First Pitch - Miss.State Baseball

Well, I expected this past Friday to be eventful as I was scheduled to throw out the first pitch at MSU's baseball season opener - but man, I got more than I expected.
I had a great time at the ball park, but I will admit to being worried and didn't stay long because DKW had had an accident in her little car (2009 Toyota Yaris). On her way to visit a friend in a local mobile home park she dropped into the huge pothole that went across the entire road and was 2 to 3 feet deep. The car was damaged somewhat (in the front) and is in the shop but what worried me is that DKW suffered a wrenched shoulder and a concussion. (I'm really glad the airbag didn't deploy). I took her to the emergency room and was prepared to stay but she insisted that I go do my first pitch. I did and came back to pick her up. I didn't stay for the game - but MSU did win 8-0. As a matter of fact, they are 4-0 going into today's game with Northwestern (LA.) State.


Everyone have a great day!

Valentine's Day

Today is a day when most of the world celebrates that one true love. I've told DKW more than once that I don't need a special day to tell her how much I love her- and that's very true. That being said, I have love for many folks. DKW first, because she is my spouse and the one I've chosen to spend the rest of my life with. My children (and their families) for many varied reasons. My children's mother - though she is no longer with us - love goes on. My mother & father - Dad is also no longer with us but Momma is and without them I wouldn't be here. My puppies - Shaddow, Beider and Sophie.

Remember - Live life large, keep ego small, and value those things that matter.

Everyone have a great day

Snow Daze

Ok! As DKW alluded to in her blog - its rare that we get a lot of snow in Mississippi. Well - that said - I'm 55 (almost 56) years old and I've never written my name in the snow - until yesterday - and here it is. So - if you're grossed out -too bad. I may be juvenile - but at my age I'm entitled!

Have a great day!

Guilty Pleasure

Okay - I think I may have mentioned it sometime in the past that I have been a fan of the Power Rangers since their original incarnation (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) in 1993. Well, last night Nickelodeon premiered the latest (and 16th) incarnation "Power Rangers: Samurai". I have seen each and every episode of every PR variant. The original remains my favorite because (at the time) they were so different and set the bar for all following versions. After MMPR though I think the 5th incarnation is my favorite because it deals with how the team copes with the death of a Ranger and comes back strong.

Yes its juvenile. Yes its very formulaic. But thats why its a guilty pleasure -Can't explain why I like it - I just do. I'm reserving judgement on PR:S until this season ends - but after last night's episode - its off to a rousing start!

Miss Ya Dad!

Okay. Haven't blogged for a while and no excuse for it except - I didn't feel like it. The SuperBowl was yesterday and it was just that! Super! I am soooo glad that the Packers took down Big Ben and the Steelers. As a fan with a long history of disliking the Steelers (I'm a Raiders fan - 'nuff said) I have to admit they had me worried. Especially when half-way thru the 4th quarter they cut the Packer's lead to 3. But Steeler miscues and Packers defense teamed up for a Titletown victory.

I've had a lot of time just to think lately as I take little Sophie out while trying to housebreak her. Yesterday my mind was on my dad. He passed away in 1991 and was a life-long Packer fan. I miss him. I can just see him perched back in his recliner, Swisher Sweet cigar in his mouth, yelling at the TV. (I yell at the TV too - just without the smokes).

Enjoy the pic! DKW took it while I was sleeping (obviously) with little Sophie. (Isn't she a cutie?)

Everyone have a Great Day!

Like Snow? H*ll NO!

I was getting ready for work this morning and after I called our local weather line for the current temp (33 @ 6am) I flipped on the TV as I finished getting dressed and had my cereal. I saw that the northeast had been hit hard with snow - Philadelphia (PA) had declared a "snow emergency" and New York City (NEW YORK CITY!) had been hit with over a foot of snow overnight. City offices and services were closed along with all schools. I could see lots of people digging out while the report went on. So for everyone that lives up north and say they like snow - "You are welcome to it!" Go ahead and laugh at us in Mississippi when we get an inch or 2 of snow and close things down. We don't have to shovel and its usually gone on its on in a few hours. Now - there was a heavy frost on my truck's windows, but I had taken the precaution of putting a plastic tray on my windshield last night so the driver's side was clear and after it warmed up a couple of minutes I was on my way to work.

In between the news and leaving for work I had gone out to feed Beider. Now it had rained yesterday and the damp ground was frosted over. I guess I stepped wrong (but I'm not sure - it happened so quickly) and ended up slipping and falling. My right leg bent and my right foot was under my butt when I fell on it. I think it scared me more than it did any damage - but my leg is killing me right now. I took some tylenol when I got to work and hopefully the aching will ease up as the day goes on. The only casualty (I think) is the plastic pitcher I used to carry the dog food in. It got busted up in the fall - but it can be replaced. Think I'll probably replace it with a 3 pound coffee can - might bend but won't break.

Everyone have a great day!

Random Ramblings (Again)

I started this entry with no specific purpose but thought I would share some miscellaneous musings instead. Yesterday I was taking out Sophie (our 3 month old puppy that we are trying to house-train) and as she was checking our the aromas in our yard and doing her business I found myself thinking over the just past holiday season. One (or maybe even more than one - I don't really remember) of my children had remarked that our family didn't seem as close as it used to be at Christmas. So after considerable thought - this reply came to my mind "WELL-DUH!!" When my first wife passed away in December 2005, our 5 children were either married, had a significant other or getting married and within a couple of years either had or were expecting children of their own. Whoever you are - Family dynamics change as children become adults and forge their own lives. And that's as it should be - you have a person in your life that you have chosen to love and in all probability have a family with. That significant other and offspring should be the primary focus of your life. So no - things aren't as they used to be. But the changes had either started or were in place years ago. It just amazes me sometimes how selective folks' memory can be (and I'm just as guilty).

So to all my offspring - I love you now just as much as I ever did - never doubt that - but life evolves and changes - if it didn't things would be very dull and stagnant. For example - I can't imagine not having even one of my grandchildren. And I do enjoy spoiling them a bit when I can.

Well - the Superbowl is set. Packers and Steelers. As a life-long Raiders fan I can't help but hate the Steelers (Remember the 1972 Playoff game - Arrrggggh! - I still can't and won't watch replays of "the immaculate reception"). So GO PACK!!!

I've decided to sell my motorcycles. It was a difficult decision. I've loved riding for many years but after my accident in June (2010) I discovered (after getting another bike) that with my leg injury I'm not as steady as I used to be and I've lost a little of the enjoyment I had. Plus, I will soon be 56 and if I can't give it my full attention I would rather not chance another accident at my age. I want to be around to enjoy my retirement years when they get here. Plus, it may be a "beater" but I like driving my old truck (1985 GMC S15). It has its quirks, is noisy and doesn't get fabulous (good but not fabulous) gas mileage. But as long as it can keep taking me to work and home with the occasional work-load, I'll keep it. As one of the stickers I have on states "Don't Laugh - It's Paid For".

Everyone Have a Great Day