My (Belated) Thanks

Thursday past was Thanksgiving and DKW & I had a dozen plus family and friends over for the turkeys (we had two) and fixings. It was a busy day and in addition to cooking I, like most American males, was interested in football.  So until today I didn't take take to reflect a bit and give thanks.

Now I am thankful for football.  Its my favorite sport and I tend to watch to excess.  Frequent readers know my Starkville High Yellowjackets won Friday and will be playing for the Mississippi 6A state championship on December 4th.  It is half-time of the Egg Bowl, and (so far) MSU is getting their hat handed to them by Ole Miss (28-3).  Sigghhhh!
But football aside, first and foremost I am thankful for family.  My mother is in a nursing home and with a diagnosis of early onset alzheimer is not doing well.  Moments of lucidity come and go in an instant.  It hurts when I visit, so I prefer to remember her when she was at her best.  I am so very thankful for what she has contributed to my life.  I'm thankful for my children.  We have not always agreed (what parents and kids do) but the love has always been there.  And because of them I'm thankful for my grandchildren (8 and counting). I'm thankful for my wives.  Now - I'm not a polygamist. :-)  My 1st wife and I were married 29+ years and have 5 children.  Sue passed away almost 10 years ago (12/3/2005) and I'm so very thankful for what she contributed to my life.  I met DKW in December 2008 and we we married in October 2009. I'm thankful for her bringing joy into my life again and having the Autumn of my life blossom again with with hope.  I am thankful for so many friends and acquaintances I can't remember or list them all.  But if you know me, you know who you are and you will forever (thankfully) have been a part of the life that made me - me.  Lastly, I want to single out Sharon Bauman, Debra's mom.  Sharon passed away on December 5th, 2014 - just a week from now. Sharon lived next door to us for the last 3 years of her life. She was a no-nonsense, speak-your-mind individual who did not suffer fools lightly and I came to love her.  This year has been hard on DKW and the most I could do was offer a kiss, hug, and a soft "I know, I know." as tears were shed.  She and Sharon were extremely close.  Thanks Sharon. 
Everyone should reflect, give thanks, and hug those you can, while you can.  Have a great day!

On to Oxford

1 more Win  for State Championship

I'm gonna keep this brief  I just got home  from a really exciting game.  Starkville High scored 14, then Madison Central scored 14, plus a field goal right  before the half and led  the Yellow Jackets 17-14.  SHS kicked off to start the 2nd half and stopped them to force a punt. The Jackets drove down and scored to lead 21-17.  They scored again late in the 3rd to lead 28-17.  MC kicked a field goal (after SHS's defense held for 3 plays inside the one yard line) to make it 28-20.  That was the final score.
So next week (Friday, Dec. 4th at 7 PM) SHS will play the Petal Panthers (who beat Meridian 36-28 tonight) for the Mississippi 6A Championship.  I'm going!  The last time I attended a football game on That School Up North's campus I had gone with my dad and a friend of his to see my Bulldogs play the Rebels in Archie Manning's last Egg Bowl (1970).  I don't remember many details other than it was very exciting, MSU won 19-14, and Archie (Who?) played the game with a cast on his non-throwing hand.

Now if only the Bulldogs can win tomorrow.
Every one have a great day!

TWO MORE ! ! (Fingers Crossed)

2 wks + 6A= State Champs

Starkville High was at Clinton this past Friday (20th) and won 45-27 in a 2nd round playoff game that was much closer than the score indicates.  As a result, SHS will be at home the day after Thanksgiving to play Madison Central in the 3rd round of the 6A playoffs for the North Half  (Mississippi) Championship.  SHS played MC on October 16th and defeated them by a score of 28-10.  I don't foresee a different result this time.  That said, MC deserves a hand for defeating previous #1 (and undefeated) South Panola in the first round. (who had not lost a game in almost 3 years).  It may be a little tougher - given the stakes - But I sincerely believe that SHS will be playing for the Mississippi 6A title on December 3rd. 
What I find interesting is that Madison Central is ranked higher (by Maxpreps.com) than either of the two teams (Meridian HS and Petal HS) playing for the 6A South Half title.
Can't wait!

Gainfully Employed - Again!

If you've read my blog before, you are aware that I am very proud of the fact that I retired from the U.S. Coast Guard (in 1992).  You may also be aware that as of May 1st, of this year, I retired from Mississippi.  I've enjoyed the glut of free time I've had by spending time with my wife and taking care of tasks around the homestead.  However,  I have worked, at least part time since I was in school, since I was 10 years old.   I just turned 60 in April want found myself wanting a part time position that would not be too taxing and still allow me the lion's share of the week to myself.
Well, I found such a position 5 to 6 weeks ago and applied for it.  The job is a shuttle driver of Oktibbeha County Hospital.  It entails cruising the parking lot (2 days a week, when the other driver is off) and taking patrons that desire transport to and from the hospital entrance.  As it is a very public position, they were required to accept applications for a couple of weeks, go through said applications, and then check references and do background checks on the half dozen or so that would be interviewed.  After I was interviewed, I had to give a sample and be fingerprinted.  This being the last hurdle before being officially offered the position. 
Well, about 15 minutes OCH called me and said my samples and prints came back with the official "okie dokie", and I was hired.  The last thing is to go in Monday, fill out the paperwork, and get photographed for my employee badge.  There is an orientation I have to go to on the 30th, but I will be an employee then and it is required of all new hires.
Anyway, just wanted to share the news.  SHS playoff game tonight at Clinton.  Go Jackets! !
Everyone have a great day!  I will!

Friday the 13th and High School Football

Last night the Mississippi 6A playoffs began.  My Starkville High Yellowjackets hosting the Olive Branch Conquistadors.  SHS pretty much dominated the game though OB did score a few TDs in the 2nd half (on our subs) to make the final 46-24.  So SHS moves on the the second round and will play Clinton (for the 2nd time in 3 weeks), who they beat 2 weeks ago 45-7.  Don't let that score fool you though.  They are a much better team than that and their coach rested a lot of starters in that game so that they would be healthy going into the playoffs (link provided).  I think SHS will prevail, but I would be lying if I said they didn't worry me.
The big news of the night was that Number 1 ranked and undefeated (since 2013) South Panola, was upset at home by Region 2, #4 seed Madison Central 14-8!  WOW!!!  Let me repeat that! WOWWWWW!!!  Region 2 (in which MC and SHS reside) swept all 4 playoff games against Region 1.  Friday the 13th was really unlucky for Region 1!  When the MaxPreps Rankings are updates tomorrow SHS should be the new #1 in the state of Mississippi.  I hope this is the year we bring home another state title.  Even if we do have to go to Oxford to get it!
MSU plays a heavily favored Alabama Crimson Tide today.  I will be watching and keeping my fingers crossed.  According to USA Today if Dak gets protection from his O line and doesn't make any critical mistakes, they could pull the upset at home.  The odds are long, but as they say, hope springs eternal and miracles do happen (just ask Madison Central).
Eveyone have a great day!  (and GOOO DAWGS!!!)

Mississippi High School Football Playoff Time

Some classifications (2A, 3A, & 4A) started this week.  My Starkville High Yellowjackets (#1 in 6A, Region 2) start the playoffs at home next week when they host the Olive Branch Conquistadors (#4 in 6A, Region 1).  After Friday night's game with Clinton High, Starkville is 9-1. This game actually was for playoff seeding as both teams are playoff bound.  It was a miserable night, weather-wise, as it rained nearly the entire game.  Plus, I was a little conflicted because I am a proud graduate (Class of '72) and supporter of SHS but my grandson was playing for Clinton High.  So I was little happy and a little sad at the game's end.  Oh well, if things work out we could be playing again, but for higher stakes.  Playoff time - Everyone starts new.  So - NO ONE should get too cocky!  Upsets happen!

Speaking of upsets.  A tip of the hat to the Arkansas Razorbacks for their 53-52 overtime win over That School Up North in Oxford.   I hope my Bulldogs were paying attention as they have to face the Hogs in Arkansas in two weeks. (After getting Alabama at home next week.)  Its never easy in the SEC.