Fort DeSoto, FL

One thing I forgot to mention yesterday was the Direct TV saga!
Uncle Hugh has never had an issue with getting reception. They travel all over the country and always can get a signal. Not here!

This became an obsession and went on for hours!!!
Eventually, we went to Wal-Mart to buy a converter box out of desperation… since the DTV conversion just happened last week – and they had not used the Direct TV since then.

Nope – didn’t fix the problem.

We had internet, but no TV. Not even local over the air (antennae) signal.
If only I had brought my laptop, we could of watched TV on it via the internet & Slingbox!

On to today….
The boys did well considering they are not accustomed to spending time anywhere other than at home. They only have had 2 other houses they took “vacations” at while mom & dad when out of town over the years. So having to spend time tied up outside and in also in RV went better that we thought.

The one thing we didn’t think of – the steps up into the RV. Neither of them could go up or down them. That proved to be a pain during our 3am potty breaks! The steps are not simple to navigate period, try it while carrying a 30+ pound fur ball while still asleep!

We started out Friday morning, just like any other – with a walk.
Both boys were quite the ‘hit’ of the pet section of the park. They drew even more oooh’s & aahh’s once Rizon got in the wagon.


The weather was not looking good for our planned dive trip. It appeared that we would have to spend the morning in the back-bay floating around until the weather passed.


We rode by the Skyway Bridge – the new one.


When I was around 9 years-old, we lived in Tarpon Springs, FL and would occasionally pass over the “old” Skyway Bridge. It was very traumatic for me as you would be driving along the bridge, and the lane next to you just ended! A while later, the lane would be there again.

The bridge was hit by a freighter in May of 1980 during a storm. The collision resulted in a 1,200 foot section to plummet into Tampa Bay. 6 cars and a Greyhound bus also fell 150 feet into the water; resulting in 35 deaths.




Anyway… the new bridge is a lot nicer to look at than the old one!

It was Aunt Mary’s birthday and since it didn’t look like we were going to be able to go diving today, she wanted to visit Egmont Key.

Even though we weren’t all the way out into the Gulf of Mexico, the water was still very rough! We eventually made it over to Egmont Key. There was not a place to dock the boat, so pulled up close to shore, anchored and walked thru the water to shore.



There is still a working lighthouse on the island.

Mom, Me, Dad

Also on the island – tons of gopher turtles! They are endangered.


In the 1830s, shipping increased as did the number of ships that ran aground on the numerous sandbars in Tampa Bay.

In 1848, the construction of the lighthouse was completed, making it the only lighthouse between St. Marks and Key West.

At the end of the Third Seminole War, in 1858. the island was used by the US Army to detain Seminole prisoners until they could be transported to Arkansas.

It was later occupied by they Union Navy during the Civil War. Fort Dade was built and completed in 1906, serving as a city of 300 residents until 1923.

There are still many parts of the gunnery still standing.





This was the view from the water.

So back during the war times, the enemy couldn’t see there was a gunnery on the island. It just looked like a hill.

In 1926, the Tampa Bay Pilots Association set up their operations on the island. Their purpose was (and is) to guide ships in and out of Tampa Bay in an effort to protect the Bay from environmental damage from ships running aground and from collisions.

It was crazy hot! Walking thru the sand was not an easy feat either.


“The sea was angry that day my friends. Like an old man trying to send back soup back at a deli!”
(Seinfeld quote)





Getting out for a dive trip did not seem possible.

A storm was approaching rather quickly, so we went as fast as we could back to the campground. It took over an hour and we somehow kept ahead of the torrential rains & lightning.

As I had mentioned, today was Aunt Mary’s birthday. So we surprised her with a cake we had hidden in the back of the Tahoe in a cooler for the past 2 days.



That evening we had a fabulous dinner of steak & veggie kabobs. Followed by Aunt Mary’s favorite card game – “SHIT”

Fort DeSoto, FL

Spent the past couple of days packing & prepping for our weekend boating/camping trip.

This morning, we loaded everything up and headed to Fort DeSoto – it’s near Clearwater.

Mom, Dad, Madison, Rizon and I, were meeting Uncle Hugh & Aunt Mary at the campground for a weekend of diving & snorkeling a few miles off the coast of Clearwater. (Well, Madison & Rizon don’t go out on the boat, they were going to be the ferocious guard dogs to protect the RV while were on the water.)



Madison was quite upset today about wearing his seat belt. He was a sour puss the entire trip.

Rizon on the other hand was happy as a clam!


It was a little over 2 hour drive and he stayed awake the entire time! He hasn’t been awake for that long in years!

Once at the boat ramp, the boys and I went for a walk while mom & dad got it in the water.


Here was home-sweet-home for the next 4 days & 3 nights!


While we set up our ‘tenement on wheels’, the boys had some nice outside time.


We went out for a quick exploratory boating trip to check out the dock, etc.
Then settled back for dinner… grilled chicky & pasta salad.

Later on, I took the boys for a walk to see the sunset.

Fort Myers

Sadly, when in Florida - I am usually up by 6:45am.

I started the day out with a walk with my mom, Rizon and Madison. As I have mentioned before, the boys don’t make it too far. Rizon usually only gets ¼ mile at best. Madison sticks in there for about a mile.

The remainder of the walk, they ride in style.


After showering, Madison and I headed up to visit my grandma.
Madison has to “buckle up” when he goes for car rides.

His seat belt is hidden under his fur - but it's there! It's a harness of sorts that attaches to the seat belt. And doggies must ride in the back seat – where there aren’t airbags.

Madison had never been to grandma's new condo – where she has lived for about 7 months. He and Rizon used to visit her frequently when she lived in her house – as it had a fenced-in back yard.

Madison was an instant “hit” in the lobby of the condo. There were several people excited to see a new doggie in the complex.

We made our way up to grandma’s place and he was very excited to inspect it thoroughly!

After he approved of the new digs, he settled down for a snooze.

Grandma and I snuck out to do some shopping.

We went to the mall, lunch & Publix.

Upon our return, grandma thought someone had dog-napped Madison because he was not at the door waiting for us.

I found him passed out behind one of the new La-Z-Boys. He had never even heard us come in. Some guard dog!

When it was time for us to leave, Grandma wanted to show off her great-grand-dog to some of her friends in the complex. Madison was an angel and let many strangers pet him while he sat patiently.

There were endless comments on how precious he was… how calm he was…. what an angel he was…… Grandma and I laughed! If they only knew the truth!!

But that’s Madison – he knows when it’s time to put on a good act!

Columbus > Fort Myers

4:15am came REALLY fast!
And I may have had one too many beers last night!
But it was worth it – I had such a great time!!

The only redeeming factor to my 6am flight was the fact that I had first class seats.

Whenever I fly into Fort Myers, I always sit on the right side of the plane in a window seat so I can see my islands on the approach. It’s my last few moments of serenity before the family dysfunction begins.


Seeing Upper Captiva Island, also known as North Captiva, is my favorite. To me, it is my utopia. There is just something special about that island. I have not vacationed there since 1996, but I hope to again some day.

It was created in 1921 by a hurricane that severed it from Captiva. They are now separated by Red Fish Pass.

In the early 1900s, the island was a fish processing center for the Punta Gorda Fishing Company. Today, the Ice House, built in 1924, still stands as you enter Safety Harbor - it is listed on the National Record of Historic Places.

Upper Captiva was again struck by another hurricane in 2004. The storm surge of Hurricane Charley split it into 2 islands. Over the past 5 years, sand has gradually filled in and usually in high tide, it is once again one island.

My flights went fine – managed to sneak in a little nap on the way.

My mom and my precious puppy, Madison, picked me up from the airport.

We didn’t do much for the rest of the day/evening. Just unpacked and made our plans for the upcoming week. And spent some quality time with Madison & Rizon.

My parents dog is Rizon. We got him on Easter 1995.


My dog is Madison.


I got him in February 1998. However, in April of 2001, he moved to Florida to live with his grandparents & uncle Rizon. Mommy was about to start traveling full-time and could no longer properly care for a rambunctious doggie.

They are both Shetland Sheepdogs – or Shelties. They are not related at all. However, we have always laughed because Madison is purebred, however, is about twice the size a Sheltie is supposed to be. Where Rizon, whose brother is also is father, has most of the size & features of a purebred Sheltie.

Oh well – none of this matters because we love them just the same!

I miss them both so much. I am a huge pet lover and it is very hard for me to be pet less. However, it is just not practical for me to have a pet when I travel so much. So whenever I am in Florida, I do my best to spend as much quality time as possible with them.

Columbus

Earth Wind & Fire / Chicago Concert – Value City Arena @ The Jerome Schottenstien Center

The much anticipated concert was finally here!


A friend of Dave’s, who works at the Schott, had set aside tickets for him for this concert months ago. We had no idea how good the tickets actually were until we were walking to them…. We were in the front row of the lower bowl, 1 section from the stage!

We even had a place to prop up our feet.


When both bands were on stage, there were almost 30 of them!





The place was packed!


What was with these guys in matching outfits?


It was the first concert either of us had ever seen the security staff dancing and singing. Not to mention the fact that this one was dancing in the isle with one of the fans!


Of course there were the drunk & annoying people. This lady who was in her late 50s was having the night of her life! She kept attempting to get in the isle to dance. She would beg people to sit in their isle seats while they went to the bathroom. At a few points she sat down on the ground. She was rather amusing.


Our friends, Cliff & Boo, who are getting married in a few weeks, love the Earth Wind & Fire song – “September”. Here is Dave calling them to share the performance with them.



Our signature pose didn’t turn out so well this time…

Columbus

Skate For Hope

Today I worked an event at Nationwide Arena – where the Blue Jackets play. It was called “Skate For Hope”.

In a nutshell, it is a fundraiser for breast cancer research. Local ice skating organizations hold fundraisers and the top money makers get the opportunity to perform on the big ice for this show. In addition, Olympians and professional skaters also perform.

I really enjoyed it because it reminded me a lot of my childhood. When I was very young and still lived in Michigan, I took ice skating lessons at Ferris State. My dad would also freeze a portion of our backyard in the winter so I had my own rink to practice on.

Later on, growing up in Florida – it was tough to find an ice rink – so I became a roller skater. I took lessons and competed for several years. So watching kids skate, always holds a special place in my heart.

Columbus

June 15th – 19th

I spent most of this week preparing for the next month.

I had a couple Red, White & Boom! meetings as well.

I also got to spend a few hours with my best friend Patty.

We get so little time together anymore. We use to meet for breakfast near the airport almost weekly before I flew out. But now she works full-time – so it is rare we get a few hours to take care of the inane tasks that we enjoy so much! (Making returns, competing on coupon savings, getting oil changes/auto repairs and having breakfast!)

On Saturday, I am working an event at Nationwide Arena.

On Sunday - Earth Wind & Fire / Chicago!!!

On Monday, I head to Florida for my family vacation.

Upon my return, I have Red, White & Boom!, the Melfi Wedding, then packing for OBX, a soccer game, then the OBX trip. So much to get ready for!!

Columbus

MLS Soccer – Chivas USA vs Columbus Crew – Fox Sports West


Today was great!
I got to work with my friend Travis – he is also a Duet operator. But today he was the AP. It is rare that we ever work together since we do the same job.

Travis and I have known each other for many years. We met probably around 1999 when he and his wife still lived in Huntington, WV.

We are both part of a circle of friends that all are connected in weird ways due to the various aspects of television production. When people say “it’s a small world” – they aren’t kidding!

We are 2 of the 3 operators that live in Columbus. Travis spends most of the year producing for the Blue Jackets. The third operator in town, John, freelances part time.
So most events that happen in Columbus - have Duet operators from Cleveland or Cincinnati.

I always love it when I get to work with another operator because it never fails, I learn something new!

The Crew ended up winning – which doesn’t happen often. This season at least.

Columbus

June 10th – 13th

Whew! I made it! The madness is over!

I spent the first few days of my vacation with my two favorite kids – Claude & Smokey came to Auntie Nic’s for a little vacation.

Matty turns 40 this week and is coming down to visit for a few days. He is allergic to kitties – so they came to stay with me while he was staying at Dave’s. (I am allergic too, but I don’t count)

We didn’t get much accomplished other than naps. But I guess I am due.

I did get to go have lunch on Friday with a long time friend and her little boys. That was nice. It is so rare that I get to do “normal” girlfriend things. I truly enjoyed hanging out having Quizno’s & Happy Meals!

Oxford, MS

June 3rd – 8th

NCAA Baseball Super Regionals – Virginia vs Ole Miss – ESPN/ESPN2


I had a couple days at home to unpack, do laundry and repack. This is pretty much the end of my season – so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

On Wednesday, I flew to Memphis around noon. Then drove down to Oxford, Mississippi. It’s about 1.5 hours.

The tech crew was staying in Batesville which is about a half hour from Oxford, but somehow I ended up with production at a hotel right in Oxford. I didn’t ask any questions!

Batesville is the home of Batesville Casket Company. I have seen their semi trucks for years now while driving on interstates across the country. Now I know where they are coming from.

I was eager to get to Oxford because I had never been there. I’ve heard what a great southern college town it was for years now.

Did my usual ritual of stopping for a few groceries and then settling into the hotel. Dave had also asked for an Ole Miss t-shirt. That is never an easy task. Granted this shirt is pretty mainstream; unlike the other odd requests over the years, but he only like very specific shirts. They have to be gray, XL, and the logo has to be just so.

While out shopping, I discovered another wonderful parking job.


I also drove around campus to check things out. Wow! So beautiful!


Lovely brick buildings everywhere.
Tons of magnolia trees too!


Our set day on Thursday went well. I was working with one of my favorite producers & directors – so that always makes things better.

Oxford-University Stadium is VERY nice! It’s only a few years old and it is very impressive for a college ballpark.

That evening, I went to the production dinner to a place in downtown Oxford called Ajax Diner. It was known for good southern cookin’!


Production dinners usually consist of the producer, director, assistant director, associate producer, talent and any management that might be in town. They typically discuss the upcoming event and any stories they may want to hit on during the broadcasts. And most times, the “mouse” pays.

Since I am friends with a lot of the producers and directors, I am invited to join from time to time. I take them up on the offer every so often; I try not to take advantage since I am not part of production.

Everything on the menu was deep fried. My stomach turned just reading it!

Deep fried pickles, BBQ Chicken Nachos, and some type of seafood was ordered as appetizers. I don’t like pickles, but I did try a few. Not bad. I am not a huge fan of BBQ, but I tried the nachos and they were really good.

I ordered the meatloaf with side dishes of mashed potatoes and mac & cheese. Oh my!
I swear to God the meatloaf was baked then deep fried! In the middle of the meatloaf, there was a brick of Monterrey jack cheese. Strange, but tasty!

Everything was very good, but I just don’t eat like that. I knew there would be hell to pay later.

After dinner, we went to a bar that had a live blues band. After about 3 sips of beer, I was done. I was sure I was going to puke on the ride home.

The boys were ready to stay for a while, thankfully, Susan was ready to head back to the hotel. So she drove me home. I was so sick from dinner!

Friday’s game was 4 hours, 17 minutes. Thankfully, Rebel Matt Smith hit a solo walk-off home run to win the game in the 12th.

After the game, I set out once again on my quest for Dave’s shirt. I went to a few shops and eventually found one I knew he would like.

On Saturday, I was blown away by the fans! The game was 11am local time, I was going in around 8am and the fans were already tailgating! Just like a football Saturday.



After the game I went downtown to walk around the square for a few hours.

There are all sorts of quaint shops and LOTS of bars.

I had a late lunch at a place called Boure – it was French/New Orleans-ish. Very good! And not so southern!


Sunday morning, the fans were waiting to storm the gates once again! In the outfield, under the scoreboard, there are terraces for fans to bring in their own chairs. That is prime real estate!


When the gates open it looks like the fans entering “the Who” concert in 1979!

Before the game, I went into the stadium to check out the suites. Wow!
Each of the table tops look like this:


They are your typical suites you would find at a basketball or football arena with mini bars and counter tops for catering. But still, I was shocked that this was a college baseball stadium!


I don’t know the complete story behind this part… but on Friday when I was looking for the bathrooms, one of the suite workers asked if they could help me. I said I was looking for the ladies room. Well he decided I needed a tour of the facility. So I followed him around while he showed off the place. The part that intrigued me was when he motioned to an area that was ‘curtained’ off and said… “well of course the lockers are behind there, but we had to hide them since the NCAA is here.” I smiled and moved on.

Well OF COURSE I had to later find out what was back there!
So I did just that on Sunday morning – peaked behind the curtain…….

Rows of wooden lockers with names on them. Hmm….

I found another section of them with people behind the curtains… so I looked.
The lockers are full of alcohol!

Apparently, when you buy a suite, you also get a locker to keep your booze in to drink while inside your suite.

After the game on Sunday, I drove back to Memphis because I had an early flight out on Monday morning. There are only 2 hotels near the airport. Travel put me at the Holiday Inn. I was skeptical because I thought I had stayed at the Radisson in the past – but whatever.

I should of trusted my instincts. The hotel was dreadful! It was near a military base – so basically there were hundreds of men waiting to shipped out to somewhere. As I lugged all my stuff up the big hill to the front door, about 20 guys stood outside smoking. I was by no means looking even slightly decent – but that didn’t stop the whistles and “hey baby” cat calls.

The hotel was dark and filthy. I felt very unsafe. I just wanted the night to be over with. I assumed I would be raped and or murdered before dawn.

I barely slept. Jumping awake at every sound.

Obviously, I somehow beat the odds and survived the night.

It was so dirty, I didn’t even take a shower. I just got up and went to the airport about 3 hours early. I went and sat in the Crown Room until my flight.

So this is it…. time for my off-season. I have about 2.5 months before the madness starts all over again.

But don’t stop reading – there’s still plenty more to come!

I have various events scheduled throughout the summer. As well as some vacations!