Sometimes wonder just where the kids are heading. Still too early to figure out, but...Ian certainly seems to be moved by music. Put any song on and he immediately starts singing Or what we would call dancing. But Rylee doesnt react the same way. She certainly has shown an ability to memorize theme songs and jingles remarkably well. But she doesnt seem to be a internally affected by music as Ian does. I just hope this doesnt have a negative affect on his draft pick status....

No flooding

creek bowed up and all last night, but it didnt get all wild and come in the house or anything....

into last minute preps for the weekend trip to NYC for jdean's wedding. Talked to Brown yesterday and made plans to hookup with him late Friday evening. Going to do some Xmas shopping in NYC with Brown possibly on Saturday midday. Rehearsal dinner Friday night and wedding Saturday night. Seeing Avolio on Thursday night/Friday morning. get back to Easley late Sunday night.

oh goodness, started this at work a while ago, then got busy ..working...

more later

well...

...once again...ANOTHER hurricane...and once again, I am sitting here waryly eyeing the creek every 10 minutes or so. Doesnt seem like its going to get out of hand, but I keep eyeing it. I have my immediate plan of action this time, with a stop gap solution for the garage as well.....

While i am not a huge country music fan, some songs just strike me as downright pure artistry.... there is an excerpt from one...

Cause I'm a redneck woman
And I ain't no high class broad
I'm just a product of my raisin'
And I say "hey y'all" and "Yee Haw"
And I keep my Christmas lights on, on my front porch all year long
And I know all the words to every Charlie Daniels song
So here's to all my sisters out there keepin' it country
Let me get a big "Hell Yeah" from the redneck girls like me
Hell Yeah
Hell Yeah

gretchen wilson....A classic blues riff, in country mode with the usual guitars, steel guitars and a violin thrown in... lifted straight from the cotton fields of a 150 years ago, but pure genious.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you got."
- Garth Brooks

well, I guess i had it coming

I was tired last night, and when the Braves got down 7-5 last night going to the bottom of the 8th inning, I gave up and went to bed. well...seems like minutes after I had fallen asleep, the Braves score 3 runs and CLINCH THE DIVISION!!.... AGAIN.... and i missed the celebrations and all that. Im kinda annoyed.

today, the Tigers have Fla State on the docket. it doesnt look good. then Virginia looms...looks even worse.....

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Either you're part of the problem or you're part of the solution or you're just part of the landscape."
- Sam in Ronin

Kitty Cat

So Cat "Morning is Broken" Stevens tried to sneak back into the USA... but seems like we are saying..."You dont have to go home, but you need to get you ass out of here"...kinda funny, as he is acting all shocked. I know that if I changed my name to Allah Rahimizah Muhammed, I could expect a little bit of a problem getting back into the US should I be stupid enough to leave. Especially if I was famous, and was known to be involved (albeit indirectly) with known terrorist factions... had couple of good songs back in the day... got an album coming out with his greatest hits soon...How's that Muslim stuff working out for ya financially? heh, heh... I bet some Capitalist money in your pockets will help you out right now, huh?

anyway, thats kinda funny considering I'm sitting here in my office with a wool skull cap on (its frigid in my office and I dont feel like turning on my space heater) and have the Black Muslim look going....

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Good judgement comes from experience. Sometimes, experience comes from bad judgement."
- Jim Horning

ah...nothing could be better

There is nothing better than having your kid throw up all over themself and their carseat a few minutes away from daycare. Nothing.

...except when BOTH of them throw up all over themselves and their carseats (and your back seat)

for those of you who only have one kid to deal with...you just have to count your blessings. those of you with more than one know the drill.

Of course, I wouldnt give away one of my twins for anything. But when both do something like this, its a little frustrating. Especially when you have to be at work.

what in hey?

where did summer all of a sudden go? Dont get me wrong... I am a Fall type of person. But, I also prefer a gradual change. Not the 92degree one day, 55 degree next day sort of thing. I like it when it cycles down through a bunch of 70 degree days before dropping into the 60's early October. Plus Fall is a great time to lower that power bill real good. No AC, No heat.

desperation?

I used to consider myself a Democrat. I think kinda started going toward Independent when Al Gore started ranting and raving and the rest of the party started their shrill yelling and whining after the last election. Right now, i am ashamed that I ever even considered myself Democrat. The blatant desperation and bias of some people who call themselves Democrats is silly. Notice that I said some. CBS is so blatant in their bias. Dan Rather? please? I wish the leadership of the Democratic party were people I could feel would act in a respectable manner. Good Grief.

Random?

Tigers at 1-2, with 1-3 looming. I wonder how soon before the "Tommy must go" yahoos are going to start up again?

Got the Tile in the Kitchen down. Got a couple more days of work, then we have to tthink about the back deck.

on my way home last night from Clemson, i took the back way. And I was struck at how much that made me remember the ole days... Clear Fall nights with a quarter moon. I rolled down my window and could smell people burning fires.... I always loved when I got to go play on nights like that. I guess we are all getting old.

I was also struck this past weekend at how it kinda sucks when all the people you would do anything with are either 4, 8 or 12 hours away, or married. Not that being married is bad, but it does change how things work, and i have no expectations that people will just drop whatever they are doing to go hang out at the spur of the moment. But it does sorta suck. SOmetimes I just wish there people that I could go grab a beer and watch the game with. And yes, i know Jessica would gladly go with me, but I dont want have her think she has to go simply because, especially when she could care less about any particlar event. I'd ask her to go with me to a Braves playoff game, and I know she would gladly go if asked, but would she get anything out of it, outside of simply being there with me? Sorta like if she would have wanted me to go to a Enya concert. i would gladly go, and I would probably be interested, but I would think she would have a better time with another Enya fan. at any rate...i ramble. by the way, I've been to a couple of Braves games with Jessica, and I know she had fun, so that was probably not the best of examples....

looking forward to driving up to see Jessica Dean and her wedding gig. Will get to see Kristen and Brown as well during the weekend. Kristen should be a bout ready to explode with her kid the way she looked when I was up there in July. And I hope Brown has an itenarary planned (snicker) ...oh let me guess, some local dive(bar) with a pretty bartender... actually , that would be interesting, as things seem to be somewhat different since my last foray into Gotham City.

ahhhh so, Dan Rather and CBS got duped? yeah right? how about more like "we wanted to get Bush so bad we just did whatever we could do" at any rate, CBS is toast for a while...no credibility for them for a while.

at least the braves are winning

you know, kinda sitting here watching the Tigers look kind pathetic on TV. at least I dont get too worked up about these fools anymore. If i did, i'd be really upset. I think having kids has taken a little of the urgency concerning any sort of sporting team and event. except maybe the Braves.

But, there are some problems with the team. Offensive line problems are probably where it is all starting from.... and those guys are freshmen and walk-ons... last year when the team gelled, it coincided with the offensive line getting good. then several of those guys graduated.

oh well...

not sure if the fuddy duddy comment is directed at me, or someone commenting on themselves.... well, if it is, so be it.

what the hey?

So since Jessica and the twins are in florence for a couple of days, I decided to swing by the mall for a few minutes today. Can someone explain to me just WHAT the kids of today are wearing? College girls have more clothes on than these girls...what is up with that?

didnt spend any money, but did manage to narrow down a xmas gift or two for future consideration. then came home and watched the Braves, cleaned up the bedroom and tried to iron some clothes. then i watched the Yankees implode vs the red Sox on ESPN and had a quiet chuckle on behalf of my esteemed friend in New York. this of course prompted me to get out the Grundig and pick up the AM out of New York and listen to the Yankees fans on suicide watch. Another quiet chuckle.....

Rylee being cheesy.

ALL time blunder

was it just me, or did that dude on The Apprentice last night really, really, really screw himself over as much as I think he did? As soon as he said that he would give up his immunity and go to the boardroom, I knew it was OVER for him. And Trump set out after him immediately. didnt matter that the two women were screwups...it mattered that he had taken a decided advantage and threw it away. guess what?...he got fired. and he seemed like an early favorite to win. tsk, tsk...too bad.

Creek didnt rise like the last big rain event...kinda rose up like it used to. Got all loud and stuff, but that was about it. The wind was pretty stout at times, though. But Im not sure if I would have noticed it much had I not been so tuned to listening for rising water. So, I am certain that the flood of last week was a freak, once every 50 year, type of thing. stillleft a whole lot of branches and, of course, leaves...everywhere. I may have to break out the ole leaf blower tomorrow.

I have managed to avoid sports talk and espn since the Tigers took the gaspipe last week against GaTech. I will end the moratorium beginning tomorrow at 11 with College Gameday. Hope the team comes through on the road

little green men

Chris Collins sent a link to ORGs today. While Im skeptical, it was interesting. I am not a big conspiracy theorist, but I do also like to know other points of view, and perhaps their might just be an inkling of truth in there somewhere.... but what i thought wierd was this little tidbit that i found on an associated link that follows....

9/11 Baseball Coincidence

by Kevin Todd

Saturday's game between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets had more connections to the tragedies of 9-11 other than the fact that the game was in New York, was played by teams representing two states that were hit in the attacks, and featured a ceremony remembering the tragedy three years to the date.

After the first nine innings the visiting Phillies had nine runs on 11 hits. After the same nine innings the host New York Mets also had nine runs on 11 hits.

The two teams played four additional innings, one for each plane used in the attacks.

And when the game was over, the final score was New York nine and Philadelphia 11. The game also featured three errors. Philadelphia committed two errors equal to the number of planes that hit New York. New York committed one error equal to the number of planes that hit Pennsylvania.

a little slow

Yes..I know...not much being said right now...I'm really busy at work with 2 buildings getting new equipment installed and classes starting, etc.... plus, I have been somewhat sick and heading to bed early everynight...I will probably post more this weekend... if not tonight

ok...

..this hurricane thing might be getting a notch ridiculous.... just a bit....

a parable.....

Lessons from Geese

Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson 1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front of it.

Lesson 2: If we have as much common sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson 3: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each others' skills, capabilities, and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, or resources.

Fact 4: Geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson 4: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Lesson 5: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

Flooded floor, carpet runied....

new floor in den..furniture still in awray

well, well, well...

...ah..seems like Dan Rather just doesnt want to admit that he might have been duped by someone. using forged documents for a major story? and then CBS acts like they are above reproach? now WHO is being biased?

sigh..

probably NO sportstalk all week now...the 29 doesnt get in the final 10...and the Tigers punt snapper takes the gaspipe, and the team with him. oh, and lets not let Tye Hill get off easy either... wel, i need to get work done anyway...

goodness

normally, i dont talk trash about another marching band because, being a band guy myself, i know the amount of work that goes into the gig.

But.... The Miami University band is horrrible. there is no way around that. And it probably has a lot to do with the fact that the music school there is geared toward Graduate level musicians. but...on tv, they sound....retched.

Something to ponder....

I actually stumbled across this the other day. I thought it somewhat provoking.

<>
I've learned that men and women treat friendship differently, and I believe this distinction extends even into co-ed friendships. Most of this has come from discussion with my mother, who is always amazed that Alex and I never seem to know what's going on in our friends' lives, yet we remain steadfast in these friendships. Here is the difference as I see it: Men tend to bond on a level that runs deeper than language; the link extends not above, but below conscious appreciation. Men are friends simply because we are. Women, on the other hand, seem to define their friendships much more discreetly. They know what they like about each of their friends and why, and they can tell you if you ask them. (Please correct me if this is not the case) Perhaps it has to do with the more verbal nature of the female gender, or perhaps it hs more to do with a sixth sense men have about each other. I don't think it really matters, it's just the way God saw fit to design us.

directive.blogspot.com

the aftermath....

Power washed the driveway, deck, and the garage. CHECK!
Totally cleaned out the flooded garage, and got rid of a lot of stuff, and replaced it. CHECK!
Checked washer, dryer and HVAC. All working. CHECK!
got water out of kitchen CHECK!
pulled up carpet from den. CHECK!
Cloroxed Concrete in Den. CHECK!

so far, so good.... putting in new flooring over the weekend, replacing tiles in Kitchen as well. The deck seems to have floated, and that is why it is slightly catawhompus right now.

The Great Flood, part deux...

...spent most of my morning clearing stuff out of my garage, and power washing the driveway. The water damaged the back deck, shifting it over a enough to mess up the steps. we will have to jack up the deck to replace the steps properly. Carpet is shot. Wet vac'd the kitchen and got up most of that water. Fortunately, the basement (den, kitchen...whatever) is actually sitting on concrete, so we dont have to worry about lingering water damage and the walls are concrete blocks as well. the only thing that really sucks is that most of the stuff in the garage is toast. I think our Christmas tree might be toast too, but all our other decorations were up on shelves. Havent dared to try the HVAC yet...probably need to let that dry out first....

from the THAT COULD NEVER

HAPPEN TO US!... Department. Well, it flooded our kitchen, den, garage... i mean like, WEATHER CHANNEL, NEWS AT 11 flooded... this is going to be a major pain in the ass. Im sitting here right now on the second floor looking out at the River HADES and seeing that it is now subsiding. i can see the steps to the back deck (i.e., door to the den) now.... but the rain has picked back up... i anticipate a long night hoping that it doesnt get to much higher. I was able to move the stereo upstairs and put most stuff on top of our furniture. I hope it doesnt get THAt high. But, i didnt think it would actually flood here, either. So, All my hope are getting squashed tonight....

Seems like a freak thing where the rain is moving straight up the mountains, meaning that all the rain is piling on top of each other...sigh... our next door neigbor had his 2 prize Z-28s have water OVER the top of the car. As in, you couldnt see the car anymore.

I guess it was time for a little rain (sic) to fall into our lives. We've been very fortunate so far. Now, lets see how we deal with adversity.

Adendum: Spent the night at Lynns last night. Carpet is ruined. everyhing in garage is probably toast as well, including washer and dryer. My efforts to put towels around the doors probably saved us somewhat, as water only seeped in around those sots, depite the watermark being at a foot and a half up the side of the doors. Seems like the water pipe/bridge got blocked by something or another, and water just suddenly backed up from there. The neighbors lost everything.

and i guess it has rained..

looking out from my bedroom, I see that the little creek that is so "cute" normally has the look of the Colorado river right now. I am....concerned enough to move my car back up the driveway in case stuff starts sliding into said colorado river, although I think we got about 3 more feet to rise before it gets to the level of the yard, so to speak. But it is pretty impressive... and impressive enough for me to ponder just what will be staying downstairs for the future. The Garage, kitchen, livingroom, 1/2 bath are downstairs....But it would have to be a Noahs ark type of flood for it to get up to coming in the house....

By the way, it was nice to sit outside last night and pick up 880 out of NYC and listen to the Yankees game. Although Im not a huge Yankee fan, they do interest me. Of course, to sit outside tonight would mean instant drenching....

goodness...why dont it rain some.....

....a LOT of rain today....good grief...

I know its been a few days, but Ive been busy at work, and at home too...

I will get back on track tonight when I get some time at home.

surprise

yesterday, when I got home i saw a package sitting on the table. I thought it was a xmas present that I had ordered for Jessica, so I kinda didnt bother with it till later. Then, when I had some free time, i went over to open it.... Well, I noticed that it was addressed to both Jessica and Jerome, so I thought that odd. come to see that it is something from Jessica Dean, a cool set of candles from Illuminations, one of my favorite stores... 29 days left for jdean...

Labor day weekend coming up. And I finally get to sleep in until at least 7:00am tomorrow, Sunday and Monday. WOW!!!

JOKE for today and this weekend.

A Jewish student was doing well in school, except for math class, so his parents decided to send him to a private Catholic school.

While there, the boy came home from school and studied every day. At the end of the semester the boy got straight A's. So his parents asked him, "What motivated you to do so well in school?"

He replied, "When I saw that guy nailed to a plus sign I knew they weren't fooling around!"

Ian and Rylee

Rylee sporting her "natural" look...i.e., the "i didnt go anywhere so i didnt do anything to my hair" look.

Ian wanting to measure how tall he is...

the creek (rapids) running through the backyard..its kinda sedate normally, but when it rains, its like a river....

This is the back of our house, from the creek...its the back, but it is the way we enter the house normally

Kobe, email, pixs and BRAVES!!!

well, well, well... in the words of the great Erik Leotious Brown...the chickens have come home to roost...or something like that. All charges dropped against Kobe. Heh...go figure. Imagine that. I wonder what all the people who automatically assumed he was guilty of raping that girl ( lets see, virtually every chick I talked to about it) now have to say..now that the facts of what this girl was doing leading up to, and immediately after the events of that night. And imagine that...she doesnt want to get on the stand and testify...But...she is willing to testify in the civil case? cha-ching!$$$$$$$ (before you girls start screaming, I KNOW he did have sex with that chick, and i NEVER said he wasnt an IDIOT)

seems our charter email accounts got screwed up when we moved our service. i spent 45 minutes on hold tonight only to have them tell me that they WILL get them re-activated, but it will take a while, or something like that.... sigh.... that means Jessica's email is screwed up, for the most part. i will still use my FU email as my mail address, anyway

I have a few pictures that I will post above. a couple of the house, and some recent kids pix...

by the way, this hurricane closing in could be a big one...wow

still a little sick

Ian's still got a fever, although not as bad as it was yesterday. However, Jessica had to stay at home with the kids today. Kinda sucks. I am hoping he feels better this evening, and also hoping Rylee doesnt catch whatever he has, else I will probably have to take my turn at home tomorrow if they dont get better.

Braves are clicking along... you just gotta feel good about their chances at making the playoffs again. Sept 1 mark and 8 1/2 games up. I just dont think they are going to fold.

I took a couple of pictures of the house this morning as I was leaving. I will try to get some time here and post them today. probably more like around 5 is when I will be able to do that.

Why do all the girls want to date the Alto players? A: They are so SAXY!