40

Over a year since a post. Apologies. Won't happen again.

The same crew that went to Jackson Hole last year treated me to a 40th birthday week in Aspen, CO. A huge week of perfect skiing, fine foods, local brews (we are at Aspen Brewing Co in this picture), bluegrass music and Rocky Mountain air.

We stayed at The Sky Hotel, a nuevo, chic lodge at the bottom of Ajax Mountain. Fantastic place, great food & service, views of the mountain, ski-in/ski-out. They also have some green practices, like eco-friendly lights, linens, soaps, in-room recycle bins etc., which made us all feel better we chose it for our accommodations.

Great to have friends like these. I think I can handle another 40 years of hanging with them.

6 feet under...

6 days in Jackson Hole, WY. 6 feet of snow.

this was "ray" cool

Went for a swim down at the south end of wrightsville beach a few weeks ago on a hot Sunday afternoon with a friend of mine. As we're wading into the ocean waves, she reminds me that she is not fond of any sea creatures...hates sharks and jellyfish...is very afraid that something is going to creep up and get her from underwater. As she is telling this story in waist high water, I look east out over the Atlantic and what do I see?

This:

I did not have a camera of course, but this is a very similar image of what was in front of us...a manta ray breaching the surface. It was probably 50 yards out. I thought it was awesome, I have never seen this in all my time on the water and beaches of NC. It was the size of my car. My friend caught a glimpse of it landing, and was not so excited about it...timing could not have been more perfect to coincide with her stating she was scared of ocean critters. To credit her, she braved the waters for another 30 mins or so.

Good stuff, Di. :)

see this seahawk

ok, so it's not a seahawk, but it I certainly saw it...up close. we think it is a young Red Shouldered Hawk. it was looking to chow one of the many smaller birds that feed on the feeder it is sitting upon, which is just off my deck in my backyard. caused quite a stir with all of them, they were going crazy chirping. it eventually took off after a cardinal in the woods but missed. very cool to get a peep at one from such a short distance.

happy birthday, Pops

mad hops returns...

Many of you have asked, and here's your answer...my toadly friend has returned again to scale the front porch and meal under the night light for a third year. Cinco De Mayo was Mad Haps return date...a fine fiesta to choose her first Spring appearance. I've seen her probably 10 times already...my goal is to get video of her scaling the 4 front porch stairs...this is my America's Funniest Home Video cash cow if I can catch it...quite a site, but happens only after 10pm or so on humid nights. I am determined to get the footage.  I've only witnessed it once. 

Here is a not-so-exciting clip of her, the first...

feliz ano nuevo

Friends and Family,

Hope the New Year is treating you all good thus far. I've decided to use my blog to once again communicate a year review and some well wishes to you all. I've been very slack this year in posting anything to it, so this may serve as a catalyst to get me back on track in 09.

2008 was a year that included some great trips and highlights...here's a quick list that, once reviewing it, makes me realize that despite the economy and awful local advertising market, I'm a very lucky guy.

A quick view of my Dad on The Today Show representing his teams stance on harmful plastics

A Charlotte Bobcats game with some college buddies. They got smoked but we had fun. Thanks to Tim for hosting

A Radiohead concert in Charlotte with those same buddies. A top 5 music moment for me. Thanks to Pat for hosting

A 5th annual trip to Las Vegas to remember our friend Steven Anderson. Thanks to Mandalay Bay for hosting ;)

A beautiful but mosquito ridden weekend in Bald Head Island. Thanks to Jay for the freebie

A lucky chance to see Barack Obama speak here at UNCW's Trask Coliseum

Another lucky chance to see James Taylor play to a small crowd in support of Barack. Another top 5. He is pictured above

A trip with my Bro to see the Steelers lose to the Colts in Pittsburgh with our Cousins. Luckily they have now stepped up in the playoffs. Thanks to Greg and Rebecca for hosting

A few minutes with baby Charlotte Hinson snoozin' in my arms. Congrats to Dave and Dani

A whirlwind holiday trip to Raleigh, Chapel Hill, D. C. and Pinehurst to spend some quality time with my family and friends. This included a chance to see my cousin Katie sing at the National Cathedral. She rocks, as do her kid brother and sister. Thanks to Lakins', Spaller's, Salmony's, Haber's and Shelby's for hosting

So, thankful for all this, along with plenty more.

I plan on continuing my heavy support for green life...hopefully you are going green as well, if not already. Composting, recycling, taking a bag in the grocery with you, paying bills online, buying in aluminum vs plastic, donating items vs. trashing them, planting trees, discovering wildlife, buying and eating locally...I could list 1000 things here. It's hard to do it all, but every bit counts. It's obviously a passion of mine and I am working on a project that you will soon hear about, one that has a green arm to it and is also a good bit of fun. If you have any green websites or projects you are working on feel I'd be interested in, please let me know.

Thanks to all of you for your holiday cards, gifts, family pictures, email cards etc. It's great to hear from you. Some of you I have not seen in years. If you and I have not chatted in a bit, don't be scared to call, email or come visit at the beach.

Best to you in the New Year,

Much love,

~Sam