12/30/11

The BMan is back after a day's hiatus.  I just didn't feel like writing yesterday.  Today is our last day on the beach before we rise up early in the morning to head home.  I am not looking forward to the 14-15 hour drive but have to make it to go to the Bengals game Sunday.  Then it's back on the road for four days to get some proposals together with some new school districts for my company.

We dropped #2 son and family off at the airport yesterday morning and had the evening to ourselves.  I already miss my little buddy grandkid #3.  He is a laugh a minute.  He is playing great, then it's like a light bulb goes off in his head and says I'm tired.  He changes from happy to tired in seconds.  He is going to be a talker.  He just says jibberish all day.  It would be great to know what he is saying.  I did figure out one thing.  He said "Paps you are the BEST!"

The LL and I went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie yesterday aftenoon.  It was really good.  I recommend you see it, if you like adventure type of movies.  I really like when I go to movies and all the things in my mind just go away.  I find I really get into the times and moments of good movies.  After the movie we went to Roy's Hawaiian Fusion restaurant.  It was really good.  It was good to get some QT with LL.  I miss the #2 family, but I know where to find them when we get back.

Today it is our last beach time for a while.  The weather is magnificent.  It is in the low 70's and the beach is packed.  We are going to see Mission Impossible this afternoon, then our last dinner for this vacation.  Boy was this a quick week.  The LL and I have decided we could winter down here very easily.  Even when it's a little cool, it's much better than in Kentucky weather wise.

I am pumped for the Bengals game on Sunday.  It is a sellout and the place should be electric.  It will be a playoff atmosphere, because essentially it is a playoff game.  There is a huge difference between the crowd noise at a regular season game compared to a playoff game.  Also, there will probably be no sitting.  During these games the crowd is always standing and making noise.  Who Dey!!!!

Happy Birthday to the BMan's father-in-law, Lloyd Yancey.  He is 74 years young today!   Catch you later.

12/28/11

The BMan may have messed up in yesterday's blog.  The LL did not find it amusing on one of my topics.  She told me not to write about certain things.  She is wanting to censor my literary license.  We'll see.  When has the BMan actually paid attention to anyone?

I read this morning that Cheetah the chimp in all those "Tarzan" movies when I was growing up, passed away at the age of 80.  First of all, I had no idea that chimps could live that long, that's amazing to me.  Second, I loved those movies.  How many of you played Tarzan when you were young and made that yell that he always made when he was swinging through the trees?  I tried swinging through the trees but always fell because we didn't have the vines in our trees in Louisville and the ropes I put in trees didn't stay ties.  So my yells were usually of pain, not the Tarzan yell.

The BMan still didn't get through to the Bengals yesterday.  They are selling some tickets it appears.  We are sending the one that lives two floors below us in our house to get the tickets today.  I'm hoping he has enough money to get them.  There is money in the account, so they should let him.  If not, he will be calling the LL.  He doesn't like calling me for money.  Maybe it is the lecture I give him for never having money.

Grandbaby #3 is fun to be around.  He is one happy baby.  He laughs and smiles at everything I do with him.  He is also an eating machine.  We went to a Japanese Steak House last evening and that boy ate steak, chicken, shrimp, rice, zucchini, and anything else I shoved in his mouth.  I love those that like to eat.  He is just like his Paps.

I'm not going to the beach today.  It's 55 and that's just a little cool for the BMan, so I'll just move around and try and find something to do.  I may be babysitting, who knows.  He sleeps 16hours a day, another thing the ol' Paps likes.  BMan can sleep that much, also.  The sun is shining, though.  It is beautiful outside.

Have a great one!

11/27/11

Another day in Siesta Key is on the agenda today.  A cold front is moving through and we are supposed to get some rain and a high of 75.  Boy that's cold, what is the BMan gonna do?  LL says we are headed to the outlet mall because of no beach time today.  A high of 68 tomorrow.

The 3rd grandchild was up and babbling at 6:45 this morning.  It's not as bad when it is a grandkid.  Anyone else would have paid hell getting me up that early.  We went to the Broken Egg for breakfast but there was no Dick Vitale sighting (he suppossedly eats there every morning).  OH BABY!  We slammed down some eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns and the works.

We had to make a stop at the grocery last night to get some baby formula and the girls feminine products (TMI, I know).  But here's the thing I don't understand.  Why don't women have these things stocked up like toilet paper and paper towels?  You know you are going to have this monthly event, so get a bunch of them.  I don't think they go bad, do they?    So the day of the event she usually sends me out to get some.  She tells me she needs super ultra, fast absorbing, etc.  I don't get it, just get some of those things and use them.  The girls bought a box to share, another "I don't get it" moment.  You'd think you'd want a box for yourself ( big box)!  The LL says she just doesn't know when it is going to happen.  Well,  a couple of days before, I DO, just sayin'.

I tried 146 times to get into the Bengals phone line to get tickets for Sunday's game.  I kept thinking what is going on?  Then I remembered it's the cheap ass Bengals and they probably had one person taking the phone calls.  They had 22,000 left and sold 2-3,000 yesterday,  hire some temp workers and you might just sell more.  If I only had the money, I would buy the Bengals.  People say he wouldn't sell.  I believe he would if I made the offer he couldn't refuse.  The first thing I'd do is fire the Brown family, all 10 or so, then find a GM and let them run the club.  They would get five years to get results and then we'd go from there.  You gotta' let football people run things, not the family.  Mike Brown grew up in a football family, his dad, Paul Brown was one of the greatest minds in football, however, that doesn't make you an expert.  That's like saying that my kids know education because they lived with the LL and me.  Two chose education, which is great, the other two want no part of school.  I believe they can live the rest of their lives never stepping foot inside a school.

That's all for now, gotta take an early morning siesta.  I love "living the dream"!

12/26/11

The BMan is in Siesta Key, Florida enjoying 80 degrees, sunshine and the beauty of the beach.  In about 4 years the BMan and LL will winter somewhere down here and we can't wait.  We decided to drive because we brought the #2 son, #2 daughter in-law and #3 grandchild with us.  We borrowed the Tahoe and brought their whole house so the grandbaby could be comfortable.  They flew in late last night.

So the LL(Lovely Lady) and I switched off about every 2 hours and had conversations about our jobs, the kids, each one individually, and their faults and good things, each grandchild (no faults) and then had the same conversations again.  As we were driving through Florida I noticed there was a rest area every 30 miles.  This truly is the state for seniors because we NEED a rest area every 30 miles.

It was truly satisfying to spend Christmas night outside on a deck, under the stars, 77 degrees, and some crab bisque with a grouper dinner.  Now folks that's "living the dream"!

It was a much more pleasant trip because the Bengals won and ONLY NEED to win next week to make the playoffs.  Never did I think in August we'd be in this position.  So, the LL and BMan are driving the whole 14 hours home on New Yaers Eve to be back in time to go to the game on Sunday.  I gotta feeling they will win this one, just gotta a feeling.  The Bengals have to figure out how to protect a lead, though.  If I know the Bengals are going to run it to protect the lead, don't you think the other teams know?  When they pack it in up front, send 'em deep and make 'em pay.  Just sayin'!

We are headed to Columbia's Restaurant tonight.  The Cuban restaurant with the 1905 salad (It is unbelievably awesome and the BMan is not even a salad lover), tapas, seafood, and steaks.  Still "living the dream" baby!  Well gotta take a nap and get ready for a big night on the town with the fam.

12/22/11

The BMan is winding down of the work week and gets his first vacation since July.  The LL, with Jeff, Katie, and 11 month old Daniel are taking off for Siesta Key, Fl this weekend.  I am not going to take anything related to work and just enjoy myself.  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.  I have been tracking long term forecasts and it changes daily.  It looks like sunny days and upper 70's, I'll take that.  Speaking of weather, it has been unseasonably warm in Kentucky and that kinda' scares me.  Winter is coming and I'm afraid when it hits, it will be in a fierce way.  Oh well, enjoy it while it lasts.

Why do people press fingers into a box of chocolates to see what they are getting?  I was at Brit's yesterday and she had a box of See's chocolates.  Every piece left had a finger poke in it to see what was inside the chocolate.  You know I like to eat chocolate that someone hasn't explored with their fingers.  Besides, I think it's kinda' cool to guess what I am going to eat, when it comes to chocolate.  Maybe she did it because she didn't want me eating her chocolates, well, I suffered through it and downed two pieces anyway.

We have Christmas Eve at LL's parents on Saturday and, therefore,  I will not make the Bengals game.  I hope they can pull this out, but we'll see.  The Bengals play to their competition which make for exciting games, but it is maddening at times.  I want them to make the playoffs, but I'm afraid if they do, they'll get crushed their first game.  It's so hard to make the playoffs, so you gotta' go for it and be happy when they do.

We will be taking down decorations and packing for Florida this evening.  We will be getting back late on New Years Day and we know we won't feel like doing that, so tonight's the night.  Speaking of packing, why do women pack their whole wardrobe when leaving for a week?  I guarantee you that Jeff and I will have 1/2 a suitcase each, but the LL and Katie will have 2 suitcases each.  We're in Florida, you need a swimsuit evey day until dinner, then throw on some jeans or shorts for dinner and jammies for when you return.  You can recycle most of those.  but no, the girls will have 3 outfis for every day and tons of shoes to match.  I don't get it, but I never do when it comes to some things women do.  Katie will blame it on Daniel, NOT!

Keep the faith!

12/18/11

It's Sunday and a day of laying around watching football.  The BMan does this football watching better than most.  I literally will be on the couch from noon-midnight watching football.  I will get up to get some food, beverages, and go to the restroom, but that's it.  The LL just leaves me alone and usually ventures out and gets her nails done or buys stuff.

Now my Bengals have to win today, if not, it was an ok season but their playoff hopes are dead.  We need the Jets, Titans, Raiders and Chargers to lose.  Thats a lot that probably won't happen.  Gotta hope, though.  

What is kinda' sad nowadays is the demise of the newspaper.  I enjoy sitting around early on Sundays and drinking my coffee and reading the Sunday paper, however, I must admit I get most of my news reading the internet versions of many papers.  Times change quickly when you are 57.  When I was 10, we were still 5 years from landing on the moon and color tv's were just something only the very well to do could afford.  I remember when the video game "Pong" came out in the early '70s and I was totally amazed that you could play something like that on a television screen.

I have a few pet peeves, so here goes:

• Why do people drive slow in the left lane on the interstate?  There are signs that say "slower traffic keep right", apparently they can't read.  GET OVER!!!!
• People that say "I'm not lying", I believe they are!
• People that compare the national budget to their personal budget, they are nothing alike.  Think about it, a national budget is for infrastructure, defense, education, etc.  Personal budgets are for shelter, food, insurance, and entertainment, etc.  A personal budget is for family responsibilities and you can spend, invest and save as you wish, the national budget is a steward of public funds and we will never agree how it should be expended.  If you don't like the way I spend my personal finances, I really don't care, you didn't make it and, therefore, what you think doesn't really matter.  We all see waste in the national budget, but it is predicated on personal biases.
• People that don't close their mouths when chewing food.
• People that judge people for their lifestyle, beliefs, faith, etc. There is one judge when you die, that's what counts, don't tell me what God will do.  I know we all have prejudices, however, let's keep it to chocolate vs vanilla ice cream.
• People that don't cut their lawn, that drives me nuts, is that a prejudice?

WhoDey!

12/17/11

The BMan is back from another week on the road.  I was in Mobile, Al and it was perfect weather.  I met with a couple of prospects and just hung around.  We went to Wintzel's Oyster House on Wednesday evening and it WAS awesome.  I started with a dozen oysters on the half shell, and finished with the Low Country meal.  They bring you a bag that has 12-15 shrimp, andoule sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes.  They put lots, I mean lots, of butter in the bag.  I ate every drop.  I WILL go back.  All of this for  $27 dollars including tip and a big old glass if iced tea.

This was the best flying trip I have had in a while.  No problems everything was on time.  I hate going through security, although I understand the necessity.  Mobile has the friendliest TSA agents I have ever come across.  They smiled, laughed, helped with getting things organized.  I complain when I have a bad experience, it is only fair when I have a good experience to acknowledge the outstanding job.

It is amazing to me the difference of people in the south compared to the upper midwest.  I am responsible for 8 states, PA, OH, KY, WV, IN, TN, AL, and MS.  The people in Alabama and Tennessee are just extremely nice when I meet with them.  People in Ohio and Pennsylvania treat you like you are a nuisance to them.  This is speaking generally, of course.  There are nice prospects in those states, but not as numerous.  In Alabama and Tennessee, they are just more accomodating, hospitable, and laugh a little more.  In the south they are on time, offer you something to drink, and are attentive.  In the upper midwest, they are often late and don't offer you anything.  In fact, they want you to give them something for nothing.  It's different worlds.

It has been weird with our Christmas basically being over as far as spending time with the family goes.  We have a couple of stops at our parents, but the close family stuff is over with the kids and grandbabies.  I listen to people still buying for next weekend, wrapping their presents, and all that stuff.  We will have our Christmas decorations and everything packed by Friday.  It just feels weird that we are done and everyone else is excited.  The best thing though is we had everyone here to celebrate and we had a great time.

Well the LL got a new 4 year contract as Superintendent.  It really is a tribute to the great things she has done.  If the stress doesn't kill her, in four years we will be retired and heading somewhere warm for the winter.   I really don't know if she will stay the 4 years, but she wants to.  The good thing is when she stops working maybe she will let the BMan stop working.  You know we have been blessed and I somtimes wonder how that happened.  We have just worked hard, I mean really hard, got some breaks, handled adversity well, stayed humble, and really try and treat people well.  There are others that do that also and haven't been as blessed as us. The LL is much better at these than me.  I really don't know how she does it sometimes.  I tend to get a little stubborn and tell you what I think when I should keep my mouth shut and just deal with it.

Headed to Louisville in a few, have a great day!!

 

12/12/11

The Christmas weekend is over and the LL will settle back in to the comfies of just trying to keep the Bman updated on her world.  It really was a blast to see the grandkids get all their gifts last evening.  Honestly, it's almost shameful how much they received.  Trent just kept yelling "this is just what I wanted" on every gift.  Siena who doesn't get too excited about anything was really excited about the COMPLETE collection of everything Barbie ever made, and Daniel just didn't know what to think of it, being nearly 11 moths old, but he did like this piano thing that lights up and plays stuff.  Lynda said she paid too much for it, but....

There were no arguments or anything.  That was kinda' boring, we usually get a good fight at these things. It's kind of weird being over already, but at least we had everyone there and it was a blast.

The weekend would have been great except the Bengals lost a heartbreaker.  They are just not ready for prime time.  They still have a chance for the playoffs, but it is slim.  They have kept me interested until December at least.  There aren't too many years when they do that.  I did manage to leave it behind and enjoy the evening with the family.

The X/UC ending of their game was a complete embarrassment.  Now I played sports emotionally and coached that way also, but this was way over the top.  I guess the punishments for the playeres on each team was fair, but I wouldn't have minded if they'd sat some of them a few games longer.  UC will probably beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff without their best player.

I don't know what to think about this Tebow thing.  He doesn't pass the eye test for a quarterback, but he  leads his team to wins.  Bottom line that is why they play the game (for the wins).  I just don't buy divine intervention.  Every team has deeply religious players on their team, God doesn't play faviorites.  The guy just has "it".  "It" is hard to desribe, but you know it when you see "it".

The Bman is headed to South Alabama for a few days, weather predictions in the upper 60's. low '70's.  I'll catch back up with you over the weekend.

12/10/11

Ho! Ho! Ho!  It's Christmas weekend at the Bman and LL's house.  Everything is getting ready to go I guess.  There's a lot of stuff under the tree and it won't take long for the grandkids to rip into them tomorrow evening.

Some of us are trying to decide whether to go to the "Festival of Lights" at the zoo.  The Bman is voting no because it is COLD, however, I believe I will be out voted.  Here's what will happen.  We'll pay lots of money to get in and park, stay 30 minutes because it is too cold and then leave and everyone will have had a great time, except maybe the Bman.  I am Mr. Bah Humbug, I know.  I just don't get too excited until the grandkids open their gifts.  Then I do get excited.

 Before our Christmas party tomorrow night, the woment are having a baby shower for Megan, her second.  It is some diaper pail thing.  The guys head for the Bengals/Texans game, much better option.  It will be cold, but it is a football game, different from the zoo, just sayin'.

The Stripes need this one badly.  If they win, they have a good chance to make the playoffs, if not, their chances dininish a bunch.  I believe we'll take this one becase the Texans are starting their third string quarterback and Andre Johnson is out.  If they play like last week, however, they don't have a chance.  I'll be pumped and hopefully happy when I return for the family Christmas Party.

Well, gotta get out there and get stuff for the parties tomorrow.  Happy Holidays and have a great weekend to all!!!

12/9/11

The Bman is ready for a weekend with the whole family.  The LL will be like the Energizer Bunny on steroids.  I love it when the whole family is together, but it does get stressful trying to make sure the LL doesn't go over the top.  She wants everything to be perfect and if you know my family, we are NOT perfect.  Although we all love each other and have blended this family well, someone will say something that upsets someone and then it cascades.  Now that someone most often is the Bman.  You know I just can't let some stupidity go.

The LL suggested I hit the scotch to relax me a little.  The problem is when I start drinking scotch I don't stop drinking scotch.  Then my mouth starts talking before my brain can process anything.  In fact my brain is pretty useless.  One Christmas the kids got me scotch and I drank darn near the whole bottle.  I was telling stories of escapades the LL and I had in the hot tub at our then house.  They were laughing and egging me on and I just told more.  Our youngest never used that hot tub again.  So I'm not sure I'll drink any scotch, you know they don't really need to know any escapades with the LL.  However, since she became superintendent and I am on the road half the time there really aren't many escapades to share.

The boys and I are headed to the Texans-Bengals game Sunday afternoon before we head back for the party.  This is one the Stripes must when to make the playoffs.  I'm not sure they will but I gotta hope they will.  After last week's embarrassment (they would have beaten nobody with how they played), I look for them to come out on all cylindars and dominate the Texans.

Some Why's:

Why do these stores say that everything is on sale when men know it really isn't and women firmly believe it's a deal?  These stores are not losing money, believe me. Why is it spelled "Sale" when they "sell" it?  Shouldn't it be "SELL".

Why do students in school sit in these ugly desks or tables for 13 years then enter the real world and no workplace even resembles school?

Why does anyone think anything elects a President other than the economy?  It is the only issue that most people care about.  We can argue gun control, capital punishment, abortion, global warming, etc., but really it's the economy.

Why does Walmart know exactly know what I need when I walk in the store?  It's right there in the aisle. When something is in the aisle I didn't go in there for, I decide I do need it.  I swear I think they profile me.

Have a great weekend!!

12/7/11

It is a big weekend for the BMan and LL this weekend.  We will be celebrating Christmas with our family on Sunday.  Times have really changed and we still want everyone here for Christmas.  The problem is that everyone of our kids are all over the country.  three are married and have obligations with their spouses' families also.  So in September we try and find a date as close to Christmas that they can all be here and we go with it.  It really doesn't sadden us anymore because we do have all of them here which is the most important thing for us.  Times change and you have to be adaptable.  The one positive is it gives the LL two less weeks to do the added Christmas shopping she always does.

It makes Christmas day really different for the LL and me.  We have traveled the last several years between  Christmas and New Years.  This year will be no different.  We take off on Christmas Eve and head for Florida.  Jeff, Katie and Daniel will be joining us during the week after they have their Christmas at home.  It is relaxing and the weather is usually great.  Since the BMan started my new job on July 6, he has had no vacation, so this wis much needed.  I may throw the golf clubs in the car and try and knock it around a little while I am down there.  I've played once since July.

Boy the Bengals laid a big old egg last Sunday against the Stillers.  I am not surprised.  They hadn't really played a bad game all year.  Sunday was a bad one.  Just put it behind you guys and beat the Texans.  I still believe they have a 50% chance to make the playoffs.  I would never have thought that in September.  So WhoDey!!!

Today is Pearl Harbor Day.  Let's continue to remember those who sacrificed themselves for us there and through all the conflicts we have had to keep us free.

Have a great day!

12/3/11

Most of my Kentucky FB friends are giddy over the Cats win over the 'heels today.  Although I like UK, I find it hard to get into it during the regular season.  Folks both of these teams will go to the tournament as 1 or 2 seeds.  Let me be clear though, there is not much better entertainment than the NCAA tournament.  The main difference I like the NFL better is that every game is big and meaningful.  Also, any team truly can beat any other team. There are only 16 games and, therefore, every game has meaning.  I would like college football better also if they would have a true 8-16 playoff.  Then the regular season would have meaning.  You lose 1-2 games you have no shot to win the championship, that just seems wrong to me.  But great game 'Cats!

The LL and I are not headed to the movies tonight.  The Lady Bulldogs surprised us and are in the finals of the Dixie tournament, so we gotta go root them on.  So it's lay around, eat some sloppy Joe's and head out around 7:00.  I enjoy high school basketball games.  These are just kids trying to do the best they can and amateurism at its best.

We were able to see Trent play basketball today.  It was a laugh a minute, they just love running around the court not aware of anything but what's going on in their own little worlds.  I find it amazing how the girls are much more agressive than the boys. There really is no difference in their joy and abilities at 5.  Somebody makes a shot and they go crazy.  They don't keep score so at the end of the game all the kids think they won.  The adults, however, do.  Trent's team lost by about 10.  That's sad I was doing that, isn't it.  It is crazy how sports minded people are wired.

Great weather day in Covington today.  It was about 55 at 3:00 and felt like summertime.  The BMan has to enjoy these type of days because there won't be many in the next few months.  I actually saw people golfing on the drive back from Lexington.  I was ready to get out there myself.

Have a great Saturday night!!

12/2/11

It's Friday and the weekend is fast approaching.  For the 1st time in a month the BMan and LL have little planned except a trip to Lexington on Saturday to watch Trent play basketball.  He is so funny.  He tells us if we can't make the game, we can watch it on TV.  I need to find a microphone to interview him after the game.  There is nothing like the thoughts of a 5 year old.

The BMan is feeling better due to a day at home working and the meds being pumped into my body.  The LL needs some down time to get her turning in the right direction also.  I am not a winter person at all.  In fact, I despise it.  The only thing I enjoy is a warm fire in the fireplace.  We had our first one last night and it was good to sit by the fire and catch up on the "Boardwalk Empire" shows we missed over the last two weeks.  That show is awesome, I watch and try to  predict who will get shot at the end of each episode.  They are going to run out of characters soon if they are not careful.  Nucky is gonna' win back Atlantic City, just watch folks.

This is actually true but not for the easily embarrassed or small children.  I was reading the internet news last night and there is a museum in Iceland that showcases the penis of animals (over 240 on display).  Now that intrigued me to the extent I had to read.  They had a picture of a display of the sperm whale's penis that weighed 120 lbs. and was six feet long.  The curator said it was only the head of the penis.  The smallest is a hamster, gerbil or guinea pig, I can't remember because my mind was stiil on the whale's,  whose penis can only be seen through a microscope.  I have never been to Iceland, but if I go I have to take this in.  There is a lot of material here, but I will let it go for now.  If the LL refers to me as a hamster, you will know where that came from.

The LL and I are hoping to feel well enough to see J Edgar this weekend.  I'll give you my report if we take it in.  The previews look good.  The movie being released this month that I want to see is the new Sherlock Holmes movie.  The first one was good and I like the mindless tale it tells through the ludicrous adventures of Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Watson (Jude Law).

The Bman must get going to clean up work and file my expense report for the week that was at work.  Have a great weekend!  Go Bengals!!!!!

12/1/11

The BMan is back from a productive early week work wise, however, the old body isn't cooperating as it should. BMan went to the Bengals game Sunday, got in the car drove 6 hours to Cookeville in a pouring rain, met 2 clients on Monday, got back in the car drove 6 hours home in pouring rain.  Got up Tuesday and flew to State College, did another client meeting on Wednesday and flew back to Cincinnati last night. The meetings were great and the BMan is progressing the sales,  but the BMan's head is exploding with a sinus infection.  Got home and the LL has the same head cold.  Not a lot of fun around the house right now, just sniffing and sleeping.

I know most of you do air travel.  If at all possible, I would advise not to connect through Philly and use USAir. The BMan got into Philly Tuesday late and missed my connection with another older lady.  The plane was there but they wouldn't let us on.  They got me a seat on the next plane, but not her.  Since she was a the gate before me, I told the agent it should be hers.  The agent said "no the computer decides" and long story short, they made me take the ticket.  That's not so bad, but I felt like a heel.  The flight they moved me to was overbooked (don't start the BMan on why they do that), and others missed that flight.  We're ready to board then mechanical problems.  The BMan finally got to State College (by the way the smallest airport I have ever been to).  The real kicker though was the flight before mine,  a man in his 70's brought his mother who was 102 years old to the gate.  The plane was there and they wouldn't let them on because they had closed the door, even though USAir caused them to be late.  I literally thought he was going to someone.  Where is the common sense!

The Bman's and LL's trip to Atlanta was great.  We did the Lake Lanier lights on Friday night.  It is a 7 mile drive through Lake Lanier and it was unbelievable.  Siena was extremely excited.  The cost was $60 per car, but it really was worth it.  I am sure my Atlanta friends have seen this, if not, do so.

The Bengals won another one on Sunday.  It was like every game this season, sparks of brilliance and moments of ineptitude.  They are 7-4, in the playoff hunt and ready to take on the Steelers again this week.  We need to get this one.  It won't be easy, but I gotta positive feeling about this one.

Have a great December!

11/25/11

The LL and Megan returned at 4:30AM and Brandon left for work at the same time.  Siena and I got a good night's sleep and ready to take on the movies this afternoon.  We'll have to wait for the ladies to awaken, I'm afraid it will be a rough day for them.

For some strange reason I have been thinking about phobias.  The BM is not afraid of much but there are two things that do get me.  I am perified of snakes and clowns make me uncomfortable.  It really doesn't matter if the snake is big or small, I will get out of the way and sometimes even run.  My legs don't move me nearly as fast as in my youth, but they can pick it up a little when a snake is around.  I really don't know where my fear originated, I guess it is due to the fact that I don't know if it is poisonous or not.  I have always figured if you stay around to try and determine that, it may be too late.

Now clowns are different.  I am not petrified of them, I just think they are creepy.  Their faces are painted this ghostly color with bright markings in different designs.  I don't find them amusing, attractive, or endearing,  The clothes they where are not normal either.  I can be around them, but I don't want to touch them, talk to them, or even engage in anything with them.  They need to keep their space from me and I'll be fine.

So the Christmas season has officially started.  I am not a fan of the holidays.  I know, Bah Humbug!  I love it for my grandbabies and I do like the music.  I just think it doesn't have the meaning that was intended.  As I stated previously in another blog, I am not overly religious, but I do believe in God and Jesus Christ and that's what Christmas is about.  I just wish we'd just wait until a few days before, gather family again and celebrate.  Gathering the family is stressful.  The older you get, the more difficult it becomes.  The extended families that happen through marriage of your children and them living their own lives make those traditions when we were younger only memories.  This year we will have Chrismas on December 11th.  It is the only time we can get everyone together.  This is no one's fault, just the way it is.  Maybe this is another reason I am not a fan of the holidays.

Off to another day of fun with my granddaughter.  That is something I am a fan, spending time with her always brightens my day!  Happy Friday.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving morning and the turkey is in the oven with the Prime Rib Roast getting at room temperature. Brandon and Siena are getting the Christmas lights untangled with Megan and the LL going through the ads.  The BM is seated and in position for a day of football.

Thanksgiving is a day we give thanks for the freedoms we have, worshipping the God we believe in, thinking of family and friends we care about, and being fortunate to be born in a country that allows us to have the means to do what we please with the right worth ethic and education to succeed.

Things I am thankful for:

• Family that cares about each other and supports all in whatever they choose to do.
• A God that is loving and fiorgiving, boy do I need that.
• Grandchildren that are different as night and day, but I love them all the same.
• The Lovely Lady that supports and loves me no matter how many faults I have and those faults are extensive.
• Public schools that gives every child an opportunity to be as fortunate as I have been.
• Children that have succeeded in spite of the many words of advice the LL and I have given them.
• The smell of fresh cut grass on a beautiful Spring Day.
• A big old steak cooked just right for me to enjoy.
• The Bengals, because it gives me something to hang onto that is really pretty meaningless.
• Kentucky because it is a state of hospitality and beauty like no other.
• A golf course that is forgiving to my errant shots (haven't found many of those).
• Songs that when I listen to them I think, I should've written that.
• My Republican friends, even though they are generally incorrect in their thinking, but are stubborn enough to believe they are:)
• My Democrat friends, and they are fewer than the previously mentioned, because it helps me realize there is some sense of sanity in this country:)
• A country that allows us to choose who does govern us.
• The men and women of the armed forces who fight for all those things we take for granted.

Finally, my cousin Kia has been diagnosed with kidney cancer.  I am thankful that she has the family and friends to help her beat this thing, plus the faith in a God that will help her get through the rough tmes that may come.  I love you cuz' we are all thinking and praying for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

11/23/11

The LL and I arrived in Atlanta last evening and we are ready to spend some family time with Brandon, Meagan, and Siena.  Airport travel isn't fun, but we made it a few minutes late and considering the holidays it was really pretty good.

We have some shopping to do this morning for Thanksgiving dinner, then I have a couple of meetings.  We're going to spend the evening at Stone Mountain.  I've never been there, but they are in full holiday season mode.  I think we'll be letting Siena do whatever she wants with Santa and the rides.

Back to the airport thing.  It is unbelievable how much the Cincinnati airport has changed.  There was no one there at 5:00 when we arrived.  We were the only people at the security check point.  Five years ago we would have had to wait 45 minutes, at least, to get through security.  It's sad with the number of flights they have lost.  Without a vibrant airport, the local economy will suffer.  I remember when you could fly anywhere nonstop.  There are very few places to fly nonstop to now.  Delta held us hostage with prices, then abandoned the area.  I don't know what can be done, but we need to add flights or we have a first class facilty with no use.  So sad.

Atlanta has this new HOV lane called the Peach Express.  You have to pay a toll to ride in it.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out.  You pay an annual or monthly fee, get a sticker, and then it's yours to use.  If you drive in it without a sticker, they send you a ticket from the many cameras along the way.  So someone like me that really doesn't know the rules could use the lane, get home, then a couple of weeks later get a ticket in the mail.  Thats tourist friendly!

Well gotta go and shop for the Thanksgiving dinner!  Catch you later.

11/22/11

The BM and his lovely lady are hoppin' on a plane an heading to Atlanta to see the eldest son and family.  Thanksgiving Day is one of my favorites because I do three things, eat, watch football, and lay around and take several naps (if i didn't have to go to the restroom every 30 minutes I wouldn't have to move, I'm still waiting for the invention that can solve that dilemma).  I am REALLY good at all three.

I won't pay attention to the lovely lady and daughter -in-law read through all the ads, make a plan on when they are going to leave and map out their Black Friday.  They will probably start shopping sometime around midnight.  It probably won't surprise you, but I don't get it.  The LL already has her holiday shopping completed and the credit card will only ding, ding, ding on something that no one needs.  But I better not say anything because the LL had has a 3 gig memory of things she says I do that makes no sense and she can rattle them off at warp speed.  So I'll just lean over , take another bite of the turkey sandwich, wash it down with a beverage and nod off again until the announcer on the football game starts hollering on another great play made by the Cowboys.

Now I do like Thanksgiving dinner.  I don't particularly like turkey but I do on Thanksgiving.  I think it is the emotional part of all those grandmother feasts I had when I was a youngin'.  I really like dressing, gravy, green bean casserole, and the pecan pie.  I don't care for cranberry sauce out of can that still has its mold form intact, anything that is encased in some kind of jello, and any salad that doesn't have just ranch on it.  How 'bout you?

BM is concerned about the Bengals game this weekend against the Brownies.  They haven't played that stinker game yet and every team does.  We'll see if the same old Bengals show up and lose one they shouldn't.  I had resigned myself to the fact that this was going to be a rebuilding season and I'd be happy with ANY win they had.  But no, they've played much better than expected and have a real shot at the playoffs as a wild card.  That means I'll start getting angry when they lose a game and that just isn't good for the old BM's heart.  Thus, I'll return from Atlanta on Saturday, go to the game on Sunday, and get way too involved in this silly game.  I'm back to - if they win, my Monday's are awesome, if they lose, I'd just like to sulk and be left alone.

Happy birthday to my nephew Brent.  Take care of that new little one, she's a cutie!!

Hopefully, I'll have time to catch you tomorrow.

Random Thoughts 11/21/11

Periodically I am going to write all these things that roll around in my mind.  Sometimes they'll be opinionated, emotional, amusing, angry, sad, confusing, stupid, you get the point.  I have spent the last ten years of my life on the road and things just pop into my mind that when I get to my destination often pop out.  I'm gonna try and remember as many as I can and share to those limited few that you might enjoy.

My background is an educator at all levels, as a teacher, coach, and administrator.  I am not overly religious and sometimes am uncomfotable with those that are.  I am a father to two sons with daughter in laws, two stepchildren with one son in law and one still living at home at age 23.  But I'm most happy to share that I have three grandchildren with one on the way.  Finally, I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world who is exciting, maddening, and really the only person I pay attention to when I have to.

My interests are the BENGALS (my one and only real weakness), most sports, history, '70's music, reading, humor, broadway plays, and lots of other stuff.

My random thoughts will be about all of these and much more.  I usually spend a lot of thinking "why".
Here are some:

Why do schools ring a bell 6-8 times a day and give students 4-6 minutes with few rules to go someplace they can get to in 2 minutes or less and wonder why they "get in trouble"?

Why do women have to go into excrutiating details in telling a story?  Stories have a beginning, middle, and end.  Details bore men.  I really don't need to know what someone was wearing to get the gist of the story.

Why do grandchildren do the things your children did and you thinks it's ok and you beat your kids for the same behavior?

Why do some Christaians judge people publicly when the Jesus they follow did not?

Finally, why do I hate those people that wave those stupid yellow towels?  I am sure the majority are good decent people, just don't wave that thing around me or in my stadium?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!