Since my beautiful wife is going to be out of town for the next few days. And because it is forecast to snow and have an ice storm, which could cause traveling problems, and since we just enjoy ourselves better on the 'off lower crowd nights', we went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. The food was good and my babe was more beautiful than ever. She had the chicken, mashed potatoes ( taters y'all ) and gravy and mixed veggies. Why she always orders chicken at a steak house I'll never understand. I had ribs and steak fries. Actually I just ordered the appetizer basket. Which turned out to be plenty thanks.

These were taken by us on our Hilton Head Christmas vacation.

Way back in 2000 Terry Bente' came up to me and said, " You have got to hear these guys" He was right again. He had a promo cassette of the Atlanta group doubleDrive. He was right. Don't let the Atlanta band tag fool you. These guys are a post-grunge powerhouse in the vein of Creed, Days of the New, and Godsmack, drawing from the Seattle bands like Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, but never forsaking their metal roots. Their first cd, 1000 Yard Stare hits my stereo often. And it has a home on my MP3 helping me with those last couple miles at the gym without fail.

I got their VERY long awaited new cd today. Blue In The Face and I am pleased to assure you they are still rooted in metal and I hear traces of to draw comparisons to the hard-edged Queensrÿche, Foo Fighters, The Offspring, and maybe just a touch of Eddie Vedder himself . Any after one play so far I can say..I like it. Especially the opening song 11:59.

Check them out. doubleDrive rocks

Chicken Strips and Basketball. Can anyone ask for more? The girls won tonight, but not like they should have. With Genia's injury slowing her, Mikala out a little longer and several of the girls still mending back to 100% it has been hard. But we did it and won 74-66. And the best news of all Mr Boyd, Keana's dad is doing fine. He had a Stint break loose at the last home game and gave everyone quite a scare. But after surgery to repair that he is on the road to recovery and should be back at the game soon.

The Guys put up a heck of a fight and almost won one. But a 17-4 Lees-McRae run late made the job impossible. Still the guys looked good tonight.

Hey Check-out Danny's



Don't miss his photos...awesome

Danny's Blog

I am still here.... Just busy....Doing Nothing ...... ....updates within a couple days. I promise !

I received sad news Monday morning. One of my oldest friends passed away over the weekend. Don Sewell. I met Don way back in the late 1800's when he was working at Musicland at Anderson Mall. I was there early before opening and peering in the windows and there he was. A pipe in his mouth foot propped on a browser and a guitar in his hands. I could hear the song he was picking, believe it or not All the Young Dudes by Mott the Hoople. Right then and there I knew we would become friends. Don and I shared good times, bad times, sickness and happiness. We visited and laughed, listened to music. LOTS, went to concerts. Played in bands and shared friends. We double dated from time to time with the latest "ONE" to come along. We lived miles apart and sometimes it was weeks between contact. We lived next door to one another at Spring Brook. Don married Sherry on Valentines day and I married Kristie later that same year. But no matter what we were always friends and ALWAYS shared the love of music. Don had one of the biggest collections of music I know of, second only to mine. Don was a dad to one older girl who married and has kids of her own now, and two younger school aged boys. I know they will miss their dad a lot. The good news is that Don had become a Christ Follower and was going to NewSpring every week. He loved it there. In his words, finally a church I am at home in.
Jake Beaty spoke at the services and did a wonderful job. I wore my Three Stooges tie in Don's honor, he loved them. Ritchie Smith played Pink Floyd. Don Garrison played the other music. And together they played a guitar keyboard duet of Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix. After the graveside services all the pall-bearers, Don's best friends ( the old gang ) got together and went to lunch at Monterrey. It was a wonderful celebration full of memories and funny stories. Interesting, a couple of these guys were hard living rock & rollers in the past lives. Hard -core partiers. I noticed we all ordered iced tea. Some of the things Jake said impressed these guys and I did not miss the chance to make sure they were all invited to NewSpring. I have 5 new names on my "come to church" prayer list. Maybe they will ...Don did.

Donald Brown Sewell.....We'll miss you man!!!! You were a true friend.

Womens Basketball

USA TODAY ESPN DIVISION II NATIONAL TOP 25 COACHES' POLL

1. University of North Dakota - 16 2 19-1 654

2. Washburn University (Kan.) - 1 3 12-1 625

3. Southern Connecticut State University - 2 5 14-0 612

4. Missouri Western State - 2 8 14-0 572

5. Florida Gulf Coast University - 3 7 18-0 567

6. Henderson State University (Ark.) - 3 1 11-1 559

7. California State University, Chico 9 9-1 490

8. Emporia State University (Kan.) 4 10-3 489

9. West Texas A&M University 10 13-2 433

10. Delta State University (Miss.) 13 11-2 397

11. Glenville State College (W. Va.) 11 9-2 381

12. Grand Valley State University (Mich.) 6 12-3 364

13. Stonehill College (Mass.) 15 13-2 349

14. Clayton State University (Ga.) 17 11-1 341

15. American International College (Mass.) 19 11-3 229

16T. Augustana College (S.D.) NR 17-2 222

16T. Lewis University (Ill.) NR 12-2 222

18. University of South Dakota 16 13-2 216

19. Wingate University (N.C.) 20 11-3 198

20. Anderson University (S.C.) NR 10-1 134

21. Metropolitan State College of Denver (Colo.) 14 10-3 128

22. Northern State University (S.D.) 12 11-4 95

23. Western Washington University 23 8-3 93

24. Holy Family University (Penn.) NR 9-1 84

25. Carson-Newman College (Tenn.) NR 12-2 75

Others Receiving Votes:

University Of California, San Diego - 56; Catawba College (N.C.) - 35; Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - 30; Minnesota State University, Moorhead - 16; Central Washington University - 14; College Of Saint Rose (N.Y.) - 14; Harding University (Ark.) - 12; Florida Institute of Technology - 10; Fort Valley State University (Ga.) - 9; Saint Cloud State University (Minn.) - 7; Regis University (Colo.) - 6; Valdosta State University (Ga.) - 6; Fairmont State University (W. Va.) - 5; North Carolina Central University - 5; University Of West Alabama - 5; Missouri Southern State University - 4; Bellarmine University (Ky.) - 3; Lake Superior State University (Mich.) - 3; Pace University (N.Y.) - 3; Bentley College (Mass.) - 1; Seattle Pacific University (Wash.) - 1; University Of Wisconsin-Parkside – 1.

We tried out the 4:15 services Sunday. NewSpring has been growing so fast the morning services are packed out and overflowing. So to make room for the visitors who are more likely to attend the morning services a lot of us old hands are trying out sleeping half the day away then going to church. For us it means as soon as it is over dashing to homegroup, and arriving 5-6 minutes late. Everyone else is just getting there anyway so we are not missing anything. We had a small gathering at homegroup tonight. Ben and Mahalie missed, Mahalie was feeling bad. The Bryants missed too. Jackson had developed an ear infection. But we made it up by not sitting in Alvin's chair. And making a stand-in Alvin to talk to.



Yesterday, we went to Basketball for both the Monk and right after two A.U. games. Whew! But it was fun.

A cold night outside but a hot one inside at the Abney Gym. We got to watch the boys play Basketball against Pfeiffer tonight in one of those rare boys first games. But we had to leave before the girls started because we had tickets for a play across the campus at the fine arts center. The play was interesting with an all female cast. Quilters is a compelling story about pioneer women in America and the hardships they faced, how the quilts they made not only warmed and comforted them, but became a totem pole like telling of their lives.

A.U. faced Erskine tonight. This is a Clemson - Carolina, Georgia - Auburn type rivalry here. Every year the two schools challenge one another in all sports and other events. The school with the most points ( wins ) gets a giant trophy for the year and serious braggin' rights. Tonight was a double header of hoops. Janet, Kayle, and Kevo were able to find some time in their own H.S. B*ball schedules to come up for the game. They are excited by the girls successes, and more excited about members from Kevin's Warrior team of last year playing here. Actually the Lady Trojans have a former OCHS players as well. Number 15, Kim Hausman a senior from Watkinsville, Ga. And the guys have two of Kevin's team mates now. Number 43 J.C. Webb and Kevin's good buddy number 32 Jonathan Mattox ( aka J-Max ) . Kevin's current team mate and friend Kyle and his mom hitched a ride and came along too. I think we all had a good time even if the boys lost a heart breaker 80 - 82. However the girls made it up with a lopsided blow-out 89-47. Go AU...sink the Fleet.

We did it. Now we officially have no extra money. Have you priced Furniture lately?
1 year same as cash ? ? Does that mean you have to pay? Oh ..

Kristie and I retired the tired couch and the two limping recliner we have cherished all our married lives. Here is the replacements. Hampton had a sale. Haven of Rest had a need, and we now have a sofa that doesn't sag a little in the middle. I have been giving thought to never getting upagain. If I had a fridge next to my new chair, I might never indeed.

Another in a line of busy saturdays today. First up was Ashley's basketball game. The kids played like pro's but fell behind in the frst half. Then made a comeback in the second but it was just not enough. Rebounding was the key and they lost that battle. The final score of 18-20. Kris and I then spent a few hours shopping for a new living room suite. Our old stuff is ...well...OLD. We are buying a new sofa and two recliners from Hampton downtown. If we can make it all fit. Wanna buy a used couch? It still looks great. Then we went by the gym. Being saturday it was full of kids and parents and noise. Basketball going on. Still we managed a pretty good workout. in the other room.
We visitied the Cromers tonight, ate Pizza and played a new board game. Battle of the Sexes. It is a trivia game pitting the guys aginst the girls. Us guys won, but wisely just by the skin of our teeth. ..

Took Ashley to see Charlottes Web at the movies tonight. She knew the story so well she could have recited it backwards. But we still had a good time. Before the movie Kristie and I took her to eat at Chick fil-a. We no sooner got in the door than here are several people coming over and saying " hey Ashley". Everybody knows the Monk. She's six and knows more people than George Bush. Maybe some of here fame will rub off on me because she rides with me.

Billy Graham was returning to Charlotte after a speaking engagement and when his plane arrived there was a limousine there to transport him to his home.. As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped and spoke to the driver.
"You know" he said, "I am 87 years old and I have never driven a limousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?"

The driver said, "No problem. Have at it." Billy gets into the driver's seat and they head off down the highway. A short distance away sat a rookie State Trooper operating his first speed trap.
The long black limo went by him doing 70 in a 55 mph zone. The trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo and he got out of his patrol car to begin the procedure.

The young trooper walked up to the driver's door and when the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see who was driving.
He immediately excused himself and went back to his car and called his supervisor. He told the supervisor, "I know we are supposed to enforce the law... But I also know that important people are given certain courtesies. I need to know what I should do because I have stopped a very important person."

The supervisor asked, "Is it the governor?" The young trooper said, "No, he's more important than that." The supervisor said, "Oh, so it's the president." The young trooper said, "No, he's even more important than that."
The supervisor finally asked, "Well then, who is it?"

The young trooper said, "I think it's Jesus, because he's got Billy Graham for a chauffeur!"

Ted and I finally sync our schedules and were able to go to lunch on Monday. Seems like forever since we got to catch-up. We met at the hanger, and repaired the winch and the vent filters on the plane. The we went to Subway. It was a crowded mess. Finally after an adventure in communication while ordering we sat down and who came in, Amy Heard. As soon as I saw her I absent mindedly commented there is Amy, to which Ted instantly answered " Oh, that's Ashley's mom. Ashley knows everyone and everyone knows the lil Monk.
First thing tuesday morning I was off to the pluming store to get parts. Wow I was able to fixed quickly and painlessly. Unlike most things. After that I headed over to the gym again to pay for those chips I ate on my pluming break. It was a nice morning but got very windy again in the evening. It broke loose the patio table from the brackets I made to hold it almost a year before. 35-45 knots at one point. I even had to move the rocking chairs off the front porch into the garage at it's stormiest. Kristie came home with a treat. Steak, gravy, biscuits , and slaw from KFC . Tuesday specials. Wednesday morning I fixed the patio table brackets but noticed the cover was badly torn. I need to remember a new one next Wally World trip. In the evening Kristie and I watched the Little Rascals. What a hoot. I love Buckwheat.

I want one of these !!!!!


The trick is to avoid doing this !!

OOP's There goes the neighborhood !

HuH???

It's camera day for me today at NewSpring. I ran the camera one ( close-ups ) for the first two services. We added a forth service starting today and now are splitting the camera duties into two shifts one for the mornings and one for the evenings. I was running the two morning services. I had a little trouble with a failing back focus adjustment about half-way through the second service, but was able to limp through with constant adjustment. Now after the service I know how to fix it. Learning more every week.
Kristie slept in and came to the second service today and afterwards we went to eat at Mishima with Amy, Joel and Ashley. We ate then hurried home to get the food together for homegroup. It was our turn to bring snacks. Kristie whipped-up some of her famous Mexi-chili cheese dip an chips. Some glorious sweet tea and a few cola's to take. We had not met for a couple weeks and I had missed it . Everyone was there and we enjoyed our fellowship time. We studied a Rob Bell video and surprisingly even though it was chosen several weeks ago it was the exact same subject of Perry's message today. Weird huh? That is not the first time that has happened. COOL !!!

Saturday morning sleeping in was cut short this week by a busy schedule. Ashley had her first Basketball game at the YMCA at 8:30. It was a hoot. Then over to A.U. to see the Boys and Girls play. The Girls were first and they were just off. So they had to fight hard to win 87-79. But it was closer than the score shows. St Andrews is a good team
Then the guys played and in a surprising blow out upset they beat the St Andrews boys team 69-48. Maybe they are coming together.
After a quick drive and changing clothes in a restroom we were attending the wedding of Paula And Jeremy. Such a cute couple. The wedding was held at the Phoenix Inn in Greenville as was the reception. We had a full dinner of traditional Puerto Rican and Costa Rican foods. And a great time. Good luck guys.

Looking for a partner. I can kick in the first $35 if you can swing the rest.

The Trojans play at home tonight. Actually just the Men. This was the first game since the holiday break. Unfortunately the guys looked like they'd been off two weeks. Just couldn't get it going. Played against North Greenville but lost 59-69. The next game is a double header Saturday, which is shaping up to be a really busy day. Early Ashley plays her first basketball game. Then the A.U. games starting at 2 pm. Finally Paula and Jeremy's wedding. Whew I am tired already.

I went back to the gym again this evening. Third day in a row I've gone. I though it would be good to go before the b*ball game at A.U. but it turned out to be a lot of trouble doing that. Plus it was much more crowded tonight. Seems at 5:30 a lot of kids have practice. I think I'll go tomorrow mid-morning after I run by Bud 's office for the meeting.

It's ready, join me in a cup?


You should visit Tony's Coffee Corner.

http://64.70.168.20/tlevcoffee.htm

Ashley's Basketball Schedule

January 6th = 8:30 am
January 13th = 9:50 am
January 20th = 1:10 pm
January 27th = 9:00 am
February 3rd = 11:30 am
February 10th = 12:20 pm
February 17th = 9:50 am
February 24th = 12:20 pm

Go Monk

Kristie, Kevin and I went to see We Are Marshall tonight night. I should start by saying I've been waiting on this movie was first announced nearly a year ago. I followed the filming news. As a hobby I study aircraft crashes and have well over 500 official accident reports in my office. The stories around this crash are intrigue me. I read the report again the day before seeing the movie. So my expectations going into this movie were off the charts. I expected them to deliver the story just as I had it in my mind and my heart.
In the first 10 minutes of movie, my expectations were satisfied. They paid attention to details. This movie delivered the story. I will admit I cried a some in this film. If you don't, then you are probably an uncaring newt. I've nothing but good things to say after seeing it. This film flows well. Just the way it needs to go. The acting in this movie is strong. McConaughey is interesting in his portrayal of Lengyel. Ian McShane does a fantastic job, as does David Strathairn. This movie is an amazing production with stunning visuals, tons of football action, and most importantly a truly moving story. I feel it is one of the best films of the year. GO SEE IT

It is a New Year. 2007 Some amazing things happened last year and I look for more this year. It was rainy and foggy New Years eve so no flying over the fire works like ever other recent year. But we had fun any way. First Richard, Kristie's brother, and his wife Lisa along with my niece and nephew Katlyn, and Logan ( "Uncle Buck" ) spent the first part of the night visiting with the rest of us. Kevin my other nephew was spending a few day with us so he could be here for the festivities. Amy, Joel and Ashley, following the tradition were here too, right where they belong co-hosting.

We had a good time eating and talking, eating and watching the TVcoverage, eating, playing games, eating and watching the new Pink Panther Movie, and then we all ate. We rang in the New Year with hugs and and a prayer for 2007, then we all slipped back to the den to eat a snack or two more. No fireworks and no flying but I still had a great time.