Royal Treatment

This afternoon, when I arrived home, I found the mail in its usual place on the dining room table. There stacked nicely on top of letters, the Pottery Barn and West Elm magazines was an average sized white padded envelope. My curiosity instantly rose.

I passed the stack on my way to set down my things and noticed it had my name on the envelope. What could this be thought? I don't remember ordering anything. Upon closer inspection, I found the package to be from the legendary Eric Levings. Ah, Yes. Eric had called me last week to let me know he had something he was sending my way. I ripped open the envelope to find.....

What a perfect gift! The Royals play the Rangers this week at the Ballpark in Arlington. I'll be attending the final game on Thursday afternoon. Thanks Eric, with the Sprint logo on the sleeve I hope to get away with wearing it to work.

Golf - Byron Nelson Style

Who says you can't hold a golf tournament without Tiger Woods? With great weather and a new course design, Dallas' annual golf tourney was better than ever.

Odds are half the people in this photo won't see a single golf shot all weekend. It's one of the 3 best weekends to live in Dallas.

Big Time

Big news from the Tarkio Awards' Banquet held this past Monday. My Mom was named Citizen of the Year! She was recognized for her many years of volunteer service to, and support of, Tarkio. She is currently active in Tarkio Renewal and the Tarkio Development Company as well as outreach work through the Tarkio Presbyterian Church.


I checked with my Dad and was told in spite of the award he is still the household boss. I'd say it's debatable.

Simply Lucky

Yesterday a milestone was achieved. After 6 long years and 10 attempts at managing a fantasy team, I FINALLY finished with a 1st place victory. Yes, I won my Fantasy NBA "Ohs" League.


As much as I would like to say I had the best team, it was lots of luck that left me at the top this season. It seems to me luck plays as much of a factor as any when lacing up the fantasy shoes. Granted good managers get their teams in position to win year after year, but most times it is luck that determines the winner. A few examples from this season.

My 3 Keepers (best players) Amare Stoudemire, Baron Davis and Rashard Lewis spent very little time injured. A few of my toughest competitors limped into the playoffs with their best men on the IL.

John Salmons. Never heard of him? It's no surprise, John was my last pick in the draft at #146. Then Ron Artest and other Kings went down to injury leaving my man John with loads of playing time. What Luck! He finished the 86th best player.

The last example happened to our league's best player, the atm machines. He's so money. On the last day of his semi-final game Mo Williams, averaging 6.4 assists, sat out with stomach pains. ATM finished the game in an "assists" dead tie 162 - 162. Then lost on the tie breaker, "most points". Ouch!

Without ATM's misfortunes I surely would have been left chasing my first title again next year.

I'll end with an old telecom saying.... "I'd rather be lucky than good any day of the week."

it's a gamble

It started with a "let's all get together". Lots of planning (not by me) and a few flights later resulted in 2 Great Grandmothers, 4 Grand Parents, 1 Great Aunt, 5 Aunts/Uncles, 5 Parents and 6 Kids under the age of 7 all at Harrah's in Kansas City.


It wasn't your typical weekend trip to a casino, but it was one great family reunion. Lots more photos on Flickr.

the new ride

After 3 days of researching, shopping and negotiating, I finally settled on a new automobile. The Jeep Patriot. It's no BMW or Audi A3 but will get the job done.

The best part certainly was being on the opposite end of the sell. Over the 3 day process I heard several little attempts at closing the deal. With Sarah's help all were were shot down. Oh, and it being the last day of the month didn't hurt either.