Buzzy's Country Store

Cybil and Frank

2012-02-16T06:47:00.000-05:00

As a followup to my post on Frank Sinatra the other day, Bill Mitchell sent me this email:

Just finished my morning with Buzzy’s blog... Check out the lyrics to Frank’s rendition of “Winners”. When I was coaching Girls Basketball at Ryken, we used to sing along with Frank following every win. The Class of 2002 won 39 of 40 games over two years, really took the song to heart, and became quite vocal along the way.

"Winners" lyrics follow. (Thanks Bill.)
Here's to the winners, lift up the glasses
Here's to the glory still to be
Here's to the battle, whatever it's for
To ask the best of ourselves then give much more

Here's to the heroes, those who move mountains
Here's to the mountains they make us see
Here's to all brothers, here's to all people
Here's to the winners all of us can be.
Then last night Pam and I stumbled upon Cybil Shepherd in a Hallmark movie Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith. I usually try to avoid watching anything on Hallmark, but always had a thing for the Moonlighting lady, so we watched it. In keeping with Bill's girls basketball theme, here's the movie's climatic scene.

Sports Couples

2012-02-15T05:51:00.004-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day yesterday, the radio sports talk boys discussed famous sports couples. Mentioned were couples such as Joe Dimaggio and Marilyn Monroe, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors, Tony Parker and Eva Longoria, David Justice and Halle Berry (left) and the Beckhams.
They also mentioned Tawny Kitaen and some baseball player I don't recall named Chris Finley. However, I sure do remember Tawny and her connection with Whitesnake.

Neighbors - Good and Bad

2012-02-14T09:56:00.001-05:00

Walking around the neighborhood this morning two houses caught my eye. The first is across the street from me and is in need of some serious TLC. The other night at my birthday dinner with the kids, Brady told me that he had run into David McNeal who used to reside in this house years ago with his folks. David had been by, seen the house in its current run down state and couldn't believe that it looked the same as it did when he lived there 20 some years ago only with no subsequent maintenance.
The second house is a little ways up the street from me and belongs to Don and Darlene Degraves. As you can tell, they have some grand kids who enjoy celebrating whatever day is deemed special such as today's Valentine's Day. It always makes my walk a little brighter to see their place decorated like this. Too, it makes passing the across-the-street mess a little more tolerable in a yin yang kind of way.

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T06:33:00.000-05:00

Winnie today. Should have moved faster, Kevin.

Moonshine Pt. 2

2012-02-13T06:55:00.000-05:00

Following my post on Moonshiners, I received the following from Jack Wise:

Hey J. Scott,

Jack Wise here. The show is based in an area about 1 hours drive from where I now live in SW Virginia. There is still some of that going on where I now live; you can even find flavored moonshine. I've had some berry and apple flavored that was so smooth but could really kick you on your butt.

Speaking of apple moonshine, there is a legally distributed product named Junior Johnson's Apple Pie Moonshine (left) that I recently started stocking in Buzzy's Country Store. Per my buddy Greg Madjeski's suggestion, we're going to break one open here soon and do a little taste test to see how it compares to the real thing - not that we have any of the real thing around mind you but just for comparison purposes.

Kitchen Confidential

2012-02-12T08:37:00.000-05:00

Thought of Anthony Bourdain this morning, the morning of my 61st birthday. For the longest time, I carried around in my wallet a list that some literary critic had compiled of the funniest books ever written. I would consult the list when visiting the library and trying to find something fun to read.

That is how I came upon Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential which was on that list. (To read an excerpt from the book click here.) Since then I've always kept an eye out for whatever Bourdain has been up to including his T-V shows on the Food Channel.

On the flight home from Tahoe last month, I saw something on him in one of the airline magazines that read "I'm still here - on my third life... I feel like I've stolen a car - a really nice car - and I keep looking in the rear view mirror for flashing lights. Nothing yet."

Without going into too much incriminating detail about stealing a car, I do know how Bourdain feels about being at this stage of one's life and enjoying the ride. However, also like Bourdain, I do keep one eye on that rear view mirror.

The Real Day the Music Died

2012-02-12T06:46:00.002-05:00

I had taken a blog oath that nothing remotely related to or concerning this Bieber twit would ever grace these Buzzy pages. Let's just say that he's on the no fly blog list along with other wastes such as the Kardashians, Snookie, Regis and Ann Coulter.

So from the never say never files, and to show you how flexible I can be on occasions, here is something (left) sent to me from John Carbone. (I would have included a video from Justin but didn't want to spend the time looking for one.)

However, all of this does afford me the opportunity to show this photo of Frank checking out the scenery before one of his shows.

Lisa Helfert

2012-02-11T05:52:00.005-05:00

Photo by Lisa Helfert

Lisa Helfert is a photographer who works for Maryland Life magazine and took the photo's for the magazine's article on Buzzy's Country Store. To see some of her other photo's, here is the link to her website click here. If you go to her Portfolio and click on Editorial you'll see this great portrait of Brother Tommy who could have at least tried to have smiled for his closeup.

Moonshine

2012-02-10T05:51:00.002-05:00

Check out the show Moonshiners on Discovery. The other day in Buzzy's Country Store, the 4 O'clock Club was discussing moonshine and how prevalent it used to be here in the County. My contribution to the conversation involved something my Mom told me that occurred when Buzzy first purchased the Store in 1953.

Buzzy used to have folks pull up around back at night after he had closed the Store and he would load them up with sugar. When she asked Buzzy what was going on, he told her that she didn't need to know. My Mom says she then told him "Well, if I don't need to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it." Turns out that Buzzy was helping folks keep their sugar purchases out of the public eye because the large quantities of sugar were being purchased to make moonshine.

One of the stars of a previous Moonshiners' show was Popcorn Sutton who passed away last year. Watch this video on him below and then check out his R-rated interview with Johnny Knoxville @ click here.

You Know You're From St. Mary's County

2012-02-09T05:54:00.000-05:00

My buddy Steve Raley directed me to this "You Know You're From St. Mary's County" Facebook page click here. Has some great photo's from long ago but also some current items such as a recent party at Andy and David Dent's "Chief's Bar" in Tall Timbers. From another post on the site, by Daryl Williams, I copied this picture of the band Southridge at Pennies Bar. Featured is our very own First District rock n roller Jay Dameron. (Still waiting for a Montells reunion.)

Maryland Life Magazine Article on Buzzy's Country Store

2012-02-08T09:17:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Jason Tinney, the author of the article, here is the link to the Maryland Life Magazine feature on Buzzy's Country Store click here.

Saints be Praised

2012-02-08T06:36:00.000-05:00

Found this video of 42 St. Bernards in my internet ramblings. Sure seems like a very peaceful group of puppies, but after all, they are Saints right? Video's description reads: "Lasquite's Reg Saint Bernards is a Saint Bernard kennel located on Lasqueti Island, BC Canada..." They even have their own website click here.

GGGG US

2012-02-07T16:42:00.000-05:00

Took This on My Way To Lake Tahoe

The vanity plate, "GGGG US" that I mentioned in a previous post on Tennessee plates translated into "For Jesus." Hence, the reason that my cousin Father John was semi-embarrassed that he did not decipher it. The picture I took above in Tahoe shouldn't need any translating. Also, here is a website that ranks the top 100 vanity plates click here. Regarding Numbers 1 and 2 on the rankings, looks like Dr. Freud was correct in stating that it all boils down to sex and death.

Super Bowl Commercials - Last Word, Literally

2012-02-07T07:22:00.000-05:00

The Buzzy's Country Store consensus on the best Super Bowl ad was the Chevy truck one about their buddy Dave not surviving because he drove a Ford truck. Reminded me of the one liner I heard some time ago: "I'd like to be the last man on earth just to see if all of those women were really telling me the truth all of those years."

Guy's Store

2012-02-07T05:59:00.002-05:00

While in Guy Distributing yesterday, I noticed a picture of Buzzy's Country Store positioned above this one of Guy Brothers Store (above.) Guys' Store used to be in Clements but burnt down several years ago. Brenda Guy gave me this copy of her Grandparents' store showing Grandfather Claude Guy seated on the bench with the dog and her Grandmother Agnes standing to the left of picture. Her Dad, George Guy is shown in the background loading a case of beer - what else - in the Arrow Beer delivery truck. Turns out Arrow was a beer which used to be brewed in Baltimore. (I've mentioned previously Mr. Guy talking about growing up in his dad's store. For more info click here.) And thank you Brenda for the picture.

The Help

2012-02-06T06:01:00.001-05:00

Caught the movie The Help the other night. Enjoyed it and hope that some of the ladies are recognized come awards time. Sent me searching for this John Hiatt video that I'd seen several years ago. Video is a little more integrated and upbeat than the movie is, but still worth checking out. Album by the same name is Hiatt at his best if you want to check him out click here. (It also contains Tennessee Plates which I've mentioned before click here.)

Super Bowl

2012-02-05T07:26:00.000-05:00

Big Game today but you don't need me to tell you that. Last year I had folks pose wearing the hat of their team of choice to win the game. I'd do that again but there is nary a Patriots hat in the Buzzy collection. Thanks to my buddy Ron Runion however, there is a Giants hat on hand. That reason alone is enough to make me root for the G-Men today.

Winky and Warren

Cathy Wright

Brian and Justina Swann

Sheryl and Terri

Welcome to Maryland

2012-02-04T11:25:00.000-05:00

The Free State is not so free anymore.

Courtesy of my step-daughter Jennifer.

Left, Center, Right

2012-02-04T08:14:00.000-05:00

John Wayne Raley was commenting the other night in Buzzy's Country Store how much he missed playing pitch at the Store. (Pitch for those of you who don't recognize it, is a card game.) Back in the day, the pitch games would go on for literally hours.
As much as John Wayne misses the pitch games, I do not for one simple reason: an argument, and often times, a fight would ultimately break out as the alcohol and drugs took full effect and the card players lost track of who was doing what. Arguments over who had low, who did not follow suit, who threw game to the bidder etc. would escalate to a loud level and problems would follow.
Thus, I was very relieved that the dice game Left, Center, Right (LCR) came along and replaced pitch as the past time at Buzzy's. As stated in the description above, LCR's beauty is that "The players make no decisions of any kind." Perfect game for a Saturday night Buzzy crowd.

And the French Maid Too

2012-02-03T07:39:00.000-05:00

Welcome home, Joe. Word is that our buddy Joe Jackson is moving back to the County. Wonder what he did with all of those record royalties?

If the Backhoe Sees Its Shadow....?

2012-02-02T07:59:00.000-05:00

When Bill Mitchell forwarded this picture to me awhile ago, I thought I'd do something with it in conjunction with Groundhog Day. Unfortunately, maybe fortunately, I can't recall what it was I had in mind.

Just Call Me Navin McCartney

2012-02-02T07:16:00.000-05:00

Saw an item about Beatles' ties on my blog friend Toad's site (click here.) It made me cull through my ties to find the one and only Beatles' tie that I own. In another life I used to wear ties to work every day but whenever I wore this Beatles' By the Sea tie, I invariably received comments and compliments on it. (Little aside here. I only wear a tie now if attending a wedding or a funeral. The difference between a wedding and a funeral? "The stiff is upright at the one;" or "You can smell your own flowers at a wedding.")
On the topic of wedded bliss, my wife Pam did a nice job taking this picture of me sporting my Beatles tie, even if she did comment while doing so "You are such a jerk." Ah, true love.

February Birthdays

2012-02-01T06:22:00.001-05:00

February birthdays in the Buzzy family are as follows: Tommy Cullison on the 4th, my cousin Peaches Fallon on the 8th, Linda Lepper the 10th, Cheryl Krumpke the 14th, Cousin Lorraine Teefey the 17th, Chris McKay and my nephew JC Hofmeister on the 19th, Pat Stover the 20th, my Father-in-law Sol Aroesty on 21st, and my nephew Stephen Taylor on the 27th.
My big day slides in there with Abe on the 12th. Seems like only yesterday, but was actually a year ago on the 5th of February, that I thought I was hosting a Super Bowl party at the Store when much to my surprise, the Super Bowl party turned out to be a surprise 60th birthday party for me (click here for more info.) Now that I'm over 60, my plans are to celebrate the occasion very quietly.

Vultures, Bears and Squirrels

2012-01-31T06:06:00.000-05:00

Lake Tahoe Roadsign

Article in the Enterprise the other day by Jason Babcock talked about vultures staking out the Wildewood Shopping Center. (Assumption is that those Outback and Cheeseburger in Paradise dumpsters must have some good leftovers.) Reminded me of a Bear Aware program that I saw out in Lake Tahoe where the bears have descended from the mountains into the towns and are rummaging thru trash cans looking for food click here.

Thankfully, in Piney Point all we have to worry about critter-wise is a squirrel or two getting into our trash. Above video is someone's solution to that problem however.

Jay Ferguson Pt. 2

2012-01-30T08:07:00.000-05:00

St. George's Island From my Pier

Watching the closing credits on some T-V show recently, I saw "Music by Jay Ferguson." Sure enough this is the same Jay who was Spirit's singer (previous post.) He's doing well as a music composer for a number of projects (click here.) He even had a hit record:

Spirit(uality)

2012-01-29T09:24:00.001-05:00

Speaking of Father John, I am reminded of him telling me about the four types of spirituality and how he favored the Franciscan model click here and there is a link to the right that will let you find out what spirituality type you are.).
The band Spirit played at St. Mary's College in the early 70's and I think they may have visited Buzzy's Country Store earlier before their show. I say "think" because my source for this was Buzzy himself and he wasn't 100% sure. He said that there were some long haired dudes in the Store during the afternoon but there was also a bald headed guy with them. That would have been their drummer Ed Cassidy. Later in the evening, I attended the concert and heard Jay Ferguson, their lead singer, discuss how beautiful the area was and how they had been down to the Point earlier where the Bay and the River met and enjoyed seeing that. So it makes sense that they stopped in the Store too. Always liked this song.

Bruce, Father John and Roe v. Wade

2012-01-28T07:41:00.001-05:00

My cousin used to live in Williamsburg, Virginia adjacent to a huge building site being developed by the Hornsby Construction Company. When I asked if this was a relative of Bruce Hornsby, my cousin indicated that it was Bruce's father's company. Thus, anytime I hear a tune by "the other Bruce," I always think of my cousin Father John Ridgell who passed away in 2009 just three months before Buzzy did. Ten years older than me, John was like my big brother. Ironically, John's father Manny was several years older than Buzzy and he too was a mentor and advisor for Buzzy as John was for me. Here is my favorite Hornsby tune and video featuring several shots of Williamsburg and its environs such as William and Mary College. Lyric-wise there's an abortion theme that makes the song a little less upbeat than it seems and leads me to think that maybe I should have posted this on 22 January. But hey, walk on.

Mike Murphy

2012-01-27T06:38:00.000-05:00

Mentioning Murphy's Law the other day sent me to the Buzzy archives to find this Enterprise article on Buzzy's recycling efforts. Mike Murphy was one of Buzzy's good friends who came in the Store on a daily basis. Mike was a retired Navy pilot who had traveled, done a lot, had a good sense of humor and liked to knock back a drink or two. All of these qualities gained him entrance into Buzzy's inner circle.

(Press Cntrl + To Enlarge Article)

Say What?

2012-01-26T10:08:00.000-05:00

You're In Range

On my daily walks around the hood I've noticed this sign and its owner's car before. However, they have never been aligned properly for this particular photo opportunity which I finally got today.

Needless to say, I took the picture as quickly as I could and moved on.

Don't know what's scarier - the sign or the fact that its owner/poster is one of Maryland's finest.

Introducing - Boney Bad Boy Jefferson

2012-01-26T07:57:00.000-05:00

Remember the post about your porn star name being the name of your first pet and the street you currently live on? If not click here. Well now there's a way for you to find out what your blues name would be. I did it and turns out I'd be Boney Bad Boy Jefferson which got to admit I kind of like. (My one and only hit was "I'm a Crawlin' King Snake Ridge Boy.") To find out what your blues name would be click here since the graphic below is not the best click here.

Never Bring a Knife...

2012-01-26T07:20:00.000-05:00

Rule No. 6 in my previous post reminded me of this classic scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. The look on Harrison Ford's face before he pulls his gun is, how you say, "priceless."

Murphy's Law(s)

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Pat Birmingham, here are Murphy's Other 15 Laws. Got me wondering about who Murphy really was and the origins of his if-things-can-go-wrong law. Check this explanation out click here.

1. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

2. A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.

3. He, who laughs last, thinks slowest.

4. A day without sunshine is like, well, night.

5. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

6. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.

7. Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

8. The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.

9. It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end-to-end, someone from California would be stupid enough to try to pass them.

10. If the shoe fits, get another one just like it.

11. The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by those, who got there first.

12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

13. Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.

14. The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in the dark.

15. When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of twelve people, who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.

Tahoe Snow

2012-01-25T06:14:00.000-05:00

As stated in my previous post, Lake Tahoe is almost paradise. I say almost because there is one small exception and that involves a four letter word - snow. Unlike my buddy Greg Madjeski, who elected not to go with me to visit Joe at this time, primarily because there was no snow, I regarded no snow as a good thing. On the plane ride out I smiled as I read this WSJ article (click here) about there being no snow at the Colorado and Nevada ski resorts such that they had taken to employing Native American snow makers to perform snow dances and ceremonies to try and make it snow.

On Friday night in Tahoe, the annual Ullr's Fest (above) was being held to pay homage to Ullr the Norse God of Winter and to beseech him to make it snow. Don't know if it was coincidence or what, but it started snowing that night and continued over the weekend until over 40 inches of snow fell in a three day period. This Ullr must be a powerful dude. Maybe someone should have a festival to ask him to focus on making world peace a reality.
Being the snowaphobe that I am, I beat feet out of Tahoe Saturday midday when there was "only" 6 inches or so of snow on the roads. With another 12-18 inches being forecasted, I drove down to Reno where it was sunny and clear. Spent Saturday afternoon and Sunday checking out the Biggest Little City in the World. Bottom line though, Reno is nothing more than a K-Mart Las Vegas. Even with the piles of snow, Lake Tahoe has it all over Reno. Ullr willing, I'll go back to Tahoe someday. May slot it more to spring or fall when I do so however.

Lake Tahoe - Ponderosa Ranch

2012-01-24T07:26:00.000-05:00

Just returned from visiting with my buddy Joe Cullison out in Lake Tahoe and can see why he's lived there since 1977 as it is a beautiful place. The mountains, the lake, the Incline Village town he lives in, it's all like a little piece of paradise. The drive from Incline down to South Lake Tahoe is one of the most scenic and beautiful drives I've ever taken.

Joe told me how he ended up in Lake Tahoe in the 70's and worked at the Ponderosa Ranch. Yes, that Ponderosa Ranch. Joe had visited and liked Tahoe's Incline Village area so he decided to relocate there and work at the Ponderosa Ranch for its owner Bill Anderson. Joe told me an interesting story as to how Mr. Anderson had purchased a couple hundred acres and created the ranch in the 60's in response to hoards of tourists coming into Incline and wanting to know where it was click here. Mr. Anderson has since died and the ranch was sold and is no longer open click here. Per Joe's advice, I didn't even bother trying to find it. But here's a Bonanza-related joke for you: The Cartwright men did not have much luck with the ladies. Maybe that explains why Hop Sing was always running around so much.

Oh Baltimore, Ain't It Hard

2012-01-24T06:07:00.003-05:00

I had a great "Ravens Defeat Patriots" post planned for this past Monday morning. (Since I was traveling, I had even prepared it ahead of time and had it all set to go. I was that confident that the Ravens would win.) But man plans, and God laughs. So instead, check out this cover of Randy Newman's put down of Baltimore. Seems apropos following the Ravens' most unlucky turn of events in Sunday's game.

Rape, Murder - It's Just a Song Away

2012-01-23T05:33:00.008-05:00

Heard the Bobby Darin tune Mack the Knife on the radio the other day and as the DJ introduced it he asked "Does anyone know how Sukey Tawdry got in there?" I knew the song involved a murderous dude, but I'd never listened closely to all of its lyrics. Sure enough towards the end of the song several folks are mentioned including Sukey. Got me wondering about the song in general and Sukey in particular. Songfacts explained that Sukey was a street walker in the play The Threepenny Opera. I then found out about The Threepenny Opera where the song originated as a last minute appeasement to the play's star:

Its opening and closing lament, "The Ballad of Mackie Messer", was 
written just before the Berlin premiere, when actor Harald Paulsen 
(Macheath) threatened to quit if his character did not receive an 
introduction; this creative emergency resulted in what would become the 
work's most popular song...

You know the Bobby Darin version but check out how Marvin covered it.

"You Must Be a Very Proud Young Man"

2012-01-22T06:06:00.002-05:00

Speaking of Billy Idol, I've always liked him ever since I saw this Letterman interview with him back in 84. If you don't have time to watch the entire video, check in at the 5:20 mark for a funny exchange between Billy and Dave.

Love is the Drug

2012-01-21T06:11:00.003-05:00

Saw where Bryan Ferry (66) married his son's ex-girlfriend click here. Bet that's a fun family reunion. Billy Idol song came to mind:

Counting Crows - Wish What?

2012-01-20T06:01:00.001-05:00

Never really was sure what Adam Duritz was getting at lyric-wise in this tune but the video has enough sexy images to keep my attention throughout it.

(Don't) Let it Snow

2012-01-19T05:30:00.003-05:00

The Snow Truth

Even though we've had a very mild winter so far, you know the bad stuff is coming. This snow-related "A Southerner Moves Up North" has been around awhile but if you haven't yet seen it click here. WARNING: to you readers who have chastised me previously on including R-rated material here on the Buzzyblog, please skip this one. (That goes double for you, Mom!)

Memphis

2012-01-18T06:39:00.003-05:00

Heard Johnny Rivers doing Memphis the other day and it reminded me of something I read in Peter Guralnick's book (click here) about him and Elvis. There's some discussion/debate as to whether or not Johnny first heard Elvis doing the song and then rushed to record it before Elvis could do so. Pissed Elvis off and Johnny became persona non grata in the King's entourage afterwards click here for the rest of the story.
With that in mind, it's only a little ironic that this Johnny Rivers' Memphis video features several shots of Graceland and Elvis. (Lost of course in all of this white boys whining clap trap is the fact that the song was Chuck's to begin with. But that's another story.)

"Newer" New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-17T05:32:00.000-05:00

Bill Mitchell sent me the following take on New Year's resolutions.

Thanks Bill. Also, check out the following which remains the best resolution-related advice I've encountered. It's from my blog friend Toad who does a daily blog and always has something interesting to say. To checkout his now classic New Year's resolution NMP click here.

Did Baby Get Her Buzz On At Buzzy's?

2012-01-16T05:52:00.000-05:00

The following video reminded of Buzzy once having bumper stickers made up saying "I Got Buzzed at Buzzy's." I may or may not bring those back.

49ers Fan(s)

2012-01-16T05:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday night at Buzzy's Country Store several of us watched the 49ers upset the Saints. (The Saints AND Tebow losing Saturday night? Maybe 2012 really is our last year here.) Found out that Cousin Clyde Ridgell is a dedicated 49ers' fan. Clyde even had on the Ridge boy version of a 49ers' jersey to prove it:

Clyde Profiles His 49ers' Jersey as J.W. Applauds Him

BAD Birthday

2012-01-15T07:25:00.000-05:00

Right nice of the Feds to recognize Barbara Ann Demko's birthday by making it a holiday. Stop by Buzzy's to help her celebrate it.

Joe Serendipity

2012-01-15T06:02:00.001-05:00

Connie Lynch has been trying to sell her Dameron home for several months. She mentioned in Buzzy's Country Store last night that a friend has advised her to bury a statue of St. Joseph in her yard.
I've previously discussed this means to sell one's house click here but checked it out a little more to find that there are now websites dedicated to that sort of thing. Sample product at left is from the following www.discountcatholicproducts.com

Being the eternal optimist/fatalist that I am, I see all of this Joe stuff as a very good sign. On Wednesday of this coming week I'm heading to Lake Tahoe to check in with my buddy Joe Cullison. And of more immediate concern, today we need to ensure that our boy Joe Flacco steps it up in the Ravens-Texans game. (After last night's Brady butt whipping maybe someone should have buried a St. Joe statue in Tim Tebow's yard! Then again, Tebow may not go in for all that superstitious religious mumbo jumbo would he?)

"While the Pittsburgh Steelers Go Straight to Hell"

2012-01-14T05:58:00.002-05:00

Never cared much for Conan O'Brien but thought that this was a good take on last Sunday's Tebowing. Here's hoping he sends Tom Brady and the Patriots there too.

Bushmills Pt. 2 / Caitlin Come Back

2012-01-13T05:39:00.001-05:00

This photo reminded me of a post on Bushmills Whiskey that I did a couple of months ago click here. In that post, I referenced a very good blogsite Smile Like You Mean It that focuses on marketing and branding issues. The blog's author discussed how she had recently attended a Bushmills' PR event click here.

However, when I just re-checked her blogsite, I now see that her 12 October 11 Bushmills' post was the last one that she did and that there are no subsequent entries. Being paranoid, I sure hope that her appearance on the Buzzyblog was not a factor in her ceasing to blog. Hey Caitlin, where ever you are, come back to the blogsphere! Even Hootie says so.

Carlin

2012-01-12T05:57:00.002-05:00

Miss George Carlin. (Those tombstone props in the background here may not have been the best idea though.) "Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don't have time for all that."

Bungee Bridge

2012-01-11T05:28:00.018-05:00

Buzzy at Victoria Falls

Bungee Jumper off Zambia Bridge

When I saw the video (below) about the young lady's bungee cord breaking, I immediately recognized the location. Buzzy and I visited there in 1999 when we toured Victoria Falls as part of our trip to South Africa click here. The falls are situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia. After doing a walking tour of the falls on the Zimbabwe side, our tour guide told us we could either return to the hotel directly or we could cross the border into Zambia where we would have our passports stamped and then cross back into Zimbabwe. Buzzy and I took the Zambia detour and came upon the bungee jumping operation off of the Zambia Bridge that connects the two countries. (If you look closely at my picture above, you'll see a bungee jumper dangling in the middle of the shot.) As we got closer and watched the folks preparing to and actually making the jump Buzzy commented "Looks like a rag tag operation to me. You'd never get me to trust those boys to strap me in that thing and jump." I agreed completely and said "Hell, I wouldn't do it even if it looked like they had their act together."

Up on the Roof

2012-01-10T06:37:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Duncan Lepper and his crew, Buzzy's Country Store is getting a new roof. The last time the roof was shingled was back in 1983 after a fire destroyed part of the Store. (I tell people that all great buildings have had a fire in their history and Buzzy's is no exception.)
Picture above shows some of the 1983 effort with Dan Adams, Mark Petit and we think that's Pat Guy's rear end but aren't sure. At left is documentation that even Buzzy participated in working on the roof.
Here is a photo of the current effort with Duncan, Wayne Wiley, Teeney Boy Hall, Dylan Wiley, Jeremy Everly, Kevin Adkins and Robert working on the roof .
This isn't Duncan's first time working on the roof either. In 83, the day after the fire, Duncan was one of the first responders on the job to patch the roof enough so that Buzzy could remain open for business.

Hey Joe

2012-01-09T05:50:00.002-05:00

Kate Newbold, Pam and Joe Cocker

Teresa Newbold (birthday lady from previous post) brought me this picture of her daughter Kate visiting Pam and Joe Cocker at their Mad Dog Ranch in Colorado. Teresa's sister is a caretaker at the Mad Dog Ranch and lives there with her husband. Kate visited them last summer for a couple of weeks and got to meet the ranch owners. To see a website with a description of the ranch click here. Here's a nice black and white video with Joe singing a great John Hiatt tune:

Ben Done

2012-01-08T21:22:00.000-05:00

Enjoy the off season Ben. Only regret is that you avoided having the Ravens whip you three times this year.

You Say It's Your Birthday, Well It's.....

2012-01-08T07:22:00.001-05:00

Chief Larry took some photo's of our two birthday ladies who celebrated Friday night at Buzzy's Country Store. Sue Norris (left) even wore a tiara for the occasion.

When Teresa Newbold (below) called earlier in the day to say she wanted to drop in to celebrate her birthday, I told her that a party had already been planned for her. She couldn't believe it until I told her that it was actually in Sue's honor but she too was welcomed to join in. (Carol Norris' birthday was Friday also but she had to work Saturday and couldn't make it.)
Happy Birthday to our Norris and Newbold ladies!

NWS

2012-01-07T07:40:00.000-05:00

I see the forecast for today is a good one and know that that means I'll have some folks out and about and dropping in the Store. There's a direct correlation with visitors and weather that I call the Nice Weather Syndrome - if it's nice out, people will be out. Bad weather, they're not out. Here's Sting's weather song with a little "twist" in the middle of it:

"Sometimes a Good Bop in the Nose Will Straighten a Guy Out"

2012-01-07T06:03:00.008-05:00

Caught the George Clooney movie Descendants. The fact that it was filmed in Hawaii alone makes it worth seeing. Usually I don't care much for kid actors but the 2 young ladies and their sidekick in this film were excellent. (Here is a movie trailer but for the funniest scene check in at the 3:05 mark in this video:)

January Birthdays

2012-01-06T05:57:00.004-05:00

Chop Chop, Buzzy and Sue Boo (How's That for a Trio of Nicknames?)

Some important Buzzy birthdays this month include Carol and Sue Norris on 6 January; Barbara Demko on the 16th; and Polock on the 19th. My Daughter-in-law Molly celebrates her's on the 23rd. As for Sue's big day this Friday, all she wants to do is party at Buzzy's and then go dancing.

Welcome Back Carter (Kay That Is)

2012-01-05T05:44:00.000-05:00

It didn't take Kay any time to be back in business as today she re-opens Spinnakers Restaurant at Point Lookout Marina. Can't remember the last time that the three Tick Neck restaurants, Courtney's, Scheibles and Spinnakers were all open for business in January. Let's try to support them as much as we can. To check out Pt. Lookout Marina's website click here. It includes this nice sky view picture of the Marina nestled in Smith Creek.

Annie Get Your Gun

2012-01-04T05:27:00.001-05:00

In addition to the article on Buzzy's Country Store, the December issue of Maryland Life Magazine has an article discussing Annie Oakley having lived in Cambridge, Maryland. (For more info click here.) This past Monday, Pam and I visited the Smithsonian's Art Museum's special exhibit The Great American Hall of Wonders. I had to smile when I saw this photo on display.

The exhibit had a little bit of everything in it ranging from photo's and paintings to Edison's light bulb and yes even Annie Oakley's gun. To see more on the exhibit click The Great American Hall of Wonders.

P.S. I've finally secured a stash of the Maryland Life magazines, so if you'd like a copy, just let me know.

Table vs.T-V

2012-01-03T05:22:00.000-05:00

When he owned Raley's Furniture, Mike Raley used to talk about there being three tiers of furniture - good, better and best. These tiers of course correlated directly with price i.e. cheap, not so cheap and expensive. I thought of Mike's gradations when I read this take on buying furniture, in this case a dining room table vs. a large screen T-V click here to read entire post. It also reminded me of the Rodney Dangerfield joke "My wife wanted a new fur coat. I wanted a new car. We compromised and bought a fur coat and keep it in the garage."

Oh Deer

2012-01-02T05:50:00.001-05:00

Couple dudes from Annapolis rolled into Buzzy's Country Store last night after just hitting a deer in their Volvo. It messed their car up pretty good and their radiator was leaking too much for them to continue driving very far. They had been trying to get to the State Park to camp out in their tent but were obviously now in Plan B mode. I called down to Courtney's and Julie said that they could camp down there until their wives were able to come pick them up and have their car towed. Karen White and Kim McKay did the Good Samaritan thing and helped them get enough water in the car's radiator and then escorted them down to Courtney's.
Regarding deer, I've previously discussed what a nuisance they are click here. But here's a You Tube deer story that I recall having a cassette tape of courtesy of Bobby Wright years ago. Little raunchy, as you can see on the freeze frame, but still very funny.

Football Today - Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T05:43:00.006-05:00

Why You Should Always Keep the Season Tickets in Your Name

When Brady and I were in Cincinnati back in August (click here,) we discussed possibly returning there for the Ravens-Bengals football game today. Time does fly but the prospect of spending 3-4 hours out in the cold in Ohio this time of year did not make me want to pull the trigger on this. Speaking of Cincinnati, have you ever wondered whatever became of the WKRP folks?

It's Midnight Somewhere - New Year's Eve at Buzzy's

2011-12-31T06:02:00.001-05:00

If you don't care to stay up til midnight but would still like to celebrate New Year's Eve, join us at Buzzy's Country Store this evening. We'll have some food, a little champagne and our dropping of the10 ounce on the hour starting at 5 p.m.

Will have you out of there early enough to be home resting at a reasonable hour and you can greet 2012 first thing tomorrow morning.

If you do feel compelled to party later into the evening, Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad has a good deal for you at the KoC Hall starting at 9 o'clock. For details click here, (If I were to go, it'd be a full circle event for me because I can remember celebrating many midnights at the KoC Hall back in the day. Only difference is that this time I'd be inside the building and not out in their parking lot partying!)

You Drink - You Stay at Buzzy's

2011-12-30T06:20:00.000-05:00

It's still ok to stay awhile at Buzzy's Country Store:

Queen NIMBY

2011-12-29T09:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's Enterprise featured a front page story by Jason Babcock click here on a fight with the County over a public pier. Although the County awarded the lady $8,000 she refuses to take it. In addition to the $8K of taxpayer dollars, wonder how much time and labor the County is having to expend to arbitrate all of this. For some reason, this song comes to mind:

Here Come the Suns

2011-12-29T06:02:00.003-05:00

My Favorite Sun Decorated by Daughter-in-Law Molly

Only a little late here but in recognition of last week's Winter Solstice I wanted to do something on my sun collection some of which are shown above. I started picking up a souvenir sun years ago whenever I would visit a country with Buzzy, who could never understand it. "Remember, you have to tote that all the way home" he'd tell me as I'd select a new one to buy. His words of caution would stay with me as I wrapped, packed and unpacked the new sun at places along our tour. (I learned to hold off buying one until we were near the end of the tour.)

Saw a quote somewhere about positive people being those who carry their own sunshine with them regardless of the weather. Guess you can say I take that literally!

Cecil's Country Store

2011-12-28T06:01:00.002-05:00

Speaking of Mary Lou Troutman, she has her very own section on Cecil's Country Store's website click here. Included are samples of her work. (Although they did not feature Buzzy's "Thirsty Thursday" as a sample of Mary Lou's work, Cecil's does have copies of it for sale.)

The Truth According to Bill Murray

2011-12-27T05:51:00.002-05:00

Watched Ghostbusters II last night. Hard to believe that it was released in 1989. Ghostbusters III is supposedly in the works but maybe without Bill Murray click here. If so, it won't be the same without him.

Mary Lou Troutman Picture of Frank Dean Crabbing

2011-12-26T06:00:00.003-05:00

What's My Line

Bobby Cook was in Buzzy's Country Store on Christmas Eve discussing his Christmas present for his wife Laura. Turns out it is a framed Mary Lou Troutman picture of Laura's father Frank crabbing. I'd seen the picture before when looking through Mary Lou's website click here but never knew that it was Frank. Now that Bobby has told me that it is Frank, can't believe I didn't see it before. Looks just like him. Good work Mary Lou! Nice gift Bobby!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:04:00.009-05:00

Christmas 2007. Right to left, my sister Donna Jean, Buzzy Claus and yours truly. (Never knew I was so cherub. Must have been that Santa hat!)

Maura Sullivan Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T06:12:00.000-05:00

From the I-knew-her-when file, this Maura Sullivan song always runs thru my juke box on Christmas Eve. Maura's even got a website setup for the song click here.

Christmas Eve at Buzzy's

2011-12-23T07:28:00.000-05:00

Hey Santa, Sober Up Some, You Got Work to Do

Couple folks are discussing celebrating Christmas Eve at Buzzy's. Sounds like a good idea since it's Saturday night and this is the most wonderful time of the year - right? Like all Buzzy events, this one will be a little fluid regarding arrangements and details but if you can make it, we will have some fun. I'll whip up some egg nog using the David Norris recipe which is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and make your sleigh bells ring. So regardless if you've got all your presents wrapped or decorations done, swing by Buzzy's Country Store for some holiday cheer.

I Got a River But Don't Want to Skate Away on It Just Yet

2011-12-23T06:00:00.003-05:00

Joni Mitchell tune done by Kenny Lattimore and Peter White. Just maybe the saddest Christmas song of them all, but with some pretty pictures in this video:

When Tossing One's Tallit

2011-12-22T05:44:00.009-05:00

Buzzy Placing Petition in Wall

My previous post led me to a video (below) that discusses the wearing of a tallit. The video appears to have been filmed at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem and reminded me of having visited it with Buzzy in 95. (For more info on the Wall click here.)
The video provides instructions on how to wear the tallit including the cautionary "When swinging it over your shoulder be careful not to smack anyone behind you." As you can see in the photo of Buzzy above, they gave us tourists little cardboard yamaka's to wear but no tallises. Maybe they didn't trust us not to smack someone with it.

It Was Only the Wind in the Trees

2011-12-21T05:53:00.099-05:00

In honor of the first day of Chanuka, here is a nice poem written by Edward Hirsch. Aside from making me wonder why they can't figure out how to spell Chanuka (click here,) like all good poems, this one made me stop and think deep thoughts. My conclusion is perhaps I do spend too much time thinking about, talking about, watching and listening to sports-related activities. As soon as this year's football season is over, I'm going to do something about that. (When reading this, if you trip on the word tallis, like I did, it's a shawl worn when praying.)

Sometimes I think I have lived
My whole life like that old janitor
Who locked up after the rabbi
And patrolled the synagogue at night.

He never learned the Hebrew prayers,
Which he hummed under his breath
As he folded the soiled tallises
And stacked the skullcaps into piles.

He opened the Holy Ark by hand
And dusted off the sacred scrolls,
O Lord, which he never opened,
And cut the light behind the organ.

He ignored the Eternal Lamp
(Woe to the worker who unplugged it!),
As he vacuumed the House of Prayer
Muddied by the congregation.

Not for him the heavenly choir music
Or the bearded sermon handed down
From the lectern, though stars squinted
Through the stained-glass windows.

Every now and then he’d sigh
And stare up at the domed ceiling
As if he had heard something auspicious,
But it was only the wind in the trees.

He picked a prayer book off the floor
And carried it down to the basement,
Where he chewed on a sandwich
And listened to a ballgame on the radio.

Apologies to the King

2011-12-20T08:52:00.000-05:00

Someone asked me about my criticism of Elvis' version of White Christmas (previous post) saying that I'd committed two offenses, one against Christmas and one against Elvis. As Tony Soprano would say "It wasn't anything personal." I really do like ole Elvis.

First Lights - 1978

2011-12-20T05:57:00.007-05:00

Daughter Ryan reacts to my plugging in the Christmas tree lights. May all your Christmas days and nights be seen through the eyes of a child.

Elvis and White Christmas

2011-12-19T06:00:00.005-05:00

Never knew about this controversy. Seems Elvis' version of White Christmas, when released in 1957, was considered "obscene," "vulgar," "nauseating," "poor taste" etc. and was banned on some radio stations including one in Oregon. Turns out that the Oregon case was a clever publicity stunt which worked very well. (Sort of like this whole Lindsey Lohan leaked cover of Playboy b.s. which has "forced" Playboy to release the issue early - yeah, right.) For details and background on the Elvis story click here. Here's an excerpt:

In December 1957, Disc Jockey Al Priddy of KEX in Portland, Oregon is fired for violating the radio station's ban against playing Elvis Presley's rendition of "White Christmas" (Elvis' first Christmas album is the target of many boycotts and bans due to the fact that Elvis doesn't really reflect, "Christian values").

(Personally, I never cared for the song regardless who sang it. Elvis' version doesn't sound any worse to me than any other version of it.)

Grave Matters

2011-12-19T05:42:00.000-05:00

For Some Nice Background Info on Wreaths at Arlington click here

I helped my Mom place wreaths and flowers on the grave sites of our relatives at rest in St. Michael's Cemetery. Not my favorite thing to do, but Mom doesn't seem to mind doing it, so I accompanied her one day last week.
My brother Steve's grave site was a little messy as it was slightly sunken in and needs some top soil. Also, his tombstone is still not installed. It upset my Mom a bit and made an already sad visit even a little sadder.
Hope any other Christmas-related chores on my horizon are more uplifting.

When Pigs .....

2011-12-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

Rocky Hammett wins the prize for best Christmas decoration this year with his 3 winged pink pigs stationed in front of 2 palm trees. If you want to see this "creation," Rocky's home is the first one on the left after the Valley Lee Firehouse as you make your way down Rt. 249.

Christmas Lights - Trading Post Style

2011-12-18T05:50:00.003-05:00

Bubby Knott's farm on Flat Iron Road is the Super Bowl of Christmas decorations (video below.) However, his Trading Post building in Great Mills with this illuminated dump truck is pretty good too.

My Hero

2011-12-17T07:28:00.000-05:00

The headline caught my eye and led me to this video "Senior Citizens Flash Mob Target." Aside from the fact that their song of choice is the same one that's in my previous post, the old guy here is too much. Watch how he ambles in, checks out what's going on and gets with the program. Hope I can be like him when I grow up.

Last Christmas

2011-12-17T05:57:00.001-05:00

Re: favorite Christmas songs, this George Michael tune is near the top of my list. But then again there's something about the way this young lady covers it that I like.

Duncan Gets His Wings

2011-12-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

I knew something was "up" when Duncan Lepper was not drinking at the Buzzy Christmas Party last Saturday night. Duncan informed me that he was scheduled to fly solo the next morning as part of his flight training to obtain his pilot's license. Last night in the Store, Duncan told me that he had succeeded in his solo efforts and had been awarded his wings.
To commemorate the occasion, we toasted Duncan and I grabbed this photo of him wearing a sign that someone had given Buzzy years ago. Herbie McKay enjoys the joke. Congratulations Duncan!

Christmas Cards

2011-12-16T06:12:00.001-05:00

When it comes to Christmas cards, I always favor the ones with a picture on them. (Click here for WSJ article on the popularity of photo cards.) Hence, I liked my Cousin Lorraine's card with a photo of her and husband Teefey on it. Teefey turned 80 earlier this month and by doing so established a new goal for me: to appear on a Christmas card when I turn 80!

My favorite Teefey story is the one where you ask him how's he doing. Teefey will tell you, "Pretty good. Every day I get up, start the coffee, go out and get the newspaper. I check the obituaries first to see if my picture is in there. If it's not, then I have my coffee."

Happy (Belated) Birthday and Merry Christmas to Lorraine and Teefey!

Ventures

2011-12-15T05:45:00.001-05:00

I have a vinyl copy of this Ventures Christmas album somewhere. I've mentioned before (click here) having seen them perform at the Birchmere a couple years back. For those of you younger, the theme song from Hawaii Five O is a Ventures tune.

Hillary and Flacco

2011-12-14T09:19:00.000-05:00

Bobby Wright sent me this "Real Situation Room" picture (above) which is a photo shopped version of the powers that be watching the Bin Laden take down. Hillary looks kind of hot as Wonder Woman or whomever she's supposed to be here. It reminded me of something my son Brady told me recently.

He had just purchased a Joe Flacco Fathead and had it plastered on Shea's man cave garage wall. Since Flacco is 6' 5" it's a pretty impressive sight on the wall. Brady then told of doing some renovation work for "This 60 year old bachelor who had a Fathead of Hillary Clinton on his bedroom wall. We finished that job as quickly as we could and got the hell out of there." (In case you're not familiar with the Fathead phenomena, it's a company that creates and sells life size cut out posters of sports stars, celebrities etc. (click here for their website.) Did make me think about what my Fathead wall hanging should be, but my wife Pam won't go for it.

Nasca (Not NASCAR)

2011-12-14T06:09:00.001-05:00

When Buzzy and I visited Peru to see Machu Picchu, our tour package offered a three day advance tour for approximately $700 that included seeing either the Galápagos Islands or a flight over the Nasca lines. Having taken a couple courses on Darwin and read about his work in the Galápagos Islands, I thought it might be worthwhile to take the advance tour. I asked Buzzy what he thought about going to the Islands. He asked me "What's there to see there?" I told him "Birds and turtles." To which he said "For $700, you got to be kidding." Hence we didn't go. I may have had better luck trying to talk him into seeing these Nasca lines out in the desert click here.

Maggie's First Visit to Buzzy's Country Store.

2011-12-13T07:58:00.000-05:00

Kenny Wiegman and his wife Jenny were home for Thanksgiving staying with Kenny's folks J.C. and Carol. Kenny phoned me one day and said he wanted to bring his daughter Maggie down for her first visit to a real country store. (They live in the Chicago area and don't get to see too many old time stores like Buzzy's Country Store.)
After some to and fro with Maggie, she finally agreed to pose and I was able to grab this shot of her and Mom and Dad's visit to Buzzy's.

Christmas Party

2011-12-13T06:46:00.001-05:00

From Rick's Facebook Page

I was hoping to upload some pictures from the Buzzy Christmas Party but haven't had a chance to do so. But the party was great fun and my thanks to all who brought such an assortment of food and good things to eat. (A first timer to the party said she couldn't believe how much good food was on hand at Buzzy's and that it made her office party meal look sad by comparison.) Special thanks to our Chefs Jimmy Cullison and my son Brady for preparing the oysters for us. Also, my thanks to Rick Loheed for coming down and playing some music for us. I wasn't sure how it would go with all the commotion and tight quarters at the Buzzy party. However, Rick did a great job and everyone enjoyed the tunes. (Here's a photo of Rick playing at Buzzy's that I nicked off of his Facebook page click here.

Tebow Christmas Cards -

2011-12-12T07:51:00.001-05:00

I'm pretty sure this is not a joke but it looks like Tebow Christmas cards are available from ebay click here.
The joke I did hear on one of the sports talk shows is that Tebow is trying to have the minimum age which someone can run for President lowered from 35 so he can join the field of Republicans. He'd probably win that too! (Here is some more info on Presidential age requirements click here.)

Beer Commercials Will Ferrell Style

2011-12-12T07:18:00.000-05:00

Talking about beer commercials (previous post,) here's Will Ferrell doing ads for Old Milwaukee Beer click here.

And speaking of Will, here's a scene from his Christmas movie Elf. I've shown it before but it's just as good the second time around:

Best Commercials

2011-12-11T08:20:00.001-05:00

This link is a ranking of the 10 best commercials of 2011 click here. It's a good list but I'm a little disappointed that neither of these two beer commercials made the list:

Good Directions, Bad Country Store Picture

2011-12-10T08:15:00.000-05:00

Check out the line in this song (53 mark) about a little country store with an old Coke sign. Although the video's "country store" looks to be an old, abandoned gas station with a Coke sign photo shopped in, you get the point.

Buzzy's Christmas Party

2011-12-10T06:30:00.001-05:00

Full moon + lots of good things to eat including a couple bushels of oysters + plenty to drink = all the ingredients for a good party tonite at Buzzy's Christmas Party. (Plus it's someone's 60th birthday; but the King Demon will never grow old.)

Army-Navy Game Today

2011-12-10T05:55:00.002-05:00

As the lady at the end of this video says "It's not just about the football." To read more on this video click here.

Reagan Master's Degree

2011-12-09T13:52:00.001-05:00

Reagan and Her Aunt Donna Jean

Congratulations to my daughter Reagan for completing all of her Master's Degree requirements! Reagan now has a Master's Degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland. With my daughter Ryan having obtained her Master's in Sports Medicine from the University of Hawaii last year, this now means that both my girls are Master's while my sons Brady and Shea continue to work on their advanced degrees from UHK (class ring below.)

(When looking for a Master's Degree pic, I found the following site that lists the 25 Photo's Everyone Should Know click here.) Of course I think they omitted the following one from their list. (That or their list should be expanded to include 26 Photo's Everyone Should Know!)

Sexy Signs?

2011-12-09T07:07:00.000-05:00

Brian Barnhill sent me this 1919 Temperance Ladies picture (above left) awhile back and I was saving it to pass along. When Pat Birmingham forwarded me the same photo the other day with the note "I think this could be a marketing tool for Buzzy's to increase sales" I figured it was time. Don't you think it makes a good partner with the "Ugly" beer sign? Wonder what the temperance ladies/feminists would say about this one?

Matching Sets

2011-12-08T06:58:00.000-05:00

Linda Lepper sent me an email telling me that she found the Maryland Life Magazine containing the Buzzy article in WalMart. She said she has a copy of another article on Buzzy's that appeared in Southern Living several years ago and she had Buzzy sign that one. She now wants me to sign the one in Maryland Life so she will have a matching set. Of course I'll be glad to do so. (Funny note - I've been looking for the magazine in all of the local grocery and drug stores with no luck. You might know, WalMart's got the magazine that is carrying an article on a little country store! Cracks me up.)
But Linda's request reminded me that Billy Fitzgerald has a matching set of signed Buzzy Country Store pictures. He brought them down the night of Mike Raley's birthday party and my daughter Reagan took his picture posing with them.


Buzzy Inscription in Lower left Corner of Mary Lou Picture Above

My inscription on the smaller picture went something along the lines "To Brother Billy, Someone who reminds me of Buzzy."

Surf's Up

2011-12-08T05:54:00.000-05:00

I talked to my daughter Ryan in Hawaii the other day to see if the Eddie (click here for more info) was on. She informed that the hold period had commenced on 1 December and that they are now waiting to see if the 20+ foot waves roll in to allow the competition to take place. However, she informed me that another big surfing event, the Pipeline Masters, was scheduled to begin today. (This year's event is in memory of Andy Irons whom I've mentioned previously click here.) You can catch a live feed of the event click here.
In case you didn't catch this video though, here's surfer Garrett McNamara on a 90 foot wave. However, I didn't see Garrett's name on the list of surfers competing in the Pipeline Masters. Wonder if these "little" waves aren't just too boring for him.