“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!”

Shocked! Shocking! Never in million years did I ever believe there would be voter fraud in my own backyard. I have just learned that two votes were tampered with in a very unsavory fashion. No words can explain the betrayal I feel. I was just so thrilled that I had loyal readers who cared, really cared about my cause.

“It was only a couple of phone calls…no money was exchanged…no promises made!” she wailed in a feeble attempt to justify her actions.

I don’t know if it was alcohol induced or just plain guilt, but Miriam fessed up to the devious plot to derail Christmas in June!

Crime may not pay but guilt will. Tomorrow we go shopping $$$. ‘Nuff said.

To those of you who have voted thus far – thank you so much. So, far the tally appears to be 3 for, 0 against and 1 undecided.

To the lone undecided vote: I sense fear in your message. I’ll be addressing your concerns soon in a new blog post.

For those who haven’t read the blog post in question, go to: Christmas in June?

Things happen for a reason.

A number of months ago I suffered a life altering experience such that my future retirement income as a street corner musician was in jeopardy. Little did I know that this incident would route my musical career in a new direction.

I have played classical guitar for the past 4 years and have tinkered on a steel string acoustic guitar. I would never be caught dead playing an electric guitar. For one thing I am not a rocker and I preferred to stay away from an instrument that required an electrical current. There was always something about the acoustic sound that warmed me inside.

Well, my friends, I have seen the promised land! Miriam and I stepped into Lipham’s Music store and my life has changed.

A little background is necessary here. Due to the adverse event of last year, I have been forced to play less classical and more contemporary music (basically because it’s easier and requires fewer fingers). My wonderful guitar teacher has introduced me to the blues which I’ve always enjoyed listening to. I’ve been attempting to play this new genre of music on my classical nylon string guitar. And it’s been okay, but not great.

Which leads me back to my story. I picked up a stratocaster style electric guitar after a brief introduction from a young salesman there. He told me about their audio room and that I was free to plug in the guitar and get a feel for it and its sound quality. OH…MY…GAWD! I now get it. It was wonderful. It was better than I ever thought it would be. I felt the earth move under my feet…

I am now trying to convince Miriam that it is okay to have Christmas in June. After all, doesn’t the historical record indicate JC was actually born sometime in June? The good news is she’s on board with the purchase – we just don’t share the same time table. I want it now – she wants it later.

So, here we are. Christmas now or Christmas later? Cast your vote by submitting a comment. Much like the 2000 election, if comments aren’t going my way, I’ll simply suppress them or not count them.

It was a great year for the Gator softball team. But the better team won this tournament – we tip our hats to Washington and Lawrie.

The pain from this loss will ebb with time and the Gators will be back again next year. They should hold their heads high – no tears – they left it all on the field.

Go Gators!

Incredible! The Florida softball team defeated Alabama with a walk off grand slam today! I’m still excited!

The Gators have now put themselves in a good position. Had they lost they would have had to play a second game late tonight. Instead they can rest, relax and wait for either Washington or Georgia. Right now it’s not looking good for Georgia. Would be nice to have an all SEC championship series, though. Or would it? Hmmm…would Georgia’s familiarity with Stacey Nelson be a bad thing? And Washington really only has one pitcher – she is player of the year but she’s been throwing a lot of pitches today. I’m not sure which team would be the best choice to play Florida.

Except for one blowout game, the tournament has been really competitive and fun to watch.

So, I’m asking all my loyal readers to send their positive energy to the Gators in Oklahoma City! Next game: Monday at 8pm on ESPN. Go Gators!

PS. Georgia has now scored some runs. It’s anybody’s game at this point. I suspect I’ll be asleep before the end of the game. Good night.

Boxer and Peanut are becoming more and more comfortable with each other. Their play is so much more relaxed now than it's ever been. If only we could say the same with Sydney.

Peanut loves to play fetch!

Got up at aout 7am and fed the dogs. Stayed up and had some cereal and coffee, fed the birds and then played a bit of guitar on the deck. Miriam finally joined me at about 8:30. We did a bit of running around today – took a comforter to S&S for final cleaning before being put up until next winter. Went to Home Depot to get the cistern. Had lunch at Ivey’s. Bought dog food at Earth Pets. Browsed around Tractor Supply and then over to Paddiwack. Stopped at Uppercrust to get some bread and a raspberry creme cheese rose pastry – yummo.

Came home and let the big dogs out. Then let the little one out. I’m blogging and Mir is watching baseball. It’s raining and thundering. Peanut is sitting and gazing out the door wishing there was a squirrel to chase. What a nice day!

The sun has come out today – at least during lunchtime. Not sure how long it will last, but it is nice for the dogs to be able to spend some quality time outdoors.

Andrew is now a married man. The wedding was wonderful. The bride and groom were both beautiful. Eveything was fantastic.

Mucho happiness to all!