Townsend, Tennessee, Smoky Mountains, 17-21 Sep 09

This was the vacation that Marlene dreamed of and one that we once booked when we were living in Columbia, South Carolina, but never took. When I asked Marlene where she wanted to go for her 50th birthday, she said the Smoky Mountains, which to me meant Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. But no, she indicated that she didn't want the tourist vacation, she wanted the secluded in the mountains vacation. Armed with that, I did a little investigation on the internet and found out about Townsend, Tennessee .. The Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains.

The next step was to find a secluded cabin which was found at Black Bear Hollow Cabins, http://www.smokeymountaincabinspecials.com/ . We chose Bear Creek Cabin, which was perfect and secluded.

We arrived in Knoxville, picked up our rental car, and made our way to the grocery store and stocked up for our days in seclusion. Then after obtaining directions to the local liquor store, we were off to find the spirits that would take us on our journey.

The cabin was incredible and everything we hoped for. The first day we arrived was spent just enjoying the cabin, steaks on the grill, plenty of Yuengling Black & Tan, Vodka-Tonics, and Jack and Diet Cokes, time spent on the front porch, and just nothing else but pure quiet. No noise from cars, people, or anything.

The second day we were there, we decided that we would get out for a short trip to Cades Cove. The scenery for the drive was beautiful and the winding roads was very much fun to drive. Once there, we did the Cades Cove loop and the highlight was when we drove up on a spot where alot of people had parked their cars and were looking up in a tree. Sure enough, there was a black bear hanging out in the top. What a magnificent experience, even though we never really got a good look at the bear as it was camaflouged behind the leaves.

Another thing that made this trip so incredible is that almost the whole time we were there it rained. The sound it made with the raindrops falling through the leaves on the trees brought a real calm. It also added to the effect when we spent time on the back porch in the hot tub.

Metallica, AT&T Center, San Antonio, 28 Sep 09

First time for both me and Marlene to see Metallica and they put on a great show. We didn't have very good seats, bought them the day of the concert. Front row, balcony...mistake! We get there and go to our seats and realize how close the front row is to the edge of the balcony and there's not that much to keep you from falling over. Well, that's the feeling i had, as if i was going to fall over. Marlene was more about the balcony collapsing. So, we sat about four rows back in someone else's seat, when the gentlemen next to Marlene commented on something and Marlene pointed to where our seats were and after some talk we ended up trading seats. Metallica rocked and I'm glad I took the opportunity to see them.

Tool @ AT&T Center, San Antonio, 24 Jul 09

This was the second time that I had seen Tool and Marlene's first. I told her when we got the tickets that it would be an amazing show, not to be missed...and i was right. The first time I saw Tool was in Austin with Joel and it was incredible. That one was right after the release of Lateralus. This one we had great seats...second row, lower level. The concert lasted about an hour and fifty minutes and it went by way to fast. The visuals were crazy, just awesome! Here's a video from the show (not taken by me).

Blanco, Wimberly, Devil's Backbone Scenic Route and Gruene, 1 Jan 09

A day trip to Blanco Texas and everything was closed. Our trip took us from the down Devil's Backbone Scenic Route to Wimberly Texas (closed) then over to Gruene Texas (OPEN).

Me and Brittany in front of The Old Blanco County Courthouse in Blanco Texas.

Marlene and Brittany at the rest stop on Devil's Backbone Scenic Route.

Brittany and Marlene in Gruene Hall, Gruene Texas.

Marlene and Mary at the Gristmill Restaurant in Gruene Texas.

UAW-Ford 500, Talladega, October 2007 (In Retrospect)

Me, Bob and John Henry living life in the infield!

Home Sweet Home!

You'll be Sorry!
Go Dale Earnhardt!

Humor

New Orleans, 18-21 Sep 08 (In Retrospect)

This is our first trip to New Orleans together, and the first time for me ever. What a great time we had in the French Quarter with some of the best bars I've ever been in. My favorites were Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and the Old Absinthe House.

We stayed at the Place de'Armes and had a balcony room. Loved the location and loved hanging out on the balcony.

On our way to New Orleans in the San Antonio Airport. Poor Marlene was still recovering from her broken foot.

The first day we were there and the first stop we made was at Pat O'Brien's...didn't partake of the Hurricanes, but did have a couple of Abita Beers. After that we went to Acme Oyster House and quickly decided that we weren't big fans of the place. Made our way back down Bourbon Street and stopped at The Famous Door and celebrated the day away.

Marlene took the opportunity to get her palm read and was a little questionable on the results. But, when in New Orleans...why not. Breakfast at Cafe de'Monde and lunch at Napolean House.

The sound of jazz in the street was a little more absent than I had thought it would be prior to arriving in New Orleans. It did pick up on Saturday though.

Another muscian in Jackson Square. The rain was just a mist which made for a nice day.

The Birds of New Orleans. Very famous. Look for them, they're everywhere. This was our favorite.

Don't remember the name of the bar where we listened to this awesome blues band. But here we are. That guy in the back, he could play some blues!

Gotta go back!