Happy New Year

I absolutely love this Bryan Adams song especially this version performed by Trisha Yearwood and Don Henley. It makes me smile. Even though it's an uptempo song I just want to slow dance to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKolMjOxd_0

It's that time of year ...

you know when we all get that sick feeling? The one that seems to linger on for weeks. The cold from hell. Sore throats, itchy ears, pain throughout your head. Yuck.

On Christmas day we did our usual opening of gifts at our house, had our traditional breakfast with my wife's family. A very fun time. (I like the chocolate in the morning) In the afternoon we proceeded to my nephews house for a big family bash with good friends. What a great time! I prefer to hang out with my great nieces and nephews. They range in age from 3-16. They know "Uncle Ronnie" likes to have fun. My three year old niece Mackenzie, who everybody calls "Mouse" knows that if I have a beer/soda in my hand, see recognizes that as Uncle Ronnie's "sippie cup". Too cute. Mouse is working on her pronunciation of the English language but prefers her "Chinese" jibber.

Our Texas Hold'em games were epic. Both Hudgins men took home the winnings. Two out of Three wasn't all bad. Chris loves playing cards.

Then the following day... Chris proceeded to vomit the next morning, the 26Th and continue till he was admitted last night to Rady's Children's Hospital. He was in severe dehydration. What is surprising to the doctor is he doesn't have any of the flu symptoms that are usually associated with this type of illness. No diarrhea, cold, sore throat, headaches, etc. (I'm the one with the cold) He had his stomach x-rayed last night and we are waiting this morning for results from the doctor. All his blood work so far has been good.

This is the part as a parent when I feel so inadequate. All prayers are welcomed.

... it's grey outside

but there's sunshine in my heart.

Happy Holidays

I love Black and White

I have always loved black and white photography. These are some of my favorites I've found lately.







What do you see?

My Momma

Last night I received a call from my nephew Jon telling me he and his family were headed over to my moms(his Grandma)to watch the Red Sox/Rays baseball game. I was extremely tired from working all day at the High school repairing the pitchers mound, that I passed on the invitation. Then the "when God speaks" comes bouncing in my brain, heart, everywhere.

My mom recently moved back to San Diego, thanks to Jon buying her a beautiful home in the private, secluded are of Monarch Ridge located in Rancho San Diego. Knowing that she turns 83 this November, I need to spend more time with her.

One of my other nephews, David, showed up with his family. What a fun night, with Filippi's pizza to top it off.

My kids love that Grandma is back after (7) years living in the high desert town, Apple Valley.

I love this quote from David Lee Roth, "Money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull up right alongside it." So true! Thanks Jon

For some reason...

I often feel this way...

Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There's so little hope for advancement.

- Charles M. Schulz

So True ...

This was sent to me recently in an e-mail from a buddy. I just laughed and laughed due to the fact these statements are so true.

Drinks that Show Personality

Seven New York City bartenders were asked if they could 'nail' a woman's personality based on what she drinks. Though interviewed separately, they concurred on almost all counts. The results:

PART A: WOMEN-DRINKS, WHO THEY ARE, & YOU!

Drink: Beer
Personality: Causal, low-maintenance; down to earth.
Your Approach: Challenge her to a game of pool.

Drink: Blender Drinks
Personality: Flaky, whiny, annoying; a pain in the ass.
Your Approach: Avoid her, unless you want to be her cabana boy.

Drink: Mixed Drinks
Personality: Older, more refined, high maintenance has very picky taste; knows EXACTLY what she wants.
Your Approach: You won't have to approach her. If she's interested, she'll send YOU a drink..................

Drink: Wine (does not include White Zinfandel)
Personality: Conservative and classy; sophisticated yet giggles.
Your Approach: Tell her you love to travel and spend quiet evenings with my friends.

Drink: White Zinfandel
Personality: Easy; thinks she is classy and sophisticated, actually, she has NO clue.
Your Approach: Make her feel smarter than she is...this should be an easy target.

Drink: Shots
Personality: Likes to hang with pals and looking to get totally drunk... and naked.
Your Approach: Easiest hit in the joint. You have been blessed. Nothing to do but wait, however, be careful not to make her mad!

Drink: Tequila
No explanations required - everyone just KNOWS what happens there.


PART B: MAN-DRINKS & WHO THE MEN ARE!

THEN, there is the MALE addendum -- The deal with guys is, as always, very simple and clear cut:

Domestic Beer: He's poor and wants to get laid.

Imported Beer: He likes good beer and wants to get laid .

Wine: He is hoping that the wine will give him a sophisticated image to help him get laid.

Whiskey: He doesn't give a damn about anything but getting laid.

Tequila: He is thinking he has a chance with the toothless waitress.

White Zinfandel: He's gay