Happy Thanksgiving

Hey Folks,

I want to apologize for not updating regularly.  I have the best intentions but can't get around to posting things.  Here is what I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving!

She is more amazing than I ever thought possible.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Jr

Hello, is this thing on?

Hey Guys,

Has it really been since May that something has been written on these pages?  Wow, please accept my apologies.

Saying this summer has been odd is a huge understatement.  With the rain coming almost daily and a closet of baby clothes I've been at a loss most of the summer.  I have been in the pool at the ECC exactly once.  I have cut my grass more than I've been to the beach, that's never happened.  When it's not raining I'm picking up UPS boxes off the porch.  These boxes contain the beginning of what will certainly be an absurd wardrobe.

Miss Parrish's room is all but done.  All that is left is some wall decorations and her.  DeAnn and I have slowly gotten our junk out of there and baby stuff  is now covering the place.  With 8 weeks to go it is finally hitting me that this is happening.

Football season is upon us and I am so ready.  I've been watching old games and even a little preseason NFL to pass the time.  We aren't planning on going to any games, but I might hit Tuscaloosa for a November weekend if I can get a pass.

I truly hope this post finds everyone well and I will try to rededicate a post a week to keep you guys up-to-date on DeAnn's progress.

Fins Up!

Jr

It's a Girl!

As most of you know DeAnn is expecting our first child in mid-October.  This past Wednesday we went to her doctor for the 2nd time to see if we could find out what we would be blessed with.  Well, this time she finally got in a good position so they could tell.  I told DeAnn the first time that "If it was a girl I had no problem with her not wanting to spread her legs" so we could find out.  Modesty can't be bad right?

Now that we know what we are having I have no doubt my bride will kick the spending into over drive.  The next few months should be a blast but financially I assume it will hurt. 

I will try to post more as things progress and we have news.  Right now the Dr.  told D to keeps doing what she doing.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day!

Fins Up,

Jr.

Masters Week

Any one that knows me, whether it's slightly or to a T, knows I LOVE The Masters.  The way DeAnn reacts to the 2nd week of April one would think its surgery time.  I however, cherish it. Why? Because like Nantz says "It's a tradition unlike any other". 

I have been several times and on the years I don't go it's still 4 days of bliss.  This year was a year I scored a few golden tickets.  With the help of a good pal I was on my way to the "National".

DeAnn decided if I was going to Augusta then she was going to the beach.  We loaded up Friday and tried out Mom's new place for the first time.  Jerry, Robyn, Alison, and Zach joined us and it was a pretty laid back weekend.  We just don't do it like we used to.  The only excitement was Red Bar crab cakes and my new passion, $5 scratch tickets. Saturday night everyone went to bed and I dreamed of egg salad and Augusta green.

Sunday I was up with the sun and waking everyone up because the train was leaving from Elba at 11AM.  I had previously packed a bag for the Masters trip because with DeAnn I knew I'd be short on time.  When will pulled into the driveway I grabbed my shaving bag out of the beach bag and was ready.

Dad and I were meeting Uncle Daniel in Montgomery and Blake Lambert, aka Willie Wonka, in Atlanta.  We corralled the troops and hit 20 headed the South.  We hit Augusta around 6 and got checked in.  Since my 1st trip in 1994 I have always wanted to eat at T-Bonz, but we have always been there on Tuesday and it was never an option.  This trip however was different and we decided to give it a shot.  Top 5 steak I have EVER had! Great food and great atmosphere.  After supper we head back to the hotel to get a few hour nap.

Monday started with an alarm at 5:30 and a greeting from Uncle Daniel.  Whew it was early, but it's not like I was working so I popped up.  The gates didn't open until 8 but we were out the door at 6:45.  After an egg mcmuffin to kill time we turned onto Wheeler Road that used to be the secret gate.  Now it's 1 of 2 gates that patrons enter the course. 

Once we we entered the gates I was pretty emotional.  The one thing I told Dr. Fletcher was I want to get back to Augusta and now 5 years later I was there.  They have made the course more gallery friendly with signs and decent directions.  We didn't need them as we had Dad.

We went straight to 16 to show Daniel.  A very nice security guy almost begged us to put a chair down.  We did.  It became a theme that all the security guys went above and beyond.  One nice fella told Daniel and I very sternly "Hey, we don't allow drag racin' around here" before breaking out into a huge grin.  As there was not anyone close to 16 we started moving and caught Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler on 3 green.

After watching them tee off on 4 we slowly made our way to the clubhouse.  Once there we saw the new driving range and watched the 14 year warm up.  After that we tried to get a picture made at the front of the clubhouse, however there was a hour wait.  We settled on 1 tee for the first round og egg salad/pimento cheese sandwiches.  After watching several groups go off we hit the pro shop where as I was checking out the guy in front of me had a $3400 bill.  Yikes! Next we started the trek to the Cathedral they call Amen Corner.  Such a sight to behold.  Dad took Uncle Daniel to 12 tee to see a few groups and I sat beside 13 fairway just taking it all in.

After leaving there we went back to 16 as a lot of groups were coming through.  Being at ANGC the chair we left hours before was still there with a mountain of people around it.  As we were coming up a security guard moved the masses and put us at the rope with a great view of 15 green and 16.  He checked on us periodically, making sure we were happy.  We spent the rest of our afternoon there.  During the practice rounds the tradition is for the groups to skip a ball over the pond.  It was funny to hear the gallery scolded player lightly until the relented and skip.  When we were leaving the security guard saw us and cleared the path.  That just doesn't happen everyday.

The ride home was very uneventful and we had Daniel talking about next year.  Too funny!

Thanks for letting me put this on paper for you guys.  Also, one more BIG THANK YOU to Blake Lambert for the tickets.

Fins Up,
Jr

5 Years

Let me preface this blog with a disclaimer:

The main reason I haven't been blogging is because I gave up social media for Lent.  I was lamenting the fact that I couldn't blog today to Jerry due to Lent.  He argued that a blog wasn't social media and even if it was the Lord would understand.

5 years. Those two words have been in my head all day.  A little after 8 this morning my former co-worker and pal Kris Berg called, and we had some laughs and shed a few tears.  She was the last person I talked to at SanBuck before my accident.  Everyone at SanBuck was so supportive in the months that followed.  To this day I love dropping by or giving them a call.

Today being Tuesday the timeline fits the same as it did in 2008.  I've tried to retrace my steps but I don't remember much and what I do remember I can't help but wonder if that's because I've heard the stories.  It's wild to hear friends and family talk about the day of and the days that followed.

I've texted and talked to the Doctors and Nurses today.  They all tell me I'm a legend on the 6th  floor at Baptist South.  I always thought they were pulling my leg (no pun intended) until JMV introduced me to a new Dr. last year and said this is the kid whose ox sat was in the 70's for 3 days.  He called BS and Vermillion brought in reinforcements to back it up.  It's unreal when they talk and you realize they are speaking of you.  They are all such amazing and inspiring people.  It doesn't hurt that they saved my life.

I can't write this blog and not bring up Miss Mildred Finlay and Bonnie Money.  Not only are they 2 of my favorite people in the world but their continued nagging and reading is one thing that keeps me blogging.  Their support, love and visits made my hospital stay bearable if not better.

It would take me all night to thank everyone that played a part in my 2 year recovery and I hope that in the last 5 I've acknowledged the support and love.  However,  I can't say enough about my amazing family.  I don't think a day went by in the first 3 months that Mom was without and sibling or an in-law.  My wonderful mother-in-law spent more time with me than should be allowed, and I don't know what I would do without her. I love you all!

Here's to another 55 years and Fins Up,

Neil

Loss

Last Friday Durrell Hudson was laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery here in Elba.  I grew up knowing this wonderful fellow as he is Aunt Jenny's dad.  However, in the last 10 years I really got to KNOW him. Whether it was on a Wednesday night around a card table or driving down the highway on one of our many excursions the more he talk the more I listened.  You see, this man had over 80 years worth of stories of being on the road.  In his younger days he drove a truck for a while and up until a a couple years ago he did transfers for Cook Chevrolet. 

About the same time I turned 21 the poker boom was hitting this country.  I was never into math, however I have always liked numbers.  I started playing in a penny poker game and across the table sat Mr. D.  In the years that followed we developed a great relationship and started taking a couple a trips a year.  On these trips to Tunica or Biloxi we obviously had time to talk and he would always tell the most incredible stories.  Some were so amazing you knew they were true.  His stories about the "Old" Vegas were probably my favorite. 

The first trip we took was to Tunica in 04 or 05.  There was a poker tournament that I wanted to play in and Mr. Durrell, Fred Jr. and myself loaded up and went.  To make a long story short I busted out with 70 folks left when I got pretty unlucky.  The funny thing was this really old guy put me out and after all the cards were dealt and I was beat he said "Bring'em to Daddy" referring to the chips.  It was very early in the morning and we were all very tired.  We all laughed about that.  It also stuck.  I can't tell you how many times in a game that was said between Dad, Mr. D and myself.

In the last week since he's been gone I've thought about him and would get emotional but before I was through I would end up laughing.  I've heard the phrase "my man" in my head a ton because that was how he started almost every conversation with me.

He was a true "gem" that will definitely be missed, but left a great legacy in 3 daughters and 4 grandkids.  God Bless you, Durrell Hudson!

Neil

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