I borrowed without asking

I am itching to go hiking. I have been internet searching constantly. Searching into where I could possibly hike. Weather reports, travel distances and things to see. I am SO ready to get outdoors.

Today, I decided to borrow (some may say steal) a new avatar. However, I will try and repay them with a write up about the website and the Avatar in my world famous blog. I am known through-out the world. I can prove it by the hits I get from the likes of Australia, Mexico, Argentina and Western Europe.

The website "Get Outdoors Georgia" is a wonderful addition to the research for obtaining ideas on how to get out of your house and see the great state of Georgia. It just happens that they have a colorful front man (or beaver) for their site. It can also be found on the Georgia state park webpage. It also just happens that blogger goes "splat!" on my current/old avatar. It just disappeared. No warning. No, sorry we lost your file. No, would you like to help us solve this?, Just a BIG ole plain "X" where my awesome hiking avatar once stood.

So, here I am. Borrowing an avatar from another source. In order that I can maintain my prominence in the blogging world, I must repay my borrowing with a write-up. I will bow to pressure if anyone approaches me about my liberalism in borrowing.

Get Outdoors Georgia is awesome. They are constantly updating and adding exciting new features to keep me (and you) informed about all the great things going on in and around our great state parks. Georgia is blessed with so many options scattered through out this state. Swamps in south Georgia. Canyons in middle Georgia. And my favorites, the north Georgia mountains. I am a little proud of my home state and my mountain hillbilly heritage. Thank you very much Dalton, Ga.

Did you know that this site has a "Junior Ranger Gopher Bade"? You would have it you visited this site. It's about encouraging all of us (kids especially) to get outside and explore. They're many awesome things just outside our doorsteps that can excite and encourage our children to love the land God has blessed us with.

Did you know that Amicalola Falls State Park is having a super bowl party? They are! This one has a big buffet presented by the Maple restaurant at the park. For a $3 parking fee ($25 year long pass) and a $12.95 buffet price, you could have an excellent time.

Are you a golfer, did you know that Georgia State parks are in the golfing business? How about 18 great holes of golf for the incredible winter rate of $28. But you better hurry - it ends February 28th!

Do you live south of Atlanta (I do). Did you know that Panola Mountain State park has an Advanced Fly Fishing Clinic every 4th Saturday of the month? I didn't - but I do now!

SO MANY great things to do in this state for little money expense. So, I encourage you to take the challenge and "Get out, Get dirty and Get fit" Georgia and those who are close by.

As for me and my daughter, you can catch us in a state park this weekend. I should have a write up and pictures early next week.

Rake has left for the great outdoors!

Wild Salmon

I am not a big proponent of diets and fads that Americans spend billions on each year. However, I will be 38 this year and as I creep ever so quickly towards the BIG 4 0 my body tells me that is can't continue like this. The last couple of years it has actually been screaming.

review:
20's - lived life hard and fast. I never said I can't. I ate what I wanted. I stayed below 190lbs.
30's - Marriage, children and responsibilities. The body didn't snap back as quickly. The soreness lasted a little longer.
35 - Back injury. seriousness set in. No one accident cause the injury. I just awoke one day not being able to stand, walk or crawl without pain. Pinched Nerve - go figure.
36 - back getting better but laziness sets in. weights jumps to over 200. With a quick diet - back under 200 - no problem.
37 - The weight jumps to 205 - this time - simple measures aren't getting it to fall.

result:
I must get more exercise (can't find hiking partners) and a change in eating habit. (not a diet).
I think it is more of a intellectual thought process that leads to some decisions.

Ideas:
Everyone knows to cut out soda - I made that decision years ago (I sneak 1 every now and then).
Processes foods. We live in a world that loves processed foods. You can get an entire meal in a box.
There has to be some harm in all these preservatives. Has to be. You can get a chicken pot pie with no expiration date - how can that be?
Mad Cow - need I comment on this one.

Okay before you think I am turning into some nutso - let me rein it in to a few points in my life.

I will "try" to stay away from beef. Not totally, but cut WAY down.
I will introduce more raw foods into my life.
I will reduce the amount of bread I eat. I don't have to have it with every meal.
I will increase the amount of juices I drink.

Those simple things are my goals. I think I can slowly turn this ship towards a new life.

This brings me back to topic. Last night I prepared the most delicious salmon. I am not pushing my issues on the rest of my family. So, they had processed chicken patties. I prepared the salmon and served it (to myself) on a bed of rice with raw baby carrots, slices of cucumber and celery. I still weight 205 - but it's a lifestyle not a diet.

Aaron will be getting married real soon - read his blog and watch him progress through the above mentioned stages. Haha!

Rake has left the building.

Pugilist

I had a discussion with Roadrunner and Joe at church on Sunday evening about movies and actors who play in them. They are both big movie goers that track and dissect the role of the actor and debate the effectiveness of that actors role in the movie. Me - way over my head. I, However, do enjoy a good movie and up to now have been pretty good at filing away memorable lines from good movies. Forrest Gump, Tombstone and Young Guns (1 of course) are my favorite movies to quote from. I can come up with just about any retort by quoting lines from these two movies. Really, Forrest Gump is enough. However, if you really want to get your point across, you must add in the movies Tombstone young Guns. It's a bit more harsh on the language but has some really interesting lines.

Again - this morning I have to remind someone I am Pugilist!




Examples.

You are nearby a co-worker when he/she is paged: "Run Forrest Run!" -Jenny
You are sitting in a long meeting when you lean to the person next to you: "Dear God, make me a bird. So I could fly far. Far far away from here."-Jenny
You are geocaching with your buddies: "I gotta find Bubba!" - Forrest
You are standing over a broken lawn mower when your wife walks into the garage: "stupid is as stupid does." - Forrest
You stand there with people looking at you like they want to hear more: "That's all I have to say about that." - Forrest
Someone just tells you they are sick: "Do you have a cough due to cold?" - Forrest
and in just the right spot (you figure out when) "You're momma sure does care about your education, son." - Principle



Now to be a little more harsh.

You want out of a conversation: "I'm not a pistoleer or a knifesmith like that greaser Chavez Chavez over there. I'm a pugilist. But, I wouln't imagine you would understand what that ment." Charley Bowdre - Young Guns
Someone has just cut you down: "Well, I've had you pegged as the type that likes... educatin' young men. " Murphy - Young Guns
Some points to the fact that you shouldn't be doing that: "Yeah, that's good, Mr. Law Dog, 'cause law don't go around here." Ike Clanton - Young guns
After you find a not so funny bumper sticker on your truck placed by a "said" friend: "I could've killed ya Dick. I could've killed ya. But I don't wanna kill ya.. I wanna eat. " Billy the Kid - Young Guns
When someone tells you something really obvious: "Thank you very much Charlie!" - Doc - Young Guns
You've just replied with a great come back and they stand there speechless: "You gonna do somethin'? Or are you just gonna stand there and bleed?" - Wyatt Earp - Tombstone.
Something catches your eye: "Did you guys see the size of that chicken?" Steve Stephens - Young Guns
Your geocaching in a strange town and seem not to be noticed: "where in the spirit world - they can't see us!" - Steve Stephens - Young Guns
Time to rumble: "I want your blood. And I want your souls. And I want them both right now!" Johnny Ringo - Tombstone.
You're cornered: "I have two guns, one for each of ya." - Doc Holliday - Tombstone
For you women: "I'm a woman, I like men. If that means I'm not "lady-like", then I guess I'm just not a lady! At least I'm honest." Josephine - Tombstone
Relaying a message: "You tell 'em I'M coming... and hell's coming with me, you hear?" - Wyatt Earp - Tombstone
You just won a good hand of cards: "Why Ike, whatever do you mean? Maybe poker's just not your game. I know! Let's have a spelling contest!" Doc Holliday - Tombstone.


One of my top favorites (you can use it in a lot of occasions): "I'll be your huckleberry." - Doc Holliday - Tombstone


I could go for a while - but you and I are both tired.

Basketball Win: 100 - 0

Girls Basketball Coach Fired After 100-0 Win

Detail here

Let's debate: Is it right to fire the coach. read the detail and decide.

Mr. President

Please pray each morning for the decisions you will make.

Try-Outs!

Candystick will be "trying out" for the 8 and under softball league in early February. This should be interesting. It's really a chance for the coaches to see the girls before they begin their draft. She and I have some work to do around the house and possibly at a nearby field before then. She hasn't picked up her glove since the end of last season. She has reluctantly taken a few swings at the new swing stix. I can't say I blame her. It has been in the 30 and 40's the last couple of days. It's hard to swing when you are wrapped up like a mummy. I am hoping for a break in the weather so we can get out there and get her rhythm back before she goes in front of the judging eyes.

This weekend Candystick spent the night at a girls birthday party. They made spaghetti, popcorn and fudge. It was a cooking birthday party with movie night. I feel for the mom who had to get 5 young girls and a baby ready for church Sunday morning. All made with will smiles - while some showed signs of less sleep than normal.

Animal Crossing-City Folk (Wii). After several days of Candystick and I gathering money, picking apples, fishing and doing other odds and ends, Cinderella finally decided she wanted in on the action. She stayed up late last night getting her character, finding a home and starting on her journey. She would have to wait until today to get her make-over. It was past 9:00PM when she completed working for Tom Nook. Candystick and I have paid off our original mortgage and requested a larger home. Currently, my home looks as if a tornado blew through. There is stuff everywhere placed in my one room shack. I am going to call myself a fisherman. That seems to be where I make my money currently.

This week looks lame in the activity list. There isn't much on the schedule. Candystick and Cinderella are taking the cat (Daisy) to the vet today for he annual shot. Saturday, Candystick has a children's quiz somewhere in north Atlanta. Other than that - it's work, eat and sleep.

I am in the planning stages of a camping/hiking trip. We are looking somewhere in northwestern South Carolina around March. Sounds like fun.

We will catch you peeps on the other side.


P.S. I had to steal this photo of my wife (Cinderella) from Grumps and Granna.

Animal Crossing: City Folk

Animal Crossing: City Folk



Last night Candystick chose Animal Crossing: City Folk as one of the Wii games she should would purchase with her birthday money. This should prove to be an interesting game. Take time to stroll over to the link above to read about it.

The reviews are good. They only give poor reviews for its likeness to previous versions of the game. Since we haven't owned previous versions, this shouldn't be a problem.

So, give us a week or so to get our town set up and then we will need "friends". The game supports WFC (Wi-Fi for the Wii).

You can watch a video of the gameplay here and here.

Also last night, I purchased a little late birthday gift for Candystick.

A ball on a stick!


Hopefully this will help improve her batting. I know it will help my back not having to fetch those softballs all over the lawn. We should be able to practice many swings without fear of having to chase wayward softballs.

So, We hopefully will either see you online with the Wii or on the playing field soon. A little side note (neither of us have blogged about it). Duck handed me a pretty good beating on Mario Kart online a week or so back. I have not been avoiding him as some may have suspected! I do want a rematch! Let me know if you want a challenge!

Softball Time

It's that time of year when parents sink sums of $$$ money for their kids to participate in sports. I am lucky enough to have a bright daughter who only last year decided to take up softball at 7 years old.

I was happy. A sport I can understand and help in her progress. (not like soccer or gymnastics).

Her first season was successful. She learn to catch rather quickly. Her throwing is coming along. Her bat came around mid season and was highlighted with a triple in the Fayette tournament.

This weekend I will proudly escort her to the sign-up table and pay the money for her to experience life's joy of organized sports. Her coach from last fall decided she wasn't going to coach this year. It's difficult to get your own children to understand the difference between coach and mom.

I was honored by something Cinderella mentioned to me. A school friend of Candysticks that also plays softball asked Cinderella if I was going to coach this season. She would want her daughter on my team. I was an assistant last fall and enjoyed it. I am not ready to step into any head coaching shoes. However, I was happy that my actions were seen as helpful.

So, fear not blog readers. Soon this blog will once again be filled with exciting stories - not of me - but of that lovable kid "Candystick".

Applebee's - By far the worst

As noted on Grumps and Grannas blog, it was Candysticks eighth birthday. Yeah Candystick! Grumps and Granna came over to take us all out to eat for the special occasion. We picked Applebee's.

I noticed soon after arriving that the metal rock playing on the sound system was a little loud. Not withstanding any metal rock playing at a casual dining eatery would be too loud. It didn't stop the whole time we were there.

We had a newer server (or so he said). I will cut him some slack on the ability to see and comprehend the basic needs to refill drinks. And, not his fault Candysticks first cup of sprite was entirely carbonated water. She didn't say anything but a watch of her face and a sip by her father diagnosed the issue.

The kitchen staff must have been having a good time in the back. They were not interested in cooking vegetables. Both Granna's and Cinderella's plates were lacking the standard side dish for a easy pile of fries. When requested to replace the fries was executed, the results were a little more than warmed raw vegetables.

Cinderella's request was a chop steak void of mushrooms and onions. Well, that was too difficult for the staff to understand. So, she got the standard dish with all of its onions and mushrooms. She just scrapped away the unwanted extras.

Between Cinderella's, Grumps and Granna's baked potatoes - none were accurately delivered. A little swapping around the table and scooping off some butter or sour cream here and there got it close enough everyone could eat.

Candystick's is at that age where a kids meal is not enough and an adult meal is were she needs to order. However, the adult meals are "creative" dishes and she isn't much on: Fiesta Lime Chicken Grilled chicken drizzled with zesty lime sauce, topped with Mexi-ranch and Jack-cheddar, and served with crisp tortilla strips, seasoned rice, and pico de gallo, Margarita Chicken or Garlic Herb Chicken.

So, she ordered 2 servings of the kids plain chicken sandwich. The kids portion is a half of of chicken breast. While we are charged for two complete kids meals. We get 2 plain chicken sandwiches, 1 order of fries and 1 order of drink. The drink doesn't bother me. However, the 10 fries or so that was on her plate did tend to distract my attention. Not because I want her to have all the fat and calories. But, I expect to get what I am paying for - 2 orders. I will from now on order each meal with different side dishes. Maybe she can have some half warmed raw vegetables dripping of oil.

Me. Well, I ordered the California Turkey Club. It came with its fries and I didn't see any issue with my order. So, 1 out of 5 is 20% correct. That's failing no matter how you split the pie.

On a separate note. The two tables on each side of us had their own issues. I am pretty sure 2 ladies at a table of 4 got their meal free, and the family on the other side was witnessed exchanging plates between each other and with the kitchen.

So, in conclusion. Thank you Grumps and Granna for the meal and the company. We enjoyed the company and appreciate the gift. However, next time remind us to take our patronage elsewhere. We tipped the waiter at 15%, shook out the screaming voices from the sound system from our heads and returned home for a few games on the Wii.

** When spell checking this - numerous mis-spellings were identified in the copy and paste section of the Applebee's menu. I debated on correcting them or leaving them in. .... I corrected them. Then pasted links below.**

Check out for yourself sandwiches (sandwhiches) at http://www.applebees.com/Menu_Burgers.aspx and Margarita(Margherita Chicken) at http://www.applebees.com/Menu_Chicken.aspx

Don't get me wrong - my grammar is atrocious. That's why it's really bad that the lack of grammar by a professional organizations is especially atrocious when spotted by someone like me (right brained).



Applesbee's need a serious overhaul.

Just in case Corporate wants to correct anything they see as out of line. The location is:
Applebee's
971 Bullsboro Drive
Newnan, GA 30265
(770) 251-2285

I'm ALIVE!

However, I am still not in the mood to blog.......




Thanks for noticing my slackish behavior Porcupine.