tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89417952012-01-01T15:35:34.089-02:00Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.comBlogger3881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-87323458997294898002011-07-27T18:02:00.001-03:002011-07-27T18:03:16.964-03:00

I moved over to tumblr. to post some stuff I'd been writing and sketching. It has turned exclusively into my portfolio of sketches with the occasional reblog of other interesting stuff I run across. So feel free to check it out: http://15minute.tumblr.com/ I've been looking back over the blog recently. Fun memories, but it's barely breathing.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-7523310266878043512011-05-03T23:12:00.004-03:002011-05-04T12:57:55.364-03:00

In honor of the NBA playoffs, my sketch for this week will be inspired by a recent game footage photo from the Grizz-Thunder series. Depending on how things go tonight with the game, I'll figure out what he's looking at.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-78109340307648882002010-12-23T14:27:00.000-02:002010-12-23T14:27:33.760-02:00

The Post-Searchlight gave me some front page space:  Dowdy wins national library award*Followed by a nice letter. Here's the write-up on FSU's College of Communication & Information newspage: 2 SLIS alumni win 2010 Carnegie/NY Times “I Love My Librarian Award”Library Journal also mentioned the award:  Ten Librarians Win 2010 I Love Librarians Award  Meet the other winners! 

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-66207443938890360092010-10-11T01:10:00.001-03:002010-10-11T01:11:55.980-03:00

Two new five-year-olds on the loose. Watch out. Lu's fifth in pics.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-88094876084857456382010-05-03T21:58:00.001-03:002010-05-03T21:59:49.223-03:00

My master's ceremony was this past Saturday. Whew! I can't believe it's over. After five semesters at FSU, I'm done (the diploma should arrive in the mail in a few weeks). I was grateful to have Amy beside me on Saturday (and through the whole process... she took on a lot of extra work to get me through it... I'm going to pencil in her name beside mine on the diploma). Everett was there for the

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-9072794634333176282010-04-23T12:19:00.000-03:002010-04-23T12:19:55.393-03:00

He's getting chubby and happy. Maybe he's finally waking up. He can saw some logs.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2Bainbridge, GA, USA30.9037995 -84.575469930.830154500000003 -84.6921994 30.9774445 -84.4587404tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-8959737964230008542010-04-16T14:35:00.000-03:002010-04-16T14:35:30.982-03:00

Amy just called. Her dad is here for a visit which is awesome. But what makes it incredible is that he brought down the canoe he bought me at an estate sale recently. He's been working on it for the past few weeks, I guess, putting on a new wood trim. I can't wait to get it in the water! In other news, I'm graduating in a few weeks. I have one final project due tomorrow and one due next week and

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0Bainbridge, GA, USA30.9037995 -84.575469930.830154500000003 -84.6921994 30.9774445 -84.4587404tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-62247417310879146932010-04-03T17:53:00.000-03:002010-04-03T17:53:06.597-03:00

We woke up this morning to a treat: all you can eat pancakes at the Spring Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Braden had seven pancakes and one sausage. Simon had five pancakes and a sausage. Probably all together we had some 30 pancakes between the 6 of us (Everett didn't have any this time).

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0Donalsonville, GA, USA31.0404625 -84.879091131.0220775 -84.9082736 31.0588475 -84.84990859999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-47941415521187954132010-03-30T14:39:00.000-03:002010-03-30T14:39:36.473-03:00

This past week or so the kids have been involved in the Boosterthon Fun Run at their school. It's your basic fun run (pledge per lap) with a few modifications. Braden and Simon really went after it, especially the financial side. They were ready to go door-to-door until I stopped them. Braden tried to get a $25 per lap pledge, but settled for $1 from Poppy. The boys did run the 35 lap limit. I

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0Bainbridge, GA, USA30.9037995 -84.575469930.830154500000003 -84.6921994 30.9774445 -84.4587404tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-90403256134678042342010-03-13T17:46:00.000-03:002010-03-13T17:46:40.421-03:00

We welcomed the sixth member into our family this month: Everett Walker Dowdy. Everett was born the day after my (Jeff) birthday. I joked the week leading up to the birth that it would be my last birthday to celebrate knowing full well that from now on Everett's day will trump mine (rightfully so, since I've already had 35). I created a slideshow. Please leave a comment or two for us to share

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-29007797417037622222009-11-11T13:47:00.002-02:002009-11-11T13:47:50.650-02:00

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.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-91866135152605401012009-10-13T18:23:00.004-03:002009-10-14T11:39:35.395-03:00

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.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-6609527906894666702009-09-03T11:02:00.001-03:002009-09-03T11:09:57.397-03:00

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.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-79981540407061979692009-08-21T10:47:00.004-03:002009-08-21T10:52:50.263-03:00

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

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-74276467138349431172009-08-18T00:16:00.003-03:002009-08-18T01:06:23.896-03:00

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.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-21205866197269524112009-07-30T23:05:00.002-03:002009-08-01T01:33:46.855-03:00

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.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-48501614034465273382009-06-24T00:43:00.002-03:002009-06-24T00:47:28.781-03:00

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.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-49424969077314529992009-06-20T09:51:00.003-03:002009-06-20T22:19:34.172-03:00

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

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-35400311424654204882009-06-02T22:02:00.002-03:002009-06-02T22:05:21.395-03:00

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.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-2059623651416203932009-04-25T16:50:00.001-03:002009-04-25T16:50:33.569-03:00

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-64013205580669184572009-04-22T09:18:00.003-03:002009-04-22T09:31:20.798-03:00

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.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-86341264379922693652009-04-04T22:14:00.004-03:002009-04-05T00:45:30.856-03:00

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?

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-39624935777709719462009-04-02T20:57:00.003-03:002009-04-02T21:01:34.655-03:00

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!"]

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-73076049867803319782009-03-12T08:32:00.004-03:002009-03-12T08:42:06.288-03:00

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

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-84909305426821013362009-03-07T20:33:00.005-03:002009-03-07T20:38:09.159-03:00

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.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-1991276111895356272009-03-07T20:27:00.002-03:002009-03-07T20:30:50.148-03:00

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. 

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-802955012853821742009-02-24T20:51:00.002-03:002009-02-24T20:56:09.823-03:00

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

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-43903994417324417792009-01-30T18:47:00.001-02:002009-01-30T18:47:42.675-02:00

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)

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-87309953073617279172009-01-12T15:07:00.004-02:002009-01-12T15:13:25.839-02:00

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

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-71232292422338378412008-12-31T02:31:00.005-02:002008-12-31T02:39:24.056-02:00

We're back from Gatlinburg. We spent a couple of days in the woods in a cabin, making a few brief forays into Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. We watched the Dixie Stampede show by Dolly Parton (who only appears via video), visited Ripley's aquarium (they boast it's number one in the US), and saw fake snow. You should have seen Simon's face when he ate some. I don't know what he was expecting it to

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-21008650516977807682008-12-10T13:39:00.003-02:002008-12-10T13:44:15.166-02:00

Grace Christian Academy (the school where the kids go and where we work) recently held its annual fundraiser, Winter Festival. The kids had a blast. There was a giant slide that Simon wasn't so sure about coming down. An inflatable boxing ring. A massive tricycle course (Braden said he couldn't even reach the peddles on the trikes they were so tall). Lucy got her face painted. She reminded us

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-26963995977362976192008-12-05T15:25:00.002-02:002008-12-05T15:27:40.390-02:00

Hope everyone had a great holiday with family. We are so thankful for the time we got to spend with Lady Bug and Grandma Edie.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-9326337905029217522008-11-30T02:35:00.004-02:002008-11-30T02:49:23.452-02:00

On Tuesday while I waited for the rest of the family to get home from school (I stayed home with Lucy who was coughing pretty bad... actually, she's just really good at playing hooky), the Crooms called. We made quick plans for a afternoon rendezvous and they drove down from Ashford, AL and spent a few hours with us. We'd never met Ella or Nate, so it was fun to finally see them and steal some

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-57923440768595862522008-11-19T12:56:00.002-02:002008-11-19T12:58:37.085-02:00

Taking pictures of pumpkin heads... fun. Shopping for furniture with pumpkin heads... not fun.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-10136558469563433522008-11-10T19:49:00.004-02:002008-11-10T19:57:15.228-02:00

This past Thursday Amy put just some of her talent on exhibition at the Perry Memorial Gym. She and some other teachers and past alumni lined up against the current girls Grace Cougars basketball team. While only managing 4 total points in the first half, the faculty/alumni team roared back and lost a nail biter at the end. Amy didn't score (this time), but pulled down some big rebounds and

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-1805032578745076362008-11-07T12:25:00.002-02:002008-11-07T12:32:25.361-02:00

So I'm an art teacher now. I've enjoyed it and when the students get down to business, I can even work on some stuff with them. We all worked on a portrait from a black and white photograph. Here's mine.Ad Vanderveen-black and whiteAfter photo by Marco Bakkerphoto of artwork taken under natural light#2 lead pencil

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-81697253678061508132008-11-07T12:15:00.004-02:002008-11-07T12:32:52.814-02:00

First, no more candy, please. Unless it's Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. If your unclear about the characters in the picture, on the left we have Snow White with a twist (watch out, she's got a microphone). In the middle it's Storm Trooper with a super, improved rifle with bazooka attachment. And on the right, Luke Skywalker with an old, Obi-Wan lightsaber.Unfortunately, Simon learned some new

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-50606488214924463862008-10-18T12:56:00.002-03:002008-10-18T13:05:44.564-03:00

Seems like nowadays school takes up most of our time. Either we are all at Grace, since both of us are teaching now, and all the kids are enrolled there. Or I'm at FSU, either virtually or for real. And for all that time spent at school, are we getting any smarter? Heaps;)We did make it out to the Boat Basin for the latest installment of Movies on the Flint--Alvin and the Chipmunks. The

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-51889925200924029762008-10-06T16:47:00.002-03:002008-10-06T16:50:08.026-03:00

We visited the Georgia Fair today with Ladybug. We walked through the house of mirrors (really confusing for Lucy), and the boys and I rode a roller coaster.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-37258484196756341992008-09-09T22:42:00.003-03:002008-09-09T22:55:13.096-03:00

Tomorrow Lucy turns three! She's so excited and chatty about how she hopes to get a new bike and what friends are coming to her party. Tomorrow she is taking cupcakes for her friends in her little class. She is a funny, funny girl. I'll post more pictures later.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-45681887939173492652008-08-26T22:15:00.002-03:002008-08-26T22:30:35.495-03:00

message from Braden: All 3rd and 1st will not fight at reeses any longer or else! Anyone who disobeys will be arrested by M.D. on the playground. Especially Mason and Zoey they will be punished much more severely. Sined:B.D., E.P.B, Simon D, Spence, John Y., Jared

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-73321069681880622232008-08-15T13:18:00.003-03:002008-08-15T13:24:18.880-03:00

PRESUMED PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEES MCCAIN AND OBAMA TO MAKE FIRST JOINT CAMPAIGN APPEARANCE ON AUGUST 16 AT SADDLEBACK CHURCH; Pastor Rick Warren to Host Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion and Question Candidates on Faith and the Common Good LAKE FOREST, Calif., July 21 – Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, respective presumed Republican and Democratic presidential nominees, will

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-71441390586195404442008-08-12T11:05:00.003-03:002008-08-12T11:13:41.884-03:00

Summer is officially over. This weeks marks the kids' first full week back, which means homework, and early bedtimes. Simon is still using a removable cast (he left it at school yesterday). In just another week or so we find out if it's healed up completely.I'm on the job hunt. Any takers? I'm putting in applications now around town and even some nearby. Maybe I could just get paid to

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-76701147562029270122008-08-05T08:48:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:11.921-02:00

We are making a hard right turn, trying to shift from Disney to school. Thanks to our friends Rupert and Zach we spent three days at Hollywood Studios and Epcot for "free". Lorena and Mirella were with us for part of the time. We all loved it. It was a great grand finale to our summer. Now it's back to school. Today is Lucy's first day. Amy started yesterday.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-78825531241907428002008-07-25T12:16:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:12.144-02:00

A few points about the picture: if you zoomed in you'd be sure to see millions of gnats buzzing our eyes and ears, and if you framed forward just a second you'd see the sour faces the boys had on most of the time (Braden was actually sick, which tends to happen a lot on picture days). That's the great thing about taking hundreds of shots, you're bound to get a few that turn out. The kids

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-34020492100395276152008-07-12T00:55:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:12.458-02:00

First row (r-l): Simon Dowdy, Lucy Dowdy and John Adams DowdySecond row: Sam McRae, Braden Dowdy, Katherine Dowdy and Elizabeth Dowdy, and Lainey McRaeThird row: Riley Shiver, Jackson Shiver, Jack McRae and Ransom Shiver, and Kate McRae

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-41119551496950226802008-07-02T12:59:00.002-03:002008-12-11T15:18:12.594-02:00

This past week I received notification that I was accepted into Florida State's School of Information. I applied to the master's program for the fall. A few days before I got word that I was also accepted as a transfer student (undergrad) as a creative writing major for the spring. So just to update everyone, my plan is to start in the fall with Information Studies and then go from there. I would

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-61815570590000160602008-07-01T14:26:00.002-03:002008-12-11T15:18:12.774-02:00

We are back from Brazil. Sorry about the lack of communication. We were without internet at our old apartment in Brazil, and just Sunday did I get the internet working here at our new house.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-43772892826518111272008-06-10T12:32:00.002-03:002008-12-11T15:18:12.921-02:00

A seven-hour layover means almost 3 hours in the subway, Ray's Pizza and a ferris wheel ride.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-34668469731109368592008-05-29T09:40:00.001-03:002008-05-29T09:42:42.034-03:00

We are packing up our room right now. We'll get the shuttle to the airport and then fly... Orlando to New York, New York to São Paulo, São Paulo to Belo Horizonte.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-78929103998590405042008-05-27T17:17:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:13.259-02:00

So, we bought a new house last week. Hooray! We can't move in yet. The owner asked for two weeks to get his stuff out. That puts us in the middle of our trip to Brazil, so we'll just have to move in once we get back.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-35018850058151332132008-05-20T10:45:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:14.155-02:00

Congratulations, Simon! You're blasting off to the first grade.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-78148505303183908062008-05-14T23:46:00.006-03:002008-12-11T15:18:14.305-02:00

Does anyone know anyone that would be willing to lend their "drivey" RV to us this summer? We travel to Brazil for three weeks and get back on the 20th of June and will be out of a house. Also one of our friends is traveling back with us from Brazil and we would like to take her a few places here in the States: the beach, Savannah, to visit her sister in Birmingham. Nothing too extensive. I know

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-21520116197732820172008-05-12T12:18:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:14.498-02:00

We celebrated Simon's birthday after school on Friday. Almost all of his class and then some came over. We made paper airplanes, ate homemade ice cream and Sue Sue's airplane cake. Several of the kids barely left the porch, more interested in playing with the kitties. We only had one injury from the wrestling matches on the trampoline (another highlight). Happy Birthday Simon!

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-61353212907190496742008-04-30T16:16:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:14.695-02:00

My cousin just forwarded me this picture of Braden... not everyday you get an out-of-the-blue email with a picture attached of your son, who-knows-where, holding a snake . It looks like he enjoyed it though, and he made it home okay from school.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-58618136197239559232008-04-30T16:07:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:14.864-02:00

I spent my last few days in Brazil trying to organize everything for the sale of our apartment and car and trying to straighten up any remaining obligations with taxes. My good friend Wellington was a lifesaver. He accompanied me for most of my appointments and helped me to see the right people. And now he continues to help move these things forward with me here. Obrigado, Wellington!The flight

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-55506008327809932632008-04-21T22:57:00.000-03:002008-12-11T15:18:15.479-02:00

Congratulations to Emerson and Monick! They were married this past Sunday in Teofilo Otoni... about 6 or 10 hours from Belo Horizonte depending on the traffic. I just got back into town and have a nice right-arm suntan to show from the ride back.Emerson studied the Bible in a small group with me for several years while we lived in Brazil. It was awesome to see him starting a new family with

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-43938007849564858692008-04-16T14:07:00.002-03:002008-04-16T14:10:41.609-03:00

I'm writing from the airport in Belo Horizonte. I've arrived safely with all my bags and I'm about to get on the bus to head into town. I'll be here for the next several days looking to sell our place and attending a wedding of some friends of mine. Back in Brazil after almost 9 months... unbelievable!

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-58197786681675663462008-04-11T11:45:00.002-03:002008-12-11T15:18:15.704-02:00

Karl Smart, long-lost fellow Bearcat, drove through town yesterday. He came over from Chattahoochee, where he had a plate of frog legs and mullet, a necessary plate for any visiting Californian. We extended the impromptu visit as long as we could: you've got to see our cats, go with us to the baseball game, look at our Attacktix, wait have some coffee. Thanks for coming, Karl!Photographer: Lucy

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-74546781388768433602008-04-11T10:46:00.002-03:002008-12-11T15:18:15.930-02:00

We went down to Willis Park yesterday to hear a four-member Mariachi band. It's Artsfest this week, which means brown bags, jazz bands and crooners. We head back today for the Grassy Flats Boys, I think.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-76261584762561149312008-04-09T18:30:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:16.280-02:00

Our friends Raul and Vivi are here this week and they brought us some povilho (manioc starch) from the Brazilian market in Atlanta. So, we made some traditional cheese bread that we haven't tasted since leaving Brazil.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-2537538042603468542008-04-08T11:37:00.002-03:002008-04-10T15:23:53.650-03:00

Braden won first place in the literary competition for the Bainbridge Artsfest. He still hasn't let me read the story--he says it's about a zoo. He'll be rewarded today at Bainbridge College.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-4206496176167670632008-04-04T11:03:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:16.447-02:00

Spring Break! We spent several days down at Mexico Beach. We had good weather; even enough to swim. We are now en route to Amy's nephew Trey's birthday party.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-88410613097258224512008-03-25T10:28:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:16.630-02:00

Anybody interested in kittens? Our neighborhood cat birthed five in our basement. They are tiny, striped, gray kittens.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-6564077964430245262008-03-24T10:18:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:17.144-02:00

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-3582353042534578002008-03-19T22:38:00.002-03:002008-12-11T15:18:17.343-02:00

With tax season full on for my dad, the boys and I have put in some time at the office to help manage the trash... shredding paper! Yes!!! We've shredded for almost 5 hours so far and still not finished.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-24984703840150081572008-03-19T22:36:00.004-03:002008-12-11T15:18:17.528-02:00

Who knew shredding paper paid so well? It wasn't though the hundreds Braden had imagined getting.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-38386032193076479212008-03-17T10:06:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:17.693-02:00

After the Invite10 entry quite a bit of international visitors were directed to my blog. I guess Afghanistan and Tajikistan are buzz words. I do hope those visits turn into aid for these families suffering through this harsh winter. The 71 visitors represented 24 different countries (none from Afghanistan or Tajikistan).**Also don't forget. Double-click a word at any time on my blog for a

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-3109538398814804722008-03-14T16:55:00.008-03:002008-12-11T15:18:17.854-02:00

Due to the urgent needs in Afghanistan and Tajikistan... "OM Mercy Ministries has started an emergency intervention. The team is providing food for 500 of the most vulnerable families in the worst regions. The goal is to support these families during the harsh winter months with food supplies, which will free up their own resources to buy heating material of their choice." You can read more about

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-79476863222229078982008-03-13T12:25:00.004-03:002008-12-11T15:18:18.152-02:00

Today Amy and I visited Simon's class to tell them about Brazil. Simon was so excited and loved that his class got to see his pictures and speak some Portuguese. I think probably the thing they'll most remember though is that we have giant frogs in Brazil. Which isn't entirely true, but fun for them nonetheless. They didn't quite catch what I was trying to say on that point.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-17002318213701831182008-03-12T11:47:00.003-03:002008-03-14T16:23:29.641-03:00

Dear friends and supporters,This is a long and important letter, so I'll give you the summary and then you can read the details below:1) God is leading us to Graduate School.2) We have been tremendously supplied through your gifts... Thank you! 3) Please continue through June with your support (we'll be staying 3 or so more weeks in Brazil then). 4) Consider transferring your support to our

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-44927293275697332532008-03-07T13:54:00.002-03:002008-03-14T16:24:01.406-03:00

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-25113719931613802232008-03-03T16:00:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:18.409-02:00

Friday we went camping (all of us, even Lucy) behind my grandmother's house. That may sound a little too tame, and I wish it'd been a little more. At least I wished at the time. Now it makes for a good blog.So we get the camp set up. Everybody's sitting around the fire when I walk over to the woods (we were in the grass). I'm standing at the edge looking in with my headlamp when I hear this

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-68754227290709532382008-03-01T22:51:00.003-03:002008-12-11T15:18:18.554-02:00

As I celebrate 33 years today I just wanted to thank everyone for the emails, phone calls, and all the general well-wishers I saw today. Thirty-three, hmmmm. It just strikes me as an odd age, an in-between, gapish age. Who's thirty-three? What have they done? I don't feel old; I just feel... thirty-three. Yet to be decided, I guess.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-81877013780463319062008-03-01T15:11:00.002-03:002008-03-13T12:31:41.365-03:00

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-38322888832416047412008-02-24T17:03:00.004-03:002008-12-11T15:18:18.642-02:00

We saw Life In Rescue live last night at Big Jim's. Funny clash of worlds. Brian and Candace were in town so we decided to take them on the Dowdy Redneck Tour. Brian (and this is Brian talking) said it was the most redneck place he'd ever been. That's saying a lot from a guy who drove a jacked up truck with a confederate flag in the back window in college. Anyway, Life In Rescue is made up of

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-57645034399880608052008-02-19T10:32:00.004-03:002008-12-11T15:18:18.754-02:00

We woke up yesterday and decided to go to the beach. Looking at the map Bald Point was the closest coast by our estimation, so we set out. The kids had a blast. There was just enough soft, white sand for them to bury themselves in and all kinds of interesting things along the beach. We found a multitude of horseshoe crabs (dead ones), a few still intact. We saw the dorsal fin of a quite large

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-44806602790293073502008-02-13T11:18:00.003-02:002008-12-11T15:18:18.992-02:00

After our experience this past weekend I'm adding Big Jim's to my redneck tour. Get the grilled grouper. It was fantastic. We should have gone at night though. I hear that the Christmas lights in the rafters make it hard to see the cobwebs. And, we missed Ken's Elvis Show.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-67212462298469931452008-02-09T17:33:00.001-02:002008-03-04T17:37:47.854-03:00

Braden and I played golf yesterday at Pines Golf Course with Collin Woodrum and his dad John. It was Collin's birthday. Collin and Braden are in second grade together and big buddies. It was Braden's first time to play and he did great. He really enjoyed it and wanted to go back out today. Unfortunately we lost our best-ball match on the last hole, last putt.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-16604015626419567022008-02-07T23:03:00.001-02:002008-12-11T15:18:19.126-02:00

Many of you know Amy and I follow LOST avidly. So, this is for you all LOST on the island, per se, with us. Who is in that coffin? I'm intrigued by the theory that it was a youth or child, but it seems like a lot of speculation. And it not being friend or family... what's that about? Definitely not Ben. That would be too... too much. Anyway, maybe we'll learn more tonight. Is it Claire's baby? It

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-65527577509299066782008-02-01T11:57:00.002-02:002008-12-11T15:18:19.525-02:00

Starting tomorrow Grace Church will be hosting its annual Missions Weekend. Interestingly enough Brazil will be the focus this year since Amy and I are speaking along with Andre and Kristi Jennings who serve in Rio Verde, Goias. I wanted to invite anyone who can to come out. If you have other commitments there are different time slots to pick from, but each session will have a different focus.The

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-75470727599278965602008-01-29T12:02:00.002-02:002008-12-11T15:18:19.900-02:00

A friend of ours passed on some FSU basketball tickets for last Saturday. Braden and I went and watched FSU lose a heart-breaker to NC State. FSU amazes me with their athletic ability and their equal-if-not-greater ability to lose games. They were up by 3 with 47 seconds left and ended up losing by 3.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-47025074746186662792008-01-28T23:37:00.002-02:002008-12-11T15:18:20.028-02:00

I just wanted to point out that Bainbridge is going to weigh heavy in the outcome of the Super Bowl this coming Sunday. James Butler is lining up at safety for the Giants. You've always got to expect great things from a past Bearcat. I am pulling for the Giants. They've played with a lot of heart (although I cringed when Farve threw the interception late in the game the other day). I predict a 4-

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-19937759944617826382008-01-28T12:09:00.001-02:002008-12-11T15:18:20.656-02:00

Friday my brother (Jad) and I took the older kids camping (Braden, Simon, Katherine and John Adams). I spent some Christmas money on a family-size tent and some other gear and we went out to Red's farm. We grilled steaks; the kids had hot dogs. Jad had them pretty spooked about the coyotes saying that whining attracted them to the camp so when we tried to encourage them off into the woods with

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-67597990662674203812008-01-23T14:23:00.001-02:002008-12-11T15:18:20.826-02:00

We enjoyed our visit with everyone. If only it had snowed!

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-16947204885642517312008-01-18T11:37:00.000-02:002008-01-18T11:39:30.453-02:00

Here's Simon's first and only shot thus far in the season (two games).

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-60409543292506940742008-01-12T19:41:00.001-02:002008-12-11T15:18:21.017-02:00

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-88077243506649740932008-01-07T00:32:00.000-02:002008-12-11T15:18:21.346-02:00

We did sparklers off the front porch for New Year's, watched some of the bowl games (don't remember now which one) and then watched some guy jump a football field on his motorcycle (anti-climatic). The sparklers proved more dangerous. Lucy's ear got "sparked" as did Simon's sleeve (we found the hole the next day). Happy New Year! Let us hear your resolutions.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-30367681117467894302007-12-24T23:56:00.001-02:002008-12-11T15:18:21.517-02:00

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-2335232051236200832007-12-24T20:41:00.001-02:002008-12-11T15:18:21.734-02:00

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-87980888879150156952007-12-23T02:18:00.001-02:002007-12-23T02:19:48.147-02:00

I added a video of the raccoon below.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-28983795377529278672007-12-10T20:05:00.001-02:002008-12-11T15:18:22.180-02:00

We caught a nasty opposum during the night in our trap. Still no raccoon though. I know he's just too big for the trap, but I think with the new set up Braden and I worked out we have a chance. I'll include some pictures and video later. I know you are all just dying for me to catch him.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-17692401695747902172007-12-06T23:36:00.000-02:002008-03-04T17:37:11.232-03:00

I set the raccoon trap the last two nights and struck out now both with my attempt at placing it right behind the pet door, and arming it outside and blocking the pet door. Blocking should be read deterrent because there is no stopping this raccoon.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-60879767700177902222007-12-02T12:37:00.000-02:002008-03-04T17:37:11.233-03:00

This morning Simon let Furlow in from the porch. Amy told him to take him back outside, so he set off but came running back in our bedroom. "Raccoon, raccoon!" he said. We walked to the back door to find the raccoon giving our back porch the once over. He gnawed on our dirty clothes bag. He looked for an opening in our kitty litter box. A few times he stopped and stared at us, but was

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-57564048478083802052007-11-26T16:23:00.000-02:002008-12-11T15:18:22.360-02:00

The last several days have been marked by loads of kidlets--kids with turkey hanging out their mouths, kids wrestling each other, kids prowling in azaleas, kids with plates full of banana pudding--and two disappointing overtimes. Altogether Thanksgiving--our first one in the States since 1998--was too incredible, spoken from two chubby cheeks packing at least five extra pounds. I did minimize my

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-6763090519305165952007-11-23T23:49:00.000-02:002008-12-11T15:18:22.535-02:00

The Bainbridge High Bearcats play Fayette County tonight in round 2 of the AAAA playoffs. Last week at Centennial Field the Bearcats beat Statesboro. Amy almost froze... in Bainbridge! Braden said that Simon has thicker skin than he and Amy.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-50643382694876928412007-11-23T23:41:00.000-02:002008-12-11T15:18:22.719-02:00

The other day during her playtime Lucy invited some friends to watch a Barney video with her in her "rocket" chair.

Jeff Dowdynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-28139928627409598952007-11-10T20:22:00.000-02:002008-03-04T17:38:36.861-03:00

Chapter 5 The WarThe three men were surounded by aliens. Suddenly a phone appeared beside them. They called the police, the navy, the army, and the air force. When they got to the space ship they surrounded the space ship and some navy people went to get the men out. When they returned they had the three men with them. The Veterans closed the door to the space ship and got their dinamites

Bradennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-46489356485907359412007-11-10T20:19:00.000-02:002008-03-04T17:38:36.862-03:00

Chapter 4 The rezerectionThe three men made their way into the space ship and entered. Inside there were tons and tons of things. There were spiders, macanical claws, lazers, ect ect ect. back at the explosion the build ruins started to move and up from the bottom of that stff came the aliens. Meanwhile the three men had found a bunch of blue peach like things that had five eyes, five legs,

Bradennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941795.post-26606936933791639612007-11-10T20:17:00.000-02:002008-03-04T17:38:36.862-03:00

Chapter 3 The explosionThose three men bougt one million dinamites. Then they brought those dinamites back to their house and they got the traps ready and waited. Just then the space ship landed. The aliens came into their house and KABOOM. The house exploded, but the three men got away just in time. The aliens were dead.

Bradennoreply@blogger.com0