The Deck at 260 Part 30

It's been an interesting week on The Deck with all of this snow and ice. Not only is this the first big accumulation since 2022, this storm may rival 2004 and 1988 if it keeps going to next week. 

ICE (different kind) schools not traveling down certain roads, extreme deaths (wake, funeral, repass) Super Bowl is set

Far as snow and ice, people everywhere turn into kids. Building snow people, throwing snow balls, sledding down hills, making snow cream and driving the all wheel drives in this weather. Those that have these all wheels drives and all of this winter gear have been waiting on this. It's similar to me and WU Homecoming. Meanwhile I eat comfort food and sleep. Not much else I can do. I am glad my uncle fixed up my steps last year so I'll have less of a fall risk. 

School busses will likely not travel down certain roads for a while (if school is even open). Many of you know the line of work I'm in and delivery vans and FLEX drivers will follow the same. That's one of the downsides to living on a secondary road that DOT doesn't maintain is owning that maintenance. I got to get up with my neighbors and uncle to see what the plan is to get us out of here next week. I have kitty litter, salt and there is this fancy rock salt I've bought from Lowe's in the past. I stopped buying it for obvious reasons. We are so unprepared in our area. 

The "other" type of ICE is doing some very inhumane and irrational things and needs to stop. They are basically the international neighborhood watch gone wrong and the media is loving it. Similar to our traditional police there needs to be certain training and qualifications to do this. Also using common sense and good judgment is a must! 

There have been another run of deaths close to me. Fortunately I have the mechanisms in place to cope but it's still hard. I'm taking a break from social media and obviously from work due to the snow. I am getting use out of all of those sympathy cards I bought a while ago. 

The Super Bowl is now set for a week from Sunday. I want to see the Seahawks win as I don't want to see the Patriots start another dynasty. Other than that, it's the end of football until August of course. 

Please stay safe, rest up well and wash your vehicles well when this is all finally over! 

The Deck at 260 Part 29

First long weekend out on the Deck and it finally feels like Winter. Here's what we have. 

Parkin Latte, Cherokee County stuff, Monks Part 2 the Peaceful Bugaloo, AI artists, Verizon outage, Druski again, Ludacris shirt

I'm definitely enjoying having not only another coffee shop, not only another small business in downtown Blacksburg but one based in Clover, SC of ALL places: Parkin Latte. To my Wisefire folks: there are several ways to slice this pie. First of all, nothing rarely compares to the precessor. This is so true in this case. Wisefire was near and dear to many of our hearts and only a shop that uses the exact same coffee, hours, etc would compare to that experience and nostalgia. 2. Parkin Latte has been at this for a while. 3 towns, and still running their coffee truck. They're not trying to be like any other coffee shop. Their methods may be parallel to more of the popular chain shops out there. However they have a business model and are sticking to it. 3. I will make this comparison. Uptown Grill isn't/wasn't Fattboyz, Yesterday's, the new Reservation isn't the old one (not the best comparison and we have a Gaffney section) and 90s WU v the current WU. It's a different time, different age. My fellow Wisefire fam, please support and embrace them. If you cannot do this, please do not badmouth them and let them be. Small businesses struggle enough as is. If anyone can do better, please open your own shop. Ok thanks for coming to that Ted Talk. 

The city of Gaffney is trying to annex out into the Grassy Pond/Highway 11 area. That is purely country with farmland, homes, not a lot of businesses. The city is hurting with Limestone closed, removing city trash pickup and now apparently the BGEN is going away? None of this is promising and this is a last ditch effort to save face and money. It would be more understandable if this was properly within 2 miles of the interstate but this is out near Chesnee and Cowpens. The residents here have made their lives in this area and their land goes back hundreds of years. There are more than one way to skin a cat and basically annexing to control and annex the properly is essentially theft. How about doing like other downtowns are doing and work inwards to build more downtown and city limits business first and foremost? Fix up that area on Hwy 29 that looks like a meth haven? Gaffney you have to clean up every haven of your home before trying to expand in areas that are best left alone. 

Ok the Monks came through my area in Chester, Fort Lawn, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Charlotte and even Concord (basically my work commute) and were still met with naysayers and agitators. I'm so over folks that don't read anything that doesn't have pictures, cartoons and thinks their ways are the only way. Were the Monks bothering you that badly? They only were spreading peace, not war nor violence. Truly a Peaceful Bugaloo. Guess what, the venerable Monks actually march every couple of years in the South. The media caught wind and my hope and sincere prayer is if you practice Christianity you will mind your business and not worry about why others are going in droves to see them. 

Speaking of minding your *** **** business, I was dismayed to learn that one of my favorite Spotify artists, Nick Styles, is actually AI generated and influenced. AI is not only scary, it's taking over. It's a true reality check. We're about to be in a world with Max Headrooms and creative writing will be a thing of the past. AI is great when used properly. I'm not sure creating entire musical artists are great like that. It's some Weird Science stuff. 

I knew there were lots of Verizon customers (I'm an ATT guy myself) and maan so many about lost their minds with the nationwide outage on Wednesday. Welcome to what ATT and T-Mobile customers go through a time or two per year and then living in a rural area? This is also why my Internet company is separate from ATT (trust they tried). I do feel for my WFH folks as that's costing money. However that silence wasn't so bad otherwise as sometimes you need to break from electronics. I also feel bad for the folks that didn't get much of a rebate. Verizon is the most expensive of all the carriers and take it from me a call to the FCC can help remedy and mitigate what they're putting their loyal customers through. 

Speaking of the Christian/church crowd, Druski does it again! Many by now have seen his latest skit attacking the mega church. He's not mocking God, but the mega church. Despite what the New Testament says, I truly don't think God is pleased with all modern megachurches as a whole are doing. Hit dogs truly do holler. 

Ludacris is also receiving flack from the Black community for wearing an outfit with the Confederate Flag branded all over it. Now I'm not for what that flag represents and I do not wear and condone it. However, Lil Jon wore it in a music video ages ago and nothing was said (this was pre social media though). Also before being quick to judge and cancel, make sure that you aren't doing anything heinous or "against the culture". Finally, if you think Luda was the ONLY POC that thinks or wants to do this, you're wrong. We have plenty of closet Uncle Ruckuses/Toms. Both Steves(Harvey and A Smith) share this mentality. Kevin Hart may also be like this but he's very business savvy and aware and you may never know. At least Luda let it be known and also had the good sense to cancel the tour with various country artists. 

Ok whew y'all are wearing me out on the Deck. I need hot chocolate and a shot of something else that doesn't have milk in it. 

The Deck at 260 Part 28

Happy New Year, 2026! We gather on the deck with more warm weather. We'll start the discussion on that point: 

Snow/ice/freezing rain in January/February 

The Monks coming to SC/NC

Venezuela invasion 

ICE kills

Parkin Latte replacing Wisefire, new beginning 

Trash pickup gone in cities

The weather is consistency erratic in January and currently it's no different. We do, however, need some winter weather/precipitation to clear the aif air and kill off bugs and pests. There's a part of this current flu/illness going around that's due to the weather. Also those of us that reside in the Carolinas must realize the coldest weather comes in February and early March. There's still hope! 

The Monks marching from Texas to Washington, DC and coming through the Carolinas is huge news. There a few things I don't like regarding how they're being treated (and not just the incident in GA). First bear in mind I grew up Christian and in a Christian household. I know what Christianity should look like. I also know that despite the Buddhist Monks having different beliefs than me doesn't mean I should treat them differently. They are about promoting inner peace and discipline. Secondly, they are kind and stoic. They are doing this as part of their faith, not for likes nor clicks. Therefore, if I do get to see them within the coming weeks, I am going to follow guidelines, keep my distance and get pictures if I can. It won't be a celebrity moment. 

I don't allow politics too often on the deck (this isn't the barbershop sorry nor Levor Ross's home). However what I am seeing right now is redundant and sickening. The US has now invaded Venezuela. I am seeing both the positives and negatives. I really want things to turn out well for Venezuela. However I see benefit for the USA such as rich oil resources and US taking over a country rather than helping it. I encourage everyone to study for themselves and not just pick a side based on political beliefs. 

The ICE invasions, while warranted to a point, are not very contained nor fair at all. It is inhumane how they're behaving right now. I felt this way before the person lost their life. I'm just hoping now that our government and executive branch gets a handle on this. 

I'm very excited about a new coffee shop coming to Blacksburg where Wisefire Cafe used to be for 6 years and was my hangout.  It's even more special that it's Parkin Latte, a business I'm very familiar with and I've seen/visited in Clover, SC. I know many locals are skeptical and are waiting to see what is going to come. Many, especially those that were Wisefire regulars, are looking at how the owners painted everything pink (bear in mind their truck is pink). However I've met the owner, Briana Harris and her barista, Whitney. They are battle tested in small towns and know the consumer. They will have to really get the buy in from Cherokee County in general and listen to their needs. I'm very confident they can deliver and make 113 North Shelby Street a happening spot once again! 

Gaffney's County Council continues to make controversial decisions as 2026 is only a week old. Trash pickup has been removed for those living in city limits now. Tax rebates/refunds are obviously coming. While this looks grim, I will say that many adjustments were expected once Limestone University closed. Now I'm wondering what's next. 

The College Football Playoff continues as well as basketball everywhere. Next time we reconvene we may have on our Carhardt gear and camo on!

The Deck at 260 Part 27 (End of 2025/Holidays Part 2)

Happy New Year's Eve as many clean house, prepare for NYE parties, football, Stranger Things finale, etc. It's a pre-party out on the deck! 

Stranger Things finale

Snoop Dogg halftime show

Christmas Day NFL games

Week 52 strangest week of the year

Get to the gym today 

Games at Christmas gatherings/food. 

Vacations during this time

NYE resolutions and vision boards 

Ok first off this isn't a spoiler. The long awaited 2 hour Stranger Things finale is tonight at 8pm EST on Netflix. Why couldn't this have been the day prior. New Year's Eve night is a time where people go to parties, church, clean and purge on the final day of the year. This is a big deal for us that have been following this show for so long. It's a bad time frame period and Netflix needs to do better in many aspects, this included. 

Netflix and the NFL did get the halftime show correct during the Cowboys/Commanders game. That was what a halftime show should be! It seems like the NFL has gotten too political and woke even for me. Whomever is making the decisions for Super Bowl halftime shows need to look at the one from Christmas Day. That's what a halftime show should be! 

Also to Netflix and other streaming outlets, let's please get on one accord for Christmas Day. Please make it easier not only to locate NFL games but also to stream them. Internet traffic is heavy but fans shouldn't have to deal with excess buffering for hours. It put me to sleep (Heck I fell asleep on my own deck thinking about it.). Christmas 2026 is on a Friday, these networks need to improve the fan experience. 

Although I didn't due to my schedule being upside down, today is/was the day to get to the gym. It will be packed all January. I'm proud of myself for regaining this discipline in 2025. That's what it takes and consistency.

This week is already wild enough. I decided to go on vacation this year and spent some time with family/friends. I recommend all the above. The New Year comes fast. 

Ok many have saw the viral video that says "if you come at me ONE MO TIME WE THROUGH!". We can all sadly relate since we've been in the presence of this relative around the December holidays. It legit happened to me this year. Remember this. 1. Keep the alcohol to a minimum. 2. Use discretion with certain games such as spades, UNO, Monopoly, etc. 3. If someone says they do not want to partake, please don't pressure them. Christmas means different things to different people, please respect that.

Also should families run back turkey/ham/dressing, etc? Or are pickups and even sandwich trays good enough? I would say that depends upon the family. I'm open to anything that I do eat. What I fix doesn't mean you should eat it or have to fix and vice versa. 

I think we should think less about resolutions and more about goals and refine them throughout the year. I have thought for a number of years that vision boards are hokey. However I would be open to not only doing one but going to a vision board party. 

Happy New Year to all, thanks for supporting me. 2026 will be the 10th anniversary of #imjustdrew, 16th of this specific blog. Stay tuned! 

The Deck at 260 Part 26

We're on the deck for the Christmas edition. Quite a week despite many people being sick and waiting last minute for certain Holiday items. Here's the lineup. 

Sharrone Moore

Sickness/viruses/measles

Celebrity deaths this week 

Christmas Eve/Day plans

Is Christmas stuff done and why or why not? 

I cannot stop discussing nor thinking about former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore. By now most know what he did as memes continue to surface and even his mugshot. However when you're creeping on your wife for two years with your assistant and all of the other messiness, how does your inner circle allow this to take place? Unless they truly didn't know. 

We now have the seasonal illnesses including a bad flu and virus going around. The biggest news in Upstate SC is a measles outbreak. Yes measles! This all of course brings up the vaccine debate again. I will just state a few points: 1. Please wash your hands. 2. Remember that vaccines have historically did well for herd immunity (please do your research, we just got out of a pandemic), 3. Don't trust anyone's food or cooking at holiday gatherings. 4. Dress for the season. and 5. Stop going places if you know you're sick and contagious. Ugh this happens every season because some people do not learn. 

The Grim Reaper is targeting the celebrities again. First Rob Reiner and his wife, then Steve Taneyhill and now Greg Biffle and his entire family. It's already hard enough celebrating without those that have already left us and being sick. We need to keep up the holiday spirit. 

Ok why do people wait until the last minute every year for everything Christmas related. From shopping to parties to family plans? It's the only holiday I see people talk about year round but are rarely prepared. Financially I get it far as gifts or the type of gift exchange. Now gathering shouldn't be as much of an issue as many make it to be. 

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all! Remember the true reason for the season. 

The Deck at 260 Part 25

It's officially bonfire season on the deck. I have a fire burning, my coveralls on and ready to discuss nearly two weeks of topics. 

Lane Kiffin, Christmas lights, Diddy, CFP, ND, Gaffney shootings, SNAP ban

College football is really heating up the deck this time of year as it's bowl/playoff season! In the midst of upsets and notable omissions from the CFP, Lane Kiffin is once again headed to another program. Ok he is clearly not the person at 50 that he was at 30. However he has a track record for not staying long at any program so why would anyone hire him with long term expectations? Also I see nothing wrong with allowing him to coach Ole Miss throughout the playoffs. He has made this program relevant again and wants to finish what he started. There is still so much to correct in college football. 

Notre Dame was left out of the playoff and has opted out of their bowl bid with BYU. I honestly have no problem with either. College playoff selection committee should expect this for a while. Outside of money and a strong finish, if the national championship isn't at stake, there isn't a strong reason for any team (especially one with upperclassmen headed to the pros) to stay, play and risk injury. I respect those like Kirk Herbstreit but that's a dated way of thinking. 

The biggest topic that we can't avoid is the newest (yep another) Diddy documentary. Just know this is parallel to OJ in the 90s. Fans and media are going to run this into the ground, at least until his sentence and sentencing are over. I'm done watching it at this point. Yes what Diddy and those did were heinous. However what are we accomplishing by rehashing the same story over and over? It's time for solutions and a way to move forward. 

I'm into the Christmas spirit more than ever. However I cannot believe how much people are paying to see overglamourized Christmas light shows. These are honestly people with more money than sense and failing to go to places with similar value but for lower prices. Why are many failing to see.the capitalism behind all of this? This is one of the aspects about the holiday season that I despise the most. 

There are far too many shootings in Gaffney, SC in the same area just recently and in the city the past few years. When are law enforcement going to focus more on effective solutions? There's mitigating the violence proactively, attacking the drug addiction problem and making it harder to obtain guns. There are already gun laws out there, no need to take away firearms from law abiding citizens. It's time to think outside of the box to keep them away from those that don't deserve them. 

We knew stuff would change with SNAP. And now at least in South Carolina sodas and candy cannot be purchased. I said years ago these are items that shouldn't be restricted. One modification could be an itemization of SNAP items based on household. For instance a single parent of 1 child that receives $800/month should only be allocated $200 for "junk food". There are ways to combat this and I cannot stand when the powers to be lack both compassion and critical thinking skills. 

It's getting colder but there's much more to discuss weekly on The Deck as we get closer to 12/25. 

The Deck at 260 Part 24 (Thanksgiving Edition)

Thanksgiving 2025 got intense especially once the masses realized I cannot stand deviled eggs. There are some good debates around Thanksgiving, many involving food. 

Deviled eggs or nah? 

I apparently am in the minority (nothing new for me) since I don't like nor eat deviled eggs. I got people wanting to kick me off of my own deck, family threatening to disown me, etc. It seems not only do the majority of people love deviled eggs, those that known me most of my life did not know that I do not like them. My two points of order are: is it so bad given all of the foods that I eat that I not like deviled eggs. Shouldn't that be more for you all?  2. Apparently many folks don't listen to me nor pay close attention. My best guess is because I weigh over 300 pounds that people think I will eat almost anything. Guess what, no? 

Dressing v stuffing: 

Dressing is cornbread based (also based in the South) baked in the oven with ingredients such as onions, celery, chicken broth and stock. Stuffing os the Stove Top type that is stuffed into the turkey that honestly is nasty. This is a when in Rome type deal. Basically you eat what you want but know the difference. It's serious around here even if gravy can go on either. 

Fried or roasted turkey 

This is more of a preference deal. Fried turkey typically is more juicier, quicker to cook and more zesty. Roasted turkey is rarely juicy, dry as the Sahara desert and takes more preparation. Smoked turkey is also an option. Ham is also an option. I like ham also. 

Thanksgiving dinner early or late: 

I'm not a stickler on the time. I will just say many folks (like yours truly) like to househop. Therefore, please try to committ to whatever time you choose. If not, don't be suprised if someone comes late or cannot come. This is Thanksgiving not the club. Get yourself and your family there. If you're hosting, have stuff ready or rethink hosting. 

Eating before the Thanksgiving meal: 

It seems to be a deal to starve yourself before the Thanksgiving meal given how much you plan to consume. If you are eating earlier and/or cooking, this shouldn't be a problem. However if you are eating late, please read with understanding. You are an adult on this deck. PLEASE eat like a grown up and don't let anyone dictate your snacking. A pack of crackers or a banana (anything light) will not spoil your appetite. We need to unlearn these toxic, ridiculous behaviors and wives tales. 

Sweet potato or pumpkin pie: 

Believe it or not, this debate has historical and cultural roots. However given the growing love and obsession over pumpkin pie and the difference in texture, I gotta go with sweet potato pie here. 

No time to experiment. 

Even with YouTube and Tik Tok being great sources for helping someone make great Thanksgiving dishes, it may be best to stick to what you know. 

Major holidays like Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Christmas and Easter aren't the ones where one should bring or make obscure dishes or ones they haven't made before. I have earned the right to make many traditional Thanksgiving dishes but it takes work, practice and patience. If you have a small gathering or even a Friendsgiving, that may be the place. And with the next topic 

Suspect menu items at Thanksgiving: 

This is definitely up for debate depending on where you are at and what the custom is. However the following are items that are getting tired and untouched at many Thanksgiving dinners: 

Anything with green beans

Blackeyed peas 

Cranberry sauce

Anything dry (again we have the Internet and traditional recipes to mitigate this)

Anything with raisins in it that's not a dessert

Any breakfast item (one of few times I might not eat bacon)

Deviled eggs (of course I'm saying this)

Any pasta that's not mac n cheese (which can cross over to the casserole/pie family) 

Casseroles made from random items and vegetables (no-one asked for a corn and hamburger casserole Susan lol)

That's all for now. Hope everyone had a great and safe Thanksgiving holiday!