Giving thanks

One of the nice things I've seen in the last several weeks is that people on Facebook have spent time talking about things they are thankful for. So many things, so little time. But it doesn't stop us from sharing a few of those things.

One thing I'm thankful for (and I could go on, of course) is the new family I've married into. Ann and I drove off from Tuscaloosa last Tuesday afternoon about 4 and drove as far as Bainbridge, Georgia. Wednesday morning, we drove the rest of the way to Tampa, where her cousin Ellen and husband George and two munchkins live. Another cousin lives in Ft. Myers and came up for the occasion. Ann's mom flew in from KC, as did Ann's uncle. So the clan was all there. I'd never been to Florida, so I was eager to check it all out. The only down side is that it was a short trip. Got to Tampa Wed early afternoon and ran back to Tuscaloosa Friday.

It was a good chance to bond with these people, since there wasn't much time at the wedding. And we had a great time. Lost my shirt to an 8-year old nephew in hold-em poker. I swear, the kid kept drawing flushes and straights against my pair of fours. We sat and talked, I talked some, listened a lot. I like listening to people tell stories, so I could've sat there all night. We ate a terrific Thanksgiving feast, courtesy of Ellen and many extra hands. And we saw some of the Sunshine State. Walked along Tampa with family and two border terriers (Fred and Ginger).They live close to Raymond James Stadium, so they know whenever the Buccaneers score, cuz they can hear those cannons boom. Lots of weird and different stuff down there. But it was a great time. And I can't wait to go back.

Ann, her mother and I drove back up Friday, listening to the Alabama-Auburn game. A and I obviosuly had a vested interest and it was our first Iron Bowl, and Mumsie loves a good ball game. So we drove through the Florida panhandle and southern Alabama listening to Uncle Eli get Bama a win. I really like listening to him call a football game. I swear nobody spoke in that car for maybe an hour, hour and a half-- we were that into the game. I think we were driving through Montgomery when the Tide scored in the last minute to win.

The reason we hauled buns back is because I had UAB women's basketball duties. I do the public address. It's harder than it looks, but it's kinda fun, and it's *definitely* outside the box.

So I'm thankful for safe travels, new family, old family, new friends, old friends, great times, new opportunities, and so much more.