My little sister has flipped her wig this year, she’s getting ready for summer camp with high hopes of finding true love I’m sure.
She is happy to be out with the other girls in her class, ready romp in the woods, sing songs, burn marshmallows, and swim. Funny I always imagined girls and summer camp as doing each others hair or nails and talking or stalking the boys.
The guys always wanted to go outside and see who could skip rocks the farthest, water fights and climbing trees, when I was at camp at that age girls where still kind of silly to me.
Today its going to have a good chance of rain here so no real outside work for me, just shuffling papers a bit and catching up with the ladies and their gossip. Maybe I will take them out to lunch, that always gets them going. Trace and Michelle want me to come over for dinner and a movie; I swear they act like they are in their 50s or 60s. It’s really ok, I sort of like it.
Tomorrow however, the weather is going to be great, a round of golf and then some sleep time on the beach would be in order. I like to get in a few weekends of sitting on the sand, people watching and chatting it up before taking on weekend jobs. My favorite is to be dozing under the umbrella and cool shadow cross my body, to peek out to see someone standing there ready to yap.
Chris and Wayne want to get the Jet skis out and blast up and down the coastline, which is fine with me. They said there was a bike show some where close we might squeeze that in as well.
Friday, May 29
Wednesday, May 27
The apple doesn’t fall far
I talked to Luke today, catching up on everything and we of course yapped about old times. He still likes to laugh at me on all the old stupid pranks he pulled but doesn’t seem to want to laugh much when we talk about the ones I pulled on him.
He said this weekend was gorgeous, they hung out in the new house lot for a while looking and planning. The foundation is poured and they have started on the framing. Its all down hill from now for them, once they get that roof up it seems to fly along. Besides when it rains after that they can still work.
He was telling me about the kids, how they are growing like two little weeds. In fact he said Kyle is like his uncle Mark in the playing with things he shouldn’t. Luke caught him trying to take off his training wheels to his bike. He had one off already so he just sat back and watched him struggle with the other for a while. About and hour later it was removed as well. Luke told him since he took them off he would have to put them back on if he couldn’t ride it. He just looked at him and smiled.
The after first 30 or so minutes he mastered catching himself before he hit the ground. Then he got the bright idea of getting next to the steps of the house sitting on his bike and pushing off, after about 10 or so attempts on that he pretty much was up and peddling. Unless he had to turn, he would then T-bone the front tire and drop like a rock.
Camen the whole time would occasionally stop to watch her older brother and giggle when he would land flat. She liked pushing her peddle car and getting in and out thank you very much.
I can remember when Luke was five he did the same thing, we both were playing with our bikes and he started taking off his training wheels to be like the older boys, naturally I had to follow suit. I thought he was insane to do this but of course I couldn’t be outdone by him. We had a time trying to get on them, our Pops would help but we insisted on doing it ourselves. The sun was about to go down when we got the bright idea of putting our bikes near the curb and jumping on. Countless times we rammed into each other because we had no control.
After a skinned knee and hand a few jags of crying Kyle finally mastered his bike riding. Luke beamed with pride that his son accomplished this without him having to help. He picked up the spare wheel parts and tossed them in the trash. They sat on the deck a while and celebrated with milk and cookies. Not bad for a four year old.
He said this weekend was gorgeous, they hung out in the new house lot for a while looking and planning. The foundation is poured and they have started on the framing. Its all down hill from now for them, once they get that roof up it seems to fly along. Besides when it rains after that they can still work.
He was telling me about the kids, how they are growing like two little weeds. In fact he said Kyle is like his uncle Mark in the playing with things he shouldn’t. Luke caught him trying to take off his training wheels to his bike. He had one off already so he just sat back and watched him struggle with the other for a while. About and hour later it was removed as well. Luke told him since he took them off he would have to put them back on if he couldn’t ride it. He just looked at him and smiled.
The after first 30 or so minutes he mastered catching himself before he hit the ground. Then he got the bright idea of getting next to the steps of the house sitting on his bike and pushing off, after about 10 or so attempts on that he pretty much was up and peddling. Unless he had to turn, he would then T-bone the front tire and drop like a rock.
Camen the whole time would occasionally stop to watch her older brother and giggle when he would land flat. She liked pushing her peddle car and getting in and out thank you very much.
I can remember when Luke was five he did the same thing, we both were playing with our bikes and he started taking off his training wheels to be like the older boys, naturally I had to follow suit. I thought he was insane to do this but of course I couldn’t be outdone by him. We had a time trying to get on them, our Pops would help but we insisted on doing it ourselves. The sun was about to go down when we got the bright idea of putting our bikes near the curb and jumping on. Countless times we rammed into each other because we had no control.
After a skinned knee and hand a few jags of crying Kyle finally mastered his bike riding. Luke beamed with pride that his son accomplished this without him having to help. He picked up the spare wheel parts and tossed them in the trash. They sat on the deck a while and celebrated with milk and cookies. Not bad for a four year old.
Tuesday, May 26
Memorials, memories and hangovers
This weekend could have been longer and if it were I might not be alive today, ok, that’s an over statement but if there was to be some running about to do then I did it.
Friday night Trace and Michelle had a small cook out, a precursor to what they wanted to do on Monday. A small group of 8 it wasn’t too crazy in fact, I think I ate myself to death more than anything.
Saturday I worked in the morning on some paperwork, we have three big jobs coming in for the country club. Summer is about to roll in we really need to get these done but fast. Amy and I talked a while, then she had to go to work in one of her fifty two jobs she has. I left and romped over to the country club for a short game of golf and a peek at our progress. It didn’t look half bad and the pool is set to go now, new tiles around the deck a scrubbed and clean inside pool with sparkling clear water, new plants all about the area and some mini huts for massages and rub downs in the upper deck levels. I was pleased.
Saturday night was an outing with the guys in the small bar we like to call home, greasy fried foods and cold beers and the best darts in the south. This weekend they sported a new band, they weren’t half bad.
Sunday I was invited to go deep sea fishing for the day, drank more than fished. We did the round table of bullshit - the card game and talked of what we wanted in the future. I just wanted to make it on the boat ride without falling off or being jabbed with one of those damn giant hooks, my aspirations aren’t too high.
Monday we lay out on the beach trying to dry out from all the food and beer and bullshit. Slept most the afternoon watching people parade past with a few surfers giving it a go. Occasionally someone would stop and have a chat with us, some of the older people there sunning thought we were there to cause trouble, we had about 15 all milling about being our stupid and loud selves. Just before sunset I rode my bike buzzing down the highway, it felt great except when an unlucky bug flew into me.
Right now I sit at my desk just thinking of the work that needs to be done, the fun I had, all the while Cari is propped up on Diane’s cubical wall chatting about the weekend.
Friday night Trace and Michelle had a small cook out, a precursor to what they wanted to do on Monday. A small group of 8 it wasn’t too crazy in fact, I think I ate myself to death more than anything.
Saturday I worked in the morning on some paperwork, we have three big jobs coming in for the country club. Summer is about to roll in we really need to get these done but fast. Amy and I talked a while, then she had to go to work in one of her fifty two jobs she has. I left and romped over to the country club for a short game of golf and a peek at our progress. It didn’t look half bad and the pool is set to go now, new tiles around the deck a scrubbed and clean inside pool with sparkling clear water, new plants all about the area and some mini huts for massages and rub downs in the upper deck levels. I was pleased.
Saturday night was an outing with the guys in the small bar we like to call home, greasy fried foods and cold beers and the best darts in the south. This weekend they sported a new band, they weren’t half bad.
Sunday I was invited to go deep sea fishing for the day, drank more than fished. We did the round table of bullshit - the card game and talked of what we wanted in the future. I just wanted to make it on the boat ride without falling off or being jabbed with one of those damn giant hooks, my aspirations aren’t too high.
Monday we lay out on the beach trying to dry out from all the food and beer and bullshit. Slept most the afternoon watching people parade past with a few surfers giving it a go. Occasionally someone would stop and have a chat with us, some of the older people there sunning thought we were there to cause trouble, we had about 15 all milling about being our stupid and loud selves. Just before sunset I rode my bike buzzing down the highway, it felt great except when an unlucky bug flew into me.
Right now I sit at my desk just thinking of the work that needs to be done, the fun I had, all the while Cari is propped up on Diane’s cubical wall chatting about the weekend.
Tuesday, May 19
Still catching up
So last weekend was “our” Mothers Day event, early Friday morning I was packing for the weekend to Atlanta when my cell rang. I just knew it was my G but nope it was Amy wishing me a safe trip and all that other mushy stuff. A good five minutes into our call the phone beeped in which was my G this time, I held off flipping over to answer it. Two minutes later the phone was beeping again so I had to let Amy go because it annoys the hell out of me to hear the beeps.
Nothing to speak of on the drive up, G napped, PG napped, Lori napped, and Mom napped – how I wanted to!
When we arrived Julie was in the driveway grabbing the last of her grocery list items so I jumped out to help, Luke was just bouncing out the door to help as well. Julie looked very well to be carrying two tykes; however she also looked like she would go into labor any second.
Two seconds later Kyle and Camen came running out to meet us. Jacks was already there with his big goofy smile, Kyle resumed his place right under him. They were about to do some coloring on the sidewalk and hunt for bugs to put on the girls.
No stress, no drama just us hanging about talking and enjoying the day, we later went down town to eat at a restaurant so no one had to cook or clean. Saturday was breakfast out and some shopping, Jacks packed his bag and was off and running home before we knew it. Kyle didn’t like that much so it was my job to entertain him. Luke and Kyle and I walked the new yard lot and grabbed some soil samples and measurements for the landscaping. Julie gave me ideas of what she wanted and Luke chimed in with a few of his.
We three boys decided that this year for Mom we would get her an updated Jacuzzi to sit in. Sometimes her bones ache and joints are in pain, besides my G was excited to hear that as well because she’s been having trouble with her knees.
Sunday was church services and lunch out, and then we needed to pack up and trek on home once again. It was nice to have family time with no drama or arguments just easy talks and visiting.
The drive home was about the same as the drive up, everyone napped and I was wishing to.
Later on Sunday I get a phone call from PG saying not to worry but G has fallen down the steps in the garage and may have broken her ankle, we later found out she pulled ligaments and needed to stay off it for the next couple of days. That’s good news at least.
Monday rolls in and Jack calls me to ask if it’s bad if his ear bleeds just a tiny bit after poking a Q tip in too far. What a ding bat, I told him yeah to get it checked and he said that’s what Jess said too, he was on his way to have that looked at.
Right now I’m peeking about trying to find the right Jacuzzi for Mom to have and I guess G as well, since she will be plopped in there with her. This is how weekends should be, with family relaxing doing things together and making memories.
Nothing to speak of on the drive up, G napped, PG napped, Lori napped, and Mom napped – how I wanted to!
When we arrived Julie was in the driveway grabbing the last of her grocery list items so I jumped out to help, Luke was just bouncing out the door to help as well. Julie looked very well to be carrying two tykes; however she also looked like she would go into labor any second.
Two seconds later Kyle and Camen came running out to meet us. Jacks was already there with his big goofy smile, Kyle resumed his place right under him. They were about to do some coloring on the sidewalk and hunt for bugs to put on the girls.
No stress, no drama just us hanging about talking and enjoying the day, we later went down town to eat at a restaurant so no one had to cook or clean. Saturday was breakfast out and some shopping, Jacks packed his bag and was off and running home before we knew it. Kyle didn’t like that much so it was my job to entertain him. Luke and Kyle and I walked the new yard lot and grabbed some soil samples and measurements for the landscaping. Julie gave me ideas of what she wanted and Luke chimed in with a few of his.
We three boys decided that this year for Mom we would get her an updated Jacuzzi to sit in. Sometimes her bones ache and joints are in pain, besides my G was excited to hear that as well because she’s been having trouble with her knees.
Sunday was church services and lunch out, and then we needed to pack up and trek on home once again. It was nice to have family time with no drama or arguments just easy talks and visiting.
The drive home was about the same as the drive up, everyone napped and I was wishing to.
Later on Sunday I get a phone call from PG saying not to worry but G has fallen down the steps in the garage and may have broken her ankle, we later found out she pulled ligaments and needed to stay off it for the next couple of days. That’s good news at least.
Monday rolls in and Jack calls me to ask if it’s bad if his ear bleeds just a tiny bit after poking a Q tip in too far. What a ding bat, I told him yeah to get it checked and he said that’s what Jess said too, he was on his way to have that looked at.
Right now I’m peeking about trying to find the right Jacuzzi for Mom to have and I guess G as well, since she will be plopped in there with her. This is how weekends should be, with family relaxing doing things together and making memories.
Tuesday, May 12
Have you ever just want to say…
“Jump straight up my ass” to someone? Today would be the day for me, in this mornings meeting with the picky country club lady. I came with an open mind, I slept well the night before, after having dinner with Trace and Michelle and a movie. However, if I see Wolverine one more time I might howl, spare me that movie now, and torture me with anything --- the Hanna Montana movie please!
Back to the lady – she was over forty minutes early, how do I know this? One of the waitresses told me as I walked in 10 minutes early myself. She promptly scolded me for being late, in which defense mode clicked in and asked her to check her appointment book to see our blocked set time… I won that battle.
We chose, I should say SHE chose a table away from traffic and large enough for me to lay out plans and explain in detail our ideas. Before I began my spiel with her, making it perfectly clear all of this was already agreed upon and if there was something she didn’t like she would have to talk to the rest of the committee about the changes. I think that statement blew in one ear and out the other.
Starting light, we sorted through the plants and the arrangements of them. I could have said every plant indigenous to the southern Georgia coastal area and possibly every plant in her yard she wouldn’t have approved of them. Holding my breath I let her give me her suggestions and wrote them down, she actually wanted me to mark up my plans to show the new changes. I did, but still stated that she would have to direct this all to the rest of the counsel not that I would change them until their approval.
We moved on to some more of the deeper end issues like the pool area and tennis court and landing point for the golf areas. Wanting loose gravel near the pool and tennis courts was a given “No No”, but making her understand the reasoning’s why was near impossible. After the third time of me explaining the pool guy would literally hunt me down and shoot after having to clean the filter every day because Jr. thinks its fun to watch the pebbles go “ploop” in the pool She mumbled that children shouldn’t be allowed in the club in the first place.
Materials used was another hill to climb with her, when I do estimates for projects I go out myself and find the cost of each item and include that in my final price, just as anyone else would do. She didn’t like the stores I was purchasing from…..there again trying to keep an open mind I let her give me suggestions.
After what seemed to be a week of her rambling on of “In my day” one liners we decided to take the meeting outside “so that I may take some notes for my changes” I bit my lip and followed her out of doors. She pointed and prodded to areas that were not even discussed, like the parking lot, the actual golf course, we were just trying to make the general public recreational areas more up to date and useable.
I’m not sure if she was dozing during the past meetings before or was in a semi comatose fog during them because none of this was ever discussed, not that I wouldn’t like to add them in. I was tired of her telling me “You’re doing it wrong” over and over.
After the fourth time of me telling her she would have to talk to the rest of the committee she might have been getting the point when we happened upon one of the other members. I exhaled long and hard when they explained why only certain areas were to be upgraded; it seemed to have stuck in her head that time.
After nearly four hours of her picking and prodding our plans and insisting we use hers, I was about to throw her into the pool, which just so happens to be empty. The chairman walked upon us, I guess getting ready to have his lunch, when he noticed the flustered look on my face. He decided to save me and invite the picky lady to dine with him and saving her a fate of seeing the bottom of the pool. She wanted me to give all my notes to him in which I eagerly did and said if you make any “improvements” to please give me a call and clue me in.
I walked out the same way I entered and the waitress that warned me smiled and said she was glad to see I was still alive. As I exited the grounds and entered the highway I blasted my radio and cussed so loud I’m sure people in South Carolina could hear me……..
Back to the lady – she was over forty minutes early, how do I know this? One of the waitresses told me as I walked in 10 minutes early myself. She promptly scolded me for being late, in which defense mode clicked in and asked her to check her appointment book to see our blocked set time… I won that battle.
We chose, I should say SHE chose a table away from traffic and large enough for me to lay out plans and explain in detail our ideas. Before I began my spiel with her, making it perfectly clear all of this was already agreed upon and if there was something she didn’t like she would have to talk to the rest of the committee about the changes. I think that statement blew in one ear and out the other.
Starting light, we sorted through the plants and the arrangements of them. I could have said every plant indigenous to the southern Georgia coastal area and possibly every plant in her yard she wouldn’t have approved of them. Holding my breath I let her give me her suggestions and wrote them down, she actually wanted me to mark up my plans to show the new changes. I did, but still stated that she would have to direct this all to the rest of the counsel not that I would change them until their approval.
We moved on to some more of the deeper end issues like the pool area and tennis court and landing point for the golf areas. Wanting loose gravel near the pool and tennis courts was a given “No No”, but making her understand the reasoning’s why was near impossible. After the third time of me explaining the pool guy would literally hunt me down and shoot after having to clean the filter every day because Jr. thinks its fun to watch the pebbles go “ploop” in the pool She mumbled that children shouldn’t be allowed in the club in the first place.
Materials used was another hill to climb with her, when I do estimates for projects I go out myself and find the cost of each item and include that in my final price, just as anyone else would do. She didn’t like the stores I was purchasing from…..there again trying to keep an open mind I let her give me suggestions.
After what seemed to be a week of her rambling on of “In my day” one liners we decided to take the meeting outside “so that I may take some notes for my changes” I bit my lip and followed her out of doors. She pointed and prodded to areas that were not even discussed, like the parking lot, the actual golf course, we were just trying to make the general public recreational areas more up to date and useable.
I’m not sure if she was dozing during the past meetings before or was in a semi comatose fog during them because none of this was ever discussed, not that I wouldn’t like to add them in. I was tired of her telling me “You’re doing it wrong” over and over.
After the fourth time of me telling her she would have to talk to the rest of the committee she might have been getting the point when we happened upon one of the other members. I exhaled long and hard when they explained why only certain areas were to be upgraded; it seemed to have stuck in her head that time.
After nearly four hours of her picking and prodding our plans and insisting we use hers, I was about to throw her into the pool, which just so happens to be empty. The chairman walked upon us, I guess getting ready to have his lunch, when he noticed the flustered look on my face. He decided to save me and invite the picky lady to dine with him and saving her a fate of seeing the bottom of the pool. She wanted me to give all my notes to him in which I eagerly did and said if you make any “improvements” to please give me a call and clue me in.
I walked out the same way I entered and the waitress that warned me smiled and said she was glad to see I was still alive. As I exited the grounds and entered the highway I blasted my radio and cussed so loud I’m sure people in South Carolina could hear me……..
Monday, May 11
Mother’s Day
I guess the card makers needed days like this, Mothers and Fathers and Grandparents days. They are well and good in their own devices, personally setting aside one day of the year to acknowledge all their hard work for a life time doesn’t cut it for me. Maybe it doesn’t hurt to do a small pat on the back every once in a while, but you don’t need a card to do that.
My Mom is a wonderful person, she’s caring and giving and smart, and she raised four rowdy kids and still has her sanity. Taught us the best she knew how to care and respect for others, she married to what you would think a decent man. (I go no farther on this subject).
Many times I’ve chimed on about how she raised four brats and taught school or nursed and was able to keep the family together. Hell, I have a hard enough time getting up in the mornings and making breakfast and she does all this plus some.
Last Mothers Day Lori and I did a few odds and ends for her, this year Lori and Mom spent the day at a spa doing girl things. Lori came to church sporting new fingernail polish and toe nails and what ever else they do. She giggled about the mud masks she and Mom wore how the lady rubbed their feet with stinky oils. If anything my Mom enjoyed spending some girl time with her little baby. I didn’t really do anything for her yet, that comes later.
Next weekend we plan on visiting Luke and Julie and the two brats. Mom really wanted to visit Julie for a while now and see how she’s getting along. Besides, they need a little help moving some items out of their old house. He also wanted me to take measurements for the lot and soil samples since he is hiring me to landscape for them.
Jacks is going to run over to see her as well, which will make Mom and Lori happy, the last time they saw each other wasn’t on the best of terms. He is going to look at Luke’s new house plans and do a few modifications for them. He and I spoke a while this morning, he was all out of sorts and blames it on a being Monday. After 10 minutes of me pestering him, he spilled his guts to me and I can see why he is in this mood. I suggested a nice long break from the problems at hand and sorting them out, instead of flipping out on everyone. Then tell them all to go straight to hell.
Today for me will be interesting; I plan on having the picky lady from the country club give me some ideas of what she envisions from us.
My Mom is a wonderful person, she’s caring and giving and smart, and she raised four rowdy kids and still has her sanity. Taught us the best she knew how to care and respect for others, she married to what you would think a decent man. (I go no farther on this subject).
Many times I’ve chimed on about how she raised four brats and taught school or nursed and was able to keep the family together. Hell, I have a hard enough time getting up in the mornings and making breakfast and she does all this plus some.
Last Mothers Day Lori and I did a few odds and ends for her, this year Lori and Mom spent the day at a spa doing girl things. Lori came to church sporting new fingernail polish and toe nails and what ever else they do. She giggled about the mud masks she and Mom wore how the lady rubbed their feet with stinky oils. If anything my Mom enjoyed spending some girl time with her little baby. I didn’t really do anything for her yet, that comes later.
Next weekend we plan on visiting Luke and Julie and the two brats. Mom really wanted to visit Julie for a while now and see how she’s getting along. Besides, they need a little help moving some items out of their old house. He also wanted me to take measurements for the lot and soil samples since he is hiring me to landscape for them.
Jacks is going to run over to see her as well, which will make Mom and Lori happy, the last time they saw each other wasn’t on the best of terms. He is going to look at Luke’s new house plans and do a few modifications for them. He and I spoke a while this morning, he was all out of sorts and blames it on a being Monday. After 10 minutes of me pestering him, he spilled his guts to me and I can see why he is in this mood. I suggested a nice long break from the problems at hand and sorting them out, instead of flipping out on everyone. Then tell them all to go straight to hell.
Today for me will be interesting; I plan on having the picky lady from the country club give me some ideas of what she envisions from us.
Wednesday, May 6
My weekend
So the last minute on Friday we get a call in to check out some new timbers and treatments that are being used for areas in the Country Club, ROAD TRIP!
Chris, Wayne and I quickly grabbed small bags and packed up the truck to check out the new stuff. Not only to do that but just to get out of town for a while.
I like to travel and see new places, I can be a home body if needed but just getting out a while and breathing new air is relaxing to me.
We made it in by midnight Friday and settled down for the next days exhibits. That morning we woke up, crammed as much food into us as possible and walked what seemed a million miles. Home Shows or Home Fairs can be boring if you let them, that’s how I met Shailana in Nashville a few years back, a total nutcase that one is.
That evening we found a cool bar to eat and drink a while in, nothing much really going on. Chris did try and hit on every waitress that walked within a 5 foot radius of us. Wayne and I had a wager on how many times he would be shot down.
Sunday was about the same, and then late that afternoon was the trip home. When I noticed a billboard about Mothers Day, great…..
I’m trying my best to get it organized since our Mom hasn’t had the best year so far with our idiot of a Pops, Jacks moving off and Luke being extra busy not able to come down as often. Lori keeps her semi preoccupied wither little dramas and she and G don’t miss a shopping day.
If I can get the 15th will be it, Jacks can spend the night at Luke’s with his crew. Then Mom, Lori and I can drive up and spend the weekend.
Chris, Wayne and I quickly grabbed small bags and packed up the truck to check out the new stuff. Not only to do that but just to get out of town for a while.
I like to travel and see new places, I can be a home body if needed but just getting out a while and breathing new air is relaxing to me.
We made it in by midnight Friday and settled down for the next days exhibits. That morning we woke up, crammed as much food into us as possible and walked what seemed a million miles. Home Shows or Home Fairs can be boring if you let them, that’s how I met Shailana in Nashville a few years back, a total nutcase that one is.
That evening we found a cool bar to eat and drink a while in, nothing much really going on. Chris did try and hit on every waitress that walked within a 5 foot radius of us. Wayne and I had a wager on how many times he would be shot down.
Sunday was about the same, and then late that afternoon was the trip home. When I noticed a billboard about Mothers Day, great…..
I’m trying my best to get it organized since our Mom hasn’t had the best year so far with our idiot of a Pops, Jacks moving off and Luke being extra busy not able to come down as often. Lori keeps her semi preoccupied wither little dramas and she and G don’t miss a shopping day.
If I can get the 15th will be it, Jacks can spend the night at Luke’s with his crew. Then Mom, Lori and I can drive up and spend the weekend.
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