Roxie the Christmas Dog

This is a great picture!

Tug-a-War Dogs.

Here's Jackson and Gadget playing Tug-a-War with Jackson's rope toy a week before Christmas.

The two of them became great friends while Gadget stayed with us.

They were able to catch up a bit last night when we visited Gram's house.

Christmas Dinner

I always look forward to Christmas dinner at the Moresi's.

Pete's turkey, dressing and gravy is hands down the best I've eaten.

Thanks again Pete.

Happy Birthday Jesus Cake!

Maddie made a deliciously moist Happy Birthday Jesus Cake for the family to enjoy Christmas eve.

It was the best cake her Uncle Ralph has ever tasted.

Moresi family Tree

The Moresi family tree was beautiful this year.

Buffalo Boy and Two Face!

Gadget stayed with Beth and I for about a week and as you can see he and Jackson became close friends, lol!

Gabe's New Laptop

Here's Gabe and his new Dell Laptop that Gram and Papa gave him for Christmas.

Joseph's New Guitar

Santa brought our nephew Joseph a new guitar for Christmas.

His Uncle Ralph is thrilled that he's showing an ear towards Jazz and shared a little Lee Ritenour with him via his I-Pod.

It's a Wonderful Life.

The family gathered at the Moresi household Christmas day to celebrate.

Here's part of the gang watching It's a Wonderful Life.

Grams"s New Dog

Santa brought Gram a new friend for Christmas.

This is Gadget a three year old Spaniel mix!

He's a rescue dog from the Fulton County kill shelter where he was on death row until Dog Pack Rescue saved him.

His former owners kept him outside and he was covered in fleas and suffered from a very bad allergy. His owners were unable to treat him so they turned him over to animal control!

Dog Pack was able to clean him up, treat for both fleas and allergy and put Gadget up for adoption.

He's a wonder dog, very well behaved, potty trained, very smart and extremely loving.

Gram and Papa are thrilled with him and Gadget is thrilled to be with them.

I saw him smiling yesterday while he was sleeping.

I'm Exhausted!

Last night Beth and Ralph kept me up way past my bed time of 8:30 PM!
I didn't get home until almost 1:30 AM after a 4 hour round trip drive to Callaway Gardens.
While I did have left over meat loaf from Cracker Barrel for dinner in the car last night and plenty of water the shopping was exhausting!
The lights were beautiful but I thought for the longest time that we were in line at Bruster's Ice Cream. I was really upset to realized there was no Puppy Sundae for me last night.
I've been trying to catch up on my cute sleep all day!
Can I stay home next year?

We finally did it!

Last Saturday we finally moved the fish tank from it's 11 year home in the livingroom to it's new home in the kitchen window.
This made room next to the fireplace for a new book shelf to be installed after the Christmas holiday.

Christmas Tree 2008

This year we added another new ornament to our ever growing collection while shopping at Callaway gardens.

We also got a real tree this year which is a first since moving into our new house 11 years ago.

Fantasy In Lights

Last night the Sarc family visited Callaway Gardens to see the Christmas Fantasy In Lights

now in its 17th year!

Since 1992, this outdoor light and sound show has glittered with holiday magic for millions of people. Families from across the Southeast have added Fantasy In Lights to their list of perfect Christmas getaways in Georgia.

This year the show offered eight million lights creating more than a dozen beautiful scene and the brightest holiday light show in the South!

New DVD Storage

Along with the new TV install yesterday we decided to install a book shelf to display/store our ever growing collection of DVD.

I'm off next week for Thanksgiving so it will be painted the same olive green to match the shelves above the TV.

New Toshiba 42" LCD Flat Sctreen TV

Beth and her parents, "AKA Santa", surprised me yesterday when they presented me with an early Christmas present of a 42" Toshiba LCD Flat Panel TV!

I had planned to buy one last year however Louise fell sick and my TV money went towards her surgery. Shortly after Louise's surgery Beth and I renamed her 42" LCD TV formally known as Louise Sarc!

Louise passed away on Mothers Day so we decided this new TV will be know around the house as the Louise Sarc Memorial 42" LCD TV!

This new TV gets a betterr picture than Louise ever did, lol!

Jack makes the cover of the Guelph Mercury!

Here's Jack showing his loving remembrance during Remembrance Day celebrations in Guelph at the Sleeman Centre and with a parade downtown.

Jack made the front page on the Guelph Mercry news paper and was featured in a video at http://news.guelphmercury.com

We were so proud!

What is produced from a bale of cotton?

You had to ask, lol!!!

215 Jeans

249 Bed Sheets

409 Men's Sport Shirts

690 Terry Bath Towels

765 Men's Dress Shirts

1,217 Men's T-Shirts

1,256 Pillowcases

2,104 Boxer Shorts

2,419 Men's Briefs

3,085 Diapers

4,321 Mid-Calf Socks

6,436 Women's Knit Briefs

21,960 Women's Handkerchiefs

313,600 $100 Bills

Cotton Country

This week took me through South Carolina cotton country to Holly Mill, SC.
The first cottonseed came to South Carolina with the Europeans on their sailing vessels. Any man unable to pay passage to the colonies was allowed to make payment with 200 pounds of cotton, ginger, or tobacco within two years of arrival.
Cotton was first exported from South Carolina to England in 1764, and the first cotton mill was built on James Island in 1789. Sea Island cotton, which had long, fine, strong fibers, was favored in both English and American markets. Mrs. Kinsey Burden of St. Paul’s Parish raised the first long-staple cotton crop in South Carolina, and William B. Seabrook of Edisto Island discovered that the best seed for growing Sea Island cotton was the "black seed" variety.
During the Civil War, the Confederate government banned the export of cotton, hoping to produce a cotton famine in England and France which would force these nations to recognize the Confederacy and to lend support. After the war, Confederates burned and Northerners seized the remaining cotton bales. By the time the nation entered WWI, the boll weevil had infiltrated the cotton fields in South Carolina, and cotton farming began to suffer.

Dad and Sandy

Last week I was able to visit Mom and Dad for a few days while attending to business! We had dinner and that evening it snowed leaving a dusting on the roof tops and cars. I was able to catch lunch at Belwood Snax before leaving. We had a great visit.
Here's Dad and Sandy in the kitchen.

Waiting for a flight!

Here's a passenger waiting for his or her flight from Lexington KY a few weeks ago. The weather was perfect for sunning between flights!

Martin's Castle Lexington KY

Martin's Castle was built 25 years ago by Lexington, Kentucky home builder, Rex Martin. He and his new bride honeymooned in Europe, where she fell in love with castles. Upon there return to Lexington he built her this replica of a castle, but they divorced before it's completion. No one has ever lived here - It's remained unsold and for sale - Price unknown.
With its dozen turrets, four corner towers and 12-foot walls, the castle is at once a forbidding sight and a vision of whimsy. Unruly bushes grow out of the western battlements, and white cattle graze in the surrounding pasture. Signs posted at the front and side gates to the property warn trespassers to stay away. But every day tourists including myself stop and pull out cameras to take snapshots of the unexpected sight among the rolling horse farms.

Canadian Tire!

On my return trip to Atlanta this week I happened on some tires headed for Canada.

Titan Tire Corporation, a subsidiary of Titan International Inc., shipped its first giant 63-inch off-the-road (OTR) tire and wheel assemblies on July 29, 2008. These tires, each measuring nearly 14 feet tall and weighing approximately 12,500 pounds, are being shipped to Canada's oil sands for use in mining applications.

All Finished

The roofers started at 8 AM and were finished at 6 PM. They left the dumpster overnight and allowed me to throw away any thing I wanted!
I took full at advantage of that situation and cleaned my garage/basement throwing away twelve years of stuff!
We love the new three tab shingles!

On with the new roof.

Rear roof almost finished. Once completed the painted all the stand pipes black to match the new roof.

Off with the old roof.

This is a picture of the rear roof being removed.

New Roof Tomorrow

This evening they delivered all the materials needed to install our new roof.

Roofing begins in the morning.

Mr.Trend Setter

Here’s Judd looking totally dapper while touring the sights in St Augustine FL this past weekend.

I Hate Their Guts

While vacationing in Florida this past weekend Judd, June and Beth happened upon this needle point in a museum in St. Augustine and for some reason thought of me, lol!
I have put in a formal bid for one million dollars to purchase this needle point and if that fails have asked Santa for it!

Judd and June in Florida

I’m posting this without the approval of the Sarc Family Blog sensory board. This very well may mean that I will suffer monetary fines, be blacklisted and be forced to take it down but I thought it was pretty darn cute, lol!!!

Love ya's.

CH-53E Super Stallion

On Thursday while waiting for a flight in Lexington, KY I was treated to two Marine CH-53E's taking of from the airport reminding me of the good old days!

The CH-53E Super Stallion, the Marine Corps' heavy lift helicopter, is one of the few helicopters in the world configured with 3 gas turbine engines and in-flight refueling. The CH-53E is a larger version of the CH-53 Sea Stallion, and the largest helicopter in the U.S. military inventory. It is used to transport personnel and equipment, lift heavy loads and conduct minesweeping missions. The Air Force version, equipped with sophisticated electronic countermeasures systems, is used for long-range delivery and resupply of special operations forces and combat rescue missions.

Anniversary Japanese Maple

Beth surprised me this weekend with a Japanese Maple for my anniversary present.

Japanese Maple are one of the most versatile trees for any yard, patio or garden. Often grown for its unique 7-palmed green or red colored leaf, the maple also has an interesting growth habit with a fine leaf texture and muscular-looking multiple trunks. Japanese maples have extraordinary fall colors that range from bright yellow through orange and red, and is often striking, even on trees grown in total shade.

Height: 15 to 25 feet Spread: 15 to 25 feetCrown uniformity: symmetrical canopy with a regular (or smooth) outline, and individuals have more or less identical crown formsCrown shape: round; vase shape

Alabama "The Boys From Fort Payne"

Returning from Huntsville AL Wednesday took me through the small town of Fort Payne, AL home of the singing group Alabama.

This is a picture of the monument just recently dedicated in the city park of the group.

Tuesday, November 15th, 2005 Alabama's induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame caps one of the most astounding success stories in American entertainment. With a career that to date has resulted in 21 gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums, 42 number one singles and over 73 million records sold, Alabama has received over 150 industry awards including 8 country music "Entertainer of the Year" honors, 2 Grammys, 2 People's Choice Awards and their very own star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame." They were named the "Artist of the Decade" by the Academy of Country Music in 1989 and "Country Group of the Century" by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1999. Theirs is an amazing career, stretching across more than two decades and for three of the guys, it's been more than 30 years.
In the late '60s, cousins Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry discovered they shared a common interest in music. Joined by Jeff Cook, they started playing on a regular basis. Working their day jobs and playing any place they could locally in the evenings, the ìboys in the bandî used what limited spare time they had to compose and practice their unique style of harmony. In 1973 coupled with Randy Owen's graduation from Jacksonville State University the band said goodbye to their daytime jobs and part-time weekend gigs. Bravely, "Wildcountry", as the band was formerly known, left their Lookout Mountain and Fort Payne roots to hone its burgeoning talent on the club scene in coastal South Carolina and the surrounding area.

For more visit: http://www.thealabamaband.com/bandbios.html

View From My Hotel Room

Here's the view from my hotel room.

The hotel was a few blocks from the Hollywood Bowl!

The Encounter Restaurant and LAX

The Encounter Restaurant has reopened at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The restaurant, located in the Theme Building -- the familiar LAX landmark with the space age appearance -- had been closed since March.

The Theme Building, with its 135-foot high parabolic arches, has been the most recognizable landmark at LAX since its opening in 1961. In 1992, the Los Angeles City Council designated the Theme Building a City Cultural and Historical Monument. Situated near the center of the airport terminal area, the building itself is still undergoing repairs.

Los Angeles International Airport--started as ranch and agricultural land. It became Mines Field in 1928. Right away, air races were held there and tens of thousands of people came out to see Charles Lindbergh and other pilots land on the dirt runways.

Commercial airliners didn't use the Los Angeles airport until 1946, when they moved their operations from Burbank.
Jet service came in 1959, and the current terminal complex was laid out in 1961, with the $2.2 million dollar Theme Building as a centerpiece. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson dedicated the new terminal that year

Lake Havasu

The abundance of dams along the Colorado River creates a number of large lakes in arid, regions of the Southwest where large, natural bodies of water are nonexistent. These lakes provide unique recreational opportunities and offer an exceptional contrast to the scenic desert landscapes that surround them.
One of the most popular and interesting lakes along the Colorado River is Lake Havasu, well-known for one particular historic point of interest, the London Bridge. The London Bridge is one of the main attractions at Lake Havasu that sets it apart from other desert playgrounds.
More than 2.5 million visitors flock each year to shores of Lake Havasu to enjoy the scenery, the cool waters of the lake and abundant recreational activities. Water sports, hiking, off-road opportunities and cultural and natural history are some of the attractions that draw visitors year round.

Biggest iPod Sign

I saw this while driving in Hollywood last week. Made from a material that allows folks living and working in this building to see out their windows this iPod sign covers one side of the entire building!

Hollywood High School

Built in 1905, six years before the area's first film studio began operations, Hollywood High was nicknamed "The Star Hatchery" in 1936the year Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Lana Turner, Marge Champion, Nanette Fabray and Alexis Smith were all on campus at the same time.

Hollywood High, one of the most famous high schools in the world, began in the early 1900s, flourished in the 1930s and 1940s, and has weathered the subsequent decades.

For more about kids from the Star hatchery visit: http://www.nndb.com/edu/695/000079458/

Hummingbird House

Several weeks ago while visiting a CVS I bought this bird house for a $1.50 on sale and hung it in one of our backyard oak trees.

It seems we have Hummingbirds renting it as I've seen them going in and out for the past two weeks. Maybe we'll have a family!!

Pink Flamingo!

Yesterday was our yearly trip to Stone Mt Park to attend the Yellow Daisy Festival.

Beth and I love shopping all the different booths for unique Christmas gifts!

I found a Pink Flamingo for the garden from Florida Dancing Birds at www.floridadancingbirds.com . It gracefully moves in the wind. I may order another, lol!

For more on the Yellow Daisy Festival visit: http://www.stonemountainpark.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=14

Waiting For A New Roof!

Sunday evening and the grass is cut and edged, bushes trimmed, trash out and flag flying!

It's off to LA Monday.

Lucy Goosy!

Aunt Mary and Laura are causing me to buy a cement lawn goose, lol!!!

I have found several dealers in the Atlanta area that sell them. I also found several clothing dealers by doing a goggle search, see http://www.lawngoosedesigns.com/store.php

Watch for pictures of my goose soon!

Belwood Super Snax!

The best little restaurants in all of Canada is Belwood Super Snax in Belwood Ontario!

Homemade food. Full menu from several choices of all day breakfasts through to Steak, wraps, stir frys etc. Home baked pies. Good service. Friendly, comfortable and clean atmosphere. Open year round. Beside Belwood Lake with boating in summer, snowmobiles in winter. A great place to dine and relax.

Has received Eat Smart Award 2 years running.

I give them five stars!

Downtown Belwood Ontario

I have been oftened asked what the town of Belwood Ontario were my parents live looks like, well here it is!

This picture was taken at the height of the noon hour traffic rush to get into Belwood Snacks.

Belwoods one gas pump/grocery store to the right and to the left is Belwood Snacks and the lake!

It's a wonderful town.

Ian and Linda's Back Yard.

Uncle Dave's retiement BBQ was held at Ian and Linda's beautiful home in Guelph Ontario. Their back yard is the envy of this struggling back yard designer!!!

I took lots of pictures and pilfered many good ideas!

Thanks Ian and Linda for a wonderful time!

Brotherly Love!

Here's William and Jack exchanging brotherly love during Uncle Dave's retirement BBQ!

William is paying Jack back for more than a few past indiscretions, lol!

Retirement!

Uncle Dave retired last week with a reception and BBQ with family and friends.

Here's from L/R Mike, Mark, Laura, Uncle Dave and Aunt Mary.

Davidson Center for Space Exploration

While driving home Tuesday morning I passed by the new Davidson Center for Space Exploration in Huntsville, AL!

Looks like a weekend trip is in order this fall!

The Davidson Center for Space Exploration opened in January 31, 2008 at the US Space & Rocket Center here in Huntsville. The purpose of the Davidson Center is to house one of the world's three remaining Saturn V rockets (one is at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the other one is at Johnson Space Center in Houston), provide a museum visitors entrance, tram system, 350-seat theater/auditorium and full-service commercial kitchen. Not only will the Center highlight the past, but also the future in space exploration and Huntsville's part in it.
The Davidson Center is named after Julian Davidson, who spearheaded the Army's ballistic missile defense program and founded Davidson Technologies. It is also a tribute to all the Alabama engineers who have worked in area missile and space programs.

For more visit: http://www.spacecamp.com/gala

RED SKY IN MORNING, SAILORS WARNING; RED SKY AT NIGHT, SAILORS DELIGHT.

Tuesday morning I started a early morning drive back to Atlanta from Florence, AL.

This saying only applies to mid-latitude locations (winds are easterly in the tropics / in the high latitudes the sun rises and sets at a large deviation from the east-west trajectory). Storm systems in the middle latitudes generally move west to east. A red sky in the morning implies the rising sun in the east is shining on clouds to the west and conditions are clear to the east. Clouds moving from the west (especially upper level cirrus) indicate an approaching storm system. A red sky at night implies the sun (setting in the west) is shining on clouds to the east and conditions are clear to the west (because the sun can be seen setting). If you can see the sunset, the sky will be redder. Clouds to the east indicate an exiting storm system in the middle latitudes. Upper level clouds (especially cirrus) are noted for giving the sky a reddish hue during dawn or dusk. As a mid-latitude cyclone approaches, it is the upper level cirrus that are seen first, followed by lower clouds. The approach of upper level cirrus from the west often indicates an approaching storm system. The sky will not be as red at night if a storm system is approaching because the sun is setting behind the clouds approaching from the west. A red sky at night implies "the storm system moving through has ended!"; The clouds have broken and the sun is shining on and reddening the exiting clouds. The sun will continue to shine on clouds for a period of time after the sun has dipped below the horizon (especially cirrus). Keep in mind this saying was developed before satellite, radar and modern meteorological knowledge. Much of the knowledge of an approaching storm system back then was cloud and wind patterns.