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
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
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!
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!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
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
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
Friday, January 6, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Christmas is near!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted one time in the month of December. I will try my best to catch you guys up in this post. If it starts to get long I may break it up into multiple post.
On Dec. 1st, we went to Tuscaloosa with the intentions of going to the Bama/Georgetown basketball game. Jerry and I rode up there with Dog and Janice. Once we got to Reese's house John-John met us as he was our ride for the evening. DeAnn decided to come up Thursday Night instead of Friday, so we started talking about not going to the game. In our discussion about eating it came up that John-John had NEVER been to Dreamland. I was very disturbed by this and in total shock. Needless to say we bailed on the game and headed to Jug Factory Road. We had a great meal but I didn't feel right about ordering baked beans for DeAnn. We had close to 2 loaves of bread with sauce on top of the ribs. Eating there started the weekend off right.
Friday morning we all were slow getting up because we had time to kill. We kicked around MacFarland until lunch when we headed towards campus. Our intentions were to hit Gallette's for a yellowhammer since it was Gameday. They weren't opening until 6 and didn't buy our claims that it was gameday. I guess high school football doesn't count. We hit Buffalo Phil's and camped there until it was time to go to BDS. We did make a quick trip to the Walk of Champions in between that was very neat to see. We bid farewell to our friends at Phil's and made the short walk to the stadium to see the Elba Tigers play. It was very special to see one of my hometown team play in such a legendary facility. I know it meant a ton to the players and coaches. Elba ended up overcoming a half-mile of penalties to beat Tanner pretty bad. Elba had a lot of support as a couple thousand were there to support the Tigers. We got back into Elba in time to pick up D's college friend, Robyn, and get to the school and meet the bus.
Saturday we had planned to have a Christmas Party with a few friends at the house and even though we were tired we knew we had work to do. We had everything ready and had time to hit the Christmas parade before the party started. The party ended up being a great time as we had a good crowd that was in a festive mood. The only problem was one couple was working as a team in dirty Santa and I told DeAnn we would have to think before inviting them back. (Bradley I expect this out of Hope, but figured you were better than that) It was truly a fun night!
This past weekend we went to the AAL Christmas party in the atrium at the MPAC. We had a very good time and probably stayed in Montgomery a little to long. It is nice to know all the folks that help me walk everyday are really wonderful people.
Well my time is about up. If I don't get back on here before Christmas, I hope you all have a blessed day and I greatly appreciate your continued support.
Fins Up and Merry Christmas,
Jr.
On Dec. 1st, we went to Tuscaloosa with the intentions of going to the Bama/Georgetown basketball game. Jerry and I rode up there with Dog and Janice. Once we got to Reese's house John-John met us as he was our ride for the evening. DeAnn decided to come up Thursday Night instead of Friday, so we started talking about not going to the game. In our discussion about eating it came up that John-John had NEVER been to Dreamland. I was very disturbed by this and in total shock. Needless to say we bailed on the game and headed to Jug Factory Road. We had a great meal but I didn't feel right about ordering baked beans for DeAnn. We had close to 2 loaves of bread with sauce on top of the ribs. Eating there started the weekend off right.
Friday morning we all were slow getting up because we had time to kill. We kicked around MacFarland until lunch when we headed towards campus. Our intentions were to hit Gallette's for a yellowhammer since it was Gameday. They weren't opening until 6 and didn't buy our claims that it was gameday. I guess high school football doesn't count. We hit Buffalo Phil's and camped there until it was time to go to BDS. We did make a quick trip to the Walk of Champions in between that was very neat to see. We bid farewell to our friends at Phil's and made the short walk to the stadium to see the Elba Tigers play. It was very special to see one of my hometown team play in such a legendary facility. I know it meant a ton to the players and coaches. Elba ended up overcoming a half-mile of penalties to beat Tanner pretty bad. Elba had a lot of support as a couple thousand were there to support the Tigers. We got back into Elba in time to pick up D's college friend, Robyn, and get to the school and meet the bus.
Saturday we had planned to have a Christmas Party with a few friends at the house and even though we were tired we knew we had work to do. We had everything ready and had time to hit the Christmas parade before the party started. The party ended up being a great time as we had a good crowd that was in a festive mood. The only problem was one couple was working as a team in dirty Santa and I told DeAnn we would have to think before inviting them back. (Bradley I expect this out of Hope, but figured you were better than that) It was truly a fun night!
This past weekend we went to the AAL Christmas party in the atrium at the MPAC. We had a very good time and probably stayed in Montgomery a little to long. It is nice to know all the folks that help me walk everyday are really wonderful people.
Well my time is about up. If I don't get back on here before Christmas, I hope you all have a blessed day and I greatly appreciate your continued support.
Fins Up and Merry Christmas,
Jr.
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