John Mayer anyone?

We purchased tickets for John Mayer's upcoming concert at Verizon/Encore Park here in Alpharetta but will be unable to attend (so don't look for any photos online : ) There will be other bands for the concert as it is Star 94's "Starfest". We have 2 great tickets (section 101, row P) and they're offered at $125. Let me know asap as I will be putting more info out there soon. Concert is 8/29/08

Of Love, Birthdays, Buddies and Elvis Presley!

Yep, we've done it now... After our border collie Lillie had a bout of "Separation Anxiety", the prescription seemed to be finding her a companion. You're looking at "Spike" a lovely "Boxador" (my word, as he favors a boxer and has some Lab "in the mix"). Sadly enough, Spike broke his leg when he was around 5 months old and his owners couldn't afford to pay his bill (they were probably in real estate!). He had 'hung out' at the vet's for almost 6 months. A recent 'play date' at our home with Lillie turned into a weekend and more--he's now one of the family. Lillie is less lonely, but she can certainly be hateful when Spike 'gallumps' into her personal space! He is curious about everything (especially some cake left on the counter yesterday morning which "mysteriously" landed in his lap...). If you are petless, think about adopting a buddy (or two!) of your own. No need to spend big bucks for a puppy mill puppy! Yes, you can expect to see Spike & Lillie in future emails ; )

It's funny to think about celebrating just 2 years since I proposed to my wife Susie (Jul 21st). She says I never actually asked her, but I think the whole ring thing may have been a clue? I dove in with reckless abandon and I've never looked back. Best move I ever made...

Speaking of which, There are many things you should do at least once in your life. If you happen to be a fan of "The King" (especially if your son shares his middle name), shouldn't you visit Graceland? Forget winning the World Series and heading to Disneyland; how about sharing your true love's interest in a man and his life? I was honored to take my wife to Memphis (with a stop in Tupelo to see where he was born) and was suitably moved. Yes, it was a home truly trapped in the '70's but to be honest, it was much less ostentatious than I expected (and much more 'down to earth' than many ATL McMansions!). Regardless, I think Susie enjoyed seeing it all and I know we had some great food along the way. I can say nothing but wonderful things about our overnight stop in Birmingham>>you simply MUST go to Highlands Grill! We had the most amazing meal (a tasting menu) perfectly paired with wines. You know I am a food/wine lover--but I have also 'ruined' my wife and am so proud of her. Perhaps I have a little more knowledge of different wine varietals, but her palate is actually much better than mine. No, she's not a wine snob, and is definitely adventurous and is open to new tastes. I love sharing 'my hobby' with her and was so pleased to see her face light up after one particular course (a lightly baked fig/cheese tart paired with a light, crisp white that escapes me...). I am pleased to have shared a trip, a moment, an adventure (and every day) with her.

50 years and counting!

June 28, 1958 is when the photo was taken... My Mom & Dad were married in Owensboro, KY by my Great-grandfather! We had the honor of having a party for them last weekend and it was truly a wonderful experience! Dad's old band from Louisville made the trip back to 'the big O' as we call it and we had a ball. I am so proud of them and so happy to be married to Susie, though we'd be in our 90's if we make it to our 50th (I'm sure you'll hear about our 2 year anniv. this Sept!).

Speaking of Fathers, I finally got an iPod for Father's day; I feel so modern now ; ) Loading songs takes a while, but 865 so far...

Rambles: Too Hot and Still Rocking!

Here's our view of rocker Eddie Money at the Mable House Amphitheatre in southwest Cobb County last month. He can still rock & roll but his voice is a bit weak these days... I had forgotten how many hit songs he has! Can you name more than 3? I bet you can! The venue is very cool; think very small Verizon/Encore Park (but you can take YOUR OWN FOOD/WINE in there so it is infinitely better!)

On that note, yes, he put on a great show, but what was burning up? MY WINE. I know better... MUCH better, but I managed to leave my wine in the trunk for most of the day. Results? Not vinegar, but the cork was leaking a tiny bit and the wine was actually lukewarm/hot when I poured it. Shame on me! Pull my 'wino' credentials right now! So let this be a lesson to you-don't do as I did! If you buy wine, keep it cool/keep it in the car (unopened :)

Random kudos: I like people who say what they will do.. and DO IT! I recently had 2 service appointments with Northwest Exterminating-not only were they within their time window-they were right on time/early! Thumbs up!

As I've noted before, I am somewhat 'green' and try do my part for the environment when I can. While we do need to conserve and find alternative energy sources (NOT Ethanol as you may guess!) we are held hostage by foreign oil producers. People, it is time to drill in ANWR as it was set aside years ago. Likewise, we can responsibly drill off our coasts--did you know China is set to drill off Cuba? SIGN THIS PETITION NOW!

Global Warming Rant

While I am already sick of 'summer' here in ATL, I have to add this link to my blog. While I am a closet tree-hugger (I recycle, use CFL lightbulbs, try to save water, gripe when my neighbors run their STUPID irrigation systems, etc...) I think we're going down the wrong path. Bottom line, we need to do our part to save the environment and preserve our wonderful Earth--but at the same time, it's not just us, people! I'm no scientist but the Earth goes through natural heating/cooling cycles; tell Mr. Elite (a/k/a Al Gore) to stay out of his private jet (yes, I am jealous : ) and hush a little! I bet that some facets of "Global Warming" are true, but let's get a grip!

Fact: we have no solid energy policy. That's W AND Congress' fault. It's time to drill in our country or off our coast. Ask Brazil-they are gearing up to tap into their newly-found resources off their coast... while China is chomping at the bit to drill off the coast of Cuba. Yep, WE can't drill in the Gulf, but China can! We don't have enough oil. A long-term fix hasn't been discovered/made economically viable as of yet. For the short-term, WE NEED OIL. It's time to drill in the USA! Click HERE and sign the petition today!

Musical Ramblings, etc.

No, that's not Condi Rice rocking to KISS, that's actually Alicia Keys belting out a tune at Philips Arena. We love going to concerts and will have had the opportunity to attend concerts at 3 different arenas this summer-Steve Miller at the new Verizon Amphitheater, Alicia as noted, good old Eddie Money at Cobb's Mable House Amphitheater (2 tickets to paradise, anyone?) and back to Verizon for Tom Petty. Phillips is always a treat (though $20 parking is crazy!) but Verizon was hit and miss for us. I don't know who supplies the camera people, but as you can see above, Philips does it righ-(i.e. while I can't see her face, the monitor shows it clearly-at Verizon, half the time I was looking at a local dignitary near the front or a DISTANCE shot of the stage. Gee, I am SITTING at a distance, I can see that view already?? Also I wasn't too pleased about their wine choices and just drank beer, C'est la vie!

Random data: GA is down to #7 in the U.S. for Foreclosures. Home prices have actually gone up for the short-term! Note: my lender friends are telling me that rates are going UP now! So (broken record alert!) GET OFF THE FENCE!

Anybody know how to get rid of critters in your attic?

Interesting Poll results: people are avoiding flying due to all the drama & delays & I don't blame them! If a 400 mile drive is around 5.5 hours-after getting to the airport early, going thru security, following the other lemmings on the plane, waiting for takeoff, bags, etc.-how long? Same!

Weekend Ramblings

What will you remember on Monday? Admittedly, I will hit the outlets on the way home from spending the weekend in the mountains, enjoying the unofficial start of Summer. I don't plan on buying much of anything but I do enjoy a bit of 'retail therapy' from time to time. So Summer, Sales, what else?? Take a moment to remember our fighting men and women and the sacrifices that have been made on our collective behalf. We live in a great country and we are blessed that we can freely drive/fly wherever we want this weekend, have the ability to enjoy whatever activities we choose and (as noted above) we are not limited in choices, but for how much we're willing (or able) to spend. God Bless America!

High gas prices? HA! It's funny how much bottled water we consume as Americans. We pay MUCH MORE than $4/gallon for the privilege of drinking water often bottled from some other random city's public source! Crazy!

I tried one of those $2.97 bottles of red from the grocery (not 2 Buck Chuck) the other day... Man, do you ever get what you pay for! (Though I will let you know about the similarly priced white that may show promise).

Remember: NO OUTDOOR WATERING dang it! 'Back in the day' it was popular for people to 'turf' people's yards (remember: I'm just a redneck from KY). That would entail either driving up/over someone's yard or just backing in and 'letting it rip'. While I never did that (esp. after a buddy got tossed in jail) I'd love to start now, by driving through my daily sprinkler neighbor's yard!