Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tuesday is a great day

Wow, the good warm temperate weather is back and may last for the rest of the week. It reached 71 today and NO humidity. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of Cheerios I jumped on the bike and headed to the Rec. It seem's the great interest in pickle ball has caused the Rec. directors to give us(pickle ball players) the gym for at least 2 full hours everyday during the week. Thank You!!!
Well we had 7 players today for 2 hours and we got in some great play; fast and furious. We are down in numbers this week which is to be expected because of the holidays. The Rec. is closed New Years Day but will be open the day after. I'm looking forward to the next 5 months of great play with all of our players. We even had 2 racket ball players today showing some interest in the game. We always welcome new players.
After pickle ball I harvested lots of fresh; romaine and bibb lettuce, beet greens, mustard greens, radishes, basil and parsley for a great garden salad for lunch. Amy and Ava came and we topped off the salad with last of the smoked chicken from Sunday. Wow, with olive oil, lemon juice and crazy salt that makes for a great dressing along with sliced beets and garbanzo beans. Man is that good eatin'.
Ava played outside with Phoenix(2 year old) until it was time for her afternoon nap. She is such a delight and we relish her daily visits. After they left Nancy and I took off to Sam's to pick up party food for tomorrow night. She is making tons of sandwiches, salsa and other goodies. Neighbors are making and bringing 4 or 5 different soups and then we will ring in the New Year with food and games. Sounds like fun.
Well will close for now. Later. Just in case I'm sure I won't blog tomorrow night I want to wish all a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Sunday on Monday

Well the weather here is just to warm but its nicer than sleet, snow and freezing temps. Anyhow Sunday turned out to be a warm day with the A/C on all day. After our quiet time and a lite breakfast we headed off to church to work in the nursery. We had a cute little 9 month old boy and Ava. After church we had a lite lunch and then I oiled up 2 whole chickens and stuck a beer in the rear. I had soaked some oak wood all night so it was good and wet then fired the old smoker up.

Nancy,Dan and myself headed off to the Freedom Square nursing home and conducted a 30 minute service. Dan brought the message and Nancy led the singing and I estimate there were a total of 20 folks there. Afterwards we should have conducted a funeral service for the Buc's as they played terrible and are out of the playoffs. They lost all 4 games in December and don't deserve to win. At one time they were 9 and 3 and were wondering if they would have home field advantage during the playoffs.At least my second team the Carolina Panther's are playing well have a shot to go all the way.

Sunday afternoon found G/G, Pap Pap, Amy, Tyler and Ava here for dinner. The beer in the rear chicken was fantastic along with the rosemary crusted oven potato's, fresh broccoli and a fresh garden salad most of which came from mine and Tyler garden. Wow the lettuce is absolutely gorgeous. After dinner we got Ava ready for bed then played a round of Apples to Apples and then a round of golf(card game). It was going on 10 when everyone left. I finished THE BROKER and watched a little of the Broncos versus the Charger's game.

Monday found us with another beautiful Spring like morning which eventually reached the low 80's. Still requires us to keep the A/C on but not as humid as it has been. I headed out to the Rec. and got 2 plus hours of pickle ball in. There were 10 of us which made for continuous play. I must wish a belated birthday to Jersey Jim as he hit the 65 mark and is going strong. He has an aggressive spirit on the court and plays a great game. Happy Birthday Jim!!! I hope we can do this pickle ball game many more years.

After the Rec. I picked up some new reading material then did a little garden work, mowed the yard(actually mowed up the falling leaves) then Nancy and I went up to church and put away the Christmas Tree on stage with its decorations. In between all that I played with Ava before she headed out for her afternoon nap. Finally had a busy afternoon. Now I'm headed for the shade tree and a new book until dark. Later.!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Saturday is a Beautiful Day

Well it was nearly 8 Am when we got up this AM. Wow is that unusual for us.The skies were bright blue and the sun was brilliant. Initially I thought it would be a great day for the beach except I forgot to check the velocity of the wind. By late morning it was blowing to hard to venture out on the sand. There will more days so we decided after our quiet time an a breakfast of buckwheat pancakes with ham to take down the Christmas decorations. I first watered the gardens, pulled a few weeds and then took extra blossoms off the the tomato and egg plants. Hopefully this will cause the fruit already set to ripen quicker. I must have pulled 50 tomato flowers and 25 egg plant flower off.

Well it is still a warm day but we opened the windows to let the stiff breeze air the house out before once again closing the windows and turning the A/C on. It took us a couple hours to take down the tree, pack up all the Santa's and Nativity scene's and once more store them in the attic until next year. I then managed to get a little reading in with a Grisham novel THE BROKER. Its fast paced and exciting.

Ava came for supper as Nancy fixed her favorite buttered macaroni, ham and green beans with a fresh garden salad.We are keeping Ava as Amy and Tyler attend a going away party for Joey. Joey is leaving tomorrow for the mission field in Africa. Good Luck Joey and Godspeed. Sunday will find us back at SFBC in the nursery and then in the afternoon at the Freedom Square Nursing Pavilion to lead an afternoon service.

Well will close for now. I'll try to enclose a few pics tomorrow. LATER

Friday, December 26, 2008

Thursday on Friday
























































Well Christmas Day was just a big old day of eating, watching grand daughter's opening gifts and just family and friends visiting. After that sumptuous breakfast I piddled around, read a little, napped a little(still not 100 %)just waiting for everyone to return for dinner at 5:30. Pap Pap(Nancy's Dad) was having trouble with his meat thermometer so Nancy took off to his house to pick up this 15 pound standing rib roast. What a beautiful piece of meat it turned out to be and it could have been roasted just a little less median as we like it closer to more rare. My thermometer says 140 should be rare(which is what we cooked it) but my son Chef Bobby says 130 with a settling time(out of the oven before carving) of 30 minutes will make it just right. I think he is right on this one. But never the less the meat was tender, juicy and succulent.

The roast was accompanied by of course; smashed spuds with dark gravy(roast drippings, dijon mustard and fresh rosemary again Chef Bob's concotion ), fresh green beans(store bought), a fresh garden salad(from Tyler garden) and G/G(great grand ma Everett) made a fresh yellow squash casserole. The dessert was Amy's left over raspberry almond cream cheese cake and a store bought cheese cake(like we needed any dessert). We had a total of 12 folks for dinner.

Afterwards we open gifts and just enjoyed Ava an Annsley as they helped tear the wrapping paper off every one's gifts. They were so cute together.

Everyone started getting sleepy after so much to eat and of course the clean up took a while. I washed what dishes wouldn't fit in the dishwasher and Amy and G/G helped dry. The girls needed baths so when they got home they could be put right into their cribs so Aunt Jill and Grandma Triplett(Nancy) handled that job. Bobby was helping cousin Garrett with his new electric guitar(starter) and every one else was chilling, taking pictures and socializing and watching the Lakers beat the Celtics.
After every one left it didn't take me long to get to sleep after I took a healthy swig of Nightquil. I still had a runny nose and some congestion in the head. I hadn't taken any OTC medicine, just high does of Vitamin C, so I thought this may help and it did however; I did not want to get up at 6:30 this morning. It was close to 7 Am before I rolled out of the sack as I knew Jersey Jim would be waiting at the Rec. Actually I had for a fleeting moment thought this was one of those times I needed to stay in the sack and vegetate. I did an abbreviated morning ritual with only a glass of OJ(with my supplements) and a banana. Wow was I lethargic and slow most of the morning, YEOW that Nightquil had me week kneed at times. I got in 2 hours of play with 5 other's; Jim, Mike, Omar, Mitsco and Peg. We had some great points and 4 of them were still playing when I left at 10.

Well I just learned we are taking our leftovers from last nights dinner to Ava's House for dinner tonight(want to see all of Ava toy's) and a game we received for Christmas called Apples to Apples. We received some great gifts; Aunt Josie sent us some great cabins gifts(from Va.) which are unique for North Carolina as well as many others who gave us gift cards, clothing, money and jewelry. There was to many too mention all individually. We really appreciate all of your generosity and THANK YOU again.

Well I will close for now. Glad to hear all got back home safely. LATER.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Eve
























































Wednesday was a warm day that started out with my usual quiet time and a lite breakfast before heading out to the Rec. for some fast and furious pickle ball play. I got in 2 good hours and had a wet shirt as evidence it was good cardio-vascular workout.

I did a little garden work and took an afternoon nap as I could feel maybe I was coming down with a head cold. I had been taking lots of vitamin C and good actually feel its effects as the start of a sore throat dissipated. I ate a bowl of leftover fresh greens which is loaded with tons of minerals "the good stuff" to help with the body while fighting this cold. So far I feel strong with just a slight sniffle.
We got ready to pick up The Ross Family(Amy, Tyler and Ava) around 5 PM and head to Tampa for Bob's first Christmas Eve Service at Element Church at 6 PM.Nancy made some white bean dip with multi -grain crackers. Wow was that ever good to share along with other finger food and desserts for after the service. Bob had a jazz trio come in for about an hour while folks socialized, ate and the kids played. The church stage was lighted by everyone bringing their own candle. It was to say the least very beautiful and the snacks were good as well. We met several new people and renewed old acquaintances as well. What a fitting way to celebrate our Saviours birth with people who have been loved and are now sharing their love for Christ.
We got back to the house after 9 PM and I was in bed by 10 PM.
This Christmas morning found us still in bed at 7 AM however when I did go through the living room the tree was surrounded by presents. WOW there really is a Santa Claus!!!After my quiet time and a spot of green tea I helped Nancy get ready to cook the big breakfast that has become a tradition in out home. I had squeezed tangerines from my tree so we had fresh juice, hash browns were cooking and Nancy had a made an egg and ham casserole the day before and biscuits. Grandma Everett made a fresh fruit salad and Amy made a raspberry almond cream cheese coffee cake. Everyone came about 9:30 AM. Wow was it ever YUMMM!!

We are having in addition to the folks who were here for breakfast Bob, Jill an Annsley as well as Aunt Betsy's family; Gus, Braden and Garrett. So we will have a house full for dinner which is at 5 PM and the menu is to be prime rib. Will let ya know later what all the fixin's were.
Well will close for now as I feel my eye lids getting heavy. I need to rest up so I can tackle that dinner later. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all. LATER

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tuesday has been a Beautiful Day

The morning started out with a chill in the air but quickly warmed to a pleasant day. After my quiet time and a banana I biked to the Rec. and got in 2 great hours of pickle ball. Initially there were just 3 players but finally a 4th showed and we had 5 games of fast intense mixed doubles play. Talk about good play Mitsco and Jersey Jim put it on Mary Ann and myself in the fitth game by a single point.Great play and we are hoping for at least 4 tomorrow as we will not play on Christmas Day(the Rec. is closed).

After the Rec. I worked in the garden for an hour, then squeezed fresh orange juice and picked greens for dinner tonight. Nancy made oven potato's, grilled pork chops, greens(collards, kale and mustard greens )and corn bread. Carole brought apple strudel with vanilla ice cream. Yumm!! We then played 3 games of Oh Hell and Nancy won the middle game with me taking the first and last games. We had a fun time as we always do with our neighbors and good friends, Dan and Carol. They left by 9:30 as the girls were yawning, having hot flashes and giggling out of control. Yeow!!! Menopause!!!
I will be out late tomorrow night as we go to Tampa for the first Christmas Eve service at Element Church so there may be no blog until after Christmas Day. Anyhow Merry Christmas to all and don't forget the reason for this joyeous season; the birth of Jesus. God Bless. Later.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Sunday Was Another Warm Day

Well after our quiet time and a lite breakfast we headed out to church where Nancy sang in the choir and then joined me in the nursery with the toddlers. We only had Ava so she got lots of attention and we loved every moment. After church I settled in to watch our Bucs slide further in the lost column and just about gave away any chance to make the playoffs. Actually the only decent player on Sunday was Garcia who gave 100% where the rest of the team maybe 75%. I guess I will have to pull for the Falcons as they are playing with desire and enthusiasm.
Nancy took off for the mall with her mother and sister. She later had to go to church and sing with choir for another musical. The rest of the day for me was one of a couch potato watching football. Its hard to believe the season has 1 more regular game.

Monday morning cooled down considerably so it was time to finally cut the A/C off. The day temps barely reached 70's; however its supposed to be in the 80's for Christmas. I shouldn't complain when I see all the snow and ice in the rest of the nation. I pedaled to the Rec. and got in 2 hours of pickle ball then a good workout in the weight room before stopping by the library. I picked a bunch of fresh greens, lettuce and my first cucumber. Did that make a great salad we took to Amy and Tyler's for dinner.Shortly after Amy left with Ava for her afternoon nap and old Air Force buddy, Mike Stirk stopped by with his wife Sally and son Brian. Mike and I were loadmasters together and he after his discharge went on to obtain his commercial flight ticket. He was a captain flying 747 with Evergreen Airlines out of New York City until about a year ago when he retired. His son Brian took over where he left off and is also a captain with the same airlines. They fly strictly cargo loads but all over the world. Brian lives in north St.Pete with his wife and 2 little girls. Mike now with his 2 grand daughters gets down yearly for a visit from New York.

Amy made a great chicken casserole, home grown broccoli, cauliflower for dinner. YUMMM!!! After getting Ava ready for bed we played a couple card games and were back home by 10 PM. Boy did it ever cool off with the temp at 51 with a steady breeze. It sure feels colder than that. Well will close for now. Later

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Friday and Saturday







Friday was another warm day, not hot; but warm enough to warrant the A/C but with some fog and Saturday morning was the foggiest yet. After a lite breakfast and my quiet time I biked to the Rec. for pickle ball. There were some good moments with some great play but Rec. personnel wanted half of the gym for badminton; when there were no players this week, so we were without half the gym for over an hour, which sat empty. Oh well that's why they make the big bucks and make major decisions.



Amy and Ava came for lunch and then Ava and myself played outside while the girls made more cookies. Wow I'm glad that is over as I can see my waist expanding. I delivered cards and cookies to 6 neighbors through out the afternoon and evening. Ava came back and had dinner with us and then stayed until about 10 PM as Amy and Tyler were at a Christmas party for the college students. Nancy took off an sang with the choir at Seminole Mall so I gave Ava a bath, played toys and read books.



Saturday morning found Nancy and I at Calvary Chapel in Pinellas Park a little after 8 AM to help with distribution of the Angelfood Ministry. There were at least 200 different folks there to pick up food orders and many picked up multiple orders. What a great way to reach out an assist many who are disadvantaged and just be blessing to others. We have enlisted 2 of our neighbors to help in this worthwhile effort as well.



After leaving Pinellas Park we stopped at Sam's Club and filled up with gas at a 1.55 per gallon then picked up a few things; one of which was Mahi Mahi. Nancy baked that in the oven for dinner along with fresh asparagus, rice and a garden salad. YUMMM!!!! Ava came around 5 and had dinner with us after Amy and Tyler took off for a dinner out and a movie. We just enjoy having Ava and she is so cute and smart for her young age.Well will close for now as tomorrow is church day and then NFL in the afternoon. GO BUCS!!! LATER.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Another Warm Day

Well the A/C is on, yuck. I love the cool fresh air with the windows open but no. Oh well that does beat ice, snow and overcast skies. The morning started with the usual quiet time, Cheerios for breakfast with a banana. I biked to the Rec. and got in 2 good hours of play with 7 players.

After the Rec. I stopped by the library and picked up a couple books, one which is Grisham's THE APPEAL. Its a good read and the beginning is much like the movie Erin Brockovich. I'm about half way through and I wonder how much of this buying state supreme court justices could be true.

The garden is really starting to take off with the 1/2 runner beans already 3-4 inches long. I do believe we will have some for Christmas dinner. The greens; beet, mustard, kale and collards are just outstanding. I have several golf ball size green peppers and the eggplant has several blooms. The tomato's are loaded as well with golf ball size green ones. These past few days with warm nights have really matured many veggies plus fresh lettuce is coming out of my ears as well as the spinach. Wow I love gardening in Florida in the fall and winter.

Amy and Ava came for lunch and stayed until after 3 PM. Ava fell and bumped her lip causing it to bleed a little. We put ice on it and she calmed down, once again I reassured her she would be better before she was married. Ava and I played and read books while Amy and Nancy baked 4 different kinds of Christmas cookies. Wow I want to lose weight and eating those things sure don't help. Oh well what a way to go!! Nancy made a superb dinner of grilled marinated chicken breasts, fried potatoes and Dijon Brussels sprouts as well as a fresh garden salad. No wonder I can't lose any weight. Well will close for now. It's hard to believe a week from today is Christmas and 2 weeks from today 2009 begins. Where does the time go??? LATER

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Wednesday is a Bit Drier but still Warm

Well the day started out as a spring day with lots of moisture and a bit on the warm side but as the day progressed it started to dry out. It still got into the 80's which made it pleasant. After my quiet time and usual bowl of Cheerios and 'nana I biked to the Rec. Well for a Wednesday we only had 8 players and did we ever play hard for a good 2 hours. There were lots of wet shirts.

Since Nancy cooked at church today Amy and Ava missed lunch with me but they always visited Tyler for lunch in Tampa. Anyhow I was alone for the day and got lots of reading done as well as a little garden work. I picked our good friends the Paynes's a bag of mustard greens. Wow are they ever good and even better when cooked with turnip greens. Nancy made beef stroganof with noodles, green beans,home made biscuits and chocolate cream pie, salad and banana cream pie(store bought). Tonight was our last fellowship meal until January 7 th as the next 2 Wednesday's fall on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

Will close for now. Later

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

It Sure is Warm for December
















Hey all!!! I must apologize for being lax on writing the past couple of days. Sunday turned out to be an awful day for the prospects of a play off bid with the Bucs. Once again I think the play calling stunk and the team came up short in overtime. Church found Amy and myself with 3 toddlers in the nursery, of course one of them was Ava. She is maturing so fast, its hard to believe the words she's using and her ability to count as well as she does at 20 months. She is so mature behavior wise compared to the other's kid in her class who are 2-3 years of age.
Monday found Nancy and I leaving around 9 M to head over to Riverview to watch Annsley during the day. Jill's folks had to go back to Maryland for a visit with Brian's mother. They usually watch Annsley when both Jill an Bob are working. Needless to say we had a great time with her and she to is maturing rapidly. We stayed the day and Nancy brought dinner and prepared a meat loaf, new potato's and broccoli.YUMMM!!!! It rained most of the day so we watched Elmo, read books, played toys and hide an go seek. Annsley took a nice 2 hours nap which gave us time to catch up on some reading. I started Bill O'Reilly's book A BOLD FRESH PIECE OF HUMANITY and I must say he is a true patriot and is definitely looking out for the working folks.
We got back after 9 PM last night so I flipped on the NFL and gave up on any correspondence. Today was a warm one. Nancy had the a/c because of the humidity. The skies were bright sunshine after the light rain that fell most of the night. After my quiet time and breakfast of Cheerios and banana I biked to the Rec. There were 6 of us and we had good fast play for about 2 hours. Yep, a wet shirt was evident. I got a little garden work in before lunch and the arrival of Amy and Ava. After they left for her nap Nancy had to take her dad to the doctors for a chest x-ray. Nancy fixed a fresh turnip casserole for dinner(thanks to Stacy and Jerry) along with a fresh garden salad and ground turkey burgers. She is now getting ready to head out to church to sing with the choir for the ESL(English as a Second Language) Christmas party. Well the temp's here are really warm comparing to the rest of the nation. Lets hope this cold front heading our way for the weekend will keep temps down for Christmas. Well will close for now. LATER!!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Cool Saturday with Beautiful Bright Sunshine
























































We met the Ross Family around 11:30 at the Botanical Gardens in Largo. This property was part a friend of ours, The Gus Whitesell Family owned for several years. When Bobby was a young lad(8-9) we use to fish from another larger lake at the back of this property. He has since given the land to the county and they have made the gardens a beautiful place to visit, have weddings and just enjoy the flora.

The weather was bright sunshine and cool temperatures which eventually warmed to the high 60's. Long sleeve weather but just a great day with no humidity. Ava was in her glory as she loves flowers and did manage to crop a couple while we were distracted. In the pictures you will see a yellow rose she cropped then carried this rose around for most of the pics. She is such a "ham" as she smiles and squints her eyes when she knows your about to snap her picture. We visited the gardens until after 1PM before heading out to do a few errands. After a light lunch at 2 PM Nancy headed out to copy a few pics so we can get them into a few Christmas Cards that don't have access to the computer and our blog.

Around 4:30 we headed out for a brisk 2 plus mile walk. We really "picked them up and laid them down" with no stopping for about 45 minutes. I won't make pickle ball on Monday as Nancy and I will travel to Bobby's and babysit Annsley for the day. We will also take dinner along and have it ready when Bob and Jill get off work.

Well tomorrow is nursery day at church then we will have the Ross Family for lunch before settling in to watch the Bucs play the Falcons. GO BUCS!! Will close for now. Later!!!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Thursday and Friday







Well Thursday was a wet one with some much needed rain; so much so that I parked the bike and took the truck to the Rec. After my quiet time and usual breakfast I got in 2 plus hours of hard pickle ball play Thursday and Friday. Friday was a little different as I played the last hour of badminton. What a work out that is. Anyhow back to Thursday evening; Nancy and I drove over Riverview(south of Tampa) to Jill's folks house for dinner and domino's. Most all of Jill's family was there as well as some other close church friends and of course Annsley. She was having a grand time with all the Christmas decorations and attention.

Susan and Brian have a beautiful home and set a variety of dishes to satisfy one hunger. We all brought a few choice morsels as we kinda grazed through the evening. This was our 3rd annual domino's get together, however we missed last years as we were fighting some kind of a bug. We brought out the double 18 and managed to get 3 rounds in(18-15) before calling it a night at nearly 10 PM. By the time we exchanged gifts and said good-by's it was nearly midnight before we got home. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoy our in-laws and of course Annsley.

Friday afternoon brought a sudden drop in temperature with a steady breeze that made it feel colder than it actually was. By evening and nightfall it was downright cold(no freezing). We hooked up with our neighbors,Dan and Carol and went to their house for spaghetti. Nancy made a fresh garden salad with; lettuce, kale, mustard greens, beet greens, spinach and basil from my garden plus other stuff. We played domino's(double 12's) and I was back to my old form of smoking the field with a solid win after the 7th round. We then played 2 games of "oh hell" a card game and Dan smoked us in both games, so it was a boys night of victories. It was nearly 11 PM before headed out.

Saturday morning was quite unusual for us as we slept in until after 8:30 AM. Wow that doesn't happen often here in Florida; but in the mountains that was a frequent occurrence.

I finished the new Nickolas Sparks book"The Lucky One" yesterday evening. Again its a tear jerker but a good read. Well, will close for now and I apologize to those who read my daily ramblings for being a little lax the past couple of days. Today we are meeting the Ross Family at the Botanical Gardens (Ava's parents) for Christmas pictures then a few stops after that and a quiet evening at home. Later

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Wednesday was a day we never got to play with Ava

Wow it sure warmed up today with a little more humidity. The morning was our usual routine; I had my quiet time, a bowl of cheerios(no banana) then headed out on the bike to the Rec. for pickle ball. There were 14 players again and we got in some good play before the the majority showed up.There was a little wetness on the shirt.

After play I rode my bike down to the church(Nancy was cooking) and picked up the truck to have it serviced. Afterwards I did a little gardening and read until it was time to head back to church to help with the fellowship meal. We fed around 55 people; baked chicken, new potatoes, mixed veggies, salad and carrot cake for dessert. We got out of there around 6:45. Nancy had to go back to church to practice with the choir for some Christmas Music. Oh well we both sure missed seeing little Ava today. Hopefully she will visit tomorrow. Well will close for now as we are expecting some rain and wind in the morning then turning cold again on Friday. Later

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A Beautiful Tuesday

Wow !!!! is all I can say about the weather. It was in the 70's today with low humidity and tomorrow its going into the 80's; however there is supposed to be increased humidity. Another cold front is coming through later this week. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of cheerios and banana I biked to the REC.

We had 4 players today and wow did we ever get a wet shirt. The play was fast and furious as only guys showed for about 2 1/2hours.

Amy and Ava came for lunch and stayed most of the afternoon; Ava even took her nap here and I joined her as well. We got a little garden work in and I read a little, an Ava picked a few flower heads and shredded them. After Amy left for home; Nancy made a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup and they came back for dinner around 5:30. Ava loves noodles and bread with butter and jelly. The soup was delicious as well as a fresh garden salad with lots of my; beet greens, mustard greens, kale and basil. There was fresh crossiant rolls as well.
Amy just left with Ava to get her ready for her bath and bed. Ava was so cute after dinner and totally wound up.

Well, will close for now. Later.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Saturday and Sunday on Monday
















Well let me first say Nancy and I had a super time watching, loving and once again being a full time care giver for little Ava Mae. I had or we had forgot what a full time job it is being a stay home mom or dad. Needless to say we thoroughly loved every minute and every minute she was awake was great. Amy and Tyler got back this morning and Amy left with Ava after lunch. Our house is so QUIET. Nancy took off with the GAB(her sister) after Amy left and is still gone as I write.
Saturday as I'm trying recollect started out with Ava up early, as a matter of fact she was up early every morning. She is quite an eater except she isn't a great lover of meat but loves buckwheat pancakes with our homemade jelly and a fried egg. She loves macaroni and any kind of beans, but especially loves chick peas(garbanzo),black eyed peas,etc. Yesterday, Sunday at Element Church(Uncle Bobby's Church she ate 3 doughnut holes before we headed out to Steak and Shake for lunch. Ava and Annsley where so cute in all the goodies they provide for children;coloring papers and crayons, bibs,cardboard cars, free lunches and hats. Well both of the girls were in their glory entertaining us. The food wasn't bad for a fast food place and reasonable. I had never eaten at one but their burgers were delicious
We had G/G and Pap (Nancy's folks whom Amy loves) for dinner on Saturday and they in turn had us for dinner on Sunday night as G/G made her fabulous spaghetti and meat balls along with an angel food cake and strawberry's. Well, Ava loves her pie's,cakes and cookies and of course spaghetti.

Well the morning(Monday) was another cool one and a light frost was evident around the neighborhood. I drove this morning to the Rec. after my usual quiet time and and light breakfast(leftover cornbread with peach butter). I got in 2 plus hours of pickle ball as there were 11 players today. I then drove to Tampa Airport and picked up the kids then dropped Tyler off at his place of work and went by Amy's and dropped her and their luggage and car seat seat off before heading back home. Amy was so glad to see this little punkin but Ava didn't seem overly excited about their reunion at first,however that changed as the time worn on. Ava was out with me in the back yard as the temps once again hit the low 70's and I opened the windows for a good airing out. We got a little garden work in, Ava picked several flower heads and tore them up(that's her thing) before she and Amy headed back to their house.


Well we are glad the kids had a great time in D.C.; I think they really missed Ava a lot and besides the weather was in the 20's the whole time they were there. We are also glad they are back safely. Watching little Ava sure makes one appreciate the joys of motherhood(fatherhood,too).
Well I will close for now as the house is not the same with all this quietness and everything in its place. I really like the atmosphere of toys everywhere and the look of little ones being around. Until tomorrow when Ava comes for lunch the house is back to its sterile look with everything in its place and Nancy with her channel surfing and me watching sports and reading is BORING. Later!!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Uncle Bobby and Cousin Annsley came for a Visit






































Another beautiful day with temps reaching the middle 70's. After my usual breakfast and quiet time I headed off to the Rec. Ava was watching Disney's Wiggles's while Nancy did her morning routine when I left. We had 8 players; 4 of which had to play badminton because the Rec. advertises badminton on Friday. It was a good workout however we did get a little pickle ball in before we had to switch over.
When I got home I opened all the windows as the morning air was warming up rapidly. Nancy had the heat on early for Ava as the temp was 69 in the house when she awakened at 6:45 but by 11 AM it was really nice outside. No shirt weather. Nancy and Ava picked up fresh fixin's for lunch as Uncle Bobby and Cousin Annsley was coming for a late lunch.

They arrived around 1 PM and the girls played hard for about 3 hours.We all had lunch and the girls grazed through out the afternoon as Grandma Nancy made 2 kinds of cookies. We played kick ball and Annsley fell into the rose bush. She never cried but did require some attention with peroxide and a band aid. She's a tough one. By 3:45 both girls were showing signs that a nap was in the making. We will see Annsley again on Sunday as we will visit Uncle Bobby at the Element Church.


I climbed on the bike and headed over to Ava's house to get the mail and water Tyler's garden while Ava napped. She was still sleeping when I got back; the girls played hard and really seemed to enjoy each other. Nancy was starting to get our dinner of oven fried chicken, black eyed peas, fried spuds , green beans and of course macaroni ready. Ava loves black eyed peas and macaroni and did a number on them. Later she had a bowl of jello.


Well she just went down after her bath time and prayers. She is such a sweet thing and doesn't fuss when it comes to her bed time. Later as Nancy and myself relax. Its been awhile since we have had a little one around all day.