Weekend Activities

After I backed into the another car at work on Friday, I got home to find out Stacy was baking Chocolate Chip cookies for me! Got a bonus! I cut the grass, got cookies and got to fellowship with the neighbors.

We visited with Don and Bonnie on Friday night as well and played some cards, the girls kicked our butts.

On Saturday, Stacy and I went to Moss' cafe for breakfast, I had the western omelet and she had a few eggs and some burnt bacon and toast. She likes her bacon extra, extra, extra crispy.

Saturday it was commissary time, nuff said.

Saturday night we grilled brats with Don and Bonnie, then the guys laid waste to the ladies in cards. Revenge is sweet.

Sunday was FULL!

Went to Grace, met with and caught up with many friends, good to see David. After church went and played 18 at Cole Park with Don and Bonnie. We started at 1:30pm and finished at 7:30pm, then went to Poncho Villa's outside gate 4.

After we finished it was back home in time for showers and bedtime.

I Now Have Something Else in Common With Stacy

While leaving work today an employee who was late for a 5pm appointment with me, showed up at 5:30pm. I had waited until 5:23 and decided it was time to go and take care of this person on Monday.

Our building locks down at 5:00pm, the employee had gotten there on time but the doors locked and she could not get up. Long story short, I left, as I was leaving she saw me driving out of the parking lot and called me.

I answered the call................put the car in reverse.........the rest is history, bang, I pulled a Stacy. I backed into a car behind me that was also leaving the lot.

Just touched the other car, no one hurt, no damage to my car, a small dent in the other car and some exchanged paint. Since this happened on private property, metro said, "your on your own."

They directed us to the police website where we have to download our own report and fill it out and then send it to them!

So me and this nice lady exchanged information, we we're smiling and exchanging, I asked if she was OK, she said, "she just felt the car move just a little." But was OK, thank you Lord.

I look at her business card, she works for a lawyer in our building.

When I called and told Stacy I would be late, that I backed into someone, she was almost happy. "See, I told you it's easy to do."

Somehow, in her mind, she had just justified backing into everything she ever had. The huge station wagon at our first apartment, those concrete poles in all those parking lots, Nichole's car in the driveway, my big red rolling tool box, the shrubs lining our driveway, a wall at her work...etc.

I think I made her day.

A Pleasant Surprise

Mandy called me this afternoon to ask if I wanted Brats for dinner....Duh! She and Dave put it all together. It was a nice surprise and they did an excellent job.

Iron Chef Mandy and Dave preparing the pasta salad and corn on the cob for dinner.
Mandy keeping a close eye on Dave as he grills the brats and cornNichole stopped by to get some grub and to talk and share about her two traffic tickets in a month. Go speed racer, go. She can usually talk her way out of a ticket and has on many occasions. But she did not count on getting stopped by a female cop.
Vacation is over and after a hard day back at work Stacy took a nap after dinner.

She's home

My baby is home, she is sleeping. She has to work tomorrow, I am going in late. I can't list the mexican resturants she ate at, but they we're many. (fish tacos?)

I can't explain why we take seperate vacations, except she likes to relax, I like to keep moving. I can't explain why she is the love of my life, the center of my universe, the one who keeps me sane, but she is.

I missed her, I really did not know just how much until I saw her at the airport tonight. I felt the same feeling I had, the first time I saw her in high school.

Love at first sight and still I get the tingles.

After almost 32 years, I consider myself the most blessed man in the world.

Praise The Lord, I did not get hurt or injured during Stacy's vacation. It's a first. One that I would love to repeat.

Without her, I am nothing.

Holed Up in a Hotel Room in Alcoa TN

Stacy returns tomorrow evening around 8:00pm, I can't wait, but because I can't control time, or space, I have no choice but to do just that.

I traveled to Knoxville today to conduct some weekend site visits, something that the job requires. The trip to Knoxville was uneventfully, I chose a hotel that has three restaurants sharing the parking lot.

I can choose, O'Charley's, Texas Roadhouse or a local favorite, Up the Creek Fish Camp and Grill. I did this so I am less likely to get injured, less driving. I'm asking for plastic dinner wear and cloth napkins to avoid paper and knife cuts.

I have less than 26 hours before her return to remain injury free. It would be the first time that has ever happened. So I am optimistic that I can make it.

The laundry is done, the house is cleaned and I got my honey do list completed. But I am sure after a short period, I will have a task rich list.

What Comes Around

I have made mention of my one eyed friend here. (Sorry Shiela) Come to find out from my eye exam today and some new fangled laser eye system, my retinas are becoming detached. In both eyes.

So I have a new Rx for a stronger glasses cause I am getting old. Crap. But my Rx will not be a factor in my retina issue.

So my eye doctor has refereed me to an optamolgest.....optomolijist........opttimeologist......a freaking eye specialist.

Shiela, looking good with your glasses at Appleby's. I just did not see your pocket protector or slide rule.

Mud Drag Racing-What a Drag

I have never been more bored in my life than I was tonight at the fairgrounds Mud Drag Races. David Morey and I went, spent ten bucks and watched the drag races. Only one of them blew up during the event. The Ambulance got called away and the races had to be stopped until it returned. Does this city only have one emergency on call response team?

According to a fellow Clarksvillian, the demolition derby the night before was more exciting with fights on the field and in the stands, I would have loved to have been able to jump into some of that.

Smilin' David Morey arriving right on time after meeting with his stylist. Thanks Cathy for getting David out to play. (He had a rain coat in case it rained. Excuse me? They wet the playing field at this event.)

These we're the big boys, they are fast.

We we're on the very top of the bleachers, in the very middle. I have never seen so many John Deere hats, tee shirts with the sleeves cut off, "get-R-done" logos, ladies putting thier 10 pound bodies in 5 pound jeans and tramp stamps in my life. I was living a Jeff Foxworthy joke fest. But it was all worth it to spend time with David, we have a lot in common and he is genuine.

A Slow Day

Started the day at the Nashville Atletic Club, did about 45 minutes on the eliptical machine and 20 minutes in the sauna.

We had a job fair at work trying to find some qualified and quality people to hire. There we're 35 applicants who walked through the door, after the initial screening, we had 20 possibilities.

I was awarded a new site of an excisting client, in Johnson City, TN. Go to Knoxville and take a left, go about 80 miles. Stop just before you get to West Virginia, right next to Bristol Motor Speedway.

After work I was exhausted, I wanted to go the demolition derby at fairgrounds park, the only place to park was on the grass and the bike is too heavy to park anywhere but hard stand so I went home and fiddled around the house.

I watered the garden and all Stacy's plants, sprayed grass killer on the grass along the curb, cleaned out my tool boxes and started to comb the big dog, Bubba. I started with bathing him, He is not a fan of being groomed.

He is getting old and gray, but is as loyal as the day we got him, best dog I have even had.

I spoke with Stacy this evening and she is having a great time with Cindy. They had a spa day yesterday and was almost to relaxed to talk to me.

I pray that my friend who can't see out of one eye is doing better and all the others in my life are doing well.

Four days left and still standing, had a few close calls, but I'm doing great, keep praying, my odds are getting better.

The Garage is Finished!

I finished the garage tonight, many nights of looking, measuring and rearranging have come to a close.

One kayak
One Kayak, One bike.
One Kayak, One Bike, One car One Kayak, One Bike, Two cars

I did it with no injuries, but keep up the prayers, I still have 5 days before Stacy gets back.

I try to keep busy when Stacy is gone, because when she is here, she keeps me in line, when she is not, I have to stay busy so I don't get into trouble. Mandy does a good job in Stacy's absence, but she is no Stacy.

Stacy's dog, Carly likes to chase imaginary flying obects, it was fun to watch her try to catch fireflys tonight while enjoying a Cuban on the deck.

Close Call/Work in Progress/Stacy's Flowers

Had a close call this evening while cleaning the garage. While moving stuff around, I pushed a mouse trap to the center of the garage, then proceded to pile stuff around it. I stepped on it, just missing my big toe, it got my flip flop.

Work in progress, you can see why the trap almost got me, I should have been wearing shoes.

Stacy wanted to see her day lillies

and that monster plant in the backyard.

Day three and still in one piece. Keep praying.

Father's Day

Even though Stacy and Lisa we're not here to celebrate Father's Day, I had a great long day.

Started with Mandy and Dave taking me out to breakfast at Ryan's, not your typical buffet, it was clean and not very crowded. Hard to believe Mandy was up and ready and we we're out of the house by 8:30am ready to eat and dressed for church.

After breakfast, Mandy went with Dave to Target, I went to Lowes. Picked up a few things, then it was on to church. Met with with David and Lori Graham and the kids, all of them. David and I exchanged golf balls for courses we have played. It was good to see him with his family again. Lori gave me a gift as well, chocolate chip cookies, they we're better than the ones a certain lady from our old Church made. I won't mention her name (Becky Greer).

Then I was off to walk Mason Rudolph twice with Mandy's Dave. I was smokin'! For real, Cubans in hand and 8 pars! Dave had a good day on the course as well.

After golf I had just enough time to meet Nichole at Olive Garden for dinner. Just me and her, and Mandy who was working the bar. Mandy spent more time with us than working, but it was good to have them both there. It gave Nichole and I time to catch up.

Stacy and Lisa called to wish me a happy Father's Day, then Lisa sent me photos of Emma via my cell for most of the day.

After that I worked in the yard and while in my garden I realized how much I miss my Dad. He and my grandfather always had a garden and fruit trees. I have always had tomatoes for as long as I can remember and now I have an apple tree. I do it for them and for me. The year neither of them planted a garden, they passed. Grandpa Niccolo in 1970, my Dad in 1992. So it's kind of an insurance policy.

My garden, tomatoes, jalapenos, banana peppers, sweet basil, egg plant and broccoli.

My apple tree in the back yard.

Now I'm relaxing in my recliner, just finished watching Tiger tie Rocco at the US Open causing an 18 hole playoff for tomorrow and I'm finishing the greatest chocolate chips cookies I have ever had. Life is good.

Day two and no injuries. Keep praying.

Honey Do List

Stacy is away on vacation, I dropped her off at the airport this morning. So there is a honey do list for me to get finished before she returns on Monday the 23rd. So figuring my time table, that gives me 8 days to think about it and another day to get it all done.

There is always a constant when she is away, I get injured, I always end up getting hurt, no matter where she goes. If she goes to visit Lisa and the grand baby, I get hurt. If she goes on vacation, it happens. Usually a freak accident, but none the less an accident. Most don't require hospitalization, but there is always a first. I overheard Stacy telling Mandy to keep an eye on me, look around the house to make sure I have not knocked myself out (got the hat and tee shirt).



One of the big jobs on the list, clean the garage out. She wants to get her car, and the bike in. I want to get both cars, the kayak and the bike in. So, as you can see this is an accident waiting to happen, sooooo, maybe I should wait until she returns and wrap myself in bubble wrap just to be safe.

Golfing for Work

This is the Pine Creek Pro Shop and golf course, it's where we hosted the 2008 Mid-TN ASIS annual golf scramble. Nice clean course, great greens, in Mt Juliet. I'm not saying that those in the security field are not honest, but, our team posted a nice 66, the winning team posted an..uh hum.... 56, or 16 under par. In my experience, when ever you get security and retired law enforcement folks together, you just got to question integrity.

Although my team did not win, or place second, or third, or.....well you get the picture. Out of 18 teams, we placed 6th overall, even recording an eagle.

I did well on the door prize part of the event. With ticket number 3733461, I won a Cobra Hybrid 3. $80.00 value, so I guess I made out. Played golf all afternoon with the boss and several clients at no cost to me.

Got my bud a ball and score card, life is good.

Back to Work/Down Time/Quick Update

I have been working in the Nashville office since Tuesday, new accounts starting, so the local hiring process has begun. I have been commuting to and from Nashville on the bike this week, (when the weather allowed) makes the commute fun. I got the bike with less than 3,000 miles, I now have over 4900. Got caught in a small rain shower this afternoon, didn't even care.

Had dinner with the neighbors this evening at Sango Cafe, Schnitzel all around, then played cards for a while. Stacy and you know who, lost again.

I wish I had some of Lori's chocolate chip cookies.

I am playing in an ASIS (American Society of Industrial Security) golf tournament tomorrow at the Pines Course in Mt Juliet.

Stacy is headed to San Diego on Saturday, and will return on the 23rd of June.

My hat goes off to David Graham for his devotion to his family, I hope and pray he has a great father's day with Lori and their children. God Bless you both.

The Bridges of Montgomery County

No, this is not love story, far from it. I have been wanting to kayak from Port Royal back to Clarksville for the longest time. I picked the two hottest days of the year so far to do it.

It's one of those things that Stacy has labeled me as crazy, I always deny it, but after doing this, I guess she was right. (but I did it anyway, and lived)

It must have been snake week on the river, I must have smacked at least a dozen snakes or so over these two days with my paddle.

My kayak, 8 1/2 foot Otter Sport, loaded.

Tent, microfiber sleeping bag, ground sleeping pad, pillow, two dura flame logs for overnight, three fishing poles, tackle and live bait (yes, live). 3 gallons of water, first aid kit, 9 mm automatic with extra rounds, 3 knives, flare gun and flares, slingshot with steel balls, crossbow with bolts. GPS, stove, food and goodies. 2 pairs of paddle gloves, dry bag with a change of clothes, dry boxes with matches, notepad, pen and some nice Cubans. ipod with music for cruising the river and TV shows for the campsite, "The Shield" on FX is awesome. Cell phone, digital camera, an emergency radio that works on both batteries and by cranking, plus extra batteries for all. Although I was kicked out of the Boy Scouts, I am always prepared.

First bridge, Red River, Port Royal, notice whats left of the covered bridge left center, and whats left of the support in the middle.GPS and Watch to coordinate navigation.
The slight ripple you see ahead of me are underwater trees that turned me sideways and almost sucked me under, looks innocent, watch out.

Didn't expect to see cows in the river, what is not pictured are two "large" women in bikinis who thought they were someplace safe where no one would see them. I wish I had not. Some people just don't need to be in bikinis. That means you Ms. Golden Corral frequent flier.

I-24 West Bound, between Exit 11 and 8.

I-24 East Bound between exit 8 and 11.

Camp site. Time to light a fire and have dinner, and do some fishing. I caught several catfish and one bass. Then it was time to turn in and watch some TV.

Starry, starry night. A beautiful night, clear, birds chirping, just wished it was not so humid. So at bedtime, one hand on the 9 mm automatic, one eye open. Not afraid of snakes, spiders, bugs or what Mandy refers to a "river people" unless I hear banjo music. But I am leery of packs of hungry wild dogs.

Civitan bridge Warfield Blvd just before Madison extension.

Highway 79, C.J. Corman railroad trestle and Kraft St Bridge, St. Bethlehem.

Whats left of Clarksville's first marina, behind the tattoo shop on the left, Kraft Street. This was the gas pumps, slowly over the past 20 years the marina has been disassembled. There used to be wet slips, now just the pumping barge remains.

New Providence Blvd, next to Two Rivers Mall. Almost to McGregor Park and getting picked up.

According to an updated topographic map, the trip should have been 20 river miles, so I decided to do 10 miles on Sunday afternoon and 10 miles with some fishing on Monday. After the ten miles on Sunday, it was clear that it was going to be more than 10 miles to finish. My GPS told me I had traveled 10 miles, but 20 to finish! So I was up early and set out.

Back, arms and shoulders burning, I called Stacy to pick me up at noon on Monday. I covered the remaining 20 miles at a good pace. The hardest part of the trip, when I entered the Cumberland River from the Red and was met with high winds in my face and having to paddle upstream to McGregor Park.

Thanks to a great friend and neighbor, Bonnie for the Rice Krispy treats and chocolate chip cookies, they helped with the energy level I really needed, when I needed it.

Above all , I give my thanks to The Lord my God who gives me the ability to do the things I do.

Dehydrated, tired, a little sunburned, hungry, covered in sunscreen and sweat and just plain wore out, my lovely bride of over 30 years shows up with a HUGE glass of ice water and a greeting,

"You smell.'

I love this woman!

Knoxville and Chattanooga

Stacy went with me on a weekend business trip, we left for Knoxville about noon on Friday. We stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel in Mt. Juliet, then on to Knoxville. After checking into the hotel we we're off to Calhoun's for a BBQ dinner. Best BBQ in the state if you ask me.

After dinner we went to see Adam Sadler's new movie, "Don't mess with the Zohan." We laughed our butts off. Note to those reading this, it's not a kid's movie. Language, sexual situations and Sadler's naked backside (too many times to count), I'm not sure why those of middle eastern descent have not started a boycott of this movie. Very stereotypical and does not show middle eastern people in a very good light.

After the movie, I dropped Stacy off at the hotel and I went to work, yes, work at 10:30 at night. I finished up on my sneak and peek, (after hours security stuff), to secret to share.

Saturday, I have an event I had to attend in Chattanooga in the afternoon. So after breakfast, we got on I-75 south and left Knoxville. Looking at the billboards while driving, Sweetwater TN has TN's largest flea market.

Stacy at the Sweetwater Flea Market, trying to decide on a grand baby tee shirt. She could not make up her mind, so she bought two.

Then it was on to Chattanooga for the event at the new FedEx terminal just off Market Street. After lunch there, we drove back to Clarksville, needless to say I will be working from home on Monday. (and you all know what that means.)

Take the Long Way Home

Decided that on my way home from Chattanooga, I would take the interstate instead of the back roads. That lasted about 20 miles as I approached Hales Bar Marina. I remembered a report due on Thursday afternoons and I was not going to make back to the office by the time this was due. So I jumped on to Hwy 41 as it parallels I-24. I knew just the spot to complete my report,

I checked it out last summer.

Running parallel to I-24, seen in the distance.
Crossing the Nickajack Lake on Hwy 41.

My office at Hales Bar Marina Picnic Area.

Laptop with broadband card and cell phone at the ready, finished my report and enjoyed a Cuban while I fished at the marina picnic area.

I can put an expandable fishing rod in the saddle bags, but I have yet to find a way to get my golf clubs on this bad boy. But you better believe, I am brainstorming the problem. Maybe a short trailer, then I can also take mulitple city road trips. Speaking of road trips, Stacy and I are going to Knoxville tomorrow for the weekend (work related, write off). No bike, she wants to golf, so we are taking one of the cars. We will be back in time for church on Sunday.

Emma says, "I want some Dew!" Nana says, "No Dew for you."

Road Trip!

I loaded my ipod with 5 hours of road songs, Seger, Bon Jovi, BTO, Eagles, just good classic rock. I was ready for the open road so I decided to take the bike to Chattanooga on a business trip. I left the office in Nashville at 12:30 pm and headed out on 41A South. WOW! Talk about small town America. How would you like to say you we're from Rover Tn, just outside Tullahoma. Or Eagleville outside of Nolensville TN?

Beautiful Downtown Eagleville Tennessee, parking....no problem. No Walmart..........no Stacy.

I was having a good time and enjoying the ride, then I reached Dechard TN. Right after Dechard, you start the upward climb to Monteagle. Every 50 yards or so you get a curve, nice curves, S curves, a biker's dream. This goes on for over 8 miles. Did I say curves? Nice. Once I stopped at Monteagle and checked my watch, it took three and a half hours to get this far. Usually 1 hour 15 minutes on I-24. So I decided to get on the interstate to make up time.
Flying down to Chattanooga from Monteagle, clear, fast, just a nice ride.

Just past Chattanooga, heading into East Ridge, 9 miles from Shallowford road and the hotel. Long day, long ride, long on memories.

Emma says Pop is cool, and Happy Birthday to the twins Reagan and Ella! They are cool too! I love Reagan and Ella, Don and Bonnie, David and Lori, and Al.

But most of all I love Stacy.

Just one of those Days.

I go to work and have a pang for Chinese food, so three of us from the office head for a new restaurant we heard of at the intersection of Harding Pike and Nolensville Rd. It used to be an IHOP, then a Great American Buffet, now it's a Chinese place.

We get there, some marketing major turned it back into an IHOP. But it was international, we were the only ones who could speak English. So after some sign language, our order was still wrong. Oh well, it's a Monday right.

Then,

This fan thing will not die! Open my mailbox and there is Stacy and Al pulling my chains and the chains of the 6 armed monster fan.

OK, at this point I would gladly play with little Bob the Builder and his truck full of dirt. Cause I feel like a load of................................................

Payback from the Neighbors

This is the response I recieved via email from my neighbor Don, and Al the electrician. I guess I deserved it.

The neighbor with five dogs took it upon himself to come razz the neighbor with one dog.

It cost him $150 for a new fan in his dining room when his wife, Stacy, let the neighbor with one dog know that she wanted a new fan for her birthday. The neighbor with one dog's wife told Stacy about a free electrician who volunteered to install the birthday fan.

The neighbor with one dog wants you to know that dog barking can be VERY expensive to the tune of $150.

So neighbor with five dogs, you can still come visit. We promise it will probably not cost you any more $$$$ (maybe)!

From your neighbor who is babysitting a dog for one week who barked twice while playing with the one dog.