Not Quite Midnight

I rubbernecked at the 2008 Midnight Flight. It was fun seeing so many people of all ages having a clean, healthy, good time. Quite inspiring.

PINK

“It’s PINK!” My niece said after examining the Hooked on the Arts fish sculpture. She is currently obsessed with said color and will not use any other crayon, even “fuschia.” Must be the traditional pink.

Today opens the 2008 Great Southeast Balloon Fest. There will be over 80 balloons and a championship sponsored by the Balloon Federation of America. 

Tonight is also the annual Midnight Flight. Races begin and end at Anderson YMCA, with the 1 mile starting at 9:15 p.m., 5k at 10:00 p.m., and 10K at 11:00 p.m.

Westside plays Hanna at home tonight, beginning at 7:30 p.m. City-wide rivals — so it should be a fun time to see neighbors and friends.

Lake was low, but still refreshing

Animal activitists may ask, “WHAT did you do to this poor dog?”

“Nothing, I swear!” Gator, April’s 7-month-old Boxer, ran straight into Hartwell Lake, into water way over her head, not once, but multiple times! She was a joy to watch. She sprinted, sprinted, sprinted along the beach for the pure love of running and plunged herself into the cool lake water simply to relish it. Naturally, we couldn’t let her have all the fun. We had to jump in too. A closer pic is here.

Thank you, Faye — #2

Lake Hartwell, Broyles Recreation Area. Can you see the tiny white buoy in the distance, on the land? It looks like the trees were originally on an island, but because of the drought, it’s become a pennisula. (The water still felt great, though. 🙂 )

So thankful for Tropical Storm Faye

Beached buoy. Hartwell Lake, Broyles Recreation Center. Taken on Sunday morning. Soooo sad. Soooo grateful for the rain we received yesterday and today. Tropical Storm Faye, we love you!

Going Baptist

Steeple from Boulevard Baptist Church on –you guessed it — Boulevard. I went to this facility for a Dave Ramsey seminar. The people were really nice.

Hope I’m not oversharing when I say that I think I’ve “gone Baptist.” I grew up Presbyterian, was not-much-of-anything for many years, and am back full circle to being interested in God and spiritual things. One of the results of my journey is being open to other denominations — and I’m currently partial to the people I’ve met in the Baptist faith.

Maggie, don’t be scared

On a recent evening walk, Maggie and I met Max, an adorable red Dachshund. Both he and his owner were so sweet. (Max’s fur is especially soft and smooth.) Maggie, however, was not impressed. Her ears and stance say it all. 🙂

Can’t you just taste ’em?

Driving around Anderson County on Saturday, I noticed trees full of peaches. Even a neighbor has the delicious fruit growing in his yard. A friend and I were delighted to see this sign on Highway 24 heading into town. We agreed that while the grower’s sign leaves some to be desired, no doubt his peaches are excellent.

Ask for George

More from Pete’s on Concord. It’s a fun restaurant with lots of local flavor. A sign out front declares it was established in 1954, and the bar stools and decor seem to support that. 🙂 George (as seen in pics on the walls) is the owner. An advertising campaign of not-too-long-ago consisted of Anderson billboards with a message sorta like: “Come to Pete’s on Concord. Home to the best-looking Greek in Anderson.” 🙂 More pics here.

Chicken fingers, please

Pete’s on Concord. Went with a friend and met another friend there. Jennifer and April swear by the honey mustard sauce: mayonnaise with honey.