Well another gorgeous morning with just a slight breeze and enough coolness to keep the windows closed. Our 2 big oak trees are starting to bud so there is yellow pollen on everything outside which may contribute to all this crud that's in our sinuses. We had to be at Calvary Chapel in Pinellas Park at 8 AM so we rolled out at the usual 6:30 AM. This was our once a month to volunteer with the Angelfood distribution, something we started with Cornerstone in Sparta,N.C. We love it and there are lots of dedicated folks in both Fl. & N.C. who love serving and being a light in their community for CHRIST. We had over 750 separate orders to distribute to people from all walks of life.
We finished a little after 11AM at Calvary then headed to the super Wal-Mart which is just down the road and there must have been 5 acres of solid cars in that parking lot. You would never know there was a recession with the amount of people shopping in that store. After leaving there we decided on a pizza to go at Lil Caesars and headed home. I watered the garden; picked a few tomato's, lettuce and pulled a few weeds before Nancy took off for her 4 mile walk. I took the rest of the day off as I had loaded tons of food in peoples car all morning, so I sat under the oak tree(pollen and all) and read for a couple of hours. At least the breeze kept the pollen directly off of me.
Nancy got on FB for a couple hours; I read, napped and just took life easy. We decided to take a frozen package of beef burgers in a gravy sauce that was really very tasty and put it over white rice and had sliced beets. We need to start cleaning out the freezer as we will be heading back to the mountains in about 11 weeks. Sure hope it starts to warm up some in the mountains before then. Well we were flippin(on the TV) after dinner and came up on the movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks.We enjoyed it. Well I will close for now as tomorrow brings another filled day. First we are going to Tampa and worship with Bobby at Element Church then head off to the nursing home at 2 PM where I will be speaking. LATER
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday
Well this has to be one of the prettiest morning for Florida I've seen in awhile.The sun was shining, birds were singing and there was just a touch of damp cool fresh air as I pedalled to the Rec.After my quiet time and oatmeal for breakfast I was really for some pickle ball. I'm starting to feel a little stronger every day. The crud has just about gone but I really felt whupped after an hour of continuous play whereas I'm usually doing 2 plus hours of play plus 30 minutes on the elliptical.
I played out on the yard with Ava after lunch before the girls took off to visit great grandma and pap. I even took a little nap while they were gone.Nancy has just about cleared her head of the crud as well. I think this had some sinus infection as she was quite light headed several times and I also felt the same at times. The temps got up to 80 today yet no humidity. I Love it!!!
We had Nancy's mom and dad for dinner and I took the electric skillet outside on the back stoop and fried fresh frozen rainbow trout caught in N.C. by our good little buddy Caleb Dalton and his dad, Andy. I also fried up a mackerel that neighbor Jim and Kayla caught a while back. Wow I was surprised how good fried mackerel tasted.Nancy dipped them in egg and cracker meal and I fried them in Smart Balance oil. Man were they ever good. She also did oven spuds rolled in parsley and rosemary, lima beans and cornbread along with cold slaw. Good eatin' any way ya spell it.
Well tomorrow is a big day for the volunteers who help out at Calvary Chapel in Pinellas Park with the Angelfood distribution. There are over 750 orders to be filled starting at 9 AM on Sat the 28 th. Nancy and I have been helping with that ministry here as well as at Cornerstone, our church in Sparta.N.C. If your free and want a real blessing come join us and be a part of a community for Christ that serves others. You don't have to be a member of Calvary to serve; just have a heart for others and for Christ. See ya there Sat.LATER
I played out on the yard with Ava after lunch before the girls took off to visit great grandma and pap. I even took a little nap while they were gone.Nancy has just about cleared her head of the crud as well. I think this had some sinus infection as she was quite light headed several times and I also felt the same at times. The temps got up to 80 today yet no humidity. I Love it!!!
We had Nancy's mom and dad for dinner and I took the electric skillet outside on the back stoop and fried fresh frozen rainbow trout caught in N.C. by our good little buddy Caleb Dalton and his dad, Andy. I also fried up a mackerel that neighbor Jim and Kayla caught a while back. Wow I was surprised how good fried mackerel tasted.Nancy dipped them in egg and cracker meal and I fried them in Smart Balance oil. Man were they ever good. She also did oven spuds rolled in parsley and rosemary, lima beans and cornbread along with cold slaw. Good eatin' any way ya spell it.
Well tomorrow is a big day for the volunteers who help out at Calvary Chapel in Pinellas Park with the Angelfood distribution. There are over 750 orders to be filled starting at 9 AM on Sat the 28 th. Nancy and I have been helping with that ministry here as well as at Cornerstone, our church in Sparta.N.C. If your free and want a real blessing come join us and be a part of a community for Christ that serves others. You don't have to be a member of Calvary to serve; just have a heart for others and for Christ. See ya there Sat.LATER
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thursday
Wow, hold on, can you believe I'm actually doing 2 posts in one day. That's how great I'm starting to feel once again. The crud I believe is on the way out and how thankful I am. Today started out the usual with a quiet time, oatmeal for breakfast and a ride on the the bike to the Rec. It sure sounded, smelled and felt like a spring morning with the bright sunshine, birds singing and a cool dampness in the early morning air. We certainly take it for granted that big old ball of sunshine is just gonna be there every morning when we wake up. Thank GOD for his perfection in creating such an awesome universe.
When I arrived at the Rec. one of our every day players was absent which is a little unusual as Jim is a daily constant. I know he is kicking from all of the forwards he sends to brighten me each day. Hope you will be there tomorrow, Jersey Jim. There were only 2 players for the first hour and Mike and I worn each other out. Just as we were packing it up for the day 3 more of our late arriver's showed up. I was still suffering from a lack of stamina due to this cold, so I bowed out after a few games and headed to the library to pick up some books on hold for me.
I got home in time to water the garden by hand before Amy and Ava came by for lunch. Just an update on the condition of the garden after the back to back frosts 2 weeks ago. Well the beans both 1/2 runner and pole beans are making a come back with lots of new growth and lots of blooms. The squash is trying to come back yet the cucumbers were totally dead. I have new seeds that are up about 2 inches and just waiting to be transplanted. Lots of the lettuce's have either been eaten or going to seed. I have about 2 dozen new seedlings that will be mature in a week or so and ready to be added to a salad. The mustard greens are gone as most went to seed after the frost nipped them but the collard greens are sweet and tender and better than ever. I just transplanted some radishes which are about 2 inches high. The eggplant is loaded with blossoms as are the jalapeno peppers. We ate about 6 heads of broccoli which I must admit were the sweetest ever and huge in size.There are 2 more heads maturing as I write. The beets didn't seem to mine the frost at all as did the sugar peas. The tomato's are burned on the outer leaves and look bad but there are new blooms as well as the fruit is ripening. I picked about 1/2 dozen this morning. Some aren't as juicy as we like but better than buying green house 'maters. So that is about it except for the oregano,basil, chives, rosemary which are doing OK. The basil was touched by the cold but is coming back plus I have 4 new seedlings I started from seed that should make it and I'm planning on bringing them to the mountains when we head up in May.
Nancy and I took off to Home Depot after Amy took Ava home for her afternoon nap. We hadn't changed out floor lamps according to Nancy in 20 years so, even though they worked we purchased 2 new floor lamps and a table top lamp for the living room. Just our part to help with the recession. It was very noticeable to the inactivity at this HD store. It was like a ghost town. WOW. I picked up some seeds for the spring garden as I will start them about 3 weeks before we head north to the mountains.
We had left over meat loaf with horseradish, fresh Brussel sprouts and white rice for dinner. Nancy and I are both glad this nasty crud is starting to go away. Well we are having Nancy's folks for dinner tomorrow night. We brought back some fresh frozen rainbow trout from N.C. and I will pan fry them outside. YUMMM!!! Well talk at you later. LATER
When I arrived at the Rec. one of our every day players was absent which is a little unusual as Jim is a daily constant. I know he is kicking from all of the forwards he sends to brighten me each day. Hope you will be there tomorrow, Jersey Jim. There were only 2 players for the first hour and Mike and I worn each other out. Just as we were packing it up for the day 3 more of our late arriver's showed up. I was still suffering from a lack of stamina due to this cold, so I bowed out after a few games and headed to the library to pick up some books on hold for me.
I got home in time to water the garden by hand before Amy and Ava came by for lunch. Just an update on the condition of the garden after the back to back frosts 2 weeks ago. Well the beans both 1/2 runner and pole beans are making a come back with lots of new growth and lots of blooms. The squash is trying to come back yet the cucumbers were totally dead. I have new seeds that are up about 2 inches and just waiting to be transplanted. Lots of the lettuce's have either been eaten or going to seed. I have about 2 dozen new seedlings that will be mature in a week or so and ready to be added to a salad. The mustard greens are gone as most went to seed after the frost nipped them but the collard greens are sweet and tender and better than ever. I just transplanted some radishes which are about 2 inches high. The eggplant is loaded with blossoms as are the jalapeno peppers. We ate about 6 heads of broccoli which I must admit were the sweetest ever and huge in size.There are 2 more heads maturing as I write. The beets didn't seem to mine the frost at all as did the sugar peas. The tomato's are burned on the outer leaves and look bad but there are new blooms as well as the fruit is ripening. I picked about 1/2 dozen this morning. Some aren't as juicy as we like but better than buying green house 'maters. So that is about it except for the oregano,basil, chives, rosemary which are doing OK. The basil was touched by the cold but is coming back plus I have 4 new seedlings I started from seed that should make it and I'm planning on bringing them to the mountains when we head up in May.
Nancy and I took off to Home Depot after Amy took Ava home for her afternoon nap. We hadn't changed out floor lamps according to Nancy in 20 years so, even though they worked we purchased 2 new floor lamps and a table top lamp for the living room. Just our part to help with the recession. It was very noticeable to the inactivity at this HD store. It was like a ghost town. WOW. I picked up some seeds for the spring garden as I will start them about 3 weeks before we head north to the mountains.
We had left over meat loaf with horseradish, fresh Brussel sprouts and white rice for dinner. Nancy and I are both glad this nasty crud is starting to go away. Well we are having Nancy's folks for dinner tomorrow night. We brought back some fresh frozen rainbow trout from N.C. and I will pan fry them outside. YUMMM!!! Well talk at you later. LATER
Wednesday on Thursday
Hey for all you who keep up with my daily rambling here's what happened on Wednesday. I did the usual morning routine with a 6:30 wake up, a cup of hot green tea to wash down my handful of Vitamins and supplements, then my quiet time before my breakfast of either Cheerios or oatmeal. I usually take off for the Rec. on my bike around 7:35 and get there about 7:45. I'm still feeling a little funky from the cold Nancy gave me last Friday but I can feel myself getting a little better each day.
After getting back from only 1 hour of pickle ball play, as there were 14 players on Wednesday, I kind of laid around, read and napped until it was time for Amy and Ava to pick me up at 4 PM to head the the church to help with the fellowship meal Nancy had worked all preparing. Yeow, what a supper delicious meal is was; baked barbecue chicken, baked potato's, and doctored up baked beans with a salad and garlic bread, plus she had vanilla and chocolate ice cream pie. I skipped the dessert once again. Nancy received tons of compliments. We got out of there around 6:45 and just chilled when we got home. Nancy is still having some lingering effects of her cold as its now been 2 weeks. Mainly her head is still somewhat clogged with waves of nausea when she tilts her head down while writing on the computer. We both took a couple allergy tablets before turning in around 10 PM last night after watching American Idol. I'm still taking lots of Vitamin C. Well I'll clear out of hear for now as Amy and Ava just drove up for lunch.LATER
After getting back from only 1 hour of pickle ball play, as there were 14 players on Wednesday, I kind of laid around, read and napped until it was time for Amy and Ava to pick me up at 4 PM to head the the church to help with the fellowship meal Nancy had worked all preparing. Yeow, what a supper delicious meal is was; baked barbecue chicken, baked potato's, and doctored up baked beans with a salad and garlic bread, plus she had vanilla and chocolate ice cream pie. I skipped the dessert once again. Nancy received tons of compliments. We got out of there around 6:45 and just chilled when we got home. Nancy is still having some lingering effects of her cold as its now been 2 weeks. Mainly her head is still somewhat clogged with waves of nausea when she tilts her head down while writing on the computer. We both took a couple allergy tablets before turning in around 10 PM last night after watching American Idol. I'm still taking lots of Vitamin C. Well I'll clear out of hear for now as Amy and Ava just drove up for lunch.LATER
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday
Well it sure was cool this A.M. When I rode out on the bike after my quiet time, my eye teared all the way to the Rec. Tomorrow its supposed to be in the high 70's. It finally warmed up nicely this afternoon but the air was still a little cool mainly because the air is so dry. That's really nice wish it would stay this way for awhile.
I'm still fighting this sore throat. The head has cleared with just a tickle in the chest but the sore throat won' go away. I gargled with warm salt water which helps but its still aggravating when you swallow. Nancy is off to a Bible study at a friends house and I will refrain from spreading my germs. She also seems better from her bout with this crud she gave me.
Ava and Amy came for dinner tonight as Tyler teaches ESL(English as a second language) at church on Tuesday's. Nancy fixed a meat loaf, sweet potatoes and fresh asparagus. Well we just heard from our son Bobby and he was saddened to hear his 4 year Weimerimmer "Rook"passed away this morning from renal failure down in the West Palm Beach area. They had given Rook away to a good home as he was just to much, active wise for them to handle when Annsley was just an infant.He had adjusted to his new home with 3 active kids who gave him lots of attention and activity when this illness occurred. We are all saddened by Rook's death. He was definitely a "one of a kind pup."
I played almost 2 hours of pickle ball this morning with 5 players and had some fantastic play. I just received my new paddle via UPS today as I have worn out 2 from the Rec. center so I thought maybe I should by my own. Well will close for now, great to hear the stock market made some gains today. I went with Nancy to church shop at Sam's Club today, you would never know there is a recession here in Florida from the activity that was going on in that palce.LATER
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday and Monday
Well Sunday was one of those days I woke up feeling yucky so I did the inevitable and decided not to share my cold with others at church as someone a week ago did with Nancy who then shared it with me. I stayed home and read. Today, Monday I feel a little better enough to the extent I tried to work the cold out on the pickle ball court.
After my quiet time I had a lite breakfast of oatmeal and banana and jumped on the old bike and headed to the Rec. I got in nearly 2 hours of play with 7 others players. I could feel from the beginning that I wasn't in top shape physically but persevered as I knew I had laid around all week end and needed some exercise. I headed home via the library and arrived home as Nancy was going for her 4 mile walk. She hasn't fully recovered as well with still some light headiness and washed out feelings. She thinks maybe her thyroid supplement is not in limits as well as still recuperating from her cold, so we are cancelling our trip this week end to Orlando. She was unable to move her doctors appointment up so we won't take the chance of spoiling our friends week end as well. Boy is it tough getting older.
The weather on Sunday was splendid with a cool morning but the afternoon was marvelous with temps in the low 70's. Monday morning was a bit colder with high 40's and the afternoon did warm up but a stiff breeze made it necessary to have a long sleeve shirt on in the shadows.Tomorrow it's supposed to be cool again in the morning but climb back into the 70's.
Nancy oven fried chicken for dinner with wild rice and a pot of fresh collard greens. Wow what a meal. Our new way of fixing collards is definitely the best way(no boiling for hours) and it only takes about 15 minutes. Well I will close for now wishing the best to all. LATER
After my quiet time I had a lite breakfast of oatmeal and banana and jumped on the old bike and headed to the Rec. I got in nearly 2 hours of play with 7 others players. I could feel from the beginning that I wasn't in top shape physically but persevered as I knew I had laid around all week end and needed some exercise. I headed home via the library and arrived home as Nancy was going for her 4 mile walk. She hasn't fully recovered as well with still some light headiness and washed out feelings. She thinks maybe her thyroid supplement is not in limits as well as still recuperating from her cold, so we are cancelling our trip this week end to Orlando. She was unable to move her doctors appointment up so we won't take the chance of spoiling our friends week end as well. Boy is it tough getting older.
The weather on Sunday was splendid with a cool morning but the afternoon was marvelous with temps in the low 70's. Monday morning was a bit colder with high 40's and the afternoon did warm up but a stiff breeze made it necessary to have a long sleeve shirt on in the shadows.Tomorrow it's supposed to be cool again in the morning but climb back into the 70's.
Nancy oven fried chicken for dinner with wild rice and a pot of fresh collard greens. Wow what a meal. Our new way of fixing collards is definitely the best way(no boiling for hours) and it only takes about 15 minutes. Well I will close for now wishing the best to all. LATER
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday
Well its very unusual for me to lay around all day and do nothing. However that's just what I did after sleeping in until nearly 8 AM. I seemed to have obtained or contracted Nancy's sore throat, light headiness and a slight cough. After my shower last night I drank a healthy shot of NyQuil and slept all night(helped a lot that I didn't hear Nancy snoring). Saturday morning was a cold one for here with temp's in the 40's. It finally started warming up after lunch. It got so nice out(in the 70's) we opened the windows and cut the heat off.
After our quiet time Nancy made blueberry pancakes and turkey bacon. I'm starting to like that bacon especially if you really crisp it up. I sure miss that good buckwheat mix from N.C. though. Can't wait til May when we can get that good stone ground mix once again. I've been taking Dayquil all day long and I actually feel a lot better along with tons of Vitamin C. One more night of NyQuil and this old body should be strong enough to recuperate.
I started a new book today and if your into exploring or adventure in the Alaska or Arctic areas read COMING INTO THE COUNTRY by John Mc Phee. The books gives a lot of history, personal experiences and adventure with hunting, fishing and gold mining in that great beautiful wild state. Tomorrow I think I will stay home and rest for another day as I wouldn't want to share this cold with anyone else. Nancy made a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup for supper and it was super delicious. That soup was just what this body needed. Nancy plans on taking a pot down to our shut in neighbor, Jenny after church tomorrow. Keep Jenny in your prayers as she's suffering from terminal lung cancer as well being in her 80's. Well I'll close for now. LATER
After our quiet time Nancy made blueberry pancakes and turkey bacon. I'm starting to like that bacon especially if you really crisp it up. I sure miss that good buckwheat mix from N.C. though. Can't wait til May when we can get that good stone ground mix once again. I've been taking Dayquil all day long and I actually feel a lot better along with tons of Vitamin C. One more night of NyQuil and this old body should be strong enough to recuperate.
I started a new book today and if your into exploring or adventure in the Alaska or Arctic areas read COMING INTO THE COUNTRY by John Mc Phee. The books gives a lot of history, personal experiences and adventure with hunting, fishing and gold mining in that great beautiful wild state. Tomorrow I think I will stay home and rest for another day as I wouldn't want to share this cold with anyone else. Nancy made a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup for supper and it was super delicious. That soup was just what this body needed. Nancy plans on taking a pot down to our shut in neighbor, Jenny after church tomorrow. Keep Jenny in your prayers as she's suffering from terminal lung cancer as well being in her 80's. Well I'll close for now. LATER
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday
Well it sure was cool this morning as I headed out to the Rec. for some pickle ball. After my usual quiet time and oatmeal breakfast I jumped on the bike to head out and wow what a difference from yesterday morning. The wind made it feel a lot colder than it really was. We had 8 players for the morning with lots of good fast play. What a great workout. I headed on home as I had to get ready for our noon trip to Bob and Jill's in Riverview. Amy and Ava were going with us so the girls could play together for a couple of hours.
After lunch we headed out and got there about 1PM. It was only in the high 50's but with bright sunshine and blue skies it was a beautiful afternoon but the stiff breeze made it feel a lot colder. We took the girls together to the local park in Annsley new wagon. The girls were so cute together; swinging, playing on the many different slides and playing in the sand. We stayed for about an hour before heading back to play outside in Annsley back yard. The girls fed 2 ducks bread that came over to check out what was happening next to their pond in Bob's back yard. Before we knew it 4 PM came around so we had to get back to Seminole plus Ava was due her nap and her daddy was on his way home from the pan handle. Ava did manage about 45 minutes of sleep on the ride back; but actually needs about 2 hours so I'll leave it to your imagination her demeanor when she woke up.
Got back to Seminole round 5:15 as the Friday rush hour was upon us and the temp's were starting to fall dramatically. Its supposed to freeze in the area north of Tampa Bay so that means we will be down in the high 30's tonight . Hopefully there will be no frost but with this wind I can't imagine frost tonight.Oh well!!
Nancy fixed a taco salad for dinner and made Ava her favorite buttered macaroni. She was pushing it in with both hands so that may help us understand why she woke up hard.Its seems I picked up some of Nancy's bug as my throat is sore and I feel a little washed out. Being out in the cool wind didn't help any so I'll take a big shot of Nightquill and turn in early. LATER
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday
The morning started out the usual with my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with blueberries for breakfast. Afterwards I climbed on the bike and headed off to the Rec. for pickle ball. There was a total of 8 players which made for some good continuous play. I was supposed to go back at 1 PM for badminton but the rains fell and Nancy had a hair appointment so I cancelled out, as I didn't want to make my cold any worse and besides I had a great early morning work out. I've been sucking up a couple thousand Vitamin C tablets every couple hours and except for just a slight sore throat I feel pretty good. Hopefully I can nip it before it get as bad as Nancy had it. She seems to be a little better today, at least her dizziness has gone away.
Amy and Ava came for lunch and hung around until it was time for Nancy to leave for the hair dresser. We had a nice heavy rain for about 30 minutes and then a little drizzle later. I laid around and finished another book and took a brief nap. Nancy got back after 3 PM and we just relaxed until it was time to start dinner. I broiled pork chops on the grill and Nancy made a fresh homegrown broccoli, beans and sugar peas together along with a baked sweet potato. Ava actually liked the pork chop for a change. They hung out and we played with Ava until it was time for her bath so Amy went home and got her ready for bed so she could watch Survivor. We also watched it as well. Tomorrow we are heading out to Riverview so the girls can get together in the afternoon and play at Bobby and Jill's. Will close for now,LATER.
Amy and Ava came for lunch and hung around until it was time for Nancy to leave for the hair dresser. We had a nice heavy rain for about 30 minutes and then a little drizzle later. I laid around and finished another book and took a brief nap. Nancy got back after 3 PM and we just relaxed until it was time to start dinner. I broiled pork chops on the grill and Nancy made a fresh homegrown broccoli, beans and sugar peas together along with a baked sweet potato. Ava actually liked the pork chop for a change. They hung out and we played with Ava until it was time for her bath so Amy went home and got her ready for bed so she could watch Survivor. We also watched it as well. Tomorrow we are heading out to Riverview so the girls can get together in the afternoon and play at Bobby and Jill's. Will close for now,LATER.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wednesday
Well it was another beautiful Spring morning, the birds were singing and the sun was bright as I rode my bike to the Rec. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of oatmeal and a banana I was fueled up for the next couple of hours. There were 12 players today however 4 of us got a couple of great games in before the mass arrived around 9 AM. After pickle ball I did an additional 45 minutes on the elliptical, heavy weights and sit ups. I have managed to turn another pound of fat into muscle. If I could just not eat so much I know I could do another 5 lbs.
Nancy was gone to the church to make the fellowship meal and what a great one it was. Her famous spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and chocolate cake. I red the rest of the day until Amy and Ava picked me up at 4 PM to head to church. We about 50 some and we were out of the kitchen by 6:30. We got home in time to make to our bi-weekly home church for Element at The Botbyls House. There were 12 adults and 3 kids. Got home in time to watch the last 30 minutes of Idol. Nancy seems to be getting over her cold and I may be getting a little sore throat so I'm doubling up on the Vitamin C. Well will call it a day. LATER
Nancy was gone to the church to make the fellowship meal and what a great one it was. Her famous spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and chocolate cake. I red the rest of the day until Amy and Ava picked me up at 4 PM to head to church. We about 50 some and we were out of the kitchen by 6:30. We got home in time to make to our bi-weekly home church for Element at The Botbyls House. There were 12 adults and 3 kids. Got home in time to watch the last 30 minutes of Idol. Nancy seems to be getting over her cold and I may be getting a little sore throat so I'm doubling up on the Vitamin C. Well will call it a day. LATER
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tuesday
Well it was a little cool this morning but the day warmed up with bright sunshine and blue skies. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of oatmeal and a 'nana I jumped on the 10 speed and headed to the Rec. for some much missed pickle ball. There were only 7 players but we had some great play and many were tired after 2 hours. I headed home afterwards because I knew I had to play badminton at 1 PM.
After heading home I watered the garden and putzed around until it was lunch time. Nancy was just getting home from church shopping when Ava and Amy pulled ready to have lunch. I wolfed down a couple of left over turkey burgers with mustard, pickles and lettuce while the girls ate ham sandwiches.
Badminton was super and I almost enjoy the game as much as pickle ball. I think the game is more strenuous and you use a ton of different muscles. After 1 1/2 hours I was exhausted as we played about 16 games to 15 points. We scored using the international rules which make the game a go little faster. Many thanks to Rena, Don and Omar for playing so hard.
I kind of sat around the rest of the afternoon reading until it was time to help Nancy get dinner ready. I picked fresh beet greens, spinach and kale for the salad. Nancy broiled a fresh salmon fillet with fresh dill and made her delicious garlic angel hair pasta. I picked 2 heads of broccoli from the garden. Wow this has to be in my top 10 favorite meals. Ava even ate some of the salmon but the pasta was definitely her favorite.
After dinner we got ready to head to our weekly Tuesday night Bible study. There were bout 18 people there and we studied Chapter 2 of James. Faith and works go hand in hand. We got home in time to see the last hour of Idol. What a good day and I want to say Happy Birthday to a dear friend tomorrow . Ms Helen Gray who is our adopted mountain mother will be 81 years young and believe me she is a great lady and a worker. Well will close for now.LATER
After heading home I watered the garden and putzed around until it was lunch time. Nancy was just getting home from church shopping when Ava and Amy pulled ready to have lunch. I wolfed down a couple of left over turkey burgers with mustard, pickles and lettuce while the girls ate ham sandwiches.
Badminton was super and I almost enjoy the game as much as pickle ball. I think the game is more strenuous and you use a ton of different muscles. After 1 1/2 hours I was exhausted as we played about 16 games to 15 points. We scored using the international rules which make the game a go little faster. Many thanks to Rena, Don and Omar for playing so hard.
I kind of sat around the rest of the afternoon reading until it was time to help Nancy get dinner ready. I picked fresh beet greens, spinach and kale for the salad. Nancy broiled a fresh salmon fillet with fresh dill and made her delicious garlic angel hair pasta. I picked 2 heads of broccoli from the garden. Wow this has to be in my top 10 favorite meals. Ava even ate some of the salmon but the pasta was definitely her favorite.
After dinner we got ready to head to our weekly Tuesday night Bible study. There were bout 18 people there and we studied Chapter 2 of James. Faith and works go hand in hand. We got home in time to see the last hour of Idol. What a good day and I want to say Happy Birthday to a dear friend tomorrow . Ms Helen Gray who is our adopted mountain mother will be 81 years young and believe me she is a great lady and a worker. Well will close for now.LATER
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday( President's Day)
The Rec.was closed so I slept in until nearly 7:30. Amy and Ava spent the night as Tyler was out of town and Ava slept in until 6:45. After my quiet time and playing with Ava I watered the garden and piddled around outside. The air was warm with bright sunshine and made for spending the morning outside in short sleeves. Nancy fixed egg sandwiches for breakfast.
Any and Ava left after breakfast to head back to her house to do some chores before coming back for lunch at noon. We have fresh salads for lunch. The girls took off after lunch for Target, Publix and other stores. I sat out in the warm sunshine reading about another arctic tragedy called THE GHOSTS OF CAPE SABINE. If you like reading about man versus the cold arctic for survival this is a great read with lots of history around the turn of the 1900's. I take spells where I love reading these true accounts of the quest for the Northwest Passage and the North Pole. Its amazing how men survived for years locked in the ice and the personal torture they went through to achieve fame in seeking a way through these uncharted waters.
Nancy and I took a long walk when Ava and Amy went home for Ava nap. We got about 2 miles in at a brisk pace. Nancy fixed turkey burgers, oven spuds and Brussels sprouts for dinner. Tomorrow the Rec. is open so hopefully I can get a little workout as well as some pickle ball. Well not much else is going on so I will talk to you later.LATER
Any and Ava left after breakfast to head back to her house to do some chores before coming back for lunch at noon. We have fresh salads for lunch. The girls took off after lunch for Target, Publix and other stores. I sat out in the warm sunshine reading about another arctic tragedy called THE GHOSTS OF CAPE SABINE. If you like reading about man versus the cold arctic for survival this is a great read with lots of history around the turn of the 1900's. I take spells where I love reading these true accounts of the quest for the Northwest Passage and the North Pole. Its amazing how men survived for years locked in the ice and the personal torture they went through to achieve fame in seeking a way through these uncharted waters.
Nancy and I took a long walk when Ava and Amy went home for Ava nap. We got about 2 miles in at a brisk pace. Nancy fixed turkey burgers, oven spuds and Brussels sprouts for dinner. Tomorrow the Rec. is open so hopefully I can get a little workout as well as some pickle ball. Well not much else is going on so I will talk to you later.LATER
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday and Sunday
Saturday started out with bright sunshine and warm temp's so after our morning quiet time and lite breakfast Nancy and I headed out to Redington Beach. We got there about 10 AM and for the 1 st hour the sun was very warm. Our neighbors and good friends Carol and Dan joined us as well. After about an hour we noticed the cloud bank that kept heading our way and with an on- shore breeze it wasn't long before the area was covered by a cloud/fog bank and the temp's dropped dramatically. So we made like horse manure and hit the trail.
We had a fresh salad for lunch then I hoofed(another horse analogy) it on the bike to the Rec. to get an hour's work out on the elliptical and heavy weights. By then the sun had re-emerged and it was shirt less weather so I worked on the tan by washing the truck. Nancy was putting a pot roast in the oven for dinner as we were entertaining our friends, Dan and Carol. I sat out in the back yard and read until it was time to get ready for our guests. Dinner was great with fried squash to go along with the roast, spuds, carrots and gravy. A pan of cornbread with homemade apple butter topped it off. Carol made a fresh fruit dessert with pudding and angel food cake. My first real helping of dessert since '08. It was yummy but I can take or leave dessert from now on. We had a hotly contested game of chicken foot domino's with Carol winning on the last round.
Sunday morning found us sleeping in until 7 'ish and then heading out at 9 to travel to Tampa for worship at Element Church. The worship was great and a young intern of Bobby's felt led to do something with the homeless so he went homeless in Portland, Oregon for 3 months. He spoke about his experiences, shared pictures and encouraged us to look at homeless people with a different attitude.
We got back to Seminole around 1 PM and finished up the leftovers from last night's dinner. I watered the garden and read most of the afternoon while waiting for the Daytona 500 to start. Amy and Ava came for dinner and brought a pizza while Nancy made a salad. They are spending the night as Tyler was called to the pan handle of Florida for his job this next week. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he will be away from his family. We will enjoy loving up on Ava this week; she is becoming so mature especially with sentences and level of retention.
Well I just finished another adventure/explorer book titled TOM CREAN. This book is about their survival in the Antarctica and the role he played in the Scott and Shackleton expeditions in the early 1900's. It is a page turner with actual excerpts from their diaries. Amazing what they had to go through while trapped on ice floes at 70 below zero and survived.
Well will close for now. LATER
We had a fresh salad for lunch then I hoofed(another horse analogy) it on the bike to the Rec. to get an hour's work out on the elliptical and heavy weights. By then the sun had re-emerged and it was shirt less weather so I worked on the tan by washing the truck. Nancy was putting a pot roast in the oven for dinner as we were entertaining our friends, Dan and Carol. I sat out in the back yard and read until it was time to get ready for our guests. Dinner was great with fried squash to go along with the roast, spuds, carrots and gravy. A pan of cornbread with homemade apple butter topped it off. Carol made a fresh fruit dessert with pudding and angel food cake. My first real helping of dessert since '08. It was yummy but I can take or leave dessert from now on. We had a hotly contested game of chicken foot domino's with Carol winning on the last round.
Sunday morning found us sleeping in until 7 'ish and then heading out at 9 to travel to Tampa for worship at Element Church. The worship was great and a young intern of Bobby's felt led to do something with the homeless so he went homeless in Portland, Oregon for 3 months. He spoke about his experiences, shared pictures and encouraged us to look at homeless people with a different attitude.
We got back to Seminole around 1 PM and finished up the leftovers from last night's dinner. I watered the garden and read most of the afternoon while waiting for the Daytona 500 to start. Amy and Ava came for dinner and brought a pizza while Nancy made a salad. They are spending the night as Tyler was called to the pan handle of Florida for his job this next week. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he will be away from his family. We will enjoy loving up on Ava this week; she is becoming so mature especially with sentences and level of retention.
Well I just finished another adventure/explorer book titled TOM CREAN. This book is about their survival in the Antarctica and the role he played in the Scott and Shackleton expeditions in the early 1900's. It is a page turner with actual excerpts from their diaries. Amazing what they had to go through while trapped on ice floes at 70 below zero and survived.
Well will close for now. LATER
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday
Wow what a gorgeous day. The temps were nearly to 80 and a slight breeze kept it comfortable. After my quiet time and oatmeal for breakfast I headed out on the bike for the Rec. The cool morning with bright sunshine was definitely a North Carolina morning. We can hardly wait to head back to the mountains. Pickle ball play was fast and furious with a total of 8 players. The Rec. is closed Monday for presidents day so we won't be able to play. Bummer!!!
I stopped off at the library after my workout and picked up several books to keep me busy for the next few days. Amy and Ava came for lunch as well as Annsley and Bobby. Nancy fixed a big tuna fish salad on top of a fresh garden salad along with fresh bakery rolls. Bread that has become my weakness now that I've given up desserts. Wow was that ever good. After lunch we took the girls to Walsingham Park.
At the park we played on the swings and slides. The girls were so funny climbing on the slides and playing with one another. They constantly called each other by name and were so good together. After leaving the park we went by our neighbors horse stables where the girls patted and petted several horses. They didn't seem to be afraid of them at all. We came back and Nancy made chocolate chip cookies and the girls ate their fill as well as Bob and Amy each took a sack home.
Well everyone had to get their girls home for their afternoon naps so by 4 PM the house was empty. It sure was nice to have both kids and grand kids together. I sat out in the back yard and read until dinner time. Nancy made Mahi Mahi for dinner with fresh asparagus and rice. This is another one of my favorite meals.
Well Nancy is under the weather with a cold, nothing too bad; just a runny nose and a slight cough.LATER
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday and Thursday
Well forgive me for not posting on Wednesday but after cleaning up and serving about 60 folks for dinner which was ; baked chicken, yellow rice and green beans with a salad bar and blueberry and apple pie for dessert, I was to occupied with American Idol to write. The morning started out as usual with my quiet time and a lite breakfast before heading out on the bike to the Rec. There were 15 players and we had 3 courts with 4 players each full at all times for 2 hours of steady play. After the game I worked out in the fitness room for about 45 minutes before stopping by the library and picking up a couple of books on the Northwest Exploration.
After lunch I was alone until 4 PM so I caught up on some great uninterrupted reading. Amy an Ava picked me up at 4 PM to head to church to help with the fellowship meal. We were out of the kitchen by 6:45 PM. The day was a beautiful day with warm sunshine and clear skies which just about reached 80 degrees. Yea, thank goodness the humidity has stayed away for awhile.
Thursday started out the usual as well; quiet time, light breakfast and a ride on the bike to the Rec. We only had 4 players so that made for tough, fast and continuous play for 2 hours. Wow what a workout. It sure helps when you can attain this level of play as we will soon be having the Good Life Games at our facility the end of March. I headed for home and had a salad for lunch as I had to be back at the Rec. at 1 PM for badminton. I got in another strenuous 1 1/2 hours of play and by the time I left 2:30 PM I was bushed. I chased some squirrels out of the garden and picked the last of the beans survived the last frost. I did a little reading until it was time for dinner. We did a no meat dinner with baked spuds, green beans and cooked beets. Well will close for now, LATER.
After lunch I was alone until 4 PM so I caught up on some great uninterrupted reading. Amy an Ava picked me up at 4 PM to head to church to help with the fellowship meal. We were out of the kitchen by 6:45 PM. The day was a beautiful day with warm sunshine and clear skies which just about reached 80 degrees. Yea, thank goodness the humidity has stayed away for awhile.
Thursday started out the usual as well; quiet time, light breakfast and a ride on the bike to the Rec. We only had 4 players so that made for tough, fast and continuous play for 2 hours. Wow what a workout. It sure helps when you can attain this level of play as we will soon be having the Good Life Games at our facility the end of March. I headed for home and had a salad for lunch as I had to be back at the Rec. at 1 PM for badminton. I got in another strenuous 1 1/2 hours of play and by the time I left 2:30 PM I was bushed. I chased some squirrels out of the garden and picked the last of the beans survived the last frost. I did a little reading until it was time for dinner. We did a no meat dinner with baked spuds, green beans and cooked beets. Well will close for now, LATER.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday
The morning had just a touch of coolness with bright sunshine and blue skies. Temp's were in the low 50's and warmed up to nearly 80 degrees by late afternoon. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of Cheerios I headed off to the Rec. on the bike. There were 6 of us today as several are recovering from injuries, playing golf and working. We had 2 good hours of spirited play with lots of wet shirts.
After the Rec. I watered the garden but the beans, especially 1/2 runners really took a hit and I'm not to sure they will recover. The pole beans are showing some signs of recovery from the frost as well as are the tomato's. Amy and Ava came for lunch so we ate before Nancy got home from shopping for the fellowship meal at church tomorrow. I had to be back at the Rec. for badminton at 1 PM. I met a super nice older couple(in their 70's from Canada) who were great players. My youth and quickness prevailed but they were an absolute delight to play against and the points were very competitive. Hopefully they will be back on Thursday. They both play international badminton tournaments.
Nancy took off for her workout on the treadmill after Amy and Ava left for her afternoon nap. I finished another book called FATAL NORTH. It's a true story about America's excursion into the arctic in the 1800's and how the captain in charge of the expedition was poisoned by his crew on the ship Polaris. Some of the survivors lived on the ice floe for several months and was rescued by a whaling ship. It's a good read with lots of deprivation for the crew and how they managed to survive. A very good read.
Nancy fixed the leftover lasagna from Sunday for dinner along with a fresh garden salad. We met up with the Botbyl's and headed over to the Gispert's house for our weekly Bible study at 7 PM. This was our first week in the book of James. We got back in time to see the last 20 minutes of American Idol. Well will close for now. LATER
After the Rec. I watered the garden but the beans, especially 1/2 runners really took a hit and I'm not to sure they will recover. The pole beans are showing some signs of recovery from the frost as well as are the tomato's. Amy and Ava came for lunch so we ate before Nancy got home from shopping for the fellowship meal at church tomorrow. I had to be back at the Rec. for badminton at 1 PM. I met a super nice older couple(in their 70's from Canada) who were great players. My youth and quickness prevailed but they were an absolute delight to play against and the points were very competitive. Hopefully they will be back on Thursday. They both play international badminton tournaments.
Nancy took off for her workout on the treadmill after Amy and Ava left for her afternoon nap. I finished another book called FATAL NORTH. It's a true story about America's excursion into the arctic in the 1800's and how the captain in charge of the expedition was poisoned by his crew on the ship Polaris. Some of the survivors lived on the ice floe for several months and was rescued by a whaling ship. It's a good read with lots of deprivation for the crew and how they managed to survive. A very good read.
Nancy fixed the leftover lasagna from Sunday for dinner along with a fresh garden salad. We met up with the Botbyl's and headed over to the Gispert's house for our weekly Bible study at 7 PM. This was our first week in the book of James. We got back in time to see the last 20 minutes of American Idol. Well will close for now. LATER
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday
Well was it ever nice this A.M. with bright sunshine, blue skies and temps in the high 40's. After my quiet time and lite breakfast I headed off to the Rec. on the bike for 2 plus hours of pickle ball then another 45 minutes of ; elliptical, heavy weights and sit ups. Yeow, I love those wet shirts. We had an ole' player back for pickle ball after being ham strung the past to weeks with an injury. Good see Jersey Jim is healing. We sure missed his good play and quick wit.
After the Rec. I stopped off and picked up a couple of books to keep me entertained in the afternoons after Amy and Av leave for her afternoon nap. Ava is such a cutie and we so look forward to seeing her and Amy daily. We shared our lunch(salad) with Carol as she down to help me figure out why I was unable to forward our registration confirmation to a Student Leadership Conference in Orlando the first week end in March. It seems we will attend that conference as youth volunteers for Element then spend the rest of the week end in the Orlando area for both Carol and Nancy's birthdays(they are a day apart and 1 year apart in age) the 2nd and 3rd of March. Maybe next year we will get Charleston or back to Savannah as we did last year.
I worked in the garden and picked neighbors Laurie and Jim some fresh mustard greens and some collards for our self for dinner. I did a couple chicken breasts on the grill speared through with fresh rosemary stems.That really gets a good flavor into the meat, along with the greens and rice made for an excellent evening meal. Tomorrow we will eat the leftover lasagna from Sunday's birthday dinner for Bobby.
After the GAB(great aunt Betsy) left Nancy and I settled down to watch the movie FIREPROOF. That has to be one of the best movies I'm seen in a long time. It a little bit of a slobber knocker or tear jerker but with a super message for marrieds and about to be marrieds. Well will close for now, LATER.
After the Rec. I stopped off and picked up a couple of books to keep me entertained in the afternoons after Amy and Av leave for her afternoon nap. Ava is such a cutie and we so look forward to seeing her and Amy daily. We shared our lunch(salad) with Carol as she down to help me figure out why I was unable to forward our registration confirmation to a Student Leadership Conference in Orlando the first week end in March. It seems we will attend that conference as youth volunteers for Element then spend the rest of the week end in the Orlando area for both Carol and Nancy's birthdays(they are a day apart and 1 year apart in age) the 2nd and 3rd of March. Maybe next year we will get Charleston or back to Savannah as we did last year.
I worked in the garden and picked neighbors Laurie and Jim some fresh mustard greens and some collards for our self for dinner. I did a couple chicken breasts on the grill speared through with fresh rosemary stems.That really gets a good flavor into the meat, along with the greens and rice made for an excellent evening meal. Tomorrow we will eat the leftover lasagna from Sunday's birthday dinner for Bobby.
After the GAB(great aunt Betsy) left Nancy and I settled down to watch the movie FIREPROOF. That has to be one of the best movies I'm seen in a long time. It a little bit of a slobber knocker or tear jerker but with a super message for marrieds and about to be marrieds. Well will close for now, LATER.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday
Well another beautiful morning that could have been a North Carolina morning. The air was clean and cool with just a touch of Spring. Nancy and I headed out to SFBC for the 8:30 service. After church w came back and had a big breakfast about 10 AM; hash browns eggs and toast(I substituted a left over pancake). I then spent the next hour hand watering my garden.
Nancy was busy putting together the lasagna and the icing for the 3 layered coconut lemon cake. I helped out with vacuuming, washing dishes, picking and cleaning fresh greens for the salad. I managed to watch Pilgrims Progress the movie while waiting for our dinner guests to arrive. I had read the book in high school.
The dinner was a success however Nancy made enough to have left overs for everyone to take home for dinner again another night. We celebrated Bobby's 28 th birthday which occurred on the 3 rd. Ava and Annsley played well together and are so cute with one another. I'm so stuffed I can hardly keep my eyes open to write this blog. Once again I passed up the dessert except for 1 bite of the cake. I really don't miss the desserts at all; however I had a couple pieces of garlic bread which is almost as bad.
Will close for now and I'm enclosing a few pics,LATER.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Saturday
WOW, what a day this has been. It so reminded me of the North Carolina morning we are use to in the month of May. Bright sunshine, cool temps with blue skies, Yea Buddy!!! After rolling out of bed a little after 8 AM, Nancy and I did our quiet time and then had a late breakfast of blueberry buckwheat pancakes with a couple of eggs on top. Wow, we even had a N.C. breakfast. After putting away a short stack of cakes(3) loaded with homemade wild blackberry jelly it was after 10 AM so I decided to mow the leaves in the yard. There is no grass growing just a few blooming weeds with beggar stickers that give the impression of green grass covered with dry brown oak leaves. I sucked up 20 bags of leaves and weeds and then mulched the gardens. There are at least that many if not more leaves still hanging on the trees. I had to cut away lots of dead leaves from the beans, squash, cuke's and tomato plants; however I replanted the cuke's and transplanted some lettuce seedlings I had growning from seed. I still see lots of life in some of these plants so maybe they will continue to grow, although I think the cuke's are dead.
I finally came in the house after 2 PM and opened all the windows to fresh warm air. It must have reached 75 today. Just a perfect weather wise day. I could smell the sauce Nancy was making for a lasagna dinner on Sunday to celebrate Bobby birthday with the family. What a delicious smell drifting out the kitchen window with all the spiced sausage in a tomato sauce with fresh oregano. Those pancakes stayed with me all day until I came in and tried a small bowl of that sauce.
We were heading out at 5 PM for dinner at the Botbyl's house which was delicious as well. Steaks on the grill with oven spuds.Nancy brought fresh broccoli and a garden salad. YUMMM!!! After dinner we played 3 games of oh hell(not sure where the name came from). It fast and fun which requires you to make your bid.
We got back around 10 PM and must get ready to get up early as we will make the 8:30 service at SFBC. Well will close for now and will enclose dinner pictures tomorrow of the grand girls. LATER.
I finally came in the house after 2 PM and opened all the windows to fresh warm air. It must have reached 75 today. Just a perfect weather wise day. I could smell the sauce Nancy was making for a lasagna dinner on Sunday to celebrate Bobby birthday with the family. What a delicious smell drifting out the kitchen window with all the spiced sausage in a tomato sauce with fresh oregano. Those pancakes stayed with me all day until I came in and tried a small bowl of that sauce.
We were heading out at 5 PM for dinner at the Botbyl's house which was delicious as well. Steaks on the grill with oven spuds.Nancy brought fresh broccoli and a garden salad. YUMMM!!! After dinner we played 3 games of oh hell(not sure where the name came from). It fast and fun which requires you to make your bid.
We got back around 10 PM and must get ready to get up early as we will make the 8:30 service at SFBC. Well will close for now and will enclose dinner pictures tomorrow of the grand girls. LATER.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Friday
Well the morning started out with temp's in the 30's and lots of frost. This time my garden wasn't so lucky. I lost some beans, cuke's, squash and the 'mater plants took a hit but I don't think it killed them completely. After my usual quiet time and a banana for breakfast I watered the garden to take the frost off before heading off to the Rec. I got in 2 hours of pickle ball with 10 other players then did 30 minutes(3.2 miles) on the elliptical and some heavy weights as well as 50 sit ups and crunches. Wow I love this workout but still haven't lost the extra 5 lbs or love handles around the waist.
The temp's were already starting to moderate by the time I left the Rec. and eventually reached the low 70's by early afternoon. The slight breeze kept the temp's from really get high but the bright sunshine and blue skies sure made for a beautiful Florida day. After lunch with Amy and Ava the girls sat out on the back yard in the sunshine and I finished a great read called COLD OCEANS by Jon Turk. Man against the elements with a kayak, dog sled and a row boat. If you like adventure this is definitely a mans book although he took his wife on several of his adventures.
We headed over to Amy and Tyler for dinner. Amy made pulled pork, cole slaw, french fries and mac./cheese. Great dinner then we played domino's with Amy coming from behind on the last hand to whup up on Tyler who led the whole game and me coming in second and at one point I was in the 500's before anyone. Oh well it was fun and we had such a great time playing with Ava before she had to go to bed.
Well tomorrow its supposed to be even warmer day, as we drove home the temp's were back down in the 40's. Not to bad but for Florida that's cool.Well will close for now. LATER
The temp's were already starting to moderate by the time I left the Rec. and eventually reached the low 70's by early afternoon. The slight breeze kept the temp's from really get high but the bright sunshine and blue skies sure made for a beautiful Florida day. After lunch with Amy and Ava the girls sat out on the back yard in the sunshine and I finished a great read called COLD OCEANS by Jon Turk. Man against the elements with a kayak, dog sled and a row boat. If you like adventure this is definitely a mans book although he took his wife on several of his adventures.
We headed over to Amy and Tyler for dinner. Amy made pulled pork, cole slaw, french fries and mac./cheese. Great dinner then we played domino's with Amy coming from behind on the last hand to whup up on Tyler who led the whole game and me coming in second and at one point I was in the 500's before anyone. Oh well it was fun and we had such a great time playing with Ava before she had to go to bed.
Well tomorrow its supposed to be even warmer day, as we drove home the temp's were back down in the 40's. Not to bad but for Florida that's cool.Well will close for now. LATER
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thursday
Wow was it ever nippy this morning. At first I thought the garden had frozen out with all the cold temps last night but after further inspection its seems only a few leaves of the squash, cuke's and beans were damaged badly; of course we have to wait and see what happens tonight as its supposed to be nearly as cold. After my quiet time and cereal for breakfast the ride to the Rec. on the bike was a cold one with my eyes watering all the way. I don't believe it reached 50 today and if it did the strong wind kept the wind chill down into the the 40's or lower all day.
I got a good workout with 10 pickle ball players today and we played hard. We are starting to choose our team players for the Good Life Games of Florida which occur the end of March and pickle ball will be played at our facilities, so we have a little advantage with the familiarity of the courts.
This afternoon at 1 pm I headed back to the Rec. for 1 1/2 hours of badminton. That is another game which elevates your cardio-vascular.I thoroughly love the game, almost as much as pickle ball. Ava and Amy came for lunch then took off for Target and the vegetable stand when I left for the Rec. Ava came for dinner as Amy and Tyler went out for dinner to celebrate their wedding anniversary . Where does the time go? They were married on this day 4 years ago. It sure seemed a lot warmer then as I remember. Nancy made Ava her favorite macaroni, green beans and a pork chop for dinner. She ate great and so did grand dad.
Well will close for now. LATER!
I got a good workout with 10 pickle ball players today and we played hard. We are starting to choose our team players for the Good Life Games of Florida which occur the end of March and pickle ball will be played at our facilities, so we have a little advantage with the familiarity of the courts.
This afternoon at 1 pm I headed back to the Rec. for 1 1/2 hours of badminton. That is another game which elevates your cardio-vascular.I thoroughly love the game, almost as much as pickle ball. Ava and Amy came for lunch then took off for Target and the vegetable stand when I left for the Rec. Ava came for dinner as Amy and Tyler went out for dinner to celebrate their wedding anniversary . Where does the time go? They were married on this day 4 years ago. It sure seemed a lot warmer then as I remember. Nancy made Ava her favorite macaroni, green beans and a pork chop for dinner. She ate great and so did grand dad.
Well will close for now. LATER!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday and Wednesday
First of all let me wish my oldest child, my son Bobby Happy 28th Birthday!!! My how time just slips away especially the older we become. Tuesday started out great with cooler temps and lots of wind. After my quiet time I headed out to the Rec.and got in 2 good hours of pickle ball, elliptical, heavy weights and crunches. I stopped off at the library on the way home and picked up the DVD A Time to Kill, based on the John Grisham novel.
After lunch with Amy and Ava, Nancy got home from shopping for the Wednesday night meal at church. I went back to the Rec. for another hour and a half for badminton(Tues & Thur). Wow I sure got my exercise in on Tuesday. Amy and Ava had left for her afternoon nap by the time I got home so I watched the DVD until it was time for dinner. Nancy mad a great baked fresh salmon, garlic butter angel hair pasta and fresh steamed asparagus. That has to be one of my favorite meals. After dinner and the clean up Nancy and I headed over to a friends house for our weekly Bible study until about 8:45. We got home in time to see a little of American Idol.
Wednesday morning brought cold temps with a stiff breeze, once again it was down in the 40's. After my quiet time and cereal for breakfast I headed out on the bike for the Rec. Wow did my eyes water from the cold wind. I got in 2 good hours of work out and then headed for home. I hung a load of laundry and watered my garden as it was very dry from the strong wind and cold temps. I then managed to catch up on some reading as Nancy was gone for the day. Amy and Ava picked me up at 4 PM to head to church and work in the kitchen. Nancy made shepherds pie, mixed veggies, biscuits and chocolate cake for dessert. We were out of the kitchen by 6:30 and the temp had already dropped back to 44 by then. They are saying we will get below 32 this night and it will be our coldest night in nearly 6 years. Well there goes the vegetable garden. I picked green beans yesterday and lots of lettuce tonight after we got back from our Element house church at 9 PM. We had 10 people for our first house church The Botbyls tonight.
Well will close for now. LATER
After lunch with Amy and Ava, Nancy got home from shopping for the Wednesday night meal at church. I went back to the Rec. for another hour and a half for badminton(Tues & Thur). Wow I sure got my exercise in on Tuesday. Amy and Ava had left for her afternoon nap by the time I got home so I watched the DVD until it was time for dinner. Nancy mad a great baked fresh salmon, garlic butter angel hair pasta and fresh steamed asparagus. That has to be one of my favorite meals. After dinner and the clean up Nancy and I headed over to a friends house for our weekly Bible study until about 8:45. We got home in time to see a little of American Idol.
Wednesday morning brought cold temps with a stiff breeze, once again it was down in the 40's. After my quiet time and cereal for breakfast I headed out on the bike for the Rec. Wow did my eyes water from the cold wind. I got in 2 good hours of work out and then headed for home. I hung a load of laundry and watered my garden as it was very dry from the strong wind and cold temps. I then managed to catch up on some reading as Nancy was gone for the day. Amy and Ava picked me up at 4 PM to head to church and work in the kitchen. Nancy made shepherds pie, mixed veggies, biscuits and chocolate cake for dessert. We were out of the kitchen by 6:30 and the temp had already dropped back to 44 by then. They are saying we will get below 32 this night and it will be our coldest night in nearly 6 years. Well there goes the vegetable garden. I picked green beans yesterday and lots of lettuce tonight after we got back from our Element house church at 9 PM. We had 10 people for our first house church The Botbyls tonight.
Well will close for now. LATER
Monday, February 2, 2009
Monday is Rain and Cooler
The day started out with a few sprinkles of rain and by the time I had finished my quiet time and a light breakfast and headed out for the Rec. is was coming down a little harder. I jumped on the bike and made it to the Rec. without getting too wet. After 2 hours of pickleball with 9 players I met up with Nancy in the exercise room where she was on the treadmill. I did another 30 minutes on the elliptical, several weights for the arms and shoulder and 50 sit ups and crunches. I stopped by the library to pick up a 1040A tax form as I found out since I've starting drawing social security I no longer can use the 1040EZ. Oh well!!!
I got home just in time as the skies opened up with a solid rain for most of the afternoon. Amy and Ava came by after lunch as Amy had a plumber come and fix their leaking commode. It seems the wax ring had cracked and the commode had become loose letting water leak into the bathroom. Dan and Carole had the same problem in their bathroom and when he took the commode apart their was a tree root growing up and around the sewer pipe and into the base of their commode causing it to leak water into the bathroom. Unbelievable!!! Amy stayed until it was time for Ava's nap around 3 PM and the rain had slacked off some. The weather man says its going to be in the 30's a couple morning this week. It reached 66 today with tomorrow only in the 50's. I checked the web cam in Roaring Gap and the golf course is covered in several inches of snow; pretty but cold looking.
Well we had a veggie only dinner tonight with a baked spud, green peas, fresh cold slaw and canned sliced beets. I love those meatless dinners of course I had leftover smoked chicken on a salad for lunch with Greek Dressing.
Well that's about it for now. To all our mountain friends stay warm and safe with the slick roads. LATER.
I got home just in time as the skies opened up with a solid rain for most of the afternoon. Amy and Ava came by after lunch as Amy had a plumber come and fix their leaking commode. It seems the wax ring had cracked and the commode had become loose letting water leak into the bathroom. Dan and Carole had the same problem in their bathroom and when he took the commode apart their was a tree root growing up and around the sewer pipe and into the base of their commode causing it to leak water into the bathroom. Unbelievable!!! Amy stayed until it was time for Ava's nap around 3 PM and the rain had slacked off some. The weather man says its going to be in the 30's a couple morning this week. It reached 66 today with tomorrow only in the 50's. I checked the web cam in Roaring Gap and the golf course is covered in several inches of snow; pretty but cold looking.
Well we had a veggie only dinner tonight with a baked spud, green peas, fresh cold slaw and canned sliced beets. I love those meatless dinners of course I had leftover smoked chicken on a salad for lunch with Greek Dressing.
Well that's about it for now. To all our mountain friends stay warm and safe with the slick roads. LATER.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sunday and Super Bowl in Tampa
Wow it turned cold here on Saturday night and there was frost once again in some of the yards this morning. My yard was once again protected by the 2 oak trees. After our quiet time and a light breakfast we headed out to Tampa and Element Church to worship with Bobby. There was a nice crowd of about 150 folks and Bobby did an excellent job both with the music and his sermon.
We got back to Seminole a little after noon and had a fresh salad and some left over smoked chicken. We then got really to head out to Freedom Square Nursing pavilion to do our Sunday afternoon church service for the patients. We pushed about 10 wheelchairs and there were a couple on their motorized chairs. We sang 5 songs and had a short devotional and just loved up on those patients and gave them some attention.
I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing up the Band of Brothers HBO series. Wow was the real footage amazing as well as the stories those who survived had to tell. The 101 Airborne and Easy Company were a great bunch of young men who gave so much for this nation and to the defeat of Nazi Germany.
We headed over to Amy and Tyler with finger food for a super bowl party with Tyler's college ministry group. They were a neat bunch of young folks and we left at half time with Ava so she could get to bed near her bedtime. After her bath Nancy read a couple of stories and she was ready bed. She is such a sweet youngun. The second half of the game was exciting and the Cardinals nearly pulled it off with a great come from behind effort. I must congratulate the Steelers for their victory; although they had a few players who were less than professional. Any how I will miss football until next August. GO BUCS now that they have a new coach. Well will close for now. LATER
We got back to Seminole a little after noon and had a fresh salad and some left over smoked chicken. We then got really to head out to Freedom Square Nursing pavilion to do our Sunday afternoon church service for the patients. We pushed about 10 wheelchairs and there were a couple on their motorized chairs. We sang 5 songs and had a short devotional and just loved up on those patients and gave them some attention.
I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing up the Band of Brothers HBO series. Wow was the real footage amazing as well as the stories those who survived had to tell. The 101 Airborne and Easy Company were a great bunch of young men who gave so much for this nation and to the defeat of Nazi Germany.
We headed over to Amy and Tyler with finger food for a super bowl party with Tyler's college ministry group. They were a neat bunch of young folks and we left at half time with Ava so she could get to bed near her bedtime. After her bath Nancy read a couple of stories and she was ready bed. She is such a sweet youngun. The second half of the game was exciting and the Cardinals nearly pulled it off with a great come from behind effort. I must congratulate the Steelers for their victory; although they had a few players who were less than professional. Any how I will miss football until next August. GO BUCS now that they have a new coach. Well will close for now. LATER
Friday and Saturday
Well Friday brought much cooler temperatures after the rain which fell all night and most of the morning. I had to wear my old USAF raincoat(43 yrs old) on the bike to the Rec after my quiet time and fruit for breakfast. Anyhow, got there dry and cold as the temp's were dropping fast. I got in a good workout with a real wet shirt before stopping off at the library on the way home. We were expecting Bob, Jill and Annsley for lunch as well as Amy and Ava.
The Triplett's got here about 1 PM(we were famished, Amy and I) and the girls were so cute with one another. They ran and played calling one another names. Lunch was great as Nancy set in a stock of ham and roast beef for sandwiches, chips, pickles and cookies as well as brownies. I'm still off regular potato chips and desserts and I've lost almost 4 lbs since N.Y.Day, still about 2 pinches around the gut to go before I'll be satisfied.
About 2 PM I put the whole chickens on the smoker with a beer in the rear along with oak wood that had been soaking in the rain all morning. Well what a great smell. About 4 PM I decided to put more wood in the smoker well I messed up and got the wood on the electric element which because the oak wood burns so hot caused the element to melt thus shorting it out so now it quit smoking and cooking. I found this out about 5:45 which is when the chickens are normally cooked. Anyhow there were mostly done but 30 minutes in the oven on bake did the job and the birds were beautiful and tasty. Now I need to purchase another heating element so if you have an electric smoker be careful about placing your wood especially oak wood on the element.
G/G, Pap, Tyler, Amy, Ava and old friend of the family Amber Kineer came for dinner as well. Nancy made oven spuds rolled in fresh rosemary and parsley and baked in the oven along with corn, and fresh green beans(from the garden) and a salad as well as 2 pans of cornbread. Another batch of brownies from G/G's for dessert. Wow what a feast and then we played cards until nearly 10 PM after putting Ava to bed around 8:30.
Saturday we woke up to cold temp's in the 30's but bright sunshine. We had a piece of leftover ham along with leftover spuds and a couple eggs for breakfast about 9:30. After our morning routines of quiet time and checking Facebook I watered the garden(sandy soil) then we headed out to the Rec. to workout on the elliptical, treadmill and some other exercises. I got a good hour workout and Nancy did her 30 minutes on the treadmill.
The afternoon finally reached the 60's but with a cool breeze out of the North. I sat around and watched 3 discs of the Band Of Brothers(WWII) Bobby left with me the day before. I had read the book by Stephen Ambrose several years ago and never got to watch all the HBO series that was shown on TV. Its a great watch and pretty close to the book with several of the survivors giving testimony on the occurrences.
We took off about 5:30 for the Botbyl's house (3 doors up) for dinner. We brought our leftover salad, cornbread and brownies and Carol had pulled pork Bar B Que sandwiches and some great vino from San Sebastian Winery in St Augustine. We played a couple rounds of cards with you who as the winner of both games. They watched my hands the whole time(Jodie) even though I am the score keeper. Well will close for now as we are getting ready to head to Tampa for Element Church. LATER
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
