Less than 45 days

It's hard to believe we are less than 45 days until football season. I have mixed feelings about this. I love football season, the games & the tailgating. There is something about getting up early, hustling around packing things up, then getting over to Louie's and waiting 30 minutes. But it's all good and makes for a fun day. But, football also means the end of summer. It seems that as soon as football starts, the week-ends are shot and before you know it, it's October and time to close the pool, then its Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then we're back to the god-awful months of Jan.& February. Anyway, it will be here sooner than we think.

My friend Russell Smith with the Make-A-Wish foundation called yesterday. We have a M.A.W. kid (actually 17) who's wish was for season tickets to Clemson Football and a parking pass. Well, we have secured the tickets and pass but he wants to do a little more. He is trying to put together a tailgating package for her and her family. A tent, a table, possible picnic basket, car flags, etc. basically anything Clemson or Tiger Paws. I am donating a tablecloth. So to all you tailgaters if you have anything left over you want to donate, please let me know and I will forward the information over to Russell. Also, the other good news, if her health allows, she will be enrolling at Clemson next year.

"Another day goes by And still the children cry Put a little love in your heart"
If you want the world to know We won't let hatred grow Put a little love in your heart"
"Put a little love in your heart" artists Many

Syd

Minus 2 trees, plus 3+inches of rain

Its been a fun week to say the least. This has been one of those times when you definitely take the good with the bad. The storm may have taken my trees but in return we have had over 3" of rain. The rain has been a blessing so I'll take the rain and replace the trees.


I have been asked to put up more pictures of the grand kids. So here is one for everyone and I will try to add more as we go. Well, it's going to be a very busy week-end, the amwayians are in town and I will be parking cars at the Bi-Lo Center.

"C'est la vie", say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell " Aaron Neville "You never can tell"

Syd

Where's FEMA?

Ok, Ok, Ok,...you were right. To all those who are saying I told you so, you were right. The trees did finally come down. Yep, a storm blew through Quail Ridge yesterday and took down my 2 bradford pears in my front yard. They had survived ice-storms, numerous storms, and this drought. 13 years out of a bradford pear is not bad. I bought them for $10.00 ea. at the K-Mart in Greer in 95, so I think I got my money's worth. Leo(neighbor across the street) said it was the worst storm he had seen in his 20 yrs in the neighborhood. We received 1.75" of rain in just over 30 minutes.
Now comes the decision on what to replace them with. Any suggestions out there? My wife won't let me put in a Pindo Palm, so it will probably be either a cherry or maple tree. The other big question of the day came from David Snider when he asked, "what are you going to decorate this Christmas". A very good question, a very good question.

"you've just given,
given it all to the wind" Ozark Mtn. Daredevils.

Syd

What's in your wallet?

Ok, it's time to get back in the blogging business. My dog (our youngest daughter) Cookie received a credit card application in the mail yesterday. You heard me right, Capital One invited Cookie to open an account with them.

Now lets see what do you think would be the first thing Cookie would buy with this card? 1,000 tennis balls and a machine to shoot them out for her. I can also see her buying a cat disposal unit, or maybe a swimming pool of her own. For a dog who has everything already, I'm not sure she really needs to start building her credit just yet. Who knows, she may even qualify for a home loan from Country Wide.

Folks, this is one of the major problems in this country. Anyone who has had kids in college knows how many credit card applications are sent to them. They know that the sooner they can create an addiction the sooner they can start collecting outrageous interest rates. I am not pointing fingers at anyone, we have all been there, but if this application to Cookie is not icing on the cake nothing is. This cycle needs to come to an end. I don't know how and when or of it ever will, but the sooner this generation gets it, the better.

"God money I'll do anything for you.
God money just tell me what you want me to.
God money nail me up against the wall.
God money don't want everything he wants it all." Nine Inch Nails "Head Like a Hole"
(one of my favorite songs of all time)

Syd

Independence Day Memories

It's been almost 3 years since my dad passed away. The 4th of July was by far his favorite holiday. Hillbilly Day in Mt. Rest, SC was the place he had to be. Getting there early (@10:00am) was a must, he wanted time to walk around and talk to his old friends and to make sure he found a good seat near the stage. You see bluegrass music and square dancing was his love. I think he enjoyed watching the dancers as much as listening to the musicians. All the regular musicians new him well. One of the bands actually played at his funeral. The proudest moment came the last year he was able to attend. They recoginized him from the stage as the only person to have actually attended every Hillbilly Day from the start ,41 straight years. True dedication. I also believe his love of the 4th came from his love of country. He served during WWII and was always active in the local American Legion. The 4th was a chance every year to show this love.

Over the years the 4th of July has grown into my favorite holiday of the year as well. I view Christmas as more of a Season. The 4th brings back great memories from my Dad but it also has allowed me to create new memories for my kids and grandkids. When my son's friends call to make sure we are still doing something at our house reconfirms how important it is to create your own memories and traditions.

No we want have a blue grass band, or a grease pig to chase, but hopefully one day my kids will look back at their own great memories of the 4th. Thanks Dad for the inspiration.

"Well you may not like my appearance An' you may not like my song
Well you may not like the way I talk But you like the way I'm gone"

Bill Monroe "Free Born Man"

Happy 4th of July

Syd