tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90260573478452780092024-03-18T23:20:13.707-04:00Joe Jon's Weblog!Joe Jon's Weblog!JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-34510469032352541482012-11-11T11:49:00.001-05:002012-11-11T11:49:09.509-05:00He's tough.<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="282" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=d65db4d78a&photo_id=8175498111&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=d65db4d78a&photo_id=8175498111&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="282" width="500"></embed></object><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/8175498111/">He's tough.</a> a video by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Caden would like for you to know how tough he is. He sports his Mohawk fiercely, and speaks a little lower in tone. He tells you he's got game. And then, at the last second, the irresistible force of nature that cries, "I'm six!" bursts from deep within him.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-69718419591998088422012-11-05T16:42:00.000-05:002012-11-06T13:43:15.434-05:00Hoops Glory<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are two recreation centers in Spartanburg proper. My last town had
none, but I knew in a city this size there had to be a pick-up
basketball game at one of them.
So, I set out in all of my 42-year old glory, not having played in more
than 18-months, sure to quell the boredom I felt with one more shot at
hoops stardom. Old Champion basketball shorts with an obvious paint
stain on the left leg, a Nike training shirt
I got for free a few years back at a photo shoot for Dick’s Sporting
Goods, and a pair of Nike Air Dual-D running shoes were the look I had
to resort to. At my age it was more about the game than the look. And
neither were very promising on this afternoon.
God had given me a decent talent for the game back in the day. I
wondered if there was any glory left to be found, even in an old
industrial town like this one.<br />
<br />
The first gym was packed with cars. I figured I had hit the right spot,
so I ambled in hoping to see some decent talent on the court to revive
my game. I was instantly bemused by the sight of an all-Hispanic girls
basketball league at this location. I actually
watched for a few moments as a 5’4” speedster drained shot after shot
for her team. She’s someone to keep an eye out for, I thought. “A que
hora del final juegos?” I asked the lady next to me. She told me they
played until the gym closed. We talked for a few
moments about how interesting it was for her to see a white man speak
her language. I told her my story of Los Angeles, living in “el barrio,”
and how much I needed to practice the second language that I love. She
smiled and wished me, “buena suerte!” I thanked
her and made my way to the door.<br />
<br />
I spoke with an older gentleman who was manning the desk and he told me
to go to the gym on Saxon Street. With a smirk he let me know I’d
probably find a little better competition there, too. I thanked him for
both tips and set out to see if there was really
a game to be found.<br />
<br />
I pulled into the parking lot and saw what I was looking for. Several
guys were milling around the door waiting to be let in. They were
jovial, talking about a friend who was missed while awaiting trial and
another who had blown his knee out. I sat in the car,
taking it all in, glad to see four or five guys around my height of
6’7”. I was the only white guy there, which suited me fine. I remember
well the days of 14th and Jackson in Winston-Salem where I was always
most welcome. I made a lot of friends that way,
and miss them still. These were the guys I wanted to hoop with. My boys
Flagge Stanfield, Andy Snow, Joe Thomas, and Darrel Schnoes know what
it’s like. The best runs in town back in the day. If you had a game, and
could back it up on the court, you’d be welcome.
And respected. I figured I’d give it a shot. I felt good, track shoes
and all. One more shot at hoops glory.<br />
<br />
Another older gentleman arrived and stepped out of his pick-up truck
with keys in hand. I figured it was time to go in. As I approached the
door one tall lanky guy in long dreads gave me a nod. Another shorter
athletic guy greeted me. “What’s up, Big Country?”
I nodded back, now beginning to feel a bit nervous about my game. I
signed in after waiting at the back of the line of twenty guys and
stepped onto the court. Some guys stretched. Others began to shoot and
make lay ups. The taller guys dunked and yelled. All
of them were half my age, maybe a little older. I would have to work to
show I still had a little game left.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
After about a minute of watching them shoot around a rebound fell out to
me. I picked up the ball and dribbled around my back and through my
legs a few times, thankful I didn’t bounce it off my feet. At this point
I was five feet behind the three-point line.
I decided to let it ride.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
Swish.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
“Uh, oh! Big Country can shoot!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
I proceeded to drain three more in a row before finally missing. I then dunked one with one hand.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
“Dang!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
It must have looked easy to them, but it took everything I had to get up there, unlike days gone by.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
Two guys were selected as Captains to choose teams. The shorter of the
two looked at me with his first pick and said, “I got Big Country. Dude
look like he played some semi-pro or something.” A moment later the
teams were set. I was the only player over 6’2”
on my team. I guess they figured I could handle it down low. The guy
guarding me was 6’5” and there was a 6’6” guy, too, but he was an
outside player and pretty thin. One of my teammates alerted me that my
guy loved to bang down low and played pretty rough.
It was like a symphony to my ears. I was thrilled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
We traded baskets the first 3-4 possessions. I had yet to shoot in the
game but was posting vigorously and enjoying the shoving match with my
friend down low. He was not nearly as tough as advertised and soon let
up as he surely recognized I had a good 100
pounds on him. He was quick, though, and I struggled to stay with him.
It was a decent match, I suppose. We probably broke even when it was all
said and done.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
My first possession I spun, drove to the hole, and was fouled hard. I
got the message. Our point guard stated he was coming right back to me,
but he passed it to his buddy on the wing for a 3-pointer. Swish. The
next trip down he found me. Catch. Spin. Ball
fake. Hammer it through his arms. And one. I proceed to score the next
five baskets in a close game. Playing to 14 I knew it was going to be
close and soon found it was tied at 12. I again was given the ball at
the free throw line. I turned, spun into the
lane, and went up hard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
Snap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
That was it. That was the moment. My lower back felt like someone had
stabbed me with a sharp dagger. The arm that raked across mine had
mimicked my picking up what seemed like a half ton pickup truck. It was a
"no blood, no foul" type of contest, so I didn’t
call it. The other team raced down the court, put up a three, and it
was over, just like that. We sat there dejected. I could barely stand up
straight, but I didn’t want to show it. “Good game, big man,” was the
reply I received from both teams and a few on
the sidelines. I had played well, and earned respect. I got a few hugs,
a few handshakes, and a few requests to “stick around for one more.”
But I knew I was done. I was looking at a few days of pain and rest.
“Ol' man gotta jet,” I said. They laughed with
me and told me to come back during the week. They play every night. I
told them I’d do my best and left feeling good about the game, but bad
about my short comeback. I knew it was time to forget all of this
foolishness and hang the shoes up for good. Even
if they were track shoes.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
The doctor this morning said about as much. “Go hiking with your boys,”
he recommended. “It’s far safer for a man your age. Get a bicycle, too.
One that fits your long legs so your knees don’t ache.” He is 74-years
old, and far wiser than his younger peers.
A Cortisone shot and a couple of muscle relaxers later I can actually
stand up half way straight again, but surely have a few more days to get
right. And I’m going to take his advice. There’s adventure to be found,
and I think it’s with my children. And there’s
glory to be found, but that rests with God, not me.</span>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-32255535624484519192012-09-29T14:21:00.003-04:002012-09-29T14:21:30.238-04:006-year old Caden: "Dad, your eyes are cool."<br /><br />Me: "Oh, thanks buddy."<br /><br />Caden: "They change colors from blue to green."<br /><br />Me: "Yep. Crazy, huh?"<br /><br />Caden: "You're like a Crab Spider."<br /><br />Me. "Um, OK. Thanks?"<br /><br />Caden: "You're welcome."<br /><br />Homeschool rocks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crab_spider" target="_blank">The Crab Spider</a>.JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-72134518283894670402012-05-15T14:47:00.001-04:002012-05-15T14:47:27.932-04:00My Little 12-Year Old<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/7204696990/" title="My little 12-year old."><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7204696990_04aa7be0c5.jpg" alt="My little 12-year old. by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/7204696990/">My little 12-year old.</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The height rod only goes up to 6'0". His doctor is perplexed.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-26003070350788828752012-03-31T10:32:00.001-04:002012-03-31T10:32:45.266-04:00Caden Hoopin'<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6884428854/" title="Caden Hoopin'"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/6884428854_992b46823a.jpg" alt="Caden Hoopin' by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6884428854/">Caden Hoopin'</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>I took Caden to the local sporting goods store to spend some of his allowance. He had just one item on his agenda: a headband and wristband set. He found this black Nike set for a bargain price. He knows that he needs to both have a game and look like he has a game. I think he has accomplished both at the young age of six.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-38149293549877124912012-03-19T17:15:00.001-04:002012-03-19T17:15:12.945-04:00Ethan and the Red Door<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6996664263/" title="Ethan with Red Door"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6996664263_1335697e1f.jpg" alt="Ethan with Red Door by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6996664263/">Ethan with Red Door</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>On a hike this weekend.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-53055274295774212982012-03-15T09:58:00.001-04:002012-03-15T09:58:49.158-04:00Caden working on his game.<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="283" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=3f1b8d5cca&photo_id=6980400699&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=3f1b8d5cca&photo_id=6980400699&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="283" width="500"></embed></object><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6980400699/">Caden working on his game.</a> a video by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>10' goal, too.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-48418056974889476092012-03-02T14:52:00.001-05:002012-03-02T14:52:16.470-05:00Homeschool Reading<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6800969420/" title="Homeschool Reading"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6800969420_916e9ec575.jpg" alt="Homeschool Reading by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6800969420/">Homeschool Reading</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Caden picked a winner today, which is the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, AKA "Dr. Seuss."</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-2149786186419800892012-02-22T08:08:00.001-05:002012-03-02T14:53:56.381-05:00What Led to the Mohawk<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6920328313/" title="photo.JPG"><img alt="photo.JPG by Joe Jon!" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6920328313_4066782d2d.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6920328313/">photo.JPG</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Exhibit A. Pondering a Mohawk, for sure.JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-37718105331056341122012-02-22T08:04:00.001-05:002012-02-22T08:04:10.016-05:00He Brought his Mohawk Back<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6918931751/" title="He brought his mohawk back."><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6918931751_ee6f64c9a3.jpg" alt="He brought his mohawk back. by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6918931751/">He brought his mohawk back.</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Caden at a recent basketball practice. I think he's trying to keep the girls away.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-68903451977165277732012-02-11T20:05:00.001-05:002012-02-11T20:26:35.725-05:00Caden Getting His Jeremy Lin On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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He dropped 8 on the Tarheels in a 16-4 victory, along with 7 steals, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks.JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-44344856884196584222012-02-06T22:56:00.001-05:002012-02-06T22:56:03.810-05:00Gabe Dunking on a 9'2" goal - 12 years old and 6'3".<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="283" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=286ef2d132&photo_id=6833505453&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=286ef2d132&photo_id=6833505453&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="283" width="500"></embed></object><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6833505453/">Gabe Dunking on a 9'2" goal - 12 years old and 6'3".</a> a video by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>In flip flops. With ease.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-17967644625137478942012-01-21T14:31:00.001-05:002012-01-21T14:31:43.168-05:00Caden Hoops<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="281" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=f343cf5bd4&photo_id=6737521417&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=f343cf5bd4&photo_id=6737521417&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="281" width="500"></embed></object><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6737521417/">Caden Hoops</a> a video by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Caden is in the red shorts. He recovers the ball, breaks the defenders ankles, then takes him to the hole. Mad game. Much more advanced than when his two big brothers were that age.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-54405938085260373912012-01-15T16:28:00.001-05:002012-01-15T16:28:40.099-05:00My Three Boys<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6703570875/" title="My Three Boys"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6703570875_22818160b9.jpg" alt="My Three Boys by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6703570875/">My Three Boys</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Sunday afternoon on a long walk on the "back forty."</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-84649253711786274392012-01-10T20:43:00.001-05:002012-01-10T20:43:59.918-05:00Gabe Hoops<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="500" height="283" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=bd6921e87c&photo_id=6676229439&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=bd6921e87c&photo_id=6676229439&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="283" width="500"></embed></object><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6676229439/">IMG_0050.MOV</a> a video by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>6'3" 12-year old 6th grader (Class of 2018) Gabriel Bryant with a couple of rebounds and a 12-foot jumper in game action.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-62074047758024649422011-12-28T19:45:00.001-05:002011-12-28T19:45:22.018-05:00First Eye Exam<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6589877513/" title="First Eye Exam"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6589877513_30997293d4.jpg" alt="First Eye Exam by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6589877513/">First Eye Exam</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Caden got his first eye exam today. He has perfect vision, for which we are thankful. He did so well!</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-8733326328400933582011-12-27T19:45:00.000-05:002011-12-28T19:47:23.653-05:00Guess who finally lost his first tooth?<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6582709345/" title="Guess who finally lost his first tooth?"><img alt="Guess who finally lost his first tooth? by Joe Jon!" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6582709345_e0ed4875f3.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6582709345/">Guess who finally lost his first tooth?</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
And the one right next to it will probably go in the next day or two. He's a trooper!JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-53768520524594996892011-12-26T16:14:00.001-05:002011-12-26T16:14:07.233-05:00Cuban Sandwiches<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6577172611/" title="Cuban Sandwiches"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6577172611_ea938f5db0.jpg" alt="Cuban Sandwiches by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6577172611/">Cuban Sandwiches</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>I made the whole family Cuban Sandwiches for lunch today. Experiment #1 in my foray into international recipes. I got 2 thumbs up from everyone.With a few seasonal desserts for good measure.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-5472947081991799162011-11-26T16:42:00.001-05:002011-11-26T16:42:58.984-05:00Sick, but still had a family meal on Thanksgiving.<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6397117051/" title="Sick, but still had a family meal on Thanksgiving."><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6053/6397117051_9aa65d5f16.jpg" alt="Sick, but still had a family meal on Thanksgiving. by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6397117051/">Sick, but still had a family meal on Thanksgiving.</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>We did not travel to see family on Thanksgiving as I was feeling extremely poorly. My wife managed at the last minute to throw something together for her and the boys (I ate a couple of bites). Deviled eggs, homemade mashed potatoes, pineapple casserole, candied yams, pineapples, ham, bread, and green beans all made for a great last minute feast. She is pretty amazing, and I am thankful for her.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-35987861903354908992011-11-01T19:02:00.001-04:002011-11-01T19:02:22.299-04:00Fall Camping<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6304199422/" title="Fall Camping"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6304199422_6a5f149ee8.jpg" alt="Fall Camping by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6304199422/">Fall Camping</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Steaks on the grill by the campfire. A nice Cabernet breathing nearby. Lots of goodies (baked potatoes, olives, salad, grape leaf rolls, mushrooms, etc.) on the side. A couple of Bass Pale Ale already in the tank. A delicious tobacco pipe with some nice Burley tobacco at the ready. The winds have calmed. The stars are shining. God is good.</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-23344589567868838812011-09-19T15:34:00.001-04:002011-09-19T15:36:17.463-04:00Beach Webcam<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6163817086/" title="Beach Webcam"><img alt="Beach Webcam by Joe Jon!" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/6163817086_f5c20c63b7.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6163817086/">Beach Webcam</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Well, the one by the pool, at least. I dropped my wife and kids off this weekend at the beach and headed back home Sunday evening. I'll be joining them again on Wednesday night after I wrap a few things up at work. When she called and said she was headed to the pool I asked her to stop by the webcam with the boys so that I could see them. Pretty fun!JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0Periwinkle Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, USA33.6229092342563 -78.957352191209833.622805734256296 -78.957506191209788 33.6230127342563 -78.9571981912098tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-85196283721618126702011-09-17T18:03:00.000-04:002011-09-17T18:04:01.496-04:00The boys are glad to be back at the beach for 2-weeks! #fallvacation<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUJGakDiN7gaymkpSudWn-x9mSXfMQ6NlHXH3w-AWqV04II-p_Kz5gN-73ZEY6Tz8qc2_IlBE65SpHvJKe4Kwrc4NO6FflgWbIxsaNNihVzn6NWOk1XfJTleH7NODP5XCU5HIX2jQX08M/s1600/cp1_0917011800-741497.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUJGakDiN7gaymkpSudWn-x9mSXfMQ6NlHXH3w-AWqV04II-p_Kz5gN-73ZEY6Tz8qc2_IlBE65SpHvJKe4Kwrc4NO6FflgWbIxsaNNihVzn6NWOk1XfJTleH7NODP5XCU5HIX2jQX08M/s400/cp1_0917011800-741497.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653452743337276098" /></a></p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-42816544382577522632011-09-16T12:07:00.001-04:002011-09-16T12:07:20.521-04:00The Kindergartner<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6152710889/" title="The Kindergartner"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6152710889_1aefb5f0b9.jpg" alt="The Kindergartner by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/6152710889/">The Kindergartner</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Caden wearing his apple crown. School is in full swing for the little guy as he began his first "officially official" year of homeschool a few weeks ago. He is proud to show me his work each week. He is off to a great start!</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-48478582135526490672011-09-09T22:35:00.001-04:002011-09-09T22:35:55.212-04:00<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7SqC_m3yUDU?fs=1" width="425"></iframe>
<br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">While playing my 12-year old in chess this evening he moved a pawn across the board for promotion to Queen. As his pawn reached the final square he yelled out loudly, "RELEASE THE KRAKEN!" Scared me to death. That boy ain't right.</span>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026057347845278009.post-44125144879944841282011-07-30T18:43:00.001-04:002011-07-30T18:43:24.720-04:00Books!<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/5991048964/" title="Good use of time."><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5991048964_7c515b6d08.jpg" alt="Good use of time. by Joe Jon!" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/5991048964/">Good use of time.</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joejon/">Joe Jon!</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Some kids run for the toys and video games. I love seeing my boys run for the books!<br /><br />Shopping this morning at BJ's in Cary.<br /><br />Update: One of our friends at church is a general contractor and all-around handyman. He came today and put in our new water heater for us. Hot showers tonight! Woo hoo!</p>JJBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15328696281589948183noreply@blogger.com0