Indian Creek

I remember going fishing at Indian Creek at these spots since I was a little boy---It was a beautiful place and still is---My Dad has been going there for as long as I can remember---One thing I admire about my Dad is his ability to stick to something and enjoy over a long period of time--Whether its his Wife, His relationship with the Lord, Work, his Kids or his humor....Indian creek may change a little every year --But Dad stays the same---Solid and Stable.

Seafood and Such....

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE steak---love to eat it anytime anyplace and especially off my own grill...I havent really liked seafood for about 15 years----Dad and I were eating raw oysters, seeing who could eat the most---well I downed a lot of em--went home and got sick as a dog----I havent wanted to eat anything that even resembled seafood after that.

But I finally got it back---My taste for seafood has resurfaced -stronger than before---On our vacation, Mom, Dad, O'neal and I went to The Crab Trap and ate Snow and King Crab Legs like there was no tomorrow--we ate 6 pounds between all of us....Man it was great --eating with my family, overlooking the ocean, laughing and enjoying the great food...I highly recommend it...

Long Talks . . .

Most people on vacation take to the beach at sunset for romantic walks and stuff...Well, my son and I took the opportunity to go sit on the beach at sunset and have a long Father-Son talk. We talked a little bit about everything--Life, Love, Responsibility, Hard work, and I tried to relay to him what it takes to be a real man...Its one of those moments in time that will stay--in his mind and mine----I told him no matter what anyone else does --always take the high road---There are tons of people on the low road--that live a horrible existence...The high road is less crowded and you will always be able to lay down at night and sleep with a clear conscience...and that is a very important part of living life to the fullest...

One of the Best days!

Well, Vacation was AWESOME---We had a blast---I have a lot to blog --but will start with the fishing---We got up at 4 am--got to the docks at 5 --and ht the Open Water...My nephew, Joshua, Oneal and I ---had a great day ---We caught lots of Snapper and Red Grouper. One of the biggest Grouper I had on the line I was fighting up a storm--I got him about 10 feet from the boat and all of the sudden I felt a HUGE pull--It yanked me to the edge of the boat---A shark had swam up and bit off half of my fish---What a rush---we fished and the boys loved it---I reeled in the biggest grouper--and Oneal reeled in the biggest snapper----Then we headed back--Filleted the fish and the The Fishermans Wharf fried the gouper and blackened the snapper---and the whole family ate til we were about to pop...what a great day---I asked Oneal what was his favorite part of the trip and he said the fishing----That meant a lot ot me...some things you do as Father and Son---you will remember a lifetime---I know I will.. and I made both the boys promise when they were fathers they would take their kids deep sea fishing---

Simple Pleasures...

I have always been big on enjoying simple things...Grilling a steak, laughing with a friend, talking with someone , and so on---But the older I get --the better these things get to me---It is amazing to me that people feel they have to fill up every second with an activity---I work hard and it is very hectic...but afterwards---I enjoy slowing the pace down a little...like this afternoon, I took my time and really cleaned up my truck...made it sparkle---no hurry, just me taking my time---Then we went and enjoyed a great meal at La Potasina, and laughed and relaxed---Thsoe are the things that I enjoy...And this vacation will be just as relaxing--probably more so---no running around like crazy--just my pace, and whatever comes to mind...My time is so dictated in other areas---Its nice to slow it down--and just breathe.....and be thankful...

Thankful but still motivated....

I have been fortunate enough to be around many grateful people...I think there is a very cool life balance...Be very thankful for what you have and stilll continue to work toward an even better life... The people that can do this seem to live life to the fullest...Some people are not happy with their place and they think the only thing that will make them happy is more stuff, or a different place or so on...There is a HUGE difference between thankful people with goals and somebody who just selfishly wants more....I believ a persons heart and intentions play a huge role in your success...

5 More Days...

I NEED A VACATION---Luckily--there is one around the corner--

Happy Mother's Day---Another one from Dad

I appreciate my late Mother for sure.

My Father didn't want children, but Mom talked him into it. I've always appreciated that about my Mother.
But....I don't have any brothers or sisters.
I guess after I came along my Mom never questioned my Dad's judgment anymore.
I was born at home because I wanted to be near my Mother.
(One old Boy said his Mother wasn't even home when he was born. There wasn't anyone there but him and his Aunt.)
I never had a tricycle as a child, but my Mom insisted that I get a bicycle. (My Dad told her that I would never learn how to ride it. She told that share cropper, "You're crazy". (I did learn to ride it-- even backwards)
I sent Mom a Thank You card when I was 40 years old thanking her for the bike
I have fond memories of my Mom. She petted me and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Now God, my Wife, Children, Son-in-law, Grandchildren, and many friends still pet me. I'm "10-8".
Yall have a blessed Mother's day.

Max Franks

Long Time. . .No type.

Well I have been extremely busy---and Havent blogged in a week---I almost feel guilty...

So here is the update...

My baseball team lost their second game---11-7..but they are getting better and better..I beleive in them--They ARE gonna do great...

Work is awesome---8 Projects going on right now---Very busy--I am very blessed...

The past weekend --I was all about the Boat races..

Once a year Pickwick hosts the Pickwick Challenge---http://www.offshoresuperseries.com/
and I am one of the sponsors...I love it.
It was incredible--Oneal and I went up and flew around over the race in a helicopter with no doors--I was hanging out with the video camera---I loved it--We met the racers and met a lot of really great people...We had a lot of fun all weekend---

Starting from the bottom...

Well, we had our first ballgame last night---and got beat up pretty bad---The one thing about coaching sports----You have to remain positive---Ive got great players and great families to work with this year---But this year---Im taking it a little harder---When you have to look at the faces of the kids that just lost a game---you see a lot of different things---they are hard on themselves---We as adults dont even have to say anything---the kids beat themselves up. Thats where the coach comes in---Ive got to make them believe in themselves and them as a team----Ive always been good at that--and we are gonna make some adjustments and come out swinging...Because thats just exactly what you do in life---make adjustments and swing for the fence---