Looking down over the valley on the drive to the house. July 10, 2010 Watch your step it is a LONG way down with no guard rail.

First pic is Luray Caverns. Pretty interesting cave if you ask me.

Lets see…

We left town early on Friday. I always love driving to the mountains. We stopped into town (Stanardsville) which is really NOTHING. Thank science there is a grocery store and a small Mexican owned Italian restaurant. Anyhow that little place makes the best cheese fries in the entire world.

Since we haven’t been to the house since March we had a little cleaning to do. I sure as hell had a lot of lawn work to do. I think I have to rebuild the deck as it is starting to get rotten. Anyhow, we finally settled in and had a pretty nice evening.

We NEVER make many plans when we are in the mountain. I got it in my silly brain that I wanted to see Luray Caverns. Uh, Can you say Tourist Trap? Oh sure it was very unique but honestly paying 23.00 for admission was over the top. Anyhow, we went into Luray and had dinner afterwards at the Artisian which was pretty good.

The 4 wheelin’ on the mountains is always exciting. You never know what you will hit or if you are going to fall. I love 4 wheelin’. I can’t help it. I think I like mountain 4 wheelin’ better than the sand. Sand is very simple once you observe a few common sense rules.

We came back home in time to see Spain score the winning goal and then we walked up to the clubhouse for a concert. I guess I went to bed around 12:30.

Nurse Ratchet and I have committed to going to the mountain about every 3 weeks. I love the beach of course but changing the scenery is always a great way to relieve stress.

Next stop? The beach! The sunset last night was amazing.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

My backyard taken June 20th 2010.

I don’t know where this post is headed. I’m sure glad I’m not freezing to death.

It is going to be 102 degrees with very high humidity today. Perhaps I’ll skip running outdoors. The most I can handle is 95 degrees and even that is pushing it.

I did manage to go swimming yesterday evening between 5-7pm. Hot tip. Don’t do it. This is prime time for Sharks. Thank science it was slightly overcast as this makes the dinner bell ring even sooner.

I’m a dumbass without question. DUMB ASS. You know you are having way too much fun when the shore fishermen are reeling in sharks and you continue to swim and or surf. No, they weren’t catching sharks from shore yesterday. All anyone was catching was either Spot or Croaker.

They are building 10 homes (More to come as they develop the streets in phases) in the section behind my house for one of those “Home Fairs” where everyone pays admission to view these bloody places. The fair will happen in October. Believe it or not all of the houses are sold….Anyhow, the road directly behind my house is ALL SAND and is awaiting to be paved. I have been on it several times a week and am here to report that I have only been to the tire shop twice in the last 2 weeks to have roofing nails removed from my FJ and my golf cart tires. GDSOB roofing nails.

I love 4 wheelin’. Really I do. I get a little nervous when someone says “Watch this” however…last time my sister said that, she put my golf cart in a ditch, tore out the front windshield and made all the passengers bang their heads on the roof of the cart. No bueno! Of course there was plenty of spilled beer all over the cart too. Lots of Upi’s too. What are UPI’s you ask? Unidentified Party Injuries

Nothing sucks worse than waiting around to have your tire patched. Don’t even think about having a flat plugged. You’ll spin the plugs right out of your tires. Get it patched. Trust your bartender on this one.

Watch out for the GD Alligators.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

Sheesh,

I’m so creative that I simply post the damn day of the week. *NOT*

Jules is having a baby girl. Jesus, I remember her from way back when. Amazing progress!!!

Life is a big journey. I recall posting about all sorts of things that seemed relevant at the time. I have watched many of you grow (and some disintigrate).  

I don’t have anyting in the tank today.

Changing gears.

I played drums with a local band the other day to fill in for their absent drummer at practice. Kinda nice. They asked me to sign up after the session was over. Oh sure, I can play the drums and like to do it every so often.

Will I join? Nahhh. I have my own band although we aren’t doing anything. My drummer? Oh man, he is one sick player…Makes me go straight to the guitar.

I often wonder if I should hit the circuit once more before I retire for good?

Who knows? I’m just grateful for the gift (or curse) of music…

Part of me wants to tell Shark stories. I better not.

Will they be true? Most of them….

Peace,

Bobby

Me? What do I like?

Old 80’s PRS guitars, Mesa Boogie Amp circuits from the early to mid 90’s, Taylor guitars from 89-96. My closest friends are monster musicians.  

Levi’s jeans. Polo shirts. Handmade ties from that persnickity Hong Kong tailor on Madison Avenue.

Love seeing chickies walk on the beach in bikini’s. Long hair is an added bonus.

Dont’cha just love to grill on the beach with a cooler full of your favorite beverages? Welcome to my world.

Favorite Beverages? Beer? Newcastle for everyday and Dogfish Head 90 for a special occassion. I will have a beer or two but have throttled way back. No drinking on school nights. I like being in control. Diet lemonade or tap water most of the time.

Columbian Coffee hits the spot.

I will drink a real Coke once a quarter. What a treat!

Favorite wine? Strawberry Apple (I know low rent right?) out of Bedford, Virginia. Port wine (A good Graham’s) paired with something chocolate after dinner…

Asics Running shoes. Adidas soccer gear for workouts and running clothes.

Oakley sunglasses although I have some Ray Bans and Vuarnet’s from the 80’s.

Favorite food? Hmmm- Love seafood. Cook it correctly and it is fabulous. Especially seafood that comes from a shell. Had some fresh tautog the other night that was to die for…

Favorite music? Alt rock from the 80’s through today, especially if it is ethreal.

Automobiles? I always have a sportscar and an off road vehicle. My poison? A 350z and Toyota FJ cruiser. We only drive stickshifts…

Hugs and kisses from the ladies. Thoughtful people rock!!!

I love mischief of all sorts. Living with me is an adventure I can assure you. Ask my family…

Favorite Sport? Soccer no doubt.

Most importantly I love my family and friends. I would be nothing without them.

Life is beautiful. Is it perfect? Not at all yet I love the imperfections as well….

“Consume the groove” - T-shirt print slogan

Peace,

Bobby

You know exactly what I speak about. Hitting that proverbial brick wall only to find out you have been living in a box for most of your life.

We all do it at some point or another. You know; smacking your ass right into the brick wall of whatever our endeavor may be. I don’t want to live in that box. I see the walls and fences all around me just like all of us do. 

Pro Surfer? Not going to happen. I can hang bro but I’m not doing Wamiea in January. No and No thank you. Sunset beach nearly broke me and my daughter into pieces.

Richest guy on the planet? Oh no. I’m a lunchpail guy. Funny, I never dreamed of being rich although I would consider playing a rich guy on television perhaps. I work like a dog to make this world a better place for my wife and daughter.

Anyhow, many of us choose to stay comfortble and live life inside the box. My life falls into that category. My recreational life is all about the sun, sand, surf, family, friends and that is pretty much it. In my spare time you will find me outside either in or by the water.

I must confess I have to think outside of the box. Perhaps I should consider travel to other places people claim to love?

There are many things I haven’t done. *Whew* I better hurry up.

My depression is officially over now that the sun has returned and the temperature is over 85 degrees. Yes, I’m running by the water today. Yes, I’ll be sure to scoop up a handful or two and pour it on my head.

My goal? Hmmm….I have to focus on my friends, family, faith and health. Tis the thread that makes the fabric in all of us.

I have awakened only to wonder where everyone went while I stopped posting.

My door is open and you are always welcome.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

Bullet points.

This could be short or could be long. I don’t know.

1)      Racism. I‘ve seen some discussion on the subject in KCL. All it takes is one human being who is different than another and BOOM you have potential for conflict. Education is the only way to solve racism.

2)      Straight A’s continue for Jovana, our exchange student. The kid should be an engineer. Unfortunately, they have no use for Engineers in her country. Engineers, Physicians and Lawyers are not well paid in Montenegro.

3)      Kelly has been pounded with snow these last couple of weeks. Friday and Saturday they are getting 15-26 inches of snow after having snow all week up in DC. Folks, we are from the beach where the snow never goes…It has officially freaked her out.

4)      Me? Oh I have completely lost my mind. I had two rentals come vacant at the end of January. One is rented already (Wonderful turn around and picked up 45 more bucks a month in rents.) The other? I should have it ready to show in the next two weeks. Those folks were not the cleanest humans on the planet. I will pick up an extra 45.00 bucks in rent there as well. Lots of work. Many long nights!!!

5)      Nurse Ratchet? Um, her mentor and old physician co-worker passed away suddenly about 2 weeks ago. He died of a massive heart attack. They worked together the day before he passed. She has cried everyday since. Not pretty. Actually, I have never seen her depressed. She is CRUSHED.

6)      My brother is working with one of the producers of Lady GaGa on some music tracks. They both went to Berklee together. Frankly, this is his big break. The downside? My brother is a monster in the studio. In fact, he has his own studio in his house. Killer. We are having a divorce party for him on the 8^th!!! It is official.

7)      My little sister? I love her. She is just back from a business trip to Atlantic City. She was excited. Me? You can keep Atlantic City. She has already fallen off the wagon on her running and diet.

      Hopefully, I can fix my golf cart tonight or tomorrow. I snapped a strut off jumping some dunes awhile back. Were we out of control? Yes. Was it fun? That cart should be outlawed.

9)      Superbowl? I see the Saints winning it unless Peyton Manning gets red hot.

10)  I miss you all very much. I still read you but have not logged on to comment or write. I think that status will be consistent for awhile.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

I know, I have been taking these crazy long breaks between posts. Heck, I post 2 places. I do make sure I click ads over at Keepconnectedlive just to keep my buddy Matt in business. Great place to post if you have never been. Small community but fantastic members.

I am gearing up for some really big changes in the next couple of weeks. I am looking forward to disclosing these changes to you once they occur; unfortunately I am in a quiet period for the next few weeks.

New Years was absolutely nuts. We had folks over and then we did the mobile party thing on my golf cart. In fact, we blew up so many firecrackers the cops came looking for us.

Factoid.

Life has been absolutely crazy around here.

We did manage to have a bunch of fun snow tubing and skiing the weekend of New Years. The mountain house is quiet and so serene.

I am around and I see you journals. I will comment when time permits. I think I’ll go for a run on the beach. I know, its 28 degrees outside. It is sunny and calm however…..

Peace be with you,

Bobby

Me and my girls at Busch Gardens Dec 2009

I know, I have been taking these crazy long breaks between posts. Heck, I post 2 places. I do make sure I click ads over at Keepconnectedlive just to keep my buddy Matt in business. Great place to post if you have never been. Small community but fantastic members.

I am gearing up for some really big changes in the next couple of weeks. I am looking forward to disclosing these changes to you once they occur; unfortunately I am in a quiet period for the next few weeks.

New Years was absolutely nuts. We had folks over and then we did the mobile party thing on my golf cart. In fact, we blew up so many firecrackers the cops came looking for us.

Factoid.

Life has been absolutely crazy around here.

We did manage to have a bunch of fun snow tubing and skiing the weekend of New Years. The mountain house is quiet and so serene.

I am around and I see you journals. I will comment when time permits. I think I’ll go for a run on the beach. I know, its 28 degrees outside. It is sunny and calm however…..

Peace be with you,

Bobby

Me and my girls at Busch Gardens Dec 2009

Hmmm,

Just sitting here thinking about life.

I got an email this morning and my sister tells me her Best friends brother in law (and passenger) died in a car wreck last night. These men were 20 and 21 years old.  Single car crash at a high rate of speed. All over the news of course…

God knows I have done my share of that stuff. I guess it wasn’t my time.

My other buddy texted me to let me know his son got into Cornell University. This is the same 17 year kid who wrecked his motorcycle and broke a wrist, knee and ruptured a testicle. We call Chris “Captain Blueball”. Guess it wasn’t his time.

I hit a jetty once when I was surfing. I was knocked out and broke my board. My friend pulled me to shore and I have no recollection of the incident till this very day other than blood all over the back of my head and my broken board.  Ever heard the phrase “Swim with a buddy”?  Trust me it makes sense. You would have never met me if I wasn’t saved by my buddy Bruce.

Looking back, I was upset about my board. I was too stupid to think I could have died. I never told my parents exactly what happened.  You just put this stuff out of your mind.

Every day we live, we run the risk of dying. I accept these risks as a part of life. I would rather live my life as a series of experiences.

We only get one chance.

Make today count. While you are at it, tell someone you love them.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

Hmmmm. Aren’t you excited about the future? I think I am. Now that I am all of 45 years old I realize these could be the most productive years of my life.

I have former soccer players playing the sport in college now. I remember many of them as young as 6 years old…

I have taken a few guitar students over the years and several of them are playing in some pretty good bands now.

If nothing changed; everything would be the same. I don’t know who made that quote but I accept the fact that things change.

The children and young adults I meet today are absolutely incredible. Light years ahead of my generation. Pretty level headed too…

I’m sick and tired of reading all the bad stuff. I’m here to tell you it isn’t all bad.

Changing gears….

My daughter comes home today and will stay until Thanksgiving weekend is over.

It is in these moments that I am truly happy.

She wants me to run with her everyday. Absolutely.

I know part of today’s run will be on the beach. 62 degrees and sunny.

See you there.

Peace,
Bobby

My daughter taken October 2009