Winky, Ernesto & More...

Hope you had a great weekend -- we sure did! Thanks to Big Don and Benny, we had great seats this past Friday at the local Star Fight Productions fights in Tampa at the A La Carte Pavillion! The bouts were full of top notch talent, and made for a great evening. As we mingled with the big boxing crowd, we spent some time talking with the one and only Winky Wright. As always, Winky was personable and friendly. We're hoping to see his next big fight, possibly even in Tampa.
















Now what's up with this Ernesto storm? This things seems to be headed right at us! Fortunately, it looks like the mountainous areas it has passed over the Carribbean have broken it up to the point that it was reduced back down to a Tropical Storm. I guess the rest of the week will tell. From what I understand, the warm Gulf weather and the the system coming from the West, coupled with the system in the Atlantic, will guide this weather(whatever it turns out to be), somewhere to the West Coast of Florida. So much for a slow season, huh?




















Last but not least, we recently had a little guest drop in the front yard - we'll call him "Oscar". He stops bye every once in and awhile to see what's happening, and maybe to find something good to eat. I am sure Anthony has probably left some snack or drink out in the front yard, that comes in pretty handy for Oscar. Whether its by accident or not, is a good question.
















In the meantime, I guess I'll keep a look out for Ernesto, like the rest of us.... time to load up on supplies and get prepared!

Frank

Spearfishing Tournament, Bucs' Game, and Scooter Ride

First things first. I've been trying to upload pictures to this site for three days now. For some reason, it bumped me off everytime. Finally, as of tonight, things seem to be back to normal. So, without further ado, here's a picture of Gary Sanchez (owner of Diamonds Direct) with one of his catches. Looks like a nice one Gary!! We didn't stay for the end results because we we're headed to the Bucs game, and unfortunately I didn't get to take many other good pictures, so if I hear, or see, any good photos, I'll try to send the link or post them for you.





















As for the Bucs' game, although it's a little late, I figured I'd post a picture when the Dolphin's were backed up on our end of the field. Unfortunately, we never could get any real momentum going to win. Thank goodness its only preseason.

Check out the Dolphin's flipping into the end zone: DOLPHIN's FLIP











We're getting better and better each time we ride the scooter. Anthony is really getting good, and has learned how to go "full throttle". Take a look at him opening up the power on the scooter: ANTHONY FULL THROTTLE

This weekend is around the corner. Looks like we're headed to boxing tomorrow night in Tampa, so I should have some good pictures for the blog sometime this weekend. Also, I am headed to an Unclaimed Property Auction on Saturday with Jim, so maybe we'll find some good stuff to bid on. If you want to check it out, you can visit: TAMPA UNCLAIMED PROPERTY AUCTION

I hope you all have a great Friday, and weekend! ~Frank

....Enjoying the weekend....

It's been a nice relaxing weekend so far. This morning we went for a little scooter ridin' around the neighborhood. It's fun to "scoot around" and see what's happening in our little part of the world. Here's Anthony and Donna...



And now, since I've figured out the wonderful world of uploading video to YouTube.com, here's a few videos I've uploaded:

SCOOTER RIDE - ANTHONY & DAD

UNDERWATER SWIMMING VIDEO

Anthony also has taken up rollerskating. He's taking it "one step at a time".

Lots of Rain...No Hurricanes, thank Goodness!!

I know it's a bit early in the season, but I am happy to see we are getting some rain, and avoiding the hurricanes that we have the pleasure of dealing with from time to time. Now, I do realize that there are many months left in the season, but I was happy to hear that the National Hurricane Center folks have reduced the anticipated number of storms from what they originally predicted this year. Details can be found at: NOAA Also, another good site for weather recommended by Curt is : WeatherUnderGround.com Let's keep our fingers crossed that we avoid any serious storms!

Ever wonder about getting an aquarium, but just don't have the room? Ever think of a wall mounted aquarium? You can check them out at: Wall Mount Aquariums Sounds interesting, doesn't it?


Oh, ...and did you hear that due to the heightened security for air travel that President Clinton had to check his bag at an airport recently... yea, I think her name was "Wanda!"

Well, that's all for tonight folks! I'll be here all week, ~Frank

First Day of School

It was a nice first day at school for Anthony. He told us all about it this evening at dinner, and it was pretty evident that he really enjoyed himself. Here's a couple of pictures of us dropping him off earlier this morning.











I know it may be a bit early, but if you don't have any plans already, you may be interested in attending the Annual St. Pete Open World's Largest Spearfising Tournament.

You can check out the details at: ST. PETE OPEN. It's always a great time, and you'll always be amazed at what creatures of the sea will be brought to the weigh in. I've posted previous pictures: HERE

Since we have the Bucs v. Dolphins pre-season game Saturday night, I'm trying to decide if I can make it for the St. Pete Open, and then head to Tampa to watch the football game immediately after. If I get to go to the Open, I will make certain to post some pictures of the beasts from the deep. Let me know if you decide to go, and maybe we can meet up.

Also, this Friday night has some local boxing lined up in Tampa. You can get details at: ONE PUNCH PRODUCTIONS. I am not sure if I am headed over at this point, but I am going to try and make it.

Lastly, I leave you with this special news report about auto repairs. Here ya go: JIFFY LUBE VIDEO.

Back to School (and to Blogging)

Hello. It's been almost a year since I posted to this site. To be honest, I've missed it a bit. Not sure why, but it does give me a place to shoot the breeze with family and friends, and catch up with everyone.

Well, as the caption says, our little guy - who isn't so little anymore - is headed off to his first day of school at St. Paul's.

He's very excited, and is looking forward to making new friends, learning alot, and meeting his new teacher. As for me, I think the hands of time have been put into high gear. Age is a weird thing, and although by most standards, I am pretty young, the fact that Anthony is starting to go to school, on a regular schedule, has me wondering how fast time will fly from this point forward. To slow things down, I hope to post blogs often, even daily, if I can find the time. I'll try to post one picture, and share a bit of what's happening on our end, and even some juicy stuff on my cases - actually, I can't do that, but it sure sounded good.

I do have an interesting story that I'd like to share. About a month a go or so, Donna and Anthony went grocery shopping at the Northeast Publix. While cruising the aisles, Donna was stopped by a female Publix employee. The employee looked at Anthony and said, "he looks just like a little boy I went to school with years ago in grade school". Donna responded, and said, "for fun, go ahead and guess and we'll see if you're close." The female employee said the little boy Anthony resembled was named "Frankie". Donna responded and said, "you've got half of it right". She then told her my last name. Amazingly, an old grade school friend, with one heck of memory was able to recognize Anthony as my son. At first, as Donna was telling me the story, I thought she was pulling my leg. But then, after she told me the first name of the Publix employee, I was able to guess her name on the first shot, "Nicole McPhee". Although I haven't seen Nicole since 1985 (you got it, 21 years ago), Anthony reminded her of me. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

Here's a picture from grade school. There's a lot of you receiving this email that are probably in the photo. Hope it makes your day. Not sure about you, but I sure wish I starting school all over again! :-)



Well, with school starting, the football season getting underway, a trip to Atlanta planned with the guys for the Bucs v. Falcons game, I think there should be some good material on the blog for the foreseeable future. I am always open to suggestions, if you have any. It's getting late, and it's time to log off for tonight and get some rest, I'll be back tomorrow. ~Frank