Just More Ramblin'

Yesterday was Memorial Day. One would have thought that with the price of gasoline things would have been relatively quiet on the lake. I really don't know how the lake was cause I never left home yesterday. I worked in the yard. However, if Friday and Saturday was any indication, yesterday was packed. I have never seen so many BIG pick-ups and HUGE boats headed to Logan Martin. One might have suspected that people would squelch their extravangances but not this past weekend. WHEW!. I do not know how people afford it.

I was up at 5:20 am yesterday putting out WEED-N-FEED and Fire Ant killer in my yard. I really didn't want to feed my yard but it came with the package. I walked about two miles and never left my yard and I'm sore today. I finished this project around 8:00 am.

I cooked some ribs and Linda cooked a potato. We had a nice lunch and then I took a nap. Last night we watched "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" for the umteenth time. It is a classic and one of our favorites. It is amazing how many of the things in the movie I can relate to my own early years. We had popcorn and kool-aid which we really enjoy doing. (Our feet didn't even stick to the floor.)

Just in case you don't know, "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" was written by Alabama writer Harper Lee. She is from Monroeville, Alabama. The movie was filmed in 1961. It starred Gregory Peck and two unknown kids (who were the real stars of the movie) both of which were from Alabama. Mary Badham played "Scout" and Phillip Alford played Jem. Both these young stars went on to play a few more parts in movies and on TV but neither pursued acting a full-time profession into adulthoon. I didn't realize for a long time, until Billy pointed it out to me, that Robert Duvall played Boo Radley.

If you haven't read the book or seen the movie I would encourage you to do both. It would be well worth your time.

More Gatlin Brother Pictures

Larry Gatlin now wears black in honor of Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash was very influential early in the career of Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. Oh, by the way, the fourth guy in the pictures is Steve Smith. Steve Smith has been with the Gatlin Brothers for 32 years.

Gatlin Brother Pictures As Promised

Here are the pictures I promised of the Gatlin Brothers in concert at the Ritz Theater in Talladega, Alabama. April 19, 2008. If you too, like The Gatlin Brothers you may visit their website at http://www.gatlinbrothers.com/.

Workin' Out!!

Saturday I began a new workout program. A couple of weeks ago I joined a gym in Talladega. I belonged to this gym a few years back and was beginning to really see results when I quit due to financial reasons. Saturday I really just did a "mock" workout. Last night I went through a light workout. I am going to take it slow at first. Right now I am just conditioning. In about 6-8 weeks I will begin my work outs in earnest. I'm only a little sore today. I hope I don't get anymore than that. I'm going to try to use this blog as a method of keeping myself on track. I will try to post my results as I go. I beg for your prayers and encouragement.

The Gatlin Brothers

On Saturday April 19, 2008 (other of marrying Linda) I got about the biggest thrill of my life to date. I went to see The Gatlin Brothers at the Ritz Theatre in Talladega Alabama. I have been to concerts at large venues, I have seen, met, shook hands with and talked with celebrities and other famous people. By far this was the pinnacle. Thanks to my friends Chris and Donna Hyche and Mr. George Culver, I sat FRONT ROW CENTER. (And I do mean center). Front row at the Talladega Ritz is only about (8) eight feet from the stage. I am a HUGE Gatlin Brothers fan. I actually talked with Larry and Steve during the concert. I will remember this as long as God allows. I have pictures and IF I can figure out how to post the pictures I will do so. I took about 70 pictures but there were so many that were essentially duplicates I have them weeded down to about 12. It was a great time. Thanks Chris.

If you have never been to the Ritz Theater in Talladega you must try it. It is one of the best kept secrets in the great state of Alabama. George Culver and the folks in Talladega do a wonderful job bringing world class entertainment to the little berg of Talladega. The Ritz Theater ranks up there with the Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery and the Alabama Theater in Birmingham. You can call for information and get on their mailing list. The number is 256.761.0000. (No the four zeros is not a misprint.)

JUST A RAMBLIN' UPDATE

Yes, I know it has been a while since I posted. Here's the update. Linda is now working at Rainbow Omega part time. Just in case some may not know, Rainbow Omega is a residential home for mentally and/or physically handicapped adults. It is locate in Eastaboga, Alabama. (Check the website: www.rainbowomega.org ) She works about 20 hours one week and 12 the next week. She loves the residents there.

Billy, Brandi and the girls now live in Corner, Alabama. Billy is the Full time pulpit minister and evangelist for the Antioch coC. We went to watch Emma play baseball on Saturday. I really wish you all could have enjoyed what I enjoyed. Those three and four year old kiddoes are a hoot to watch. It was just the pick me up I needed (after being up most of the night Friday night with some type of virus.) I haven't laughed as hard and throughly enjoyed anything so much in a long time. We spent most of the later part of the afternoon on Saturday with Linda's mother and one of her sisters as a Mother's day celebration. I love Linda's mother very much and I miss my mother a lot.

My mom passed away March 22, 1987 as the result of an accident. The pain becomes more bearable with time but it never goes away. I especially miss her each time I have some milestone in my life or some particularly good thing happen in my life. My mother was my biggest fan and greatest cheerleader. I wish my wife, Linda, could have really known my mom. Although I'm afraid they would have ganged up on me at times.

Speaking of my wife, Let me praise her in keeping with the spirit of Mother's day. Linda is one of the most generous women I have ever known. She is not jealous or envious of anyone or anything. I love her more than I ever thought possible. She doesn't read blogs so I can say anything I want.

Until next time...... God bless you, Go with God.