Exactech Hires Pirate

Arrrgh...The first device I'll be lookin' at matee....is a hook for a hand...Arrrgh

I'm Done!

Thank you all for your prayers, support, and.......money over the past few years. I successfully defended my dissertation entitled: Nitric Oxide facilitates NFAT activity through AKT-induced GSK-3beta phosphorylation (or exercise is good). This is a picture indicating the pathways studied in my project.

Sunset at Crescent Beach

Ahh...sunny, sunny Florida

Why we love Florida in March

Why no blogging?

I apologize for slacking. We're trying to sell our house and graduate all by May. In this picture, Alexandra shows her feelings toward my inability to multi-task.

My First Hunting Story

I went hunting for the first time in my life this past week in Marquez, Texas. Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera. The picture above is essentially what happened though (give or take a few details). This had to be the first time a mafia car was used to dispose of a dead wild pig. Since we didn't have a truck available, my father-in-law took his DTS which is perfect for off-roading and pig hauling. As he and my brother-in-law were "field dressing" the pig outside the butchering establishment, a dude in his F-250 rolled up behind us probably wondered why Vito Spatafore was "taking care of business" in East Texas.

Savannah Christmas Parade

If you've been to Savannah, you know that things there are a bit different. Accordingly, the Christmas parade includes everthing from lighted plumbing trucks to this interesting vehicle. This lady.. er um dude was kind enough to stop and pose with The Grinch.

Where's Waldo?

Waldo, FL is where these young fellows call home. On our way to Savannah, GA before Christmas, we saw this spectacle and had to capture it. I actually took this picture while I was driving which seemed to fire these rowdy creatures up.

Cousins

From left to right: Killian, Alexandra, Jenna, Ella and Brooklynn. All the cousins are saying "Texas"...even Alexandra as she takes a bite.

November in Gainesville

This is the time of year when we love being in Florida. Alexandra enjoys this beautiful November afternoon outside. I'd like to thank TruGreen lawn care for the color of our lawn. You guys may be short on teeth, but you're long on grass acumen.

Aggie meltdown

Tiffany reacts to my attempt at comforting her during UT's debacle against A&M. She said, and I quote, "You better get that camera outta here or I'll break your nose." And I thought I was bad during PSU games.

This research is funded by Frager's Hardware

I decided to pose in front of my poster after finishing the written portion of comphrehensive exams. I still have orals to complete, but the look on my face says it all: "Can I cry now?"

Studying for quals

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I've been busy studying. Thankfully, one of our neighbors has allowed me to use his study as I prepare for my qualifying exams.

Fletcher's

We were in Texas this weekend and this was my second experience with Fletcher's Corny Dogs at the Texas State Fair. I did some corn dog research and came up with this: Food historians generally agree cornmeal-covered hot dogs served on a stick became popular American fair fare in the early 1940s. Who invented this item? History does not say. Who is responsible for making this item popular? Many people claim this title. Most often cited are the Fletcher brothers (Corn dogs in Texas) and Jack Karnis (Pronto Pups in Oregon and Minnesota). The records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office confirm Pronto Pups were introduced 1942. According to the food historians, this is about the same time Corn Dogs made their way to the Texas State Fair.

Hey ref....

JoePa yells something at a ref during PSU's big win over Wisconsin. Either the ref doesn't hear him, or he doesn't have an interpreter for the elderly.

You're doin' fine Oklahoma! Oklahoma O.K.

I really like the musical but don't so much like the football team. This year's Red River Rivalry (not Shootout anymore due to the fact that some OU fans had their tractors shot at while riding home from Dallas after the game on I-35 North a few years ago) should be interesting as both teams are coming off losses. Hopefully Mack Brown will be singing "Oh what a beautiful mornin" on Sunday. If not, BurntOrange Nation may be saying "Pore Mack is Daid!"

Wish I were in these this weekend

That's right....if I were in the shoes of the Iowa Hawkeyes I'd feel pretty good about playing a team I hadn't lost to since 1999....pardon the corny joke (get it, corny, like Iowa...corn...by the way I loved Crispix as a kid) Of course, Iowa plays Penn State and if I were a bettin' man I know who I'd take. Also, where have the days of Crispix cereal on the breakfast table and PSU winning championships gone? Does Crispix have an 80 year old CEO or something? I haven't seen Crispix in years. At least I have fond childhood memories.

You broke my heart Mr. Speaker

I guess my Gingrich '08 shirt will now be worn for lawn mowing. I just have to make sure I remember to cut the sleeves off to stay in line with the Alachua County lawn mowing apparel code. It should go nicely with the pair of Wrangler jeans I converted to shorts when we moved here. When in Rome....