Luck o' the Irish

August was a very busy month, but also a very blessed one too because of all the things I've won from radio stations and been given.

It all started with winning 4 tickets to a water park when I called in to 91.9 New Life. They were promoting Christmas songs to put people in mind of colder temps during our 100+ degree days. They asked me my favorite Christmas memory and the first one that popped into mind was opening Kristy's presents she'd mailed us while she was on the phone listening to our reactions. The DJ asked what I got, so I told him about the stuffed frogs playing musical instruments she'd bought in Mexico and how that began her pattern of giving the strangest gifts.

Next, I won dinner for two from 95.7 The Ride to a new dinner theater around the corner from our house equaling $96.00. (Kristy, this is owned and/or operated by Jeff Pillars of John Boy and Billy.)

Then I was given 4 tickets to see our local minor league baseball team, the Charlotte Knights. On the way out of the stadium, they were giving away free loaves of Sara Lee bread, so Taylor, Mandy, and I each got a loaf.

Last week, I was the correct caller to 96.9 The Kat, a country station giving away a $50 certificate to a new Tex-Mex restaurant called Tijuana Flats. A friend heard me on the radio and said they didn't know I liked country music. I said, "Yes, if I'm in the mood. Plus, I'm banned from winning anything for 30 days from the other stations."

Finally, yesterday Mandy and I went to a hamburger place during lunch just for milkshakes. We spotted tickets to the upcoming Greek Fest and the lady said, "go ahead and take two".

Mandy thinks I'm carrying around a horseshoe. :-) I think she's my good luck charm, but we both know God's just been very good to us.

Camping in SC

Mandy and I had a nice weekend camping with her family in SC. Her uncle brought a jet ski that she enthusiastically threw me off of. I gently returned the favor...a couple times.

We went fishing and Mandy caught a large mouth bass and a catfish, both over a foot long. She was so excited and I think we've found her new passion.

We rode our new (to us) mountain bikes on a trail and took a break along the lake to wade into the water as a thunderstorm rolled across the other side of the lake.
On our circuitous route home, we stopped in Greenville to go shooting w/ Lynn & Henry. We had a "blast" with Mandy's .22 Winchester rifle that guys oohed and ahhed over, a .22 Ruger pistol, and then a few shots from my .45 to knock the rust off (my abilities, not the pistol). Lynn & Henry made a great lunch topped off with Mandy's favorite cake from Strossner's for her birthday this week.

We missed those who weren't there. Lake Wateree has turned out to be a great park for us. We'll be back!

Happy 45th Anniversary!!

Today marks the 45th wedding anniversary for Mom & Dad! Congratulations and we love you!

Wordless Wednesday

We've been punked!!

I should've expected it. When either of my sisters leave after visiting, they "plant" the ugliest, tackiest trinkets they could find in recent months in various hidden places in our house. Karen and her kids had their way with our house while we were at work and we returned to the items featured in these pics.
The coffee mug, "Data" from Star Trek, which I'd secretly planted in Kristy's cabinet found it's way onto my mantle...having turned into a planter itself.
A mushroom candle holder, that Mandy had noticed but not realized what it was or why it was there, was tastefully displayed.

Then we have the Mardi Gras mask...that made me jump our of my skin. Karen or Houston placed it on the metal frame of the kitchen light. When I walked into the kitchen, my head only inches from the mask, I ducked and fled thinking it was a bat or tarantula. Never mind that the only tarantula's around here are in museums. The fact that Mandy was in the kitchen seeing my spasm didn't help maintain my masculine demeanor. Thanks sis.

And finally, they left a green foam/rubber frog in one of our plants. I think Mandy has taken it to work, since it matches her company's mascot.

Good job girls...
But remember that revenge is sweet...and I've already found a most worthy item for our next visit. Do you hear that sound? Oh yeah, that's the sound of a storm coming and it's bringin' the sweet taste of shock and awe.

Camping in July

Here are a few pics from our camping trip to Lake Wateree St Park near Columbia, SC. The water was so warm, we just waded out as far as possible and fished. Though AF claims to have caught the most fish, she doesn't have any photographic evidence. I, however, caught the biggest catfish of the weekend. Unfortunately, my massive hands and body diminish the beast. I should've had Taylor hold it. We had a great time and used our new tent, sleeping bags and mats. We really need to get a rugged inflatable mattress though.