Oh dear....halfway to 75??!!??

The thought hit me earlier today....it's December 23rd, 6 months past my birthday, so that makes me....37 1/2.

Well, double that and you get....GULP.....75. I think of CBS being 75, or my grandparents when I was younger, it was never relevant to me! Well, age is nothing but a number anyway, so I'm movin' on. I do wonder, though, where there's a sale on JointRitis.....

Well, to celebrate that milestone halfway point....I....of course, worked all day. I never left the building between, what, 8:50am and 10:18pm, frantically getting spots ready for the holiday weekend, heck, even helping to get a spot ready to air in Orlando, Florida (a last-minute train wreck averted...).

I also really, really wanted to get a little ahead for next week, since it's, again, a four-day week, and, being the 13th month, so to speak, it's the week that salespeople are gone (YAY!!!) and we can do things like, throw out the '03 files, and get ready for the 05's (sounds like a car commercial...AND PASS THE SAVINGS ON TO YOU! AND WE'LL PAY OFF YOUR CURRENT LEASE OR LOAN NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU OWE!!!!!!!)

It helps to hit the New Year in some semblance of order. You oughta see my desk right now....enough papers to represent 12 trees, plus the monitor, the speakers, the keyboard, the phone, and, of course, the box of Honey Comb cereal.......

I handed out Christmas gifts today to most of the crew (I'm still 2 short). Rodney got a kick out of getting the entire 14-episode life of "Greg The Bunny" on DVD, and, Gina likes her decanter that allows her to drink 5 beers in one sitting...yep, I saw that, and thought of her....:) Kim, of course, immediately started playing the Toby Keith CD.....

And so, the weekend ahead:

Tomorrow: Got an errand or two to run, then the kids head to Nana Norma's for the night, their first visit in 2 years (since Nana passed away). They're excited, and it really makes me happy. I'll probably drive 'em up there, and they'll return at some point Christmas morning (trust me, they aren't usually in a hurry to leave there!). Then, must get back to town to head to Prince George and Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, which, over the years, has become one of my favorite services (Maundy Thursday at Wayne's church being my absolute favorite).

Saturday: Open presents, eat cold cuts (why cook a huge dinner when only two of the four of us would eat??), and probably go see Fat Albert. Hey hey hey!!!

Sunday: Church in AM, revel in the glory that is "No Play Practice", come home and watch some football, and I gotta run to the station to appease my paranoia and make sure all commercials are in the computer and ready to air Monday.

And, heck, yes, I'll get a nap in somehow. :)

I was HORRIBLE this year regarding cards; I didn't do any. Time just didn't allow it (neither did my workload). So, I'll probably do what I did last year; do a "New Year" letter to family and friends with updates on the year past and yadda yadda yadda. I promise that this year's letter will be more uplifting than last year's funeral dirge. After reading the letter last year, no one would have wanted to live with us!! :)

So, that's my project for the weekend and beyond...that and planning strategy for losing 36 pounds in 2005. I've gained some weight lately (I think a new medicine did it and I've come off it), but I also know I'm in need of more water, less Mountain Dew, more salad, and more walking trips up and down Tavern Way.

3 pounds per month seems reasonable. It would put me down 27 pounds from now at the high school reunion next October (not that I'm vain or anything, but I would like to go without a "wide load" sign hanging from behind me), and 36 for the year.

Being back to under 200 next Christmas sounds good to me. I don't ever plan on returning to a 32 waist....but a 38 to 40 would do well at this point.

Is this too personal for public consumption? I guess not; I mean, take one look at me and you'll know a size 38 or 40 would suffocate me...hee hee.....

And it's all in the flippin' belly. Arms and legs? Fine. Fatter face? Yep, but that'll go. The stupid belly. I declare WAR on the stupid belly.....after the holidays of course. :)

I'M LISTENING TO:

REO Speedwagon: The Hits----just arrived in the mail the other day (my most recent EBay purchase to continue my quest to recover my old 80's music)....enjoying "Don't Let Him Go", and "Roll With the Changes", among others....

WITHAM HISTORY:

December 23, 2002: The night I was mad at cancer. After working, I went to the hospital to check on Mama, and that night's emotion was anger. If cancer had been a 7 foot, 500 pound monster outside the hospital room door, I would have beaten the living crap out of it.

December 23, 1987: "Am I really about to do this???" I was 24 hours away from proposing. Maybe tomorrow night on the Christmas Eve edition of Witham history, I'll give you the Reader's Digest version of my "proposal plot".

December 23, 1989--1996: Getting ready to, or starting, the dreaded 15 minute music blocks of holiday favorites, sponsored by whomever. My eight years of programming an "all-Christmas music format" (long before it became the rage in radio), pretty much killed my affection for most Christmas music. Chipmunks? Charlie Brown? Waitresses? Silent Night on Christmas Eve? Yep. Bing Crosby? Rockin Around the Christmas Tree? FORGET IT.

And whatever happened to Good King Wenceslas anyway?

This time tomorrow night, Santa will be in the Catskills, and I pray I'm either a) blogging, or b) snoring. :)

Good night!!

T-Minus 3 Days....

...Christmas is still Saturday, right? I've been in such a zone of work that I don't feel so "Christmas-ey", even after doing the Christmas play at church last night.

Oh, by the way, the play went well....very few gaffes, we were all happy. Thank God the public didn't see the 5:30 run-through, it was a disaster. I felt like I missed almost as many lines as I nailed. ARRGHH!

Okay, I'm past that....

Now, it's get all the work at the station done in order to "enjoy" a three-day weekend.....

Then, it's the kids off to see Nana Norma on Christmas Eve, then back in town to change and head to church for 6pm service. Oh, yeah, need a sermonette for that one, too. Check.

Then, it's Christmas, and we'll wait for the kids to get home to open presents, then, maybe some rest...especially after church Sunday. Football!!!!

What is today anyway? Oh, yeah, December 22nd....

HISTORY NOTES:

December 22, 1986: I moved home. After almost 16 event-filled and historic months (beginning of radio career) in Lenox, Massachusetts, I returned to Richmond (and not Beaverdam....) and got used to apartment life and contemplated what in the heck I would do next, besides try to find a radio job! :)

December 22, 1999: Things (and commercial production) were winding down on Church Hill as we wrapped up work before the holiday at WRVA.

December 22, 2000: Things (like commercial production) were winding down on Basie Road as we wrapped up work before the holiday for all six stations and VNN.

December 22, 2002: My last "conversation" with Mama. I stopped by after running the paper route (what ended up being my final route delivery) to the hospital, left a newspaper, checked on her. She responded when I told her I had to go to church. I returned in the evening, she recognized my voice when I talked to Bonnie on the phone, and I helped her with a sip of water. That was our last conscious contact. I believe her last word to me was "uh-huh", as she affirmatively said she wanted a sip of water. And this day began the final week of Mama's life.

Okay---work like a dog Thursday, ship out kids and have church Friday, Christmas at home Saturday (with maybe a trip to see Fat Albert), church Sunday, and a nice long nap with football on the TV Sunday afternoon! :)

Night, folks!

T-Minus 5 Days 'til.....

Various thoughts pouring onto a keyboard on this December 20th:

--I haven't broken out my Christmas CD yet to enjoy my favorite "non-Bethlehem" Christmas tune, Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses. I had no idea until watching a VH1 show several months ago that Patty Donahue had died of cancer at the young age of 40. This song places me right back in high school, the days of counting down 'til Christmas break! Heh heh, those days are gone.....that's where I live now....

--Our play practice marathon went, I thought, pretty well, considering how far behind the curve I was and the horror stories I had heard about practices the previous Sunday and Thursday. The 2nd run-through went much better....if we can survive scene six, we'll be just fine. So, tomorrow night is the night...here's a look at how another church did the play we did in '03.....yep, we done good enough last year to do us what dey call a see-quill.....:)

--The kids are over with day one of Christmas Break (we don't call it "winter break" 'round here!), and Robbie was the first to declare boredom around 1pm today. That was not a smart move....

--Bonnie and the kids went to see "National Treasure" and raved about it, especially the kids. Robbie wants to see that Lemony thing....while I, honestly, want to see Fat Albert. Casting Kenan Thompson as Fat Albert is perfect, and it's cool that Cosby in it, too. I don't go to many movies, but this is one that captures my interest. Hope I'm not disappointed.

--My fantasy football team was eliminated from the playoffs last night...by none other than MY WIFE! 56-55, the final score. She goes on to the semi-finals, while my all-time playoff record finally has a blemish. I'd never lost a playoff game, until this one.....but did it have to be to HER? (hee hee....)

--NICE SNOW! I had been in a "thunder-snow" one other time, on the newspaper route early one morning in 1996. One of the rarer and stranger weather events you'll experience. Last night reminded me of it. We see the lightning in the distance on the Varina-Enon bridge on I-295, comment on it, and move on, rolling at 65 mph toward home in our SECOND loaner van (that's another story....), when, right after the I-64/Airport exit, the wall hit...literally.

I realized quickly I've got to slow down and FAST! I went off cruise, from 65, down to 50, and within probably a minute, down to 15 mph, and the road, during that time, had disappeared. Thus began a crawl through some of the heaviest snow you'll see, or, should I say, not see through. Visibility was horrible. After about five to seven miles, things got better, but it was still snowing very well, and the wind had picked up significantly, so 35-40 mph was the choice of the moment.

We ended up with an inch of snow, some icy roads this morning, and some cold temperatures. Heck, I even wore long pants and a coat to work today! :)

Time for: This date in Witham History!

December 20, 1986: My next to last day in Massachusetts, and I met a dream girl. Honest! I was up late all the time, either working at the radio station, or talking with my friend Mike, the overnight guy, so I'd listen to the radio lots after midnight, and I fell in love with the voice of FLY-92's overnight girl, Mary Sinclair. She sounded awesome. Finally, one night, Mike, Brett (another DJ friend), and I actually got on three extensions at the station and we called her. Had a wonderful conversation, and set a date for breakfast. So the three of us pile into the Chevette and headed to Albany, meeting Mary for breakfast. It was a wonderful time; I was glad to get to meet her before I moved back south....

December 20, 2002: The last time I would see Mama in lucid conversation. This was a Friday. She spent Saturday unconscious and I last spoke to her Sunday. Six days later, she left us. My brother and I, and the kids, took a break from the dread by taking in a Richmond Renegades game in the evening.

So this day brings good and bad memories....don't they all?

Good night. :)

CONGRATS TO THE DUKES!!!

The first-ever NCAA Football title of any kind to come to the Old Dominion belongs to the Dukes of James Madison University, taking out Montana tonight, 31-21, in the Division I-AA title game (you know, a Division where they determine the champion ON the field and still have time to take exams....)

GO DUKES!!! SEE THE ACTION HERE!!!

CBS COMMITS GRAVE ERROR!!

No, CBS News is NOT culpable here....

They re-ran Rudolph tonight (great move!), until....the end.

They CUT OFF Sam The Snowman in favor of some "tribute" video over credits on the side of the screen with what looked like Claymation figures of Destiny's Child.

SACRILEGE!!!!!

No Santa Claus with "Merry Christmas!!" at the end.

I shake my head at CBS; another poor decision.

Do you honestly think they'll make the right call with the anchor chair?

I've got it.....HERMIE! Evening News and dental tips!

Besides....liberal leaning news wonks would be easier to take if they at least helped me floss better....

BREAKING NEWS: FLURRIES IN 3 DAYS!!!

What is up with this???

The top story on the 6pm news in Richmond tonight is the possibility of FLURRIES on Sunday night, over 48 hours away!!

FLURRIES!!!!!

Let's see....Governor proposing raises for state workers and teachers, Mayor-elect Wilder going off on City Council, major high school football recruit suffers 3rd degree burns, and we lead off the newscast with....

FLURRIES!!!!!

When I was a kid, they only talked about snow if it was REALLY going to snow.

This is nuts. But that's life in the "Doppler Five Million" world of 2004-05.....

Briefly....

Been a few days, so a few quick thoughts to let the world know I'm alive.....

--You know it's not an exceptional week when a haircut is the highlight...up to this point. (Though I commend the lady who gave me the 1 1/2 all the way tonight, I can feel the cold air on my scalp, it's great!)

--The kids are READY for school to let out for Winter, ah, scrap that, CHRISTMAS vacation. Mom's ready, too. :)

--The best TV show of the season was on tonight: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!!!

--The van is STILL on repair leave....off to a Ford dealer (Ford....should have known!!!) We get our second loaner tomorrow. Hope it's not a Geo Prism.

WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO:

Moody Blues: Long Distance Voyager


JUST FOUND IN A PILE OF RUBBLE AND PAPER:

Margaret Becker: Falling Forward

Will be listening to Margaret soon, easily one of the best, and most prolific singer/songwriters anywhere.

DATE IN HISTORY:

December 15, 1989: Shoveling, picking, digging.....out of a major ice and snow storm. It was so cold that December that the snow and ice remained on the ground quite awhile. Made for an interesting paper route for quite some time, but it sure made it feel more like Christmas (the 1st Christmas in our 2nd apartment!)

Peace be unto you! No, not peas....peace!

Who wears shorts? I wear shorts!!

I finally realized something today....since I'm one of probably only 12 people (other than football coaches) in the Richmond area to still be wearing shorts daily, I should pay more attention to the looks I get while I'm in public, say, at the grocery store.

I'm in Ukrop's this AM after taking the kids to school, quickly getting Rachel's lunch to take back to Greenwood, and as I'm leaving, I saw a lady look at me strangely. Could be because of the blue "lunch bag" I still use to hold my stuff (first out of habit, now because my shoulder condition has worsened), but I predict it has more to do with my fashion.

God gave me a furnace and a half when He made me. Not hot-tempered, I'm talkin' physical temperature. I'm always warm, always. In our office at work, which I share with three wonderful ladies (they have to be wonderful to put up with me!), they are constantly cold, using jackets, coats, even blankets! I, every day, start my morning in the office by....turning on my fan. I'm sure I would adore attending the Late Show with David Letterman, since he purportedly has his studio kept at a balmy 56 degrees. :)

So, as long as it's over 40 degrees when I leave in the morning (known as the "over 40" rule), the shorts go with me. It's nice to be able to be comfortable after years of shirts and ties.

The "thunderstorm" I referenced last night (or earlier this morning actually) was wild! One thunder clap shook the house, and I cannot believe no one woke up in this house! So, I enjoyed it, and, as I went to bed around 2am, I listened to the fading storm as the sleep apnea machine took over the audibility (is that a word??)

And on this date.....

December 10, 1999---I celebrated one month at WRVA on historic Church Hill by working my rear off getting more and more Christmas commercials ready for the final push!

December 10, 1986---(Historian's note: I believe 12/10 to be the date, as I believe this was done on a Wednesday...)

Continuing my edict of "spend as much time with my college friends as possible", Sharon Gathings and I had dinner together at the steakhouse between Pittsfield and Lenox, that, I understand, later burned down. Sharon was the sweetest lady (she was from North Carolina, what did you expect??); she let me use her car several times to get to the radio station for work, she was so caring and down to earth. I have no idea where she is today, but I look forward to hearing her story when we're reunited in the Kingdom. Whoever chose her for a wife was blessed.

December 10, 1983---The final performance of "A Christmas Carol", my junior year at PHHS. This would be the one time I'd attend a post-wrap party that was not handled by the Drama Director or another responsible adult. I actually wasn't planning to go; I took my girlfriend at the time home after we ate, and someone came into the restaurant looking for a friend of ours. I ended up stopping by the party before going home to look for aforementioned person....yikes. Can you say lots of booze? Oh, and there's so and so and so and so making out in the next room with the window shade wide open so I can see them from the outside! Party! Heh, heh....I remember someone was recording the main conversation and asked me if I wanted to imbibe....as I would do to a one-way ticket to Siberia, I declined.

I'm very glad I didn't get caught up in that scene in high school. NO, I wasn't perfect and had plenty of behavior faults, but did successfully navigate around the "pre-frat party" scene.

Well, off to the weekend...first sleep! Then visitors, and a long day at church on Sunday (Sunday School, church, go get lunch, Bonnie goes to ladies cookie swap while I hope to visit a shut-in parshioner and share communion) then back to church by 530 for play practice, where I hope I know at least two lines.....

And I hear a rumor that there's football on Sunday....I'll catch up on that late Sunday night.....

December 9 Musings early on December 10th...

Well, that's what happens when the best laid plans of mice and men go awry...

Rather than pull the long day at work straight through, I had to stop, pick up the kids, and take Robbie to his choral concert at Brookland tonight. Mom was the designated taker, but she's sick now! Three out of four of us, and I do NOT have time to be sick, so that's that!

So, back to the office at 845pm, out at 1240am, and it's now December 10th....

....but about December 9th....

Each year, growing up, I arbitrarily, in my head, determined December 9th was the perfect day to put up the Christmas tree. We never did the "grab the tree as soon as the turkey dinner is over on Thanksgiving" charade.

16 days 'til Christmas, enough time to enjoy the tree, not enough time to grow weary of it. Most years the night can be set aside to focus solely on the tree (and of course, stringing the lights around my bedroom window...)

Now, the real question here......why December 9th?

After many years to reflect (though I didn't), I can only come up with one possible answer....

I have absolutely no idea.

--------------------------------------------

Ah, a thunderstorm has just arrived in Glen Allen--there's nothing like going to sleep to the sound of thunder rumbling...and, in my case, accompanied by a sleep apnea machine and two fans.

You're right...I hate trying to sleep in complete silence.

Speaking of sleep, I gotta get up in 5 1/2 hours.

Night!

PS---I forgot to mention two songs on my list from last night's ride home...

Your Wildest Dreams and I Know You're Out There Somewhere, both from, of course, the Moody Blues.

Why do I keeping saying Genesis is my favorite band? Couldn't tell from these latest posts.....

Rupert and the Railroad Track

This post is about as "inside" as inside gets. I doubt anyone in the world reading this will "get it", (especially the title) but it's worth noting nonetheless.

Just to say I made it through an anniversary today, and I'm still ticking! :)

My thanks to the following songs which made the drive home from prayer group at church tonight memorable:

Good For Me and I Will Remember You--Amy Grant

Go Now, Tuesday Afternoon, Nights in White Satin, Story in Your Eyes---Moody Blues

Way Late and Wishes---Out of the Grey

I'm Just A Singer in a Rock 'n Roll Band---Moody Blues

Now that's a 50 minute jam to go home by!

Tomorrow....why was December 9th a good day to put up a tree??

This week...way back when! :)

Busy times of year will inevitably bring up other busy years at this same time, and the events which took place....

1994: We're a week and a half into the "mysterious illness" of 94-95...starting Thanksgiving night and continuing almost every night 'til just after New Years, I'd feel sick, and never got sick.
Each day was the same; get up, do papers, go to work, get off the air at 6pm, and either on the way home or after getting home, I'd start to feel sick. Many evenings were spent not with my 2 year old, but sitting at the feet of the porcelain...well, you know...just waiting for the inevitable (and anyone who knows me can tell you, I'm pertrified of three things, snakes, bodies of water, and throwing up, and not necessarily in that order!)

...yet it would never happen. Looking back, I think acid reflux was beginning to rear its ugly head then, combined with exhaustion (we were several people short on staff at the radio station. I remember working Christmas Eve night, Christmas afternoon, and New Years Eve night that year. As January got underway, I got better, happy to say! :)

1986: I had made my decision weeks earlier to return to Virginia, even before my college announced its closing. So I did not take a class in December, and spent those last few weeks in Massachusetts spending time with friends I may never see again (and in almost all cases so far, I was right). Beth, a senior that year (thankfully the college made arrangements to finish out their year), and I headed out to see Fievel in "An American Tail", and of course, in a pre-cursor to the blubbery tub of emotional goo I've apparently become, I cry at "Somewhere Out There". It was because that song precisely described my fears about leaving Massachusetts, all my friends, and an incredible first radio job, and coming home to complete uncertainty as to future direction....well, that, and the usual 19 year old's wondering of relationships to come, and what would become of my life in that arena, too.

By the way, I still cry at "Somewhere Out There". Of course, I'm not surprised the theme to "Hannity and Colmes" hasn't brought me to tears by now....:)

1984: As mentioned last night, night one of my first senior year drama production, "Our Town". It was drama that really "broke me through" in high school. I never wanted to be "popular", but respected certainly was appreciated, and after doing "The 1940's Radio Hour" in 1983, people who usually had no interest in me were suddenly complimenting my performance, while other people who I didn't think would be my friend were becoming so. It wasn't because I was some great actor (yeah, right!)...I certainly hope it was I was found to be consistent, somewhat transparent, and halfway decent to be around. Like I said, popularity was never my bag (neither were trends, fashion or otherwise...I wanted to kill every Izod Alligator with my bare hands..), but I'm the type of person who can never have enough friends. I just love to know people.

So, that's one reason why I look back on drama in high school so fondly. It helped me w/self-esteem and socially, too. And by the way, being the "Manager" in Our Town, that meant TONS of lines, which, I never totally learned (I had a script backstage all 3 nights, the sheer number of lines were brutal!!)

1981: 9th grade and full of angst over why I couldn't win over the girl of my dreams.....when would I ever learn?? :)

This pursuit was almost a year old now. We ended up never dating, but now, 23 years later, we're like brother and sister, I performed her marriage ceremony, and she remains one of my few contacts from back in my school days. Ginny, you rock! :)

And a year ago today, being a Saturday....I was probably napping.

Why am I like Sherman and Peabody in the way-back machine?? We'll just see where we go.....

OH, I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! IN CLOSING:

I must make a public confession. I actually enjoy a Hillary Duff song. There. I said it. I can't deny it. I feel better.

"Party Over" is the song; I think it's from Metamorphosis, which Rachel proudly owns. It's got a good guitar lick, fine hook, and great chant-along lines of "nah-nahs". Right down bubble gum alley, and you know, a bubble gum tune ain't so bad once in a while...(right, Toni Basil??)

October 28, 2004, early in the morning

Tonight, before heading to bed, is a good time to reflect upon my first-ever solo trip to Mama's gravesite I've mentioned a few times, on her 66th birthday.

Any other time I had gone there since the funeral, my kids were with me (normally it was a Saturday morning when Mom was at work). I, this time, really wanted to go myself, experience it myself, and have time alone.

So, I left the house just after 630am, cut the back way to just west of Ashland, and headed up 54/33 for Louisa. As poetic justice would have it, just as I passed Cuckoo (where Mama lived), I got behind, you guessed it, a Louisa County school bus. Mama drove a bus in Louisa for the better part of 30 years. Needless to say I did not mind following it. When it did turn off 33, it was onto 605, a road that was part of Mama's route for years. Thus commenced the first round of tears. The irony was overwhelming, and appreciated.

It was "after" sunrise upon my arrival at graveside, and I got out and walked to the site. Thus commenced the second round of tears, as Mama and I held a conversation, did what I would do when she was here on Earth, which was, tell her 'bout the battles I was facing and how life had been, was, and maybe would be. I distinctly remember rubbing the tombstone with my thumb. On the top, the rock was so rough, with tiny peaks and valleys, even positions of sharpness. Then, on the front, protected by a sheet of material, it was as smooth as silk. It reminded me of the ups and downs of our 35 year mother-son relationship, and it reminds me now of the ups and downs of life circa late 2004; questions unanswered, struggles continuing, victories enjoyed, and even some "Why nows?", as opposed to the more popular "Why?".

It was funny, actually; two workers were pulling out the tractors for a morning of lawn work, and I think they stopped when they saw me there, out of respect. So, about that time, I figured I'd better be going, so they could work, and I could head back to Richmond and the work ahead of me that day. I left a drawing Rachel made of two of her favorite dogs; Clifford and Blue, inside a birthday wreath previously placed there.

And that was it.....

Of course, a trip that far northwest had to be complimented by a swing through the old homestead, so we go "the back way" out of Mineral, through Fredericks Hall, Buckner and Bumpass (it's funny, some parts of that trip look different now, while other parts look as if time has stood still from 27 years ago, when I took that road to spend weekends with Mama), and eventually into good ol' Beaverdam. I passed the old Francisco store feeling sympathy for his family, knowing Mr. Francisco had just passed away recently. I passed the old parsonage, noticing that the new owners had indeed begun working on repairing the place, and had even placed a big shed around about where home plate used to be in the back yard.

They also had a "Bush-Cheney '04" sign in the front yard, so now you know I'm their fans! :)

Eventually we wound our way back into Ashland, and the traditional back way (Route One? Nah!!!) to today's home, Glen Allen. Switch cars, and me and the Cougar head off to work. Lots done on that day, and it was before 10am!

That will most likely be an annual pilgrimage for as long as I can manage it. Mother's Day is hard, because there are presently living mothers to celebrate and it's on a Sunday (kind of a busy day for me!). So, I look to October 28th and December 28th now in a way I never did until 2002. And on those days, until I pass, I will specially remember the woman who did more to shape me into who I am today than anyone else by far and away.....Mama.

And trust me, no day goes by without her on my mind, and, I feel, in my presence. And that's a good thing.....

This week upcoming holds special significance for me looking back on dates in my personal history, etc, as I am wont to do. I can't remember a name worth two cents, but there's a good chance I could tell you what I was doing, say, 20 years ago today. That would have been December 5, 1984, a Wednesday, the final dress rehearsal for the fall production of my senior year, Thornton Wilder's "Our Town". I'll look back on some here, some others privately, wonder where in the world the time has gone, wonder how those events helped make me who I am today, and maybe even what I can be doing now, so, with God's blessings, 20 years from now, I can look back on December 5, 2004 with good memories, too....

....except for the fact that I REALLY NEED to learn my lines for our church Christmas play. My brain completely shut down during practice tonight; it was embarrassing. :(

Thanks for listening, exit to your left, and come back soon for more blogging from Glen Allen, Va. Night! :)

6 months since the Moody Blues? Already?

Took the kids down to church this morning so they could take part in putting up the Christmas tree (they love doing that!), while I took the time to spend over an hour studying my Christmas play lines, then spent the rest of my time cleaning (there's way too much "junk" in the building...and I thought I was a packrat!)

By the way, after Mom put up our tree, the kids did all the decorating last evening.....:)

Anyway, while at church today, I realized it's already been six months since I spent the evening in the mud, muck and rain enjoying the music of the Moody Blues live for the second time. The first time was in October, 1986 at the Civic Center in Springfield, Mass.
I was a sophomore in college at the time, got tickets through the radio station I worked for, and a friend of mine from college (who, at 36, could remember the Moody's whole career, as opposed to me, who got into their work with 1981's Long Distance Voyager), and I climbed into my vintage '79 Chevette (yes, I typed "vintage", stop snickering...) and headed on the Mass Pike east.

Great show, with one glaring exception. That night they had a group of, I think, 3 back-up girl singers. They were "too much a part" of the show. And the guys weren't hitting their notes well, either, prompting me to think, "...so that's why the ladies are there, to prop them up..."

No such thing in 2004. 18 years later, and they sounded incredible! One member has retired, so a young lady has joined them doing some back-up singing, and playing the flute (which she did brilliantly). On their opening song, "Lovely To See You Again", she added to the song with her wonderful voice; a complete 180 from the distraction of the women's group back in Springfield.

I didn't mind sitting with an umbrella over my head all night trying to find a place with 4 blades of grass remaining. They did almost every one of my favorites, and, in a surprise, I didn't cry the entire concert. I've cried so much the last several months over events, things, people in my life, it makes me wonder if I've invented some sort of continuous male PMS or something.....

In a word---WOW. The Moody Blues were awesome, 35 plus years since their debut. And, trust me, if they come back near Richmond one more time, I'll be there, especially if they do a full concert with a symphony orchestra. They have combined with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra of Norfolk to do concerts in Virginia Beach. I'm hoping they'll do it one more time...'cuz if they do, wild horses will NOT keep me from being there. I cannot imagine hearing "Nights In White Satin" live and with a full orchestra. I'll melt, I just know I will.

By the way....PUT THE MOODY BLUES IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME FOR HEAVEN'S SAKES!!!!

There. I feel better now.

From that aforementioned "Long Distance Voyager" project, I leave you with part of the chorus of track six....

"22,000 days....22,000 days....
..it's not alot...it's all you got....
22,000 days....so this time feel the flow...
and get it right."

I'm glad I invested this day well.....my kids had a blast, I made the church look a little more presentable, I thought of dear friends, shed a tear, ate a great meal at a favorite restaurant, and got to blog.

All that, AND Virginia Tech won the ACC. Good Saturday, indeed!

Live Coverage: Rudolph!

I'm back...finally!!! A great time to blog, as I enjoy Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The kids just don't understand why Dad has to watch Rudolph when it comes on TV when we have the video.

IT'S NOT THE SAME!!!

They didn't grow up with four channels, no VCR and ONE chance a year to see the show (and I was RIPPED when we had the Christmas program at school the same night Rudolph came on.)

By the way, all that being said: my 3 favorite Christmas Shows:

3) Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
2) A Charlie Brown Christmas
1) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

(and yes, it's true---when I was young, I had a crush for Jessica, the schoolteacher, who, of course later became Mrs. Claus, and did the same thing I did after marrying...we both...ah, became more robust.)

UPDATE: 815pm: We Are Santa's Elves in Elf Practice. Santa gives it two thumbs down and hurries out of room.

What's been going on since my last post (embarrassingly two weeks ago..)? Well, we made it through Thanksgiving without a scratch. The dinner was at Bonnie's sister's house in Mechanicsville, with Bonnie and both her sisters, their hubbies, Bonnie's Mom (the dreaded mother-in-law) and all 8 kids. I focused on eating turkey and watching Peyton Manning.

UPDATE: 817pm: Hermie's busted!! "Why weren't you at elf practice?!?"

Friday was, well, sleep the morning away, then the kids and I went to brave the cold and the crowd at the Division 6 Regional High School Football Championship between Robbie's future high school, Hermitage, and the defending champs, LC Bird. Let's see, we get in one LONG line, only to get close to the gate and find out that line was only for ticketholders. Of course, we DID NOT have tickets yet, so to the back of another line to buy tickets, then into a third line to get in. I'm thinking, they'll be no seats, who wants to watch the game sitting on the ground? (They have no visitors bleachers at this stadium).

When we finally got in, there were some seats at the very bottom of the bleachers--not conducive to watching the game (HEY, you second stringers on the sideline! Sit down--I can't see the action!!).
Robbie, though, got a big thrill when he saw his "first girlfriend". Quick explanation: when in kindergarten...

WAIT.....

UPDATE: 821pm---The secret's out. On the next Montel: Rudolph Exposed!!--And why should his dad be ashamed?? Anyway....

Robbie, in kindergarten, had a crush on the 5th grade safety guard in the hallway at school outside his classroom door. Her name was Valerie. We even took a picture of them at the end of the year, and the next year, on her birthday, Robbie took a rose to her house (it was so cute...). So, now,

UPDATE: 822pm: WORST song of the show appears. We'll survive and live to see Yukon shortly....

So, now, Robbie's in middle school, and guess who's one of the conductors of the school band? Yep, Valerie, now a senior. So before we left, Robbie got her attention--it took her a second, then she recognized him; they talked a minute and he was very happy.
Now he's "moved on" to a girl named Emily that he talks to in the cafeteria in the AM before the first bell rings. He's even "mousseing" his hair every morning. Gosh, I never did that. Of course, I didn't have many steadys, either.....(any correlation?)

UPDATE: 825pm:

What do say we both be independent together!!

---Hermie, the classic dentist-to-be. Now, a song CUT OUT of the show for many years---actually, part of it aired, now they air the whole song. About time!

Rachel is sick. Yesterday she told Mom

It's boring being sick

. Her cough is horrible. She tried school today, and got picked up about 10am. Gotta hand it to her, she loves school and it takes alot for her to miss it. Hope she stays that way!!!

We've been a van short for three days, and don't begin to ask about the wonderful (tongue-in-cheek) job CarMax has done, what with apathetic personnel and people who can't seem to order the right part....and it's still in the shop, so the Cougar has been spotted everywhere! Schools, work, the orthodontist, you name it. I'm proud of my baby!

Let me go back to high school football a minute: Patrick Henry finished their season at 7-3 for the 3rd straight year (will they go 7-3 every year I broadcast their games??), finishing in a disgusting quagmire at JR Tucker November 5th. Let me set the scene:

RAIN, RAIN, RAIN---all day long. Usually a no-brainer, Henrico postpones Friday football. But THIS week, there's a game pitting two 9-0 teams on the last week of the season; they've already sold out the 4,000 tickets to the game, and I guess they were bound and determined to play that game. The rule in Henrico is, one school can't cancel something, either the county does, or the games/events go on.

UPDATE: 831pm: YUKON APPEARS!!! SILVER AND GOLD!!!!---I miss Burl Ives, great voice.

So, Henrico doesn't cancel games, the big battle in the east end goes on, but so does two other games in the West End, including Patrick Henry and JR Tucker. Now, it's senior night at Tucker, and it's POURING rain. Honestly, the ONLY people at the field that night were those of us in the press box, police, the ticket takers, the teams, the seniors in the band and cheerleaders, and the parents of seniors. That's it. Period.

So, JR Tucker gets the shaft--since most of a school's athletic budget money is collected at their five home football games. Low ticket sales, hardly any concession sales, I'm sure. Programs? Forget it.....

Douglas Freeman had the same problem with their senior night against Deep Run.

Let it be known how UNFAIR it was for the County to play that night just because of one game, ruining the senior nights of dozens of kids and their families at two other schools in the process.

Now, for IRONY: the home team in that "big game" won, thereby winning their District title and a home game in the first round of the playoffs. One problem, though. By the following Wednesday, they realized their football field had been torn up so horribly in the rain game, they couldn't play the playoff game on it on Friday.
So, they move the game to Lee-Davis High, which isn't even in Henrico County! Varina plays all year to win a title, and get home field advantage in the playoffs. One decision causes them to lose home field, and, you guessed it---they lost on the neutral field.

UPDATE: 836pm: Charlie in the house!!!! These misfits should have been in my Sears Wish Book years ago; I'd have played with a Charlie in the Box!!

So, props to Robbie's school for an 11-1 season, to PH for coming so close (they score in OT against Hermitage, and PH could have been in the playoffs instead of Hermitage), and to my broadcast partner Stubby Price, who continues his career foundation-building at the Herald-Progress. He's great to work with, and an NC State fan. What more could I ask for? Free Mountain Dew, maybe, but other than that....

UPDATE: 838pm: Watch out for the shooting jelly!!!

Moving on.....work is work. Church is church. Interesting developments at both places, and of course, a blog is no place to expound upon them.....:)

My shoulder---yikes. The past day or so it's felt like the bone has moved. My "bump" seems to have grown to "two bumps" side-by-side. So, I'm back to Dr. Goradia next Tuesday to see what's up (pardon the pun). I can't do another surgery....AAHHH!!!!!

On the elementary school front, we helped Rachel's teacher make it to the "Turkey Pageant Court" at school. They did a can drive for Thanksgiving, and the teacher whose class collected the most in each grade got on the Court. Then the top three teachers moved to the "finals", a la Miss America, then the "Turkey Queen" was crowned. It was a wonderful event! Mrs Smith (our principal) said it had been done at her former school for years--I'm glad she brought it to Greenwood. By the way, a first-year school collected 2,821 cans of food. I was impressed!

ALTERNATE UPDATE: 843pm: Fat Albert on the Big Screen---Kenan was a great choice.

And, we're still "out" of PTO festivities, choosing to volunteer in the classroom (me) and in the office (Bonnie). It's so sad when politics and personal agendas ruin things like a simple parent-teacher group. Enough said.

UPDATE: 845pm: Rudolph's voice!! What happened? Puberty took less than 45 minutes!!

I will blog on my trip to Mama's gravesite on her birthday (as promised) but in a separate post, for respect purposes. It would diminish her a bit to do it here, although, ironically, my last real conversation with Mama took place Friday night, December 13th, 2002, shortly after Rudolph aired on TV that year. Why do I remember bits and details of information like that? I'll never know....and I'm horrible with names to boot!

Ken Jennings----he quit. How do you NOT know H&R Block??? I didn't know Fed Ex let their drivers operate without white-collar executives 8 months a year....anyway, my theory is: 75 was a round number, 2.5 million was, too, and his wife wanted him home. Most people at work thought the same thing.

I'm sorry Nancy turned around and lost tonight; she was a cool winner

Tom Brokaw---he steps down. I watched it (as I watched Cronkite's final broadcast March 6, 1981) and he left gracefully, focusing on people that obviously has profoundly affected him, and should affect all of us, too. Liberal, yeah, but his was a very classy exit.

UPDATE: 850pm: Hermie gets first appointment, Yukon returns, and bumbles bounce!!!!!" Santa finds his needed 47 pounds in the closet, rues the day he allowed the elf union to get permission to let them sing, and now reluctantly cancels Christmas...well, at least the last point will change....

Next, Dan Rather. Good riddance. Ironically, if I'm at work and am gonna "listen" to one of the big 3 news shows, it's CBS. Don't know why, maybe it's because CBS is on Channel 6 here in Richmond, so its audio is also available on 87.7 FM.

If CBS was smart (and I wouldn't count Moonves out here from doing something this radical), they would hire to people under age 40, one man, one woman---they'd ditch the "desk" for an "ET" type studio (except more stately for news coverage, as opposed to glitz coverage), make the music theme very contemporary, and go after my generation and younger. Another 47 year old white guy anchoring in the same room as his predecessor won't cut it. NBC just did it, ABC's holding on to its French-Canadian view of the news fronted by Peter Jennings, so why not take the chance to re-invent the tiring format of evening news so 25-49 year olds might care about it. One reason why Fox News is so popular, I believe, is their fast pace and "fast-looking" presentation (watch Shep on the Fox Report and you'll see what I mean).

Shepard Smith and Allison Stewart?

How about Shepard Smith and Soledad O'Brien?

UPDATE: 856pm: Another crushing Christmas Eve on the island of Misfit Toys (they weren't cast in "Lost", either...), but WAIT, WAIT!!! Stop dreaming about next year, Charlie!! IT SURE IS!! IT'S SANTA!!! Life will never be the same (I hear Charlie, sadly, ended up in Sid's house from Toy Story....)

Final thought: Santa's "Merry Christmas" at the end of this always gave me a good shiver; like a "make-me-cry" shiver. Gee, like I need to cry any more than I do.....

Back to the dream teams:

Russ Mitchell and Julie Chen (if they want to keep it in the CBS family--except Julie's Big Brother ties probably rule her out)

Russ Mitchell and Lara Logan (Lara--easy on the eyes, and LOVE the accent!)

People NOT to consider:

---Anyone over 50
---John Roberts (too vanilla)
---Lester Holt (he sounds like he's yelling all the time)
---Tim Russert (why is he a popular choice? He's NOT an anchorman, he's precisely where his skills fit him at Meet the Press and with political analysis.)
---Anderson Cooper
---Aaron Brown

OTHERS TO HIGHLY CONSIDER:

--Andrea Koppel (CNN)
--Liz Cho (formerly ABC, now on local news in New York)
--Campbell Brown (NBC--Richmond TV alumnus)
--the ghost of Edward Murrow (he'd work cheap and he's already in the building, according to Dan....)

Don't bring anyone from 60 Minutes over. I'd rather see Bob Schieffer take it over for a few years than a 60 Minutes retread or another 47 year-old white guy. Honest. Did you compare CBS' Election Night Coverage with the other networks? Here's my take on that night:

CBS: catered to 65-to-grave demographic; could have run truck through conversation and analysis; broadcast would have been great....in 1984.

ABC: were they on timeout for being too loud or something? Seemed subdued (maybe they knew the inevitable was coming), and, actually, a little graphic-starved in the studio.

NBC: WOW! They knew what to do--get out with the people; hire guys to change electoral vote numbers to higher floors of a building; use the ice rink; heck, even Tim got a hi-tech white board. Far and away the best technical coverage. Poor Tom Brokaw, though; sounded like he was announcing a funeral when he called Ohio for Bush. :)

CNN: TOO MANY graphics. Seemed like CNBC, not CNN (and not because they were at NASDAQ). Then, they went completely the other way, from loud graphics and too much "stuff" to CBS-like commentary from the likes of Larry King (why was he even there???)

FOX: Brit, your time has come...and gone. Brit is NOT an anchor, period. Never has been. Good host for a program like the one he has nightly, but he should NOT anchor election night coverage. He stammered all night, and the Fox News coverage was very "un-Fox like". No energy at all. Meanwhile, on the Fox Network, there's Shepard Smith (who SHOULD have been Fox News' anchor). If you're only going to do 2 hours of coverage on FOX stations, just simulcast FNC for heaven's sake!

PMSNBC: Boards? Graphics? Ah, did they spend their election night budget on Jesse Ventura and Deborah Norville? Looked like another Hardball on the Road to me, though Joe Scarborough was on target throughout the night. Andrea Mitchell probably sobbed openly the next day in private, and Dee Dee Myers saw her return to Washington postponed another four years.

So, there. Can't give you a better reason for CBS News to re-invent themselves, beginning with 630pm. 60 Minutes is left for the die-hards (and their staff is going to be going away, one way or another, very soon), and they can build on the new-ness, and in the meantime, make Brian Williams look like a Tom Brokaw wanna-be, and NBC's news look "so 90's".

Okay. Rudolph's over...I'll let you digest this one, and I'll be back later. Out!

Yes, I'm still here.....

...and when I get some time, I will return with more stories, more antics, more cash and prizes! (just kidding 'bout the last one...)

Here I am!!!! Yes, some 34 years ago and several pounds less. Now my wife can't get me to use a broom!! Oh, don't take my binky away, either.....:) 

Dear Lord, where do I begin??

It's been so long since I've blogged.....*yikes*....

Let's go with random thoughts first, then specifics in new entries.

1) The election: First, I'm SO GLAD it's over. Second, I'm not at all comfortable with this emphasis on the "values voter" and the "evangelical Christian" being the decisive factor.

Don't get me wrong, I fall into that category, but as I preached about Sunday, here's what I fear:

As I said at the sermon opening: "I have good news! George W. Bush was re-elected Tuesday. I also have bad news! George W. Bush was re-elected Tuesday." This was NOT in reference to 51 vs 48 percent; it meant that it was good to see values voters get behind a man of faith, BUT.....if evangelical Christians think their worries are over because George W. Bush is at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue 'til early 2009, they are SORELY mistaken.

Beyond gay marriage, abortion, stem cells.....there's the Great Commission. Jesus was concerned about feeding the poor, loving thy neighbor, and going into all the world, making disciples. Electing a God-fearing President, though nice, doesn't really fit here. And I guarantee you, hundreds of thousands of Christians sat back in their pews last Sunday reveling in their "victory", as if the work was done.

If the Christian church was as active in evangelism, missionary work, and meeting the needs of the less fortunate as we are politically, maybe we really would see a seed change in American culture!

2) School: I enjoyed reading Halloween stories to Rachel's class the Friday before the trick or treat day. My plans now are to be a volunteer in the classroom, and do things if our principal needs me. As I stated in an earlier entry weeks ago, a PTO, PTA, EIEIO position is not in the cards---nowhere near the time, as well as now other elements which have unfortunately crept into the picture.

3) Church: I really never touched the subject of revitalizing a church....and its pastor (namely me!) after I mentioned it, but we're having what should be a productive Board meeting next Wednesday night. I'm looking forward to it.

4) Patrick Henry Football: Quick synopsis of an "oh-so-close" season:

Freeman nips PH 37-33 on 10/15, as PH misses two extra points, which costs them the game. The kicker after the game was the last player still on the sidelines, being consoled by an assistant coach. He would be replaced the next week.

PH upsets Godwin 44-29 on 10/22, in a game I didn't call (home sick), and, of course, I miss the history! Ray Long becomes the all-time winningest coach in Central Region history and RJ Waters becomes PH's all-time leading rusher as he finally had his breakout game. He also hurt his shoulder....yikes. At one time it was 44-7, and remember, this game was at Godwin.

PH takes care of TJ at homecoming/senior night, 54-28. RJ does play and breaks 100, good night for other players (I love Sam Smith, no. 7! Glad he's only a junior.....). They gave up 370 yards in passing though. Yes, many of them late for junk scores when the game was far out of reach, but they'd better be ready for Jameel Sewell's passing game with Hermitage....

Finally, on November 5th, before the Hermitage game, Stubby and I are in the booth prepping, when I told him, "All I want is a close game." At halftime, after reviewing the exciting first half, I told him words to the effect of, "..the second half is going to be even better, I can feel it in my bones."

I've seen quite a few high school football games, even PH's 1994 State Title win, but the Hermitage/PH game last Friday night tops them all.

PH has two chances inside the 11 yard line to score early, and get zero. Once stopped on downs, and a 21 yard FG missed. When you miss those chances early on the road, it's a horrible omen. Somehow, on this night, it wasn't as bad.

PH finally scored, Hermitage tied it, then PH scored again to make it 14-7. Hermitage had the ball near the end of the first half at the PH 3, but a personal foul made it 1st and goal at the 18. Then Sam Smith (!) sacks Sewell at the 33, then a holding penalty on the next play negates a 23 yard pass completion. Suddenly, Hermitage is 2nd and goal.....at the 48!!! They didn't score. 14-7 at half.

Hermitage gets the ball first in the 3rd, promptly scores 2 TD's and takes a 21-14 lead. But PH battles back, with RJ Waters' 3rd TD of the night, it's 21-21. Hermitage gets another TD, then misses their extra point (that's usually a bad sign, too), so it's 27-21. RJ makes it 4 TD's, and PH can take the lead with the extra point.....

BOINK!

The kick hits the upright, no good, and we're tied 27-27. Neither team could punch it in in regulation, and we're going to overtime.

Hermitage gets the ball first at the ten and scores in three plays. PAT is good, it's 34-27. PH comes out for their possession....without RJ. He's on the bench, shoulder wrapped in ice, apparently re-injured. This changes everything. Troy Leftwich bulls his way in on 3rd down to make it 34-33, then Coach Long makes the gutsy call, and I agreed with him. You're on the road, your best player is out, go for the win when you can....

They go for two...Stuart May fakes the fullback handoff and tries to follow the right side of the line in. He didn't make it. Hermitage wins in OT, 34-33. They remain undefeated, while PH's chances of the playoffs come to a heartbreaking end.

May on the keeper for two points? Didn't really like that call...go with the bull Leftwich, or sweep and let DJ Thomas' speed get him to the pylon, or let DJ hide behind Leftwich's block and see if he can't squirt in. May just isn't really mobile, not when the defensive line only has 2.5 yards to defend, and passing was never an option.

Still, I LOVED the call to go for it. Yes, PH had earlier chances to win, so you can't put it all on the 2-pt conversion....2 chances lost in the first quarter, the missed extra-point in the 4th; any of them yield points and they win in regulation.

So, we finish the year at JR Tucker Friday night, weather permitting, as Stuart May, RJ Waters, Kevin Wagner and others finish their PH careers, hoping to win to make it three straight years of 7-3. If they were still a Division 5 school, we'd be talking playoffs...alas, they are not. Let's hope the boys don't come in with an apathetic attitude. That would be sad. I hope RJ is healthy and can go out with a 300 yard game. He got 299 at Hermitage.

4) My Health: I'm still tired alot, but better now that I've dropped the beta-blocker; that thing was the best sleeping pill I've ever taken....too bad I took it at 7am!!! I've gained some weight (possible medicine side-effect) and I don't like that.

Oh, and the Witham thermometer went into "under 30" mode this morning (29.6 degrees F), so, instead of shorts, I wore long pants and actually broke out the coat to wear (and promptly left it at work tonight, but that's okay, it's only going to be 38 tonight, that's not cold...)

Coming up, my trip to Mama's grave (it must have an entry of its own), and the first photo of yours truly. :)

THANK YOU OHIO!!!

.....enough said.

So much to say....

Let's see....to the 2.5 bloggers faithful to my blog...hee hee...

I've got two Patrick Henry games to review, one I saw, one I missed and regret it highly.

I'll be talking about my early, early morning trip up Route 33 to visit Mama's grave on what would have been her 66th birthday.

I'm closer to completing my 80s CD collection (as soon as I pay that EBay bill....yikes!)

And I've got final thoughts on Bush-Kerry.

Plus, FINALLY (like you really care!)....I will post a picture of me. The others have made it on here, might as well expose my identity for the internet to see.....

I'll be back ASAP. :)

Circa 2000----the greatest Nana ever, with two of her special pumpkins....Robbie and Rachel, in their younger days (binky included)! 

Not a mean motorcycle Mama by any means, but it is Rachel and her new bicycle....:)  

Seasonal picture of family; from the beach, now to the pumpkin patch. Rachel, Mom, and Robbie at Ashland Berry Farm, October 16, 2004 (Dad took the picture, of course!)  

At the twilight hour, a photo of my pride and joy....my 1988 Cougar. It gets me there and back again, that's all I ask. It's so nice to have a piece of my Mama still with me every day. :) 

72-86= -14

Boston 8, New York 1, after five.....

Gotta go to bed, but I still can't believe I may (emphasize may, I remember the '86 season while living in Massachusetts) wake up to see that the Red Sox might FINALLY get past those stinkin' Yankees in the most incredible way possible----winning four straight, the last two in "The House That Ruth Built".

They finish this, and there's no way they lose the World Series. Unless, of course, the Cards win their game 7 and it's 1967 all over again....Bob Gibson isn't on the active roster, is he?

My dad is 72. Lifelong Red Sox fan. Saw Ted Williams hit one out of the park at Fenway live!

He's NEVER seen the Red Sox win the World Series.

Maybe it's all about to change.....

I must attend to the dishes that I have soiled with the food that I have eaten....

....wonderful words of wisdom from MoJo JoJo from a classic episode of the Powerpuff Girls.

A few random thoughts, since I haven't really blogged, other than debate and football coverage for awhile....

1) An old, old friend went to my blog, and didn't like the anti-Kerry comments, emailed me, and told me so. I have no problem with that. I just hope they will return at some point to find out that politics is not the driving force of this blog; it just so happened my last entries were done the night of the third debate (you know, that third "Kerry win"...ahem....). Otherwise, I address my response to her privately, not here.

2) Give it up, Sox fans!! Do you honestly think you'll win two in a row against the Yanks in the Bronx? No one has EVER come back from a 3-0 deficit, and of all teams (other than the Cubs?) certainly the Red Sox won't do it. Don't get me wrong--I HATE THE YANKEES!!! But, I'm too much of a realist to get any hopes up at all. And, honestly, St. Louis suddenly looks real shaky. Clemens in the World Series AGAINST the Yankees?? Could be....

3) Let's see....Bush is to blame for the flu vaccine shortage (wasn't there one last year, too, and the frightening headlines soon disappeared...), and you could argue he is the cause of athlete's foot, both the curse of the Red Sox, and Cubs, and why the NHL didn't start their season. I also think Bush is to blame for water flowing downstream, but we'll get confirmation from the DNC on that about any time now.....

4) Work is, work. East coast bias?? Try working for a company who has a major division on the West Coast, and at 410pm their time sends out an urgent email that a radio spot CANNOT air tomorrow and must be replaced with the one attached on the email. Never mind the fact I received it at 710pm. Sadly, I'm there many nights at 710pm...so you know me, off upstairs I go to put it in....

5) We're coming up on October 28th, when Mama would have been 66 and completing her first year of receiving the Social Security benefits she worked so hard for. She's getting MUCH better benefits where she is right now, I can guarantee ya! I just can't help, though, and think how ironic it is, that so many times she would tell me about how it would be once she retired from the bus route at 65; I know she'd spend her time sewing for income and take lots of time to enjoy her garden, yard, and flowers, and travel a little. She only made it to 64. Kinda makes all the talk about Social Security on the campaign trail superfluous to me.....

I haven't decided how to handle the 2nd birthday without her. I'm sure outside forces (namely work and kids' school stuff) will pretty much dictate that decision, but I must return to her gravesite...it's been way too long. But I've gotta go alone; I never have. Not that I've minded the kids going with me, for I've enjoyed keeping her alive with them; she meant so much to them. But I need to have a seat on the ground, sit Indian-Style like I always do, rock back and forth, and just hang out and talk with her, as if we were on the front porch again. Either front porch...the big one at Grandaddy's house/farm in North Carolina when I was a kid, or her front porch (really a side porch) at her house the last 19 years of her life.

I guess it's rather obvious my Mama had a profound impact on my life, and, even approaching two years after her death, I find myself fighting to get "out of the funk" that is depression, a condition she'd never want me to be in. Guess I'd better quit before I start that weeping and gnashing of teeth stuff again....:)

NOW--UPDATES I'VE NOT DONE IN AWHILE:

Music I'm listening to: Asia's 1982 self-titled debut album----I enjoy the deeper cuts on this one, rather than the radio hits (which are fine), but Sole Survivor, Time Again, Wildest Dreams, and Here Comes The Feeling recall a great time in my life---summer of '82.....preparing for high school, my first breakup, and all the agnst that goes with being 15 and having acne.
What's worse anyway: acne at 15 or extra weight at 37?

COUGAR UPDATE: I WILL be posting a picture of the Super 88 Cougar, as I've taken a couple on the digital camera. Also caught a rainbow leaving Ashland Berry Farm last Saturday afternoon, so we'll have to try and get that posted on here, too (hope it looks good!)

And, it's late, but----

WITHAM HISTORY: October 17, 1987: Bonnie was stupid enough to go on her first date with moi. She first ordered me not to listen to my Genesis cassette while she was in the car (being the strait-laced Pentecostal girl she was); and now, I can't get her to stop watching Fox News, Lite 98 is her only radio station, and she doesn't mind when my kids sing Moody Blues songs....or Genesis for that matter (had to teach her to live a little...hee hee....)

All for now; I'm gonna catch a nap, get up around 3am, just in time for the 19th inning of Red Sox/Yankees game six.

Game VI: Douglas Freeman 37, Patrick Henry 33

Oh, the snap of the ball.

Seems simple, almost a foregone conclusion, eh?

Oh, electricity.

We flip on light switches and open refrigerators, blatantly taking the juice that runs it all for granted, eh?

Both come to the forefront at the ol' ballpark Friday night.

First, the broadcast. Coming out of the pre-game timeout, it seems we lose contact with the producer at the station. We sit in confused silence awaiting a cue to return to air that never comes. So, eventually, we just started ourselves. We called an exciting first quarter. Then, as it ended, here comes the station manager into the press box. We were off the air. Not our fault in the booth for once, mind you. They lost electricity at the station on Ashcake Road. Thus, we weren't on the air. So, we waited, and waited, and with about 2 minutes left in the half, power returned to the station, and we were on the air.

So, we took halftime and reviewed the raucous first half, which ended in a 14-14 tie and included some great plays, the best being Stuart May's best pass of the season, a 64-yard strike down the right side to Dean Thomas. Ogun of Freeman took an 8 yard swing pass and turned it into a 64 yard TD pass thanks to no defense on the left side of the field (boy they bit on the fake).

The second half was equally exciting. PH goes up 21-14, then Freeman scores twice to take command, 28-21. The key to it all was PH being first and ten at their 22. That's when the quarterback/center exchange, messed up twice against Deep Run with no damage, came back to haunt them. Freeman recovered and scored that 2nd TD to retake the lead.

PH returns and scores, but the kicker goes wide left with a kick that had an awkward spin on it, leading us in the booth to believe it may have been partially blocked, since Freeman got great penetration. (Coach Long would later tell Stubby after the game, using a four-letter word, that it was just a shank).

Then Thomas mishandles a punt at the 9 and is tackled at the 1. PH, one point behind, and 99 yards to go. They can't get a first down, so, smartly, May takes the fourth down snap in the shotgun and runs through the end zone for the safety. It's 30-27. Freeman gets the ball back. It's their game to win, and they take it downfield to score with under three to go. It's 37-27.

But PH keeps going---a great pass to Troy Leftwich, with tremendous running after the catch on his part, put PH in a position to score, which they did. 37-33. Extra point to make it a 3-point game.
Clunk. Wide left again. You really felt sorry for Neale. He's been so accurate this season until this half.

He gets a redemption shot. Down four with under a minute left, it's onside kick time. In high school, rather than the traditional onside kick you see in the NFL, they do a "high pooch" kick, trying to have the ball land between the two lines of the return team, so they can run as fast as they can and basically commence a rugby scrum to recover the ball, as you know it'll be past the ten yards needed for the ball to become live.

Problem was, he kicked it not 20 yards, but 34 yards, into the waiting hands of the return man. Game over. I've never seen Coach light into a player like he did Neale as he came to the sideline. Long after the game, I look down, and Neale is still on the sideline, helmet on, over by the kicking net, as an assistant coach talks with him. Boy, I hope this one doesn't get too much in his head, for I suspect the team will need him to nail a long field goal before all is said and done this season (his career long is a school-record 50 yarder).

So, PH is 4-2, 2-1 in the District, and have to go to Godwin Friday night. They must win for their playoff hopes to stay alive. Against Justin Bristow's arm, that won't be easy.

Blatantly stolen from another blogger, this looks like the next four years if, God forbid, that Massachusetts guy wins... 

Mr Kerry, about quoting James....

Senator Kerry, a correction on your use of the quotation from James, that, "Faith without works is dead".

By simply working, by whatever definition you want to call it, does NOT show that your faith is not dead. In fact, it is the fruit found in your labor which proves whether or not your faith is dead.

And according to the leaders in the Catholic Church.....your faith is dead.

Sorry.

Invitation to disaster??

Kerry says private accounts for people like me are an "invitation to disaster".

What he really meant:

"You're not getting a penny of your Social Security money, and by the time you're old enough to get it, I'll be dead, and my offspring will be well taken care of anyway....."

He's doesn't trust me with my money; he doesn't trust me to choose on health insurance.....

Gee, I trust my cat more than he trusts me....and I hate cats!

Quick debate thoughts in progress...

1) Notice when John Kerry talks about his health insurance, on many occasions, he says he will "allow" you to do this, that, or the other. "Allow" is much different than giving one a choice. He's gonna make you bow at the feet of the government. Period.

2) I don't drink, and I pray no one thought of this idea....

Drinking game---every time Kerry says the word "plan", take a drink. Better get the cops all over the roads tonight, DUI's will be way up. :(

Okay, finally...."A" or "O": What's the Difference?

I've been promising this story for a long time, and the time is here.

BY THE WAY, BEFORE I START---I'm posting twice tonight, so don't miss the recap of Patrick Henry's win last Friday night below; they're now 4-1, 2-0 in the Colonial District heading into Friday night's showdown with Douglas Freeman.

PTA? PTO? What's the difference? All depends on who you ask.

Here's my story:

My son begins kindergarten at Longdale Elementary School in September 1997. I'm the "stay-at-home-dad" at the time, finishing work on my bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies (Finally!) and caretaking for Robbie and his newly-born baby sister (as pictures on this blog attest, they're not little anymore!)

My first volunteering task at school was being "co-room mother" with my neighbor two doors down, making sure the Christmas....oh, sorry.....HOLIDAY party was done, the treat bags were handed out at special times, etc.

In first grade, my partner moved out of the neighborhood, and I took on being "room mom" on my own, and I survived! Late that year a form arrives home looking for volunteers for the PTA board for the next year. So, what do I do? Sucker fills it out and sends it in. I figure, 1st Vice President, you fill the slate of information or entertainment for the monthly programs, how hard could this be??

The first year was fun, eventful, and I met several people who would become long-time friends. Of course, you know the next step. Alas, I wasn't Dick Cheney, and I became President the next year. Term limits made it so you can only be President for two years, so I served the first year, was re-elected (like, no one else wanted the job, ya know?) and served the second (including dealing with a horrific parental situation, ending several years of bad blood...note I did not end it, but several things did.)

As the second year progressed, I took a harder look at why we were a PTA. I had heard of PTO and began to realize, whether they wanted to admit it or not, the National PTA definitely had (and has) a politically-motivated agenda. Yes, it's true I disagree with their political leanings, which also got me to thinking:

Most people think the way to "volunteer" in their child's school, especially at the elementary level, is by joining PTA. This isn't true, mind you, but PTA's position themselves in schools as the volunteer coordinator. For example, you can volunteer to help the secretaries in the office three hours a week and never become a PTA member.....

So, why should a parent feel compelled (or forced no less)to join an association which will take a portion of their dues and use it to promote political causes diametricly opposed to their views? In fact, especially at the elementary school level, why should there be politics involved at all?

On top of this, we looked at what we, as a local chapter, received from the dues money we sent to the National, State, and County Council of PTA's. Advantages included:

1) Already printed membership cards...

2) Access to an art program sponsored by PTA nationwide called "Reflections"...

3) Group discount on liability insurance....

...and that's about it. At the same time, the National PTO Network (which is not an overseeing group of any local PTO, but merely provides support and networking resources for all parent-teacher groups) sent us copies of their magazine, PTOToday, monthly....even though we were a PTA. I found their magazine to have much more information and many more ideas than "Our Children", the National PTA magazine, which always seemed to gear their articles and ideas around whatever the national "agenda" was at the time. So what if that doesn't apply to your local school??

At Longdale, Reflections was not a very popular program, and, well, membership cards are pretty cheap to print on your own. At the same time, this was a chance to create a truly non-partisan, non-political, parent-teacher group designed first and foremost for the benefit of our kids, at our school, with other designs on reaching out to other communities as well.

One of PTA's biggest defenses against PTO's is the view that PTO's are only "in it" for the kids at their school, and have no power to affect legislation. In hindsight, I look at that view, place it up against their supposed "non-partisan" status, and realize the two cannot live under the same roof. If the PTA, on any level, seeks to lobby (and pays lobbyists) legislation to move a certain way, then inevitably, they will have to cater to one side of the political aisle or the other, based on make-up of the Congress or State Assembly, who's in control party-wise, who are the influential members of that body, etc, etc, etc.....

I've said it publicly; the thought of PTA spending lots of their dues money to pay "lobbyists" just, as a citizen, bothers me, because there is no way you can lobby politically on behalf of every child. It's impossible. If it were, we'd have no two-party system!

Anyway....the year after I finished my two terms, the new President took over, basically disappeared, then resigned, and the first vice-president took over (per the bylaws) and it became her crusade to.....dissolve the PTA and reform the school's group as a PTO. Ironic? What I wanted to see done under my watch was now in progress and I was at home watching the kids while my wife served on the board!

The one aid I gave to PTO in the process was that I agreed to speak on behalf of going PTO at the dissolution meeting in April of '03. According to PTA bylaws, the Board must vote for dissolution, then must give members 30 days notice of a meeting to vote on dissolving the chapter, plus the State/County PTA must be notified and allowed to attend the meeting and have up to 15 minutes to speak to the group as to why they should remain a PTA. The vote also must be 2/3's in favor of dissolving; a simple majority wasn't enough. These are all blanket rules found in every PTA's Bylaws in the USA.

So, the Board followed the rules, and I was asked to represent "PTO" at the meeting, which I did. The PTA brought two or three members from County Council. They were feisty; one was downright rude.

The vote was unanimous, and the PTA dissolved. The PTO was born.

Fast forward to last fall. Guess who was asked to be the first PTO President?? Due to my physical and depression issues, I said I would only if I had a strong first vice-president to whom I could delegate things. Early in the year, knowing part of our school would be rezoned to a new school, I wrote the Superintendent simply asking that there be a meeting of the future school's parents decided whether we would form as a PTA or a PTO, as both organizations were represented in this "blending" of populations into a new school.

I never heard back from him. His spokeswoman later responded, then it was a non-issue until the new principal was named and we took the issue to her. She was very open to allowing the parents decide and eventually wanted to wait until school opened in September so Greenwood's new family could decide in Greenwood's facility what Greenwood wanted to do.

What I didn't know was the County Council of PTA's basically spent the summer badgering the Principal into "going ahead and starting the PTA anyway". Well, September comes and the meeting night is set.

It was real simple; have a forum and let the parents decide. I had already told the teachers who transferred from Longdale to Greenwood last spring that we would be volunteers, helping our new school, whether it was a PTA or PTO. The kids came first. But if there's a way to do it, especially at the primary level, where everyone feels invited and the first focus is on the kids at our school, then I think that point of view needs to be represented.

So, we met. The PTA had its County Council President, two other officials (including the rude one from last year's event at Longdale), and a long-time PTA volunteer from the other major elementary school involved in the rezoning.

The rules were, each group speak 15 minutes, then open the floor for questions, then ballot voting. Parents who could not make the meeting were allowed to vote absentee through the office until 830am the next morning. I had no problem with the format, made by the Principal, while the PTA reps had lots of problems. More about that later.....

Well, our principal left the cafeteria and went to watch the kids that had to come with their parents (like ours) 'cuz they are not old enough to stay home by themselves. Imagine that, the principal volunteered on her own to be the "day-care". How cool!!!!

Only problem was, she wasn't in the meeting to make sure people adhered to the time limits. Why time limits? Because Boy Scouts had a meeting schedule to begin in the cafeteria at 7pm.

My wife noticed the problem, went and got the Principal, took over the daycare, and she came back to the meeting. A Q and A had already begun, though it wasn't supposed to until after both presentations. I sat quietly, not making any protest, biding my time.

She ended the proceedings, noting the time, and the fact that PTO needed their presentation time. PTO was represented by....well...just me. I spoke on the positives of independence, autonomy, money saved, and how many resources were available in many ways that one has to pay the PTA dues in order to receive. I also touched upon the political leanings of PTA and made the argument that any group like that should be non-political, period, and that as a PTA, your bylaws must be approved by the higher-ups (aka the State PTA), so what if they nixed something that would benefit your school?

Several questions afterwards, then the fun began. One question was about dues, since most of a PTA Chapter's dues money is sent to the State and National PTA offices. I noted that some PTO's have no dues at all in order to encourage as much membership as possible. One other parent asked my view after being President in both groups as to which way to go, so I did.

The ballots were given, some PTA officials complained that people got to vote via absentee. The defense was, essentially, how can people vote if they don't know the issue? I hate to upset her, but millions of Americans will be doing just that November 2nd, but anyway....

PTA demanded to be at the vote-count the next morning, so my wife has to go to work late in order to "represent" PTO. They basically "took over" the counting process (funny, I don't remember anyone letting George Bush or Al Gore count votes in Florida 4 years ago), but in the end, the vote was PTO.

Then, the next reality. Oh dear, how do we get this started? I really have little or no desire to serve in an official capacity this year, with continuing personal issues (physical, etc) and the workload at the radio station being two major reasons. Suddenly Bonnie and I find ourselves "the face" of PTO.

Happy to report we announced a volunteer meeting for last week, a "formation committee" was begun to draft bylaws, submit tax forms, set up the positions of the Executive Board, and prepare the PTO to have its first meeting and elections. At the same time, there are also temporary committees handling recruiting volunteers, recruiting members, and starting the dreaded fund-raising.

We all come back together on 10/21 to see where we are, and I hope we can elect a board and get things really rolling no later than November 10th, or around the time Bush and Kerry are fighting to personally count votes in Broward County, Florida.

Let this be known: I KNOW there are thousands upon thousands of wonderful, hard-working, concerned parents across America who work to better their child's school through their local PTA. It is not them that I disagree with. It's the elitist attitude of the "organizations", the "hierachies" of the National, State, and County Councils of PTA's, that claim to speak for all children, when they do not, who will go on "educational tours" with Tipper Gore while the 2nd Lady, and the year before her husband's Presidential campaign (I'm still waiting for the Laura Bush tour to commence, and, oh, by the way, she's an educator!!), and who will, as was the case a few weeks ago, partner with several groups, including MOVEON.ORG, to sponsor a "make our schools a success" campaign. If I'm "non-partisan", I don't partner with MoveOn.org any quicker than I'd partner with Concerned Women For America.

It's them I stand against, for I've learned by dealing with their local representatives that I truly believe they've lost touch with why they started volunteering in the first place, and they're now more worried about protecting an association (PTA), and thus helping the kids is a secondary thought. The reason I say this is simple: if I were so pro-PTA, and I heard a school wanted to form as a PTO because it was best for their kids, if I really was "kids first", I'd support them, even though they wouldn't join "my group". Same thing as when I told people last spring I'd volunteer at the new school no matter what the acronym. The kids come first.

But boy do we disagree on the way it's organized.

If you're a school volunteer, the best way to get lots of information is through PTOToday.com.

Yes, it's true it will slant "pro-PTO", but they do welcome all volunteers of all groups of any acronym. Trust me, the National PTA website, pta.org, will not be as willing to help PTO's. In fact, they'll tell you why not to be a PTO.

See?? I told you it was an "interesting" story.....

Same thing is happening nationwide, even right now in Maryland (You may have to "register" to see the article).

Well, now, it's off to beddy-bye. After a nice day off with family, it's time to focus on doing five days' worth of radio work in four days. Being that it's taking 50-60 hours a week right now, the next four days seem rather bleak, don't they???

Game V: Patrick Henry 35, Deep Run 7

Now that's more like it.....

First trip ever for Patrick Henry to the newest high school in Henrico, Deep Run, in the very affluent northwest corner of the county.

A little self-deprecating humor from the Patriots' students, as the team busts through a banner reading "Hicks from the Stix" before the game, and the student body showed up wearing hunting suits.

Tight early on, as PH marched quickly for the first score, but gave Deep Run an excellent chance to immediately tie thanks to a muffed punt. Troy Leftwich ended all that on the next play with a nice interception, but Deep Run would get the ball back, score and make it 7-7.

On the first play of the 2nd quarter, Bruce Mines took a misdirection right side 48 yards to paydirt, breaking the tie and giving PH the lead for good. Up 21-7 at half, they dominated the 2nd half, especially with a classic, long, grind-it-out running drive of several minutes. With five minutes left in the game, Deep Run had only run nine offensive plays from scrimmage. Can't come back from a 14-point deficit like that...

Solid PH performance, in spite of Kevin Wagner's absence due to injury. Now the focus is on Douglas Freeman, suddenly PH's latest thorn-in-its-side. Freeman lost to Hermitage Friday night, so if PH can win, they put Freeman two in the hole in the District, essentially eliminating them from District title contention. Plus, after the two bitter losses the last two years, both at Freeman, PH must be salivating at the thought of finally getting them on the home turf....of course, they salivated at having Lee-Davis at home for the first time in 3 years, too, and we all know what happened there.....

And....BIG PROPS to Coach Ray Long. According to the VHSL, he broke Al Rinaldi's record for most career wins by a coach in the Central Region with win #191. The Richmond paper, though, contends Rinaldi won 191, so Long only tied him this week. Either way, a big win for the coach, and another win Friday against Freeman just seals the deal completely. And to think, I came to PH with Coach Long. He coached at the Junior High School while I was there in 8th and 9th grade, then moved to PH as head football coach when my class moved to PH as sophomores in 1982-83. His first team went 7-3. After so many years of losing, you'd thought we'd won the state title!

Way to go, Coach Long....and the irony of, if they defeat Freeman to give him the record in everyone's eyes, it'll be against the high school where his great father became a Central Region legend in his own right. The name "Long" is certainly revered in high school football circles in Central Virginia, and I'm proud to say part of that tradition has resided at my alma mater. :)

If Michelle can link to it, so can I...

See, the following explains why I do not approve of PTA....

The term "PTA" will not be found in this article.

What you will find is political correctness gone amok. In the library at my elementary school, we had pictures of every US President lining the side and back wall. When Ford and Carter took their turns, they eventually had their pictures hung.

Well, apparently, in this school, you start a war with acknowledging the leader of your country. As Michelle Malkin points out in her blog...

"Will the Democratic political appendage known as the teachers' union defend this rank-and-file teacher or put its fatcat union leaders' partisan interests first? And would there be any question about where the union would have stood if this had been 1992 or 1996 and the teacher in question had been reprimanded for displaying a photo of President Clinton during the campaign season?"

Answer: Ah, NO! NEA....PTA....same agenda....same politics...don't have the guts to at least admit it.

Thank God for PTO....help the kids, support the school, and keep the political rats out of the building to tend to their 527's, whatever their view may be.....

Whatever happened to reading, writing, and 'rithmetic?

Game IV: Patrick Henry 43, John Marshall 6

As a graduate and fan, as desperately as I wish to praise the Patriots on their annual thumping of John Marshall tonight, I simply can't. There were actually as many negatives as positives coming out of this 48 minute segment of football.

First, stop committing 13 penalties in a game. Most were 5-yarders (75 total yards lost in all), but that means they're the "mental" errors...offside...false start....delay of game. One time they had 3rd and 1 and a penalty made it 3rd and 6. No gain on 3rd down, they were forced to try a field goal from 37 yards, and it was no good. When you're playing the top teams in the District, you must score those 3 points. In fact, you should get the first down and score a touchdown!

GOAL ONE: Mental focus. It starts with the QB, being in sync w/his line in cadence, and the backs and receivers knowing the schemes of lining up for the play. It's October now, this shouldn't be a problem. Same defensively--stop lining up in the neutral zone.

Second, the playbook. First offensive play, toss sweep left to RJ Waters, 68 yards, textbook work. Touchdown, PH. The rest of the night, RJ averages only 3 yards a carry. Not RJ-like numbers. They are not creating the holes, they are not winning the war at the line of scrimmage, and worse, their best lineman was hurt tonight (Kevin Wagner, his ankle). I hope he's back next week for Deep Run, they'll need him, emotionally more than anything for his leadership.

GOAL TWO: Development of other offensive weapons so other teams can't put 11 guys against RJ Waters. Stuart May had some pretty passes tonight; the WR's must get separation and get open to take advantage of them.

So, there you go. 23-0 at the half, 43-6 the final as John Marshall scored on the last play of the game (they didn't even try the PAT, the refs just called the game.) So, PH is now 3-1, 1-0 in the District. The other "big 3 teams" in the Colonial all won, so it's, as expected, Godwin, PH, Hermitage, and Freeman at 1-0.

Next week, PH's first-ever trip to the new Deep Run HS in northwest Henrico. Might need a visa to get in there (I don't come close to the median income level, you see....) I oughta drive my 88 Cougar to the game just out of spite...:)

---------------------------------------------------

Happy to see the weekend arrive. It's a time to gather my thoughts, try to SLEEP, and forget about continuity for awhile.

Robbie's bike was stolen....off OUR FRONT PORCH!!! After 12 years, I now have my first "bad vibes" about the neighborhood. It's one thing if your kid leaves their bike at the curb or in the middle of the front yard. But this person(s) had to go on my porch, pick up the bike, carry it over a big box, just to get it off the porch to begin with.

So, we'll be distributing flyers to the neighbors, if, for no other reason, to warn them that they'd better be on the lookout. A conversation with a long-time friend 2 streets over revealed a missing scooter and bike over there within the past 3 weeks, so Bonnie filed a report w/the Police to make them aware. We are of the agreement we've got some vagrants in a nearby neighborhood coming through, it's just a matter of which one.

I also have to start the legal process of the PTO formation. Back to school night went well Thursday night, and no one heckled me when I explained the PTO and invited everyone to the Formation Committee development meeting next Thursday night. EIN forms, here I come!

I'm behind in POF (Fantasy Football League Commissioner work)---gotta catch that up. The sermon Sunday is on "the 4th quarter"; just needs development. The Purpose Driven Life series is over, and we're going "series-less", it looks 'til year's end, then to start '05, we're tackling Revelation. Oh, boy, here's a bone to chew on.....:)

Oh, and the highlight of the weekend---besides sleep----the first meeting of the Patrick Henry High School Class of 1985 20-Year Reunion Committee! The '95 committee is basically back intact, and one year from right now (12:26am, October 2nd), we'll be cleaning up at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at the conclusion of our 20 year reunion. The deposit's paid. October 1, 2005...should be a good night! :)

Oh, and to bring symmetry into the picture (and a close to tonight's entry)-----

The Witham History Moment---October 1, 1981.

My first date. Ever. Took Dawn to the JV football game at Patrick Henry on a Thursday night. She later turned down my offer to "go steady" (how cute), but we stayed good friends through high school, then her life was needlessly taken in 1990 when she was killed in her residence. Hopefully, the killer won't walk the streets again.

23 years later, to the day, I'm back at PH, calling the action on the radio....living the dream. But this tickle in my throat is driving me nuts....

More later.....and thanks for listening.

PS---Did you know being President is "HARD WORK"?????

John Kerry and Pearl Jam

But before I explain the title....


....it wouldn't be a Thursday night without working late...like, midnight and after late. That's why this entry is officially labeled October 1st, even though my mind still thinks "September 30".

The debate: Kerry did a great job "debating"; on the art of debating, he won. Bush used the term "hard work" way too much. You will hear many pundits later today (like they did right afterwards) praise Kerry's performance in Bush's "strong suit".

QUESTION: John Kerry has said, "I have a plan" a gazillion times. Could I hear it, John? What is it? How could you magically bring Germany and France to the table to come help quell the strife in Iraq? Exactly how many UN trips would it have taken to have Saddam Hussein finally say, "Okay, you got me, I'm leaving now. I'm sorry I killed so many Kurds." We tried diplomacy for 12 YEARS.

So, when I have time, I'm gonna take his advice, run over to his website, and then I'll return with thoughts on his illustrious "plan", which he barely scratched the surface on tonight.

Truthfully, neither candidate impressed me with bold ideas or specifics. Kerry relied on how he "would do better", which any opponent uses against an incumbent, and Bush, surprisingly, didn't spend enough time historically capsuling what it meant to go to Iraq and Afghanistan, compared to other times we've done similar things in the 20th century.

Just think, without the U.S., France would be now in their seventh decade under the Third Reich. Think about it.

NOW.....the title.

The most telling moment of my night was long after the debate ended. You're known by the company you keep, plus the people who wish to identify with you. A new CD with music "inspired by Farenheit 9/11" comes out next week, including a song from Pearl Jam, who performed it on Letterman tonight...this morning....whatever....

The last few verses made me hopping mad, and just makes me wanna go up to Eddie Vedder and ask him exactly how he gets off criticizing the President and the military (and do NOT try to tell me he wrote this song about someone or something else), when his ultimate goal is found in the final verse. Look:


"And I hope that you die, and your death will come soon
I'll follow your casket, in the pale afternoon
And I'll watch as you're lowered, into your deathbed
And I'll stand on your grave till I'm sure that you're dead."


That slice of peace, love and understanding coming from another member of the Michael Moore fan club, who, by the way, can't get enough of John Kerry.

I want a President who has a fan who wants to kill another person and "stand on their grave till I'm sure that you're dead"? And, being on a Farenheit 9/11 "inspired" CD, you and I know who that is.

The only thing Farenheit 9/11, and Michael Moore "inspire" me to do is have a case of diarrhea.

FOOTBALL: Patrick Henry later tonight looks to right the ship in its Colonial District opener against John Marshall in Ashland. Stubby and I will be there; the full report once I return home..later tonight...I'm so "calendarly-challenged" right now....