Gas Crisis in Charlotte

In Charlotte we experienced something I never thought I would see. A gas crisis.  Our gas comes from Texas and after Hurricane Ike hit the way we got gas was cut down and there was a shortage all over charlotte.  Can you say "Be prepared".

This is what you saw when you went to the pump. 

When you were able to get gas this is what you saw...

No numbers on the gas sign.  Odd looking

Finally some gas came and the lines were at least an hour long.

Happy Birthday #31

This year's birthday was nice and calm.  Bruce took me to Dressler's for dinner.  They have great steak and yummy cheesecake.  I was overwhelmed with the love and cards that were given to me on my special day.

  

Flowers from Bruce! I love how happy these flowers are.

Cards :)

Flowers from Heather.  They were beautiful.

What a difference a year makes

A little over one year ago we witnessed Matt Asmus (Kim's cousin)  graduate from University of South Carolina with a Master's in Piano performance.  On Friday, September 5, 2008 we watched him graduate from US Army Ranger school.   It is an incredible amount of work and sacrifice.  We are so proud of him!!   CONGRATULATIONS MATT!!!  Here is a link about what a US Army ranger is.  Click here.

Here is the US Army Ranger Asmus, Mandy his wife, and Kim

This is the Grand Stand where we watched the graduation.

One of the graduating Companies

At the graduation they went through a series of what the Army Rangers learned.  Here they are in line showing the different infantry weapons.

After walking across the log-walk this ranger climbed out on the rope, lowered himself on the rope hung there and then asked to drop in the water.  Matt said that they had to do the log-walk on the 1st day of ranger school.

This is the tower that they practiced Climbing.  

The Black Hawk that picked up 4 men on the ground.  The army rangers attached themselves to the rope and the Black Hawk took them up, up, and away.  I can't even imagine doing this.