Memorial Day is more than cookouts and fun

I just want to take a moment to say something about Memorial Day.  Most don't remember this as anything more than a long weekend off work, cookouts, buying hordes and multitudes of unnecessary groceries, and imbibing some frosty adult beverages.  Friends, there's a reason we can enjoy ALL these things.  The men and women who serve, have served, and have fallen serving our nation's armed forces.  Let's all try to remember that this holiday weekend.  On a personal note from my wife, Mrs. Hoppa, and I:  To all who serve this nation's military now...to all who haved served in the past and gotten to come home...and especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, in service to this country...We humbly thank you.  We owe our very way of life to you.

To those we're close to, or have been close to:  Mrs. H's dad, Donald...My stepdad, Don...Dock, our friend...Jake, son of a friend, David...Brandon, a guy I work around, and probably so many others that I can't think of (and I apologize for not being able to), a mere thank you doesn't seem like near enough.  You've all defended our freedoms, our way of life, and kept us safe.  So many things we take for granted as we enjoy them, we owe to the sacrifice that you made.  I ask God's most bountiful blessings upon each one of you, and all your military brethren.  Thank you so much.

Gearing up for the big LAN party shindig down at Felecia's.  Was a real blast last time and we're looking forward to this one as well.  And everyone...the DIP is coming!  Gotta go get the stuff for Mrs. H's marvelous concoction of culinary delight in a bit.  It'll be great to see everybody again!  And those we haven't officially met, we look forward to meeting you!

God bless.  Everyone be safe this weekend.  Designate a driver if needed. Don't be stupid...
and GEEK ON!

Knee's getting there...thanks!

Talked to Dock the other day, and he told me that not only he, but all my friends and guildmates were asking about the knee surgery, how it went, and my condition afterwards.  Wow, thanks to all of you.  It means a lot to me that all you guys were concerned.  Well, the surgery went well.  The doc said it wasn't as bad as he thought it might be, but the tear and something about an indention (I assume in the cartilage) needed to be repaired, and was.  It's a week later and it's getting easier every day it seems.  I'm on light duty at Coca Cola, which means other than ordering/selling for my stores, I'm basically a waste of perfectly good skin.  LOL.  Gotta go back to the doc on Thursday for the follow up.  I've been a good little Hoppa, and been doing the exercising I'm supposed to to rehab the knee, and trying not to take the pain meds so much.  At first, they were pretty necessary.  Now, not quite so much.  Still do a lot of walking at work, so one in the morning and one about 1:00 to 2:00 in the afternoon seems to work out about right.  I ice the knee down in the evening, to help with swelling, which is not as bad as it was either.  Think I've got some fluid still there, but I think the swelling from having surgery is starting to diminish.  Got three small holes with two stitches each, and am extremely thankful it was orthroscopic surgery, not "filet your knee" surgery.  LOL again.  Mrs. H has been taking extremely good care of me.  Thank you, baby.  I love you so much.

But, I'm getting better.  Just take a little more time to get back to full jedi strength.  Thanks again so much for the well wishes and concern.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to play Guild Wars soon.  This kitchen remodel and then knee surgery has really been time consuming, but both will be worth it.  Got a bit more painting to do, after I get another quart of paint, but then should be done and happy with the results.  I think it looks great.  Just gotta finish the top shelf of a screen-door pantry, and crown molding all the way around the room with paint.

God bless and geek on!

Flood 2010...OMG!

Hey gang, just thought some pics were in order from about town in Corinth, MS.  I've never seen this much rain in that short of time in my entire life.  So, here are some swiped from Facebook folks...

This is under the Hwy 72 overpass by Corinth Color Center:

This one is by Russell's Steak House on Hwy 72:

This is the front of Kmart on Hwy 72:

This, OMG, is the INSIDE of Kmart:

and this is Linden Street sorta behind the Coke plant:

Unbelievable, isn't it?

God bless, geek on, and please pray for those who fell victim to the flooding.