With the improved water level it's nice to see more boats taking to Lake Lanier this summer. In the past I've lamented the number of boats on the lake at any one time shaking some of the contents out of my beverage cup, but I've come to see them as a sign of a healthy lake level.

I still even feel child-like excitement when I encounter one of those high-speed cigar boats on the water. Kind of like the first time you see a Ferrari on the road.

Thanks to Facebook, I recently had the pleasure of lunch with an old friend that had raced these boats professionally for many years. After a long and successful career (and a few spectacular wrecks), he has retired from the sport competitively but he still owns one of these crafts and maybe if he reads this glowing post he'll offer to take me out on it sometime!

With my third son due in a week I'm secretly hoping I'll hear him say "have a cigar (boat ride)!" - if only as a passenger for a just little while.

I'm always amazed at how many activities there are available at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. For a romantic weekend away, a weekend of golfing, or a fun-filled day with the whole family it doesn't disappoint.

Accomodations include guest rooms, villas, lakehouses and campground sites. The beach and waterpark are always popular in summer. Other activities include horseback riding - from pony rides to Ride & Romance Packages, and of course there are fantasic golf and spa facilities.

Additionally, Lake Lanier Islands and Fifth Row Center, South Hall's community theater, continue their summer series with "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" July 25th and 26th, 7:30 pm on Saturday and 7:00 pm on Sunday.  Both shows will be held at Presentation Point Outdoor Amphitheater overlooking Lake Lanier. 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children (11 and under).  For more information, call Lake Lanier Islands at 1-800-840-LAKE or check out www.lakelanierislands.com.

I am not one that has the luck of the draw. I've never come close at any Georgia Lottery game or scratch-off. I took an 0-fer for all three school choices at the recent Georgia Pre-K student enrollment drawing. I've never even won a square at a Superbowl party.

Luckily (or not), my four-year-old has a Pre-K spot due to his father camping out overnight at a facility on a first-come, first-enrolled basis. Camping out won't get you anywhere as far as a new dock permit goes but the odds are certainly much better than that of Mega Millions and possibly (but in my experience not probably) better than that of a Pre-K lottery. Never has the expression "you can't win if you don't play" been more apropos.

At this date, with no permit requests received, the odds are 100% that you will get a new dock permit if eligible. Of course those odds will go down steadily over the 90-day window that the Army Corps of Engineers is accepting applications. It all depends upon how many requests they get. Sure, some folks have been following this issue closely and are ready to ponce, but there will certainly be those who procrastinate and fail to apply. My advice: Send it in!