I heard them before I saw them

A couple of weeks ago, while decorating trees outside.

I walked out the door with a string of lights,

and I heard them.

I've only heard them once before in my life. On the golf course at Harrison. They were low (about 1000' and circled in a thermal until they were much higher).

They were at least 3000' high, and there were about 100 of them.

Sandhill cranes. All hooting at each other.

You really have to strain your eyes to see them.

I called Marilyn out and we watched them for about a minute, heading South to warmer climes.

Really cool.

Sometimes getting lost has benefit.

I played golf with a couple of guys from our church yesterday, at the Stephen Foster State Park in Bardstown, KY. We missed the entrance and went about two miles past before realizing our mistake, so turned around and went back.

.............Had we not missed the entrance, we would not have seen the huge HeavenHill distillery. So, after playing 18 holes, we went back for a tour and a tasting. HeavenHill distills and bottles for Evan Williams and Elijah Craig. I brought back a couple of bottles--10 year old Evan Williams and 18 year old Elijah Craig. Smooth stuff!

Preparing for my 40th Wedding Anniversary

I can't think of anybody else I would write this to. So here goes.

40 years ago last Saturday I arrived in Indy from Hawaii. Marilyn met me there, driving my GTO which my parents had so nicely lent to her. (She told me later that it was really fast climbing hills on the road between Nashville and Columbus. How I wish I had kept that car. My Dad sold it for us a few years later to a restorer of muscle cars. $700, I think. Yikes.)

When I opened the trunk to put my luggage in, there was a big welcome home sign made by Jim and Judie Lahr. I met Jim in 3rd grade, we went all the way through high school and college together. We spent a lot of time with them after we came back from Hawaii and moved to Columbus.

We drove to Lafayette and spent a couple of days there, and of course we have movies of that. Frannie was there with Julie, and Peggy was there as well, with Lesli and Trevor.

On the 3rd of July, (today), we drove to Huntingburg, where I met Marilyn's parents, and we stayed there until the wedding. We had a cookout on the 4th, and of course we have movies of that too. Bob and Daryl were there, as were Bob's wife Linda, and their four little girls.

As much as the whole week may seem like a blur, I have crystal clear memories of several things, such as the above, that I'll share as we get closer to the BIG DAY.

By the way, I thought the days of the week were in sync; (1967 and 2007). They are not. We were married on a Saturday.

My wedding present to Marilyn was an Elgin watch (which I bought at the PX) and her present to me was a Polaroid camera (which I think Chris has that now).

I brought Hawaiian Leis with me, and put them in the fridge in Lafayette and in Huntingburg. Saving them for the rehearsal dinner!

Sunday will be a lot of fun!

Mucho love to all you guys,

Dad/Greg/Whatever.....

7th Annual Drive Your Corvette to Work Day -- This will be difficult to do

PLEASE SHARE THIS REMINDER WITH YOUR CLUB MEMBERS!

Rev Up for 7th Annual Drive Your Corvette to Work Day

Dear Corvette Club Member,

Mid America Motorworks reminds all Corvette owners that the Vette will celebrate its 54th birthday on June 30.

What’s the perfect way to say ‘Happy Birthday’ to America’s sports car? Participate in the 7th annual ‘Drive Your Corvette to Work Day’ on Friday, June 29. Whether you own a restored vintage ride, a tricked-out custom or a stylish production machine, your Corvette is sure to be the envy of other commuters.

Launched by Mid America Motorworks in 2001, Drive Your Corvette to Work Day has found success thanks to the participation of thousands of Corvette club members like you. Drive Your Corvette to Work Day is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the Corvette’s enduring popularity and to show off your pride and joy. Log on to http://www.madvet.com/shop?category=1.231 to check out past events.

Owners who participate in Drive Your Corvette to Work Day are encouraged to send photos to clubs@mamotorworks.com or P.O. Box 1368, Effingham, Illinois, 62401. Mid America Motorworks will post as many pictures as possible on the company website.

Saying Goodbye to My Co-Workers

Dear Hector, Peggy, David, Paul, Randy, Lisa, and Kellie,

It has been eight years this month. What a great experience. I want all of
you to know that I've always felt it a privilege to work for E***co, and was
always conscious of the fact that once we got started, we actually sold
companies. To work for a legitimate investment banking firm was always a
huge plus as far as I was concerned.

I worked with a lot of good people (and some 'interesting' ones!), and I will miss that the most. On a day-to-day basis, I know Jide and Sean are gone (as are many others, like all the BAs), but Lisa and Kellie are there, and I certainly enjoyed working with them. We all have put in some serious efforts to make the company successful!

I also believe that the core group of Sandy, Art, Dan, and me always worked diligently to improve the process for E***co. Each one of us will miss working with the other three, of that there is no doubt. We will always have great respect for each other.

Please know that I wish all the best to each of you in your future endeavors, and of course the best for E***co as well. I mean that emphatically.

Whatever occurs down the road, if we happen to cross paths again, that will be a very good thing. If I can be of any assistance as you proceed with your new focus, please let me know!

This was not easy to write, but once done, it's not too hard to read.

Sincerely,

Greg

Retired. . . Again

I found out yesterday that I'm retired. . . again.

Well, I slept 11 hours last night.

Jim McGraw says, "When you're retired, you can take a nap anytime you want."

I know, I know, I already do that.

The Fruitcake Lady on Jay Leno

This woman is a hoot. I never saw her on Leno. Did any of you?

First part, making the fruitcakes, is the best. Listen closely to her remarks to the guests................