Today marks the end of an era for me. Back in 2009 when I first started at JIS Jerry was there. He sent me my first work email. He showed me the ropes. He's been my mentor and peer though it all for nearly 17 years, and he retired today. He also doesn't like a fuss or having his picture taken so I admit I did this surreptitiously. I had to have at least one picture of him before he rode off into the sunset. JIS won't be the same without out him.
I did mention these two got along pretty well. Notice she's even got Bluey on for him. Of course I have no idea where being such a sucker for a silly dog comes from.
You know when Mackenzie is staying there's gonna be games. All kinds of games. But now that she's a little older we're evolving into some more complicated ones. Like Mouth Trap. I used to love Mouse Trap when I was a kid and didn't know they even still made it. Just as silly as ever.
Unfortunately, as is life, the times had to end. Casie and Lonnie went back home while Mackenzie is staying for the week. It goes way too fast with people we don't get to see nearly enough. Luckily these two get along pretty well, there's a lot of giggling with this pair.
The official picture from the General Jackson. Dad, me, Casie, Mackenzie, Mari, Lonnie and Payton.
Even without the river tour, we enjoyed ourselves. We'll be back when the paddles are working again!
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Finally the show kicked off, and as would be expected of Music City they were all top notch singers and musicians. Nice song selection too, overall a great show!
After dinner there was a pause before the show where the wait staff cleaned up. To fill the time for an easily bored kid, the other kid played some thumb war. Payton has always been a good big brother to Mackenzie.
Finally the doors to the main cabin opened and we were ushered into a (mercifully) air conditioned room where dinner was served and the family got more chances to talk and catch up with each other.
While waiting for the dinner and show to be ready they had a live band to keep us entertained. They were pretty good, the fiddle player in particular had skills. I also appreciated they didn't just play country, there was some classic rock in there too.
It'd be nice to follow the river, but this was the best we were gonna get from the bow of the ship.
Unfortunately we learned that the big boat had mechanical issues and we would not be chugging down the river. They did offer us a discount on each ticket, but we would have preferred the ride. Still, it was fun to finally see and board the classic paddleboat.
Despite living in Nashville since 1998, Mari and I had never gone on the historic General Jackson Riverboat. So for the big birthday bash, we finally did the thing!
Bear loves people and was thrilled to get to meet so many new ones. He soaked up every ounce of attention he could, and this family being dog people, he got plenty.
You know when the Greer-Hulden-Ireland clan gets together there's gonna be aebleskivers. Only this time, Payton and Mackenzie did the batter and Payton cooked them!
Casie took this picture of Bear with the bully stick holder she got him. He does seem to pose for such things. She did clean it up a little using AI, can you spot the tell? It's EARily familiar.
To celebrate certain birthdays that shall not be mentioned ending in zero, the whole fam came down to spend time with us. So good to have such a rare and wonderful group of people together.
Just a nice evening having some dinner up at Dad's house and watching the World Cup Final. Bear's on window duty. Spain went on to beat Argentina. It was only 1-0 but Spain dominated the whole game.
A unique birthday gift from my kids out West, Casie and John are always very thoughtful!
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I turned 50 today. Mari got me my traditional "cake". One more trip around the sun! I know 50 is supposed to be a big one, but I don't really feel much different, nor am I have an existential crisis. I'm pretty healthy (heart defect and single kidney aside), got a wonderful family, a job I like. Setting aside the political, I got it pretty darn good!
I was coming back home down Saunders Ferry Road when I came upon a line of cars. I didn't know if there was maybe construction or a wreck and then I spied a line of ducks young and old crossing the street. They just kept coming, and coming, and coming. There must have been fifty of them. And we all sat and patiently waited for them to cross. Sometimes people are good and kind. Even in BFT.
After being introduced to the culinary delight that is rainier cherries on our recent trip to Washington, we found some at Kroger today! We don't know if it's a karmic coincidence or they have them often and we just never noticed, but here they are!
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Mari turns 69 today!*
*Actual age my vary, no ages above 69 will be accepted at this time.
Acknowledging this isn't something he should have on a regular basis, it was still fun to get Bear his first Starbucks pup cup. Which he devoured with gusto.
We are not fans of fireworks, especially personal ones. They should be banned outside of professional displays. But controversial opinion aside one of the biggest reasons is it scares the animals. Case in point we discovered Bear is absolutely terrified of fireworks. He ran all over, shivered, panted, was manic, tried to climb into a cabinet, then tried to climb over the three suitcases in the back of the closet. So well pulled the two soft-sides out, laid the hard shell over and made him a hidey hole, complete with a laptop playing Bluey to drown out the noise as best we could. That did seem to calm him down and we got through the night. TLDR: People stupid fireworks bad.
Another nice spread put out by Dad, whose steaks continue to be second to none. Although I have to admit, that key lime pie in the corner might have been a scene stealer.
Up at Dad's for a 4th BBQ. The neighborhood girls built this little fort in his driveway from found bits and pieces. Just thought it was cute, he has a nice group up here.
