Trick Or Treat !!

Happy Halloween

Tomorrow is my mom's surgery. Hip Replacement.

Remember her and her doctors

in your prayers.

Updates ASAP !!

Go Tigers !!! We win again. 1 to 0. Jackson "Bingo" Bryant scored the winning goal. Ashley played great, driving the ball well and protecting the goal when needed. It was not nearly as cold as last week and the team seemed to have recovered from the slowness of last game. But with the time change it was dark. So this was the first game "under the lights".
Ash had her fan club out in force again tonight. Amy & Joel, Mr and Mrs Heard, Doug & Brenda, Kristie and Ashley's super cool 'Uncle' and number one fan... ME !!!!!!

After the victory, the Monk and her folks went with us to 'lil-chicky-fil-a. Kristie and I had soup. Hit the spot.









Tomorrow is Halloween. I guess I should make some plans.

It was my Sunday to work with the production team at NewSpring. Seems like it has been a lifetime since the last time. I really would like to do it more often. Today I was running "Camera One". What a great service. What a message. It's one I will be downloading and saving to refer to over and over. Thank you God for such a blessing, and thank you Perry ( and staff ) for having the courage to say what God tells you. My camera was the close-up camera and I'll be honest, it was tough. Perry is always up for the messages but this week even beat his double espresso mornings. He was the most animated I can remember. But we all worked together, got some shots and handled it and had a great time doing it. I really don't think of it as working the production, it is more like playing a difficult yet rewarding game. I love every minute of it. Thanks team for working with me and helping me be best I can be.

Overflow filled in for the band this week and they were awesome. I will be buying their cd. It is so cool that they came. Tom the singer and I got to talk a little, he is a really humble man and very nice guy. Our band deserved a break , but I did miss the irreplaceable NewSpring Band.

We had planned an early homegroup between the second and third services. But it got canceled last minute. Kristie and I were already half way there. Physically I am a little glad. I took advantage of the extra hour to rest. But I missed being together with the group. Several couples were going to have to miss, last minute and our sitter, Marcia, couldn't come. She hurt her back ( cracked vertebrae ) on Saturday afternoon in Gatlinburg and is unable to come. She'll will be on our group prayer list, along with Bryson , Tod and Amy's youngest boy (Juevenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) , and Russell , Tim and Tessa's son( kidney stone ) .

Tigers Lose. 24 to 7 after that hugh win over Georgia Tech the Clemson team just seemed out of synch on this Thursday night game. We watched the game on ESPN at Amy & Joels and ate Pizza. Well the pizza was good, and Ashley was fun. All is not lost for the Tigers however they are still in it.


Georgia plays Saturday.

Go Bull Dogs

GET 'EM SIC 'EM WOOF WOOF

I finally got to see "The Departed" tonight. It was a good movie with a well written and compelling story about cops, gangsters, working undercover and the lines getting blurred. An all star cast including, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, Alec Baldwin. Jack Nicholson is great, scary and believable as a mob boss. Matt Damon is very good as a bad cop, and Leonardo DiCaprio is amazing as the undercover cop in the mob. This guy has impressed me in his last few movies. Very well written and well acted, with a few surprises you don't see coming. I believe well hear some Oscar nods for this film.

It's Monday evening and that means soccer. It was COLD out there. Around 40 degrees at gametime, and the wind was blowing 10-15 mph. Brrrr !! The Tigers lost tonight in a tough game. It is only the second loss of the season for them, but the kids played well. Ashley played hard and did a great job at her turn as goalkeeper. As always Ashley had a large fan following. Amy & Joel, Doug & Brenda, April, Grandmother & Papa Fred, Mrs Heard, Kristie and fan # 1 ME !!! Go Monk !!

When it was over we shivered our way over to the Texas Roadhouse for supper. It was Kristie and me, Doug & Brenda, April , Amy & Joel and of course, 'Superstar Soccer Girl'. BTW my steak was a good bit better than the ones we get at Logan's. Kristie tells me the peanuts were fresher also.

On the way home I remembered Ashley's shoes. I had them fixed and ready for her, and Amy forgot the Switchfoot cd I made her. Oh well, I'll see them later.

Happy Birthday to the IPOD today ( 5 yrs ) Isn't MP3 technology wonderful. I really love my iriver.

It is going to fall below freezing tonight. First time of the season.

Football Saturday. The Dogs won one again, and the Tigers had no problem with Georgia Tech.

Went to Tigerama tonight with Amy, Joel and Ashley. The "Floats" were not as far along as I had expected. But it had rained all day for two days this week. The students will pull an an all nighter and the'll get 'em done. After we walked around we headed to the Mellow Mushroom for Pizza. The crowd was not too bad. We ran into Russell Brown and his date while there. Then we made our way to the parking lot to watch the fireworks. We decided to drive down to and park where Ben and Mahalie were camping. The fireworks were massive.

Tonight we saw the first production of this season for the Anderson University Playhouse. "The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus " , is a play in which a man sells his soul to the devil for power and knowledge. On a deeper level, this play shows the breakdown of a person who chooses material gains over spiritual belief and in doing so, loses his soul. It is an old play and is very intense. The acting was good. But I tend to like romantic comedy ( Neil Simon ) best. The theater was full on this opening night, despite the rainy weather. However you can still get season tickets for the remaining productions. A.U. theater. Check them out. They are superb.

This is homegroup night at Logan's. While the food was ok, about average the fellowship was great. Everyone was there. Alvin & Sheila, Tod & Amy, Tim & Tessa, Amy & Joel, Eddie & Monica, Ben & Mahalie and of course Kristie and me. We had a long table in the back room, and that was nice. When we first came in we saw Dan and Claudia Tollison. They were doing well. Dan was excited about A. U. B*ball season that's about to start.

The homegroup crowd gathered in the back room and we were eating, talking and laughing. Then about half-way through the meal the waitress came in with a bunch of balloons along with a couple of her co-workers. She insisted that Kristie and I come with her to the middle of the building where she announced our anniversary to everyone and led them in a cheer. I guessed that was Dan's idea. When it came time to pay the waitress told me ours had been covered as an anniversary gift. No one at the table would admit to doing it, but I strongly suspect Alvin and Shiela. Thank you to who ever it was. We did not expect that, you did not have to, but we really appreciate it.

Our homegroup friends are becoming good friends. I am glad we became members of this crew.

Today was my anniversary. I am married to the most amazing lady you could know. She is everything I could imagine, even in my wildest dreams. Every day I thank God for her, her love and influence. I don't have words to express how I feel. I love her so much, with my whole heart. Fifteen years every year better than the previous one. I can hardly wait for the next ones. I love you sweetie.

I am still sad about my Dawgs. They fell to number 23 in the polls. Two weeks ago SEC championship hopes and top 10 status, one of five undefeated squads. Now maybe, maybe if everything goes perfectly that could happen, but most likely second place finish and a smaller bowl. Oh well I still love them. Maybe they can salvage a strong finish. This is a rebuilding year after all.

Went to soccer last night. The weather was as different from two weeks ago as the Dawgs record. It was cool, almost cold and rainy. But Monk and her Tigers won another one 3 to 1. Ashley drove the ball well and run the field several times. GO MONK

We love ya.

We had a nice weekend, Well actually it did not start that way. I had a headache when I got up Saturday morning. But I was all excited to watch the Georgia game. It was a good game close up to the end. But I don't even want to think about the final score. My dawgs lost, to Vandy. What is up with that? Come on guys regroup.

Funny, Sunday was much better, despite an early problem. I felt better, but on the way to church we had a flat tire. The spare actually had air in it, and I don't think it had ever been disturbed since the car was new. But we missed the 1st service. Oh well, Kris was working between them so we did get to the second one early. I enjoyed the extra time with a visit with my production pals. Amy & Joel also came to the second service. The message was dead on for me and the music was perfect.

After, we all went to Master Wok for lunch. It was a really nice visit. Home just after 3pm, a short rest and then we had to hurry back to meet the whole Cole clan who wanted a visit. All 15 of us were there. Mom and Dad, Uncle Talmadge, and Aunt Eloise, Alan, Gwen, Jessica and her Boyfriend Matthew. Mark, Anita, Sara, Laura, Jason, Kayla. Kristie and me. Kind of like "Pack the Pew" night. I think everyone enjoyed it, and we pretty much stayed until the lights were going off. I think Sara, Jessica and Matthew were the most impressed with the production. Alan and I talked about developing a mentor relationship with our church. A great idea.

The second half of this week has been quieter, at least for me. Tonight we went to the movies.
"The Guardian" staring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher who give great performances. They play as fictional helicopter rescue swimmers. I can't imagine how hard it must be to graduate from the USCG helicopter rescue school and do the things they do when they take part in real rescues. It was a very good movie. Very well done. Fantastic FX. Kevin Costner is aging well and is very good, very real, and I had no idea Ashton Kutcher could act in a dramatic role like this.

A lot of good movies are coming soon. Time for me and Joel to get back to going to a few.

Tomorrow is UGA football on Fox TV at noon so you know where I'll be.

Go Dawgs!!!!!!

Tonight was the Chili Cookoff. For those not from around here it is a street festival, where restaurants set up booths and serve their version of chili. The people sample and then vote on the best. Winners take home a trophy for their place for the year plus a $$$ prize.


Anderson University had a celeb visitor this weekend. And Dan's security camera captured it all. George Clooney was there scouting locations for his new film called "Leatherheads." He visited the campus. Will he film here? Stay Tuned for updates.

I missed last nights soccer game to attend an AOPA/FAA safety meeting. Wouldn't you know it? Ashley scored again. Not ONCE but TWICE !! Wahoo !! Go Monk!!!! Her team won BTW.

It was an eventful weekend. On Saturday we got up and went to the 1st annual Greek Festival in Anderson. It was at the farmers market and I think they'll have to move it next year. From what I could see it was a great success. We had a good time and sampled some food and Greek culture, music.

Then it was Clemson football. Talk about a scare. Obviously Tommy Bowden must have told his players not to play until the fourth quarter in order to make it interesting. Clemson won in a come from behind victory.

Next it was down to Hartwell to take dinner to Kristie's grandmothers. She is recovering nicely from surgery.

Kristie made Parmesan Chicken with all the trimmings including salad. Hadn't had that in a while. We all had a nice visit.

While we were there we watched the UGA- Tenn game. I enjoyed the first three quarters. My dawgs fought but just lacked the experience. Turnovers killed them Tenn scored on four turnovers. That is hard to overcome. Still they scored 33 points in the losing effort. The offense came back anyway.

Sunday was Church and home groups. I enjoyed both as usual. After church we went to Harbor Inn with Amy, Joel and Ashley. I had the popcorn shrimp special. Not bad. I very much enjoyed the tie with our friends. Seems like we've all been so busy lately.

Kristie and I went to see Jars of Clay tonight at Toccoa Falls College. I can only say they were every bit as good as the last twelve times I've seen them. A great show. And we had perfect seats. Right down front center. Not that it mattered, we were on our feet the whole show. They played most of the new song from Good Monsters, a load of the favorites and slipped in a few rare cuts from way back along the way.

Dan even had a good joke during a guitar breakdown. " A guy was stuck on a desert island. When they came to rescue him they saw three huts. So they asked him, since he was all alone, why three? He answered well that one in the middle is where I live. The one on the right here is where go to church. So what is the one on the left they inquired? Oh he quipped, that is where I used to go to church.

A great show from the best group out there.

The opener Matt Wertz was very good too, Just him and another guy on guitars, but very nice. A good choice.

It was Steak or Shrimp night at AU. Kristie and I went for steak. Not bad at all. Must not have been the only one who thought so. I've never seen a bigger crowd. John commented on the crowd as well. Gregg told me Ken was cutting steak all night the night before. Something like 500 were cooked. And Ken hooked us up with a plate of shrimp to go. YES !!! You did a good job guys and I loved it. But Gregg, I think ( and hope ) you are wrong about the outcome of UGA and Tennessee this Saturday.
Go DAWGS !!! Saw where Stuckey broke his foot and will be out for Clemson a few weeks. If Jacoby Ford can hang on to the ball it'll be ok. He is so fast. T.I.G.E.R.S

It was first Wednesday and the crowd was good. The band intrigued me with the intro of You Really Got Me. They Rock. Perry was great, and it was a message for me again.

We went to soccer tonight. The only tuesday night game this season. Our Lil' Tigers won again, by a score of 2-1. Ashley scored the winning goal. It was her second goal of this season. That win raises the team to a 4-1 record over all. Once again Ashley had a large fan following.
Amy & Joel,
Doug & Brenda
Grandmother & Papa Fred,
Mrs Heard,
Kristie
and fan # 1 ME !!!

Go Monk !!

After the game Kristie, Amy, Joel,
super star soccer-girl Ashley and I went to Chick-fil-A.

Tomorrow is first Wednesday. I can't wait.

Ever Kill an Alarm Clock? I gave it some thought this morning. I look forward to Sundays more than ever. I love going to NewSpring, but today I was sleepy and tired. We went to the late service this morning, except we went about 40 minutes early, because Kristie was working at the Media center today. It was another great service. Perry talked about baptism. A hugh crowd went down. I am glad for my alarm after all.

We ate at the Cafe' . Gregg was there and the food was good. He had some mushroom soup, wow. Gregg had some thoughts on the football season thus far. I ate too much. As Always ! But Ken and Gregg can really cook.

After a shortened homegroups we went back to NewSpring for the baptism service. I've never seen anything like it, sounds cliche' but it's true. 419 people were baptized. FOUR HUNDRED THIRTEEN, plus 6 more from the services. It took over an hour and a half, but cheering and laughter and tears were flowing. Amazing. I am so glad I was there.

BTW the photo is from Ken's site .http://www.avclub.us/ Thanks Ken

Saturday is football day around here. We went to Clemson for their game. They won big time in a shutout. 51 to 0. Go Tigers !!

Ashley got to go on the field and cheer today, along with a few hundred other little tigers. She was by far the cutest one.

What is up with my Dawgs? For the second week in a row they had to rally from behind to win against a lesser team. Old Miss almost upset the number 9 ranked BullDogs. But those Junk Yard mongrels managed to pull it out at the end. 14 to 9. Joe T is back next week. They'll need some experience and spark facing Tennessee.

Tailgating was nice, with Amy & Joel, Amy's mom, grandmother, April and Jeffrey. Jeffrey and I walked about and ran into people we knew everywhere we looked.

NewSpring tomorrow.