Aside from a trip home this weekend, the Summer is no more. Granted, it was exciting and busy, but I just wish there was more of it. The entire month of July seems like a blur. It started with the wedding of some old NIU friends and a great trip to Chicago, followed by a return trip to Chicago the very next weekend for some baseball. The first trip was centered on the wedding, but Courtney and I were fortunate to have some time in the city. We did a lot of sightseeing, and then spent an afternoon in the Friendly Confines with the brothers Newport. The cubs lost, but the Old Style certainly made it hurt a lot less. The second trip was with the Horsemen, as we spent a weekend partying in Wrigleyville but catching games on the South Side. I tried like hell to pull for the White Sox, but the Red Sox were too much.
Courtney's parents also hosted an engagement party for us last month. It was great seeing her family and some of our Georgia friends all in the same house. Having a good excuse to party with friends is such a nice thing. We are doing it all again this coming weekend in Winston. You know me, never one to turn down a party.
So with a little traveling here and there, you'd think that was enough. Oh contraire ... after a Saturday canoe trip on a lazy river, Courtney and I spent the evening pondering a big decision. The next day, we became parents ... parents for two puppies. Sherman and Salem are now our new housemates and seem to be adjusting to life with us just nicely. They've already visited Courtney's parents and they are making the trip to Winston. Shockingly, they travel very well. Actually, they just sleep like bums. Totally fine with me. They have certainly made the end of summer much more interesting.
With the summer all but over, another academic year is beginning. Vanderbilt football actually reported last week and had their first practice on Friday. Wow. Just when I thought I was getting caught up, it begins again. The fall should be as busy as ever. Vandy plays at Georgia this year, so I hope to make that road trip. Ward and Flippen invited me to Greenville, NC, for the ECU/UVA game. Not sure if I'm making that trip, but it sounds like a good time. Before I know it, I'll be walking the stadium field after the final home game wondering what happened to the fall. To be expected, I suppose.
I'll get back on the wagon here soon and post more often ... if the dogs let me.