Labor Day Weekend

Pics: morning on my deck, afternoon in my favorite reading chair, and Sparky meditating in his favorite chair. Happy birthday to David Waters. He's 46 today. David was one of my closest childhood friends. For a while, we did everything together including moving to Florida after high school graduation. Sadly, I haven't seen him in probably 15 years or so. However, I do speak with his ex-wife (Jamie) every couple of weeks or so. She tells me that David's doing fine and has dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. We used to raise quite a bit of hell together to be sure. One of my most memorable moments was when David and Geno (another childhood friend who moved to Florida with us) entered a male go-go dancer competition in Ft Pierce, Florida. David was doing some serious pole dancing, and unless I am mistaken, he won the competition. Plus, he brought home some fat dancer that he couldn't seem to shake (sorry Jamie). David was always excellent at picking up the ladies. He always kept our home full of hot little Florida chicks. "One time, at band camp" he hooked me up with the prettiest girl I think I had ever seen. Can't recall her name now, but she was slender and had long Cher like hair and big beautiful eyes and lips!! She was HOT! But you know what? I wouldn't allow her into my world. Nope! I was in love with a girl back in Columbus. Oh dear! What a fool I was. Barley Friday was another wonderful day in Columbus. And if that wasn't enough, it was also the beginning of a long holiday weekend!!! This is my favorite day of the week, hands down. It represents freedom, why I work, and fun! Nothing feels quite as good as waking to realize that it's a Barley Friday. I spent the majority of my work day working through some hurricane related issues for some of our largest customers. It's really sad to see and hear what's transpiring down there. It's like a war zone! There are stories of folks wielding guns at paramedics making it difficult to carry out humanitarian efforts. Furthermore, there are several accounts of looting from businesses as well as private homes. I will refrain from passing judgment on anyone dealing with the tragic fallout of the hurricane. I am sure there is an insurmountable amount of fear, stress, hunger, and pain. And under those conditions, you just don't know what one might be capable of doing. At times like these, I am very proud of my company. We are offering to match a Katrina donation 2 for1 (If I donate $100 they will throw in another $200). I could hardly wait to get in my BM'er and head home for the evening. The day was still spectacular! At home I took a brief nap after walking Sparky. I was very relaxed. My friend, Teri Vereb gave me a call around 630PM or so. It was good to talk with her. She told me that she's coming home next week. I finished up a load of laundry and then headed to Barley's. I drove my BM'er, of course, and what a nice drive it was. Tonight I enjoyed a couple Oatmeal Stouts, a Pale Ale, and a Gumball Head (guest beer). I think it's an IPA. Bob and Mary Ann invited me to their "garage party" for the Buckeye home opener. I also had an invite to Pat and Lisa's, my neighbors. Not sure what I'll do. I may stay home and watch the game alone. I don't like to drink during the day because it makes me lethargic and tired for the remainder of the evening. And that's never fun! The Vikings played the Seattle Seahawks tonight and won! They won on the final play of the game by kicking a 33 yard field goal (23-21). Go Vikes! Now we wait for the beginning of the regular season!