It's politics as usual....

I hope that everyone who voted for BHO in 2008 because of their frustrations with the war in Iraq read this and regret their decision.

"A key factor in the pace of the U.S. drawdown will be making sure that there are sufficient U.S. forces in Iraq to assure that national elections scheduled for December are peaceful, officials said. Another will be the speed with which Iraqi military and security forces gain the ability to maintain order without American help.

Under Obama's plan, a force of between 35,000 and 50,000 U.S. troops would remain in Iraq after Aug. 31, 2010, to train, equip and advise Iraqi forces, help protect withdrawing forces and work on counterterrorism. They'd remain until Dec. 31, 2011, the date on which the Bush administration agreed to withdraw all troops under a pact with Iraq.

That number, too, could depend on conditions in Iraq and on the need for additional U.S. troops in Afghanistan, where the Taliban have made significant gains, and where national elections also are scheduled."

It is amazing the level of federal spending in that last 30 days. It's like Annette at Shoe Station with a No Limit credit card. I guess this is just one more campaign promise broken; but who is counting.

Fifty Funny Fellows

Annette and I had a great time at the Fifty Funny Fellows ball last night. It is a much more tame atmosphere than we'll experience tonight at the Striper's. Annette looked so beautiful in her formal gown it was hard to take my eyes off her. She is such a wonderful soul mate. I am the luckiest man alive.

I'll try to include some pictures soon.

Syracuse, NY

I have been in Syracuse, New York for a couple of days and had dinner at the coolest family restraunt called The Green Onion. An Italian place in a cobblestone house built in the mid 1800's by the masons that also built the Erie Canal. Very good food and the little Italian chef came out to the table to check on things and talked about cooking and the house. It was kinda cool b/c he and his family also go to Orange Beach every winter for a couple of weeks. Small world huh????

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