What a weekend!

Well, it appears my nervousness about Saturday afternoon were well-founded.  I had a bad feeling about the UGA game all week and told basically everyone I came in contact with.  In the end it didn't matter as 'Bama has a chance to cement their place in history.  3 out of 4 isn't bad in anything.

Saturday night we had our 2nd annual Christmas party and I think DeAnn was happy we won the ballgame because she knew the mood would suffer if we had lost.  We had a great time and I laughed as it was a diverse group that somehow managed to make it through the night.  We had everything cleaned up and I was in bed by 1.

DeAnn's best friend from college, Robyn, was in town for the party.  Robyn is a pretty awesome chick for a lot of reason, but the way she helped D after my wreck highlights most of them.  Those 2 can not see each other for months and then pick up right where they left off. 

DeAnn and I have the AL Limb Christmas Party Saturday night at the train shed in Montgomery.  You never know when that bunch is involved what might happen.  I feel like I may be trapped into shopping also.  Pray for me!.

Fins Up,
Jr

Hello, is there anybody out there?

Has it really been since August that I have posted on here?  After so many wonderful people have gently nudged me to blog I'm now relenting.  It's not that I haven't had things to tell it's just that I haven't been very motivated. 

Earlier this month DeAnn and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary of moving back to Elba.  The time has just flown by.  There are a few things that I miss about Montgomery, but the pros definitely outweigh cons of our small town living. 

This past weekend DeAnn. Raeann, Buford and I left Elba at noon heading to Tuscaloosa.  When Rae, D, and I went to Auburn for the LSU game we discussed going up for the Iron Bowl.  That plan came to fruition last weekend.  Rae had never experienced gameday in T-town.  Friday night we ate supper at Phil's and then had her initiation at Gallette's.  We had a blast.  There wasn't much to gameday as it was low-key and really kinda boring.  However, Sunday was pretty fun seeing Raeann get so excited when the news came that Chizik was out.

Next weekend is the AAL Christmas party in Montgomery that D and I always enjoy attending.  I really owe Glenn and his staff so much.  When I wake up every morning and slide my leg on I take it for granted much like you guys do that walking is so easy.

Bama has a big match up with Georgia this weekend in Atlanta.  I really can't lie, I'm pretty nervous about this game.  The fan base of the Tide seems to be bypassing UGA and looking ahead to Notre Dame.  I do like that fact that Georgia players seem to be doing all the talking.  It reminds me a little of the Sugar Bowl in 1992.

I am going to try my best to post once a week from here on, even if its just checking in.

Thank you all for being so supportive.

Fins Up,
Jr

Great Weekend!

Hey guys,

On Thursday after the service for "Miss" Sue, at which we had a great visit with the family, I made my way to Birmingham.  Thursday night I had a long-standing date with Reese, Jerry, Amy DuBose and Kyle DuBose.  Jerry had something come up so it was just the 4 of us.  Reese and I met them at the Rogue Tavern around 6 for a little pre-game action.  While there I found out one of the members of "The Hay" owns it and they were playing a show.  It was tempting, but we had good seats to see Old Crow Medicine Show at the amazing Alabama Theatre.  The show topped all my expectations and I got a CD from the opening act that kept me awake on the drive back home.

I got up Friday morning and went to work, but was really looking forward to 5 o'clock.  I knew I had to get some sleep because we had a big Saturday planned.  We laid pretty low and got to bed early. The 5:30 alarm came very early.

DeAnn's company had an entry in the dragon boat races so we decided to forgo an anniversary trip and attend that.  I am so glad we did.  As we were entering the amphitheatre at the river Dr Vermillion walked up to us.  Apparently his group had an entry.  When we got to the GMC tent I noticed Vermillion's tent was about three down.  Over the course of the day I had a chance to see, hug, and talkto a large group of former Dr.'s and nurses.  It was a great joy and surprise.  GMC finished 2nd in their flight to end a great day on the Alabama river in downtown Montgomery.

DeAnn and I had big plans to celebrate our 5th aniversary, but after such a long hot day we ended up going to our room and DeAnn crashed by 6 o'clock.  Even though we didn't have a nice dinner I truly do not know how our anniversary could have been any better.

Now its on to BAMA football!

Fins Up,
Jr.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my amazing father's birthday.  He has turned 62 which means he is so old our government gives him a stipend for being old.  Wow, simply astounding.  I hope he has a great day.  We really need to add things to his bucket because if Reese and I let him all he wants to do is hang around at his house.

Well, that is really all I have for today.

Hope its been a great one, Pop.  Happy Birthday and I Love you!

Fins Up,
Jr

Angel in Heaven

Hey Guys,

This afternoon I got a call that "Miss" Sue Shelton passed away last night.  For those of you that have been reading this since the beggining you will probably remember her name.  Mom signed off the blog a god bit with "Please pray for Shanna, Mrs. Sue and Neil's lungs". 

Miss Sue and I were kind of kindred souls in early Spring of 2008 at Baptist South.  I heard her name for 5 months before I ever met her.  She came in the unit a week or so after me and was just as sick.  Our family fell in love with her and her 2 daughters.  That is where Tommie Lee and Mrs. Susan entered the picture along with our muscle, Mr. Ed.  From the stories I've heard I missed quite a bit of entertainment out in the waiting room.

Later on it became a race to see who could get to HealthSouth first.  It was a race Miss Sue would win as I had a few setbacks.  Actually by the time I got there she had already broken out.

As I got out of rehab we stayed in contact we them as we were fairly close by now.  One day Mom called to check and we found out Miss Sue was in the hospital and we decided to go check on them.  We went in the room and I finally met this sweet woman I had heard so much about.  It was a very emotional time for all of us.  I guess Miss Sue and I started realizing how much we had both been through.

We have stayed in touch over the last few years, but haven't seen them as much since we moved back and Miss Sue left John Knox.  I knew when I talked to Tommie Lee a few months ago that things weren't as good, but knew Miss Sue was a fighter.  Tommie Lee told Mom she went very peacefully.

Please keep this amazing family in your prayers.

Neil

Back from a break

Hey Guys,

I know there has been a big absence from me, however I guess now is as good a time as any to get back on the horse.  I haven't posted because I couldn't post anything new without talking about Rudy.  I have sat down multiple times to type, but in the end nothing was on the page.  So here goes.

Chris Ruddock lost his battle with cancer in mid-June and it stung our whole family even though we knew it would eventually happen.  Rudy made Amy's wedding which was a milestone, but he didn't quit fighting.  I could sit here and tell stories of this mountain of a man.  A gentle giant with a big smile that loved cigars, and video poker only slightly less than Rachel.  I grew up being chased in the sand by him and was always greeted with a smile and a firm handshake or hug.  Being married to a woman with 2 sisters seemed to fit him well.  Those 6 people shared thousands of laughs and jokes that will live on forever.  My favorite probably being the 4th of July when V gave the ole "Throw it Rudy, Throw it".  Although I didn't witness it, I still laugh loudly when its told.  I know that I'm rambling and I should have this post written perfectly with all the thoughts that I've put in it, but I don't.

The day of his funeral there was more of a fuss made over him in 2 hours then he would have wanted in 100 years.  It was a perfect day for a humble man that never wanted praise or appreciation.  As I said in a twitter post that day "I'm a better person for having known him".

I apologize in advance for the rambling nature of this post.

God Bless You, Chris Ruddock!

Neil

Good Times

This weekend we attended the long awaited wedding of Amy Ruddock.  She is Rachel Hudson's daughter for everyone in Elba.  Reese and I have gown up around the 3 Ruddock children and consider them cousins just as much as John-John. 

Dad, DeAnn, and I left Friday after work headed to Destin.  Everything from the Rehearsal to the reception took place at the same resort.  This wedding gave us a chance to catch up with alot of friends we've met through the Ruddock's over the years.

The wedding was on the beach and was just perfect.  Rudy and Rachel were wonderful hosts and everyone had a great time. The food was very, very good. Michael and Amy were heading to Jamaica this morning for a week in the sun.

I know Rachel will eventually read this and just want her to know that DeAnn and I had a great time and we really appreciated the invite.  We love you guys.

Neil

Remembrance

Today is the 1st anniversary of the tornado that struck Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas.  Heck, almost half the state was affected.  I was at the gym when Tuscaloosa was hit and Dad was keeping me informed.  Later, at a poker game I was playing I saw a video on-line that showed how it narrowly missed Bryant-Denny.  Later on I was still at the game when I saw a quote from Mayor Maddox on twitter that said "Our infrastructure has been decimated".  It began to set in that this was not a small storm and the casualties would be numerous.

I know that anyone in the state will not be able to read a paper or watch the news without seeing images from the storm.  All I am really asking is to keep everyone that went through that rough day in you thoughts and prayers.

Neil

Happy Birthday DeAnn!

Hey Guys,

As you can see from the title, today is DeAnn's 27 birthday.  As I sit here in the office looking back, most people do not realize that at the time of my accident she was only 22.  It still wonder a lot what was going through here mind that first month at Baptist South. In fact, she was writing thank you notes in the waiting room not knowing if was going to pull through.  (Sidenote: She still hangs the fact over my head she penned the last million notes.)  I can not imagine the thoughts that run rampant about the future when all you see is tubes, wires and monitors.  At our wedding 6 months prior the preacher spoke of sickness and health.  I'm DeAnn was thinking what have I got myself into.

I say all that not to go down memory lane, but to give an illustration about how special she is to me. The last 4 yours have certainly had there ups and downs.  However, we survived them together.

DeAnn, I hope you have a wonderful day.  I love you!

Neil

Time

Since I last posted here, a ton of things have happened.  The Madness ended with a Kentucky victory.  I saw my old orthopedic doctor with a little leg pain.  Finally, as I type this the Masters has just ended with an amazing victory by Bubba Watson.

As far as the tournament goes, it was a great last few games that I really enjoyed watching.  I thought Ohio State was a better team than Kansas.  However, I don't think anyone was beating Kentucky.

I recently won the weight loss bet with Dad.  On our weigh in day of April 1st I weighed 214 and change while he was at 215  That seems close but since I started 8 lbs heavier I won with ease.

I have been having some pretty significant pain in my stump and after a month I decided I might want to have it checked out.  I consulted with WC and they got me an appointment with Dr. Fletcher.  I wasn't real sure he would remember me as I haven't seen or spoken with him in four years.  I was walking down the hall to get x-rays and met him at the door.  He absolutely shocked me when he said "Hey boy we have to get you ready for the Masters".  I couldn't believe he remembered that my initial goal was to make it back to Augusta National.  After looking at the films of my leg and me seeing the huge rod in my stump he said that my weight loss was probably the cause for the pain.  I am currently working with the guys at Alabama Limb to solve the problem.

Lastly, my beloved Masters week has just ended.  Anyone that knows me understands how enamored I am with the club, course, and tournament.  I truly look forward to this week more than any other week of the year.  It's the equivalent of getting a raise, a week off, and a promotion rolled into one glorious week.  My fascination with it stems from hours with my dad on the subject.  For four days every year we watched the coverage from beginning to end.  Dad and I have a ton of things in common that we share, but Augusta may be the biggest as we literally can't get enough of the place.  It was certainly special going to sunrise at Whitewater with sweet wife and ending the day with Dad as Jimmy Nantz signed off at AGNC. 

I know this blog has been long, but I hope it semi  got you bguys caught up in the lives of the Granthams'.

Fins Up,
Jr.

The Madness Begins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have probably written this post the last 3 years.  However, as long as I update this blog I will continue to do it every year.  Today 4 years ago was my best day in the hospital.  I had been awake for exactly one week and I was still very sick.  Also, I was not exactly sure what was going on.  The only thing I did know was the NCAA basketball tournament was starting and the 1st game tipped at 11:15.  Even though I had only been awake for a week I was bored and was starting to see if the wreck they told me I was in didn't kill me the daily programming of the cable company certainly would. 

For the next 4 days It was wall-to-wall basketball and I loved it.  All the male nurses on night shift gathered in my room when they could to get scores and sweat their wagers.  It almost seemed like we were in a living room drinking beers and watching games except I could moved only my right hand and the liquid I was taking was a heckava lot strong than Coors Light.

The tournament last about a month, but starting that 1st week the games are cut in half until the Monday before the Masters when they crown the winner.  Every time this comes up in conversation with Uncle John or Daniel we always laugh about the events that surrounded that week.  I hope whoever you have in your bracket wins!

Fins Up,
Jr

Hello there!

Before we get into the meat of the blog I just want you to know this is the 600th post.  Wow!  4 years, 600 posts, and only 1 missing leg.  Those are some pretty incredible stats on a lot of levels.

A couple weeks ago D and I had the opportunity to see Vince Gill.  I grew up on his music, but had no idea he was such a talented musician.  The show and weekend were relaxing and fun.

This past weekend we laid pretty low as DeAnn had to work the Miss Elba pageant with the study club.  I on the other hand worked Saturday morning then spent the afternoon with Mom.  On Friday night we ate with DeAnn's parents and had a nice evening. 

Today is election day in the State of Alabama.  I guess it shouldn't surprise me that the citizens of this fine state are going to elect a crusader that uses the Commandments as a prop or so it appears.  However, this is the same place that found 12 people that favored some of the most crooked people of our time and gave them walking papers.

I'm off the political soapbox.  In other news, Dad and I have 17 days until the "official" weigh-in.  We both got on the scales at the gym today and we both weighed 220 lbs.  Which means I have an 8 pound advantage as we start to see the end.  I'm pretty pumped I must admit.  I still have 5 lbs to go to meet my target weight for this bet.  200 is where I want to ultimately end up.  We will see what happens.

Fins Up,
Jr.

Great Weekend!

Yesterday DeAnn and I went to Birmingham to see Jimmy Buffett at BJCC.  Uncle Daniel was supposed to go, but had something come up so DeAnn filled in for him.  I worked until around 10:30 and we headed out pretty quick after that.  One thing that I love about a Buffett Show is the atmosphere in the parking lot before it starts.  Well, Wicked was playing at BJCC on Saturday so there was a bunch of people in dress casual that didn't know what to think.  Kathy, Jenni, and "No Fun" Bobby Waters showed up around 3 and we sat around hanging around until 6:30 or so.  It was there first Jimmy concert so I was trying to tell them what to expect. 

Once we got to the door we hugged them bye as we were going into a different gate.  DeAnn and I finally got settled as there was some confusion about our seats.  We ended up being right by the left side of the stage.  The seats were great.  The show started a little slow, but picked up steam real quick.  In the middle he did about 4 Alabama themed songs complete with scenes of the Flora-bama and the NC game to cap it off.  He played a full 3-hours with a little help which was the longest in a few of the latest tours I've seen.  He did a 5 song encore that included a good rendition of  "Stars Fell on Alabama".  Overall it was a different, but a great concert.  We pulled back into Elba right at 2 A.M.

Today is the 4 year anniversary of my accident.  As this day has gone by I can't help but think of all the people that have helped me return to a normal life.  Yesterday as we were laughing with great friends I was thinking about how far we have come.  Right now 4 years ago I was undergoing the first of a couple life-saving surgeries.  Typing that and knowing I'm talking about myself is very surreal.  To all of you that prayed. came by, sent cards if I haven't said thank you with words please know how thankful our family has been for the support.

Have a wonderful week and Fins Up,
Neil

Many things to discuss

I know its been a while.  I pumped out a pretty good blog last Wednesday, but it was deleted somehow and I was so mad that I just closed the computer.

A few weeks ago DeAnn and I went to Frogz with the Stephens and the Stewart for Elizabeth's birthday.  It was a very good meal and it was good to catch up with everybody.  We planned on going on to Enterprise afterwards, but after that wonderful I was done.

That next Wednesday Billy, Wynn, Dad and I went to Tuscaloosa for the signing day party.  We got there a little early and had a late lunch with John at Phil's and then made our way to the Zone at BDS.  It is an amazing time to be a Bama fan and listening to Saban you can just tell he's not done.  I will make a wager with anyone that we will win another one in the next 4 years.  Our class was very top heavy.  After that was over we mt Reese's crew for Mexican.

We had a lazy weekend as we were gearing up for our almost annual trip to Daphne for the Mardi Gras Ball.  This year we had Jerry and Kerri tag along with the rest of the usual suspects.  The Velcro Pigmyes were the band for the night and I hadn't seen them since college so that was a fun surprise.  The food, fellowship and band made for an awesome time.  DeAnn and I didn't go last year and missing a year made it that much more fun.  Kerri had a great time as the rookie and I'm pretty sure she was ready to go back. 

We pretty much rested on Saturday and Sunday until DeAnn decided we were going to the movies.  We went to Hunan's for a little Chinese before "the Vow".  So predictable, but she liked it so that was all that matters I guess.

Some of you may know that Dad and I have a weight loss bet that ends on April 1st.  I'm down 12 pounds and will get VERY strict in the next week or so.  I want to lose about 12 more before the 1st.  It's been a little easier than I expected, but I know I must put work in to reach my goal.

I hope you enjoyed getting caught up in the lives of the Grantham's.  I promise it won't be another month before I post again.

Fins Up,
Jr

Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Friday January 6th DeAnn and I left Elba headed to Biloxi and the beautiful Beau Rivage.  We were doing a little advance party work as the rest of the crew wasn't arriving until Sunday.  Most of you have heard that DeAnn past her PE exam so we intended on celebrating that as well.

Saturday morning after DeAnn got up we hit the gym as I am involved in a weight loss bet with Dad.  After the gym, D went to the spa for a massage as I went to play a little video poker and watch the playoff games.  When DeAnn got back we kicked around and then went to get ready for dinner.  I knew this was gonna be the hardest part of the trip as far as my weight was concerned.

We had reservations at 7 in the Hard Rock at Ruth's Chris.  This restaurant is DeAnn's absolute favorite.  The location in Biloxi is almost as good as Destin so she was pretty pumped.  We split the lobster bisque,  but they threw her a curve when the scallop special was discussed.  Normally the crab cakes are her go to entree, however the waiter talked her into the scallops.  I had the bone in ribeye and we had a side of spinach and the best sweet potato casserole ever.  The Saints were playing the Lions so the atmosphere was awesome.  It was a great meal and and great time.

Sunday morning we hit the gym again because I needed to work off some beef.  After the gym we packed up DeAnn and waited for the "Bama Bunch" to arrive.  Once the caravan arrived and got checked in it was time for a little playing.  Jerry, and Uncle John and I had a series of video poker tournaments that resulted in mounting losses for me.  We watched more playoff games and started discussing our visit to the crescent city.

As I woke up Monday I really started getting amped up for the game.  I had stayed pretty chill though out the weekend, but now I was starting to get excited.  We left the Beau at 10 and headed toward Poydras.  Once we got to New Orleans I had to swap my tickets.  We had a photo op with the whole group and started walking.  We wanted to go to The Rusty Nail which was off the beaten path to say the least.  About halfway there Uncle John, Aunt Jenny, and John bailed and headed towards Bourbon.  Reese and I were determined to have a yellowhammer as Gallette's had moved the bar south.  We made it and congregated with the Bama contingent as we had overtaken the place.  The yellowhammers were as good as I wanted them to be.  After we left the Nail we headed back towards Canal to meet up with the others.  They were at a restaurant across from the Marriott where the team was staying.  We all chilled there until around 5 when it was time to head to "The Dome".

When we got a block away it got very crowded as the gates had not opened.  We got to the top off the ramp and saw that not only had the gates not opened they were searching everyone in separate lines.  Once the gates opened it didn't take long to get in.  Once in Mom and I bid adieu to everyone and went to search for our seats.  We were under the first deck and had closed circuit TV's right in front of us.

I will not go in to detail about the game as everyone knows how it turned out.  All I will say is I was very well behaved as we were sitting in the LSU section.  I did however strike up "Rammer Jammer" before the band could.  The walk to the car was heavenly.  The ride back to Biloxi was certainly fun-filled.


I will end this post saying I do not have to tell all of you how lucky I am, but I can now say I have seen Alabama win a National Championship sitting with both of my parents.


Thanks for reading.  Oh yea, Rolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Tideeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The End...

I hope it's ok with my sweet brother that I basically just high-jacked his blog!  I just wanted everyone on here to know that I recently posted pics on my blog from the National Championship Game.  I had a blast during my 30th year and although I didn't complete all the items on my list it was more about just getting started than completing it!
http://www.reeses30in30.blogspot.com/

So I am ending my blog but will still post pics on here for you guys from time-to-time when needed! 

Reese!

God Bless Mike Kelley

For those of you that are not from Elba, a good friend of our family passed away a couple of days ago.  Dad and Mike worked together in the insurance business in the early 80's until Dad returned to banking.  I grew hearing stories about Dad, Mike and uncle Larry.  I never really knew him until he moved back and started working in Troy and Creative Services. 

Everyone knows how much I loved working at CS and what the people up there mean to me.  Well as I would stop by I would see Mike and just enjoyed his personality and wit.  After DeAnn and I moved back to Elba I saw him more often and grew to have the utmost respect for him.

He was diagnosed with cancer last year and put up a great fight for as long as he could.  We saw him a couple weeks ago and he was still in good spirits and still laughed.  Leaving that night was tough because I knew it wouldn't be long.

So long big guy, I'll see you again one day.

Neil

Gonna Hang Aunt Jenny!!!

Hey Folks,

I know it has been a while and I promise I will catch this thing up soon.  However, I need to tell you guys that we have a big few days ahead of us.  Eight of us are leaving this weekend for New Orleans to attend The Championship Game.  We are staying in Biloxi, but will head to New Orleans on Monday morning.  I am pretty excited to say the least.  I promise I will give a full recap and catch you guys up on are last few weeks.

RTR and Fins Up,
Jr