Telluride

We're heading out next week for a few days. To Telluride, Colorado! We had original plans to spend a few days back in Destin, but due to the sharks, hurricanes and money we figured we'd go west. Ms. and Air have not been to Colorado, Sheeze has, but not to Telluride. We're going to spend a day in Santa Fe, then to Colorado for a couple of days. I'm finding out that the lodging is very expensive, even in the heat of the summer.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Please?

I'm thinking it's going to be a good trip. I actually changed plans only a couple of days ago from going to Estes Park, because it is further and the flat roads needed to get there (Kansas, Oklahoma and western Colorado) sound like a beating. This way we only have to go through Dumas and Amarillo, Texas to get to the paradise! Ha!

Radio Man

Mic
Originally uploaded by banj.

Well, I sought out and accepted a shift at a Dallas radio station. I've been doing radio broadcasting off and on since 1979, but this time it seemed more than awkward for me. You see I have been doing voice over work for many years. But being live on the air is much different than doing "production." Having to worry about logs, spot play, music, and song playlists while trying to sound as good as I do while in production I find difficult. I think just getting the rhythm again is what I need. I'm pretty decent sounding in commercial applications, but I've got to get rid of the nervousness and get back to being cool. It used to be easy...

Old Glory

American Flag
Originally uploaded by banj.

What is it with people and the American Flag? I live on a block of newer (very modest) houses. Since the fall of 2000, we, out of maybe as many as 24 homes have been the only ones to fly an American flag! I'm including Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day...all of them! Even during the 911 catastrophy and during the elections of 2004 we were the only ones to fly the flag! These people have newer homes, most of them drive new cars, they have the security of living in small town America with their children attending one of the top 5% of school systems in the state of Texas, but cannot show a pride and support for what they have and what they've been given by having the blessing of living in the greatest nation in the world. I know I'm ranting, but I can't get over how not only my neighbors have this lack of display, but really it's everywhere. People in this country are so spoiled, and have the ability to take for granted our way of life. I for one am proud and will continue to show it.

Sum Sum Summah

It's an active summer. My sister got married yesterday way down in Big Sandy, Texas. It was a medium sized wedding, probably big fer uh East Texas hitchin'. It was a second marriage, very simple but very touching. I shot pictures and Sheeze did the video, at least until the cake was served, then I had both cameras. He couldn't eat while holding the Sony.

I got to see some kin folks from up in Oklahoma that I hadn't seen in quite a while. That was pretty neat. Ms. could not make it as she was scheduled to work, but her floral work was gorgeous, as always.

We got back yesterday eve and put some beer chickens in the oven, watched "Meet the Fockers" and then went to bed.

Today I'm burning some DVD's and finishing up a VBS project I've been working on. I'll probably digitize the wedding footage later and start putting that together, shouldn't take long.

Hope to go to Florida in a couple of weeks, or somewhere. It's all about the $$.

Unbelievable

Well we did it. Got to Missouri, spent a day on Table Rock Lake during July 4th, and made it back in one piece. If you have never been there, don't even talk about Texas lakes or something like Lake Texoma being beautiful. My kids jumped in the water on Monday morning in a cove where we were parked and making breakfast on the boat. I COULD SEE THEIR TOENAILS THROUGH THE WATER FROM THE DECK OF THE BOAT! That is how clear this water is. We spent the whole day and had a very nice time. The boat was a little under powered with only a 50 h.p. Mercury pushing a 22 ft. pontoon. We tubed but not enough power to twist anyone off. I love it there. I'll retire there someday.

The fireworks were awesome as well. Not as many boats as usual, but a good 200 to 300 at least.

I cut the back of my ankle on a chair that I was standing on that gave way on Sunday night. Much bleeding. Not enough gaping skin to go to Skaggs Memorial in Branson to stitch it. But I have been limping for 4 days now, but it's getting better.

I can't wait to go back. I love the Ozarks and truely love that lake.

The Greatness of Table Rock

Table Rock Boats
Originally uploaded by banj.

We're heading up to Table Rock Lake in Missouri this weekend for a bit of paradise. We have spent many Independence Days on the blue wakes of this backed up bit of the White River. The Kimberling City Chamber puts on a spectacular fireworks display under the large landmark of a bridge that crosses over north and south into the town. The only way to describe the event is that it turns into a floatilla of boats ranging from 60 ft. houseboats, cruisers, ski boats, bass boats, pontoons and so on. I would estimate at least 500 water craft idle into one cove close to the bridge. It's almost surreal, the look of all of the boats with their running lights on, setting still as the sun sets behind the Ozarks. The display usually features a number of airborne "bombs" which have a huge report that echo from the rock cliffs surrounding the lake. The display is also the longest I've seen as it lasts for at least 45 minutes! I'm looking foward to this as we get to share it with both kids, which at their age is getting more and more unusual. Happy 4th of July!