Best Part of a 3 Day Weekend ...

... the following week is only a four day work week.

Update in bullets (and a bunch of photos):

(As always, for you Sunshine, a fan of bullets.)

• Ben is doing fine, spoiled like a sick kid, but fine.

• Mike leaves this Thursday for the World Poker Tournament in Vegas. I hope he wins big.

• I am diggin' these zori, thanks again Deb.

• Ree (you Hotfessional) and I are excited about BlogHer coming up. She and I are sharing a room and that's about all we'll say. What happens in Chicago stays in Chicago. (Unless it can fit in a carry-on. )

• My Memorial Day weekend ... no surprise here.
  

Don was the only one to catch a walleye all weekend.

I really DO fish, that's my rod.

"Hey Don, take a picture of me fishing for my blog please."

Mmhumm, I fish in the blur.
(Yes jeans from head to toe, it was a cool crisp morning.)


Don fishes and naps, such a multi-tasker.

Steve and Mary

Ummm, N and D


Captain Don and Captain Steve


Just before sunset.

10 Things, Honest Scrap

Robin, from Around the Island, sent (and tagged) me the Honest Scrap Award.

Before passing it on, I'm to list 10 truthful facts about myself.

Sounds pretty loose ended, so here goes. I'll try not to repeat things from previous meme's.

1. I can't sing, unless off-key counts.

2. In the very early 70's (K? do you remember the year?) Karin and I sat on stage at a Leon Russell concert at Cobo Hall and thought we were bad asses for doing so. Now, annually, Leon plays at a small venue in Ferndale Michigan, The Magic Bag. It's like being in a corner bar, a nasty corner bar, a corner bar I'd rather not sit in.

3. I never went to a prom or homecoming dance.

4. I'd donate a kidney if it would help someone. Especially my brother.

5. I can't help but to peek when everyone bows their head in prayer. I like to make eye contact and smirk at the other "peekers".

6. I like the "classic" Aretha Franklin. I did not like the hat she wore to the inauguration yesterday. I did not like her voice. And I did not like how she sang the first line of "My Country, Tis of Thee", placing a break in the wording ... "My count try tis of thee...." Maybe it's my 12 year old boy mind that kicked in, but I didn't like it.

7. I tend to lead when slow dancing. Don is going to break me of that habit, right Don?

8. I like granny smith apple slices dipped in warm, gooey brie.

9. My father took his own life, 29 years ago . (Betcha didn't see that one coming.)

10. I believe there are more good people in my life than probably really are.

There you have it. I'm supposed to tag it on, but I think I'll just say grab the award and spill 10 things if you feel like purging. Let me know if you do so I can come by and read your post.

Limited Edition 427 ZL-1

Awesome! Cool isn't it? Great news, finally it's available!

Only 427 of this special anniversary edition made. That's it!

My brother called me last night all excited because he's got one.

Serial number #33

Whoot!

Hu? What is it? Yeah, me either ... I didn't know.

THEE must have engine that was available in the 60's.

Then, it was so costly, there were only 2 Corvettes and 2 Camaros ordered with it.

Recently, GM released #001, it went at auction for $55K.

These engines are constructed from the original tooling used during the late 60's.

All the info and press release can be read here.

So, you want one? Just have to have it?

I know one that's for sale.

Hope ... for the Flowers

My brother calls me a couple times during the week when he's taking a break at work. We catch up on little nothings and everything. He's in automotive design, and for the most part we chat about his latest projects.

::: That of which I can't write about or he'd have to carjack my blog :::

Mike and I have been close since we were small. Maybe because we are just over a year apart, but probably because we "get" each other. Did I mention he is my only favorite brother too? He's had some medical deficits over the years that he's overcome, and some he's still dealing with. (I'll be posting about that soon.)

About 17 years ago, he had a closed head injury, an AVM blow-out in his noggin. Long story short, medically, he shouldn't be here, but since he is, he should have some handicap's. He not only fully recovered, he's gotten approval from the FAA to fly again. Anyway, his short term memory seems to be the only thing he deals with. I tease him that he uses the injury as his excuse, because all us over-fifty-year-olds suffer from CRS Syndrom. (can't remember s*it)

On the flip side, Mike can remember things from years ago that most would forget, even if they had it written in a journal.

::: Raising my hand and nodding yes here :::

There is a personality change that I see in him since his injury. He has a keen awareness to the "little things in life". His appreciation and focus is on the here and now. Mike certainly is one that stops to smell the roses.

Which brings me to our call of the other day. He was relating to people he is in contact with that are considered successful and wealthy by society's standards, and to those who struggle day to day to reach a level they think will bring them happiness and solve all problems. He asked me if I remembered the book Hope for the Flowers. We proceeded to recall the story.

I'm glad my brother is one who approaches each and every day with thanks and hopes. I wish I wouldn't allow myself to get so side tracked.

I came home and read the book again.

An excerpt:

"How does one become a butterfly?" she asked. "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar."

If you haven't read it, please put it on your list to read. Especially to your children. Although it's a quick, 15 minute easy read, it will have you thinking for days to follow. And in our case, years.

Hope for the Flowers
By Trina Paulus

Merry Christmas, Ha-ha-ha

That's right, Santa can't be associated with ho's anymore.

Sydney Australia Santa's have been given the heave-ho on "ho-ho-hoing". It was pointed out that "ho" is an American slang term for prostitution.



Now, if you still believe in Santa, chances are, you are still clueless to prostitutes.

Personally, I am so sick of politically correctness, changing some traditions, and taking all the fun out of the holidays.

I still say Merry Christmas, it's about Christ isn't it? I see no problem with the nativity scene set up in the middle of Anytown USA, even if it is on the court house lawn. And I think all Santa's should be able to HO-HO-HO ... even at the hootchie mama's that walk by!

Read more here: No Mo Ho's for Santa

Unrelated, except that I am sure he isn't bothered by ho's either *smirk*

Happy Birthday
to my FAVORITE* brother Mike!
1959 @ 5 Years Old

*I can get away with saying that since he's my only brother.