Beaver dam

Simon and I returned for a second day to work on freeing up some water next to my grandmother's house. Some beavers have dammed up the creek that feeds into Lake Douglas. There were four dams. We at least created a rift in each of them to let some of the water flow, but the beaver's probably already repaired the little damage we did.

Wakulla Springs

Simon drew this in the car after our visit to Wakulla. I only helped with a few things: the manatee, the snake bird in the tree, and one of the trees. The rest is all Simon's. I particularly like the jumping mullett behind the boat.

Lucy's learning

Here's some of Lucy's first work from her K-4 class with Ms. Morris. We're all pretty excited about coloring in the lines.

create

I've got two new creative projects going (which may end next week when classes start back). I'm writing a short novel for kids. I write one or two pages a day and Braden critiques them when he gets home from school. I'm also re-purposing some furniture to be our organizational bail-out for all our papers lying around the house.

First, I got three night stands. One I already "owned" (it was mine growing up). I bought the other two. Two of the three worked close to perfect. The idea is to stack all three on top of one another to create a part-bookcase, part-filing cabinet.

I'll post more pictures as things develop and may post my rough draft chapters if anyone is interested.

FB and art

My uncle Dargan and I created a page on Facebook to promote his artwork. It's been a great kick in the butt for me. I even worked on a new story today (with the help of Braden, my editor). It's funny how when we help one person succeed, it moves us forward as well.

braving the waters

Simon and John Adams took the boat out for some touring around the dock last week. I'm sure they'll push the limits further next time.

bumper boats and laser tag

Braden had a blast for his birthday, running and screaming in the laser tag room, splashing water on everyone on the bumper boats and going through tokens like they were Monopoly money.

The Big NINE

Braden turns nine today. Nine! Just as a snapshot to remember "these days" by here is a glimpse into Braden's day-to-day:

1. He just read The Lord of the Nutcracker Men and loved it. It's a novel set in WWI from the perspective of a 10 year old. He loved it so much that he's got me reading it now.
2. He's collecting Pokemon cards. I'm not actually sure what you're supposed to do with them, but he and Simon are big into having battles and trading them with Collin.
3. He and his brother wake up at 7 a.m. to take turns playing Animal Crossing on the Wii.
4. Last night we went out for ice cream and Braden was dying to order the Banana Split. We let him indulge, but he didn't finish it.
5. He won the Christian Character award this year at school. One student is chosen from each grade.
6. He's supposed to go to summer camp for the first time this year, but unfortunately he's on the waiting list. It's the same camp, Camp Victory, that I worked at while in high school.

So, Happy Birthday, Braden! We love you.

summer intern

I'm in my second week of my internship at Bainbridge College Library. This is my third semester of "library school," so I'm hoping the experience can give me some direction for my remaining classes. For all you locals, feel free to stop by and laugh at the lowly intern.

Jeffrey Dowdy: Final Project

hotrod

We got to see Michelle and Anselmo for about half an hour a week or so ago. Simon got to fulfill a dream of his--he rode a motorcycle! He was pretty excited. Although we were packed to the brim, he was ready to ride home with it in his lap after Michelle's dad said we could borrow it.

tale...

The Spartans stayed one punch ahead of UConn. Barely survived. Now that the underdog won the first game I'm rooting for the Tarheels to take the second.

I'm looking for Nova UNC to come out hot, but then for Lawson Nova Lawson to close out the half and never look back. Just a little editing.

And what's that on Lucas' arm (see pic): talent?

rain, rain

Seems like we are under constant tornado watch. The rain has slowed, but school is still cancelled for tomorrow. They can't take back what they said.

[stands up and pumps his fist... "Yes!"]

hawks and hospitals

My dad and I went to the Atlanta Hawks game last night. It was the first time I'd been back in Philips Arena since around 2000 or 2001 (maybe some of you who went with me to that game could help me remember... Raul, você se lembra? Você apareceu no telão!). The Hawks played the Jazz, winners of 12 games in a row, the longest streak in the NBA. The game got close at the end before the Hawks blocked three shots and finished them off. There were three (at least) major dunks and Joe Johnson had 30 or so points.
Russell Long and his son Levi met us at the game. We didn't have seats together but it was great to see them.
This morning we're at Emory Hospital. My dad is having a procedure done on his heart to correct his a-fib (atrial fibrillation). Apparently it's a pretty common procedure. Nonetheless we'd appreciate your prayers today.

one back down

Lucy was back down again this past week... first flu, then earache, and now the rotavirus. She was sick through the night on Thursday and spent the day conked out on Sue Sue's couch on Friday. Today she was up and feeling better, but still no appetite.

*Don't forget. Double-click on any word for a quick definition. Try rotavirus.

cat attack

Furlow was attacked for the second "documented" time in the past few months. Each time the cat spends the night outdoors he comes back with some battle wound that ultimately gets infected. Any body want to set up a stakeout and find the culprit?

*This picture shows Furlow's back leg post-procedure. The cat didn't actually skin his leg in the attack or cut him open like that. 

final game of the season

Simon's team wrapped the season with their best game last Thursday. Simon chipped in 6 points on three great shots.

undefeated

Braden and the Shockers are undefeated so far. This Tuesday they won by one basket. Simon and his Bobcats have yet to win, which they remind their coach (me) every game and practice. They led the entire game last night until one minute remaining when the other team took the lead. With 44 seconds left I called a timeout and designed an inbound pass for my hot shooter (remember this is 6 and under). We got the ball inbounds, my shooter was fouled on the play and made one of two free throws to tie the game. Now with 20+ seconds left the other team drove down and scored the basket. I tried to hustle the team down to get a shot off but the buzzer sounded before we could get the shot off. Simon got the pass and shot (he missed), almost getting it off before time expired. 

sold-out

I've lost my motivation to post lately considering our camera broke. We were walking around Gatlinburg when (shortly after I took the picture from the last post) I managed, clumsily, to drop the camera on the sidewalk. The camera was on when I dropped it, so it fell directly on the extended lens. So, it doesn't want to extend and retract anymore. I've been twice to Best Buy to look at a new one and both times it's been sold out (as has the Wii Fit).

We are back in full gear with school, my FSU classes, and basketball (both the boys are playing). Braden's first game is tomorrow and Simon has his second game on Thursday. Simon didn't score last week but he hustled and dribbled and passed well. But I was most pleased with his attitude. He showed a considerable improvement from last year, which only further proves my theory (or was it Amy's theory) that once Simon figures out he can do something, he goes full force. Before that it's like pulling teeth.