Night 4: Stepping Out

As the birthday party faded into the rearview mirror and Steven's infatuation with his new toys in full swing, Bonnie and I were fortunate enough to get a night out on the town in Jasper as Steven would hang out with Grammy and Paw Paw.

Bonnie and I had decided that we wanted to get some barbecue from dinner. Let me preface this by saying that we don't get to enjoy barbecue in Florida. If you grew up in Jacksonville, then I can understand why you think the barbecue there is good. Growing up in Alabama, where barbecue is a basic food group, it just doesn't measure up.

So the Lamps went off to eat at the new Jim n' Nicks to start the evening. I can say I haven't had barbecue that good in a long time. Bonnie and I ate more than we should have, but had a good time during dinner – wondering why it was so quiet. Then we realized that we didn't have Steven and how much different it is with him (a good thing) and how crazy it is to believe that he's already one-year old.

The next question for us was what to do after dinner? When in Rome, do as the Romans. For us, we do what you do in Jasper – make a trip to the mall to look for Steven some shoes that fit his huge feet.

Alas, after walking throughout the Jasper mall – making stops at Belk's, JC Penney, Shoe Department and the moth-ball smelling K-Mart we came away empty handed. Except for two pictures…

This store look like somebody with a pink marker threw up in it. Bonnie and I couldn't believe that there was a whole store dedicated to pink stuff.

The other is to show all of our friends in Florida that this state is very pro-Bama and that Auburn has slowly become an afterthought thanks to the arrival of Bear Saban. You can buy Bama shirts, shorts, whatever you want. But if you want Auburn stuff, pick what size shorts because this is all we got…

Next up on our Tour de Jasper? The Jasper Bowling Center!

Bonnie and I enjoy bowling and have always had a good time whenever we go. Tonight, we decided we didn't want to hit a movie (because we would probably go to sleep), so we decided to hit the lanes. It's Jasper, it's a Monday night, so hopefully we would be able to get a lane.

Getting a lane wasn't a problem. We were one of seven people (counting the two working) that were in the establishment. The problem was deciding what kind of beer we wanted – bottle or can! Here's a great look at the player's check in desk…

The first game was an epic debacle. I was trying to bowl with spin and look like a pro while Bonnie was just getting her "bowling legs" back under her. She had enough under her to pull out an amazing 100-96 win.

Needless to say, I was a little peeved at the outcome. The second game was much different – I bowled my arse off, putting up a career-high 193 with six strikes during the game. Bonnie put up a career effort as well, carding a 128.

For those who don't believe the scores, enjoy this image…

Next up…A Day to Breathe