A View of the country

I flew into Baltimore today. Gorgeous weather and just warm enough to make me appreciate the A/C. We drove into rural Maryland and over the Chesapeake Bay. What a body of water! I saw my next home... sitting on a peninsula out in the bay. I am looking at the 1000 year loan with no interest; then it's mine. The farmland is a contrast of deep green soybean and golden stalks of corn all over the place. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so you'll have to take my word for it.

Looking out the hotel window is a huge corn field. It reminds me of the corn maze and the fun we had last year getting lost... because Annette wouldn't ask for directions. A repeat trip to the Corn Maze is planned in a couple of weeks so we'll see how Alabama corn matches up against this Yankee corn.

This Saturday is Christopher's first Jamboree... Preseason Bantam Football. It's as big as the NFL to me though. Tonight is Katie Ann's first dance class; new school, same excitement. She is such a Princess. Matthew is pulling up and it won't be long until he is cruising the furniture looking for Maggie. He loves to "pet" her which looks alot like pulling her hair out to the uneducated eye.

Busy couple of days and I'll be home soon.... I am getting this travel thing under control. 3rd trip in about as many weeks and I haven't gotten lost yet. More to come.....

Selina's Birthday Party

Today was Selina's (third picture) 9th birthday party. Scott and Brenda are exceptional people. Both are successful attorneys (aka "sueing lawyers") and incredible parents. But more than that, they are truly family. When we needed help, they stepped and gave their all. How can you repay that kind of debt? They moved (very recently) to a house near Brenda's parents and it has a pool... looks like everyone is enjoying it so far. Felicia (last pic) is growing fast but she is absolutely the sweetest child ever.

PS. The splash is Christopher's cannon ball.... not as big as mine but impressive none the less.

The Ballantyne Resort

I am on one of the strangest trips of my life.... I was asked to consult with Eisai regarding a treatment options for malignant brain tumors. Now I have to admit... that is a very heady topic (note the pun). At first I was a little hesitant, but I agreed and here I am... I flew from Mobile to Charlotte this morning on US Airways. I did not have to pay the $15 for a checked bag, but I learned that it's best to gate check whenever possible. I was met at the airport by a "Professional Driver".... now if that won't make your head swell nothing will..... it should be noted however that he misspelled my name and I made him do push-ups as punishment... just kidding about the push-ups; i prefer mountain-climbers. We drove up to the Ballantyme Resort (very uppity). As you can see above, this ain't no Motel 6.... Some lady named Olga (for real) offered me a hot towel. I honestly did not know what to do with that thing so I declined. In an attempt to win my bet with Annette, I hit the "Fitness Center" for an hour and it should be noted that the free water in the fitness area cost $4 in your room..... now that's an incentive. I will be back to Mobile on Saturday a few dollars richer and hopefully a little smarter traveler.... man do I have a lot to learn. God Bless!

Now this explains the Nobel Prize

Click this link to see a story about an incredible woman who sacrificed everything for those less fortunate.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXP5Gvxqgsg


Now click here to see another example of life is not fair... that is a place to get cotton candy....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVw1PANUcdg

Coach and Brian Get Hitched

Today was the big day.... And of course, something always happens. God was mad at Gretchen for going commando in church, so He cut the lights in mid-Mass...and gave the sign of peace while kneeling for good measure. But there were no shotguns (in plain sight) and no one ran from the alter or reception. The Fantastic Four (pictured above) got a snapshot (by Christopher- pretty good huh) before daddy duty took over and I had to leave because Matthew was coming un-glued..... what a great ride home. They are off to see the prosperous country of Mexico... hopefully won't smuggle any locals home.... and will be back in the "saddle" (if you know what I mean) next week.

Makes me proud to say "War Eagle"

In light of the arrest of the great one... Jimmy "Sell that Coke" Johns, the Crimson Tide Million Dollar Band has decided to change the fight song to "The Smuggler's Blues".

The Bachelor Party

Our friends, Brian and Gretchen, are getting married this Saturday. As tradition mandates, the bachelor party was last Saturday. A good time was had by all. No arrest, injuries or other afflictions were recorded; although a interesting game of "Never have I ever...." did take place. Of course, MAN LAW dictates that all information obtained during said game must be taken to the grave or at least used to embarress the hell out of someone while consuming ETOH.

Here's the kids...

I guess all parents are proud of their children. It is a human nature. But these kids are truly my greatest footprint on this earth. God gave us 3 incredible souls to guide and love. As I look at changing careers, Annette is the ROCK at home. How do you thank someone for sacrificing their time, energy, and career for your children. We decided to make every effort to have a constant presence at home. Even though at times it is very difficult for both of us; I pray that the kids are able to look back as adults and say- "WOW! Look at all the great times."

Life changes

Can you believe it? I have decided to take a sales position at CPSI. Talk about a change... maybe I am going through a mid-life crisis.... how many people really live past 70 anyway.

I will use this media to share updates with family and friends. So I guess I should saddle my horse, we are going on a great adventure.

My First

This is new to me so bear with me. First things first, why do this....? This can be a way to express my thoughts and experiences so that family and friends can keep in touch. I am terrible at calling and keeping up, so maybe this will help.