Taking off.
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Girls Go Parasailing
Jenn and Cait went parasailing for the first time. The owner of the boat stated that there is 1400 foot of rope and that they were over 500 foot in the air. They loved it.
We also saw a number of dolphin while on the parasail boat. One was directly behind the boat, riding the wake. Overall it was a great time. I was also asked to go up, but since I have a terrible fear of heights, it was not a good idea.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Great time in Florida!
We've been in Florida for 2 weeks and have had a great time. I went golfing 6 times thus far. Had some great rounds and some not so great. One thing that has been steady has been the heat. It has not fallen below 92 when golfing and the heat index has been as high as 109.
See the green beside the sand trap.
I had a great shot last week, I was sitting behind a huge group of trees trying to get to the green. You can see it by the picture. Shot the ball under and between the trees and ended up on the fringe of the green. Great shot! Don't ask how I got there, Not such a great shot!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Finally golfing again
In spite of a pretty sore knee form the gout, I have played the past two days. I had 2 pretty polar opposite days. I did well on Friday, hit the ball well and scored ok. Today, not so much in regards to the playing. I teamed with my daughter's BF and we lost 15 of 18 holes in better ball. Not a good showing at all.
One play gives evidence of just how bad things went. My buddy Rick hit a ball around 50 yards left of the green on a short par 3. It hit a tree, rode the limb and then rolled to the middle of the green, about 15 feet from the hole. I hit the right edge of the green, rolled back, hit the cart path and ended up no where near the green.
I will get out there again tomorrow and then maybe take a couple of days off.
One play gives evidence of just how bad things went. My buddy Rick hit a ball around 50 yards left of the green on a short par 3. It hit a tree, rode the limb and then rolled to the middle of the green, about 15 feet from the hole. I hit the right edge of the green, rolled back, hit the cart path and ended up no where near the green.
I will get out there again tomorrow and then maybe take a couple of days off.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The US Open Week
I spent all of last week at the US open in Bethesda Maryland. It was a great week, with lots to watch and I was able to spend time with several of my friends, Pete, Lening and most of all, Jimmy.
The first day we went was Tuesday. I still have the gout in my left knee so it was slow going. We went to Gaithersburg to catch a bus shuttle to the Open. We decided to wait until after the day's matches before trying to check into our hotel. It took about a half hour to get there, which really wasn't bad. We watched for around 6 hours and decided to head back to get situated in the hotel. We weren't sure of what the hotel (The Bolger Conference Center) was going to be like. We were hoping to have 2 double beds in each room. When we arrived, we found to our dismay that the rooms were about just large enough for one person. We started worrying about Pete coming to room with me for a few days, since the bed situation would have meant that we would have very little room if we slept in the same one, and there was no room for a cot. We tried, to no avail, to get a room with 2 beds, but they were gone.
The room situation was an intresting one. We had found a place with 2 double beds in each room in May, but Jimmy wanted to Priceline it and try to get them cheaper. They were $97 at a Wyndham. Jimmy wanted to wait, so when he did finally check again, they were all gone. The only place with any rooms that we could find, you guessed it, the Bolger. I was ticked at first, but it really turned out to work ok. We were able to get a shuttle from the Bolger to the Open and it only took abut 5 minutes. We pain $45 each, for the week, which was well worth it. The Bolger also had a restaurant/grill where we ate several times. We came to be of the opinion that you had to have failed at every other job you ever had before you could get a job at the grill. It was terrible service most of the time. An example, the first night there we all went to the grill, Jimmy, his son Brian and I. While looking for a table, we came accross a man from India, Prinz, who invited us to join him. Prinz was a self-professed computer genius. He had come to the grill a while ago and had not been waited on, so he thought if we all sat there he would get some service. The waitress did finally show up, Jimmy ordered an Amsteel and I ordered Miller Lite draft. Lening then came to visit and we ordered one for him. Lening and I ordered a draft beer and both got bottles, Jimmy was told they didn't have his beer, and so he ordered something else, which never came and they gave him a third type. We then ordered another beer and they said that Lening and I had received the last 2 drafts in the grill. They were free! They were also the worst tasting beers I have ever had. Meantime, Jimmy started seing people all over the grill with Amsteels.
We ordered food and it came cold, actuall probably colder than my beer! When it was time for the bill, nothing was correct. We tried to explain, but the waitress said it was out bill. We didn't argue since she had left off 2 sandwiches and 2 of the beers. Prinz, meantime, explained he only eats chicken as a meat, and only on three days of the week. He was eating chips and french fries for his dinner. He also did not drink alcohol, so he was a bit out of his league with us. Once Lening arrived, we spent about 15 hilarious minutes explaining to Lening why we were staying where we were. For a genius, Lening sure gets confused very easily.
Two days later at the grill, we each orderd a pizza. Not one of the 4 had the correct toppings, with Jimmy's being completely wrong. He sent it back.
The golf was exceptional. We were able to watch the eventual winner, Rory McIlroy, practice on Wednesday. A young girl, around 8 or 9 held a sign out saying "How about a hug, Rory". Rory signed everyone's autograph that was waiting for one (which was very unusual, many pros didn't) and then went back to the girl and gave a her a big hug. The girl was in shock! AT this point, I decided who I was cheering for. Rory being Irish, of course, didn't hurt.
As nice as Rory was, there were a few less friendly. Matt Kutchar ignored those asking for autographs. Bubba Watson also went past when we saw him at a hole. Davis Love seemed to think others were not even there. But for the most part, the pros were nice. Steve Stricker remains one the nicest guys and a favorite of mine. Padraig Harringtom was also very friendly.
During the week we went swimming a coupleof times and used the fitness room. On the Saturday of the Open, I went to the swimming pool, which was in another building. They were having a wedding reception there, and so here I was, in my trunks, sans shirts and shoes, trying to get into the building. I was turned away.
Caitlin came down for the weekend and we had a great time at the course and shopping. On Saturday Cait wanted to buy me a Father's Day present so we went to the main merchandise tent. While there I suggested that we try to have our picture taken next door at the Lexus exhibit. When we walked over, a young women asked if we would like to have Natalie Gulbis sign a picture for us. For those that don't know, I am a huge Natalie Gulbis fan. So we got in line. I was so nervous I was almost speechless (again, those that know me would have trouble believing this). She was as friendly and pleasant as I had expected.
This is Natalie!
Cait and I then had our pictures taken. We then went to try our hand at winning a Lexus at a contest on a video hole. It was a 178 yd shot over water. Jimmy and I had tried it earlier in the week. I was about 66 ft away from the hole. I was about 109th ranked. Jimmy had teed it up and when he hit it, it went straight up in the air, almost hitting his nose, struck the roof, and came back down, almost hitting his head. He wanted to know where he was ranked, but I explained you had to hit the screen to be ranked! Caitlin hit her ball a bit short and was about 50 foot. I was around 48 foot the second time.
The rest of the week had some great moments and many funny times. If not for the sore knee, it would have been one of the greatest times I've ever had. The eventual winner was, drum roll please, the aforementioned Rory McIlroy! Great young man, and I hope he wins many more.
The first day we went was Tuesday. I still have the gout in my left knee so it was slow going. We went to Gaithersburg to catch a bus shuttle to the Open. We decided to wait until after the day's matches before trying to check into our hotel. It took about a half hour to get there, which really wasn't bad. We watched for around 6 hours and decided to head back to get situated in the hotel. We weren't sure of what the hotel (The Bolger Conference Center) was going to be like. We were hoping to have 2 double beds in each room. When we arrived, we found to our dismay that the rooms were about just large enough for one person. We started worrying about Pete coming to room with me for a few days, since the bed situation would have meant that we would have very little room if we slept in the same one, and there was no room for a cot. We tried, to no avail, to get a room with 2 beds, but they were gone.
The room situation was an intresting one. We had found a place with 2 double beds in each room in May, but Jimmy wanted to Priceline it and try to get them cheaper. They were $97 at a Wyndham. Jimmy wanted to wait, so when he did finally check again, they were all gone. The only place with any rooms that we could find, you guessed it, the Bolger. I was ticked at first, but it really turned out to work ok. We were able to get a shuttle from the Bolger to the Open and it only took abut 5 minutes. We pain $45 each, for the week, which was well worth it. The Bolger also had a restaurant/grill where we ate several times. We came to be of the opinion that you had to have failed at every other job you ever had before you could get a job at the grill. It was terrible service most of the time. An example, the first night there we all went to the grill, Jimmy, his son Brian and I. While looking for a table, we came accross a man from India, Prinz, who invited us to join him. Prinz was a self-professed computer genius. He had come to the grill a while ago and had not been waited on, so he thought if we all sat there he would get some service. The waitress did finally show up, Jimmy ordered an Amsteel and I ordered Miller Lite draft. Lening then came to visit and we ordered one for him. Lening and I ordered a draft beer and both got bottles, Jimmy was told they didn't have his beer, and so he ordered something else, which never came and they gave him a third type. We then ordered another beer and they said that Lening and I had received the last 2 drafts in the grill. They were free! They were also the worst tasting beers I have ever had. Meantime, Jimmy started seing people all over the grill with Amsteels.
We ordered food and it came cold, actuall probably colder than my beer! When it was time for the bill, nothing was correct. We tried to explain, but the waitress said it was out bill. We didn't argue since she had left off 2 sandwiches and 2 of the beers. Prinz, meantime, explained he only eats chicken as a meat, and only on three days of the week. He was eating chips and french fries for his dinner. He also did not drink alcohol, so he was a bit out of his league with us. Once Lening arrived, we spent about 15 hilarious minutes explaining to Lening why we were staying where we were. For a genius, Lening sure gets confused very easily.
Two days later at the grill, we each orderd a pizza. Not one of the 4 had the correct toppings, with Jimmy's being completely wrong. He sent it back.
The golf was exceptional. We were able to watch the eventual winner, Rory McIlroy, practice on Wednesday. A young girl, around 8 or 9 held a sign out saying "How about a hug, Rory". Rory signed everyone's autograph that was waiting for one (which was very unusual, many pros didn't) and then went back to the girl and gave a her a big hug. The girl was in shock! AT this point, I decided who I was cheering for. Rory being Irish, of course, didn't hurt.
As nice as Rory was, there were a few less friendly. Matt Kutchar ignored those asking for autographs. Bubba Watson also went past when we saw him at a hole. Davis Love seemed to think others were not even there. But for the most part, the pros were nice. Steve Stricker remains one the nicest guys and a favorite of mine. Padraig Harringtom was also very friendly.
During the week we went swimming a coupleof times and used the fitness room. On the Saturday of the Open, I went to the swimming pool, which was in another building. They were having a wedding reception there, and so here I was, in my trunks, sans shirts and shoes, trying to get into the building. I was turned away.
Caitlin came down for the weekend and we had a great time at the course and shopping. On Saturday Cait wanted to buy me a Father's Day present so we went to the main merchandise tent. While there I suggested that we try to have our picture taken next door at the Lexus exhibit. When we walked over, a young women asked if we would like to have Natalie Gulbis sign a picture for us. For those that don't know, I am a huge Natalie Gulbis fan. So we got in line. I was so nervous I was almost speechless (again, those that know me would have trouble believing this). She was as friendly and pleasant as I had expected.
Cait and I then had our pictures taken. We then went to try our hand at winning a Lexus at a contest on a video hole. It was a 178 yd shot over water. Jimmy and I had tried it earlier in the week. I was about 66 ft away from the hole. I was about 109th ranked. Jimmy had teed it up and when he hit it, it went straight up in the air, almost hitting his nose, struck the roof, and came back down, almost hitting his head. He wanted to know where he was ranked, but I explained you had to hit the screen to be ranked! Caitlin hit her ball a bit short and was about 50 foot. I was around 48 foot the second time.
The rest of the week had some great moments and many funny times. If not for the sore knee, it would have been one of the greatest times I've ever had. The eventual winner was, drum roll please, the aforementioned Rory McIlroy! Great young man, and I hope he wins many more.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Summer's ups and downs
Well, summer is well on its way. We were out of school in mid-May, and although I teach 2 online courses, this is really a chance to take it easy a little bit.
Some highlights so far:
1. Caitlin graduated with her MBA! (It was nice at the graduation because Thomasene, my sister, and her husband Dallas were able to attend.) Caitlin did very well and is looking for a full time job. It is nice having her her in the meantime, however.
2. Jennifer visited Dominican. She wants to ge her MSW in an international program. She wants to visit Monmouth as well.
3. Played Bedford Springs Country Club. WHat a difficult course, but a great experience. Even though I started pretty lousy, I came in strong and ended my round at this tough course with a 92. Being with Kevin and Jimmy made the day really great and it was fun finally playing with Larry Taylor.
4. Fixed the yard up with Deb. It looks really nice.
Some Lowlights:
1. Most of April and May have been very wet and miserable, leaving limited golf time.
2. This past week, I developed gout in my left knee. The pain has been pretty dfficult.
What to look forward to:
1. I'm going to the U.S. Open this week with Jimmy and his boy. During the week Lening will join us for a while and Pete is coming down for 2 days. On the weekend Caitlin is going to be there.
2. I will spend at least 2 weeks in Florida. We have the beach condo and then may go to a smaller place up the coast for a few days.
So the summer should be pretty good. I will post again soon with updates about the Open.
Some highlights so far:
1. Caitlin graduated with her MBA! (It was nice at the graduation because Thomasene, my sister, and her husband Dallas were able to attend.) Caitlin did very well and is looking for a full time job. It is nice having her her in the meantime, however.
2. Jennifer visited Dominican. She wants to ge her MSW in an international program. She wants to visit Monmouth as well.
3. Played Bedford Springs Country Club. WHat a difficult course, but a great experience. Even though I started pretty lousy, I came in strong and ended my round at this tough course with a 92. Being with Kevin and Jimmy made the day really great and it was fun finally playing with Larry Taylor.
4. Fixed the yard up with Deb. It looks really nice.
Some Lowlights:
1. Most of April and May have been very wet and miserable, leaving limited golf time.
2. This past week, I developed gout in my left knee. The pain has been pretty dfficult.
What to look forward to:
1. I'm going to the U.S. Open this week with Jimmy and his boy. During the week Lening will join us for a while and Pete is coming down for 2 days. On the weekend Caitlin is going to be there.
2. I will spend at least 2 weeks in Florida. We have the beach condo and then may go to a smaller place up the coast for a few days.
So the summer should be pretty good. I will post again soon with updates about the Open.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Hi
I just wanted to say hello to those of you reading the blog from South Korea, China, Australia and many other places. i'm not qite sure of the interest, but if you ever want to interact, leave a comment.
Posting is getting a bit tougher
I would like to get on here more often, but have been very busy. Here's a little info about y last several weeks.
Golf season is trying to come back. I have gone out 3 times, even though only one time was during good weather in regards to temperature. I have become aware of some new kinks in my golf game. Whereas I formerly had difficulty with a slice, I have somehow developed a snap hook at times. That is a miserable problem that I hope to fix very quickly.
My wife has been ill for several weeks and we continue to look for answers and solutions. We have several appointments. On the other hand, besides the TMJ issue, I have been very healthy.
I'll try to get to the blog more often. I continue to hope to return to Europe, possibly teaching for a month in Ireland which will enable me to visit France, and Ambialet, I hope.
Golf season is trying to come back. I have gone out 3 times, even though only one time was during good weather in regards to temperature. I have become aware of some new kinks in my golf game. Whereas I formerly had difficulty with a slice, I have somehow developed a snap hook at times. That is a miserable problem that I hope to fix very quickly.
My wife has been ill for several weeks and we continue to look for answers and solutions. We have several appointments. On the other hand, besides the TMJ issue, I have been very healthy.
I'll try to get to the blog more often. I continue to hope to return to Europe, possibly teaching for a month in Ireland which will enable me to visit France, and Ambialet, I hope.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A trip to the denist
Anyone that really knows me very well also knows that I an intense phobia of the denist. Now I go for my check-ups every six months and have done well for some time, but Iwent todat with a great deal of trepidation. You see, for the last several days I have had a strange discomfort back by my right side molar. I was terrified that there was a cavity or something, although there was no pain, just that discomfort. What I found out was kind of a good news, bad news situation. The good news is that the tooth is fine, the bad news is that I may have TMJ.
The denist asked if I had struck my head or jaw. I said I didn't think so, but on way home, I realized that I had struck my head and jaw pretty severely when I had my concussion. So I am expected to see an ortodonist in the near future and hope to fix this soon.
Wish me luck!
The denist asked if I had struck my head or jaw. I said I didn't think so, but on way home, I realized that I had struck my head and jaw pretty severely when I had my concussion. So I am expected to see an ortodonist in the near future and hope to fix this soon.
Wish me luck!
Cincinnati Conference
Three students, Sue Black and I went to the BPD conference in Cinci. Sue and I were session chairs and the students attended as volunteers and were able to go to the same sessions as Sue and I, or to a student conference.
The conference was a very good experience. In the US there are requirements for social work educators to meet the standards set by CSWE for there curriculum. These have been changed recently from objective measures to practice behaviors and competencies. This has caused a great deal of consternation for the directors of programs, and therefore much of the conference was related the the change over and what programs have experienced and how they intrepet what is needed to meeet and show compliance with the standards. After being in Cinci, I have no doubt that most have no idea what is beng expected by CSWE. Everyone had something different to say. Most have heard different things from CSWE and when we asked their reps, they were not congruent in their responses. This leads to a great deal of unnecessary anxiety.
The activities were good at the conference as well. There was an outstanding dance band on Friday night. There had also been a reception Thursday night sponsored by USC. They were introducing some computer generated programming that seemed very interesting. They also served drinks at the reception. Now anyone that has attended a conference at a Hilton will tell you that drinks are quite expensive. So when a reception offers free drinks, individuals seem to take great advantage, and we were no exception. Lets just say that we were not thirsty the whole night.
The trip was very good.
The conference was a very good experience. In the US there are requirements for social work educators to meet the standards set by CSWE for there curriculum. These have been changed recently from objective measures to practice behaviors and competencies. This has caused a great deal of consternation for the directors of programs, and therefore much of the conference was related the the change over and what programs have experienced and how they intrepet what is needed to meeet and show compliance with the standards. After being in Cinci, I have no doubt that most have no idea what is beng expected by CSWE. Everyone had something different to say. Most have heard different things from CSWE and when we asked their reps, they were not congruent in their responses. This leads to a great deal of unnecessary anxiety.
The activities were good at the conference as well. There was an outstanding dance band on Friday night. There had also been a reception Thursday night sponsored by USC. They were introducing some computer generated programming that seemed very interesting. They also served drinks at the reception. Now anyone that has attended a conference at a Hilton will tell you that drinks are quite expensive. So when a reception offers free drinks, individuals seem to take great advantage, and we were no exception. Lets just say that we were not thirsty the whole night.
The trip was very good.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Settling in
After about 2 months being here, I am finally starting to feel like I am settling in. The weather is cold, but there seems to be improvement in the near future. The snow is melting, and golf season appears to be only a few weeks away.
My colleague, Sue, and I are planning the trip to Cincinnati for our conference. We will participate in 2 workshops as moderators and also will have a number of students form our campus in volunteering and attending sessions. It should be a good conference. I will blog from there next week.
The weekend was busy. Since I teach until 7 tonight, Deb and I celebrated Valentine's Day on Friday by having a great meal and music and the Club. We also ran around a great deal, going to the men's and women's basketball games Saturday and shopping for Deb's yarn on Sunday.
Thursday morning I had another accident with my head, hitting it off the corner of the medicine cabinet and slashing it open pretty well. I've had a headache since. We have decided that if I ever go bald, I will have to wear a wig to hide all the scars I've accumulated over the years by banging my head on a number of things.
Our daughters think I should be forced to wear a helmet at all times! Not likely, but maybe eventually.
My colleague, Sue, and I are planning the trip to Cincinnati for our conference. We will participate in 2 workshops as moderators and also will have a number of students form our campus in volunteering and attending sessions. It should be a good conference. I will blog from there next week.
The weekend was busy. Since I teach until 7 tonight, Deb and I celebrated Valentine's Day on Friday by having a great meal and music and the Club. We also ran around a great deal, going to the men's and women's basketball games Saturday and shopping for Deb's yarn on Sunday.
Thursday morning I had another accident with my head, hitting it off the corner of the medicine cabinet and slashing it open pretty well. I've had a headache since. We have decided that if I ever go bald, I will have to wear a wig to hide all the scars I've accumulated over the years by banging my head on a number of things.
Our daughters think I should be forced to wear a helmet at all times! Not likely, but maybe eventually.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
It was not to be
In spite of a very hard fought second half, a turnover ended up being the demise of the Steelers, who lost to the Packers 31-25. The fumble in the third quarter by Mendenhall was the end of a very definite comeback. The Packers scored on every turnover,and that makes quite a few points when there are 3 of the them.
I was a little disappointed in the Packers postgame interviews. Traditionally the winning team congratulates the losing team on playing a good game, if they have. The Steelers all showed the Packers a great deal of respect, but were given none in turn. Like I said, it was disappointing.
But the Steelers will be back.
I was a little disappointed in the Packers postgame interviews. Traditionally the winning team congratulates the losing team on playing a good game, if they have. The Steelers all showed the Packers a great deal of respect, but were given none in turn. Like I said, it was disappointing.
But the Steelers will be back.
Half time and I'm depressed
The Packers are playing very well, and my Steelers are down by 11. I think they can get back in it, but it will be difficult. They need a turnover here to get back in the game.
Go Steelers!!!!!
Go Steelers!!!!!
Superbowl Sunday
For those of you reading this blog in Europe, today is a huge day in US sports. It is the Superbowl, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are playing in it. They have been my favorite team since I was old enough to understand the game. They are playing against a very good team from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Should be a very good game.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Winter in this area
We have been hit with some pretty heavy winter weather. There is no let up. While it is rough driving and not comfortable being out in the snow and cold, there is without a doubt a great deal of beauty to the snow. I hope to take some pictures to load here for those of you that are not in this area.
The meeting was very interesting and it was great seeing the kids again. They all seem to be thriving back here but all seem to miss Ambialet to some extent. There are plans to help Julie Horvath recruit for the fall. I will certainly do what I can because this is an excellent program for students.
Look for the pictures later.
The meeting was very interesting and it was great seeing the kids again. They all seem to be thriving back here but all seem to miss Ambialet to some extent. There are plans to help Julie Horvath recruit for the fall. I will certainly do what I can because this is an excellent program for students.
Look for the pictures later.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Steelers and SCA
The Steelers hung on to win a very important football game. Sports Club Albi is also holding on to first place in their rugby league. So both my gold and black teams are doing really well.
Sports is an important part of both cultures, and although SCA was on a smaller scale than the NFL, the fervor of the fans was very similar. Both groups of fans love their team. Both wear their teams colors proudly and often. So maybe in sports, there are commonalities between our cultures.
Tomorrow I hope to go to a group event of the people that went to Ambialet, depending on my schedule. I'll write about it if I go.
Sports is an important part of both cultures, and although SCA was on a smaller scale than the NFL, the fervor of the fans was very similar. Both groups of fans love their team. Both wear their teams colors proudly and often. So maybe in sports, there are commonalities between our cultures.
Tomorrow I hope to go to a group event of the people that went to Ambialet, depending on my schedule. I'll write about it if I go.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Getting used to school here
Sorry I've been off for a while, but it has been very busy here. As I prepare to watch my Steelers play the Jets, I thought I'd get on and discuss the change and differences from last semester.
It has been very strange driving the 40 minutes to get to work, after a semester in which I went to the classroom next door for my class. Also, lunch,believe it or not, has been strange. I am not eating with students like in France. I may have to figure out how to get to the students more.
We did get a chance to see some of our Ambialet "alums" at Ed's 21st birthday party, which was nice. And the chance to see a few in the hall way at school was nice.
I have had a carry over from France that I didn't expect, I am now appreciating the scenery around here, like I did in France. It is something I had never appreciated before as much as now.
Well back to the game. Go Steelers!!!!!
(I wonder how Albi Sports Club did in rugby?)
It has been very strange driving the 40 minutes to get to work, after a semester in which I went to the classroom next door for my class. Also, lunch,believe it or not, has been strange. I am not eating with students like in France. I may have to figure out how to get to the students more.
We did get a chance to see some of our Ambialet "alums" at Ed's 21st birthday party, which was nice. And the chance to see a few in the hall way at school was nice.
I have had a carry over from France that I didn't expect, I am now appreciating the scenery around here, like I did in France. It is something I had never appreciated before as much as now.
Well back to the game. Go Steelers!!!!!
(I wonder how Albi Sports Club did in rugby?)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
My accident
This is a really strange occurance, but seems to identify the way my days have been going. Let me present the story effectively.
For Christmas, my daughter Caitlin thought it would be nice to give out turtle, Dale, a bigger tank to live in. So she bought her a 40 gallon tank. Unfortunately we have no room as yet for the tank, so it has been sitting in the dining room on the floor. It is also dangerously close to the path we use to walk to the kitchen, which in turn leads to other tooms in the house, specifically the bathroom. On Friday morning, about 5 a.m., I got up to go to the bathroom, forgot the tank was there, and rammed it with my knee, right on my knee cap. The pain was unbelievable, and after limping to the bathroom, and back to the livingroom, it just got worse. I remember thinking I better walk around so it wouldn't stiffen up too much. I was also feeling very clammy and nauseous by this point, so I got up to walk back to the bathroom. I remember walking toward the doorway into the dining room, and then nothing until my wife was telling me to wake up and to talk to her. The pain had been so severe that I had passed out! My wife said I went in and out of consciousness several times, which, I of course, did not remember. Not knowing what happened, she had my daughter call the ambulance. I knew what had happened and I tried to prevent the ambulance from needing to come out, but they did anyway. After talking to me, looking me over and taking blood pressure and other vitals, they felt I didn't need to be an emergency. While speaking to them, I noticed my jaw was sore and my shoulder a but sore as well. After they left, my wife noticed that several objects on our bookcase had been knocked over. Evidently I had hit it and then the opposite doorway wall when I passed out. My face was bruised on both sides and I have evidence of having a slight concussion. Not a good way to start the year.
Well, after sitting around all day yesterday and most of today, I will need to go out and take decorations down. I always wait until Orthodox Christmas is over until taking them down, but may be sorry due to my lack of mobility and soreness at this point.
For Christmas, my daughter Caitlin thought it would be nice to give out turtle, Dale, a bigger tank to live in. So she bought her a 40 gallon tank. Unfortunately we have no room as yet for the tank, so it has been sitting in the dining room on the floor. It is also dangerously close to the path we use to walk to the kitchen, which in turn leads to other tooms in the house, specifically the bathroom. On Friday morning, about 5 a.m., I got up to go to the bathroom, forgot the tank was there, and rammed it with my knee, right on my knee cap. The pain was unbelievable, and after limping to the bathroom, and back to the livingroom, it just got worse. I remember thinking I better walk around so it wouldn't stiffen up too much. I was also feeling very clammy and nauseous by this point, so I got up to walk back to the bathroom. I remember walking toward the doorway into the dining room, and then nothing until my wife was telling me to wake up and to talk to her. The pain had been so severe that I had passed out! My wife said I went in and out of consciousness several times, which, I of course, did not remember. Not knowing what happened, she had my daughter call the ambulance. I knew what had happened and I tried to prevent the ambulance from needing to come out, but they did anyway. After talking to me, looking me over and taking blood pressure and other vitals, they felt I didn't need to be an emergency. While speaking to them, I noticed my jaw was sore and my shoulder a but sore as well. After they left, my wife noticed that several objects on our bookcase had been knocked over. Evidently I had hit it and then the opposite doorway wall when I passed out. My face was bruised on both sides and I have evidence of having a slight concussion. Not a good way to start the year.
Well, after sitting around all day yesterday and most of today, I will need to go out and take decorations down. I always wait until Orthodox Christmas is over until taking them down, but may be sorry due to my lack of mobility and soreness at this point.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Football in the States
After all the months with no American football, I find that I have been almost overdosing on bowl games and Steeler football. Although I really enjoyed our opportunity to watch European Rugby, I understand American football much better. I still have my Albi Sports Club rugby shirt and flag, but have been more often wearing my WVU and Steeler stuff.
I have been asking people if they thought Rugby could make it as a sport here and they all seem to believe that it is a bit too hard to understand and not as exciting as American football. I'm not sure that's necessarily true, but there must be a reason that it has never made in-roads into American culture.
I am excited for the Steelers making the playoffs, which means my interest will continue to be at its peak level for at least 2 more weeks.
I have been asking people if they thought Rugby could make it as a sport here and they all seem to believe that it is a bit too hard to understand and not as exciting as American football. I'm not sure that's necessarily true, but there must be a reason that it has never made in-roads into American culture.
I am excited for the Steelers making the playoffs, which means my interest will continue to be at its peak level for at least 2 more weeks.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Some pictures from Lourdes
I had wanted to post some more pictures from Lourdes, but was unable to load them. I am going to use my wife's pictures here to give you an idea of what ot was like. It really was something special.
Lourdes
Statue of Saint Bernadette at Lourdes
Near the Grotto
One of the many beautiful mosaics at the Notre Dame Basillica at Lourdes
Actual Picture of Saint Bernadette and a Relic to Her
The Front of the Grotto
Many miracles (67 acknowledged by the Catholic church) and many cures (7000 and counting) have been attributed to water from the grotto. The bathes are famous for the curative principles they seemingly posess.
Sorry these are so late, but better late than never!
Lourdes
Statue of Saint Bernadette at Lourdes
Near the Grotto
One of the many beautiful mosaics at the Notre Dame Basillica at Lourdes
Actual Picture of Saint Bernadette and a Relic to Her
The Front of the Grotto
Many miracles (67 acknowledged by the Catholic church) and many cures (7000 and counting) have been attributed to water from the grotto. The bathes are famous for the curative principles they seemingly posess.
Sorry these are so late, but better late than never!
Happy New Year!
Last evening we enjoyed a meal out with friends and then came home to enjoy a quiet evening at home waiting for the New Year's ball to drop. It was a nice evening.
Today I plan to go to SNAP to exercise, watch some football, eat some saurerkraut and pork and then go to the Harry Potter movie. Not exactly an exciting day, but it will be nice. Hope all of you have a nice day and a great new year!
Today I plan to go to SNAP to exercise, watch some football, eat some saurerkraut and pork and then go to the Harry Potter movie. Not exactly an exciting day, but it will be nice. Hope all of you have a nice day and a great new year!
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