On the Road and End of the Road for 2008

Christmas cousins

Christmas couch squeezes:

Here it is 48 hours before the end of 2008 and the New Year. Looking back gives us some perspective on how much can happen in a year and wonder what lies ahead for the new one.

A week ago Peter and I had lunch on a frigid, sno covered but sunny day with our golfing league buddies Jerry and Rene. A civil lunch down at the Union with a lot of our usual ribbing of one another. Lo and Behold Jerry is on the front page of the Gazette on Christmas Day with his family. Jerry is dealing with ALS and showing the courage I would expect of him. The outpuoring of support for him and his family from his family, friends and now the community has been wonderful. My prayers will be with him in the coming year.

Our Christmas celebrations from the 24th to the 26th involved 60+ people mostly family and a few friends. It began at our house in Richland with Mary's family; Karen and Charlie from the UP being present, Aunt Frannie being the oldest at an almost 88 and Ashley being home having traveled the farthest from Boston. Most of Mary's family were there cept the Marshall's from St. Ignace. Christmas day after our SMAC family Christmas we headed out to Sterling Heights and my Dad and Bev's house, where 20 or so packed the house for some great food, that mostly Bev had prepared. Sister Sheryl and Uncle Jim had traveled from near Kalkaska but cousin Erin had traveled the farthest, coming froom San Francisco to be there. The day after Christmas we had a smaller gathering at my Mom and Linc's place in Fraser. The passing down of the baloney spread grinder was discussed on this day as Grandma was in the mood for making tradition count. More food was munched on of course at this early celebration. The big surprise was that Cousin Erin had rescheduled her flight back so that she could share more time with family members. We were all disappointed that sister Suzanne and Lilly did not make it from the great white north this year but being the understanding bunch we are.......

I should mention that the weather was sunny on Christmas Day and allowed for good traveling, althought it got cold again after a melting and that made it very icy all around. Our final yuletide gathering was at brother Den and Jo's place that evening in Mt. Clemens where a crowd of around 20 again consumed more food and drink. A lot of good conversations were had as the Symons showed their true colors with our extended blended families all enjoying the "festivus" time together. Friend Corby and his daughter Tyler even made it over after a shopping spree earlier in the afternoon at metro Detroit Malls, where even Mary had ventured out with the girls on Friday after Christmas facing the motown mall crowds. I had stayed back and played Ruckus, the card game, with fellow seniors Dorothy and my mom. They both beat my butt.

So after all this celebrating Saturday morning came and it was time for daughter Ashley and cousin Erin to headback to their respective East and West Coast abodes and the SMAC FAM to head back to the Kazoo area. We said our goodbyes to Ashley at Detroit Metro after a too short, whirlwind visit where she got to see many friends and family in the few days she was in Michigan. Check her blog out for her report on her trip at http://www.akays.blogspot.com/ I hope your're reading cousin Erin!

After I got a wee bit emotional at the Airport saying goodbye to Ashley she was off for another day of flight catching. As Mary, Ashley and Callie and I were headed through the parking at Metro who would we run into to say one last goodbye to, yes Cousin Erin and Brother Den.

Her flight was scheduled to leave near same time as Ashley's. I believe everyone made it home safe and sound and in decent time and surely exhausted, I know I was from the Christmas trip that we have made so many times over the years.

>WHY do we do it? The quick connections of love, as I tried to keep saying, keeping the Christian mantra of Hokey brother Bill and Capt. Robin in mind, Keep on Loving One Another, as long as we can, while we can. 2008 has been tough on many, especially in Michigan and the Detroit area. I heard it in just about every other conversation that I had back here and there. These connections need to feed our desire to make better of what we have. Let us Make 2009 an improvement over this past year any way we can, what other choice do we have?

*traveling retraction from previous blog: It was Bishop Int. Airport in Flint, where we pickedup Ashley, not Bristol as I earlier reported, it was on Bristol Rd. Sorry for any confusion this may have cusaed.

It's beginning to look a lot like winter weather....

First day of the winter soltice started out with a mixture of wind, snow, and ice. This also happened to be the day daughter Ashley was flying in from Boston via NewYork and supposedly Detroit, where we would pick her up. The well laid travel plans often go astray they say. Mary and I left an almost blizzard in Kalamazoo to better conditions on the way to Detroit. We knew Ashley's Boston flight was delayed and she was trying to make the connection at Lagurdia which was also delayed. As we got outside the Metro Airport Ashley said she had missed NY flight and was trying to get a standby to somewhere near. We diverted our turn into Metro and called our friend Corby who lives in Grosse Pointe not too far away so we could kill some time. Ashley called back and said she could get a flight in an hour to Flint,MI, would we pick her up there?

Duh, being the parents we are of course and after our brief visit with Corbin we were off to Bristol INternational in Flint, who would of thought or had ever been there, not us. Did I mention the windchill was 25 Below Zero and wind at 35-50 MPH? So we headed through blowing snow north where Ashley actually landed prior to us arriving and it was fairly accessible terminal. There she was a lone figure standing out front waiting, again we all thankful that cell phones made this all a bit easier to happen. So our last leg was straight into the dark night and wind west on I-69. I ended up driving it all on some spiritual fatherly copilot with the angels keeping me on the highway. We made it to Richland at about 12:15, safe, weary and happy our eldest was home with us. It could of been a lot worse as there have been so many cancellations, etc. Daughter Callie has been having her driving skills tested with having to go across town to work this week. Not something she is used to doing, but she has performed well.

We are all a bit jittery after Mary's snow accident a few weeks ago and a totaled car. Sure glasd we had the new one on Sunday night.

>Monday night was another holiday jam session but at the Clone studios this time. Melvis and I added some last tracks to the Happy Christmas tune we were working on and Jazz, Johnny L., Jimmy Pete, M.Diotte, had a festive night playing an assortment of music, "rocking the night away" or at least attempting to do that.

Now, Christmas Eve, and the weather is still the story surrounding the family gatherings, church services and travel. Currently, raining outside and to get colder later. Prayers for all those traveling, angels on the highways will be busy this year. So let us enjoy what we have, be mindful of those that have less and let those closest to us know what they mean to us in some way. Talk to you in 2009. Peace+

DecemBurr Burr Burr.......

Chicago , November 2008.

Me and my lovely ladies

With apologies to those blog followers for the lapse in entries since the 5T but here is the latest holiday happenings:

Mary and I signed off on a new vehicle to replace the totaled Fusion of 08, fittingly we ring in the new year with a mostly American made Ford Fusion 09. Came away without owing anything for the crashed version and will just pick up payments on the new one. So we will not have to rent a ride to go do the Detroit Christmas shuffle. Let's hope Detroit gets what they are asking for this Christmas so things won't get worse in the days to come.

As many of you know Michigan has been hit again with another snowy blast right before the solstice. Many happy educators and students getting an extra day for the holiday break. I know Mary was celebrating this morning and will be all day. Joining me in my "every day is a snow day" mode.

Callie did have to work today. We assume she is there although we haven't heard from her since before the snow started as she was sleeping at her friends overnight. Last night there was a holiday jam at the Hokey Hideout with many old friends showing up to rock in the holiday.

The Hokey wall of sound was in full swing among the revelry. Thanks to Marty for having us over for a good time with a feel for the days gone by.

Ashley is scheduled to fly into Detroit on Sunday, we hope flights are on time and safe as more snow is predicted.

As folks do their planning and traveling I wish the best for all. 2008 has been rough for many and my thoughts are with them and for all of us to keep in our hearts that which is the most important, to "keep on loving one another" and look out for our brothers and sisters from the other mother everywhere. Savor your time with your family and friends as I will try and remember to do.

Keep on Keeping on, talk to ya soon. Off to snowblow..........

SMAC DADDY

TTTTT, American Stars and Bars, Part Two

fashionistas and roomies and > ***** star light

TTTTT 08 champ Toddly and myself

me and the deale smokin!

Day one ended with all of us going to the Resort Restaurante and having dinner. Most notable that evening other than the golfers all telling their day one stories of their round was that Karaoke was being setup as we ate and first song they played was a Johnny Cash song. Many of us immediately thought of two previous 5T players who have since moved on to the big fairway in the sky, CApt. Rob and Mickey Billy looking down on us goofers. Our waitress for the evening was Pam who had a great Tennessee accent, was very accommodating and helped set the stage for our weekend.

Saturday, most everyone was up and ready to hit the links early. We were on the tee ready by 9. I need to mention the other players in the tourney who made the trip down. Dan C., from Motown, Todd (alias Brett Smith), Bear, Nick- son of Bear, Cookie Sr., Jr., Jimmy C., Melvis, Jazzy Jeff, Too Tall, P. Schram and my ole Garage Band member buddy Neale the Deale, who came over from his base in Fort Campbell, Ky.

I had my first day 4some chosen for me being a newbie (first year). The other newbie and myself, Nick, son of Bear, had to play with the two old timers and originators of the 5T, Too Tall and P.Schram. It was a bit cold but cart covers were in place and we were off. My score for this day would be an 84 I believe, Nick and I survived all the "learned advice" from our two mentors

At this point the Saturday and Sunday events become a little fuzzy as far as the leaderboard goes. Saturday's highlight or lowlight was Toddly's errant shot on the 13th hole which shattered a homeowners car, who happened to be there and Todd had to deal with all the possible repercussions. It was not a pleasant round for Todd with that hanging over his head.

Instead of the spaghetti meal being cooked at the condo, a few of us opted to go back to Angelo's Restaurante for dinner. Part of our mission was to assist Todd with getting past the damage done to the car. I believe we succeeded as the libations took over and an enjoyable laugh filled dinner was had by the Deale, Jimmy C., Todd, Melvis and myself. I know we ended up having to put a moratorium on high fives, we were that enthusiastic. Somewhere in this afternoon/evening I think Melvis, Jimmy and I did a little jamming back at our room. Significant because we worked on a song new acoustically for the first time and it was good to hear it that way.

Sunday was a bit colder and wet for part of the day. I played with Bear and Neale and did not have much movement that day. My two birdies were cut for skins by Todd who had the low round of the tourney with a 73. Todd's comeback after the window crash was the story of the day and he leaped to the head of the leaderboard with Jazzy Jeff who kept playing consistent.

Monday's final 4some would be rounded out by Too Tall and Melvis, who also continued to play well. Todd was excited to say the least after this round and ready to celebrate. Since no dinner was planned when the moment was right Todd took off across the street to Angelo's to get pizza. I went after him to assist. While we waited for the pizzas Todd and I ordered a drink. This quite a slow night down in Baneberry, Sunday night after T-day and the employees were putting up Christmas decorations. They were having some trouble getting a Gold Star up on top of the tree as none of them were very tall. Well Todd was more than happy to help out and got that Star to stay up on the tree balanced against the ceiling. Of course there was some trouble with our pizza order and Todd and I had to take them back in shifts of 2 to the hungry condo dwellers.

Needless to say they went fast when we went back as the card players were ready for some nourishment by 8=9 o'clock. Later this night Melvis, Nick, JImmy C., Jazzy Jeff, and I entertained the crowd with some songs and jamming. I should mention that everyday after the regular 18, an optional 9 hole scramble is held in a more friendly game shall we say. The weather was challenging in this extra round each day but it was a lot of fun.

The last day of golf was upon us and the forecast was windy, snow and cold.

Monday was cold and snow was blowing. The first few holes were rough but everyone had their heaters for some extra warmth. The layers of clothing were 3-4 thick, made it tough to swing

After 9 holes and not improving my overall tourney score I opted to watch the championship match. The leaders played solidly and it went down to the 18th but Todd emerged triumphant over the others and won by a stroke. The weather had cooperated enough to make the round playable.

After much discussion back at the condo about changes for next year, handicaps, etc. turkey sandwiches, soup and bbQ was available. The condo guys always had good food and beverage around for the pickings. The trophy would be presented later before we headed to dinner.

I went back to my room for some rest and quiet. While there I heard my phone going on vibration and checked it out it was my wife Mary with a text saying "CALL ME NOW". You never like to see that, so I called and she had just been in an accident back home. Fortunately, she was not seriously hurt but shaken, air bags had went off and our 08 Fusion had been damaged pretty badly. Discussions about towing, insurance etc. ensued. Daughter Callie came to pick her up and was more upset than mom. So as the trophy and prize monies were handed out, photos taken, we decided Mexican would be for dinner in nearby Newport, Tenn. My mind was back in MIchigan planning figuring out my next steps with the car would be when I returned.

HIghlight for me at the Mexican restaurant was many of us were wearing our 5T hats, (provided by Melvis Maple Hill productions) with the big red 5 pointed star-representing our gang of golfers-celebrating a successful tourney and the 2008 champion, Todd, the man who had planted the Gold Star on Angelo's Christmas tree the night before.

Tuesday was traveling day and it was cold and snowy as we said our goodbyes, packed up, paid up and headed through the mountains looking for some breakfast, which we found at a Shoney's down the road with some sunshine. The road home was long and relatively smooth. Jazzy Jeff joined Melvis, Jimmy C. and myself for the ride back. The home made CD's, Judy's cookies, and Sirius XM made the trip palatable. I again drove the last leg but in the dark this time.

I am glad I made my first 5T and thank the organizers and all who made it memorable. Word had it I have passed the test to be asked back but I will wait for the formal invitation. I ended up somewhere in the middle of the scoreboard. No Look Party Boy was beat out by No Luck Good- Luck Party Boy. As Too Tall had said my lack of local course knowledge got in the way of going low my first year. Please Excuse any facts I didn't check or omissions in this blog. My memory was somewhat clouded by the mountain air. Our car is still being examined at this time, a week later to see if it is totaled or not yet. Again, stay tuned for future developments. We may need to rent a car for Christmas.

Till next time ya'll!

T for Tennessee and other Tings; Part One

I don't remember the last time I had to get up by 4AM for a 3:00 PM Tee Time but this one was in Tennessee. The men of the TTTTT (Tennessee Turkey Time Trophy Tournament) or something like that don't cotton to ya being late for tee times. I was to find that there were many rules and customs I would have to learn as a "newbie" to this invitational event held the last ten years the 4 days following Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was lowkey and pleasant as we hosted it at our house this year for Mary's family that live nearby. We all got stuffed and I finished packing and prepared for the early arrival of Jimmy C. the next morning in his roomy van. He was on time and we were loaded and headed to pick up Melvis by 4:30. Melvis was ready and waiting so his duds and clubs were thrown in and off we were before 5AM, ahead of the pack of 3 other vehicles as we heard through the glories of nextel.

From here I am just going to highlight some of the more interesting things that occurred on Black Friday and the following days. To explain it all in the detail it really needs would be really long for this blog. If you are still interested in filling in the the details we can talk.

So things I learned this day:

• couple of us had packed turkey sandwiches and other earthly and heavenly delights for the trip


• Jimmy and Melvis both, as I, don't mind stopping for "rest" breaks as needed


• Melvis is much more goal oriented than I thought


• Always make sure the back hatch is down on the van or you will be running around picking up eggs, heaters, propane tanks, and other items in the middle of traffic near Dayton, Ohio


• Pay close attention to the flow and signs of the road or you may end up getting a close up tour of the Bengals Riverfront Stadium that you didn't intend to have


• The GPS gal does not always have the best route, especially on an unannounced detour (swearing at her does little to fix the situation)


• You always want more brownies than you should have


• Your friends are always willing to give you career advice the more beer they have had

>So at this point we were well behind the pack in getting to Baneberry Resort near White Pine, Tennessee. Our road blocks along the way had put us an hour behind the others.

Jimmy and Melvis had their turns at I-75 and the last leg would be mine to drive. I had saved myself for this moment having being co-pilot up to this point. We did the last leg without interruption and got to Baneberry with daylight to spare. It was a balmy 55 degrees and the sun was shining. Of course the golf clubs were on the bottom and we waded through the other stuff to find them and were ready to hit the links by 3:15. Last minute addition Jazzy Jeffrey Lamborghini met us with our room keys and golf carts and we were off. ( we had brought his clubs with us from richland).

The others were only a few holes ahead of us as we realized were not so far behind. We did finish the first 9 holes of the tourney just as darkness made it impossible to see the balls. Time now to begin the fraternizing with 12 other dudes, learn what lay ahead for what would be our little smoky mountain world for the next 4 days. Stay tuned.........