Thursday, December 31, 2009

Thursday, Last Post for 2009

Well this day started out a little after midnight when Nancy and I headed to Tampa Airport to pick up the Ross Family; daughter Amy, Ava and Tyler. Originally they were scheduled to arrive in Tampa around 10:30 PM but their flight with Continental Airlines from Kansas was cancelled because of weather, so they managed to get on another carrier for their return trip to Tampa via Dallas on American Airlines. We got back to Seminole and into bed around 2 AM and I tried to get to sleep but to no avail. I was sure keyed up about something so I tossed and turned until the alarm went off at 6:30.

The morning found me with the usual routine of my quiet time and a lite breakfast of cereal with a banana and a cup of hot green tea. I headed out to the rec on my bike for the last pickle ball play of this year. The outside temp was rather nice and mild. We had 14 players once again with a few players who hadn't been there in awhile. There was 2 good hours of play with lots of wet shirts.

I stopped off at the library then headed on home to hang a load of laundry before hand watering the garden. Nancy had to go get her daily Publix fix after her 3o minutes on the (t)dreadmill before heading home to prepare a fresh garden salad for lunch. After lunch I tried to lay down and take a short siesta but once again I was too keyed up. Nancy made a large pot of zuppa toscana soup, so I harvested about 15 large kale leaves from the garden as that is one of the main ingredients. YUMMM!!! We will take that and a bowl of spinach dip up to a neighbors house where she has prepared a pot of cream of broccoli soup and stuffed mushrooms for dinner. We will probably play Sequence(I've already called for the wambalance to standby for the gals) and watch the old year out and the new year in. Unless we get run over by a reindeer while walking 4 doors up from our house we are staying off the roads tonight. I know from experience there will be lots of revelers on the highways.

Well it sure was good to see the Ross Family after 10 days and especially young Ava.They are coming to the get together tonight as well, along with a few other young families and kids. Nancy and I want to wish All A Happy and Prosperous New Year and may GOD Bless. Later, Next Year!!!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wednesday

Yikes it was once again rather nippy this AM as I rode out to the rec after my quiet time and a breakfast of oatmeal, blueberries and a banana at 7:25 for some 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball play. We had 10 players with some great play through out the morning. It was good to have one of our regulars back after taking yesterday off due to a cold and a nagging hamstring injury. When I left the rec with Nancy on the (t)dreadmill around 10:30 the temps had really started upwards. It reached a high of 75 today so we opened the windows before heading off to Wal-Mart and Sam's club after a salad for lunch. Nancy saves about 20 bucks on one prescription and nearly 1/3 on another per month. So it makes it worthwhile for us to fight the traffic. Wow that is really a saving when you figure one blood pressure medicine is over a grand a year.

We picked up a few snack things for Ava for next week as we will have her all week as Amy and Tyler lead a group of collegian's to Atlanta, Ga for Passion. We are looking forward to having her for the week. We have really missed her these past 10 days while they were in Kansas. We just got word this evening that Continental Airlines have cancelled their flight back to Tampa this evening and have put them on an American Airlines fight to Tampa that gets them in early tomorrow morning. Actually around 12:30 AM. So Nancy and I will head out to bring them back to Seminole around midnight.

We took a fast paced walk over to get their mail and water the garden around 4 PM. Yesterday we were about 25 degrees colder at the same time as this day. What a difference and that's usual for Florida in the winter time, however the new forecast is calling for some very cold temp's this weekend after some rain is fore casted on New Years Day. Nancy pan fried a couple of pork chops(tenderloins), baked a couple sweet potato's and cooked some fresh broccoli for dinner, YUMMM!!! No wonder I put on a little weight over the holidays.

Well not much else going on except for heading to the airport around midnight or so and tomorrow is the last day for pickle ball in 2009. Wow have I really enjoyed the exercise and the deep friendships that are a result of that sport. Tomorrow Nancy is making a pot of zuppa soup using some of my fresh garden kale for our get together with neighbors, family and church friends and a pot of bean soup to go with sauerkraut, roast pork and mashed potato's on our New Years Day get together with family. Looks like another weekend with lots of good eatin'.LATER.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Tuesday

The day started out with the heat running, yikes this is Florida. After our quiet times and a lite breakfast of oatmeal, blueberries and a banana I jumped on the bike and headed to the rec about 7:25. Wow was it ever chilly and my eyes watered all the way there; of course the brisk north wind was blowing head on to me.We missed one of our every day players but picked up 3 ladies who are beginners in their 70's at least. They definitely need some practice. I think last year these 3 played in the over 75 Good Life Games and because there was no competition for that age group they actually won medals. Oh well we had a total of 15 players at one time with 3 nets going.

We played until nearly 10:30 as there are no exercise classes this week so the gym was empty. After my workout I checked in with Nancy on the (t)dreadmill as she was walking up a storm. After she walked back to the house which gives her a little extra workout I watered the garden then we got ready to run some errands.First we had a salad for lunch before heading off to the veggie stand to pick up some fresh produce; tomato's, banana's, green peppers,etc. Then we stopped at Target to exchange a pair of jeans I had received as a gift. We then stopped in at Albertson's in that shopping center and picked up some fresh salmon. Wow at 3.99 a pound it was a good buy. Seems they purchased more than they good sell and now are lowering the price to get rid of it. Last week at Sam's the same salmon was over 8 bucks a pound. On the way home we stopped and watered Tyler's garden and picked up a few items that were going out of date in their refrigerator while they are in Kansas.

The rest of the afternoon we spent reading and catching up on some questions for next weeks Bible study before it was time to take a 4 PM walk over to Amy's to pick up their mail. The air was still quite cool especially in the shaded area's. After getting back from our walk Nancy started on dinner. Taco salad was on the menu and that is one of my favorite's. Yeow is that ever good especially with home grown jalapenos.Well not much else going on except there is a chance of frost just north of the bay area tonight. Sure hope it misses my garden. My 1/2 runner beans are starting to bloom as well as the 'mater plants. Everything is finally starting to show some growth. LATER

Monday, December 28, 2009

Monday

Well the morning started out routine with a few moments of quiet time and a lite breakfast before riding out on the bike to the rec. Yikes, it was nippy this AM as I needed my flannel shirt plus Nancy had the heat on over night. The first time this year so far but looks like its going to be in the 30's here over the next couple of nights as well. What can I say. We just spoke with our "mountain mom" Helen and the conditions there have been terrible; no heat for 12+ hours, unable to get in or out of her lane unless your in a 4 wheel drive vehicle, plus its down in the teens tonight and possibly the rest of the week. We are sure glad we didn't decide to head to the cabin for Christmas and that may just put the damper on any future plans for spending the holidays up there.

I got in 2 + good hours of PB with 13 players.We had some great play and several wet shirts. Nancy came up to work out on the (t)dreadmill for her 30 minutes about the time I was ready to head out for home. It surely had warmed up considerably when I rode out from the rec and it looked like rain as well. Well after lunch all of that changed as a front moved through clearing out the cloudy skies and bringing lots of cool windy temps with bright sunshine. It actually got noticeably cooler as the day progressed but with sunshine. After lunch we started on breaking down the Christmas decorations for another year. The tree and all were packed up and once again stored in the attic. I managed to transplant a few broccoli seedlings and sowed some additional beets, onions, and lettuce seeds before picking some radishes and jalapeno peppers.

We took a quick brisk walk to Amy and Tylers to pick up their mail and water his garden around 4 PM. It had really cooled off especially with the strong brisk northern wind blowing. We came back and read before getting ready to start dinner. Nancy sauteed some fresh yellow squash with onions, heated up a can of black beans over white rice along with salmon fillets. Another great meal. No wonder I gained a couple pounds over the last week with all those great meals plus baked goodies. Well not much else going on except to say how dull the living room is without all the beautiful Christmas decoration. LATER.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Sunday Evening

Well would you believe we have the HEAT on here in sunny Florida. It didn't much get above 57 all day with overcast skies and a few sprinkles. A couple days ago the a/c was on; now the heat, go figure(first time this year). Anyhow we(Nancy) had a good meeting at Element this am for the setting up of the new kid's warehouse classrooms; I helped take down all the decorations and store them again until next year, did lots of sweeping and cleaning as the volunteer painters came in about noon to paint the classrooms. We headed out for home and stopped at the Firehouse Subs in Pinellas Park for lunch before heading out to the nursing home in Seminole at 2 PM. We had a good message and sang several Christmas Carols with the patients.
Tomorrow we will take down our tree and decorations and get back to our normal routine.

I must say when your home town football teams win it is good and the lowly Bucs whupped up on the 13-1 Saints this afternoon at their house in New Orleans. What a surprise!!! My other choice also put it on the Giants in their house in New York, as well. Neither the Bucs or Panthers are going to make the playoffs but it still was good to see both of them win.
Well not much else is a happening here in chilly Tampa Bay area. LATER

Saturday Evening on Sunday Morning

Well Saturday was a day of rest from self indulgence from food. After our quiet times I choose to eat only a bowl of fruit salad that G/G left for me from Christmas morning breakfast. It was actually chilly outside so we just lounged around until the sun warmed up before heading out to check on the gardens. Finally around 1 PM we got a load of laundry out on the line and I helped with some inside "honey-do's" like vacuuming, etc.

We decided it was time for a good long walk through the 'hood. Nancy had her sweats on and of course just shorts and t-shirt for me. It was in the 60's with some sunshine. We did that for an hour or so then came back and read while Nancy played on FB. I tied up my tomato plants, pulled some radishes(first of the season) ,kale, mustard greens and dill for the salad for our supper. We then walked over to Amy and Tyler's and picked up their mail and I watered the garden. TY's garden is doing very well. His beans are producing and his tomato plants are 3-4 feet high.

We decided to have supper a little early as we skipped lunch so Nancy made potato cakes with the leftover spuds from Christmas dinner, we microwaved the rest of the roast(couple slices) and had a huge fresh garden salad with olive oil and lemon juice. Yeow was those potato cakes ever good.

Well we are getting ready to head to Tampa for a meeting at Element, take down the Christmas decorations and help paint the kids new class room area. There is no gathering this AM. We will then head to the Freedom Square Nursing Pavilion to hold a 2 PM worship service for those patients. It will be a busy day serving others in HIS name. Well until, LATER.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Christmas Day on the day after Christmas






























I'm sure most of you are suffering from the "I ate too much on Christmas Day" as I am. My rambling from yesterday stopped after the great breakfast with Nancy's folks, neighbors and friends the Botbyl's and Carol's mom Jesse. We just digested the rest of the day until Bobby, Jill and Annsley came around 5 as did G/G and Pap(Nancy's folks) and the GAB(Nancy's sister) and her 2 boys Braden and Garrett. We started out with a little shrimp and cocktail sauce while Bobby made the smashed 'taters and gravy. Yeow, is he ever a great maker of these 2 dishes. He uses things most cooks never use or least ordinary cooks never use. I tried to keep up with his ingredients for the gravy which was awesome. I noticed fresh sliced mushrooms into the dripping from the roast, lots of fresh Thyme, sea salt, red wine, ground black pepper, minced garlic, parsley and dijon mustard. Anyhow it was the best and the spuds had sour cream, parsley and Parmesan cheese. Man where they good as well. Anyhow we feasted on one of the best roasts ever and I think we found the key to super medium rare. Roast it at 450 degrees for about 5 minutes then turn it down to 325 temp for 25 minutes for every pound or if you use a meat thermometer until the middle of the roast reaches 135 to 140 degrees. Let set out of the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Indescribably "dewishous" as Annsley says.
After feasting we opened gifts; of course Annsley had been riding Blaze since she first arrived. We want to thank all who helped to make this a great time of celebration.

Today we are planning on taking a nice long walk through the hood with these nice crisp temps and to not over indulge with too many calories. LATER.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Friday Christmas Day
















Well I sure miss the kids coming in at 5 AM and waking you up to open presents. For those of you who still have small children at home enjoy 'cause one of these days you will sleep in until 8 AM and the house will be so quiet. At least now the grand kids will come by in the afternoon and we will once again hear their squeals of delight as they open their presents.

Well we had an amazing breakfast/brunch as Nancy once again set the table with good fixins'; there was egg and ham casserole, hash browns, biscuits with homemade black raspberry jam, Carol made cheese blintz's and G/G brought her fruit salad all of this with orange juice and coffee. My, my was that ever good and should hold us until we have dinner around 6 PM. Nancy picked up a large rib roast that will go along with smashed red potato's that Bobby is fixin' as well as broccoli, carrots, lime jello, chocolate cream pies and a pumpkin roll. Now that is just horrible for my figure, but oh well what can ya do but just eat it!!! Medium rare prime rib, Ahhh luckily we only do this once a year cause I don't think my cholesterol could handle it more often.

I just got off the phone with relatives up in W.Va, Va. and Kansas and their weather is horrendous with below freezing temps, actually the wind chill for some are below zero with blowing snow, freezing rain and ice. I had to mention we turned the a/c on again this morning as its nearly 75 degrees with light rain and muggy conditions. We are hoping for a little cooler temps this weekend and it looks as if that might happen.

I probably will be be too full to write tonight and I wanted to make sure our grand kids know what we did on Christmas Day, actually all we are doing today is eating. Well with that in mine I will close for now and we sure want all those we know to have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Later

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Thursday (Christmas Eve)

Well the morning started out the usual with a few moments of quiet time before a lite breakfast of oatmeal, blueberries and a banana. I then headed out to the rec on the bike for a couple hours of pickle ball. We had a small group of 7 players with some great rally's and spirited action. Nancy headed off to the rec as well but a little later as she had to pick up the standing rib roast for tomorrow's dinner from Publix's. It looks to be about a 10-12 lb roast.

We had a salad for lunch after Nancy got home from her many pit stops. I then helped with vacuuming the house as we are having the whole family minus the Ross's for Christmas dinner tomorrow evening. We will celebrate by opening gifts and then eating together.

We were heading over to Tampa this evening for a candlelight service at Element Church and taking Nancy's folks along as well. I would guesstimate a couple of hundred were in attendance.The worship was awesome with great music, message and communion. There was hot coffee, cider and lots of home made cookies.

Well I think I will close for now wishing all who read these rambling a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. Later..

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wednesday

Wow was it ever good to feel and hear the sound of a pickle ball against a paddle with a good sweet shot. After my quiet time and a breakfast of oatmeal with blueberries and a banana I rode out to the rec on the bike. It was a wee bit nippy but by 10 AM it was really nice. The temps eventually hit 70 again today with lots of bright sunshine. We had a total of 6 player with lots of good and fast play for 2 hours. There were lots of wet shirts today. Tomorrow we will try it once again at 8 AM for those who want to work out and sweat before being off until next Monday the 28th.

I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple books before heading home to water the gardens. After watering my garden I rode over to Tyler's and watered his garden as well. Everything looks good despite the flock of ducks in the back yard. I ran them off. When we got the mail at 4 PM I checked for duck damage and found none.

Nancy got back from her workout and a stop at Publix's about lunchtime so we had a sandwich before I hung a load of laundry. The nice warm breeze was ideal for laundry on the line. We just just did a few mundane chores like washing windows and a little gardening. We took a good walk over to the Ross's about 4 PM. Nancy started a pot of beef vegetable barley soup for supper with lots of fresh veggies, Yeow was that ever good!!!

Not much else going this evening, LATER.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Tuesday
















Well today was so much different than our usual as we headed to Riverview(south of Tampa) around 8 AM this morning. We spent the day with grand daughter Annsley and then headed out to the Acropolis Greek eatery on Bloomingdale in Tampa for dinner with the whole family. We just got back to Seminole around 8:30 this evening so we had a full day.

Annsley was so excited to see us and she was just a delight to be with. She is into Tinkerbell so of course she had the wings and magic wand, how cute. We read books and played for awhile before she and Nancy began to cut out Christmas cookies for the Christmas Eve service on Thursday night. She and I then decorated each cookie with red and green sprinkles along with a little nutmeg. This lasted for a couple hours and she was right in there the whole time. Of course she had to have a couple cookies as they came out of the oven. By the time the cookie making was over it was time for lunch so we baked a frozen pizza.
After lunch we played for awhile then she took her nap. She slept for nearly 2 hours so we watched a little T.V. and caught up on some reading. After Annsley's nap it was nearly 3:30 so we headed out to the play area in the 'hood that has slides and swings. It's a good 15 minute walk there, so we loaded up Annsley in the wagon and a couple cookies and headed out. The outside temp had warmed up to the 60's after last nights down in the 30's, Brrr!!! The afternoon was just great for swinging and sliding and she had a great time so much so we were gone for nearly 2 hours all together. We got back a little after 5 and then Bobby came home and we got ready to head out to eat at a Greek place in Tampa. This was a fun place with exceptional good food. Annsley likes to go there as well. I had a super tasting fish, Nancy lamb chops, Bobby quail and Jill chicken. Good eatin' and very reasonable with generous portions. I would definitely go there again.

Well it was a fun filled day with Annsley and we wondered where the time went. We had a message from the Ross Family that a blizzard is heading their way in Kansas tomorrow, so it definitely will be a white Christmas there. LATER

Monday, December 21, 2009

Monday

Well it was finally down right nippy this morning as I rode out to the rec on my bike after my quiet time and a bowl of fruit for breakfast. Yikes it was winter for Florida at 44 degrees. Lets hope that is as cold as it gets this winter. According to the forecast there is a warming trend with highs in the low 70's for the rest of this week, wow that is perfect.

Not much else going on for the day after PB. We had 12 players and a couple newbies from Hudson. They were very competitive and seemed to really enjoy the game. Great to have some new blood for a change. After PB I left Nancy on the(t)dreadmill for her 30 minutes of cardio workout and headed home to water the garden. It was still pretty nippy especially in the shaded areas. Nancy came back and we had a salad for lunch with just the two of us as Amy and Ava were on their way with Tyler to Plainville, Kansas to spend Christmas with his folks and family. I picked them up this morning around 4:30 AM for their flight out. Yikes was it really quiet around with out the girls!!!

I caught upon some reading after lunch as Nancy took her mom ,G/G to Target for some last minute shopping. Around 3:30 we walked over Amy and Tyler to pick up their mail, put out their garbage and water the garden. We also picked enough Swiss Chard from Tyler's garden to have for dinner. This was the first time I had ever eaten it. We were totally surprised at how good it was. Here is the simple way to prepare it; remove the red or white stems from the leaves and slice in about 1 inch strips after rolling up, 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet with a couple cloves of finely sliced fresh garlic, bring this to medium heat then add the sliced greens and saute for just a couple minutes. Add a little sea salt and ground pepper. Crushed red dried pepper is optional. The greens work down to practically nothing so you will need a good bunch if serving to more than just a couple of people. This is really tasty!!! I was more than surprised at how good they were.

Tomorrow we are heading over to son, Bobby's house to look after Annsley for the day. Then we will have dinner out later in the evening at a Greek place in Brandon. Should be a full day as we have to be there before Jill leaves for work at 9:30. No pickle ball tomorrow but hope to be back for Wednesday and Thursday's play.LATER.

Sunday on Monday Morning
















Well we had a super day of worship this morning at Element in Tampa. The temp's were a bit nippy probably in the 50's but warmed up to the low 60's by the afternoon with lots of sunshine. We want to thank all who sent us snow pictures and learned all who are out our way in the mountains are snowed in.That wouldn't be any fun at all.

Sunday evening found us getting ready to celebrate Christmas with the Ross Family as they get ready to fly out to Kansas. I picked them us this AM at 4:30 for their 6:45 flight. It was 44 degrees here, yikes that's a bit nippy. I just decided to stay up after getting back from TIA(airport) as I have pickle ball at 8 AM. Nancy fixed a pork loin, Tyler brought a pot of his home grown beans, carrots, smashed 'taters with gravy and a garden salad. We had left over cookies for dessert if anyone could fit it in. They will fly back into Tampa on the 30th.

Ava was so cute when she first spied Blaze(that's the name of her new pony) we got her for Christmas along with other things. It moves it's head, tail and whinnies. Actually Nancy wanted one as well. It was a fun evening for all as G/G and Pap came as well to watch Ava open her gifts. Everyone left early as a 3:30 wake up call was in store for the kids. They will crash tonight. Ava was standing at the door waiting for me when I arrived at 4:30 AM. They should be in Kansas before lunch after a lay over in Houston, Tx.

Well the lowly Bucs actually played a decent game against the Seahawks yesterday in Seattle but we will see after next week if they have improved at all when they play the Saints. The Panthers pulled off an upset against the Vikngs and Brett Farve in Charlotte last night. Brr it sure looked cold there although I didn't see any snow long the sidelines like seen in the New York game. Well luckily the schools are closed for Christmas so there will be some good times in the snow for them.

I will get out of here for now and get a spot of green tea before waking Nancy up for the day and get ready for the rec. LATER

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Saturday on Sunday Morning

Finally cooled off enough to turn the a/c off and open a window for some fresh air. The rain and wind subsided completely by Saturday. Yikes, is it ever nice out with bright sunshine. We had a ton of northern and mountain friends sending us lots of snow scenes. Marvelous is all I can say!! I'm very ambivalent about the whole snow thing; sledding sounds great but digging out to get in and out of your house and lane is not to appealing. Oh well I can enjoy it through all of your pics and the pics on Raysweather.com. Check out that website it has great info plus web cams for the area and pics of the day everyday of somewhere in N.C..

After our quiet times and bologna boats(fried bologna and eggs on top) for breakfast I headed out to check on the garden.Once again the yard was covered with dead sticks and limbs from the oak trees. I loosened up the soil around the veggies and help start some of the bean runners for the poles. Growing up we always let the runners grow along the ground and it was always a back breaking job to pick beans(harvest) and I never enjoyed it however; I saw an old farmer in N.C. had staked his 1/2 runners one year so I tried it and wouldn't you know those bean plants grew over 12 feet high. I had to stand on a bucket to reach the top beans and they would have grown even higher with taller poles. Well now that's what I call breaking from the past and how you always did things and trying something new. Isn't it true we are creatures of habit or that's the way we always did it growing up. Plus now I can stand up while picking and I truly believe the plants produce more bean. By the way if you have never eaten a 1/2 runner green bean ask the old timers about their taste. None any better and its an old time bean.

Well now that I've completely bored you with how to grow beans, something so mundane I thought would really bore you with the rest of the day. After lunch Ava came by with her mom and dad and she opened her presents from Annsley plus they brought an old Cracker Barrel rocking chair that needs a little refurbishing; sanding and painting. They saw that I needed a little something to do; actually I fine that is something I really enjoy. I was always finding broken furniture in need of repair and remodeling it. You know the old saying "one person's garbage is another man's treasure." After the kids left Nancy and I headed out for a brisk 45 minute walk through the 'hood. Nothing like the back trail that leads to the top of the mountain, but it served its purpose with getting the blood to moving. Nancy had on a light jacket but I was in a tee shirt and shorts. Ahhhh!!

Last night we headed over to a neighbor folks place for a get together. Debbie and Jim(John and Melinda's folks) had all kinds of finger foods and goodies. We sat around a fire in their back yard, played a little pool and just visited with friends and met some new folks as well. Thanks guys for setting such a lavish table with lots of eats and for allowing us to be apart.

Well its nearly time to get ready to head out to Tampa for worship at Element. I understand the weather was so bad in the mountains that church services at Cornerstone were cancelled this morning. Keeping all of ya'll in our thoughts and prayers. After church this evening we are having our Christmas and dinner for Amy, Tyler and Ava as they fly out to Kansas early on Monday morning to spend the rest of the holidays with his folks and family. I know they are excited and we are excited for them. Rob and Cindy(Tyler's folks) will be so surprised at Ava 's level of maturity. She is so much fun and just so dang cute!!

Well better get ready for worship.I will post pics of this evening get together. LATER.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Friday onSaturday Morning

Well to all of our northern friends and readers, happy snowmen to all. Yikes what a snow fall and thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures. It finally cooled off a little here this Saturday morning after it rained off and on through the day on Friday and then Friday night it almost felt like tropical storm weather with the blowing rain and high gusts. After we left Riverview late Friday night the wind was moving the truck around on the drive across the Howard Frankland Bridge as well as the waves were breaking over the roadway. I surmise this is the lower half of the storm that brought so much snow in the north.

Friday morning found me driving to the rec for pickle ball around 8. We managed to get about 10 players and had a good workout for about an hour or so before I had to have the truck home for Nancy to go to her Bible study at 10. The rain quit for awhile and I managed to get a little garden work in before Amy and Amy came for lunch. Ava entertained us with her constant chatter. After lunch the girls made the hogie sandwiches and salsa we were tasking to the Kuyatt's(Jill folks) to go along with all the food they made as well for the Christmas annual dominoes get together. We had a boisterous gang of players with 15 playing at a time. We showed them a new wrinkle for speeding the game along however by 10 PM we had played only 6 rounds. Of course we ate during the evening; Bobby's soup, meatballs, Susan's special au gratin potatoes, sandwiches, salsa and chips and a large plate of cookies Nancy and Amy made this week. Jan brought a white cake for a late dessert as well. Everything was YUMM. Annsley entertained us as well with her little girls antics and the evening just quickly slipped away too fast. There was much laughter and cutting up. Thanks Brian and Susan hosting us all in your new home. Wow is it ever a bigg'en with a pool as well.

We hit the sack a little after midnight and I think the cherry coke(which I seldom drink any colas) kept me wide awake for awhile. The wind blew hard most of the night and the temps dropped considerably. The yard is full of dead limbs from the oak trees but the garden looks as if it fared the storm well. The sun is out and it will probably be in the 70's before long. Ahhh, Florida in the winter time is delicious even if we have to run the a/c at times. Well I've rambled on long enough. I spoke via land line with oldest sister in Martinsburg, W.Va. this morning they have a rather significant snow fall as well with temp's down in the 20's. Our Mountain friends are keeping us up dated with tons of snow pictures on FaceBook. Our neighbor Gerald is up there as well from Raleigh. I imagine he has his 4 wheel drive tractor with a bucket on the front clearing our nearly a mile long private drive. I remember those days when the snow got so deep and drifted only the mules could get through to check on our elderly neighbors. Our "mountain mom" Helen has informed us that route 21 that leads down off the mountain from Sparta has been closed as well as Interstate 77 from the Virginia line into N.C. is closed as well. About 10 years ago Nancy and I were caught in a storm much like this one where we were shut down in that area for hours before we could finally get back to warmer temp's.Well to be there and not have to go out to work or care for livestock is really a fun time and we envy those who are experiencing this winter wonderland, however I think I will slip on a pair of shorts and go work in the garden. LATER.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Thursday

Once again the morning started out with a few quiet moments and a lite breakfast before heading out to the rec on the bike. It actually cooled down a little over night enough so I had to wear a long sleeve shirt as I pedaled out. We had 8 players and got in a good 2 hour workout. I'm finally over the head cold so my endurance level seems on the way up again, wow am I happy about that. I used 6-8 thousand units of Vitamin C daily and that seemed to do the trick plus I'm sure I built up some resistance for the next bout.

After the rec Nancy and I headed out to Sam's to once again get a few things we will need for this weekend for celebrating get together's with food involved. After getting back I hand watered the garden before Amy and Ava came for lunch then everyone took off for G/G's and Target. I just laid around reading and taking it easy until it was time to grill salmon steaks for dinner. Nancy made garlic pasta and peas to compliment the salmon for dinner. YUMM!!! She spent the afternoon wrapping Christmas presents for the family, mainly Ava and Annsley.

The forecast has some really cold and snowy weather for the N.C. mountain's so there is a good chance for a White Christmas there. Sounds very romantic but I remember on the farm that snow wasn't that great, especially when it came to caring for livestock. The mud and slop during the day then freezing temp's at night caused waterholes to freeze over as well as water troughs the animals drank from. We lived about a mile from a gravel road that was about 5 miles to the nearest paved road and our lane to the farm was always getting snow drifted closed plus we used fire wood to heat with so that meant extra work with cutting and splitting firewood in the snow; you always had cold wet fingers and toes. I really don' t miss that part of snow on the ground; however it was good to have a couple days off from school. Oh well!!!

It is supposed to cool off here this weekend with some rain for tomorrow, at least we shut the a/c off today and opened a couple of windows for some fresh air. To those pickle ball players who read this I was informed by the rec this AM we will only lose the gym on Christmas Day(Friday)LATER.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Wednesday

Well it was pretty much the usual morning quiet time then a lite breakfast before heading out to the rec for pickle ball at 8 today. We had 8 players for the day as several were busy, hurt and playing golf. We will be even lighter tomorrow as several are busy with the Christmas shopping. Next week are limited to just 3 days of play because of the holiday schedule. The sun came out today so there was plenty of sunshine and by late this evening there as a touch of coolness in the air. Boy do we need to have a couple days of open the windows weather.

Nancy finished up her baking today and I delivered several tins of cookies to the neighbors as well as tomorrow she will fix up the postman with a tin also. Nancy's folks, Ava and Amy came by after lunch and took home a sack as well. We still have too many but will take a plate full to our annual dominoes get together in Riverview Friday night as well as for dessert for our luncheon on Saturday where our house church will host 7 folks who where caught up in the human trafficking debacle. These seven where victims at one time and are now in a safe house.

I grilled a couple marinated chicken breasts with fresh rosemary for dinner along with yellow rice and canned asparagus. YUMM!!

Well not much else going on but this week end looks as if it will be a busy one. LATER.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Tuesday

Well the morning started out the usual with a cup of hot green tea, my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with a banana. I headed out to the rec around 7:30 to find just 3 players as one player is recovering from a hamstring injury. Eventually we had enough players show up to have 2 courts going at the same time. I was struggling all morning with this head cold I acquired from grand daughter, Ava the past couple of days. Actually by 10 AM I was really to call it a day. I just didn't have the energy like I normally do. I stopped off by the library on the way home and picked up a couple books I had on order.

I hand watered the garden for about an hour then headed in to catch up on some correspondence while waiting for Nancy to get home from the rec. Amy and Ava came for lunch about 11:30. The girls were baking Christmas cookies after lunch. Ava was helping when she wasn't watching Veggie Tales. I got ready and headed out to the dentist to see about saving this tooth.

The dentist was one I had visited many years ago when he first went into practice in the Seminole area. Our state insurance caused us to drop his care after a few years and now that I'm paying out of my own pocket we will use him once again. I was in the chair for over 2 hours before they finally put a temporary crown on the tooth thus saving me from have it extracted or better yet an implant, plus saving almost 2/3 rds of what an implant would have cost. Great job Dr. Moss and no pain at all!!!

Nancy fixed stuffed green peppers for dinner with a red sauce and wow was that ever good eatin.' Well not much else going on except we want to thank our mountain friends who make homemade Christmas wreaths in N.C. and for shipping one to us.The smell "mountain up" the house in no time.It sure is beautiful with the red holly berries woven into it. If anyone is interested they ship anywhere. This is their seasonal opportunity to make a little extra cash so contact me if your interested and I will contact them. It might be a little late this year but there is always next year.

Well Nancy and the girls(Amy and Ava) have one more day to finish up their baking of cookies for the holidays. I'm sure glad they are giving the majority of them away as I'm already to fat and gaining daily. Well will close for now, LATER.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Sunday and Monday

Well sorry about not rambling yesterday evening but after your hometown football team(Bucs) actually stinks up the field it leaves you a little down. But on a uplifting note we had a great time of worship at Element. The praise worship music was very uplifting and just set the tone for a great thought provoking message with a new or different prospective on I AM. Great job, Bobby!!!

After leaving Tampa we had Amy, Tyler and Ava for left over smoked chicken we fixed on Friday night. Everything tasted as good if not better than the day we fixed it.. The temps had warmed back into the 80' with humidity so the a\c is back on, once again. I know most of you have the heat on but believe me we want cooler temps if not down right cold temps. We are tired of these hot, muggy days.

Sunday evening found us heading back to SFBC for their Christmas Musical. It was so good to see so many old friends we haven't seen since last May and to renew lots of old acquaintances.

Monday found us back too our usual routine with pickle ball at the rec after my quiet time and a lite breakfast. We had about 12 players. Wow was it ever foggy and humid this morning. At least by 10 AM it had cleared off and the sun was shining but still muggy. I managed to stake all of my tomato plants and found the radish seeds I planted on Saturday were just breaking ground this evening when I went out to water the garden. Wow was that fast. Amy and Ava came for lunch and stayed the afternoon making Christmas cookies. I think they are baking again tomorrow and Wednesday. I entertained Ava, actually she kept me quite busy. She is such a cutie and her mind just never stops for a second.

Well not much else going except Nancy fixed salmon cakes, buttered macaroni and fresh green beans for dinner. We also hope our friends Kimberly(N.C.) and Roy(Seminole) came through their hand and hip replacement surgeries today in good form with great results.LATER.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Saturday on Sundy Morning

Well I missed the ramble last night after leaving G/G' and Pap's(Nancy's folks) cause I ate too much delicious spaghetti and meatballs, salad,bread and strawberry cake. All I wanted to do was take a shower and go to bed but once I hit the sack I was wide awake for awhile cause there was to much sugar in the cake and we ate late, Oh well sure glad tomorrow is rec day again for some pickle ball. Saturday morning found me sleeping in until 8:30 yeah I love it then Nancy fixed blue berry buckwheat cakes with a banana in the batter. I had a tall stack of 3 loaded with Smart Balance spread and real honey. Now that is some good eatin'. Afterwards I just lazied around on the laptop until it was time to do a little garden work. I actually worked up a sweat as the temps overnight warmed up from Friday night.

I transplanted 9 'mater plants and planted marigolds around each to discourage nematodes from attacking the root(root knot) and sucking the life out of the plants and causing the fruit to never develop fully, stick with me and remember in Florida nematodes are devastating to veggie crops. You use to could use vampan but no longer from the EPA to kill the little suckers but marigolds help. I then sowed another row of radishes, transplanted kale(best vegetable for eyesight,lots of lutein),broccoli's and more lettuce seedling's. The 1/2 runners are starting to climb my poles so hopefully beans by New Years.

The rest of the afternoon I lazied and finished a super book about 3 men held in the Columbian jungle 1967 days as prisoners, Yikes what a story they have to tell after surviving a plane rash. Two of their party executed by the FARC(bunch of teenage terrorists). The book is titled OUT OF CAPTIVITY. We headed out to G/G's around 5 for dinner. Everyone there but Bobby and family. I must get ready for worship a its a good 45 minute drive to Tampa, LATER.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Friday

Yeow it was a little cooler this morning as I got ready to head out to the rec on my bike after my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with a dollop of honey. We had about a dozen players at times for pickle ball; however one of our early guys pulled up lame with a hamstring hurt. Hopefully he will recover over the weekend and be ready again on Monday morning. I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple non-fiction books on my way home.

Nancy was still at her weekly Bible study at SFBC so I put a load of towels in the washer before watering my garden. The lack of sunshine this week has ready slowed down its progress. Finally the sun was out for a couple hours even though the breeze was a bit nippy. After hanging the wash I jumped back on the bike and headed out to the barber shop to get my ears lowered and then stopped off at Amy's and Ava's to see them and Tyler's garden on my way home. They were getting ready to head to Tampa to have lunch with Tyler at Westshore Mall.

Nancy got home a little before 1 PM so I got 2 large chickens ready for the beer-in-the rear on the smoker. I used a combination of oak and hickory wood. Wow does that ever make for a good flavor and the meat is so moist. I did a few honey-do's for Nancy like vacuuming, sweeping and helping her get ready for our dinner guests, Carol and Dan. Carol brought some cooked and deveined shrimp, cocktail sauce and a pot of smashed 'taters with cheese on top. Nancy had a big fresh salad with Greek dressing and french bread. The chicken was superb and we have enough left over for Sunday's dinner. After dinner we played 2 games of Phase 10. It had been awhile since we have played that game. They headed out around 10 PM.

The evening was fun with great food, lots of laughter and fellowship. Tomorrow we are at G/G's and Pap's for a birthday dinner for a nephew. Should be another great dinner. LATER.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Thursday

Well once again the day started out with a cup of hot green tea, a few moments with the Creator in my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with a dollop of honey for breakfast. I jumped on the bike about 7:25 and headed for the rec. There were 4 of us for about 45 minutes where we got in a couple fast and furious games before the general players arrived. The wet shirts were evident. We had about 9 players for the day with some great play that ended at 10 AM.

Nancy came about 9:30 and am I thankful for that as a cold, heavy, rain started to fall around 9 and didn't really let up until after lunch and it rain sporadic through out the day until late this evening. I was able to slide my bike into the back of the truck and stayed dry on my way home from the rec. There were several who offered to give me a ride home but Nancy saved the day. After a lite lunch of a frozen pizza we settled in until we had a 2 PM appointment. Amy and Ava came by for about an hour and Ava was dancing to the Nutcracker Ballet. She is so funny and so serious with her dancing, entertaining us until it was time for her nap. The temps were falling dramatically and by morning they are calling for 40's in the area. I'm so glad for that as we have had the a/c on the past couple of days.

After our appointment Nancy took off to the mall for some last minute shopping and I caught up on CRAZYGUYONABIKE.COM check this website out. Some of the pictures these riders take all over the world is just fantastic. I sure have a great appreciation for these riders especially after riding on the New River Trail last summer near Galax, Va. 5 hours on that bike seat had us plum wore out as well as some sore derrieres. Some of the folks spend years out there riding all over the world. Yikes, I would love to do that down hill.

Nancy made taco salad for dinner and with the fresh cilantro, dill and jalapeno pepper its was delicious. Tomorrow I'm doing beer-in-the-rear chicken on the smoker for dinner. That has to be one of my very favorite dinner's. Well, LATER.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Wednesday

Well it was another foggy morning with warm temps. After my usual spot of green tea, quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with a little honey I headed off to the rec on my bike. We had about 10 players once again and 4 of us got in some good play before the crowd wondered in around 8:30.There were a few wet shirts. Afterwards I headed into the weight room where Nancy was walking the treadmill so I did a little free weights and about 15 minutes on the elliptical. I have lost the 2 pounds I picked up over the weekend with all the heavy dinners and tons of desserts. I still need to drop 5 more but that is in question as I just plain like to eat Nancy's good cookin'and usually too much.

After the rec I hand water and fertilized the garden. It was so muggy I spent the rest of the day inside playing with Ava and reading. The girls came for lunch and we finished up the turkey soup along with a sandwich. Amy and Ava left around 2 :30 so she could get her afternoon nap and I took a little as well. I finished up another novel and started a non fiction book about the mafia in NYC.

Nancy had chicken breasts in a marinade to be grilled later for dinner along with oven 'taters that were rolled in melted butter with fresh chopped rosemary and parsley and then oven baked along with fresh broccoli. Yikes was that ever good eatin'.After eating I cleaned up the dishes that wouldn't fit in the dishwasher and then we got ready for a short visit from Ava. Amy and Tyler were taking dinner to the couple in the 'hood who just had a baby boy and Ava has a little bit of a head cold so we are keeping her while they visit.

Well its hard to believe that Christmas is almost upon. Amy, Tyler and Ava are flying to Kansas this year to spent Christmas with his family so we will have an early gift opening for them before they leave on the 21st. Well not much else is going on, LATER.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Tuesday

Well the morning started about 6:15 with a cup of hot green tea and my quiet time before getting ready to ride out to the rec on my bike for some pickle ball. It had warmed up enough that I didn't need an extra shirt or jacket for my bike ride. It was still somewhat overcast but the skies showed the promise of some sunshine. There were about 10 players today and a new guy came by to check out the sport as he wanted to start this game at his club house in the future. I advised him to get all the equipment needed to get started and I would come by and give a demonstration to those interested.

After the rec I headed on home to do a little garden work before I had to get ready for my early afternoon dental appointment. The girls got back around 1 PM from their shopping so they had some leftover turkey vegetable soup. Wow was that ever good even better than last night when Nancy first made it. Ava entertained us until it was time to head out for what I thought would be a tooth extraction. After a full mouth x-ray and examination the dentist who is strictly an oral surgeon suggested the tooth was salvageable as the crack was above the gum line and not into the pulp. He felt I should have a crown thus saving my original tooth and the cost of an implant. Well I certainly hope he is correct as that is probably 1/2 or less in costs of having an implant or even a bridge. Well I have to see another dentist next Tuesday so we go from there.

The sun finally came out as we left the dentist office and it actually became very nice outside. Nancy went to do her walk but stopped at a neighbors house and stayed too long for her visit. She came back got the pork chops really for the grill as well as brussels sprouts in dijon mustard and wild rice. Another great dinner especially with fresh rosemary on the chops. Well not much else going on, LATER.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Monday

Well I was awakened this morning around 5 with the sound of rain once again beating on the roof. Wow have we ever been getting the rain in this usually dry period of the year for Florida. My garden sure appreciates the wet weather. Anyhow after our quiet times and my cup of hot green tea I finished off the last of the pumpkin pie for breakfast before heading out to the rec on my bike. I had to stop at the library on the way to wait for the rain shower that suddenly sprung up to ease off enough to ride on. After about 5 minutes under the shelter I headed on to the rec.

We had 13 players total for pickle ball and 4 of us got in some good play before the others arrived around 8:15. The play was fast and furious at times with lots of wet shirts and it was good to see Leslie back on the court from her Caribbean Cruise. Must be nice!!!

I got a little garden time in after PB even though it was very damp, humid and overcast. There were showers through the day. Amy and Ava came for lunch then the girls took off to the mall for some shopping. I hung around and read until it was time to head off to Sam's to pick up a few things as well as gas up again. While at Sam's I tried one of the samples being given out and somehow an upper molar with a filling that had been sensitive in the mountain in October, broke into. So now I have an ugly space with a black spot between the eye tooth and another molar on top. Well I have an appointment to get it yanked out tomorrow and will go from there on what course of action is best suited. A bridge or implant!!I have little faith in root canals and crowns. I'm looking into an implant but the cost is very expensive. That's where a titanium screw or post is inserted into the jawbone which eventually adheres to the bone and then a crown is applied to the top of the screw. That procedure usually lasts a lifetime whereas the root canal and crown is somewhat suspect or at least it has been with us as Nancy had a 2 grand tooth pulled a couple months ago after that course of action failed. Oh well!!

Well will close for now, LATER.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Saturday and Sunday on Sunday Night






















Well I'm sure for those of you who read my ramblings you have no doubt surmised that I had Internet access problems starting Saturday morning until around 5 PM today(Sunday).

Saturday morning found us drying out from a ton of rain, wind and falling temps. I don't believe it got much over 65 and with the steady breeze it actually felt colder. Nancy took off to run some errands after our quiet times an a hearty breakfast of buckwheat cakes with a banana in the batter and some fresh blueberries. I lathered mine with Smart Balance(all finished with the Amish Butter until next year)and honey. Wow were they ever good and they lasted(stuck to our ribs) us until dinner time.
I managed to loosen up the compacted soil around most of my garden plants as the heavy rains really packs the soil around the plant roots as well as bend the younger seedlings over and down into the soil. After the garden work I checked on a couple college football games and watched Pitt lose to Cincinnati in a close game and with cold temps and snow falling. Yikes I remember those days of playing football on cold hard packed fields in northern Virginia. Believe me it was not much fun as I recall. I played 5 years and was a starting guard the last couple years as well as a defensive end. There is nothing more painful than jammed fingers on cold helmets. When your young and full of it you just ignore the pain, especially when there's pretty girls in the stands. Those were the days when our skulls were full of mush!!!

Saturday evening we were having another roast turkey dinner with smashed 'taters and gravy, stuffing both dry and wet(inside the bird), candied yams with G/G's special sauce of brown sugar, triple set and a little bourbon, GAB's frozen cranberry salad and corn. Wow was that ever good eatin'. For dessert Amy made a pumpkin pie as well as Nancy made a pecan pie. I passed on the pie's until breakfast this AM and ate the last piece of pecan before we headed out to Tampa to Element Church.

We picked up Pap and GG and took them for their first visit to the warehouse(Element) to hear Bobby play and sing as well as teach. They were quite impressed but did mention the drums were a little loud. After the service we got back into Pinellas County just about lunch time so we stopped and ate at Cracker Barrel. Wow was that place ever jumping. We had to wait about 15 minutes but it was well worth the wait and the food cost was reasonable. Each of us had a different entree from meat loaf, trout, fried chicken and chicken & dumplings. Yummy and were we ever stuffed. I ran into an FHP dispatcher(actually she now works there and spotted me), Charlotte who I hadn't seen in 20 + years. She left our county and moved to the Orlando area but has recently moved back. We shared about our children and grand children. We also ran into Nancy's hairdresser, Mary who we hadn't seen since last May. It was like old home week.

Well after dropping Nancy's folks off at home we headed over to the nursing home where a couple times a month we team up with neighbor Dan and some folks from SFBC to hold a short church service for the patients. We push them to the service where we sing a few hymns and present a short message and just spend a few moments with many who have out lived their families.

Well I headed back to the house and watched a little of the Panthers whup up on the Bucs, of course our rookie quarterback threw 5 intersections down near the goal line so that didn't help our 1-11 record. I know my N.C. friends can feel my pain. It looks like the Saints will represent our division which includes the Bucs, Panthers and Falcons into the playoffs. I'm happy for them as I remember at one time their fans were so ashamed of their play they wore paper sacks over their heads in disgust. Such is the life of sports players; someone has to lose.

Nancy was busy in the kitchen after getting home making a dinner for one of our neighbors and fellow church goers who gave birth to a beautiful little boy on Thursday morning. Mason Christian is his name and at 8 pounds plus he has a full head of black hair. Congratulations Lucy and Marco!!!

Well I will close for now and enclose a few pics(to answer a complaint of not enough images). These snow pictues are of our cabin in N.C. that were sent to us today by neighbor Gerald who I understand was deer hunting up there this weekend. Thanks Gerald for sending us those beautiful pics. BRRR it looks cold there!!!LATER.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Friday on Saturday Morning

Wow have we ever been getting the rain the past 48 hours. It did let up enough Friday morning for me to ride to the rec on my bike after my quiet time and a navel orange for breakfast. I once again got in 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball with about 14 other players. We had some spirited play and lots of wet shirts. After the rec I stopped by the library to pick up a couple books that were on hold for me before heading home. The rain started again just about the time I got in the house plus the temps were dropping down into the low 60's. It definitely was going to be an inside day from then on.

Ava and Amy came for lunch as Amy brought some leftover chicken noodle she had made the day before. Wow was that ever good and hit the spot on such a cool damp day. Nancy came in from her Bible study at SFBC. We also popped a frozen pizzas in the oven. The kids stayed around until it was time for Ava's nap around 3. She was coming back for dinner around 5 as Tyler and Amy were having a date night; with dinner out, a movie and Christmas shopping for Ava.

After a dinner of oven baked chicken, yellow rice and wild acre peas(black eyed peas) we played for awhile, watched Nemo and got her bath out of the way before taking Ava back to her house for bed at 9 PM. Nancy and I fought to stay awake until nearly 11 when the kids got home. We watched dateline regarding the college student(Amanda Knox) who was found guilty of murdering her roommate in Italy. Yikes what are these kids thinking??

It rained steadily all evening and night and has finally slacked off this morning as I write this post. Much cooler air is moving into the area today with temps only reaching the middle 60's. The forecast for next week has us back into the 80's with bright sunshine. Looking forward to that and we were desperately in need of this rain that wiped out most of the activities that were planned for this weekend. Oh Well. We got some pictures from our mountain buddies of the snow that was on the ground. Looked as if they had a couple inches and could possibly get more. I sure miss the fun (for a day) of sled riding, snow balling and building snow people of course we haven't been to the beach since we've been back so, I miss swimming in the Gulf, laying out in the sun getting a tan and walking on the beach(how about for more than a day).

Well better go as we are expecting a house full this evening for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Both grand girls will be here with their parents, grandparents, etc. LATER.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Thursday

Well once again the day started at 6:30 with a hot cup of green tea before spending a few quiet moments with the Creator. Afterwards I sliced up a navel orange for my breakfast before heading out on my bike to the rec for some pickle ball. Wow we had nearly an hour of fast play with 4 of us before the others began to arrive. We had around 10 players for the day and had some great play with lots of wet shirts. I have found eating a banana around 9 AM seems to revive me for the last hour of play.

After PB I headed home to work in the yard and garden. The heavy rain last night compacted the sandy soil in the garden so I took a garden hoe and loosen up the soil around all the plants. I also moved up 6 tomato plants from gallon containers into 2 1/2 gallon pots. There was lots of new roots in the old pots. Next I once again cleaned out the gutters as the oak trees are constantly dropping leaves and sticks onto the roof which eventually clog the gutters. Nancy had been watching Ava for Amy as she had a doctors appointment so she headed off to the rec for her 30 minute workout on the treadmill after Ava left around 10:30.

After Nancy got back from the rec we had tuna fish pockets(pita bread) for lunch and I ate the last piece of cake from last night,Yumm!! I just lazed around reading until it was time to put the hamburger steaks on the grill for dinner while Nancy fried the potatoes and heated the beets for dinner. Nothing special but the fresh rosemary really added to the flavor of the hamburger meat on the grill.

We got word that one of our house church families have a new addition this morning around 8 AM. Lucy and Marco had a baby boy, 8 pound Mason Christian. Congratulations!!! Well not much else except the temps finally cooled down again with much drier air into the 50's tonight. Once again cut the a/c off. There is more heavy rain in the forecast for this weekend. LATER

Wednesday

Well the day started out pretty much the usual with my quiet time and a lite breakfast before heading out to the rec on my bike for some pickle ball. I got in once again 2 1/2 hours of fast and furious play with about 10 players. I headed home and worked in the yard and garden before eating a lite lunch of kale salad. Nancy after her 30 minutes on treadmill got ready and headed out to go shopping with her sister and mother.

After lunch I picked up a new non fiction book called Friends Of The Family by Tommy Dades and Michael Vecchione. Both are retired NYPD detectives who help bring 2 bad cops who actually worked for the mob to justice after they had retired. Great book and packed with lots of gruesome information. I read solid for about 5 hours and finally finished it last night.

I grilled Mahi Mahi and Salmon for dinner;Nancy didn't care for the Mahi Mahi as it tasted a little fishy to her the first time we ate it. It was frozen when we bought it. If ever you get that taste just soak the fish in salt water for a couple hours then marinate it in orange, lemon or tangerine juice. I used tangerine juice as my tree is loaded with fruit, but any citrus will do. Yeow was that ever good and no fishy taste at all.

After dinner we got ready to head out to our house church at Dan and Carol. We listened to a 30 minute message from Andy Stanley, yeow he is a good teacher. He is such a young guy much like our son and pastor, Bobby. I think we are going to do a 4 part series by him. We celebrated Dan's 55 birthday which was Tuesday as Nancy made a superb chocolate cake with white icing, Yummm!!! A super big storm was heading into Pinellas County so we got back to the house(3 houses away) before it hit. There was lightning everywhere so we stayed off the computer but did turn the a/c back on as it got muggy and warm once again. LATER.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Tuesday

Well the morning started out once again about 6:15(thought I was retired) and after a cup of hot green tea, quiet times and a banana I jumped on the bike and headed to the rec for some pickle ball. We played for 3 hours today and had a total of about 10 people all together. Man my engine was in need of some fuel by 10 :30. After riding back home I was whipped and in desperate need of some calories so I ate the left over black beans and rice from last nights dinner COLD. Ahhh that helped some what, so after hand watering the garden and yard Amy and Ava came and we then had some zuppa soup for lunch that G/G brought by yesterday that she made. Ahh that is the best, one of my favorite soups

After lunch the girls headed out to Target for some shopping and I caught up on some reading. As a matter of fact that is about all I did the rest of the afternoon until it was time to put the pork chops on the grille for dinner. I harvested a little fresh parsley for the 'taters some fresh rosemary for the chops and a little oregano for my salad. The weather was a little warmer today but still cool enough to keep the a/c OFF. Yea!!! Tomorrow there is a chance of blustery wet weather and much cooler temps towards the weekend with temps down in the 50's.

Well not much else is happening except Coach Bobby Bowden is retiring from FSU football after a ton of wins and a couple national championships. He is a strong follower of Christ and if you get the chance read his autobiography. The Florida Highway Patrol is in the news for investigating a car crash of the famous golfer, Tiger Woods and charging him with careless driving. Sounds to me like there maybe more than meets the eye with this incident. Well I'll close for now and the only reason I mention these news bits is this blog is mainly for my grand kids who maybe will one day ask someone who were these people and why were they such celebrities. LATER.