Tree Transformation

All the Christmas decor is down and instead we've put up Valentine's and Lunar New Year.  That means we still get the decorated tree up for the next month. Lunar New Year is the Year of the Horse and it starts on February 17. 

 

IMG Track Meet #1 - Jimmy Carnes Invitational

 Wesley's first track meet of the season was the Jimmy Carnes Invitational at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center at Celebration Pointe. He and I drove up on Saturday night and stayed nearby. We reported to the arena at 9am but he didn't end up jumping until the afternoon. 

His first five jumps he hit all on his first attempts: 1.55m, 1.60m, 1.65m, 1.70m, and 1.75m. That's 5'1", 5'3", 5'5", 5'7", and 5'9". 

Then he cleared 1.80m (5'11") on his second attempt. That was his first PR of the day. His previous PR at the end of last season was 5'10".

He cleared 1.85 (6'1") on his third attempt. 

He cleared 1.90 (6'3") on his third attempt also! 

There were only four boys left at this point. Wesley made three attempts for 1.95 but he missed them all. Two of the other boys missed their attempts also. Wesley ended up finishing fourth overall with that wonderful new PR. What a great first showing of the season! 

This is Wesley with Bill Lawson, the head of the distance and cross country runners at IMG Academy. 

From Bradenton to Georgia

I worshipped at Rogers Community UMC in Bradenton. After worship several folks were gathering up food to take to feed the homeless in the community. 

Tuesday and Wednesday I was in St Simon's Island for the SEJ Cabinet Consultation at the retreat center: Epworth by the Sea. It was good to be with all the superintendents and bishops from around the southeastern United States. The retreat center is on the river between the mainland and the island and the views are beautiful for sunrise and sunset. 

There's a great labyrinth on the island that I made it over to walk: Christ Church Frederica. 

One of my best friends is on the Cabinet in North Georgia. Loved spending time with Laurie this week. 

I made it back on Wednesday night for in time to see the boys before they went to bed. Thursday I spent in meetings at Daryl's church in Venice. 

 

Road Trip to St Simon's Island

I spent Monday driving up to St Simon's Island. Super smooth ride in the rental. 

South Georgia is cold this week! I got my room on the water, but I'm bundled up. 

I unloaded and unpacked and then walked for about an hour to stretch my legs and get my steps in. 

Sunset on the river. 

And for dinner, my cousin Russ and his wife Karen drove down from Kilkenny to meet me. We spent 3 hours talking over dinner - so good to spend time with them! 

 

Driving Practice

Davis is getting in more and more driving practice lately with his permit. This Saturday he drove us up to Seffner for Uncle Daniel's birthday party. He did well! 

 

Temporary Wheels

I had to pickup a rental car for a Cabinet trip to Georgia later this week. They gave me a choice between a 2026 Equinox and a 2026 Santa Fe. I'm set to get a new car later this year and I already drove a Santa Fe in the fall as a rental and fell in love. This one doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the model I want but the boys thought it was pretty neat when I brought it home today. The real test - there was enough leg room for Wesley in the middle row and plenty of room for Davis in the third row. 

 

Family Birthdays

We went to Seffner on Saturday night to celebrate Daniel's birthday.... he's 40 + 7 now!