AMAZING

DeAnn and I left Elba around 7:00 Thursday evening.  We were flying out of the new airport at the beach so we decided to stay at Mom's condo.  We got down there and turned the A/C on because it was some kind of hot.  After it cooled down enough to sleep we both nodded off.  I woke up real early because I wanted to get an earlier flight.  There wasn't one so we had to wait and leave at 4:30 pm.

We had a full day ahead of us so I let DeAnn sleep until a little after 10.  We decided to go to Pier Park and get something to eat and kill time.  We had a pizza and window shopped until it was time to move.  We got to the airport at 3.  With me being in a wheelchair, I go through security immediately anywhere and it being a small airport we had plenty of time.  The flight to Memphis was uneventful and we had a small layover.  The Memphis airport is small, but since we are used to Atlanta I guess my image is distorted.  After boarding for Vegas, I settled in for the 3 hour flight and starting reading a book.

We landed at McCarron, and I called a cab driver that I have been following through his blog.  Andrew  picked us up and took us to Aria.  He was such a nice guy, and it was great to meet the man behind the computer.  We got to Aria and WOW.  This is the newest of MGM's hotels at CityCenter.  We checked in and went to drop our bags in the room.  Our room was the nicest room I have ever been in much less stayed in.  The casino is huge and had about 20 restaurants.  As it was pushing 2 am (4 in Elba) we decided to call it a night.

 My eyes opened at 7 am the next morning, and I couldn't go back to sleep.  I decided that I would go down stairs and let DeAnn sleep.  I played a little 3 card/craps until 10 and DeAnn decided it was time to eat breakfast.  We went to the brunch buffet which was very good. With our first show, Viva Elvis, starting at 7 we had to eat supper around 5.  Our first choice was not available so we ate at American Fish.  The chef was Michael Mina.  That meant nothing to me, but it was a solid meal.

Elvis was very good.  There was live music which is different from Love (the Beatles show) and there wasn't as much acrobatics.  It was a different kind of show but entertaining nonetheless.  After that show was over we had 2 hours to get to the next show.

We arrived at the Wynn in no time and went to find the box office so we could pick up our tickets for Garth.  We got them and had a hour to kill.  We walked around the casino, and it is very nice.  The show started about 10:30 so around 10 we went to get in line.  The line was literally a half mile long the way they had it set up.  We went to the back of the line and even though I was in my chair a nice security guard insisted we follow him to the front. 

We found our seats and the show got started a little late, but Garth walked out and said "Let's start from the beginning", and played "Much Too Young".  It was different than I expected.  He went back to when he was a kid and talked about his musical influences as he was telling the stories he would sing covers from Don McClean to James Taylor to Bob Seger.  He brought out Trisha Yearwood in the middle and then did a full set of his songs at the end.  We finally left, completely floored, at 1:30 AM.

The sun rose on Sunday morning, and it was time to head south.  Our flight left at 11 and when we got to Atlanta a massive thunderstorm delayed our flight for over an hour.  We got back to Panama City around 9:30, and I pulled into 773 N. Claxton at 11.

I hope DeAnn enjoyed her birthday, valentines, anniversary trip as much as I did.  I wish we would have stayed an extra day but other than that it was perfect.

I'm sorry this is so long, but I really wanted you to hopefully see this trip through our eyes.  Hope you Enjoy!

Fins Up,
Jr

Hump Day

Hey Guys,

Last week I told you that we were going to see Ron White with the AAL crew.  We had a blast at his show and went to the Alley bar afterwards.  We were all sitting there and I look up and Ron is walking in the front door.  He didn't hang with us commoners long and went to the VIP room.  I thought that was comical, but most of those folks have large egos I guess.  We had a great night and thanks for the tickets Glenn.

Friday we were invited to my pal Bradley Bowers birthday celebration by his sweet wife Hope.  There were several couples there and we sat around and talked about the old times.  We all had a great time growing up together and it showed in all the "lies" that were told.  I told Bradley we need to do this more often and he agreed.  I was supposed to type this yesterday, but didn't.  Anyway, Happy Birthday Bradley and tell Hope thanks for the invite.

For DeAnn's birthday, Valetine's Day, our Anniversary, Mother's Day, etc. I got us tickets to see Garth Brooks on Saturday Night in Las Vegas.  We are flying out Friday and coming home Sunday.  We both have always wanted to see him and there is no time like the present.  I actually same him at the peanut festival in 89' or 90' but I'm not sure that counts.  It is going to be a quick weekend, I'm just hoping it's worth it.

Fins Up,
Jr.

The streak is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Monday I had to go to the dentist and have a cavity filled.  It was the first cavity I have ever had.  I really didn't know what to expect, but it was pretty painless.  I wasn't too concerned because my tolerance is pretty high, but needles in my mouth had an uneasy feeling in my stomach.  After a shot and 15 minutes in the chair I was up and walking out the door.

Tonight I am meeting DeAnn in Montgomery and we are going to see Ron White again with the folks at AAL.  We are pre-gaming at the Renaissance with the crew.  We usually have a great time with that bunch and you never know where the night might lead.  I will try to give a review later on.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Family

Hey Guys,

We finally got some rain here in Elba on Friday, however some people got more than others.  At this point any rain is good rain.

Last Wednesday afternoon after we closed I took a trip to Troy.  I had to go visit some folks on campus.  I have written before about the people I work for and with while I was in school at Troy.  I intended to be up there for a couple of hours, but ended up staying all day. 

When we started talking  and it was like I had never left.  I never dreamed when Mr. Joe Johnson gave me a job I would end up getting family out of the deal.  Mrs. Mildred, B Money and Mrs. Reba treated me like one of their own.  For almost 4 years I saw them day in and day out.  We have shared so many laughs over the years we probably could write a book, but that would cause way too much controversy. 

Mr Steve Waddail rode us around campus and showed me all the new construction and his new house.  That campus is barely recognizable to someone who graduated 7 years ago.  Mr Steve and I have always been close and it was great catching up with him.  We laughed the whole time and my side was hurting by the end of the day.  We also stopped by McCartha and saw Mrs. Lynn Hughes in the College of Business.  I worked for her and Machelle Danner during the last couple of summers I was on campus.  I  had my choice of schedules and ate too many chicken, egg, and cheese biscuits.

It ended up being a wonderful day.  I saw Mike Kelley.  He went to work with creative services after I  graduated but know him through Dad.  They worked together in the 80's and he is such a nice guy.  He is really going to need your thoughts and prayers as he recently found out he has liver cancer.  I will keep you guys updated on his progress.

Fins Up,
Jr

We Need RAIN!

Hey Guys,

Its been a while since I lasted posted an update on what's going on in our lives.  We went to the beach on Memorial Day and had a very nice weekend in the sun.  Kathy and Jenni Waters stopped by on Saturday for a little fellowship then Jenni took our money that night.  I still haven't heard the end of it.  Besides a few games of cric crack we didn't really do anything except hit the beach/pool.

This past weekend I traveled with Dad to beautiful Defuniak Springs, FL for the annual Luau golf tournament.  When I was a kid this tournament was kinda the Masters of our little tour.  The stories of the wildness and good times ran rampant when I was growing up.  Dad quit playing years ago and when I turned 22 or so I begged him to go play with me.  He finally agreed and we convinced Wynn to be our 3rd wheel.  We played three years together before my accident and always had a good times and brought home a little money once or twice.  Some of the best folks in the world are members of DFSCC and I love going down there to see them.  It was a very hot weekend, but we had a great time and Dad, Wynn and Dewberry finished 3rd/3rd which shocked everyone in the golfing world.

Fins Up,
Jr

Happy Birthday Mom!

Hey Guys,

I truly am sorry it has been so long since I last posted.  I have a few things to share, but I want to reserve today's post for Mom.  I just went back to see what I have written in the past on her birthday and I have about covered it all. Please read all the June 2nd's.  She is such a sweet and caring person.  Most people would agree except some former students at Troy(probably).

Mom,

I love you so much and I know you are getting ready to leave the beach, but I hope you have a great day.

Neil