Nice to attend AAJ in San Diego with Liam stationed on the same island as the Hotel Del. Fun having him drop by for lunch and then later going to the base and the famous I Bar.
I had a wonderful day yesterday made even more so by all the kind posts by so many friends. Sort of a George Bailey moment from It’s A Wonderful Life. You can sometimes forget all the people in whose lives you’ve been a part. Thanks for reminding me how fortunate I am. Had a lovely evening at 101 Steak with Erika Dotson Bailey and Peri Bailey and a lot of my friends here in Atlanta. And, of course it just happened to be the same night my great friend Tony Paranzino came down for a trunk show. This is his 3rd time here for a show and he’s making believers here in ATL. Friends Family Cocktails and Clothes. Happy.
There are people who leave their fingerprints on your life that never go away. Sally Cline was one of those people. Growing up with her and Bill in my life is something I’ll never forget. She influenced me as a young boy even before she became my 6th grade teacher. Vacations my family took with her and Bill and Jim and Patty Roach are my fondest childhood memories. Riding in the car with Bill blowing his horn all the way through any of the tunnels on I-77 is a great memory. Watching Sally “try” to reign him in was never ending. She was my Sunday School teacher. She was my Vacation Bible School teacher. She taught me to sing in harmony as part of the 6th grade chorus that sang on the radio (which was a big deal to a kid). She was a great teacher. She always had faith in me and encouraged me. She helped raise me and whenever we met I felt she was proud of me. I can’t be there today for her services back in WV, but I’m thinking of her and Shawn and the entire family. It’s sad to think that Bill and Sally and Jim and Patty are gone. I just can’t imagine it’s true but it is. I’m fortunate that my mom and dad are still here but age is showing its grip on them as well. But, right now what I’d give to have one more visit with the whole Cline, Bailey and Roach clan on the Outer Banks. She was simply a wonderful great lady.
Nothing says “Quality” Father Daughter time like Tequila…..Peri loves Guy Fieri and when she heard he was going to be a mile from our house promoting his Santo Tequila, she was excited. I went down early and got our space in line and she joined after leaving from work. He was pretty cool. Very nice and chatted with people as they came up to get their bottles signed. She always wanted to meet him, so mission accomplished. She got a bottle of Reposado and I got a bottle of Mezquila (his 50/50 mix of tequila and mezcal). He even signed her pic of her wearing her Guy Halloween costume. Off Da Hook! Appropriate Whisky a Go Go t-shirt by Anthony Paranzino.
Today Liam signed his commitment to our country. Today, no matter what we feel politically in this divided country, please see this young man and his commitment to protect us all. Research 2 for 7 and what it means to a midshipman at the USNA.
Finally got to see Liam at Naval Academy today. First time we’ve all been together since May. He has to stay on the Yard as they call it and masks are required. He and his friends were treated to 3 racks of Erika’s famous BBQ ribs and all the sides. Quite a picnic by the bay. So happy Peri could come over with us too.
27 years ago today I married the most amazing person I’ve ever known. I love her more today than I did then. She’s even more beautiful. And, we went on to raise together two great kids. Happy Anniversary Erika!
