ANDY'S PLACE...

Christmas junk around Andy's Place...

2009-12-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hey y'all! Hugs, kisses, yada yada yada...

Not much going on around Andy's Place, except for having every single minute occupied with something to do, preparing for Christmas. Humbug.

We finally broke out the Christmas decorations yesterday afternoon. The Mrs., and future daughter-in-law were going through the junk, figuring out what to use. I walked through the living room, and then:

The Mrs.: "Andy, CATCH! I mean, really catch this...it's glass, and it's got a crack in the bottom. Throw it away."

She then throws me an old round tree ornament, dated Christmas 1983, or something.

Me: (inspecting the crack) "This isn't glass. It's plastic."

The Mrs.: "You sure?"

Me: "Heck yeah, look!"

So, I slam it down on the hardwood floor, readying to catch it as it bounces back.

Smash!

The Mrs.: "Go get the canister vacuum. Moron."

Airman on the left...Soldier on the right.

Yep, #1 son has been here for a week, and #3 son made it in from Fort Sam Houston on Wednesday night. We've been having a good time. These brothers haven't seen each other in almost 3 years. Even though they are 10 years apart in age, they get along real well. It's good to have them home...even for a little while.

We are all going to see Tim Hawkins tonight. I understand that he is hilarious, and it's the kind of clean, fun, family Christmas show that even 13 year old son will love.

Actually, we've been looking at some videos on his website...funny. Check out "Short Songs," "Chick-fil-A," and "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Ought to be a hoot!

Well, that's all I got...

Y'all have a great Friday.

First strike! Not a bad idea for gals...or maybe even guys...

2009-12-17T16:04:00.005-06:00

This is something I never had thought of, but I should have. If you live anywhere near where there are wasps, you have probably shot down the little red demons from long range. I know I've killed more than my fair share with pleasure!

Cowdad sent me a computer letter that I found very interesting. In the public interest I'm passing it along. Don't bother to thank me...

Home Security Spray---THIS IS NOT A J0KE!

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck some one's evil plans for you.

On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self defense experts have a tip that could save lives and injury.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School. For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says "spray the culprit in the eyes".... It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out. Maybe even save a life.

Wasp Spray -
A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. Thought this was interesting and might be of use.

Heh! New Buick Open Trophy...

2009-12-17T07:21:00.002-06:00

Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett go for a stroll.

2009-12-17T06:16:00.003-06:00

Or, maybe it's just a couple of Dallas Cowboy fans. Not sure...

Chick group Wednesday night...

2009-12-16T18:40:00.003-06:00

Every once in a while, I just want to withdraw from everything...politics, culture, family junk...

And, I often turn to videos of Ronnie Spector & my distant cousins, Jim and Martha. Many of you know that I am related to one of the greatest Country/crossover stars in the history of music. But, I'll bet you didn't know that I am also related to one of the biggest Motown stars. Well...now you do.

So, let's take a look at Ronnie...

How did such a hot babe ever hook up with such a freak???

Now...my cousin, Martha.

Holiday "FUN" at Andy's Place...

2009-12-16T06:43:00.002-06:00

We invited a special guest to join in our family fun this year...

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Say your prayers...

2009-12-15T17:32:00.002-06:00

Hey y'all!

Hugs, kisses, yada yada yada...

I think it was in 1989 when I was SURE that the world was coming to an end. Then it was in 1992, and then Y2K was gonna do us all in. (dang right!)

And now, I'm ABSOLUTELY, POSIVITELY SURE!!! THAT 2012 IS GONNA BE IT!

I mean, them Mayans made a pretty good calendar.

So, we're toast! The honeybees have all died...the crops have vanished...stinkin' Arkansas Hog fan flu has killed all thirty fans...folks are eating other folks like back in the Bible days...

It is ALL OVER!

But ya' know...I love my Calendar Girl! This is one bitchin' video...

Be sure and watch it all the way to the end. It's really cool! Trust me...

You'll never see a better example of a homo trying to act straight, and failing. Trust me...

I am an idiot...

2009-12-15T16:46:00.002-06:00

Okay, a couple of days ago, I advised y'all on how to make "Marshmallow Guns" for celebrating Christmas.

I had told y'all to buy 3/4" pvc to manufacture your pvc guns.

Eldest son went to Lowe's today to get the equipment necessary. He got back, and said "Dad, I think we should have bought 1/2" pvc. This stuff looks way too big...not like I remember."

Crud...he's right. It's supposed to be 1/2 " pvc...

Crud.

Take two seconds...

2009-12-15T12:48:00.003-06:00

...and help my cousin's friend win something.

No registration...no nothin'!

As an experiment, I'd like to see if all four million of you that visit Andy's Place can "Move The Chain," and help in an online vote for "Triathlete Widow of the Year." I think that's like a "golf widow," except that she's married to a really fit guy...not somebody that smokes cigars, drinks beer, and rides around in a cart all day.

Go here, and vote for Janet.

Thanks y'all! I'll be interested to see how far we can push the ball by tomorrow.

(I just love helpin' cheatin' cheaters cheat in online vote stuff...)

Tragic News From Up North...

2009-12-15T08:08:00.001-06:00

Paul the Fireguy sends along bad news this morning...

Nyuk!

Wedding video...

2009-12-14T12:40:00.003-06:00

Hey y'all!

Hugs, kisses, yada yada yada...

Today, a buddy of mine since High School sent me a link to the photos from his daughter's wedding a few weeks ago. They are truly gorgeous! A beautiful bride, a handsome groom, and one of the most gorgeous settings for a wedding on the Pacific Coast...like a storybook deal or something...

But, at almost the same time, my old (ancient) retired buddy, Cowdad, down in Florida sent me a link to a video of an Israeli wedding. I pondered for many long ~~seconds~~ hours as to which I should post.

Be sure and watch it until the end. (Content alert)

Got rythm?

2009-12-14T09:17:00.003-06:00

Paul the Fireguy sends along a toe-tapper, that really put a grin on my ugly old face this Monday morning.

Watch the little boy just to the right of Ernie. I wonder how it felt to upstage a big star.

Aaaaaahhhh....simpler times!

What to do? What to do? What to do???

2009-12-13T13:34:00.003-06:00

Got a situation on my hands that I just can't quite decide what to do about...

I have kicked myself in the butt over this very same situation for a few years now.

My head tells me one thing. My heart tells me another. The right thing has gotta be somewhere in between...

Right?

Right?

Don't you just hate it when you are confronted with a test of your beliefs, faith, humanity, compassion...then mean ol' Mr. Experience rears his ugly head?

Crud...

Behind on my reading...

2009-12-13T09:16:00.004-06:00

Hi y'all! Good Sunday Morning!

I have been some bizzzeeee! Eldest son got in early evening last night. He looks good. Looking forward to a great time the next few weeks.

I had forgotten to tell y'all that my beloved Tribe, of William & Mary was knocked out of the FCS playoffs on Friday night. Crap! We wuz robbed! I watched that game against the cheating cheaters of Villanova. And, I'll tell y'all, they had the stinkin' cheating refs in their pocket on that one. Bunch of stinkin' cheaters...

One thing the FCS playoffs teaches us is that when/if the big boys ever start a playoff system to determine a national champion, it's all gotta be "neutral field." Use the current bowl games, and ALL neutral fields, so that nobody can get screwed by the cheating refs like my Tribe did.

Well, whatcha' gonna' do? Good season Tribe! One stinkin' point away from the championship...y'all should be proud of your great season.

Stinkin' 'Nova cheaters...

I'm trying to do my catch-up reading. Look what can happen if you don't read much for a couple of days...

So, I'm back at it. I'm wading through all these blog posts and news stories this morning. If I find something interesting, I'll share it. If not, I'll just write out something real dull and original.

Y'all have a great Sunday!

The "Prodigal" Returns...

2009-12-12T16:55:00.003-06:00

Well, he's not really a "prodigal" son, but he's coming home! My eldest son, and his wife are scheduled to hit Andy's Place in about an hour and a half.

I'm nervous. I think we all are.

It has been almost 3 years since Dean has been back "home" in Bossier City. He has been studying chink, studying intelligence junk, and studying "survival" stuff for his job in the Air Force. So, he's not like a real "prodigal son" that took his inheritance (which will be a massive amount, btw) early, and spent it all on liquor & wild women, only to find himself in the hog sty.

Nope, he's coming home under much different circumstances than did the "prodigal son." But, I am just as apprehensive as the prodigal's father.

We have spent the great bulk of the afternoon readying the joint for his arrival. I've been getting the apartment ready, cleaning up the bathrooms, sweeping...doing just anything to stay occupied...

Pam is now preparing a good old southern meal...Buttermilk cornbread, purple-hull peas, her world-famous potato casserole, and deviled eggs (Dean's wife's favorite).

All afternoon a song has been going through my head... Back in the early 90's, there was this contemporary Christian song with the lyrics, "I will rise, and go to my Father's house...where there's room, plenty of room! Oh, there's plenty of food at my Father's table, and he will welcome me there."

I looked all over YouTube, and the world-wide computer to find it. FAIL!

But that song was really special to me in the early 90's. At that time, we lived far, far away from "home." Even though I was not a "prodigal" type myself, I would sing that song in my head as we got back close to "home." I knew Momma & Daddy would be waiting with open arms, loving hearts, and plenty of "food." 'Cause there's always plenty of food in My Father's House.

Well, I gotta go. There's more sweeping to do, and I gotta go clean up the toilet in the apartment. Y'all have a good evening. I'll see ya' when I see ya'. I got important junk to do...

Speaking of Tiger...some thoughts on infidelity...

2009-12-12T14:22:00.000-06:00

This is likely to be a disjointed post...again. As a Christian, I have some "unorthodox" views on marriage that other Christians find odd. But, that's for another time...

I want to address this Tiger Woods story, but more specifically the subject of marital infidelity.

I'm against it.

Now, in my younger days, I would rail against men who were unfaithful to their wives. To me, it was not so much a matter of "thou shalt not commit adultery," as it was "a man that can break that sacred trust will do anything!" I was strident in that opinion, and often spoke it.

But, as time rocked along, and I began to understand better my own faults, failings, sins, etc. it became almost a revelation from God: "Andy, your sins are just as grievous to God as theirs." In truth, our Savior taught us that even to "lust" brings us on par with the adulterer. Jesus strengthened "The Law" through His ministry...thus making perfection impossible for a man, save through the sacrifice of His blood, and our faith in said sacrifice.

So, SIN is SIN, and is all a stench in the nostrils of God. Forget "sin" for a moment...even an act of human "righteousness" smells like a 48 hour diaper, in contrast to the holiness of God.

As I grew older (and hopefully wiser), I came to know many men that had been unfaithful to their wives. And, I discovered that I was wrong in the assumption that their marital unfaithfulness meant that they "would do anything." It just simply was not the truth. Most of them had found forgiveness, redemption, and had regained trust...but some had not. And some never will. That is the "wage" that their sin paid them...a "death" of something very sacred, and settling...the complete trust of their spouse & family.

Tiger is stupid for not dealing with his problem before it blew his, and his family's life to pieces. In fact, he likely has some diagnosable psychosis that he's ignored. I hope he does deal with it, and puts the jigsaw puzzle back together, regardless of whether it will always be missing some pieces.

I have two dear friends (friends for over 30 years with both) that have recently found themselves in extramarital affairs. And both of them told me, "Andy, I NEVER thought this would happen to me. I NEVER in my wildest dreams thought I'd end up being unfaithful." But they were...and they are receiving a burdensome wage for it. So be on guard, fellows (and gals)! If it could happen to these two buddies of mine, I guar-on-tee that it can happen to any of us.

Let me wrap this up. Tiger Woods is a professional golfer...probably the greatest to ever play the game. As far as I know, there is not a "morals clause" to carry a PGA card. I could be wrong, but he's not the only horndog out there on the tour. His story will likely put a big old hickey on professional golf for a long, long time. In the eyes of many, Tiger "is golf."

But, he is not a Pastor that preaches against adultery. He is not a teacher responsible for shaping young minds. He is not an elected official responsible for making policy that truly impacts our lives. In my memory, I don't recall Tiger ever setting himself up as a "beacon" of morality. Maybe society has projected that onto him.

But, due to his obvious schizophrenia/spiritual imbalance/horndoggedness, perhaps we can all learn a lesson. Hey! I just thought of a really neat phrase that might just catch on..."You can't judge a book by its' cover!" (I might get some traction out of that one...remember, you heard it here first!)

Celebrate the coming of "The Prince of Peace" with a war!...

2009-12-12T13:02:00.003-06:00

...A "marshmallow war."

Looking for something fun to do on Christmas Day, as you gather with family & friends? Well, I got an idear for you!

About 5 years ago, my older brother showed up for Christmas at Momma & Daddy's with one of the most fun things I'd seen. They brought about a dozen "marshmallow guns" that my brother had made. They brought enough for all the kids (kids meaning anyone between 6 & 60) that wanted to play.

You shoulda seen us 40 & 50-somethings rolling around in the floor, hiding behind couches, chairs...stealthily ducking into doorways to avoid incoming marshmallow fire. It was a hoot!

We're gonna have a lot of people around Andy's Place this Christmas for a change...so I've got me a big "marshmallow war" planned. And, you can too. Trust me, you'll enjoy it. Trust me.

You'll have to make some "marshmallow guns." This will be quite possibly the cheapest fun you've ever had except for that time you found the peephole to the girl's locker room back in Junior High, but I digress.

To make a marshmallow gun, you will need:

a) One stick 1/2" pvc pipe

b) Two 1/2" pvc T's

c) One 1/2" pvc elbow

d) Two 1/2" pvc caps

The whole mess should cost you about 3 bucks...maybe not that much.

Cut the pvc pipe into:

1 - 10" length for the end of the barrel

1 - 8" length to extend the barrel back to the mouthpiece

2 - 4" lengths for the handles

1 - 5" length for the mouthpiece

1 - 2" length to attach the barrel to the mouthpiece

You can use a simple hacksaw to cut the pvc pipe. I use my handy dandy ratcheting pvc cutter. I have one...well, because...it was cool, and I wanted one.

Then use the T's, elbows, and caps to assemble the gun. Do not be a dufus and use pvc glue. Just press the pieces together, so that you can take it apart later to fix an air conditioning drain or something.

Here you see the completed "simple marshmallow gun."

You're a sharp crowd, so I think you can handle the assembly without step-by-step instructions. (you can, can't ya'?)

If you're more of a "hand gun" type, you can drop some of the pieces and make a "marshmallow pistol."

Be creative! Be creative, I tell ya'! I've seen some marshmallow gun manufacturers get fancy by extending below the mouthpiece...building a "stock" from pipe & elbows. But just be sure to cap off everything except the barrel & mouthpiece. (In fact, if you build a fancy one, e-mail me a picture, and we'll post it up on the computer for other, less creative readers.)

You can also paint your marshmallow gun. I'm gonna make a half dozen, or so, and I'm thinking of going with "camo" this year...ya' know...in the spirit of "peace."

Now, when you're finished, go to WalMart, or the dollar store & buy the cheapest marshmallows that they sell. Don't be an idiot and buy the big ones...or equally stupid and buy those tiny little things...just the regular small marshmallows that will fit into the end of the barrel.

Just poke a marshmallow in the end of the barrel, and blow as hard as you can on the mouthpiece. You'll be surprised at how amazingly accurate these things are. Personally, I can fire one up to about 30 feet with accuracy. Man...was it ever fun smacking my baby brother in the eyeball with a marshmallow as he took aim on Momma! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Aaaaahhhh...good times.

These things are good for fun at most any occasion. Birthday parties, Super Bowl parties, funerals, etc.

Give it a rip this Christmas. As I said, it's some of the cheapest fun you'll have (at any age).

Equal time...

2009-12-11T08:07:00.002-06:00

Hi y'all!

Hugs, kisses, yada yada yada...

Yesterday, I made sport of the PisS U danceline/cheering gals. Well, it seems that I have been chastised by Walt, so I figured I'd give "equal time." I reckon you could call this a "guest post."

"Geez man, that was a low blow to Penn State. Here is a picture of some of their gals. Remember it's cold up there so they wear a few more clothes. But also notice that there is a lot less hair dye, a more natural look, and they don't look like they are 30 years old. I think some of them Southern Gals are making a career out of college cheering! Also, please note that the Penn State gals have an average 3.36 GPA. Kind of doubt that the Bama Gals have those kinds of grades.... unless..."

I just report. Y'all can decide...

Time to quit screwing around...

2009-12-11T07:30:00.003-06:00

The Mrs.: "I've got some good news for ya'!"

Me: "Great! What?"

The Mrs.: "You and I are going shopping, and if it takes all day, we are going to finish all the Christmas shopping."

Me: "Humbug!"

The Mrs: "Pansy."

Me: "Am not."

The Mrs: "Are too."

Me: "Maybe."

The Mrs: "Definitely."

Me: "Yes Dear. So, I'll admit it. You're right. I'm a Christmas shopping pansy."

The Mrs: "You still have to go."

Me: "Sigh..."

I'll see y'all when I see ya'. The Mrs. is right, as usual. It's time to quit screwing around and get this junk done. Eldest son and his wife will arrive tomorrow. 3rd son gets back on Tuesday night from Ft. Sam Houston, and this joyous holiday junk needs to get done ahead of all that.

HO HO HO! Joy to the world, and all. Y'all have a good Friday. One of us needs to...

As we prepare for the Capital One (What's in your wallet?) Bowl...

2009-12-10T09:45:00.001-06:00

...let's talk College Bands.

A University marching band is obviously an integral part of the college experience. They support their athletic teams, and provide much of the pageantry that makes College Football the enjoyable experience that it is.

Many, if not most college marching bands have attached a moniker to their group. For instance, The University of Arkansas Razorback Band is nicknamed "The best in sight and sound." The Florida Gator Band is "The Pride of The Sunshine." Ole Miss has tagged its' band, "The Pride of The South." (cough cough)

There are other, more clever nicknames. For example, USC's band is called "The Spirit of Trojan Rubbers," and Vanderbilt's marching band is known as "The Swirling Commodes."

My beloved LSU Tigers are supported by The Golden Band from Tigerland! Without doubt, it is one of the finest units to support any athletic program in these hyar United States! But, one of the best things about marching bands are the dancelines, and baton twirling gals that perform alongside the band for the entertainment of the fans.

At LSU, the danceline is named, "The Golden Girls." Clever, no? Get it..."Golden Band"..."Golden Girls?" Get it? Sure you do.

*Images courtesy of Paul the Fireguy* whose Ducks beat USC, because USC sucks!

LSU Golden Girls...

More LSU Golden Girls...

Since we at Andy's Place have already named Alabama the 2009 National Champion, (due to their win in the real national championship game over Florida in the SEC championship), let's take a look.

The 'Bama Crimson Tide Marching Band is nicknamed, "The Million Dollar Band." Sometimes, they're just called "MDB." I reckon that's short for "Million Dollar Band." The MDB is supported by their dancing-twirling "Crimsonettes."

I suppose they call 'em Crimsonettes, due to the "Crimson Tide" dealie. I mean, it might not sound good to call 'em "Million Dollar Gals," and attach some sort of financial value to 'em. That would be sexist. So, Crimsonettes seems fitting.

Alabama Crimsonettes

Well, it seems that when my beloved Tigers take the field on New Year's Day at the Capital One (What's in your wallet?) Bowl against Penn State University (also known as PisS U), the Nittany Lions will be proudly supported by their own little marching Band.

The PisS U Marching Band is most often referred to as simply, "The Blue Band."

Fitting, that their danceline carries a matching name.

The PisS U Blue Dogs...

Woof!

Getting in the Christmas Spirit...

2009-12-09T15:40:00.000-06:00

Well, there's big doings around Andy's Place getting ready for Christmas. Not really.

The Mrs. and I are really "Christmas Duds." We don't go whole hog like a lot of folks do. (We really never have)

Christmas around Andy's Place (where ever that might be) has always been pretty simple...just a few decorations in the living room, a Nativity Scene...two or three different kinds of 'em...the "snow babies" that the boys all loved when they were kids...a string of lights for mood.

No tree. Many, many years ago we lived in a place so tiny that there was no room for a tree. Our two oldest sons drew a tree on a piece of manila paper, and taped it to the wall. We stacked the gifts underneath it. It seemed to work just fine, so we haven't had a tree since. Like I said, "Christmas Duds!"

But, that is no reflection on our extended family. My Momma is SERIOUS about Christmas. I am quite sure that she owns every bit of Christmas paraphernalia ever manufactured (in the US, or abroad). Her house is always enough decorated for the all of us...much of it she has crafted herself...long story.

The Mrs.-in-law, though, does not quite go so overboard as my Momma. For a few years after my father-in-law died, she did not decorate at all. But in the last few years she has "felt like it" again. So, The Mrs. and I went to her place today to dig out the fake tree, the ornaments, decorations, and string the lights on the fake tree for her. She is in very good shape (and quite a beautiful woman as a side note) at 74, but the light-stringing is something she can't quite reach.

The Mrs.-in-law & I mulched up the rest of the leaves in her back yard, while Pam got busy on stringing the lights. We had a good time. My mother-in-law is a true blessing! Not every son-in-law can say that. Just sayin'....

This is why I don't put lights on my house.

I have fallen off a house. Twice. Two different houses. I'm sure it didn't do any permanent damage. Probably not. Maybe. Probably...

I stole this picture from Staci a while back, but am just now getting around to using it without her permission. This is the kind of "whole hog" decorating that I might work myself up to.

As always, click on it to get the big picture.

We are actually planning to "decorate" for Christmas when we get around to it. Humbug! No, really we're waiting for our eldest son, and his wife to get here this weekend. They will be staying with us for about 3 weeks, and we figured they'd need a task or two to occupy their time, and might enjoy the family junk, like old times.

He is in transit from his station at Fort Ord, to his new permanent station (if there is such a thing in the Air Force) at Offutt AFB in Nebraska. I'm sure he's gonna love it there. I hear it's lovely...especially this time of year.

My 3rd son will be back from Medic School at Fort Sam Houston on the 15th. This will be the first year in a long while that we have 3 of the 4 boys "home" for Christmas. #2 son can't make it from Ohio, due to his job. But 3 out of 4 ain't bad...

So, I'm getting in the spirit of the season! All I need is for them bowl games to get started, and I might just get "jolly."

Heh! My buddy Paul the Fireguy sent me this video. It's as cute as all get-out! Evidently, some high schoolers decided to perform Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" like silent monks would. It's cute...

Well, Merry Christmas y'all! Be sure and tell folks "Merry Christmas!" I get sick of those "happy holidays," "season's greetings" deals. It's Christmas, dangit!

Oh, those Cuh-razee Ukranians...

2009-12-09T07:52:00.003-06:00

Y'all might be old enough to remember "Pop-Rocks" candy. Heck, they may still have 'em for all I know. They were that candy you put in your mouth, and then it would kinda make a small explosion in your mouth.

Well, back when The Mrs. and I were dating, she had this little dog named "Susie." We decided to give her some Pop-Rocks just to see what happened. I'll swear, it was funny...don't tell the PETArds, okay???

Well, it seems that some dude in the Ukraine has kicked it up a notch.

I'm tellin' y'all, there are dufuses everywhere...but one less now...

A chemistry student has been found dead with his jaw blown off by what is believed to be exploding chewing gum, reports have said.

Dang...what a nice surprise for a homer!!!

2009-12-09T07:40:00.001-06:00

And, what a thoughtful gesture!

I have told y'all about my #3 son's fiance', and how much The Mrs. and I love her. She lives right next door to us, and is already like part of the clan. Wonderful girl!

We have known her Mother for years. She was in the Air Force, stationed here at Barksdale, and our kids had known each other in school. She and The Mrs. became friends. Little did we know that one day a couple of our kids would fall for each other.

But, I had never met her Father. He is also a recently retired Air Force guy, who settled back near his home on the Kentucky/Tennessee line. A couple of weeks ago, he and his wife came to Bossier to visit their daughters, and I suppose to kinda' "check out" her future family in the process.

And, I'll tell y'all...we hit it off famously! Her Daddy is a real "good ole' boy." Interestingly, he worked his entire Air Force career in intelligence, and had a broad knowledge of what my eldest son has in store for him as a Chinese Linguist. He was able to give me some really good info about "what/where/when" is likely to happen with #1 son, seeing as he worked very closely with that Linguistics crowd.

In the short time I had to visit with them, I was able to let them know just how thrilled we are to have their daughter in our son's life. Truthfully, I told them that if I had gone out looking hard for a young lady to marry one of my sons, I could never have picked a better one.

(Those two kids' story is truly the stuff that Hollywood makes movies about...I may sit down and share it all one day...it's kinda like football...a game of inches & instant replays. It involved a broken down car, a hurricane, and a Summer with a house full of displaced teenagers living at Andy's Place. I'll write it out one day, but I digress.)

Speaking of football...I knew that I was gonna like her Daddy & StepMom when about 10 minutes into our first visit, the conversation turned to football. Southeastern Conference Football! It seems that they are both SEC homers. They are Tennessee fans, so it's been a dry spell for 'em...but as all true SEC homers, they can be consoled, as long as the SEC ends up on top. In fact, their goal is to see every SEC team play a bowl game, and they're doing pretty good on it.

Of course, being the LSU/SEC homer that I am...we had PLENTY to visit about.

Well, that was a long story...on to the nice surprise.

So, I go out to get the mail on Monday, and find a package. Said package is addressed to us, and it is from our son's future parents-in-law.

And, inside is this:

It is a beautiful LSU "Purple & Gold" afghan that was knitted by StepMom. Can you believe that? Now, I don't know jack about "knitting," except that Momma always told me to "tend to your own...", but I've gotta figure that it took many, many, many hours for her StepMom to craft that for me The Mrs.

I'll tell y'all...and I ain't kidding...It really put me in the "Christmas Spirit." I'm thinking of taking up knitting myself. I might go get me a book, and some of them pointy deals & start with some orange knitting string, or something...ya' know...kinda return the love!

I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

Quick tip if you use Sitemeter...

2009-12-08T16:47:00.001-06:00

If you use Blogger, and have Sitemeter installed...and you change your template...

Be sure and reinstall the code. My site stats went blank yesterday afternoon, and that poor guy/gal trying to help me at Sitemeter couldn't find me for nothing!

All fixed. All MY FAULT. AGAIN...

Long Story Short...What are the chances?

2009-12-08T15:42:00.003-06:00

My Daddy threatened me within an inch of my life when I was growing up:

"If I EVER catch you on a motorcycle, I will jerk your butt off of it, and whip you 'til you can't sit down, or stand up."

He had bad experiences as a young man on bikes, and I actually lost two cousins (one to death, the other to 25 years as a vegetable...then death), in motorcycle accidents. Don't get me wrong...I don't have anything against 'em. But Daddy will whip my butt until I can't sit down, nor stand up if he ever catches me on one.

So, I've never climbed on one. I respect my Daddy. And, even though he's 74, I'm scared of him.

But, what really are the chances of getting killed on a motorcycle? By an airplane?