just go home and take leave for the day.” Then you think how wrong that would be. Besides that, I already left my colleague a voice mail regarding my problem. I decided that if I found the place I would hold my head up, laugh at myself, and not worry about what others may think any longer. Lo and behold, I saw an exit, and I thought that it might be the correct exit. Then as I went down the ramp I saw the sign for Perry Street South! I knew where I was. I made it to the meeting 25 minutes late. No one was mad! No one ridiculed me. I just caught myself up to speed and contributed a lot in the meeting. It was great. This meeting was about selecting statewide award winners for our professional association. One of my colleagues said something about nominating me for one of the awards. Of course, I rejected that notion as a member of the awards committee, but that made my day. It made me feel better about myself after I had been beating myself up about getting lost and being late.

Thank you Lord for getting me there!

After the meeting, we had an outstanding lunch at a place I highly recommend. I will mention that in my next entry!

Back to blogging on this blog!

2007-08-25T19:53:00.000-05:00

I have been posting so much on weather and Alabama football, I have been neglecting this blog a little bit. Since I have a little free time on my hands this Saturday night, I thought I would do a little writing while I listen to the Braves-Cardinals game on the radio. The Cardinals just came back from a 3-0 deficit to take a 5-3 lead on the Braves and pitcher Tim Hudson. Maybe we will pull this one out before it's over. The Braves are six games out in the NL East and they are 3 out in the wildcard standings. Things are beginning to look grim, especially if they don't get on a winning streak soon. Come on Bravos!

Thursday was a busy night. As soon as the boys got here we immediately started playing catch. I don’t know where all of that energy came from but after a long day of school and work, we all did well as we sweated in the 100 degree heat. We probably played about an hour. After coming in for a minute to cool off and change shirts we decided to go to the Vinemont-West Point jamboree football game. Because it cost $5 each to get in and I only had $3.00 in cash, we had to dig to find $17 worth of quarters to finance our game admission. Joe and I sat in the living room floor and counted out the money and we all cooled off in the process.

We walked over to the game. We saw several folks we knew from the little league ball park and children that the kids knew from school. I did make David and Joe sit with me for a few minutes, but they really wanted to socialize and I let them do that most of the game. Matt stayed with me. Vinemont defeated West Point 21-7. We are all excited that football season is here!

We got home around nine and it took us a while to get ready for bed. All four of us had to take baths, and get our clothes out for tomorrow. David and Joe fixed macaroni and cheese, black- eyed peas, and warmed up some leftover pork chops. Kudos to them for doing such a wonderful job helping Dad!

Joe sent in our online weather watcher report and we all watched the Alabama college football preview before going to sleep.

It just clicked!

2007-08-09T06:50:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday

Have you ever had one of those days where everything just clicked? It did for the boys and me a week ago today. I had really been missing them because they had been with me for over two weeks in a row prior. By Thursday of last week it had been seven days since we were together. I remember specifically praying for the Lord to really bless our time together. I wanted them to be well behaved. I wanted to be especially patient and help them really enjoy their time. Without going into the details of what we did, the Lord answered my prayers. We had a terrific evening together. There was such a spirit of joy, fun, cooperation and love flowing among the four of us. I’m not trying to sound sappy by this. It was just a real special time together. Life is not perfect and neither are people. This was just one night that it all worked out really special and I thank You Lord for being with us!

Last Weekend

Saturday was our work day. First we went to Wal Mart and purchased some groceries and a few other things that we needed. When we got back we all shared mowing duties. It was a brutally hot day and I was proud especially proud and appreciative of David and Joe’s hard work. It was also a noteworthy evening because it was Matt’s first attempt at mowing. I walked beside him and I let him do a few rows solo. We are definitely going to have to work on not going outside or inside the proper line. He did ok for his first try though. After mowing I grilled out hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, and corn on the cob. It was an awesome meal if I may say so myself!

Sunday was the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team’s fan day. Again, the weather was very hot but the boys and I enjoyed watching the Tide practice, playing a little catch with the football in front of the stadium, and getting some autographs. I also saw a couple of friends, Craig and Gary who were in different parts of the autograph line. I heard that Coach Saban signed about 1300 autographs in about an hour. Afterwards we stopped at David’s favorite Mexican restaurant on the way home, Habaneras in Gardendale. I had a vegetarian combo meal, Joe and Matt each ordered cheese dip, and David had the bean and cheese nachos. We all ate way too many chips and salsa.

Mark Teixera acquired in big trade for the Braves

2007-07-30T11:54:00.000-05:00

AP Photo

It's official; the Braves have aquired first baseman Mark Teixera from the Texas rangers. They also aquired a much-needed left handed reliever, Ron Mahay.

AJC.com

Hank's Record

2007-07-26T08:09:00.000-05:00

Aaron keeps low profile, but former Braves talkOld gang offers universal admiration
By JILL VEJNOSKA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/25/07

Phil Niekro may well be fishing when it happens. Mike Lum could be on the road to another minor-league town.

Ralph Garr and Davey Johnson don't know for sure if they'll see Barry Bonds hit the home run. After all, homers don't come on a predictable schedule.

Not usually, anyway.

"Hank told me, 'I'm getting this over with right now,'\u2009" recalls Dusty Baker, who was in the on-deck circle at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium when Henry Aaron broke Babe Ruth's supposedly unbreakable home run record on April 8, 1974. "And he did."

It was a beautiful day for a ball game!

2007-07-20T12:36:00.000-05:00

Cubs won 9-8. Bonds hit HR's 752 and 753. The weather was awesome.

Check out my videos...

National Anthem

Bonds HR 752

Bonds HR 753

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Cubs Win!

Welcome Back Julio!

2007-07-20T12:25:00.000-05:00

Franco glad to be 'home'
AJC.com
By STEVE HUMMER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/20/07

An athletic career that began back when Michael Jackson was relevant and Michael Jordan was a champion — with North Carolina — now seemingly hinges on a few swings over the next month or so. Julio Franco's last swim against the riptide of time began Thursday at Turner Field, the place where one way or another his long, winding career seemingly was meant to end.

Franco spared no dramatic image in describing his return to the Braves at the age of 48. Cut free earlier this month by the team the Braves are chasing in the National League East — the New York Mets — Franco said he fell to his knees and prayed for deliverance back to the team that once before had rescued his career.

A big day in Wrigley; Cubs win and Bonds homers twice

2007-07-20T11:44:00.000-05:00

Bonds Hits 752nd and 753rd Home Runs

Check out the video from MLB.com

By JANIE McCAULEY
AP Sports Writer

CHICAGO — Barry Bonds moved within two homers of Hank Aaron's record Thursday, hitting Nos. 752 and 753 with two of his biggest swings this month and ending his worst slump in six years. He was rested and ready, all right.

Bonds sent the first pitch from Cubs starter Ted Lilly high over the right-field fence leading off the second inning — the first drive out of Wrigley Field to reach Sheffield Avenue all season. Then he homered again in the seventh on a 3-2 pitch from Will Ohman, a three-run shot that stuck in the basket of the center-field wall. Ohman became the 443rd pitcher to give up a home run to Bonds, who has 19 homers on the year.

It was his 71st multihomer game, second behind Babe Ruth's 72, and second this season. He went 3-for-3 and scored three runs in the Giants' 9-8 loss.

Bonds' first homer pulled the Giants within 4-1 and was San Francisco's first hit off Lilly, who surrendered his third career homer to Bonds. The next homer got the Giants within one and gave Bonds six RBIs on the day, his most since driving in six runs Sept. 22 last year at Milwaukee. It was his seventh career game with at least six RBIs.

Cubs hold off Bonds, Giants MLB.com

CHICAGO -- Barry Bonds hit his homers, and the Cubs still won. Everybody's happy.

Bonds drove in six runs, belting career homers No. 752 and 753, but the Cubs took advantage of three errors in the first inning to beat the San Francisco Giants, 9-8, Thursday and take the series, 3-1.

"You're watching a Hall of Famer," Chicago's Cliff Floyd said. "We won a game, and the fans got a chance to see him chase history. That's a double win."

Unless you're Ted Lilly or Will Ohman. Both Cubs lefties served up Bonds' blasts.

"I hate to have Bonds hit two home runs off our pitchers," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "That's what the fans came out to see in these four days and they got their money's worth. He put on a power-hitting exhibition and our team won a baseball game."

Aramis Ramirez drove in two runs to back Lilly (10-4) and help the Cubs win for the 18th time in their last 23 games. And they did so despite not having Derrek Lee in the lineup as he served the second day of his five-game suspension, and losing Floyd and Daryle Ward to injuries. Lilly did his part when he singled in the fifth, notched his first career stolen base and scored on Alfonso Soriano's double.

That's right. Lilly stole a base.

"I always wondered why pitchers don't do that -- they never pay attention to them," Floyd said. "If you're a little bit of an athlete, you should take off."

Giants 4 Cubs 2, 7/17/07

2007-07-20T10:38:00.000-05:00

The San Fransisco Giants defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on Tuesday night July 17, 2007 (box score). David and Joe went with me to the game while my sister took Matt to Chuck E Cheese. The first photos were taken when the boys and I went over to Wrigley in the morning to purchase tickets.

The boys and found the spot where you can "peek" inside Wrigley from behind the right field wall.

Now there's a Cubs fan!

On the way to the game

Our seats were in the upper deck

"EAMUS CATULI" (presumably latin for "Go Cubs) and AC036198 means either "After Championship" or "The Year of the Cubs" then the number of years since the Cubs' last division title (03), pennant (61), and World Series (98). That's right - the Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908!

Joe keeps score

Bleacher bums

David and Dad

Joe and David

Not a bad seat in the house

We moved down to the lower section for the last few innings

Nice view from upper deck behind home plate

Looking west down Addison from Wrigley

We're on our way home....

Cubs 9, Astros 3

2007-07-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

CUBS Win! Harry would be proud! Box score.

Joe and I got up early enough to drive over to Wrigley Field. The ticket window opened up at 9. The window was behind home plate and the line circled around the outside of Wrigley, along Addison, way down the right field line. Many of the people in line were scalpers. One of the scalpers, seeing I was with a kid, let me ahead of him. The only tickets available were standing room only. Above is the view along Sheffield, behind the right field fence, when we were on our way back to the car.

Walking to the Cubs game.

Making the trek toward Wrigley Field on Addison Street.

We love the old homes with neat landscaping in the North Side of Chicago.

David said that it didn't seem like a mile.

We found some free parking, as usual, in a neighborhood about a mile from Wrigley.

Almost to Wrigley!

It was a wonderful day for a ball game with temps in the 70's and gusty winds and sunny skies!

The boys really liked the Cubs Mr. Potato Head giveaway!

One of the most famous signs in baseball...

You are looking at a true blue Cubs fan!

Go Cubs Go!

The Cubs have friendly ushers who go out of their way to take family photos. I have experienced this on several occasions. The usher who did it today was even kind enough to let me show him how to use my broken camera.

The wind was blowing out to right and was in Matt's face.

This was our view. We began in the standing room only section, behind section 215. It didn't take us long to find some good seats.

David and Joe are enjoying a big Cubs win!

Ted Lily pitched a great game. With the wind blowing out, he gave up only one run in eight innings. Here he pitches to Astros legend Craig Biggio.

David really enjoyed seeing the Cubs win. This is the best the Cubs have played in four years. They have a real chance to make the playoffs this year.

July 4, 2007 Road Trip

2007-07-05T17:16:00.000-05:00

The boys wanted to drive somewhere in our new vehicle. We decided to head down Alabama Highway 69 south from Cullman. We drove through Walker County and into Tuscaloosa County. We ended up spending most of Independence day in Tuscaloosa and we had a blast.

We stopped at VFW Post 4850 in Jasper in Walker County. We looked at the F-4C Phantom that was used in the Persian Gulf War. We also took a minute to think about those who sacrificed for our freedom, including an uncle of mine whose plane was shot down over the Pacific by the Japanese in WW2. We said a prayer of thanks for and blessings on our country.

We passed this old, abandoned gas station in northern Tuscaloosa County. The license on the pump was from 1989 and the price per gallon was $1.24. I probably stopped there on my way to college back in the 80's!

After arriving in Tuscaloosa, we drove through downtown and stopped by the Quad at the University of Alabama. I showed the boys some of the buildings where I had college classes. Joe and Matt are sitting outside Reese Phifer Hall, which houses the school of Communication. That is where I worked on my undergraduate degree.

The name was changed to "Reese Phifer Hall" after I graduated. Before that it was simply known as the "College of Communication".

Pictured above is Bibb Graves Hall. This is the "education building" That is where I worked on my Master's Degree.

This is a shot of Denny Chimes, looking toward the east. It was dedicated in 1929 in honor of George Denny, President of the University.

Here is "The Mound", on the northwest side of the Quad.

Outside the Gorgas House. It was built in 1829 and is one of the few campus buildings that survived the Civil War.

The Round House was once a guard house and is one of four buildings left standing after federal troops burned the campus during the Civil War.

The back side and main entrance to the Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library. I spent many, many long hours in that place. I liked studying there.

This is the side of the library that faces the Quad.

After leaving campus, the boys and I bought a watermelon and rode over to River Road Park. We ate the melon along the bank of the Black Warrior River.

After leaving the river, we ate supper at Taco Casa on 15th Street before heading for downtown.

We were walking through downtown Tuscaloosa on our way to the Independence Day celebration.

Entering the July Jubilee

The water balloon contest was probably the best part! We did well.

Joe and Matt just won.

Matt and Joe drawing!

Even old Dad teamed up with another gentleman and won!

David in action!

Riding the train (really it was a tractor with several trailers made to look like a train)!

Face painting was fun, but that was a long line!

A fun time was had by all. David was ready for the fireworks, but he did get one final water balloon game in first!

Photos from the Tuscaloosa News. Album one. Album two.

Ok, here are the pics...

2007-07-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

Tom suggested that I post pics of my new vehicle that I posted about the other day...

Paul plays at Amoeba

2007-07-03T18:35:00.000-05:00

Video

Paul McCartney Rocks Fans At Surprise LA Gig
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 28, 2007) – Former Beatle Paul McCartney thrilled hundreds of lucky fans last night, performing his second secret show in under a month, stateside.Fans learned McCartney was due to play a secret show at Amoeba Records on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles following radio reports and began lining up earlier this week. Dozens of fans camped out, sleeping in the rough for several days to guarantee a spot inside the shop where Sir Paul finally hit the stage, Wednesday night just after 8PM.

My big news is...

2007-07-03T17:32:00.001-05:00

I'm getting a new car! This is only the second time in my life I can say that. The first time was way back in 1993. That car was one month from being paid off when my ex-wife totaled it. Since then I have never bought a new car. I should be more excited but I am thinking a lot about the payments since I have gotten used to not having a car payment. My old vehicle has over 243,000 miles. I decided it was time for a change because I am on the road a lot. I take the boys on trips every year and we drive to numerous ball games, family visits, and other trips. I needed something reliable.

This is a decision I have been thinking and praying about for several months. I actually was approved for a loan the first week of may but decided to wait. Thursday morning I had a blowout on the way to work. I realize that was not an indication that there was anything wrong with the motor, transmission, etc., but I think it served as a wake up call. I recently replaced the belts on my car and there are numerous nagging issues. I am concerned that it is not reliable enough and would soon be prone to be breaking down on the highway.

Thursday I applied for a loan and it was approved. Back in May I had already worked out a budget so I knew what my spending limits were and I knew how much my insurance would change. I already knew what type of vehicle I was interested in and Friday after work I took a test drive and worked out a potential deal. I could have completed the deal on Friday but I decided to sleep on it one more night. Saturday afternoon, though, at about 5p.m. I drove a new vehicle home.

I have had several people at work and others I know "congratulate" me and tell me how much they like it. One lady at work actually said that she was happy for me and that it was "about time" because I "deserved it". I appreciate their sentiments. In reality, though, it is mostly just a tool. It is an inanimate object that makes travelling safer, more reliable, and more pleasant for my boys and I. Thank you Lord, though, for that blessing!

Storm video and a new puppy

2007-06-30T11:32:00.000-05:00

Last night after work I was doing a little storm chasing over in SE Limestone County, just noth of the Belle Mina community. I was on the phone with my boys at the time, and because of that I am posting this video here instead of on my weather blog. Joe is describing his new puppy.

Matt's team party!

2007-06-24T23:27:00.000-05:00

Dad on the computer

2007-06-22T06:26:00.001-05:00

This picture was taken around 1963 or 1964, I think. My Dad was into computers before I was a gleam in his eye! Happy 77 Dad!

President Bush in Alabama

2007-06-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Photo from WVNN.com

At approximately 12:20 p.m. President Bush arrived at the Huntsville International Airport. He is now travelling via motorcade to the Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant up the road in Limestone County.

President Bush Tours Nuclear Plant in North Alabama - WHNT 19 Huntsville

Sammy Hits #600!

2007-06-20T21:13:00.000-05:00

AP Photo from SI.com

A few moments ago Sammy Sosa became the fifth man in Major League Baseball history to hit at least 600 home runs. I tried to call David (who is with his mom), Sammy's biggest fan, to let him know. I called my Mom and Dad who were watching on WGN. I was watching on Fox Sorts Southwest (Rangers broadcast). Our family has been watching Sammy for years and we are all excited.

Kudos to Mom who called this shot this afternoon at 3:00. Never doubt anyone who has been a baseball fan for over 50 years!

Sosa becomes fifth player in 600-homer club<
By STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer
June 20, 2007 ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Sammy Sosa hit his 600th home run Wednesday night, making him the fifth player to reach the milestone. Sosa, playing for the Texas Rangers following a year out of baseball, hit a 1-2 pitch into the Rangers' bullpen in right-center for a solo homer. It came in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs, the team he played for from 1992-2004. Sosa was the 1998 NL MVP and a seven-time All-Star while hitting 545 of his homers with the Cubs. Sosa bounced out of the batter's box with his trademark hop and thrust his right fist into the air before reaching first base. He was mobbed at home plate by his teammates while the scoreboard showed pictures of all five members of the elite club: Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sosa. No. 600 came off Jason Marquis, the 364th pitcher the 38-year-old Sosa has homered off in his 18 major league seasons. It was Sosa's 12th homer in 62 games this season since signing a minor league deal and making the roster in spring training with Texas, the franchise that gave him his start and for which he hit his first homer in 1989. Sosa also has 52 RBIs, which ranks seventh in the American League. He has homered against every major league team in his career.

Evaluating Sosa's HOF Candidacy ESPN

Sammy Sosa Slams No. 600 Chicago Tribune
Ex-Cub's historic blast helps sink old team; Marquis struggles againRANGERS 7, CUBS 3By Paul SullivanTribune staff reporterJune 21, 2007
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Former Cubs icon Sammy Sosa became the fifth player in major-league history to reach the 600-home run plateau Wednesday when he connected off right-hander Jason Marquis in the fifth inning of the Texas Rangers' 7-3 victory over the Cubs.Employing his familiar home run hop and wearing a huge smile as he rounded the bases with the theme from "The Natural" blasting over the sound system, Sosa accomplished something only Henry Aaron, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays had done before him.

No. 600 for Sammy SI.com
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Sammy Sosa's 600th homer resembled so many that came before -- except this time the Chicago Cubs were on the other side. Playing for the Texas Rangers after a year out of baseball, Sosa became the fifth member of the 600-homer club Wednesday night when he connected against his former team. After driving a 1-2 pitch to right-center for a solo shot in the fifth inning of Texas' 7-3 victory, Slammin' Sammy bounced out of the batter's box with his trademark hop and thrust his right fist into the air before reaching first base. He was mobbed at home plate by his teammates while the scoreboard showed pictures of all five members of the elite club: Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Sosa. "It was something that cannot be explained," Sosa said. "Getting my 600th against the Chicago Cubs, and my first team (was) the Texas Rangers. It's like everything clicked. My emotions, I don't know what they are."

600 Club: Sosa hits a milestone Dallas Morning News
12:18 PM CDT on Thursday, June 21, 2007
By EVAN GRANT / The Dallas Morning News egrant@dallasnews.com
ARLINGTON – For a moment Wednesday night, just before the fireworks exploded against an ebony sky and the music from The Natural wafted through Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, all of the turmoil that has nearly choked the life out of Sammy Sosa's baseball career faded.
Fans weren't polarized over his return to the game or his place in history. Instead, they were engrossed by his awesome power and charismatic on-field personality. They were once again entranced by Sammy being Sammy.

Photos from Dallas Morning News

Video from Dallas Morning News

Vacation Day Six - Friday June 8, 2007

2007-06-16T19:18:00.000-05:00

Vacation Day Five - Thursday June 7, 2007

2007-06-16T12:47:00.000-05:00

We started the day off by spending a good deal of time swimming in the pool at the hotel. I thought I'd never get used to that cold water. I think it bothered me more than it did when I was younger. Once I got used to it, the four of us had lots of fun. We would pair up, and do sneak attacks on each other when we said the code words. Joe's code word with me was "hamburger" and David's was "macaroni and cheese". Imagine that. After getting out of the pool, we made a sign for David to take to the game about Sammy Sosa.

We then left, got gas in the car, and ate pizza at a convenience store down the road called "Pouty's Pizza" the pizza was fine, but the wings were awful because they were so dry. from there we went on to the game.

We had lots of fun before, during, and after this game. It was probably the most fun we have ever had at a ball game. All three boys got a major league baseball. First, Curtis Granderson of the Tigers threw one over to me which I gave to Joe. Matt and David were together behind the dugout.

Rangers pitcher Robinson Tejada signed autographs for the boys. Here he signed one for David. Before he left the area, I asked him if he thought Sammy Sosa might come out. He kind of doubted it. I pointed at David, who was standing behind the Ranger's dugout holding his Sammy Sosa sign, and told him how big a fan he is of Sammy.

Another pregame highlight was meeting Detroit closer Todd Jones. Before Todd came over, Curtis Granderson threw two more balls to kids. Guess who he threw them to? That's right it was David and Matt. They were not right with Joe and I at the time. I became a fan of Mr. Granderson right then as he had "treated" all three of my boys to a major league baseball. The cool part of it is that he probably had no clue that the three kids he threw balls to were all brothers!

On to the Todd Jones story. As he was walking around the batting cage I got his attention and he walked over to where Joe and I were standing. I told him that we were from Alabama too. He shook my hand and asked us how we were doing. I would have been able to talk to him more except for the next little distraction! David got my attention and threw his baseball to me for Todd to sign. Todd signed it then Matt decided that he would do the same thing. The only problem was that Matt inadvertently fired his ball out onto the field! It wasn't until after Todd Jones left that I was able to convince the security guard to give us Matt's ball back.

As if that wasn't enough fun, we had a little more excitement just before the game started. Our seats were just off the right field line so the boys stood close to the field while the Rangers players were stretching and running sprints before the game. David got a thrill because Sammy Sosa saw his sign and acknowledged him twice. First he nodded and pointed and then a few minutes later he gave David the "thumbs up", before he ran into the dugout. I wish he had come over so David could have met him, but it was the next best thing I suppose.

Also before the game, right after the National Anthem, Kenny Lofton signed a couple of autographs for the kids on his way to the dugout. That was thrill to the boys who also really like him. Joe got Kenny to sign his new Ranger's jersey.

Sammy Sosa on deck. He was 0 for 5.

Gary Sheffield hit another home run.

Tigers coach Andy Van Slyke and second baseman Placido Polanco, who was 2/6.

Rangers closer Eric Gagne. He lowered his ERA to 0.64.

The rangers ended up losing the game 11-4.

Mark Teixera hit a ninth inning home run off Yorman Bazardo.

This was Sammy's last at bat. We were able to move right behind the Rangers dugout by the ninth inning.

Tigers first baseman Sean Casey.

Kenny Lofton. After the game, at the last minute I decided to stop by the Rangers souvenir shop before we left. As soon as we stepped in the door the staff treated David like a celebrity! Everyone in the store (clerks, security, etc.) kept going on and on about how they just saw him on TV behind the Rangers dugout holding up his Sammy Sosa sign. We stopped at another store and the same thing happened. David bought a Texas Sammy Sosa tee-shirt/jersey, Joe bought a Rangers hat, and I bought a rangers hat. I kept telling David that he was the "talk of Texas!" We had a great time and we were all on cloud nine as we walked to our vehicle. David had to call my mom again and tell her all about it! Thanks, Lord for a very special evening with the boys!

Vacation Day Four - Wednesday June 6, 2007

2007-06-16T09:17:00.001-05:00

We ate lunch at the Trail Dust Steakhouse, which was only a block or so away from our hotel. It was o.k., but not really worth the price, especially since we were eating lunch. The boys really enjoyed the slide, though!

Joe had the steak kids meal. David had the macaroni and cheese kids meal, and Matt and I split a half slab of ribs plate. They have ties hung up on the walls. Supposedly, if you wear a tie into the place they cut it off and attach it, along with your name, to the wall. It was pretty quiet while we were there nut they have a place for karaoke and a band along with a dance floor. I tried to get Matt to show us some moves on the dance floor but he refused!

After lunch we took a long ride out to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, northwest of Fort Worth. The trip was a lot farther than I expected. The Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth area is really spread out.

We were all fascinated by our visit to the Bureau. We learned a lot about how bills (a.k.a. notes) are made these days. The Western Currency Facility, as it is called conducts free 45 minute tours which are very interesting and educational. Besides learning how notes are made, we learned how they go to great lengths to help citizens redeem notes that were shredded or mutilated. They start the tour with an interesting tour and have an interactive museum. It was well worth the long drive!

After a brief stop at the hotel, we drove over to the ballpark for the Ranger-Tigers game.

One of the Rangers announcers was interviewing fans.

Matt and Joe

David

Joe

Matt

We hung around the Rangers dugout as long as we could before the game, just in case we had a chance to get an autograph.

Rangers dugout.

This was the view from our seats. David bought some cotton candy. It was also $1.00 hot dog night, so we ate supper at the park.

Joe bought lemonade. There was a group of fans in the left field bleachers that were singing "Sweet Home Alabama" late in the game (complete with the "Roll Tide Roll" you typically hear inserted at Bama games. That was so cool to us Bama guys. The Rangers stink and they lost 10-0, so I guess the fans had to find ways to entertain themselves. David really likes Gary Sheffield and he got to see him hit two home runs and get five RBI's.

Vacation Day Three - Tuesday 6/5/07

2007-06-13T00:16:00.000-05:00

Before we left Galveston the boys really wanted to stop at a souvenir shop. Matt got a toy turtle, Joe and david got shark tooth necklaces, and they all got a few shells. We shopped at the Mermaid Souvenir Pier. This was a really cool place on the Gulf.

So many shells to choose from...

There were some great views of the Gulf at the back of the Mermaid Souvenir Pier.

Joe was just chillin' on the pier...

Before we left Galveston, I had to stop at Starbucks. No, not for the expensive coffee! June the 5th was the day of Paul McCartney's latest release and the Starbucks record label was carrying it.

David is checking out the new CD. After buying David and Matt root beer and a strawberry drink for Joe, we went over to Little Caesar's and ate pizza before leaving Galveston on our way to Arlington.

We're on our way...back on the road again...

Approaching Houston...good photo, Joe!

After checking into our hotel in Arlington, we didn't waste much time heading over to Rangers Ballpark at Arlington. Our room was less than a mile from the park.

We were there so we could get in when the gates opened; two hours before the first pitch. We hoped this would give the boys a chance to get some autographs. Matt has one of his new Ranger's jerseys on. I found four practically new (some still with tags) Rangers jerseys for the boys recently on Ebay.

Joe is ready, sporting his new Rangers jersey. The promotion for this game was Rangers tee shirts for two dollars. I bought us each one.

David is sporting his Cubs Sammy Sosa jersey.

Here we are in line near the first base on deck circle hoping to get an autograph. A nice lady from Tyler, TX offered to take our photograph. David was over behind the dugout at the time.

This is David, with the Rangers' dugout and the right field stands behind him.

Some guy standing over to our left seemed to know a lot of the players and coaches who periodically went over to greet him. This is Magglio Ordonez of the Detroit Tigers.

Tigers manager Jim Leland seemed to be in excellent shape as he was hitting ground balls to his infielders. He was also very nice. He came over and signed autographs for Joe and Matt.

David (of course) took this photo of Sammy's sign down the right field line.

David also took this photo of Sammy's sign as we walked to our seats.

The guy in front of us wore the bag over his head the entire game.

We had pretty good seats in section 215. I heard an advertisement on the Rangers broadcast selling tickets for half price in this section. The Rangers have the worst record in baseball, mainly because they have the worst pitching staff in baseball. The Rangers actually won this game, though, 7-4.

Vacation Day Two - Monday 6/4/07

2007-06-12T17:24:00.001-05:00

The first thing on the agenda for day two in Galveston was to walk out to the beach. As any weather person knows, Galveston was the site of the worst natural disaster in American history. They now have a large seawall with a road (Seawall Blvd). David caught a fish while playing in the water.

He had to show it off! You can practically see through it!

There were lots of pretty birds on the beach. Here is one we saw. Does anyone know what kind it is?

Joe caught a shrimp, of all things, in the water. We kept it alive in a small beach pail. We even took it to the room with us. Unfortunately, it flipped out of the water while we took a nap. Oddly enough, I put it back in the water (it may have been out of water up to an hour) and it still was alive. It didn't last long, though. As soon as I woke up the next morning and inhaled the stench in the bathroom!

It was a perfect day for playing in the water or the sand. The skies were sunny, temperatures were warm, and there was a nice breeze. It wasn't unbearably hot or humid.

Joe Cool!

Matt's goggles didn't give him as much protection from the saltwater as he had hoped.

The boys found all kinds of interesting creatures, as they usually do.

A room with a view! This was taken with a bit of a zoom from our room. This is the area of the beach where we played.

Very interesting shrimp there, Joe!

Joe shows off his shrimp to David!

Joe shows off his shrimp catch to Matt! Yes, that is the Weather Channel in the background. We didn't really "watch" any TV on the trip, but I did keep TWC on to keep up with the weather.

Joe ready to jump!

A handstand in the pool...Dad was impressed!

Matt enjoyed the party atmosphere around the pool!

David enjoyed carrying Matt around the pool!

Joe was cool after all that diving!

The boys enjoyed the atmosphere at the pool.

Headed up to the room on the elevator. The hotel Galvez was wonderful. Here is the "lobby cam" showing you what you see before boarding the elevator.

Not a bad view from our hotel room on the 4th floor of the Hotel Galvez. Here is the hotel's official website. Thanks to Priceline we got an amazing deal on the room!

After cruising down Seawall Boulevard, we decided to eat at Joe's late in the evening.

The crawfish etouffee was tremendous. Matt tried it and loved it!

David is getting into his corn on the cob!

After a fun day at the beach, pool, and plenty of food, we were more than satisfied.

Joe finished eating the corn and was trying hard to figure out how to get more...

Vacation Day One - Sunday 6/3/07

2007-06-11T11:15:00.000-05:00

Packed and ready to set of on our journey. We left at 4:10 a.m.

There were a lot of stripped, bent, and blown down trees from Hattiesburg, MS southward due to Hurricane Katrina which struck the area almost two years ago.

Check out the damage to this building in New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina.

The boys got a kick out of some of the weird stuff we saw as we passed outside the stores in the French Quarter.

This was the first time the boys had seen this type of architecture.

We have an hour. Anyone want to try a beignet or two at Cafe Du Monde?

Here we are. Time to introduce the boys to beignets on a Sunday morning.

Hot and yummy! He said he "liked it a bunch!"

After almost burning his hand, he really liked it!

Matt liked it enough that he had sugar all over himself. He had a cute white dot on his nose after this bite!

Memories are made of this!

The guy with the trombone played the Alabama fight song when I walked by sporting my Alabama tee shirt.

Signs of Katrina are still everywhere in New Orleans.

St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans is the oldest Cathedral in North America.

Trees were still barren west of New Orleans nearly two years after Katrina.

The storm we approached east of Lake Charles.

Welcome to Texas! President Bush's name still appears on the sign, but a recent law passed by the Democrats will to change that. Can you say, "petty partisan politics"?

On the way to the ferry we saw unusual sights across from the beach road on Bolivar Peninsula. We saw cows across from the beach and plenty of oil wells.

Joe took this photo of the Bolivar Lighthouse as we waited in line to board the ferry.

All aboard the ferry.

Matt enjoyed the breeze on the ferry ride.

Joe enjoyed the ride. The boys told me they saw a shark. I didn't see that but I saw plenty of pigeons.

David is almost there!

The free ferry ride from the Bolivar Peninsula to Galveston Island was a great way to end the trip.

After checking into our hotel (Hotel Galvez), we headed out to the beach just before sunset. It was a beautiful evening after a long day of driving.

The water was cool at first but it didn't take long to get used to it.

Matt was ready for the beach after a long day in the vehicle.

We ended the day enjoying the sunset behind us at Galveston Beach.

Joe playing in the sand, making a seawall.

After our time at the beach we headed over to Wendys. That was my coolest Wendy's experience simply because we enjoyed our burgers and frosties across the street from the beach with a warm breeze blowing.

Vacation and Quality Time

2007-06-01T00:07:00.001-05:00

This is my favorite time of the year. I am a single Dad of three wonderful boys. School ended today, baseball is ending, and I am taking my boys on an extended (and well-deserved) vacation. I have been working and saving my leave all year for this. We are going to Galveston and Dallas this year. My oldest son is a huge Sammy Sosa fan and I am hoping he will get a chance to meet Sammy, get his autograph, and watch his 600th home run in person. That would make his decade! This will likely be some of our best quality time.

I do not have my boys all of the time so I have a special challenge. I spend the time they are not here (or asleep, as they are now) taking care of business (washing clothes, paying bills, commenting on your blog, sending weather reports to James Spann, etc.). When they are here, I think I have learned to appreciate these times more than I ever would have before I became a single dad. Even though I was always a "hands on" dad, I think I used to take our times together for granted much more than I do now. I think the Lord has a way of taking a situation that the devil meant for harm and turning it into a victory. These days pass so quickly. We MUST make the most of them and live so that we have absolutely no regrets.

If you have any suggestions for places to visit or eat in Dallas, please let me know!

I cannot wait to make some great memories with my boys during the next few weeks.

Eating in Gulf Shores

2007-05-30T16:38:00.000-05:00

I sure would like to be doing that right about now. I thought I'd share with you a pretty decent short list of places to try if you find yourself in the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach, AL area this summer. I have eaten at all of these places at least once and enjoyed them. There are some other good spots, too. This post is a spinoff of an entry by John Oldshue on Alabamawx.com. Check it out here.

Oar House Riverside 5587 County Road 6. Gulf Shores, AL. 36542(251) 967-2422
(this is in the Bon Secour community)

Bayside Grill 27842 Canal Rd. at Sportsman MarinaOrange Beach, AL

Sea-N-Suds Restaurant & Oyster Bar 405 E Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL.

Original Oyster House 701 Gulf Shores Pkwy.Gulf Shores, AL(251) 948-2445

LuLu's at Homeport Marina 200 East 25th AvenueGulf Shores, AL(251) 967-5858

Doc's Seafood Restaurant Hwy. 59 at Sawgrass LandingGulf Shores, AL (251) 967-4800