Center Hill '06

This vacation started as an idea and was finally put into motion last week when the Chapel Hill Gang (Mom, Screwboy and his family, Sis and her family) and mysel rented a house boat from Center Hill Marina for 5 days and 4 nights. With the weather flirting with the 100 degree mark, stepping outside and jumping in the lake turned out to be pretty damn nice. With an air-conditioned cabin, enough pizza rolls and hamburgers to feed an army, enough beer to supply a Septer family reunion, and oh yeah a 190 foot deep lake to play in, someone could find something to keep them busy out there if need be. Natalie suffering a bee sting was probably the low point of the trip, but all ended well. I think we're gonna see if they'll let us come back next year...

Here's a pic of Erin right before impact. If I had to guess, the top of the boat was probably 8-1/2 to 9 foot above the water and everyone (5-45 years of age) took the leap from the top.

Some more graceful than others. I think uncle Nate changed his mind on how he wanted to enter the water while in mid jump. He had a better idea next time he jumped.

The slide seemed to be the favorite source of fun for Erin and Cassie, not so much for uncle caulkboy. Note to self : water the slide before liftoff....screeeeeeeeech!

Before the jet-skiers started tearing it up, I caught this sunrise on Tuesday morning.

Ryan's Ballgame

Well, I finally got out to my nephew's ballgame on Monday. Today's matchup was between the Marlins and the Rays (not Devil Rays, it's a church league). I don't think anyone wins or loses but to see a little guy who you watched grow up was pretty awesome. Here's a few pics of the action..

Ryan really has a grasp on the finer points of the game.

Eye on the ball, very impressive.

And just like a ball player, always wear your game face. I think the final stats were, 2 for 3 with 2 singles, and a run scored.

Just for the record, I retired my camera phone, entered the 90's and bought a digital camera. I'll either break it or lose it soon, so I have to take as many pictures as I can.

Phoenix Golf - 7/12/06

I can't come up with anything smart or witty to say about this week of golf. I'm really not sure what the scores were either so here's some pics of Big A's swing. I think he ran out of tees and began using beer cans. I'm taking next week off to go to Center Hill Lake so to all my fans, I'll see ya next week...Here's a close up of Big A's balls...nice huh?

A backswing not much unlike John Daly..

Keeps the front side square ... (whatever that means)

Head down during contact...(a lot of can)
Woops! I must not have finished that one. They get hot quick out on the course and turn into horse piss. Note to self : Need to drink faster. This drive ended up approx 200 yards from the tee box and barely in the right side rough. The can ended up at the end of the tee box. Nice ball....

Big Wussy Award

Every year the PH.A.R.T. crew (PHoenix Anglers Reelers and Trollers) head down to Orange Beach Alabama for some deep sea fishing. I won't go into details about how lucky I am to be a part of this company but it is a pretty sweet deal. Bussed down there, put up in a nice hotel, and sent out into the gulf to catch as many as you can all expenses paid is damn nice.

There is always talk of a "Big Fish Pot" where everyone antes 10 bucks and the person who catches the biggest fish, wins the pot. Never once have we ever done this that I can remember. Pictured here is the 2005 "Big Wussy Tiara". It goes to the guy who either can't go because he needs to spend time with his wife or the guy who stays on the phone with his girlfriend the whole trip or something similar, you get the picture. It was awarded to Mr. Beard in 2005 for not attending (big mistake).

Hopefully I'll be returning Sunday with enough fish to supply a fish fry sometime later this year. I'll keep yall posted. In the meantime here's a couple links to keep ya busy...

Annie Girl

Marina Cam (gimme a second to load)
You can control the Marina cam by clicking the button in the bottom right hand corner. We'll be returning to the dock at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday.

The Dock