Here we are!!!

LaLaLand’s GPS coordinates

latitude 27.904, longitude -82.514

Unlike Margaritaville - where in JBs own words - is anywhere you want it to be, LaLaLand is real and this where we are located. This is where we live among the tropical breezes, palm trees and sunsets to die for.

DOGS LIVE HERE

DOGS LIVE HERE!



If you don’t want to be greeted by paws and swinging tails,
Don’t come inside -- because dogs live here…

If loose hair that doesn’t match your clothing or furniture bothers you,
Don’t come inside -- because dogs live here…

If you don’t like the feel of a cold nose or a wet tongue,
Don’t come inside – because dogs live here…

If you don’t want to step over many scattered toys,
Don’t come inside – because dogs live here…

But if you don’t mind all of this…
You will be instantly loved when you come inside
Because dogs live here.

2 Kinds of People

Which Are You?

Ella Wheeler Wilcox


There are two kinds of people on earth to-day;
Just two kinds of people, no more, I say.

Not the sinner and saint, for it's well understood,
The good are half bad, and the bad are half good.

Not the rich and the poor, for to rate a man's wealth,
You must first know the state of his conscience and health.

Not the humble and proud, for in life's little span,
Who puts on vain airs, is not counted a man.

Not the happy and sad, for the swift flying years
Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears.

No; the two kinds of people on earth I mean,
Are the people who lift, and the people who lean.

Wherever you go, you will find the earth's masses,
Are always divided in just these two classes.

And oddly enough, you will find too, I ween,
There's only one lifter to twenty who lean.

In which class are you? Are you easing the load,
Of overtaxed lifters, who toil down the road?

Or are you a leaner, who lets others share
Your portion of labor, and worry and care

Tune In!

Courtney tuned in this Chritmas with her
new iPod nano!

Harley Christmas 2005 16 months old

Linda's new toy!

 

NIKON D50

My new camera! Santa bought me a new SLR digital camera this year! Courtney and Charlie added a 70-300mm zoom lens. Dad is a happy camper with this new toy.

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

Until next time - peace out from Ben

RIDING THE DRAGON 

Where do you want to be?

WELL - where do you want to be - now? In the Bahamas, Jamacia, California? Where can you smell - like you are already there? Where can see the sights in your mind? Think about it!!!! Me? I would like to be on my favorite stretch of road on the North Carolina/Tennessee border - US129. I can see the cabin, smell the fireplace and sense the freshness in the air. I can feel my bike below me as I float through the 318 curves in 11 miles - I can feel myself leaning while I write this in anticipation of the next turn. I hear the beautiful southern accents of the people we interact with and see their smiles! YUP - give me the mountains! The change of colors and all that goes with it! Take me to The Dragon!

Fall on The Dragon 

BUCS win a big one!

Our Tampa Bay Bucs took a step toward becoming a contender yesterday! The line gave our young QB, Chris Simms, time and he lived up to the potential tag that has followed him his whole life. The Defense played well and had interceptions, sacks and rushes all day long. Simms drove the team over 60 yards in less than a minute and then the "A Train" plowed over on a gutsy 2 point conversion. All of Tampa Bay will be stepping lively today! GO BUCS!!!!

Bucs win a big one!

Harley 1 year old!!!

Charlie Baghdad July 05 

Linda, Bill and Chris Thanksgiving 2004

Court and Sam 

Charlie back shot in Iraq 

TIME FLYS ON

NOVEMBER 2005 - Here we are, 3 months since my last rambling and it seems like years have past. Courtney turned 23 in August and took a trip to Las Vegas and Little Rock in September. She went to Las Vegas with Molly (who had just returned from her 2nd tour in Iraq) and Lanie - the old crew rides again!!! Then she flew to Little Rock see Sam, her heart throb.... Charlie has been in Baghdad now for over 5 months and hopes to come home the end of January - it seems like an eternity while he is there! Thank God for IM, we get to talk to Charlie regularly and that keeps us only mildly insane with worry. The pups have both had their 1st birthday and are absolutely beautiful! Jake is still hopping along and seems as happy as ever. Katrina made a mess of the Gulf Coast and the people in New Orleans had a terribly hard time. The amount of destruction we have seen in the last 2 years has been overwhelming and many seem to think THE END is near. With the destruction comes the human response and in every case the compassion and outpouring of kindness shows that our Creator still influences a lot of His people down here! Linda has adjusted to her new owners - as she has countless times throughout the years - and has kept Sunpointe churning on all 8 cylinders. She is like a little hurricane! Brother Bill has had the toughest time! He had 2 knee replacements in September and since then has had the battle of his life. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, small vessel disease and the doctors feel he had multiple mini strokes! Then one of the knees got infected and they had to go in and take out all the new parts, clean them up and put him back together. He is finally at home and in a little less pain, but still needs all our prayers!!!! Steve retired in September and has bought a camera shop in Brandon and TIME FLYS ON!!!!!