11:06 p.m. - Friday, Aug. 22

Still no rain in the Sandestin area.

However the wind continues to pick up.

Just talked to my sister who lives in Panama City and she said they have had rain off and on since about 6 o’clock. While we were on the phone - 10:40 p.m. - it was raining at her home which is about five miles north of Panama City Mall on Hwy. 231.

It’s about time to call it night.

It’s a little after 9 p.m. Friday and I just took Chip (my dog) outside for a walk.

The double red flags are flying on the beaches of the Emerald Coast, but the Gulf is slick flat.

People are playing volleyball behind the Whale’s Tale and others are walking up and down the beach, enjoying the sunset.

I’m sure the rough stuff that Fay is packing is on its way,but for now all is well on the home front.

It’s about 7 p.m., I’m back home with my dog Chip.The wind is blowing but  not  so bad that I couldn’t put some burgers on the grill.

Earlier I wrote about the Fay fear factor which kept the docks empty. Click here for my regular Fish Flash column on that topic.

I was beginning to wonder if any of the USA Olympians new the words to our National Anthem.

Time after time, they stand on the pedestal with roses in hand and a medal around their neck and listen to the anthem being played.  With a hand over their heart, some shed tears of joy and others just smile uncontrollably — but no lips are moving — at least not until Sunday.

Hooray for the USA Women’s Rowing Team!!!!  They were so excited to win the gold — and it was great to see and hear them sing the National Anthem.

The Destin Fishing Rodeo has a new Web site — and it looks great and is very informative.

On the site is a listing of all the boats registered to fish in the Rodeo as well as the captains phone numbers and how many passengers his boat will hold.

It also has a list of rules for the Rodeo as well as how to become a member of the Rodeo.

There are also PDF’s of past Rodeo winners all the way back to 2000 — I think there are plans to add even more.

The site also has a “Rodeo store” that features this year’s 60th Rodeo T-shirt. I’m sure as times rolls on, the site will have some of the other things that the Rodeo sells — like sweatshirts, caps, etc.

Be sure and check out the video that’s also on the site.

So far everything I’ve seen on it — is a great improvement.

Check it out for yourself at destinfishingrodeo.org

There’s nothing worse than feeling nauseated like you are going to lose your lunch just any second.

While I was down at the docks  Monday afternoon there was a group that had to cut their trip shot due to the old “rumble in the tummy.”

How did I know?

I can usually spot the signs. But hanging on to the railing and a pale face are usually dead give aways.

Ask me how I know? Been there, done that.

I remember my first trip on a party boat when I first moved to Destin. I did good on the way out and even at the first stop. But once I got a good whiff of the diesel fumes in the 90 degree temperature — I tossed my lunch right over the side of the boat.

We got to the next fishing spot — I caught fish — then I tossed the cookies again.

I learned my lesson — take the Dramamine or Bonine — they both work well. But you need to take it at least a couple of hours before you board the boat. And eat a small breakfast before you go.

Needless to say I didn’t let that first trip stop me from enjoying one of the greatest sports ever — fishing.

Even the ducks at the docks have to eat. And the girls in the booth at Fishing Fleet Marina makes sure they do.

This one was lucky enough to get plenty of bread crumbs.

I was out yesterday trying to find some low-cut socks for my brother-in-law to toss in with his birthday present.

However I soon found out that buying socks for a size 13 foot is not that easy, because
most stores carry socks that only fit up to a size 12.

Who would have ever thought that something as simple as a pair of socks would be that hard to find. Anyhow after three stops,  I finally found them at the Nike Outlet at Silver Sands Factory Stores.

So if you’ve got a big footed guy in your family and need socks — there you go.

Thursday night is Coed Church Softball League at Morgan Sports Center in Destin.

Last night, the coach of Destiny Worship Center could have taken a “W” for his team when their opponents showed up a player short.

Instead, he allowed the opposing team to pick-up a player, so they would have nine and not have to forfeit.

Picking up an extra player is allowed during the regular season, but during the end-of-season tournament, only the coach of the opposing team can say “yes” or “no” to picking up a player.

Is saying “yes” the right thing to do — when there’s a chance to play for the championship on the line? I guess it all depends on how hungry you are to win.

In this case, I think the coach did the right thing.

Destiny Worship Center ended up losing the game, but I think they set a good example.

Some have beards and others have cut all their hair.

I was out taking pictures during the flag football games Wednesday night at Morgan Sports Center and ran across some kids — now young men — I haven’t seen in a long time.

You know you are getting old, or been around a long time, when you see someone playing ball as an adult with a beard, but yet you can still recall him playing Little League.

However it was a little embarrassing after I had taken some of the pictures and had to ask for names. I just didn’t recognize them.

I remember taking pictures of Clark Drago when he played peewee football in Destin and he had a head full of hair — now he’s 10 times taller and has shaved his head.

The other surprise was Brent Sutton — I remember taking pictures of him in Little League. On Wednesday, however, he was sporting a head band and a beard.

I guess they all grow up sooner or later.