Tarheels Fall to Georgetown in Elite 8 :(

What excitement to begin the weekend with the comeback win over the USC Trogans! Oh to be so high & then fall so hard! Me, Tarheel88, wearing my blue wig and gameface glasses, screamed alot on Sunday afternoon. Screamed as each basket fell and as each Hoya fouled. Did you hear me in NC? Even Roy didn't take his glasses off during the first half! Then the end...the tragic end, when I had to mute the game & run to bury my head in my pillow. Even Tucker, the Tarheel dog, came to give a condolence lick. I couldn't watch as the shots didn't fall and the Hoya elation became nauseating. Don't worry, it's recorded and I'll be able to critique it later! Here's Adam Lucas' recreation of the walk back to the locker room....
http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/032507aab.html

The 2006-2007 season is over....I'll never see Reyshawn, Wes, & Dewey in that uniform again...a lump is forming in my throat. Don't cry boys! You'll be there every year, like Tarheel88, watching & living through the next team, & the next. They will always be YOUR team! Good luck with the rest of your life!

When people tell me this & that about my Heels...you know, the naysayers...I give a brief chuckle and say, it's OK...there's only 8 months left before the beginning of next season! I will always support my team, winning or losing. It's a proven fact that the year we won only 8 games, I still watched all the games (usually muted) and I'm no different when I believe we could be National Champions! Now that's what being a #1 fan is all about!

No, I didn't paint my body blue and run amongst the calves, wearing only my bathing suit! But I did ask anyone who would listen....Guess where Duke is right now? Guess what Coach K is doing? WATCHING US ON TV!

Go Tarheels!

Full of Madness

Here is newborn calf Ruby, born 2/28 and healthy. You're right, new calves aren't related to basketball but I wanted to show you that Tarheel88 does have other interests!

Now on to March Madness! One BIG issue for me is how CBS handles the tournament broadcasts. I actually WATCHED 4 out of 40 minutes of my Heels play the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. That is a one digit number...FOUR. I had to watch a ticker at the top of the screen, in fast forward as I watched DUKE LOSE & Xavier pull out a close one. Now, I could have listened on my computer (note for next time) but for half of the game, I was at Wild Ginger enjoying peppered scallops, duck, & Chilean sea bass! So hence, recording the games is a must. Mr. Tarheel saved me b/c there is only 100 hours of capacity and I was almost maxed out. Stop biting your nails...we won! & by a comfortable margin but they tried to make a comeback while we were playing sloppy (according to Roy)....& Tarheel88 didn't get to actually SEE it! I'm mad about more than one thing!

Next up, tomorrow we play the Michigian State Spartans with coach Tom Izzo. Hopefully, more of the game will be shown and I'll have some time at work in the hospital on the hill, overlooking the sound to watch. Stay tuned!

After 9 long years--ACC CHAMPIONS

Sorry about the hiatus Tarheel fans, but between working, watching basketball, computer problems, and birthing calves....Tarheel88 has been tied up! Rest assurred, I was THERE when Duke bit the dust and when the Ram snuck up and took the bite right out of the Wolfpack! What a game it was! Does that mean Sidney Lowe's red coat doesn't have good luck anymore?

It was a day to remember...cutting down the net in Tampa Bay...congrats to seniors Reyshawn Terry and Wes Miller! The memories will last forever! Best of all was the tenacity and heart demonstrated by Roy's boys...yes, yes, yes, they have the heart, talent, desire, and dream to go 6 out of 6 and be crowned National Champions in only 18 days!!!

(Confession by Tarheel88....when the brackets came out, there was some periodic breathing as espn.com loaded up on the screen...we must win more games than Ohio State, Georgetown, & Texas to make it to the final game. A knot developed in my throat and that night, I had a nightmare....we were playing the Hoya's in the Elite 8. Now what is a Hoya? We were behind, with enough time left. We sparked, 5' 11'' Ty Lawson drove in to the basket, Brandon was brilliant and we pulled ahead just before the end! The nightmare was over and I woke up in a sweat but happy!)

Next up...tonight we will play & beat Eastern Kentucky Colonels! Go Heels!

UNC Now a Depressing #8

Sunday in snowy College Park was a shoot-fest between UNC and the Maryland Terrapins. The game would be won by the team with the most defensive desire...(like the fairy tail race, the tortoise won but the hare was more rested!) After a 28 hour shift, a 2 hour nap, and while drinking coffee from a yellow pocca-dot cup, Tarheel88 contemplated starting some high dose Prozac. Like sand through an hourglass, the Heels let a 10 point lead slip through their fingers. Give credit to Gary Williams and his team, especially senior DJ Strawberry....never give up and there's always a chance. Now for Tarheel88's ideas on reviving some Tarheel energy: Roy should remove the rims from the Dean Dome goals and have defensive only practice. And I mean, long, long practices where each player is broken down and then rebuilt like bootcamp. Then, more foul shooting practice...instead of having everyone make 8 out of 10 before leaving, up it to 18 out of 20....come on guys! We have the heart, desire, and the talent to be National Champions....& Tarheel 88 still has hope! We will redeem ourselves by out-performing & becoming ACC Champions in 13 days....& the count down to the UNC will beat Duke again party....Sunday at 1 pm PST. Up next at Georgia Tech on Thursday...Go Heels!

The Ram Squeezes the Wolf's Neck

Wednesday night came and the Wolfpack came to our house...the Rockin' Dean Dome. Tarheel88 was at an engagement until half-time. I saw the score 41-40 and I thought we were in for a fight--Ali-style! But when the Heels took the floor, there was no looking back. The Pack had tired legs and a sick coach (best wishes to Sidney Lowe, the bearer of all red jackets!). And the rebounding festivities began! Even Roy said he was proud of the team without giving even a little constructive criticism after the praises. YIPPEE, UNC reigns as #1 in ACC!! Up next is Sunday's trip to Maryland. Only 39 days until the National Championship Game!!!!

Reyshawn's My Man

Chestnull Hill was rocking and BC's Dudley & Rice wanted Tarheel heads to roll...but it wasn't to be! Intensity was the key, as the Heels and BC went head to head for #1 spot in the ACC rankings. Silent, but deadly, Reyshawn Terry, the only starting senior, performed brilliantly offensively...Congrats! Mr Tarheel tried to get a great picture but only part of my head is in this picture. Imagine me clapping & screaming for each tri-vector and free throw....even Tucker had trouble sleeping through this one. So Tarheels are #1 in the ACC! When tomorrow's rankings come out, I predict a new #1 Wisconsin...since Florida lost to those Vandy Commodores...too bad, even Goliath has a vulnerable spot...Get ready for NC State in our house on Wednesday night. The madness is intensifying...Hurry up March, hurry up...

Roy Blames Himself

I'm sure you've heard by now, the Hokies came out ahead, again, this time in Dean's Dome. How depressing! It took me 3 days plus all afternoon to watch it, interrupted by a hacking cough, Theraflu, and 2 naps. I saw a crack in Roy's foundation of Substitution 101, it's difficult to keep the rhythm going with so many changes in players. How much depth is right? Only 10 hours to our match-up with Boston College on our first visit to Chestnut Hill. Here's the game guide: http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/021707aab.html Hopefully, Brandan Wright's shoulder it better, we need him to play. BC is #1 in ACC play, a win is essential...I know Roy's boys are up for it! Go Heels!

Another One Bites the Dust

What a wonderful weekend...starting out with a nice 25 hour work day, then another nice UNC blowout (http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/), then a sunny northwest Sunday afternoon, and now, I know you can't hear, but in the background is the sweet, sweet sound of Dook losing to Maryland! 4 in a row! I can't wait to see them drop down, down, down in the rankings tomorrow. UNC may (hopefully) move up 1 notch or stay the same...we'll see. During Saturday's half-time show, they honored the 25 year anniversary of the 1982 National Championship team. When they announced Coach Dean Smith as the best college basketball coach of all time, Michael Jordan kissed him on the head. Tarheel88 got choked up...I just love that man, my adopted Grandpa! First up this week on Tuesday, is Va Tech at home on Tuesday. WE MUST AVENGE OUR LOSS! Tarheel88 predicts we win by 20 and watch some Hokie tails go between their legs!

No other words are needed...UNC beats Dook!

Roy's Enthusiasm

Good morning all you Heels fans, all the ones who slept like a baby, with smiles on your faces. I hope you didn't go to the gym yesterday b/c your heart rate had to be in the aerobic target zone last night until the end of the 2nd half! Tarheel88 had a wonderful day watching the end of the 04 and 95 UNC/Dook games on ESPN classic. After watching the 04 team lose in overtime in the morning, I knew we won the 95 game, b/c ESPN has a reputation of fairness to uphold. I got to see Dean Smith himself coaching Jerry Stackhouse and Rasheed Wallace win in 2OT! Then, the live game at 6pm PST....the Cameron crazies were out in full force, Coach K was himself and didn't show any teeth the entire night. It was a slow start, those dirty little devils showed sparks of brilliance. The Heels were a little slow out of the gate (remember the tortoise won), stoic was the main emotion. But Lawson, Hansbrough, Wright, & Ellington went to work and in the end, reigned victorous! So now Duke has lost 3 in a row, the first time since yada yada year...I will just be smiling on Monday when the new polls come out and they drop out of the top 25! Roy has a unique way he enthusiastically motivates his team with emotion, as you can see in the picture. I hope his cardiologist recreates these conditions to see what exactly his blood pressure is during a game! Coming up next Wake at home on Sat...!

Tonight's Hype..by Sportz Assassin

UNC-Duke: The Matchups
Posted Feb 7th 2007 6:06AM by Sportz Assassin Here are the matchups for tonight's North Carolina-Duke game. Instead of the normal positional battles...below is more of a sectional battle. Starters names are in italics:
BACKCOURT
UNC: Tywon Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Marcus Ginyard, Bobby Frasor, Wes Miller, Quentin ThomasDUKE: DeMarcus Nelson, Greg Paulus, Jon Scheyer, Martynas Pocius
The key here will be Duke's ability to slow down the speed in the Heels' backcourt. This will be a great match-up as Duke has always prided themselves with the defensive guards and they will get a work out with this Heels team. They are deep in the backcourt and have a variety of guys they can bring in. Despite being freshmen, Lawson and Ellington don't turn the ball over as much as you'd think. They should in this one since Duke really pressures the ballhandlers. Lawson is finding his offensive legs while Ellington has become one of the better perimeter players in the ACC. Ginyard [defense], Frasor [intelligence], Miller [range] and Thomas [speed/passing] bring different aspects when they get into the game. For Duke, the big thing will be how Paulus performs. Paulus can look great at times...while looking lost at others. Nelson should keep in the tradition of experienced off guards who tend to torch the Heels when they get their chance. UNC doesn't guard the three-point shot that well, so Scheyer could really become a Duke X-factor.
WINGS
UNC: Reyshawn Terry, Danny GreenDUKE: Gerald Henderson, David McClure
Henderson has just recently broken into the starting lineup for the Devils. He is very athletic and has gotten into the lineup by picking up his defensive effort. Terry is a tough pickup for most small forwards. Terry is also athletic, has great range and has that senior experience that helps in games like this. He's 6'9 and one of Carolina's best rebounders. However, this season Terry seems to be on his own program at times and can play himself out of games. Green and McClure are good intangible guys for both teams. Both are very good defenders but Green is a bigger scoring threat.
FRONTCOURT
UNC: Tyler Hansbrough, Brandan Wright, Deon Thompson, Alex StephensonDUKE: Josh McRoberts, Lance Thomas, Brian Zoubek
The premiere matchup is here. Entering 2005, Tyler Hansbrough and Josh McRoberts were the top names that entered the college ranks. Last year, Psycho T was the focal point of UNC while McRoberts was more of a role player. This year, Hansbrough doesn't have to have outstanding games for North Carolina to win...while Duke needs McRoberts to play well to have success. Both are tireless on the boards and are willing to bang inside. Tyler is more physical while Josh is more athletic. The difference here is Brandan Wright, one of the ACC's top freshmen. Wright, at times, turns into Carolina's best player. He's tall, lanky, has long arms and very athletic which means there will be two guys in Carolina blue fighting on the boards, and Wright is a solid shotblocker. The key will be if Thomas can make a difference inside. Last year, Hansbrough did well against an experienced defensive guru Sheldon Williams. Can Thomas hold his own and contribute? And don't underestimate the contributions of Thompson for the Heels.
INTANGIBLES
Well, both teams are coming off tough losses. UNC lost at NC State in which they were outplayed and outclassed. No doubt that Roy Williams has this team focused for this one. Duke has lost two straight, including Sunday's home game with Florida State. At times, Duke looks like they can be the Duke we all know and love/hate. Other times, Duke becomes befuddled and struggles the find points. Both teams can bring the defense...but Duke does a much better job doing it all the time. It also will be interesting to see how Carolina's freshmen hold up to the Cameron Crazies. Last year's freshmen crop did a solid job. One clear advantage for UNC is their depth. The Heels will keep moving people in and out of the game to keep their guys fresh in that hot, steamy, tense atmosphere. Needless to say, the coaches have been in some big games before.
STYLE
UNC wants to push it. Duke wants to work it. Whomever gets to impose their will gets a big advantage. Normally in games that pit high scoring teams against low scoring teams, the low scorers want to slow the game down and limit the amount of possessions. Look for Duke to do that. That could end up being advantageous for a variety of reasons. One, it will keep UNC from running them out of the gym. Two, it should frustrate the Heels enough for them to force up quick shots which, at times, kills Carolina. And when UNC has bad nights on the offensive end, their defense suffers. A problem for Duke is that they turn the ball over waaaay too much...which plays into the runnin' Heels hands.
HOW I FIGURE IT WILL PLAY OUT
Duke will open up with a furor. The emotion will be there as they really, really need this win. The Heels will [they better] stuff that opening run and work their way back into the game. For the rest of the first half, both coaches will work their benches, subbing liberally until halftime. At the half, the game will be within 4 points [either team could be leading]. Second half rolls out. They key will be who imposes their will. I think UNC will find places in the Duke defense they can exploit. Both schools are nice 2nd half teams so they will take it to war for a while. But UNC pulls away as their fresh legs finally allow them the run a bit and get some easy baskets. Duke furiously closes the gap within the final two minutes...setting up a great finish. The Heels interior presence of Hansbrough and Wright come alive, get to the line, and salt the game away. The verdict? North Carolina 75-Duke 70

Not Hungry Like a Wolf

Well, fans...Saturday wasn't as upbeat as I'd planned. The Heels went to Raleigh to the NC State Wolfpack house and walked out with long faces and heads held down. No teeth were showing. Roy took his glasses on and off more than usual. Let me explain....Roy wears what looks to be reading glasses. When he is especially frustrated with a play, a player, or how things are going....he takes his glasses off and puts them down, demonstratively. Then Tarheel88 screams to Mr. Tarheel, "He's taking his glasses off!" It's a sure sign of trouble! The Wolfpack were hungry like a wolf (in keeping with song lyrics, this one from Duran Duran from 1980's...I love the 80's). There were sparks of brillance....Ty's downtown 3's, Tyler's derriere pushing Pack players out of the way, Brandan's consistency as a skinny giant. Before the Heels could get a fire going, the Pack doused us with water.....we tried, but didn't overcome their belief that they could beat the Heels. What does that mean to the #1 fan? Their were no tears, no sadness, the day wasn't ruined. Their still #1 in my heart, being the #1 fan. Don't focus on the negatives, b/c in 4 days, we are going to Krzyzewskiville to take on Dook! Now looking back, having a loss does do something for motivation and being properly motivated to take on Dook is absolutely necessary. Everyone who knows me, would never say that I hate NC State. But if asked, what would everyone say that Tarheel88 hates? It would be those dirty little devils with their rabbit impersonating coach! Doesn't Mike look like a little rabbit when he's mad? Shake it off Heels and get ready to beat Dook in their house on Wednesday night! Now for your trival pursuit question: How did Duran Duran get their name? How did Duran Duran get their name?The band took their name from Roger Vadim's 1960's cult sci-fi classic film "Barbarella," starring Jane Fonda. There was a character played by Milo O'Shea called Duran Duran.

Week 12--UNC back up to # 3!

Two weeks have passed and Mr. Tarheel & I were enjoying the warmth & sun of the Big Island, Hawaii. My plans included watching the games with the Pacific Ocean waves breaking in the background! Since my last post, Roy's boys have taken Clemson, Ga. Tech, Wake, & AZ and moved back up to # 3! Next up is Miami at the Dean Dome tomorrow & NC State in Raleigh on Sat. Now, being the #1 fan isn't synonomous with being cocky...in the ACC, we all know that when you go to someone else's house, you have to play hard to win & don't take it for granted. Marcus Ginyard & Brandan Wright were ill for AZ & Ellington & Stepheson stepped up to the plate & did very well! Congrats! Now, on our vacation, our first Red Angus calf delivered safely...a bull calf, weighing in at 106 pounds birth weight...YIKES! We've decided on the name Big Kahouna..Big K for short..which is Big Chief in Hawaiian. All are doing well...isn't he cute!

That's What Fans are For

As I was watching the Tarheel vs. Hokie game on Saturday, Dionne Warwick came to mind. You know, you remember, Whitney Houston's cousin & fellow hit-maker back in 1985...singing the song, That's What Friends are For. I interposed Fans for Friends and you have Tarheel88 with a non-smiling game face at the end of the contest. As you can see, blue hair & sunglasses become me! I was all smiles at the beginning, watching the poised Heels execute and even Roy showed some teeth now & then. Then, my boys, fell into either a fox hole,a hornets nest, or a snake pit. As you can see, we were losing by 14 with 2:31 left....we ended up losing 94 to 88....so we brilliantly made 19 points in 2:31 minutes....just a little late for the run to put us on top. Here are some thoughts about the game: 1) Ty Lawson, freshman point guard extraordinaire is still learning to be a leader. His most brilliant move was forcing the ball inside while being triple teamed by giants...he is listed at 5' 11" and got his own rebound 2 times before being stripped of the ball. Now all you short basketball wanta-bes out there....don't let anyone tell you that you are too short. You will have to have to be faster and have a bigger heart....but don't let height limit you! 2) Poor foul shouting contributed in a major way in our loss. I don't have the stats but I'll bet if we had made 80% of our free throws, we would have won. Tarheel88 would have everyone stay after practice this week until they could hit 8 out of 10 free throws! 3) Anyone can beat anyone in the ACC on their home court...I saw some Carolina fans sitting behind the bench, sitting, arms folded in lap, no smiles. Now, that's not the way to be when cheering on your team. Take lessons from Tarheel88...run around the room, scream, scare Tucker & the cows, have Mr. Tarheel tell you to calm down, & on & on & on....So we'll probably slide down from #1, but it was great while it lasted. We'll be back...this was the "learning experience" that Roy needed to motivate & teach his team. At the end of March, I'm sure the Hokies will be home in Blacksburg, boasting about how they beat the Tarheels back in January, while they're watching us in the Final Four! Here are the lyrics to That's What Friends are For: go ahead, make sure no one is listening and sing your heart out! "And I never thought I'd feel this way, And as far as I'm concerned, I'm glad I got the chance to say, That I do believe I love you, And if I should ever go away, Well then close your eyes and try, To feel the way we do today, And then if you can remember** Keep smiling, keep shining, Knowing you can always count on me, for sure, That's what friends are for, For/In good times and/in bad times, I'll be on your side forever more, That's what friends are for, Well you came and opened me, And now there's so much more I see, And so by the way I thank you, And then for the times when we're apart, Well then close your eyes and know, These words are coming from my hearts, And then if you can remember."

Finally, Tarheel88 Jumping for Joy---We're #1!!!

Today is one of the days that I have been waiting for....well, actually, yesterday. Those dirty devils had some Va techies come to THEIR house & leave doing a victory dance. Hence the fall for them from #5 to #11. Usually, I don't baste in someone else's loss, but all who know me, know that there is one and only one thing that Tarheel88 hates & that is Dook! Now, right before the first conference game for the Tarheels, I found out that the mightlyless #1 Bruins had fallen to some really strong ducks and I began the celebrating early. Then came the Seminoles ready for battle. The announcers talked about their struggles without a post player, yada, yada, yada (I tuned out during the excuses), giving them an out for the loss. Only during the end of the blowout did they adequately recognize the talent, the depth, the coaching, the heart, the drive, and the FANS (including me, screaming at home) that makes UNC Tarheels the #1 team they are destined to be. Only 85 days until National Championship Night on April 3 in the Georgia Dome. My fingers are crossed!~ Next up UVA on Saturday...Here are the rankings:

2006-2007 Men's Rankings - Week 10
Week: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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Week 10 AP Top 25
1. North Carolina (64) 14-1 1,788
2. Florida (3) 14-2 1,682
3. Wisconsin (1) 15-1 1,635
4. UCLA (4) 14-1 1,621
5. Ohio State 13-2 1,508
6. Kansas 13-2 1,410
7. Pittsburgh 14-2 1,265
8. Texas A&M 13-2 1,194
9. Oklahoma State 15-1 1,151
10. Arizona 12-2 1,141
11. Duke 13-2 1,090
12. Butler 14-1 916
13. LSU 11-3 898
14. Alabama 13-2 863
15. Oregon 14-1 830
16. Tennessee 13-2 697
17. Clemson 16-0 632
18. Air Force 15-1 567
19. Nevada 13-1 486
20. Memphis 11-3 428
21. West Virginia 13-1 342
22. Washington State 14-2 214
22. Notre Dame 13-2 214
24. Connecticut 12-2 188
25. Texas 11-3 99
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTESGeorgetown 90, Maryland 74, Marquette 69, Northern Iowa 69, Washington 61, Arkansas 57, Kentucky 36, Missouri State 24, USC 13, Drexel 11, Virginia Tech 10, Wichita State 10, Southern Illinois 10, Syracuse 4, Providence 2, Indiana 1.
DROPPED FROM RANKINGSMarquette 15, Washington 24.
Complete Rankings
Week 10 ESPN/USA Today Poll
1. North Carolina (27) 14-1 771
2. Florida (2) 14-2 726
3. UCLA (2) 14-1 708
4. Wisconsin 15-1 680
5. Ohio State 13-2 645
6. Kansas 13-2 590
7. Pittsburgh 14-2 547
8. Arizona 12-2 508
9. Texas A&M 13-2 505
10. Oklahoma State 15-1 465
11. Duke 13-2 445
12. Butler 14-1 437
13. Alabama 13-2 380
14. Clemson 16-0 343
15. Air Force 15-1 342
15. Nevada 13-1 342
17. Oregon 14-1 295
18. LSU 11-3 284
19. Memphis 11-3 178
20. Tennessee 13-2 162
21. West Virginia 13-1 149
22. Connecticut 12-2 135
23. Washington State 14-2 79
24. Washington 11-4 75
25. Maryland 14-2 74

#2 Tarheels

As we reflect on 2006 and plan for 2007, UNC is still ranked #2:( UCLA (#1 ranked) beat UW today, so I'm doubtful this will change. You Bruins & Devils will live your vivid nightmares when Hansbrough, Wright, & Lawson meet you face to face in Hotlanta in the Final 4. Stay tuned, I'm gearing up for intense conference play....where the men and boys are separated.

A Visit to Blue Heaven

During my recent Thanksgiving trip back home, I had the opportunity to visit the southern part of heaven. Now the thought has crossed my mind, will UNC be National Champions every year in heaven? I'm sure I won't care when I'm there. I was able to drive down Franklin street and by the infamous Dean Dome and see all the construction progress around campus and UNC Hospitals. The years are passing quickly because it was 22 years ago that the 2 ton dump truck brought me & all of my belongings up Hwy 54 & delivered me to 111 Joyner, across from the then "new" Wilson library. The memories will always be held dear because it was there in that environment where various experiences shaped me into the woman I am today. My first job as a nurse was at the then North Carolina Memorial Hospital at the NC Jaycee Burn Center. I was able to catch up with old friend Anita Fields and Ernie Grant. The experience of working there, with the best team in the world, developed my view of nursing into the positive, affirming one that I still hold today. I knew I would make a difference as a nurse because I saw that I did every day. More about that at a later date....111 Joyner has an air conditioner in the window and the outside door has been replaced to a connector with another new building. The tennis courts behind the dorm are gone, replaced with a parking garage. The Pit, the Bell Tower, Kenan stadium, Woolen gym...they are all still there. There is an new & improved Carrington Nursing School...so beautiful with it's dark wood, still holding the rooms where I learned my profession. How lucky I was to have the opportunity to go to the University of North Carolina! Here's a picture of me at the Old Well...the symbol of the University. I'm so far away now, but the place will live on in my memories and heart. Because whereever you go, you can look up and see that God made the sky Carolina blue!

Teardrops fall for Deputy Steve Cox

Thousands gather to honor fallen King County deputy

Governor Gregoire called slain King County Deputy Steve Cox a role model, an inspiration, a hero and a superman.She spoke at his funeral today at a SeaTac church."He was the embodiment of the best of public service," she said. "As a deputy prosecutor, as a sheriff's deputy, and as a community activist, he never stopped believing and working to the betterment of his community."King County Sheriff Sue Rahr told the mourners that no one will be able to fill Steve's shoes but she says deputies have an obligation to keep his legacy alive by not letting down the people of White Center.That's where Cox was working early Saturday when he was shot while questioning a suspect.Thousands of officers from across the region joined families and friends for the service at the Christian Faith Center. A motorcade to the service Friday morning went through White Center and past the sheriff's station where a memorial of flowers had been placed.Mike Schemnitzer served as Steve's partner for the past 2 ½ years, and said working with Steve was the biggest honor of his life. "The only thing Steve loved more than protecting White Center was his family," he said while holding back tears. Schemnitzer said that patrolling the community with Steve was like riding around with a rock star. "People would yell his name at the car and wave, and when we got out people would crowd around because they wanted to talk to him.""He was more than just a partner and a friend," Schemnitzer said of Cox. "He was a legend." The 46-year-old Cox was a former deputy prosecuting attorney who became a police officer and joined the King County sheriff's office nine years ago.He was known as a "cop's cop" -- bigger than life and determined to clean up the streets he patrolled.But at home, he was a loving husband and a new father. The day before the memorial service his widow wanted to share memories of the man she loved and lost."There's no words. I cannot express exactly what I feel," said Maria Cox.Maria Cox says it feels like a part of her has been ripped away; the way any woman would feel when she's lost her husband."He had a mission," Maria Cox said. "He wanted White Center to become a decent area. He says 'it's going to be clean, it's going to be fixed and we are going to make that happen.' "Steve Cox was on that mission Saturday, investigating an assault outside a White Center home. Police say as the deputy questioned Raymond Porter -- a known gang member and convicted felon -- Porter shot Cox in the head.Friends and family say Porter's bullet took a dedicated cop, a devoted husband, and an excited new father. Just a few months ago, the couple adopted Bronson, a son who brought out the softer side of Steve."Bronson's going to know his Dad was a big, big man," Maria Cox said. "Not just a tall, beefy guy but he had a very large heart, very responsible."To many in the community he seemed bigger than life. But at home, Maria says he tried to protect her from the sometimes dark details of his job.So, she says, she never knew just how special he was on the streets."I didn't know my Superman was everybody else's Superman."Even though Maria Cox thought of her husband as Superman, she worried about him being out on the streets. So every night, she fell asleep to the chatter of a police scanner so she could hear his code name and know that he was OK.In what seems like a merciful twist, Friday night was the one night that she didn't have the scanner on. So she never heard the desperate call that there was an officer down. Our hearts are breaking for the Cox family.

UNC Ranked #3

So, all you fans..weren't we PUMPED when the Heels beat Ohio State...now don't talk about the ifs, when, or buts...b/c on that night, the game ended with UNC having more points than the Buckeyes. YIPPEE. I did practice some deep breathing and guided imagery during the first half. Now we are going into the holiday blow out period....stay tuned.....PS. more & more Dook fans head for the closet...if they aren't # 1, you just don't hear many people saying how they are fans. Read my lips...when UNC only won 8 games ALL YEAR, I still watched the games (on mute, sometimes) and told everyone who asked, my name is #1 Tarheel Fan....move over, fair weathered fans....New AP Poll--Week 5
1. UCLA (55) 6-0 1,781
2. Pittsburgh (15) 8-0 1,713
3. North Carolina (2) 6-1 1,619
4. Alabama 7-0 1,550
5. Ohio State 7-1 1,510
6. Texas A&M 7-0 1,385
7. Duke 7-1 1,168
7. Florida 7-2 1,168
9. LSU 4-1 1,099
10. Wichita State 6-0 1,016

Lance, Zackery, & Grace

There are 3 special people in my life and unfortunately, I have to travel on a plane to see them. (teardrop)!Thanksgiving time was my trip back to see family and meet the newest special person...Grace, age 2 1/2 months. Lance in 4 and Zackery is 2. What a busy, wonderful time it was! I miss & love them so much!