Still learning

They say in life, you never stop learning. Well, earlier this week, I got an education I won't soon forget.

On Tuesday, with help from my father-in-law, Chuck Long, and brother-in-law, Tom Mastrianno, I laid my first (and probably last) concrete slab (and footing).

I recently watched a movie where these two guys were flirting with these girls and were saying they worked in concrete. At one point, one of the guys said, "That [expletive]'s heavy." Tuesday, I found out he wasn't lying.

I jumped in and started pushing and pulling the semi-liquid mixture as quick as I could. About halfway through spreading, my pace pretty well died. I think the old adage "slow and steady wins the race" should've been implemented.

We laid a total of about nine yards of concrete (around three for the footing and about six for the slab) for the foundation of what will be an addition on my house where my wife will move her grooming business.

I do have to say though, for my first experience in concrete. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Now let's see how I fair on the rest of the construction.

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'Go Team!'

For the past month or so, Eric Snipes, J.L. Ward, Ben Hall, my wife and I, with some help from Barry Privett and Jeff Laden, have been working with a group of 11 boys in the 5-6-year-old division of the Kennett Boys Baseball Association. Our team, Taco Bell, consists of 11 of the greatest kids I've ever had the privilege of knowing.

These boys are a pleasure to work with and I have thoroughly enjoyed helping them learn the art of America's past time.

They keep getting better with every game, and at this age, there's not much more I could ask for.

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Congratulations

While on the topic of baseball, I want to take a moment to say congratulations to Adam Grantham. The 2012 Kennett High School graduate was recently presented with an offer to join the Atlanta Braves.

Grantham was drafted in the 32nd round and was the 989th overall pick by the Braves.

That's quite an accomplishment and I wish Adam the best of luck.

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Happy Anniversary

This past Monday -- June 4, 2012 -- my wife and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. On June 4, 2005, I was lucky enough to marry my lovely bride in an outdoor ceremony on her brother's property.

I still remember how beautiful she looked in her wedding dress as she came down the aisle (barefoot).

Thank you, Jade, for choosing me. Here's to many more years together. I love you.

George Anderson is the managing editor of the Daily Dunklin Democrat