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Upcoming Bryant Boatowner (BBO) Events

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

TWENTY ONE YEARS

Twenty One years ago today, I married the love of my life, my best friend, my soul mate <3  Happy Anniversary John <3  Looking forward to another 21+ years together <3

We married after having only known each other for 6 months, but we knew it was destiny.  In July of 1990, I was spending the weekend out on one of the little islands in Tampa Bay, celebrating my Brother-In-Laws Birthday.  I had sailed out on Salt Wind with my sister, BIL and some friends.  The weather was beautiful and we all set up our tents and camping gear getting ready for a fantastic weekend.  Spent a wonderful evening around the bonfire with family and friends.  Off to my tent I go (which was one of those ancient old green canvas ones with the roll flap windows).  Snuggled down with a good book and slumber came quickly after an exhausting day.  I was very rudely awakened by a horrific down pour of rain accompanied by thunder, lightening and crazy winds.  I exited the tent to close those pesky little flaps and to my amazement, the wind lifted the tent off the ground and blew it down the beach.  Needless to say, sleep was out of the question.  As Florida storms go, this one came and went quickly.  I retrieved my lawn chair and spent a restless night on the hot and humid beach.

The next afternoon as more guests arrived, I spotted a handsome fellow approaching on a nice boat with a cozy cuddy cabin - I say to myself that is where I'm sleeping tonight :-)  My sister introduced us and we hit it off immediately.  We spent a wonderful weekend together and YES, I slept on his boat!  He gave me a ride back to my apartment and me being the lady that I am, I invited him in for a drink.  I was going to the shower and he asked what I wanted him to fix for dinner.  I curtly replied that I had not invited him to stay for dinner.  I got in the shower and he left, only to return shortly with dinner fixings.  We had dinner and drinks and he never left.  So, as they say, "the rest is history"!

It's been a great 21 years.  We have shared good times and bad, but through it all, our love endures.


The night we met in July, 1990

Our 19th Anniversary at a comedy club in Louisville, KY

Saturday, January 14, 2012

The Truck Horrors Of 2011

As you probably know, John and I are truckers and we own our own truck and trailer.  2011 was not a good year for neither the truck nor our wallets.  In addition to the breakdown in May out in Wyoming, we had many more issues throughout the year - tires, turbo charger, radiator, hoses, belts, brakes and the list goes on with a GRAND FINALE on November 29 .  .  .  the engine seized up requiring a rebuild!  On the bright side, we are running a dedicated run out of Memphis, TN and that is where she decided to croak, so we were not stranded.

Got the truck back on the 4th of January and are back to work.  2012 is looking better and we are hoping for the dedicated run to become a long-term contract.

May your new year be HAPPY, PROSPEROUS and FILLED WITH DREAMS COME TRUE!

Lost Sheep Ministries - Feeding the Homeless in Knoxville

To protect the identity of anyone at this event, I have chosen not to post any pictures.

First, I want to say a HUGE "Thank You" to Joe Bryant of Black Eyed Joe's BBQ (and Bryant Boats) and Maxine of Lost Sheep Ministries for allowing myself and my fellow BBOers to experience such an event.  I was in total awe at the number of volunteers it takes to pull this off each month.  On the last Wednesday of each month, Joe and Maxine coordinate feeding more than 500 of Knoxville's homeless.  In addition to feeding them, volunteers put together bags for each of them with drinks, snacks and other goodies.  A clothing bank also attends to provide clothing.   A little live music (performed by one of the homeless) and some testimonials round out the evening.  In spite of their circumstances, all left with a full belly and a smile.  Rain or shine, sleet or snow, even tornadoes will not keep Joe, Maxine and the volunteers from their most gracious act of kindness.  This is another rather late post as we participated in this during our Bryant Boatowner's Homecoming in June 2011.




A humbling experience for sure.