Work day around the house. I awoke after a bad night. My sinus' woke me and kept me up most of the night. I'll be glad when the pollen season is over. But after I got going I headed out to work on the house. We rebuilt our back porch last fall, extending the roof over the deck with the idea of later turning that into a Sun room or Florida room. But I never got around to finishing the gable end covering with siding. This area is very high (25-28 feet) and to be honest I have a fear of heights. Odd for a pilot, eh. I figured a way to secure the ladder so it could not slip and that helps. Anyway I spent a couple hours putting up my temporary bracing for that. Then I moved to the deck. I have never liked the steps on the deck so I tore them off. Redesigned and rebuilt them and reattached them. I am not used to that type work so I was tired. Combined with those sinus' I felt like I'd been mashed by a Sherman Tank. I also took the door panel off my truck and began the job of fixing the cracked door handle. I need a part to complete that. It'll be hard to find I fear. But the door is working for now.

Don't forget Lee at the Carpenters Shop tonight. See you there. I'll be the one who looks exhausted.

On Thursday I met Kristie and here parents for lunch at Harbor Inn. Her family loves it there. Actually it was pretty good. Her parents were in town for their annual eye appointments. I saved my pop-corn shrimp and had them Friday morning with cheese grits for breakfast ...Yum !!

I've discovered a new music down load site. I found a lot of Switchfoot concert stuff there.

Is it just me or is everyone else living on Clairtin the past few Yellow dust filled days?

My sweetie and I continued in our affliction this week. For the past few weeks we've had a bad case of spendemonium. It all started with the water heater, then a car issue, then tires for that car. A new living room suite. A week later the car's a/c died, Yesterday the Fiero needed a new radiator, and today I bought a new set of tires for my truck. $$$$$$

An old gray haired preacher I knew used to tell his teenaged daughter, "Abby, the money is getting funny". Well it ain't getting funny but it is adding up. When a couple gets married, family and friends hold parties ( showers ) and bring gifts to help "set up the household". Maybe we ought to hold anniversary showers every 10 -15 years to replace all those thing that have worn out.

Good Idea

For the past week or so I have been trying a new Pepsi Product Summer Mix. It is not out yet but I got some from a friend who works for Pepsi. Not too bad. It is a cola, but with a fruity taste mix. Like a tropical fruit drink combined with a Pepsi. When it comes out, you should give it a try.

Mom and Dad came over today. We headed over to Moe's and had a fiesta. Then we took them to see Wild Hogs . Again I laughed so hard my belly hurt. This is one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time.

Hey put it on your calendar. Lee McDerment is playing at the Carpenter's Cellar saturday night the 31st. 8pm. Be there

I think Perry is an amazing, compelling speaker. That is a gift from God. I love hearing him speak a message, because he makes it so understandable. Our church is blessed double. We have several fantastic speakers at NewSpring . Jason, Shane, Joe, and many others. But today I was thrilled to hear from Clayton King . I love it when Clayton speaks. He is also amazing and compelling. Besides Clayton lists Kings X as one of his favorite bands. Now how can that be challenged?Today he spoke on the 'cast the first stone' story, and I saw it in a way I never had before. WOW

I spent the entire day today at Greenville in aviation safety class. These were part of my continuing education effort and partly because the study of aircraft accidents are a hobby of mine.

The main class was tought by NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt . I had met Mr Sumwalt, a former 14,000 hour USAir captain and attended a lecture of his before. We studied the human factors in accidents and recent accidents like the Comair takeoff accident last year at Lexington, Ky. Interestingly we chatted during a class break and he told me he remembered talking with me almost three years ago at a meeting held at BMW, because I had a first edition copy of his book in hand for his autograph.
Another class was by the South Carolina Director of Aviation safety. Where we discussed what can be done to lower the accident further. I learned flying is 18,500 times safer than driving. Also teaching were Dick Hitt the Regions FAA chief, and many more.
I learned a lot and hope to continue my training with the NTSB academy in Washington. No I have no career change in mind. I just enjoy this and believe the more you know the better / safer you'll be.

The Botanical Gardens

Spring Break at college lets my wife enjoy one who day off. We spent the day doing lazy fun things. First she and I slept in a little this morning. Then after a few relaxing hours around the house we headed to Clemson to visit the ducks at the Botanical Gardens. But we were hungry so we first hit the Mellow Mushroom for a couple subs. I had the steak and cheese and she had the grilled chicken. I am a manly man and I have to have my red meat, but even though mine was good hers was better. Go figure. We sat and watched some tennis and then mid-late afternoon we headed to the gardens. It was so nice and peacful. I have some photos that are beautiful. I will try to post them shortly. Because it was getting dark we headed back to Anderson and on a whim pulled in to AmStar again. We had been hearing about "Amazing Grace". Good acting in this one. A good true story about fighting for what is right. William Wilberforce was an 18th-century member of Parliament in England who led efforts to abolish slave trade. And it also told the story of John Newton, a minister and former slave ship captain, who wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace", inspired by his becoming a Christ follower.

Kris and I went to see "Wild Hogs" last night. I honestly don't remember laughing so hard in years.
It's about four mis-matched middle aged friends who decide to revive their tired dull lives by taking a road trip. It is a comedy adventure as they face the unexpected. Watch for Peter Fonda reprising his role in Easy Rider in a cameo toward the end.
A very funny movie. I will be buying this one.

Yesterday I took advantage of my trip to Greenville and went by my one of favorite stops, Earshot Music. Kristie was working late and I was attending the safety class anyway. So since I tend to linger / browse for hours in there, I went mid afternoon. I needed to spend the birthday money that has been burning my pocket two weeks now. I picked up the last three from my old buddy John Wetton .( ASIA )

ICON, ICON 2, ICON live

Still one cd behind but his stuff is at times hard to find around here. I might have break down and order from Amazon.UK. Well I need the new Magnum anyway.

There was an Air Safety class last night in Greenville. I try to never miss these. Besides they satisfy the continuing education requirement and qualify me for the FAA Wings pilot program. And help add to the discount on insurance.

This one was done by the AOPA /ASF officer Mark Grady.Mark has over 6,000 hours in a Cessna 152! Over 9,000 hours total. He earned most of those hours during a decade as a traffic watch pilot/reporter in Raleigh, N.C. and pilot of the Outback Blimp. He is an aviation writer and member of the Aviation Speakers Bureau. In 1998 he was named Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year.

He is a great speaker. Hey fellow Toastmaster's take note.

When you look at your watch and think, " Where did the time go? " Or you suddenly become aware it is 1 am an you're still online surfing. Or you drive somewhere and don't remember crossing the bridge. Have you ever wondered where that time went. That 'lost time'.
I have a theory. This may explain those mysterious time warps we all have experienced.

1. There are 360 degrees in a circle.
2. The Earth ( 3rd rock ) circles the sun once a year.
3. That's 365and 1/4 days. (365.2429 days for the purist or 365d 5h 48m 47.26s )
4. But wait that's 5 and a quarter extra degrees a year.
5. The average U.S. life expectancy is 77.7 years.
   
6. 5.25 extra degrees times 77.7 years. Thats an extra 1 1/3 years. In a lifetime.
7. The brain can't reconcile with this figure so it inserts small corrections, ' time lapses ' if you will, to compensate.
8. Please don't tell me the earth travels slower around the sun than 1 degree pr day. If that were true we'd all talk like Lurch on the Addams Family.

** this is presented with tongue firmly planted in cheek.

We received some some slightly encouraging news concerning our friend and her unborn baby . While undergoing a second series of tests the doctor found the child had a strong heart beat which could indicate he is otherwise healthy. The mothers quad serum screening came back negative (good news). The Doctor said that he has seen plenty of cysts disappear and leave no effect but that we can not ignore the fact that these cysts are signs of serious potential problems. We are all believing God can and will heal this child. Please continue to remember the baby, his mother and family in your prayers.

A trailer for part three of the pirate trilogy, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" is going to be released on the web tomorrow ( March 19th ) Watch it here . The movie comes out May 25th.

It was social night for home group. We all met at the Bryants to grill burgers. We had some hope the recent mild weather would hold. It didn't. Even with the cold wind it was fun and dispite the rest of us guys giving them a tough time, thanks to Alvin and Tim the food got cooked without major public emergency intervention. So because it was 40 outside and the wind was howling we retreated indoors to eat, laugh, eat, and discuss who was the worlds greatest wrestler, eat and of course eat. Did I say I LIKE this homegroup? After the 768 hamburgers were consumed we all gathered in Alvin's recreational viewing palace to watch "Facing the Giants". ( great TV set-up BTW. )

Without doing a full review let me say this is a cool movie. And even the guys suffered from ' something in my eye, here' once or twice. ( Pass that tissue over here man. ) If you have not see this movie, it is a story about a fictional Christian school and the revival that broke out in their personal lives, and in the lives and play of the team when the coach leading by example begins to trust, honor and praise God. No matter what !!

The movie was produced by a church in Albany, Ga for an unbelievable $100 grand. Using volunteers from the church, but turned out amazingly well. It has grossed over $10.8 million at the box office so far not counting DVD sales and rentals. The profits are going to mission causes.

Oh and look for UGA coach Mark Richt playing ...... Coach Richt.

WATCH THIS MOVIE

I've watched it like four more times. It gets better each viewing. My review, is in three parts
part one
part two
part three
Production is well on the way for the next Bond film. A sequel. A first for the series. Insiders say the next Bond will pick exactly where Casino Royale paused. Question Mr White and continuing on the search for the real people pulling the strings in this story. The US release date is may 2, 2008.
LATE NEWS :
Originally scheduled for May 2 release it has been pushed back to Noveber 7, 2008 to give the producers more time to complete the film.

Happy Birthday Chris
Me, Hillary and Chris, my godchildren
Love you guys

WOW I was floored by the
Unleash conference Thursday at NewSpring. I don't know the final count but was told it was over 900 attending. I think I heard one group came from Wisconsin or somewhere like that. This was, NewSpring's first conference. What a great way to start. I served with the production team on Camera for the main sessions, talked and mingled between sessions and attended a couple of the breakout sessions as well. I gained a lot. It was such a wonderful learning time and so much fun. As I shared with the team, this recharged my batteries too. I can't wait for next years UnLeash 2008. It makes me proud and humbled to be a part of a church that believes in God's power. Tony Morgan
has a good overview of the events at his site here part one
and here part two .

Kristie and I have a friend who is expecting a baby in a few months. Yesterday while doing an ultra sound to determine the sex, the doctors saw a spinal fluid buildup on his brain (choroids cysts). This is a potential sign for Down syndrome or worse Trisomy 18. The doctors are awaiting preliminary test results before continuing with more invasive testing that will be more dangerous for the mother and the baby.

PLEASE PRAY with us for the health of this unborn child and for the family to have strength and peace in this trial.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart.
2Sa 22:7 In my trouble I called to the LORD; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.
2Sa 22:2 The LORD is my protector; he is my strong fortress.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God

Happy Birthday Dr Einstein. E=mc²

It's Here and I got a good deal too. The 2 disc deluxe edition plus a copy of any other Bond ( I picked License to Kill ) plus a Corgi Aston Martin DBS car. Gotta go, I started the first DVD and I hear the opening music. Dah Dah, Boom, Dah Dah DaDah Dah Dah... dum dadumm dadumm dum !!

Amy, Joel and Ashley came to the house tonight. It was a belated birthday celebration for Ashley and my birthdays. Kristie cooked dinner and Amy furnished a cake. It was the very first time I ever had a pink birthday cake. Well half was mine, half belonged to the Monk.

After dinner Ash had to show us her latest dance moves, and we found the perfect cd. Roger Glover
( of Deep Purple ) and Randall Bramlet. This cd is far removed from the driving Hard Rock you might expect but is filled with a wonderful variety of non-headbanging styles -- funk (the album-opening "My Turn"), reggae ("Burn Me Up Slowly"), folk-meets-soul-meets-rock ("Queen of England"), and blues ("It's Only Life"). It is a great cd that I don't listen to enough. Ashley picked it because she liked the cover. For us it was perfect. Over all I say 4 1/2 stars.

Tomorrow ........

The Lady Trojans outstanding season came to a close last night. They played the number two ranked team in the nation. A team who only lost twice this year both to division 1 teams early. Glenville State College, W.V. a team who won 93 of the last 95 games at home. And as the luck of the draw would have it, Glenville State was hosting the Championship round..At Home.. Still our lady's gave them a hard fought win. A.U. which went in ranked number 21 nationally but 4th seed in the tournament hung in and lost by only a bakers dozen points. 78-65. One of the closest margins Glenville had all year. The Lady Trojans finish the season with a 24 - 8 record and this years seniors finish with a 109-23 record. The strong championship almost assures A.U. to finish the year ranked no worse than 16th in the nation. Things look great for next year.

It was great fun. See you next season. Go A.U.

Just two to go.....

Brad Delp - June 12, 1951 to March 9, 2007The nicest, kindest, most caring, down to earth rock star the world has ever known.

The above is from the Boston web page ;
Below is a Reuters news report from today:

Lead singer for rock band Boston found dead

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Brad Delp, the lead singer of the 1970s and '80s rock band Boston was found dead at his home in southern New Hampshire on Friday, local police said.

Delp, 55, apparently was home alone and there was no indication of foul play, Atkinson, New Hampshire, police said.

With Delp's big, high-register voice, Boston scored hits with "More Than a Feeling," "Long Time," and "Peace of Mind."

The band's popularity peaked in the late 1970s, but it remained active off and on, producing its last album "Corporate America" in 2002.

Delp was born in Boston, and bought his first guitar at age 13 after seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, according to his website. Since 1994, he spent his spare time working in a tribute band called Beatle Juice, the band's website said.

The band's website carried a statement, "We've just lost the nicest guy in rock and roll."

My career as a Juror lasted 7 minutes today. I was tagged for jury duty all this week. But the only trial I was picked for was today. After reporting at the required time, the Judge came in the Jury holding room and told us our trial had been combined with other pending charges and moved to a higher court. Too bad. It sounded juicy. Kidding! I was glad to serve but very relieved when I was dismissed.

The Lady Trojans played California Pennsylvania University in the NCAA championship first round tonight. CalPenn was the NCAA National Championship Lady's Division II team two years ago and runners up last year. But our Anderson girls played very well and won. 61-57. Go A.U.


BREAKING NEWS : I just heard Boston lead singer Brad Delp ( 55 ) was found dead at his home this afternoon. Foul play is not suspected. Brad will be missed, and what a voice.