Morning Thrills

Elvis & Jimmy

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Click here for more photos of Elvis in Atlanta.

Asheville: Together in Spirit

This was an ad during the Covid pandemic.  It could also apply to post-Helene.

Helicopter Views

I haven't done the helicopter tour (and have no desire!), but I have been to these highlights.  The landscape/scenery in Western North Carolina is stunningly beautiful.

Strolling Through

Asheville Turnaround

Tillamook Creamery

 

Tillamook Creamery

Tillamook, Oregon

I toured the creamery in the late 90s.  The ice cream was great!

BearWave

Bears + Heatwave

Out Early

1911 Buick • Model 21

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J.J. Espy, Sr. standing next to his 1911 Buick • Model 21

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The 1911 Model 21 was one of the most successful vehicles made by Buick before WWI since the automaker sold around 3,000 units of it, helping the brand consolidate its position on the market. - Click here for more

Jr. Food Store

 

This is the old Jr. Food Store on the East side of Headland, Alabama.  There was a laundromat on the left.  My maternal grandmother lived not too far from the Jr. Food Store in the 70s and 80s.  She'd fill up her car there and I'd get some treats - ice cream, soft drinks or candy.  She'd grab some tasty items, too.  Looking back - and I've always known it - she was an amazing woman and a powerful force in the lives of her grandchildren.

Peaches

Click here for more on Clanton, Alabama.  

During my years at Samford University, I would often stop by the huge peach market on my drive home.  You couldn't miss the enormous peach water tower.  I enjoyed the ice cream and fresh fruits.  I remember one time getting a bucket of the sweetest nectarines.

Len Bias

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Died June 19, 1986

I remember driving over to the high school weight room and hearing on the radio that Len Bias had died.  When I was in the weight room, this breaking news was naturally on people's minds.  A boom box radio was on, and we were hearing all about it.

I want to think we (my dad and a sibling) saw Len Bias play in Birmingham in the NCAA tournament.  Auburn was playing North Carolina right after his game.

WNC Rises

Thriller

Over Here!

Beauty

When you go for a visit to your MD or to the bank or insurance firm, often in the lobby you can see portraits of the stunning landscapes of Western North Carolina.  Of course, it's best to be out there in it.

Mural in Progress

They're working on it!

June 18th

Halfway There

Livin' on a Prayer

Pretty Active

Goodbye. Be Careful.

Home Sweet Asheville

This was a nice sighting after returning from a little trip.

My Dog Ate It

The Wiregrass Farmer

June 9, 1921

Somebody texted me this.

Fulton County Stadium

Originally, it was named Atlanta Stadium.  Then the name changed to Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.

Click here to learn about one of the key figures who lured the Milwaukee Braves to Atlanta.

Click here for an interesting Ted Turner encounter we had at a Braves game.

And here for more of our trips to Braves games.

Larry's

Larry's Performance Werks

They change their window art every few months.  Quite interesting!

 

Early Morning Basketball

 

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When I was growing up, especially during high school, I would often go with my dad to the Headland High School basketball gym to play full-court games.  We'd start playing at 5:30 AM!  I think they'd go for about an hour, then the men would go back home to shower and get ready for work.  My dad was a big stickler about being on time, so we'd often be the first ones to the gym.  We parked around back.  Someone else usually had the key to the gym's backdoor, so we'd sit out in the truck and wait.  My dad brought along The Dothan Eagle.  We'd catch up on the sports news and talk some.  The games were pretty competitive, and it was a great workout.  My dad was a pretty good high school and college athlete.  It was amusing to see him playing, though.  To think, he was only in his early forties.  Looking back, I appreciate those times.  And I'm sure my dad saw it as opportunity for me to develop my game, which was smart.

Perfect

 Ice Cream For Bears

SAKE

We purchased all these sakes at Whole Foods.