Tug Of War!

Here's a little clip of Chris and Jason's dogs, Ernie (on the left) and Neesy playing tug of war.

Independence Day

We had a greatFourth of July weekend. After a trip to Hanging Rock on Friday, Len and I visited Old Salem in Winston-Salem where the Declaration of Independence was read aloud and there were some living history demonstrations. One of those were the from Revolutionary soldiers from the Light Infantry who demonstrated how they shot their weapons. They were very personable and spent a long time talking to the crowd and answering questions.

Then we headed to Reynolda Gardens where after touring the garden, we had a picnic on the lawn of Reynolda mansion.

I just love this photo of a dragon fly on a waterlily...

On our way home we happened upon an antique hotrod show in downtown Winston-Salem. I don't know which was more fun to see, the cars or the crowd! I snuck a picture of this parasol lady as her man was checking out a car. I have to say I have never seen so many tattoos in one place before!

Right across the street was a big crowd of people in a parking lot between two buildings. I was fascinated by this group of people gazing over the crowd from this walkway up high. It looked like it could be a scene from the movie West Side Story. Guess what everybody was watching? When we got a bit closer we could see that it was mud wrestling! I didn't have the nerve to take a picture of that with the crowd all around me!

Later in the day we headed downtown to hear the Concert Band play and watch the fireworks. I just love this patriotic hat!

The concert band played patriotic tunes and show tunes for two hours as we waited for it to get dark. My favorite selection was a medley of tunes for each branch of the armed services. The conductor asked people to stand when the song from their branch of the military was played. It was very moving to see veterans of all ages standing in the crowd and being recognized for their service to our nation. And of course at dark we had a marvelous fireworks display. It was so much fun to be sitting on the bleachers in a big crowd hearing all the Ooohs and Aaahs, especially from the little children. ( I didn't take the time to upload this video in high-def like I did for Brian's NASCAR ride--it takes a couple of hours for the upload to finish.)

One More Picture

I forgot to include this picture of Brian and Meredith in my earlier post, and people have been asking to "meet" her. It was very fun to have her spend part of the weekend with us and come to Charlotte to see Brian drive. She is in law school too and is working at a summer internship in New Bern, NC. (You can click on the picture and it will get bigger. )

The Need For Speed!

Today we all drove to Charlotte to Lowe's Motor Speedway to watch Brian do his Richard Petty Driving Experience. It was a really fun day--very hot and sunny weather. Luckily they have a tent with cooling fans for the spectators, but it was still very hot!

Here's Brian suiting up in the Media Center where he got his training.

Doesn't he look professional? There were 16 guys in his "class" who all trained at the same time and then drove one at a time with a pace car on the track.

Waiting to be called to the holding area to get his helmet and last minute instructions.

It's almost time...

Brian's instructor Junior fastening on the helmet. There's also a neck brace that was instituted after the death of Dale Earnhardt several years ago.



Heading onto the track.

His car is #5, red and white. Watch for it later in the video--he'll be following a blue pace car.

All strapped in and ready to go!

Finishing his run--he's under the tent and I think he's out of the car.


Coming off the track after eight laps.

Getting out of the suit and telling us all about it!

Relaxing after his run.

Lookin' good!

Me & Mariane Stone

Hi Everyone,
I know I mentioned at the wedding that Marinanne and I had touched based via Facebook and I am happy to report that we were able to visit briefly in LI while Carly was there for a tournament. I can't express how much it meant see someone from the old "neighborhood." We're going to try to meet again in the city. Ya gotta love Facebook.

Father'sDay

We had lunch with Rich and Mary to celebrate Father's Day. Rich brought BBQ, Dad's favorite, and we had fine time. Dad talked with all the kids today and considered it a perfect Father's Day.

Kathleen & Pat

Opening Day Oceanside Pool 2009