Tuesday, Oct. 23rd: Arrived on Sunday and moved into the 'Nut House' later that evening. Cathy's mom is visiting for awhile so Talkin' Jim's parents graciously offered their place for my stay.

• Guess it'll do: The 'Nut House' (very appropriately named by the way) is located a wedge shot from the beach and is equipped with flat screen HD TV and high speed Internet. What more can a wandering cadero ask for?

Thought I was kidding didn't you?

My abode. Hope that sign isn't a harbinger of the future.

• On its way: Finally had the opportunity to send in in my camera for repairs. It was so bad, I couldn't even set the date. Hope the fix isn't worth it as a new device would be nice.

•  What are the odds?  Just before I departed Chattanooga, a stop at the local quickie mart for a Power Ball ticket was in order. Given the infinite possibilities of selection, I figured a quick-pick is just as good as any but upon reflection, maybe not. 9,10,11,12,16 and 13 for the Power Ball number has as much chance as that snowball in Hades! What's worse, it was for five consecutive draws.

Thursday, Oct. 25th: We took in the first half of a local high school varsity soccer match last evening. The number one state ranked First Flight Knighthawks (11-0 in the conference) battled the Edenton Aces in the final game of the season.

Where da ball?

• On the move: Jill McGill and her husband are two of the refugees impacted by the Californian conflagration. Read about it here.

• Men at work: Helped Cathy and Foster with a home improvement project a couple days ago and used a few muscles that have been dormant for some time. The plants were already in but base liner and gravel wasn't.

Job well done.

• Teeing it up: Cathy heads for the Wilmington NC area today for her eighth annual charity golf event which will be held mañana. I was offered to fill a spot but, after a stint on the range the other day, decided to take a pass. Ugly does not come close to describing my performance.

Former looper, Donald Sneeden (Lincoln Development Co.), will be participating and happens to be a 'Platinum Philanthropist'. Cathy promises to take a pic or two of him in action.

• Room with a view: I thought Rick and me I had a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge on our trip to San Francisco but it doesn't compare to this. Check this out.

Saturday, Oct. 27th: More much needed rain fell upon the Southern Shores which may have put the tomatoes I've been watering gulping for air. May have killed them with kindness.

• Walk about: Yesterday was a bit gloomy as showers rolled in and out, but I managed a stroll down the beach and sneak out onto the private Hilton pier.

A bit shorter since the last hurricane.

Port side view.

It's been very dry here till recently but didn't stop this persistent vegetation from burrowing through the asphalt.

Garden variety cannabis?

• Washout! Cathy's tournament was rained out and rescheduled for November 13th. but she did get to visit friends and relatives.

Monday Oct. 29th: The ODU College Invitational is being held at Seascape Golf Course today and tomorrow and, as luck would have it, the fifteenth fairway happens to border Cathy and Foster's backyard. Just before noon, we took a stroll towards the clubhouse for lunch and eyed the action. One of Cathy's favorite pastimes is hawking balls out of the cabbage that adjoins the nearby holes with the goal of getting one from every team.

• I called it: Remember when I was attacked by that cactus at A. J.'s place and posted the picture asking "Is an infection far behind?" Well, my astute query was substantiated the other day as one remaining needle worked its way to the surface amidst a growing pustule. I extricated the little bugger without ado and now seems to be healing expeditiously.

Happy Halloween! Trick or treating was on tap for the kids come nightfall but foremost, an essential part of the celebration must be attended to. Carving a pumpkin.

It's Scooby Doo!

• Finally caught up: The pics of the Arkansas Games are finally up. Sorry it took so long but Monica, my intern, has been on a prolonged vacation. Click here or the link on the home page.

Thursday, Nov. 1st: Received a call from Sam's Club stating my camera has been mended and on its way back. Wonder if that email I sent them regarding the slow turnaround on repairs had something to do with it? They're even going to follow-up to ensure my satisfaction. I guess the squeaky wheel does get greased once in awhile.

• Mouse in the house: I'll be buying a few mouse traps today. While surfing the net this morning, one ran out from under a chair heading directly for me but a startled response on my part had it doing an about-face.

Friday, Nov. 2nd: A nor'easter is wrecking havoc on the shoreline and impacted my dwelling. A pole supporting a home weather transmitter collapsed along with a couple window shutter supports.

• Good as new: My camera has returned and working perfectly. The mode selection dial and MCU were repaired.

• I love this bar
  It's my kind of place
  Just walkin' through the front door
  Puts a big smile on my face
  It ain't too far, come as you are
  Hmm, hmm, hmm I love this bar: I think Toby Keith would feel right at home at The Black Pelican just as Foster and I were this afternoon. A few Miller Lites accompanied by a basket of 'shell your own' peanuts hit the spot.