Hey There!

December 2005!!!

It's been an awesome year and looks like it's coming to a peaceful end! It's Christmas Eve Eve aka December 23 and LaLaLand is ready for Santa and all the magic and excitement that comes with this time of year. We will miss Charlie - but he is always here in our hearts - as he spends Christmas 2005 in Baghdad. Courtney has had a blessed year and she will be here ( and around ) for Christmas. Having 2 such wonderful people as children makes our hearts ache this morning.....
We have listened and watched over night as the stories have been retold of a terrible tragedy here in Tampa. James Dungy died yesterday morning. James was the 18 year old son of Tony Dungy, the beloved coach and role model. Tony has a great faith in God and has lived a life committed to his family. We can feel his pain... My thoughts go back to April 1995 when Jerry Genung died. There is no reasoning, no depth to the indescribable pain and hope seems to die for a while. I am thankful that Tony has leaned on God his whole life, so he will know where to take his pain in this most difficult of times. It makes me thankful - AGAIN - for the 2 that I have shared my life with!!!!
Linda got an early Christmas present this year - she traded her 97' Mustang in on a new, 2006 model. Black with black leather interior and every option they make. It's a beautiful car and she is VERY happy with her new ride.
The pups are still growing and both have turned into beautiful animals. They both crave attention and exercise - which is good for the people too!
Neat times, things and people of 2005;
Fishin' Steve - my buddy and fishing partner
Charley Roberts - my buddy
Tail of the Dragon - my new addiction
My Road King - my escape
Linda, Charlie and Courtney - my heart, my very being....
Tom/Joan - my brother and new riding buddy
My computer - I still get to learn!!!!!!
Crab Shack - my hole in the wall
My dogs - my love
My Dad - my model
Phoenix Metals - my busy
Killboy - the Dragon photog, keeping me in touch with my dreams weekly
The Dog Whisperer
GATORS 34 FSU 7
Tom's great surprise in May
The North Carolina/Tennesse vacation of 05'
The Genungs
Some great customers
Dedicated co-workers



I am especially thankful at the overwhelming human response to the natural (and unnatural) tragedies of 2005. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita left lifelong images that most of us will never forget - but the response from the caring people of our country was far greater than the destruction. The dawn comes right after the darkest hours...

Merry Christmas