From Decatur, Alabama

God bless Fr. Dave. He turns in very early each evening and is up before sunrise, so as his 'roomy' I get to hear the shuffle of newspaper about 6:30 am. But then again posting on this blog is easier in the am than it is at night when we supervision seems to occupy a lot of our time.

What a day Thursday was!! Neither the outcome of the football game nor the treatment we received from our hosts was what we had anticipated. Upon our arrival the ladies of the Liberty-Benton Bosster club had subs, drinks and brownies for each of us and our parents.
Just prior to kick-off both teams lined up at their respective 40 yard lines and the 30 odd member band played a) the school's fight song, b) our national anthem (sung very well) and the US anthem. As head coach I was then presented with a memento of the event---a commemorative football signed by all members of the L-B team; a US flag; and a plaque certifying that the flag had been displayed in Washington in recognition of this trip--WOW!
After the game we were once fed--pizza and root beer floats by the booster club.
Then....their head coach announced that during the game a raffle had been held (the winner to get that night's game ball) and a 50/50 draw was also conducted. We were then presented with the proceeds from the raffle and half of the proceeds of the 50/50. I won't post the amount but suffice to say that even with a dollar at par it was substantial!!

Had a full team dinner last night at Lgan's Restaurant just next door to our hotel. Good food and service. Thursday was Jack Nobile's birthday so he was feted by the restaurant staff. Actually it more like he was embarassed by the staff, but his 16th was recognized. His reaction: "I'll get you guys for that."

To secretary Hudson: I have permission to make this public. Your husban informed me Friday morning that already this trip has provided him with a first--and he is 75 yrs. old. He had to not only find and choose which clothes to wear but he also had to repack thoes clothes he had worn the day before!!

Keeping an eye on the movement of the storm. Phone call from "Helping Hands" say we may be 'rained out on Monday, but this morning's weather report seems to show the storm heading to northern Louisiana. Just have to wait.

The second van left Ajax on Friday morning with Toronto firefighter Peter Andrew behind the wheel. Just outside Cincinnati they had to pull over to see if they could assist with passengers from a rollover. Pete was not confident about health/welfare of driver. Please pray that he and his family were ok.

For those who were not able to read them, you may go to www.thecourier.com and look up the two articles written by the Findlay press. Will probably be in the 'archives'.

Moms/dads: everyone is well. No tears at all from Brooke. Damon and Dawndrea are doing fine. Dwyer participants seem to be ok.

We'll arrive in New Orleans' French Quarter this afternoon. I'll post again either tonite or tomorrow morning. Have a great day.
God Bless,
Coach