Clemson beats USC, again!

Hey, quick post before heading back to church this morning! We watched a fantastic Clemson vs. USC game yesterday with my Mom, Amy and Pete. Clemson salvaged the season with a 31-14 thumpin'. I plan to write about the fun Miles and I had on Friday night in Charlotte later. In the meantime, you can listen here:

Thanks!

We had a lot of fun yesterday for Thanksgiving.  Tricia's brother, Frankie, and his family stopped by for Thanksgiving dinner on the way to the beach.  Tricia made a great turkey dinner with sweet potato pie, fresh cranberry sauce and all the fixin's.  It was a great meal and we were so happy to share with family.  They have a new little one, Dominique who is now 4 months old. I called him "mini-me" because he looks just like Frankie, seriously.  I thought his older brother looked just like that too.  Their oldest, Jasmine, is growing up and such a cutie.  She had a lot of fun playing with Dylan.  Miles entertained with piano and karate moves, of course...



After the dinner, we went down to Lake Robinson park and took a few pictures before sending them off down the road for their beach vacation.  I took a nap, Miles and Dylan played around and Tricia did some school work in the afternoon.  After my nap, I decided to take the family to a movie since we were going to see the lights on Roper mountain anyways.  With a little debate, we picked Bolt.  I'm glad we did, this was one of the best cartoon movies.  It had lots of action and laughs.  The hamster, Rhino, had us cracking up long after the movie was over.  We also waited until the 7pm show to see the digital 3D version and I'm glad we did.  It was awesome!  The special  effects added with the 3D were really, really worth the extra wait time and effort (including not being able to pay matinee prices).  I can recommend this one for the family and we also got the preview for the new Ice Age 3D movie that is coming out in 2009!  That should be a riot too.  

Well, Tricia just got home from a walk with Keller.  When she got back, she came in and said "Mark, you have to come look at Keller.".   Other than being wet from head to toe, he was carrying a rag in his mouth.  On closer inspection, it turned out to be a dead squirrel.  Keller got his first live kill!  Tricia said he caught it going up the tree.  He must try that move about 10 times on every walk in the woods!  Today he made it happen and he couldn't be prouder!  Tricia reported it was a fierce battle and Keller was a little confused about what exactly to do with it.  She said that during the "battle" the squirrel actually latched onto Keller's chest and he had to shake it off.  She said "he was on his own there, nothing I could or would do!"  I thought that was as funny as Keller looking at her for help with a squirrel latched to his chest.  Right now, he's strutting around the back yard with his prize!  He's our Bolt!  

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Get your own

Miles and I are headed to Charlotte tonight to see the Derek Trucks Band at Spirit Square.  It's a very cool venue that is actually an old church, the stained glass windows are still there.  The sound and views are hard to beat.  Can't wait!  We are staying at a hotel uptown around the corner and having dinner with some friends from NC.  We are also planning to met up with the drummer and our friend, Yonrico Scott. I got him a couple of percussion instruments while in Botswana!  On Saturday, we are going to head back early so we can be home for the Clemson v. USC game at 12noon.  My Mom and Pete are coming up with Amy to spend the weekend with us and watch the game.  I think we are going to put up the tree too.  Should be a fun weekend!  
Enjoy yours!  See ya!

Wednesday before Thanksgiving

So, do you fast today so you can eat a bunch tomorrow?  Or is that a sin for planning gluttony?  I guess I will find out!  Nah, I will just eat a little lighter instead and plan a sensible meal for Thanksgiving tomorrow.  Famous last words.

It almost feels like a holiday today, Tricia and the boys are home.  Tricia is enjoying sleeping in, tucked under a bunch of covers.  Miles and Dylan are watching cartoons in the den.  Dylan and I just figured out he is thankful for having cereal for breakfast, something he knows I agree with completely.  Even when I drink my regular soy-protein-banana shake after working out in the morning, I some how find an excuse to eat cereal at some point during the day.  Usually, it's a snack or like yesterday, it was 2 bowls for dinner.  Ok, I am thankful for cereal too.  I said it, there.

It's chilly today, 29F with the sun coming up now.  I'm sure it's even colder to Shadow since he got put outside after getting a bite to eat. He was waaaaaaay too noisy this morning around 0630am wanting to know why Mommy wasn't up and wanting to know who was going to watch him eat.  I guess he can find someone to watch his cold butt pee outside too!  I'm sure a black swirl will come through the crack of the front door the next time someone opens the door.  He will be posted there very soon.

Tomorrow will be an extra special Thanksgiving.  Not only will we be eating on the new dining room set we inherited; but, Tricia's brother, Frankie and his family will be joining us.  They are heading down from Sandusky, Ohio for a vacation at the beach and are planning to stop by our home on the way.  They have a new little son who was born a few months ago and that's always special.  I pray for them on their travels, I have been there and done that many-a-time, with newborns too.  It's never fun and the end of the line is always welcomed!

Well, I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and find a moment to offer praise and thanksgiving to our God who has blessed us beyond measure.  Enjoy the meal and the fellowship with friends and family.

See ya!

Homecoming Pictures

From Clemson 2008 Homecoming

Clemson Homecoming with Matt and the girls

Getting ready for a short week, long weekend and some turkey.  More later!

New Videos

Good Saturday morning to you! Not much planned today other than some karate and football. It's a crisp, cold morning and a great day to hang around the house.
I uploaded a couple of videos of Dylan last night that I think you will enjoy! Check'em out here:



Cookin' with Dylan




The Hare and the Frog


Good stuff right there! See ya!

Cold Mountain and new Dylan (sorta)

I finished reading Cold Mountain on Monday night and was planning to write something on Tuesday until everything fell apart physically. I feel much better today (Thursday) and wanted to just share how sad I am that the book is done. I can't step back into that story and soak the landscape details that Frazier uses or the relationships in a different light. This book is a masterpiece and one of the best books I have ever read. While the ending was tragic, just like the war and the times, I was more sadden by the end of the reading of the story than the real ending. The movie was a good attempt and I plan to rewatch that soon but the book will be in my head for a long time as I travel these hills and mountains of the area I call home.

For my birthday, I worked a 1/2 day and then went out feeling fair and a little stronger. I went by the library and returned some CDs and put a hold on Charlies Frazier's only other novel, Thirteen Moons. I also got a new book, Bush Tragedy, that explores how George W. Bush's family relationships and circle of friends influenced the failures of his presidency. This is something that interests me like trying not to look a bad wreck on the highway. But, I feel this is something we need to examine to learn from our history and move forward. Should be a fun read as the author puts W. "on the couch". I hope I get to see the movie W. soon too. But, will have this book done before that movie.

After the library, a haircut. Then I tried to do some shopping at Best Buy and knew I was not feeling good when I cut that trip short and decided I better hit Costco and head back as soon as I could. After Costco, Tricia and the boys joined me and we went down to one of my favorite places, The Bohemian Cafe. We saw about 1/2 of J.J. Grey's set before I felt exhaustion and stomach cramps telling me I was just about maxed out. We then dropped off snacks for our life group at Cliff and Sherry's home. We did make it to Cold Stone Cremery for a quick ice cream treat. I felt like I could handle some ice cream and I was right. The Pumpkin with graham crackers was just what the doctor ordered. Tricia and the boys also gave me a great birthday gift, Bob Dylan's new collection of outtakes and remixes called Tell Tale Signs. It covers the late 80's through the most recent work and it's just amazing how he can turn a song around with a different lyric in one spot or a complete verse change. What he leaves on the cutting floor of the studio is sometimes unbelievable; but, I am glad we eventually get our ears and minds to experience the "lost tracks". I had streamed both CDs via NPR's web and was looking forward to owning this collection. The 60 page booklet is very detailed and the complete companion to the tracks. Thanks Tricia, Miles and Dylan! Just what your music geek Dad wanted for his birthday!!!

We are going to try and hit the hibachi steak house on another night when my stomach can handle more than ice cream. Before I close this morning, I wanted to share 2 things about my son, Dylan, that really exposes what he is like, personality wise. He and Miles gave me a birthday card yesterday before school. Dylan also gave me a handful of change as my "present". When he handed me the money, he looked at me and said "that's my money, not yours". He wanted me to know that he was giving something that was his, even though I gave him that change last weekend when we were out. But, I knew exactly what he was telling me and why. Later in the evening, when I wasn't feeling that good and he was getting too wound up with Miles in the van, Tricia and I were trying to get him to calm down. I mentioned that if he didn't calm down, I would consider using my belt when we got home. That got his attention and he was quiet the remainder of the drive home, not a peep. When we got closer to home, I said "Dylan, I am proud of you for making the good choice to be quiet and respectful." Without pause he responded, "that's because I didn't have anything else funny to say." Boy, what an attitude! He is defiant to the core. Hopefully, we can continue to mold that strong will to serve a higher purpose.

Thank you God for my two sons and my beautiful loving wife. Life is good.
See ya!

One step furthur, one step closer

It's my birthday today. 39. Glad to see the sun today after the awful day I had yesterday. If I had been to Mexico, I would believe I had Montezuma's revenge. It was not fun and exhausting. Miles and Dylan both wrote on my card this morning that they hope I am feeling better. I am. Keller and I got in a walk this morning in the cold woods. It's 25F here in Greer; but, no more strong gale force winds like yesterday. The winds were in the 40mph range yesterday. I spent most of the day wrapped in a blanket on the couch, in the easy chair or in the bathroom.

Today is a 1/2 day at work for me. I am going run some errands and try to get a haircut too. Then around 5pm (as long as I have the energy) we are going to try and see a free show taping at the Bohemian in Greenville. It's J.J. Grey of Mofro doing a solo performance. I have seen Mofro several times, including a fantastic set last year at Wanee. It's white blues from North Jacksonville with some good story telling in there. Should be fun. Then maybe some ice cream. We were planning to hit a Hibachi grill in town but I don't think my stomach can handle that today. We have pushed those plans to the weekend. Well, let me get to work. No coffee today, just tea and pepsi. Well, maybe some coffee tonight :-)

I will finish with a wordle and lyrics from Daniel Lanois' "The Maker". This song caught me today on my walk and fits the day. Always did love Jerry Garcia's version and Emmylou Harris' version and Dave Matthews' version and Daniel's version...
See ya!

Oh, Oh Deep water
Black, and cold like the night
I've stand with my arms wide open
I've run a twisted line
I'm a stranger
in the eyes of the maker

I could not see
for the fog in my eyes
I could not feel
for the fear in my life
From across the great divide
In the distance i saw a light
Jean baptiste
walking to me with the maker

My body is bent and broken
by long and dangerous sleep
I can't work the fields of abraham
and turn my head away
I'm not a stranger
in the hands of the maker

Brother john
Have you seen the homeless daughters
standing there
with broken wings

I have seen the flaming swords
there over east of eden
burning in the eyes of the maker
burning in the eyes of the maker
burning in the eyes of the maker
burning in the eyes of the maker

oh river rise from your sleep...