Anna's Graduation

Today was Anna's UGA School of Art graduation ceremony,

held inside the UGA Performing Arts Center in South Campus.

After parading in to their seats and several speakers,

the graduates took turns marching across the stage.

We sat with Alan and Marie Black, a Johnson Ferry couple we've known for over 15 years. Their daughter Meghan had been in Anna's class all four years.

Anna received the 2019 Dodd School of Art coin from the school president. Yes, he's wearing shorts (I think) and red Pony sneakers. 

 

One of the more interestingly decorated motor boards.

Partner in crime Phillip was rocking white Stan Smiths.

After the ceremony we walked over to see Anna's final project: three unique bound books meant to be read by two friends sitting across from each other.

In honor of their graduation Anna's landlord planted seven flowering plants outside their house: one for each roommate.

Hawkeye's Hawaiian Shirt

MASH: when I was at Tech the show was still on TV, but also showing reruns several times every day. A group of us would watch at the Baptist Center, and I’d always wear my orange Hawaiian shirt to be like Hawkeye. I had somehow “borrowed” the shirt from my grandfather, and still have it tucked away in the attic. I’ve had it 40 years, and my grandfather might’ve owned it for ten years before that. At one point I had my mom sew a little Izod LaCoste alligator logo on the front. The shirt needs to be passed along.

 

I also have my old Baskin Robbins employee shirt and name tag. An old high school football jersey and letter jacket, and my square-toed kicking shoe. My backgammon board from college. My BSU intramural jersey. Will used to wear my “The Backboard is My Friend” t-shirt.

 

Was just reading about how like in baseball, the old ways of thinking in football are starting to change. Two things of several: (1) smaller QBs can win and (2) overpaying receivers is detrimental to overall success.

 

QB’s like Fran Tarkenton and Drew Brees have proven that size isn’t the most important factor. Same with Baker Mayfield. There are plenty of great QB’s who were big, but even more cruddy big QBs. Same with small QBs, I say. Tarkenton and Brees were relentless in their practice habits, leadership skills, and work ethic. Those factors are more what wins championships and determines QB success than size, speed, or even arm strength. Deshaun Watson is also a great leader and hard worker. We’ll see how Kyler Murray turns out.

 

A look at the long list of Super Bowl-winning rosters shows that for the most part, most of these teams do not have high-priced wide receivers. Jerry Rice may be the lone exception. Elite pass catchers like Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, Terrell Owens, Dez Bryant, Odel Beckham, Antonio Brown, or even Julio Jones have not won a Super Bowl as the main focus of the team. The Giants and Steelers struggled with Beckham and Brown, and may have improved by letting them go, freeing up salary space to pay players at other key positions. These days a receiver drafted in the later rounds can be just as productive as a high-priced number one pick. The Patriots sign free agent slot receivers and win Super Bowls. The Falcons could learn something here.

 

Same with running backs, who take such a beating and get injured so often. After a few productive years they ask for big money. Better to let them walk and sign a rookie. Just like what we’re seeing in baseball.     

 

SPdL ECS - I worked there during the 1981-1982 school year.

 

Monday I worked until 8 pm. Rushed over to the library to check out three new books. More of the same type books. I need to do more research to find better books. Usually I just hit the library and pick out what’s interesting. Not much selection, few new books.

 

Checked out “The Good Son” about JFK Jr. Learned that on his fateful flight, before he crashed he had narrowly avoided a collision with an airliner not long after takeoff. The plane was new to him. He may not have known it only took pushing two buttons to engage the autopilot, which could have landed the plane safely.    

 

Last week the Reds called up rookie outfielder Nick Senzel. In his first five games the Reds are wearing five different uniforms.

 

Received my new red-pinstriped 1976 Andy Messersmith  Braves jersey in the mail yesterday, with CHANNEL 17 on the back. Might be one of my favorites.

First Bite: Coalition FB

How was your weekend? I got some restaurant stories for you. Was well after six before I left work last Wednesday. Stopped by Chickfila to use an expiring sandwich coupon I had just learned about on the way to work, when I stopped to use my chicken minis coupon. Then the boss brought CFA biscuits and tater tots. When I got the sandwich I saw the new coupon for a lime ice cream shake, so I got that as well. 

 

Then my phone started buzzing about two hot parts. Spent a decent amount of time calling and texting to get those things taken care of – both on the way home and on into the evening. Between the calls and texts we ate supper with Matthew. Chicken & vegetable stir fry over very thin noodles. Helped clean up. Hilarious episode of The Kids Are Alright. After that C watched a PBS show. I stayed up late to watch the end of the movie Crazy Stupid Love.

 

Thursday night I kept working until almost 9 pm, finishing one of several projects I got going. Entered a bunch of orders and tried to clear off as much work as possible.

 

Friday was another chaotic day, putting out fires and not getting many projects done. My customer was all set to work on Saturday, so I was setting up several special trucks to deliver parts that would be needed – at least five or six special trucks. Lunch meeting catered by Jason’s Deli plus another celebratory cake. Worked until 4:30 then snuck out a little early. Knowing I was in for a busy evening, I posted to my blog earlier then usual.

 

Picked up Ceil and barely made it on time to a marriage conference at the Ravinia Hotel across from Perimeter Mall. We had attended years ago before we had kids. Couples of all ages. 650 in attendance. One guys was wearing a “Caution: I’m Not Listening” t-shirt. May not have been the best choice for the occasion.

 

Saturday for lunch we ate at the El Azteca in Sandy Springs. Roswell Road and most of the businesses were busy. Poor service at El Azteca, which wasn’t good because we had to get back to the conference. I was going to order a lunch special, then at the last second realized the lunch specials were for weekdays only. I ordered Ceil what she wanted then switched to a combo platter, more food than I needed. Was full the rest of the day.

 

At 4:30 we headed home. Let Barney out. Ceil took a nap on the couch. I went upstairs and fell into a deep sleep. Later we went out to eat. Didn’t want to do to the crowded Avalon, so I drove through downtown Alpharetta. Lots of new fancy restaurants right on Highway 9, all jammed with people. I was in no hurry to eat. Turned left and found a parking place. Saw a restaurant not far away, and wound up eating there.

Coalition Food and Drink: American food with their chef’s unique twists. Bacon meatloaf. Unique vegetable plate. The burger looked good but I went with the chicken salad sandwich. Plus a ton of very good French fries. Ceil got the salmon over a bed a rice, and a glass of wine. I took home half the sandwich and fries. Ceil took home some of hers as well.   

Slept hard again. Woke up in the middle of the night and realized I hadn’t posted on my blog on Saturday. I try to post every day and I had a post all ready to go, but forgot. I’ll have to make up for it later this month.

 

Sunday morning the conference went from nine to noon. Then Ceil took back some things at Perimeter Mall. Had the Coalition leftovers for lunch. Watched some of the Braves, then left for my 4 pm small group. Afterwards I drove over to the office and worked past nine.

 

Stopped by Kroger on the way to work this morning, for breakfast and lunch items.     

 

Drew may have asked about me because I haven’t been on Facebook much lately.

 

Heard something somewhere…not sure what the stat is, ERA or what, but supposedly every National League team’s bullpen is worse than the Braves.

 

Heard about Jon Bershears.

 

Houck’s sounds good. Glavine might’ve been over at his kid’s school, Blessed Trinity.

 

Reading the autobiography of Suzy Favor Hamilton, the Olympic distance runner in the 1990’s whose bipolar disorder caused her a lifetime of struggle - and mixed results as a professional runner. Makes his husband look like a saint for supporting and standing by her through all her struggles.

Sunday Photos

Had a post ready to go but was too busy to remember to post it yesterday.

I'll have to make up for it sometime this month.

Tonight I'll just post some photos from the week. 

Below: Anna at Wal-Mart with her friend Christain.

Gotta get him a different shirt.

I missed the end of today's Braves game. Young Max Fried scored from first on a double into the left field corner,

clad in classic Braves striped stockings.

The kid hesitated oh so slightly rounding third,

then lost his helmet heading home.

Braves third base coach Ron Washington knew the Marlins would have to make two perfect catch and throws to tag out Fried.

Even with the throw arriving well before the runner,

with the game on the line the Marlins weren't able to make the putout.

I heard the Braves bullpen is the best in the National League.

Doesn't matter. Fans will still complain.  

 Ender copied Markakis.

 Saturday the Reds wore throwbacks from the 1902 season.

 Sunday the Reds wore 1911 throwbacks.

Hard to see, but we have bean sprouts reaching for the sky.

Crazy Busy

Wednesday: must’ve been a busy morning for me. Flew by. Was well after six before I left work yesterday. Stopped by Chickfila to use an expiring sandwich coupon I had just learned about on the way to work, when I stopped to use my chicken minis coupon. Then the boss brought CFA biscuits and tater tots. When I got the sandwich I saw the new coupon for a lime ice cream shake, so I got that as well. 

 

Then my phone started buzzing about two hot parts. Spent a decent amount of time calling and texting to get those things taken care of – both on the way home and on into the evening.

 

Between the calls and texts we ate supper with Matthew. Chicken & vegetable stir fry over very thin noodles. Helped clean up. Hilarious episode of The Kids Are Alright. After that C watched a PBS show. I stayed up late to watch the end of the movie Crazy Stupid Love.

 

Took a fun break on Thursday. Left work at 11:10 am and drove through heavy traffic to SunTrust. Tried a new parking spot that was closer to the park. Walked briskly, arriving just before the national anthem. Picked up our season ticket Acuna bobblehead then ran into a friend. Made it to my seat in the sunshine just as the Braves were taking the field. Watched the first inning.

 

Mary-Clayton was coming to the game with coworkers. They had upper level seats. I had to get back to work, so I headed over to the clubhouse store. Got plenty of caps, jerseys, t-shirts, and golf shirts, so I got two pair of on-field Braves socks, one like Dansby wears. Said hello to my usher friend, who gave me a nice big red shopping bag to put my two smaller bags in.

 

Met MC at the gate to give her the tickets, then hoofed it back to the car. Arrived at the parking lot to find my car blocked in on all sides by a tractor trailer. Not good. Luckily I was able to back out in my little car. The whole way back to the office I was making arrangements to take care of hot orders for work. Got back to the office around 1:30.

 

Crazy busy. Customer super busy and battling challenges to get them parts.

Need to finish five big projects and two smaller ones before I take off next week. Not getting much done during the day due to the constant hot orders and interruptions. Wound up working until almost 9 pm last night, completing one project and getting as much miscellaneous work done as I could.  Could’ve worked a couple more hours.

 

Coworker brought in gourmet donuts this morning, but so far I’ve resisted. Lunch meeting today catered by Jason’s Deli.

 

Leaving a little early this afternoon to pick up Ceil. Got a marriage conference all weekend. Going out to dinner someplace nice on Saturday night. Small group Sunday afternoon. Need to come back and work Sunday night, but I probably won’t. Taking off next Wednesday Thursday and Friday for Anna’s graduation. I’ve probably told you that several times already.

 

Read a Ted Williams article. Good stuff. Wild that the plane skidded a mile after it crash landed. I still thing a military stint would’ve done me good. Playing high school football under my hard-nosed coaches did toughen me up, but I’m sure that was nothing like the military.

 

Had a dream I was at a house on the course of a celebrity golf tourney. Kevin Costner and Raj from Big Bang Theory were in it. Even the caddies were celebrities. Then they all came to a Halloween party at the house. It was the Norman’s house, and there were lots of rooms and a big basement. Lots of supposed celebrities, most young that I didn’t know.

 

I’m trying to figure out if I’d like bleu cheese grits or not. Saw where L won his game. Maybe they can get on a roll.

 

Houck’s sounds good. Glavine might’ve been over at his kid’s school, Blessed Trinity.

 

I’m pretty sure all three of my kids registered with the selective service, as I recall. When they turned 18. There was no draft any more by the time I came of age, I don’t think. Can’t remember if I registered back then or not.

 

Reading the autobiography of Suzy Favor Hamilton, the Olympic distance runner in the 1990’s whose bipolar disorder caused her a lifetime of struggle - and mixed results as a professional runner. Makes his husband look like a saint for supporting and standing by her through all her struggles.

Braves Padres

Took a long lunch and drove over to check out today's Braves / Padres 12:10 game. Beautiful cloudless sky. Made it just in time for the national anthem. Had the company seats on the first full section past the visitor's dugout, row 8 (vacant in the picture below, where the fan is walking).

Wednesday night Blooper tricked Machado into signing over his $300 million dollar contract, but this morning Manny snuck up and stole the check back.

Hard to tell, but Manny Machado had a strong sock game. Speaking of socks, I used the concessions money loaded on the tickets to buy the on field striped socks worn by Dansby and others. Also a royal pair with the feather from the 70's, pictured in my post from last month.

Having to get back to work, I only watched the first inning. Mary-Clayton was coming to the game with three coworkers, so I let them sit in the nice seats. I also picked up a free Acuna bobblehead and visited with Miss Marion, the usher.

When Miss Marion saw me carrying two bags,

she went over and gave me a cool red jersey bag.

Down several runs, rarely-used Charlie Culbertson pitched the last inning. He notched his first major league strikeout with an inside curveball.

 Took a little time to spot jerseys.

Guy next to me was wearing a Macon Braves cap.

 Two good-looking Chinese knock-offs.

 This guy wouldn't stop messing with his hair.

Hustled back to the parking lot so I could get back to work, only to find my car blocked on all four sides. Nice. Was able to back out around in between the SUV and tractor trailer.

Speaking of cars, here's the 2017 Subaru Forrester W&MC bought last night. MC was so excited that she showed me her new Subaru key. MC represented, wearing Will's new Braves cap and powder blue Braves tee. I wore my navy Heyward jersey, matching navy road cap, Braves socks, and blue Nikes.

May 2019 Bobbleheads

Please enjoy my May 2019 list of bobbleheads SGAs and other interesting major and minor league giveaways. As always, this list is far from comprehensive. In fact please let me know what I’ve left off. Also: are all these photos I’m adding a good thing, or do they take too much away from the list?

 

Answer me this: is the Reds Hall of Fame giving away a bobblehead of the month this year, as they have in years past?

 

Lots of complaints about Gwinnett giving away the same bobbles the Braves are giving away this year. Give them a break. The Stripers were without a general manager during the key bobblehead planning months last fall. When the new promotions-minded GM came on board after New Year’s he may not have had time to special order a series of unique bobbles. Hopefully next year will be better, but darn it remember free bobbleheads are a gift – not a right like universal health care, cell phones, and free college education.     

 

It’s amazing to me how many bobbles are given away each month.  You wonder when bobbles will peak, yet every year there are more and more. The advent of the special ticket giveaway is a double-edged sword: the bobble is guaranteed but at a premium price. Is this better or worse? Discuss!

 

5.02 THU Reds HOF BH? 

5.03 FRI Long Island Ducks Wally Backman

5.04 SAT MIL Orlando Calrissian Star Wars BH

5.04 SAT CIN Mr Redlegs BH 20000

5.04 SAT NYY CC Sabathia Jedi BH picture

5.04 SAT WILM Star Wars Jedi Rocky Skywinkle

5.04 SAT Omaha Star Wars Casey the Bluebacca
5.04 SAT CWS Star Wars R2D2 BH

5.04 SAT Mudcats Rocky Skywinkle BH 1000

5.05 SUN MIL Jeremy Jeffress

5.05 SUN Nashville Sugar Skull BH 2000

5.07 TUE Clippers C Eric Haase 1000

5.07 TUE Astros Jake Marisnick dueling GOT BH

5.07 TUE Lehigh Valley Cole Irvin GOT BH

5.10 FRI Altoona Loco The Last Locotami Spinner

5.10 FRI Cubs Cole Hamels Hang Loose BH 10000

5.10 FRI UGA graduation at Sanford Stadium
5.10 FRI Timber Rattlers Sugar Skull 1000

5.10 FRI STL Yadier & Clemente double BH 30000

5.11 SAT Scranton @JimmyRollins11

5.11 SAT Mobile Paul Goldschmidt BH

5.11 SAT SF Let Pablo Pitch BH 30000

5.11 SAT Sugarland Pete Incaveglia GOT BH

5.13 MON PHIL Sir Anthony GOT BH

5.15 WED Reds Queen Rosie GOT BH special ticket

5.15 WED Nats Trea Turner

5.16 THU UGA mini-helmet giveaway 750

5.16 THU SEA Mitch Haniger GOT BH special ticket

5.16 THU ATL Josh Donaldson 15000

5.17 FRI Rome Johan Camargo 1000

5.17 FRI House of (Teddy) Roosevelt GOT BH 1500

5.17 FRI Quakes Justin Turner Star Wars BH

5.17 FRI ARIZ Zack Godley GOT BH

5.17 FRI Frisco GOT BH

5.18 SAT SEA Ken Griffey Jr BH 20000

5.18 SAT Reds Ernie Lombardi 20000

5.18 SAT CIN Woodstock BH special ticket
5.18 SAT NW ARK Whit Merrfield GOT BH

5.18 SAT Syracuse Tim Tebow BH

5.19 SUN ATL kids B-Rush 5000

5.20 MON SF Bruce Bochy GOT BH

5.20 MON SF Brandon Crawford GOT dragon BH

5.21 TUE Trenton Bat Dog Rookie 1500

5.21 TUE BALT GOT night

5.21 TUE STL Rex Hudler BH special ticket

5.21 TUE Clippers RP Shawn Armstrong 1000

5.22 WED Richmond Culbertson bobble-hair 1000

5.24 FRI Mudcats Sugar Skull

5.24 FRI STL Marcell Ozuna BH in 1 or 4 jerseys 30000

5.24 FRI STL Margaritaville Hawaiian shirts special ticket

5.25 SAT River Bandits Joe Mauer

5.25 SAT Quakes Mike Trout diving catch
5.25 SAT CLE Francisco Lindor BH
5.25 SAT Akron Back to the Future BH
5.25 SAT Daytona Tortugas BH

5.25 SAT Potomac Adam Eaton Mighty Mouse BH

5.25 SAT Nats Marvel Capt. Zimmerman BH

5.25 SAT Montgomery Biscuits Greenbow Biscuit

5.25 SAT Gwinnett Acuna ROY 2500

5.27 MON Gwinnett mystery giveaway 500

5.28 TUE ATL David Murphy autograph night

5.29 WED ATL trucker caps 15000

5.29 WED LAD Seinfeld 30th anniversary baseball special ticket

5.30 THU TEX night king BH

5.31 FRI Trenton Luis Severino  

5.31 FRI CIN Darth Vader BH special ticket

6.01 SAT CIN Joe Morgan BH 20000

6.02 SUN CIN Reds Museum BH?

 

Check out my previous SGA lists for March and April as well.