Fly Over

My step-dad Joe was a pilot. He had several airplanes through out his life and was an airplane mechanic in the Navy. His latest project and love was a Stearman open cockpit bi-plane. He had a group of budddies that flew the same/similar planes. As they aged and thier friends passed they would do a fly over at the funeral. They flew the missing man formation and Joe was always the pitch man that veered off as they flew over. When Joe passed a few weeks ago it was only fitting that he have the same honor. Unfortunatly, of his group of buddies, there was only one remaining. He gladly flew over the cemetary in Joe's honor and to me, it was one of the most touching moments of the day. Here are a few pics.

So much passion in baseball...

My previous post reminded me of one of my favorite manager/umpire conflicts. This guy just lost it. Cracks me up!

C'mon Blue!!

Little League baseball season is upon us and I am happy to be out at the ballpark again. I love the exitement of a close game and the pride in watching a group of little athletes come together as team and make some great plays. I also love to hear some of the comments that get thrown at the umpire. Most of them just ump for the love of the game. They can't possible be making much money doing it. Some are better than others. But, one thing is for sure, you have got to have thick skin to be the man in blue. Some of my favorite comments I've heard or read...

How much did you get paid for that call?

You're missing a good game Blue!

I've gotten better calls from my ex-wife!

I thought only horses slept standing up!

Move around blue ...... you're killing the grass!

Blue's got a date tonight!

Dang, Ray Charles could have seen that one!

Hey blue, check your cell phone, you just missed a call!

One dad hollers "Are you blind?" Next dad comes back with "I know he's blind I've seen his wife!"

Anybody else heard any good ones?

Joe Mike Birchum

My Step-Dad Joe was laid to rest today. He was 77 when he died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday morning. He was a really neat person and made my mom very happy.He was so full of life, always had a smile or a joke. We shared many a laugh together. It just didn't seem like it was his time to go. Just goes to show that God has a completely different time table than we do. I will think of him fondly and often. I will miss him greatly, and I know I will see him again someday. Rest in Peace Joe. I love you.

I Love Dogos!

National Geographic did a piece on the most awesome dog ever, The Dogo Argentino. They are so beautiful,powerful,loyal,smart and sweet.I have two and don't know that I will ever own any other breed. I love these dogs.

Making up for a 6 Week Delay

Wow! It's been a long time since I posted anything. I hate to admit it, but I have been lost in twitterland. Those random 140 character tweets seem to fit easier into my life these days. I hate to double post here and on twitter so this site usually ends up lacking. But, I saved something very special for my blog readers. A gift! An offering of sort. From my cat, to me, to you...




I awoke to find this lovely offering at my door. Brutis(my 10 yr old gray tabby) had already began plucking the feathers to get to the guts. He must have been so proud to have such a trophy to bring home. Birds are not easy to catch ya know. Especially when you have no front claws and generally do nothing but sleep all day. Long story short..by the end of the day there were only remnants and feathers left from this bird scattered around my back porch. Really gross, I know. But I will admit I was also slightly proud of him for finally catching one of those birds that seem to enjoy taunting him so much.