Sunday, October 28, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Now THIS is funny.......
From Liz Thoughts|Love, Life, and Motherhood
“You did not just go to the bathroom in my Longaberger basket!”
October 26th, 2007 at 1:54 am (Family)
I am potty training Josiah, and tonight the kids and I were running (actually the kids were running I was more like walking fast) and playing. Josiah disappeared for a little while and I came around the corner to find him squatting over my $70 Longaberger basket (that was a gift) going to the bathroom!! I guess he had the right idea anyway. It’s kind of the shape of his potty chair :)
“You did not just go to the bathroom in my Longaberger basket!”
October 26th, 2007 at 1:54 am (Family)
I am potty training Josiah, and tonight the kids and I were running (actually the kids were running I was more like walking fast) and playing. Josiah disappeared for a little while and I came around the corner to find him squatting over my $70 Longaberger basket (that was a gift) going to the bathroom!! I guess he had the right idea anyway. It’s kind of the shape of his potty chair :)
Bear News
There have been lots of Bear sitings around here lately!
I think they all followed Linda home from the mountains in May...
I think they all followed Linda home from the mountains in May...
Fun Stuff from other Bloggers
NEAT! I found this awesome fill-in game while I was checking out Michele to see what craziness she was up to… Fond of Snape is a AWESOME blog and the author has some great pictures and fun games! Check them both out and enjoy…..
Friday Fill-In #43
1. The last good thing that came in the mail was a refund check.
2. This week I'm grateful for my family.
3. Rubye Cookies are the most delicious thing ever.
4. Charlie inspires me.
5. I'm most happy when I am taking pictures. (keeping this G rated)
6. And all the roads we have to walk along are part of the journey.
7. As for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to talking to Charlie, tomorrow my plans include the BIG announcement and the Gator game and Sunday, I want to chill out !
Friday Fill-In #43
1. The last good thing that came in the mail was a refund check.
2. This week I'm grateful for my family.
3. Rubye Cookies are the most delicious thing ever.
4. Charlie inspires me.
5. I'm most happy when I am taking pictures. (keeping this G rated)
6. And all the roads we have to walk along are part of the journey.
7. As for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to talking to Charlie, tomorrow my plans include the BIG announcement and the Gator game and Sunday, I want to chill out !
Friday, October 26, 2007
Fish Fear Her!
Here's Courtney on one of her latest fishing trips! She brings
along a helper for the small details....
along a helper for the small details....
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Vinoy Basin
Could you imagine napping away on a sailboat in a calm
harbor on a October afternoon???
harbor on a October afternoon???
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Cypress Beach in pastel
One of our new places to watch the sunset is
Cypress Beach just south of the airport. Awesome
place - here I had some fun in Photoshop...
Cypress Beach just south of the airport. Awesome
place - here I had some fun in Photoshop...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Another Tampa Bay Sunrise!
The residents of the Tampa Bay area enjoy
some of the most beautiful sunrise and sunset
scenery anywhere!
some of the most beautiful sunrise and sunset
scenery anywhere!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
At the Gap!
Here is Linda and I at one of our favorite places in the
world - Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort! This was taken
in May and we usually return in October to see the leaves
change.... Not this year! So we just sit and dream about
our mountain hideaway and look forward to our next visit!
world - Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort! This was taken
in May and we usually return in October to see the leaves
change.... Not this year! So we just sit and dream about
our mountain hideaway and look forward to our next visit!
Monday, October 01, 2007
Chosen Soldier!
I finished reading this awesome book about the training of the
US Army Special Forces - in a word INCREDIBLE!
Fantastic book and a phenomenal insight into the making of
our finest soldiers! Charlie wanted me to read this book so I
could relate to his training. WOW! I'm in awe of these guys!
IN combating terror, America can no longer depend on its conventional military superiority and the use of sophisticated technology. We are fighting guerrilla wars, against insurgents hidden in remote regions, often deep among the local population. In battles such as these, squadrons of billion-dollar bombers and naval fleets mean much less than on-the-ground intelligence and the ability to organize local forces. That’s why, more than ever before, we need men like those of the Army Special Forces—the legendary Green Berets.
In Chosen Soldier, Dick Couch—a former Navy SEAL widely admired for his books about SEAL training and operations—offers an unprecedented view of the training of the Army Special Forces warrior. Each year, several thousand enlisted men and several hundred officers volunteer for Special Forces training; less than a quarter of those who apply will complete the course. Chosen Soldier spells out in fascinating detail the arduous regimen these men undergo—the demanding selection process and grueling field exercises, the high-level technical training and intensive language courses, and the simulated battle problems that test everything from how well they gather operational intelligence to their skills at negotiating with volatile, often hostile, local leaders.
Green Berets are expected to be deadly in combat, yes, but their responsibilities go far beyond those of other Special Operations fighters; they’re taught to operate in foreign cultures, often behind enemy lines; to recruit, train, and lead local forces; to gather intelligence in hostile territory; to forge bonds across languages and cultures. They must not only be experts in such fields as explosives, communications, engineering, and field medicine, but also be able to teach those skills to others. Each and every Green Beret must function as tactical combat leader, negotiator, teacher, drill sergeant, and diplomat.
These tasks require more than just physical prowess; they require a unique mix of character, intelligence, language skills, and—most of all—adaptability. It’s no wonder that the Green Berets’ training regimen is known as the hardest in the world. Drawing on his unprecedented access to the closed world of Army Special Forces training, Dick Couch paints a vivid, intimate portrait of these extraordinary men and the process that forges America’s smartest, most versatile, and most valuable fighting force.
Praise
"Dick Couch has written the definitive book on the making of a Special Forces soldier. It is high tribute indeed that a former Navy SEAL declares U.S. Army Special Forces the single most valuable asset in America's war on terrorism. Couch moved into Camp Mackall with a class of SF candidates for ten months and emerged to pen an insightful portrait of men whose cultural understanding, negotiating skills, and license for creative thinking represent the most sophisticated approach to today's unsettled world of terrorism and murky, backwater conflicts. Chosen Soldier should be read by every American who despairs of finding solutions to current tumult."
--Linda Robinson, author of Masters of Chaos: The Secret History of the Special Forces
"A superb book for any reader interested in just what makes a 'Chosen Soldier'...expertly carries the reader through the rigorous training and mock battles...impossible to put down."
--Robin Moore, author of The Green Berets, The Hunt for Bin Laden and Hunting Down Saddam
"A clear and fascinating description of how the world's best unconventional soldiers are selected and trained. Couch brings the reader inside the arduous process that makes the Green Beret the Olympic-class soldier: disciplined, mature and sophisticated."
--Bing West, author of The Village and No True Glory: The Battle for Fallujah
"One of the most impressive and insightful accounts I've seen of Army Special Forces. More accurately and revealingly than any author in recent memory, Couch shows how the finest warriors in the world are selected and trained. Chosen Soldier is a great portrayal of the heroes that defend America."
--James B. Woulfe, author of Into the Crucible: Making Marines for the 21st Century
US Army Special Forces - in a word INCREDIBLE!
Fantastic book and a phenomenal insight into the making of
our finest soldiers! Charlie wanted me to read this book so I
could relate to his training. WOW! I'm in awe of these guys!
IN combating terror, America can no longer depend on its conventional military superiority and the use of sophisticated technology. We are fighting guerrilla wars, against insurgents hidden in remote regions, often deep among the local population. In battles such as these, squadrons of billion-dollar bombers and naval fleets mean much less than on-the-ground intelligence and the ability to organize local forces. That’s why, more than ever before, we need men like those of the Army Special Forces—the legendary Green Berets.
In Chosen Soldier, Dick Couch—a former Navy SEAL widely admired for his books about SEAL training and operations—offers an unprecedented view of the training of the Army Special Forces warrior. Each year, several thousand enlisted men and several hundred officers volunteer for Special Forces training; less than a quarter of those who apply will complete the course. Chosen Soldier spells out in fascinating detail the arduous regimen these men undergo—the demanding selection process and grueling field exercises, the high-level technical training and intensive language courses, and the simulated battle problems that test everything from how well they gather operational intelligence to their skills at negotiating with volatile, often hostile, local leaders.
Green Berets are expected to be deadly in combat, yes, but their responsibilities go far beyond those of other Special Operations fighters; they’re taught to operate in foreign cultures, often behind enemy lines; to recruit, train, and lead local forces; to gather intelligence in hostile territory; to forge bonds across languages and cultures. They must not only be experts in such fields as explosives, communications, engineering, and field medicine, but also be able to teach those skills to others. Each and every Green Beret must function as tactical combat leader, negotiator, teacher, drill sergeant, and diplomat.
These tasks require more than just physical prowess; they require a unique mix of character, intelligence, language skills, and—most of all—adaptability. It’s no wonder that the Green Berets’ training regimen is known as the hardest in the world. Drawing on his unprecedented access to the closed world of Army Special Forces training, Dick Couch paints a vivid, intimate portrait of these extraordinary men and the process that forges America’s smartest, most versatile, and most valuable fighting force.
Praise
"Dick Couch has written the definitive book on the making of a Special Forces soldier. It is high tribute indeed that a former Navy SEAL declares U.S. Army Special Forces the single most valuable asset in America's war on terrorism. Couch moved into Camp Mackall with a class of SF candidates for ten months and emerged to pen an insightful portrait of men whose cultural understanding, negotiating skills, and license for creative thinking represent the most sophisticated approach to today's unsettled world of terrorism and murky, backwater conflicts. Chosen Soldier should be read by every American who despairs of finding solutions to current tumult."
--Linda Robinson, author of Masters of Chaos: The Secret History of the Special Forces
"A superb book for any reader interested in just what makes a 'Chosen Soldier'...expertly carries the reader through the rigorous training and mock battles...impossible to put down."
--Robin Moore, author of The Green Berets, The Hunt for Bin Laden and Hunting Down Saddam
"A clear and fascinating description of how the world's best unconventional soldiers are selected and trained. Couch brings the reader inside the arduous process that makes the Green Beret the Olympic-class soldier: disciplined, mature and sophisticated."
--Bing West, author of The Village and No True Glory: The Battle for Fallujah
"One of the most impressive and insightful accounts I've seen of Army Special Forces. More accurately and revealingly than any author in recent memory, Couch shows how the finest warriors in the world are selected and trained. Chosen Soldier is a great portrayal of the heroes that defend America."
--James B. Woulfe, author of Into the Crucible: Making Marines for the 21st Century
Sunday, September 30, 2007
2 Fabulous Ladies!
Here's 1 of my favorite shots of 2 Fabulous Ladies...
Linda and Flo, my harley....
Linda has gone to Arkansas this weekend to
attend the funeral of her Uncle Winfield! Winfield
had a fine life! He had a MARVELOUS wife, Betty
and enjoyed a grand sense of humor! His family
consumed his life and he wouldn't have had it
any other way! My heart goes out to Betty, Jimmy
and Caroline...
GO REST HIGH ON THE MOUNTAIN Winfield!
Linda and Flo, my harley....
Linda has gone to Arkansas this weekend to
attend the funeral of her Uncle Winfield! Winfield
had a fine life! He had a MARVELOUS wife, Betty
and enjoyed a grand sense of humor! His family
consumed his life and he wouldn't have had it
any other way! My heart goes out to Betty, Jimmy
and Caroline...
GO REST HIGH ON THE MOUNTAIN Winfield!
Friday, September 28, 2007
It Takes Courage
It Takes Courage
Author Unknown
It takes strength to be firm,
It takes courage to be gentle.
It takes strength to conquer,
It takes courage to surrender.
It takes strength to be certain,
It takes courage to have doubt.
It takes strength to fit in,
It takes courage to stand out.
It takes strength to feel a friend's pain,
It takes courage to feel your own pain.
It takes strength to endure abuse,
It takes courage to stop it.
It takes strength to stand alone,
It takes courage to lean on another.
It takes strength to love,
It takes courage to be loved.
It takes strength to survive,
It takes courage to live.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Another great birthday!
Charlie flew in on Thursday - the Captain and
Brook camped out in his old bedroom and Courtney
met us all Sunday for a birthday breakfast at
the Tahitian Inn! Yup, I turned 58! Below is
my incredible family! One more time I was
reminded just what a fortunate guy I am! Oh
yeah - a little over a month ago I mentioned
some big news coming.......
I'M GONNA BE A GRANDPA!!!!!!!!!!
April 2008!!!!!!!
Brook camped out in his old bedroom and Courtney
met us all Sunday for a birthday breakfast at
the Tahitian Inn! Yup, I turned 58! Below is
my incredible family! One more time I was
reminded just what a fortunate guy I am! Oh
yeah - a little over a month ago I mentioned
some big news coming.......
I'M GONNA BE A GRANDPA!!!!!!!!!!
April 2008!!!!!!!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
I miss you my friend!
I woke this morning thinking of Jake.....
It's been over 2 months since he has
been gone and it still hurts! Once again,
I realize I am the lucky one - to have
had his love and devotion for over 12
years...I haven't had the words to
express myself about Jake - these words
touch on how I feel....
This Flame burns bright in honor of you
My faithful friend, I will always miss you.
Through the years you were always there,
To make me smile and dry my tears.
And you maybe gone, but your spirit remains
To forever light my way, bring warmth to my heart.
Memory never dies.....Memory never fades.
It's been over 2 months since he has
been gone and it still hurts! Once again,
I realize I am the lucky one - to have
had his love and devotion for over 12
years...I haven't had the words to
express myself about Jake - these words
touch on how I feel....
This Flame burns bright in honor of you
My faithful friend, I will always miss you.
Through the years you were always there,
To make me smile and dry my tears.
And you maybe gone, but your spirit remains
To forever light my way, bring warmth to my heart.
Memory never dies.....Memory never fades.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Biker Trash!
This is a Biker Trash couple that we encountered
on our last trip to the mountains! AWFUL people!
on our last trip to the mountains! AWFUL people!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Wedding Show
I hope you will enjoy this slide show I put
together on the wedding! I had a ball making
it and got to relive the wedding several times!
*You will have to download the Photodex
Presenter - it is quick and very secure....
click below.....
Charlie and Brook
together on the wedding! I had a ball making
it and got to relive the wedding several times!
*You will have to download the Photodex
Presenter - it is quick and very secure....
click below.....
Charlie and Brook
Powered by ScribeFire.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has a main span of
1200 ft., 365.7 m. and a vertical clearance of 193 ft.,
58.8 m.. Completed in April, 1987, at a construction
cost of approximately $245 million, the bridge safely
carries four lanes of traffic (20,000 cars a day) back
and forth from Pinellas County (St. Petersburg) to
Manatee County.
1200 ft., 365.7 m. and a vertical clearance of 193 ft.,
58.8 m.. Completed in April, 1987, at a construction
cost of approximately $245 million, the bridge safely
carries four lanes of traffic (20,000 cars a day) back
and forth from Pinellas County (St. Petersburg) to
Manatee County.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
SMOKEY!
Smokey is our chain-saw carved black bear
that Linda adopted this May in Tennessee...
We have had no bear attacks at our house
since we brought him home!
that Linda adopted this May in Tennessee...
We have had no bear attacks at our house
since we brought him home!
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Saturday, September 01, 2007
IT STARTS TODAY!
The loudest, most obnoxious and notorious piece of real estate in all of college football."
-- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on The Swamp
DON'T MISS IT -
GATOR FOOTBALL!!!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY COURTNEY!!!!!!
TODAY is Courtney's 25th birthday!!! She is
the most wonderful daughter ever! I wish her
every happiness in the world!
the most wonderful daughter ever! I wish her
every happiness in the world!
Monday, August 27, 2007
THE BEST EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Charlie and Brook's wedding was THE BEST EVER!!!!
Yes! I am highly prejudice! August 24th 2007 will be
a day I remember forever!
The beach wedding was awesome with just a hint
of rain! The reception was exceptional with great
food, dancing, laughs and TONS of love! Brook was
absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! The bridesmaids were
knockouts, Linda and Connie were gorgeous mothers
and I had a smile that could not be wiped off with Ajax!
Brook had many friends that flew in from Louisville to
spend her special day with her - we had Bob from Kentucky,
friends, neighbors. Charlie's fraternity buddies, best friend
from high school and Captain Garret Cathcart all rallied to
help make the wedding one for the ages!
My baby - Courtney looked INCREDIBLE and caught the
bouquet and here boyfriend Steven caught the garter -
UH-OH!!!!!!!!!!!!
My brother and his wife made all the flower arrangements,
brought them down from Tennessee and they were spectacular!
My nephew and his wife provided all the photography - all
the love showed through all the help!
Our new "in-laws" were a sheer delight! Lewis and Connie
Clifton are truly wonderful people and it is exciting to have
such marvelous folks in our extended family! They will be
married 38 years next month - CONGRATS good people
and come back to see us soon! We will all be making
other plans soon...............:-)
Charlie and Brook left Sunday morning for a Jamaican
honeymoon and I hope they are as happy as they have
made us!
Once again, I am overwhelmed with the countless blessings
in my life!
Yes! I am highly prejudice! August 24th 2007 will be
a day I remember forever!
The beach wedding was awesome with just a hint
of rain! The reception was exceptional with great
food, dancing, laughs and TONS of love! Brook was
absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! The bridesmaids were
knockouts, Linda and Connie were gorgeous mothers
and I had a smile that could not be wiped off with Ajax!
Brook had many friends that flew in from Louisville to
spend her special day with her - we had Bob from Kentucky,
friends, neighbors. Charlie's fraternity buddies, best friend
from high school and Captain Garret Cathcart all rallied to
help make the wedding one for the ages!
My baby - Courtney looked INCREDIBLE and caught the
bouquet and here boyfriend Steven caught the garter -
UH-OH!!!!!!!!!!!!
My brother and his wife made all the flower arrangements,
brought them down from Tennessee and they were spectacular!
My nephew and his wife provided all the photography - all
the love showed through all the help!
Our new "in-laws" were a sheer delight! Lewis and Connie
Clifton are truly wonderful people and it is exciting to have
such marvelous folks in our extended family! They will be
married 38 years next month - CONGRATS good people
and come back to see us soon! We will all be making
other plans soon...............:-)
Charlie and Brook left Sunday morning for a Jamaican
honeymoon and I hope they are as happy as they have
made us!
Once again, I am overwhelmed with the countless blessings
in my life!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Magical Day!
My little sunrise buddy and I are anticipating
a magical day today for Charlie and Brook's
most special date!
Charlie & Brook - I love you both! I pray
each day of your new life together will be
as special as you are to me!
a magical day today for Charlie and Brook's
most special date!
Charlie & Brook - I love you both! I pray
each day of your new life together will be
as special as you are to me!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
1 MORE DAY!!!!
THE BIG EVENT!!!!!!!!!
THE WEDDING OF THE CENTURY!!!!!!!!
TOMORROW they become Mr and Mrs Charles C. Moores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE WEDDING OF THE CENTURY!!!!!!!!
TOMORROW they become Mr and Mrs Charles C. Moores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Hot Summer Days / Great Folks!
It was already 86 and muggy when the sun
appeared on Sunday! Yesterday was a record
high that eclipsed a record from 1895!!!
Last night we had a marvelous dinner with
Brook's parents, Connie and Lewis Clifton!
WONDERFUL people and we can easily see
where Brook gets so many of her awesome
qualities! We laughed and shared the excitement
of the days to come! What a blessing!
New family peeps!!!
3 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
appeared on Sunday! Yesterday was a record
high that eclipsed a record from 1895!!!
Last night we had a marvelous dinner with
Brook's parents, Connie and Lewis Clifton!
WONDERFUL people and we can easily see
where Brook gets so many of her awesome
qualities! We laughed and shared the excitement
of the days to come! What a blessing!
New family peeps!!!
3 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
WOW!!!!!!!! Big news coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Below is a shot of me back on "Flo" 1
month after my hip replacement! All
has gone well - NO pain and I am sleeping
all night! Thanks Dr. Gutske and team!
THE wedding is in 5 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Charlie and Brook drove in yesterday
and we are about to BURST with excitement!
On a truly sad note, we got a call and
our long-time friend, George Johnson had
died on Friday! George was the God-father
to our children and loved them to no end!
He will be missed and another connection to
my past has slipped away..........
BUT!!! HOLD ON!!! - BIG NEWS COMING!!!!!!
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