Passing The Torch!

Last night Trey and I had the opportunity to officiate some more basketball games together. Basketball has been a huge part of my life. I played in school and even after getting out of school in different Rec and Church leagues. I am addicted to ACC basketball and particularly my beloved Tarheels. I started officiating basketball on a whim in 1995 and absolutely became obsessed with it. For the past 14 years I have always looked forward to this time of year and being on the court with the kids.
Over the past few years I have had right much trouble with my hip. It bothers me more walking than it does running for some odd reason. No one can figure out what is going on. I've been to ortho guys and a neurosurgeon. Best they can tell it's a nerve issue because of something going on in my lower back. Bottom line is, it has now started bothering me when I run. It's hard enough to run at my age and at my weight....adding the hip problem just compounds it.
We only have the playoffs left this year and then I will reassess the future. It makes me so proud to have had the opportunity to call ball with my son. He is a natural and has natural abilities. I have encouraged him to take it to the next level, go to some camps, get some more experience. It's a great part-time job..it's great exercise....and you get to stay close to a game you love. Is it time to pass the torch???
I guess I'll know next December!!!!

Tough Times

The tough economy hit closer to home last night after Debbie talked to some very good friends of ours from when we lived in Dunn, N.C.. Ronald is in the building supply business and has been for his whole adult life. His wife told us last night that they had been hit hard and were having to take out a equity line on their house just to make ends meet. It struck me that their story could just as easy be my story. While people need to eat and I am in the grocery business, God reminded me very clearly to be thankful in all things and to count my blessings one by one each and every day. There is nothing that "exempts" our industry from a sluggish economy. Actually our industry is one of the most competitive industries in America with everyone vying for the grocery dollar. Think about it! You have drugstores on every corner and they have all started selling groceries as well. You can now buy soft drinks at Home Depot and Lowes. Don't forget the warehouse clubs like Sam's, Costco, and BJ's. There are convenience stores built on top of convenience stores. Our profits are constantly under attack because of increased costs of petroleum based products and the costs of raw food products. Being a publicly traded company, Wall Street is always looking for improved balance sheets to push investors towards one company versus another. Additionally, like the auto industry, Kroger is somewhat manipulated by labor unions which also forces our costs in doing business up versus most of our competitors. Nothing will surprise me!! I expect a notification at anytime that the Company will issue buyout options to mid-level management to cut costs.
I am thankful that I have longevity. I am thankful I am fully vested in our pension program. I am thankful that I was wise enough to fully fund my 401K plan starting back in 1988. I am thankful that we have been more frugal than not. I am thankful that Debbie has a good job. I am thankful that God has smiled on us.
I am thankful for our friends, Ronald and Vicki Dupree. My prayer is that through the storm they find themselves in, that they continue to lean on our heavenly Father and find refuge in His love for them that has no bank balance.