Boo

Well, getting blown all night... Sometimes the jokes write themselves.

Move the small rocks first Kris. Quitting smoking is a simple task and one of the best things you will ever do for yourself. Saving the world is a complex undertaking. I would save the earth, but with work and around-the-house projects...I've got other shit to do.

I don't think it's on Netflix yet, but I suggest watching "Conagher" if you can find it; I'm pretty sure you can rent it on YouTube. It is one of the most underrated westerns of all-time. Conagher is based on the Louis L'Amour novel of the same name and stars Sam Elliott.

Good job Kate. Congratulations.

The last movie I watched on Netflix was "The Dawn Wall." Even if you don't care one iota about mountain climbing, this is a great documentary. Couple of fellas facing a big obstacle, persevering, overcoming, and eventually triumphing...all that good stuff. Tommy Caldwell is one of the best climbers in the world despite having cut off his left index finger. He was held hostage in Kyrgyzstan and pushed a terrorist off of a mountain to escape. Then he became the first man to successfully climb the Dawn Wall. Fair to say, he's had an interesting life.

Good job MommaBear.

Since his passing, Charlie Watts has been described as a "subtle genius" by multiple sources. Watts didn't crave the limelight yet, almost begrudgingly, became a legend.

Don and Phil gave us some of the best harmonies ever. Unfortunately, we also lost Tom T. Hall last week. Hall did what was probably my grandfather's favorite song of all-time.

Maddie would love your avatar. She would insist on calling you "Gwen" though. Hope that's not a problem. To be fair, I had help. I gave Maddie a sanding sponge and she went to work. She also banged away on a piece of wood with a little 8 ounce hammer. Helping out is one of Maddie's favorite forms of play. She enjoys helping Sugar Britches clean the house. She helps washing dishes. She hopped right in when I was working on the playhouse. The little gal is a big help. We do have to keep the handheld vacuum away from her after she vacuumed the dog. Fortunately, Cash is very patient with Maddie.

The playhouse is coming along well. I've got it framed up and the walls are finished. All that's left is finishing the roof and the final touches. My sister found a little rocking chair at a store up on Signal Mountain and brought it by the house yesterday. Miss Maddie is going to have a complete front porch experience. The weather didn't permit me to do much on the playhouse this weekend, but did provide for plenty of fun in the rain. Maddie, now that she's toddling around at a pretty good pace, goes out with me and tends to the donkeys. We bought her a raincoat and little rain boots. I figured it was a good opportunity to put the raingear to the test. We splashed around in puddles. I would hold Maddie's hands and help her get a big jump for maximum splash. Sugar Britches was saying something about the clean up. Maddie and I were having a grand ole time playing in the rain. Took another trip down to the Aquarium in Chattanooga on Saturday. Maddie got to visit with her penguin friends again, or "gwens" as she calls them. An employee at the aquarium who takes care of the animals took note of Maddie's interest. She let us come into the exhibit area. I fed a couple of the penguins smelt which allowed Maddie to get up close to the penguins. The little gal is fascinated by those penguins. Maddie has also discovered the simple pleasure of fresh, ripe peaches. Yesterday, she was sitting in her high-chair, eating a peach, and grinning from ear-to-ear...so, it's safe to say: life is good.

Good job Kris. Congratulations on two months of freedom.

Welcome back Darcy. Good call on giving up the smokes once and for all. There's a lot to love about freedom. The good news is: freedom is right there in front of you, you just have to reach out and grab it. Grab a seat and stay awhile. Enjoy the ride.

Congratulations Dianne.

My trusty old listen-O-meter is all the technology I need.

Good job Gus. High five.

Have a good trip Doreen. I miss you already...

F**k this computer! That is all.

I've got some good friends. Friends I love like family even. That being said, I never really felt like I owed them an explanation for the choices I make in life. I'm not looking to burn any bridges, but once I set a course I get really locked in. Haven't lost a true friend yet for following my own path. Set your own course. The folks that really matter will either take the ride with you or, at the very least, wish you well on your journey.