Rake

A new toy

2009-12-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

The world according to me and my iPod.

I trust all my friends had a very blessed Christmas.

Did you get everything you wanted?

I hope so.

Trip Photos

2009-11-09T09:11:00.009-05:00

A quick weekend trip to the Gold Coast and back.

Take off at Falcon Field - Peachtree City, GA.

The landing at Ocean Springs, MS.

Beau Rivage - Biloxi, MS

Getting the plane ready for take off in Ocean Springs, MS

Me

Fly over Auburn University.

The approach back to Falcon Field.

It was an enjoyable trip. I am happy to be home back with the family.

Dormant

2009-11-01T20:46:00.001-05:00

It's winter. Time for hibernation.

Cool day for some fastpitch Softball

2009-10-24T19:25:00.008-04:00

9U instructional fastpitch softball.
To say Candystick played the field today would be an understatement.

Candystick At bat

Playing Shortstop

Playing 1st base

Pitching
Getting momentum

The release

Another day on the ball field

She is growing up to be a wonderful young lady. Her mother and I are proud of her.

2009 Sharpsburg Smash

2009-10-24T17:30:00.001-04:00

Time

2009-10-23T06:49:00.000-04:00

My baby girl rocks on the fast pitch mound

2009-10-10T18:51:00.004-04:00

Candystick at 8 years old in 9U instructional league fast pitch softball.
2 innings pitched. 3 strikeouts. Allowing 1 run in the first and 4 in the second.
I can't wait until she gets stronger and her hands toughen up.

Fastpitch Softball

2009-10-05T13:57:00.002-04:00

2009 Fall Softball

2009-09-30T08:58:00.003-04:00

Death of a Salesman

2009-05-05T11:58:00.000-04:00

I have grown tired of this...........

Slugger

2009-05-04T09:03:00.003-04:00

I feel better.

Candystick did an excellent job on Saturday. I was proud.

She went 1 for 3. She came up to bat in the 3rd inning with the bases loaded. She smacked a double into the outfield - clearing the bases. She also fielded an excellent hit by the other team - holding their best hitter to only a single.

The mighty vipers won 14 to 1 in a called game due to rain in the bottom of the 3rd inning.

Rake has left the building.

Softball Photos

2009-04-22T09:10:00.009-04:00

Opening Day of Softball Season

Softball Tournament

Thanks Coach Maggie for the photos!

Mighty Casey

2009-04-20T12:01:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful Saturday for softball. Rake and family eased into the day by sleeping a little later than usual. Our first game wouldn't be until 11:45AM. We packed the cooler with drinks and the sacks full of snacks and lunch.

Candystick was all ready and couldn't get started quick enough. She and I threw the ball for about 20 minutes before we left the house. With her socks pulled high and her hair pulled back, she was looking the part.

What would be normally a 30 minute ride took a little longer. I knew this so we left early. We needed to replace a lost chin strap for her helmet. 2 stops later - we still had no chin strap. All was saved when we arrived at the ballpark. A mom gave us the one she had picked up off the dugout floor at our previous game.

The tournament started out with 2 pool games to decide the tournament brackets. As it turned out, the team we were to play at 11:45AM didn't show up for the tournament. It gave us that time to take some batting practice and do some fielding. One win easy enough.

The 2nd game was a different story. This team had lost their first match and came to our game ready to play. Like normal, it took us a few innings to get the girls warmed up and playing good softball. It was a tug of war with our Mighty Vipers losing in the end 16 to 19. A couple of bright spots were all the girls got hits. They were making good decisions on the bases. A couple of position misplacements by us coaches allowed a few hits to get past the outfield - thus, scoring a couple extra runs that shouldn't have. That team had some hitters. Candystick and coaches oldest daughter both hit in the park home runs. They both were solid hits that rolled to the 198ft left field fence.

We had a long break after the pool games. We ate lunch and watched other teams play. The 13 and up was playing near the pavilion. They are something to watch. I am glad our girls got to see some older girls playing and some of the things they were doing.

Our first tournament game was against the only team we have lost to in our regular season. It was also the team that had beat the team we lost to in pool game #2. I was a little apprehensive going into this game. However, our girls showed they were up to the challenge and defeated them. Our pitcher was the only hitter to get a home run in that game. It was another game where the girls really did a good job of hitting and moving runners around the bases. They played good defense.

Our fourth game of the tournament was disappointing. We lost. 13 to 0. I thought our girls played extremely well. They hit the ball well. They fielded well. However, we were well out skilled.

We left the ballpark after 6:30PM. We were all exhausted and a little sunburned. We had applied sunscreen. But, we could tell the places we had missed. Candystick seemed to really enjoy herself and I think is getting more excited about softball with each passing game.

We stopped off a Mexican restaurant on the way home. We filled up on chips and salsa and cheese dip. We enjoyed our entrees and soon were headed home.

Rake is feeling the burn

Mudville

2009-04-15T09:50:00.001-04:00

This seasons softball schedule has been beaten by both the weather and spring break. It has made for a slow start. The girls practiced well before the season started. Most teams don't practice too much once the season starts. Usually a game during the week and one on the weekend is enough to keep them going.

Georgia has experienced on and off again rain. We have just completed spring break where no games were scheduled. So, we started off with a BANG! Then off a week for rain. A late Friday night make-up game where you could tell the girls were really tired and didn't want to be there. More rain and spring break - no games.

We arrived at the ballpark around 6:30 for our 7:15 scheduled game. Side stepping all the mud holes and underwater grassy areas - we make our way to the field. It was cold. The wind was blowing and I had on a short sleeve shirt - what was I thinking? The field was in better condition than the area outside of the diamond. However, it had areas that you wanted to avoid. Not the best game conditions - but if we don't start playing games soon, we will have a 4 game season!

Last night was our first time back on the diamond since the April 3rd makeup game. The girls seemed excited. However, they had a very slow start. 1 run in the first two innings.

The game started to slip away by the 4th inning. We were the home team batting in the bottom of the 4th with 2 outs and losing 9 to 4. It was about 50 minutes into an hour scheduled game. Hope was all but gone for the mighty Vipers. That's when our bats came alive and their gloves went away. We ended up scoring 7 runs before they could record the 3rd out.

We headed into the top of the 5th inning ahead 11 to 9. Their best 2 batters coming up to bat first. We hold both of them to singles. We then record 3 outs in the next 4 batters. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep the first two from scoring. The score was tied 11 to 11 heading into the bottom of the 5th.

Knowing time had basically expired and we were on extended time, we needed to score.

Candystick was first up to bat. I had coached her to swing away as she approached the batters box. I had told her to attack the ball in front of the plate and hit towards 3rd base. Their pitcher (circle player) was a wall. She didn't let anything pass her and she was throwing everyone out at first. Candystick was soon in the hole with an 0-2 count. I called to her to soften her swing and and just make contact. She watched the next two pitches go by. She was down to her 5th and final pitch. CONTACT! The softball traveled straight to 3rd base. The player scooped up the ball and threw to first. Candystick lollygagging down the baseline was almost thrown out. She was safe.

The next batter quickly went down on strikes.

Then comes Sizzle up to bat. She's the coaches youngest daughter playing up 1 level. She is good! I told Candystick to run on any hit. Only coming back if the ball was caught in the air - but to run like the wind. Sizzle made good contact sending the bright yellow ball into the outfield. Candystick took off running. She caught sight of the 3rd base coach signaling keep running. She headed towards 3rd. The coach was giving her the green light to go home. Candystick rounded third base as the throw was coming in to the pitcher. Before the pitcher could gather the ball and hold it into the air to call time - Candystick crossed home plate and the ump called the game over! Vipers Win! Vipers Win!

It was a roller coaster of emotions. It was depressing - it was exciting - it was fun! I am not sure who enjoys this little league softball more Rake or Candystick.

A long weekend away

2009-04-13T09:12:00.004-04:00

Our family only travelled about 40 miles from home. It was a weekend away from home just to get away. We travelled to the quiet town of Villa Rica, GA. I know - not exactly the travellers destination getaway. None the less - we enjoyed our stay at Wyndham at Fairfield Plantation.

If you are around the Atlanta area, I would suggest a weekend away here. It's quiet and relaxing.

Unfortunately, I do not have any photos of my own to share with you. We didn't take a camera. Some say "What happens in Villa Rica - Stays in Villa Rica." GrumpsandGranna does though. Scoot on over there to see the write up with photos. They took in the place Thursday night and Friday with us.

A stolen photo from Grumps:

Grumps even got to go fishing with his granddaughter. Too bad it was cold and windy. The fish weren't biting either. Therefore, Candystick wasn't into fishing for very long. Maybe next time Grumps we can hit an active fishing hole and keep her interested.

We did seem to be a little more active than a getaway weekend normally would have been. I know Cinderella wishes she could have spent more time reading out on the screened porch off the master bedroom. It was a bit cool though.

The run down of activities for a weekender:
Thursday - drive the 45 minutes, check-in, drive another 30 minutes to eat at Golden Corral. Finish the night off playing Yahtzee.
Friday - Fish while the ladies (Cinderella and Granna) goes shopping, Eat lunch and nap before the ladies even get back, travel to Carrolton to eat dinner at the Lazy Donkey.
Saturday - Sleep in, travel 45 minutes to downtown Atlanta to watch the Georgia Yellow Jacket softball team blank the North Carolina State Wolfpack 5 to 0, travel to Douglasville to go shopping at Arbor Place mall, eat at Tokyo Steak and Seafood house.
Sunday - pack up and get back to attend Easter services (I was the substitute teacher for the teen Sunday school class - It went really well).

Whew! I need to go back to work to rest!

Rake has picked up his toys and headed home.

Fishing at Papa's lake

2009-04-06T12:44:00.004-04:00

Candystick enjoyed out visit with Gigi and Papa.
He took her fishing in his pond Saturday night.

I think she was still scared of it.

Rake and Cinderella enjoyed our peaceful time at Gigi's bed and breakfast at Papa's pond.
Rake is planning another visit soon to try and get in on the action!

Camping - Vogel State Park

2009-03-31T20:54:00.016-04:00

OK. It rained about 80% of the time we were gone. We couldn't keep our clothes (feet/shoes/hats/jackets/shirts/pants...all of it) dry. I finally had to make a clothes line that stretched above the fire. yeah - we're hillbillies.

Candystick and I arrived Friday evening at Vogel State Park with about an hours daylight left in the day. GA-400 and Alpharetta - you can keep it. There's nothing there worth that drive!.

I quickly got to work on the tent set-up. Once that chore was done, our bedding stuff was moved from the truck to the tent. I then unpacked the new screen canopy that I had purchased. Night was falling quick. It was still raining and I had no clue where even to start. Luckily, some nice folks at the camp next to ours helped out. Thanks guys!

It was about 8:30 and raining. Candystick and I retired to the tent for a game of Yatzee. I was soon talking her into turning out the light and getting some rest. She took the bait and soon the light was off and I was fast asleep.

The next morning came really early. Candystick was ready to go. It was not raining but still dark. I couldn't see my watch. I had taken my glasses off to set up the camp and left them in the truck. We gathered our stuff and headed to the facilities to shower and get ready for the day.

We finished all that and returned to the tent (still dark outside). I retrieved my glasses and was able to read my watch. After getting ready, it was still only 5:45AM. ouch! I curled up in the mass of blankets and fell asleep while she played on the DS.

The sun finally decided to show up. We exited the tent and met a really pretty Saturday morning. It was still wet from 3 days of rain. However, things where calm and fairly warm. (keep this in mind - tomorrow morning will be totally different). I quickly got busy getting things ready for breakfast. The Menu: Scrambled eggs and bacon wrapped in a tortilla. Mine with a little added salsa.

We headed down to the Rangers office after breakfast to update them on the camp site we had chosen the night before and to retrieve our camp pass. The Ranger had told us that it was okay to come back the next day with the datails. Before we got to the office, I spotted Duck and daughter starting the loop around the campgrounds. I turned in behind him and flashed my lights and guided him to our campsite.

We exchanged hello's and got him set up in camp. We sat around a while until the rain started again. I talked everyone into a trip into Blairsville. We piled into the truck and headed out of the wet camp. We stopped off and checked in and updated them of our location.

We headed into "town". I say town - but what I mean is a place locals live and maybe hang out at the McDonalds. Not much there. We were hoping that there would be a Walmart or something that we could walk around and waste some time while God felt it necessary to water the mountains with plenty of rain. Alas, nothing. Nota. Nope. Squat! A CVS, A Piggly Wiggly (maybe) and a few trinket stores. Duck talked me into trying to find a Geocache. I was getting pretty frustrated by this point. So, off we went in search of a tiny film canister using billion dollar satellites and hand held GPS devices in the rain. Oh what joys!

We ended up finding that one cache and heading back to camp. Sorry Duck - I wasn't in the mood.

Back in camp, we ate lunch under the screen canopy. The girls made duck faces (pun intended) at each other while we ate. They all sneered at me as I gobbled down my Vienna sausages.

After lunch, we kicked around the fire for a while. The rain had stopped again. The girls played/burned a few marshmallows.

They soon drew bored of that and we talked them into a hike around the lake there at Vogel State park. I think the walk to the lake was longer than the walk around the lake. Half way around the lake - we took a side excursion down the backside of the damn to see the waterfall. Neat stuff.

I really love the look of the mountains.

The girls quizzed us on the temp of the water. We told them cold. I don't think they believed us. So, we let them see for themselves. Remember - it's probably 50 degrees outside. Glad the mom's weren't around to scold us!

We headed back to camp for dinner. Roasted hot dogs would be our meal of choice. We broke out all the stops for this camp delight. I think the girls enjoyed cooking their own meals.

and eating....

Soon after the things of supper were put up and smores were made, the sky once again opened up with thunder and rain. We all took hot showers during this time and retired to our tents satisfied that the rest of the evening was shot.

Did I mention that the weather was getting colder? I thought I may have spoken of it earlier. Did I mention that Candystick and I swapped locations due to a leaking tent? Nope - oh well we did. I took her wet sleeping bag and she took my dry one. Did I mention that the temperature was in the lower 30's Sunday morning. Oh yeah. And we were waking up in a tent. Whew - what fun! I was physically shaking uncontrollable when I would wake in the middle of the night with another water drop to the forehead. I signed up for this? To top it off... When I asked Candystick if she had gotten cold in the night - she quickly let me know she didn't. She didn't even have socks on!

Sunday morning breakfast was the same as Saturday morning. Only this time I was treated with someone else cooking.

We enjoyed our meals and soon started to break camp. It took way longer to break camp than it did to set it up. I found wet clothes everywhere. We decided that the fun was not yet over. Hiking and Gem mining was on order. We closed camp and headed out. Our first stop was DeSota Falls. We hiked to the lower falls, took some pictures and went about our way.

The next stop was gem mining. Candystick loves this stuff. She begged and begged for this activity. She got her wish....a day later than she really wanted.

This is where to two families had to say their goodbyes. Just up the road a piece we would be taking different paths home. We enjoyed our short time with Ed and Merideth. Thanks guys and gals for a great rainy camping weekend. We didn't let the rain keep us from enjoying the time together.

Sorry it took so long to get this up. I am serving jury duty this week. Oh the joys of adulthood. Also, we are headed out of town this weekend and next. So, more updates may be slow coming. Stay tuned though. Life is just begining!

Rake has left the building.

Earth Hour

2009-03-26T11:31:00.004-04:00

Earth Hour
Saturday March 28th, 2009.
8:30 PM local time

Can you live without power for this very important event?

I am proud to say I will be without power for this event.
In fact - I will be without power for almost 48 hours. I am going above and beyond the requested power saving. Of course, I have a camping trip planned. I will be sure to turn off the flash light during this time.

So, I ask you to join me and others in turning off power for at least 1 hour.

I found this interesting today. Never thought camping and vogue went together. But, I guess a writer can be as creative as they wish.
CNN camping story

Rake is planning on leaving the light behind.

Making it easy

2009-03-25T14:13:00.004-04:00

I thought I would make it easy to connect the dots if I was to ever show up on the FBI's most wanted list. So, I have posted a link to the right along with the FBI's new high tech "Most Wanted" widgit. Now, If I ever pop up on the "Most Wanted" list, then you, my fellow blog followers, will be able to report me immediately.

Thanks and have a nice day.

Just in case you needed it. I have attached a picture of what I might look like if I was listed on the FBI's most wanted list. Just for your entertainment.

Camping

2009-03-24T11:48:00.004-04:00

Yes. It's that time again.

This time we are saddling up and meeting Duck and his daughter for a father-daughter camping trip. Candystick is getting excited. I need to get the list together. Check it twice. Get it loaded and off we go!

Look for post write-ups coming soon!

Full Swing

2009-03-22T06:19:00.011-04:00

The 2009 softball season opened with a bang on Saturday. The League had opening ceremonies and the girls had the first game on the list (a 10:30am start time). The ceremony was good. Introductions of all the teams with prize drawings. A balloon release in memory of a former supporter of the league who lost their battle with cancer. Lastly, team pictures.

We welcomed both of Candystick's grandparents to the game. My parents made the trip down from Chatsworth. Cinderella's parents made the trip in from Fayetteville. The were not let down. The excitement level was high and the team performed wonderfully.

The team scored the max 6 runs in the first inning. Everyone was hitting the ball. The first inning ended when Candystick smacked the ball into the outfield, circling the bases, and obtaining her first recorded home run. It was the most exciting first inning.

You will find the ball up on the left side of the picture.

Thanks Papa for the photo.

Things settled down a bit after that inning. I think we really shocked the other team with our batting. At the 8U level, big hits are few and far between. Usually obtained by maybe 2 players per team. We have at least 6 players that when they connect can really produce bat speed and power.

The second inning things went a little flat as we didn't score any runs. The third inning was more of the first inning. The bats came alive and another 6 runs scored. Luckily, our girls held on didn't let the other team score any run until the third inning. The girls lost their focus for a short amount but pulled it back together to save the inning. They came to bat again with the time limit nearing. The umpire announced if 3 runs scored it would be over. 4 batters later - we had the three runs and the game was called. The final score was 15-3.

I couldn't be more please with Candystick's batting stance. We have worked on her hitting over the winter and she is listening and understanding the pointers I give. Opening day she showed she had listened. She went 3 for 3 with 2 doubles and a home run. I tried to explain she had a 1,000 batting average. However, I lost her in the calculations - she wasn't interested.

Thanks Grumps for the photo.

Please visit Grump's and Granna's photo blog here: Click here
Also, visit their main blog page for the Saturday daily dish. Click Here

Here a few more photos send back to us from Papa.

The first base coach has left the field.

OPENING DAY

2009-03-19T11:48:00.006-04:00

The 2009 spring 8 and under softball season starts early Saturday morning for the Rake family. Candystick will be in the line-up for the Vipers.

The league is under rules governed by the ASA.

The team is looking fairly sharp this year. We have several players returning from last year. The coach was able to pick up some good talent from the draft. It should make for an excellent year.

Up until now, we have scrimmaged against 2 other teams. While having some really good players on those teams, I think both do not have the depth we have of talent. In comparison to last year, we might have had 2 players who could regularly hit for multiple bases. This year we have at least 6 players who can put the ball behind the normal position of the outfielders. That makes for many runs.

In our last scrimmage game, in all innings played, our batters batted around the order. 3 outs were never the reason for stoppage.

So, I am pumped about this weekends opening day. I can't wait to see our little ladies in action. I am sure they all will have a great time win or lose. I think we will be well represented from Candysticks family. We're doing our job to fill the seats.

War Eagle

2009-03-14T17:39:00.013-04:00

A quick weekend trip was planned. Last year, Rake's family and P.J.'s family enjoyed our trip to see the amazing Georgia Gymdogs in action. So this year, we planned a trip to Auburn to watch the Auburn Tiger women's gymnastics. Austin, my nephew, was in town and went along for the ride. Let it be known, we didn't have to twist his 21 year old arm into going to see college girls do gymnastics.

We checked into our hotel went to dinner. Mellow Mushroom downtown was the spot. The food was great and the waitress was pleasant.

Soon we were headed towards the coliseum. Here are a few pictures along the way.
The girls outside Jordan Hare Stadium. War Eagle!

Austin is not a huge Auburn fan.

Once inside: We were able to get the girls hometown shirts for $5 each!

We sat about 6 rows up from the beam. The beam was Auburn's downfall. They out scored The Ohio State on each of the other events. However, with 4 of of the 5 girls falling from the beam and The Ohio State not falling at all, really sank the teams chance for an outright victory.

It was senior night and the Seniors did an outstanding job. Not even knowing them - I was proud of them.

After the event, we headed to Chick-Fil-A to get some milk shakes and some food.

We enjoyed out visit to Auburn University. We mentioned going to see the Alabama Gymnastics maybe next year. I guess we are on a college tour of Gymnastics. It's fun to just get out and enjoy times with family and friends. Thank you P.J. and family!

The ride home got a little crazy. We all met up at Golden Corral for brunch. On the way out, Candystick noticed a gumball machine. This was no ordinary gumball machine. These gumballs were about the size of a racket ball. It was enough that I got a bite and the remainder was gobbled up by Candystick and Cinderella.

Enjoy!

Rake and Austin are going out to buy groceries. Cinderella and Candystick are in Douglasville seeing cousins. Watch Grannaandgrumps websites for photos from that event. Later!

Cute

2009-03-13T08:52:00.001-04:00

Talipia night

2009-03-09T20:19:00.011-04:00

Talipia

Since we have enjoyed Salmon a couple of times lately, I decided to venture out into other fish. Talipia was the fish of choice. I had heard of the good taste and ease of cooking from Porcupine. She prefers the patio grille - I will settle for the George Foreman Grille.

This is the results:

5 filets of Talipia (~$4.00)
1 cup of Rice (~$1.00)
Carrots and Broccoli (~1.00)

I started to the rice to boil.
I cut up the carrots and broccoli
I spread olive oil over the filets.
-- 3 filets into the George Foreman Grille.
-- 2 filets into the flour/salt/pepper batter.
Trying to time it all correctly - 5 minutes into cooking the rice:
I started the heat on the vegetables. Turning my attention to the oil in the frying pan, getting it hot and ready for the floured fish.

Once the fish was frying, the other filets went into the foreman grille.

The timing was pretty good. The rice could have been removed a few moments before - but nothing serious.

We sat down to enjoy our meal.

Candystick ate all her vegetables and asked for more fish. That is an awesome feeling when an 8 year old eats all her vegetables.

Difficult economic times or not - that's a pretty good meal for 3 under $10.

Rake has left the table.