Well it was certainly another cold night and most of the day with rain and overcast skies but eventually it cleared off with bright sunshine. After our quiet times Nancy made our famous mountain breakfast; buckwheat cakes with a banana and blue berries in the batter, smoked turkey bacon and an egg on top. Yikes, is that ever good eatin' and good fer' ya, as well. That's my mountain lingo.
After breakfast which was nearly 10 AM we headed out to the drug store to fill Nancy's muscle relaxer prescription and to try another dietary supplement for the popping and cracking in her neck with muscle soreness. A physician on the 'net advised to take glucosamine sulfate with MSM which may reduce and even eliminate that problem. We are certainly praying it does. I'm still giving her at least 2 massages with ultrasound treatment as well. Wow was it ever a wet and cold morning. We just stayed in catching up on some reading until early afternoon when the sun came out. The Ross's came by to pick up a package that came in our mail from Kansas for baby Samuel and Ava. We then headed out to Millenium Park.
Ava rode her trike on the raised boardwalk while we walked the nature trail. We are hoping all this walking will send Amy in contractions to speed up Samuel's arrival, but so far no luck. After the long walk we took Ava over to the play ground equipment so she could swing and run on the raised slides and walkways. It was after 4 when we headed home and the temperature had finally reached 50 degrees.
We read until it was nearly 6 so we just heated a frozen pizza and had a salad. We both read until after 9 and I finish another true crime read titled DEATH BENEFIT by David Heilbroner. Its a good read and some great investigating by a non criminal lawyer who set out to help a fellow church member in the death of her 19 year old daughter who was pushed off a cliff in California back in the 80's.
Well tomorrow is worship at the gathering in Tampa at Element Church. Later in the evening we will meet at G/G's and Pap's for the celebration of Nancy's 53 birthday on Wednesday the 3rd with a family dinner. Should be a good one with pork roast, sauerkraut, kielbasa, smashed 'taters, etc. Well better go as its time to hit the sack, LATER.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday
Well it was another cold morning here in sunny Florida actually there was frost every where as I rode the bike to the rec after my quiet time and lite breakfast. Brr, even though the outside temp registered 40 degrees according to some car thermometer's . We had some good play with about a dozen players.
I headed home to watch Ava as Amy headed to the doctor for her weekly check up. Baby Samuel is measuring a little over 8 pounds with about 4 days to go 'til D-Day. Right now they(doctors) talking about a possible inducement on Wednesday(Grandma Nancy's birthday) if he doesn't head south by then, seems he is aligned up for the entry into our world. Maybe its to cold for him however with his Kansas heritage on Tyler's side, this is just mild Spring weather. Anyhow we are anxiously awaiting his arrival and when ever, just as long as its a safe journey for both Amy and him. Ava is just such a joy to watch and she will be a great big sister. She rode bike's, played her hide'n seek and of course I had to draw lots of pictures with sidewalk chalk. They stayed and helped up eat down that huge pot of Zuppa for lunch.
Nancy took her mother(G/G) shopping after lunch and I finished GOING ROGUE. I'm not really sure why anyone would want to put themselves and their family through the agony and excoriation she was subjected to. She, Sarah Palin is and upstanding woman, mother, Christ follower and a patriot. She succeeded as she looked out for the people she represented and was disrespected not only as an American but as a person with the unbelievably vicious attacks and tactics by those in the media and within the campaign.The book names names which I love and tells it all. I think it will change every one's (regardless of your political bias) opinion of what politics really is all about. Kudos to her. I certainly hope there are others who will continue her fight for the common ordinary people who made this country the dream of the world. Believe me when I say America is still the greatest place to live but we must be vigilant because freedom wasn't free. After traveling to many countries during my 7 years in the Air Force there is no place like the the U.S.A.
Now that I'm off my soapbox, read the book, its an attitude changer about those who want to regulate your life and life choices, its scary who we elect to be our leaders and what really is their motivating factors.
Well we headed out to use one of our Christmas gift cards at Outback. We drove G/G and Pap in their new used '08 Mercury Milan. Its a sporty small 6 cylinder with all kinds of gadgets. Reminds me of sitting in an airplane cockpit. I actually hit the wrong button and unlocked the trunk at a traffic light, of course the safety feature keep the lid down until we drove the last couple blocks home. Needless to say Pap was a real joy about that but he got over it. We had a good meal with a bloomin onion for starters. If your a AAA member your entitled to a free onion with a coupon. It a 6.25 value and was the first one we had eaten in years. Didn't seem as greasy as in the past. The steak was good and cooked perfect, medium rare; Nancy had the baby back ribs and had sauce everywhere. She looks good in everything she eats. We headed back to G/G's and played a game of Phase 10. I nearly won after being down 4 phases and Nancy only won because she has 30 less points than me. It was a fun evening and we headed home to catch up on the Olympics before bedtime. LATER
I headed home to watch Ava as Amy headed to the doctor for her weekly check up. Baby Samuel is measuring a little over 8 pounds with about 4 days to go 'til D-Day. Right now they(doctors) talking about a possible inducement on Wednesday(Grandma Nancy's birthday) if he doesn't head south by then, seems he is aligned up for the entry into our world. Maybe its to cold for him however with his Kansas heritage on Tyler's side, this is just mild Spring weather. Anyhow we are anxiously awaiting his arrival and when ever, just as long as its a safe journey for both Amy and him. Ava is just such a joy to watch and she will be a great big sister. She rode bike's, played her hide'n seek and of course I had to draw lots of pictures with sidewalk chalk. They stayed and helped up eat down that huge pot of Zuppa for lunch.
Nancy took her mother(G/G) shopping after lunch and I finished GOING ROGUE. I'm not really sure why anyone would want to put themselves and their family through the agony and excoriation she was subjected to. She, Sarah Palin is and upstanding woman, mother, Christ follower and a patriot. She succeeded as she looked out for the people she represented and was disrespected not only as an American but as a person with the unbelievably vicious attacks and tactics by those in the media and within the campaign.The book names names which I love and tells it all. I think it will change every one's (regardless of your political bias) opinion of what politics really is all about. Kudos to her. I certainly hope there are others who will continue her fight for the common ordinary people who made this country the dream of the world. Believe me when I say America is still the greatest place to live but we must be vigilant because freedom wasn't free. After traveling to many countries during my 7 years in the Air Force there is no place like the the U.S.A.
Now that I'm off my soapbox, read the book, its an attitude changer about those who want to regulate your life and life choices, its scary who we elect to be our leaders and what really is their motivating factors.
Well we headed out to use one of our Christmas gift cards at Outback. We drove G/G and Pap in their new used '08 Mercury Milan. Its a sporty small 6 cylinder with all kinds of gadgets. Reminds me of sitting in an airplane cockpit. I actually hit the wrong button and unlocked the trunk at a traffic light, of course the safety feature keep the lid down until we drove the last couple blocks home. Needless to say Pap was a real joy about that but he got over it. We had a good meal with a bloomin onion for starters. If your a AAA member your entitled to a free onion with a coupon. It a 6.25 value and was the first one we had eaten in years. Didn't seem as greasy as in the past. The steak was good and cooked perfect, medium rare; Nancy had the baby back ribs and had sauce everywhere. She looks good in everything she eats. We headed back to G/G's and played a game of Phase 10. I nearly won after being down 4 phases and Nancy only won because she has 30 less points than me. It was a fun evening and we headed home to catch up on the Olympics before bedtime. LATER
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday
Yikes!!!what happened to that beautiful warm Florida weather? It's supposed to freeze here tonight with frost. I know I shouldn't complain with our mountain friends facing below zero wind chills and more snow. What happened to all of these naysayers???
Well the ride out on the bike this morning was nippy to say the least after my usual breakfast of oatmeal, fruit and quiet time. We had a big crowd with 15 plus players but had some great play early and then again after 10. I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple books one that I've had on hold since it was released, GOING ROGUE by Sarah Palin. There is no doubt after reading the first 200+ pages she is truly a patriot and has nothing but deep love and concern for this nation albeit she first started out in local politics and it just mushroomed into the national arena. Her story is just what America needs to reflect on in the importance of family and faith. She is truly a unique ordinary individual with a real desire and hope for America.
Well Amy and Ava came for lunch and she rode her bike for just a few moments before she got to cold and wanted to stay in where it was warm. After they left I just read the rest of the day and Nancy put together a huge pot of Zuppa des Cana(Italian potato soup) man did that ever taste good of course before we ate soup Nancy fried up an egg plant as an appetizer. Well not much else is going on, LATER.
Well the ride out on the bike this morning was nippy to say the least after my usual breakfast of oatmeal, fruit and quiet time. We had a big crowd with 15 plus players but had some great play early and then again after 10. I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple books one that I've had on hold since it was released, GOING ROGUE by Sarah Palin. There is no doubt after reading the first 200+ pages she is truly a patriot and has nothing but deep love and concern for this nation albeit she first started out in local politics and it just mushroomed into the national arena. Her story is just what America needs to reflect on in the importance of family and faith. She is truly a unique ordinary individual with a real desire and hope for America.
Well Amy and Ava came for lunch and she rode her bike for just a few moments before she got to cold and wanted to stay in where it was warm. After they left I just read the rest of the day and Nancy put together a huge pot of Zuppa des Cana(Italian potato soup) man did that ever taste good of course before we ate soup Nancy fried up an egg plant as an appetizer. Well not much else is going on, LATER.
Wednesday
Well as you can tell I was lazy about rambling last evening when we got back from house church so thought I would catch up today. After our usual morning routine of quiet time , lite breakfast and ride out to the rec on the bike for some 2 1/2 hours of nearly continuous pickle ball play I headed home only to have to get ready to see the root canal dentist I saw in January. It was warm yesterday morning. The dentist checked me out and insisted some time it takes longer to finally heal all the way. Not sure what that means but he did adjust by bite and indicated anywhere from 3 to 6 months. I have just a little discomfort in the jaw and when I peck on the tooth but other than that it doesn't bother me. The other dentist wants to insert a titanium post inside the tooth then fill it, anyhow I'm doing nothing until this discomfort in the jaw subsides. That what happened to Nancy and we wound up pulling a 25oo buck tooth. Yikes!!!
After the dentist I stopped off and picked up some fresh veggies; eggplant, brussel sprouts, plums, parsnips, maters, cukes and a cantaloupe. I got home and the weather began to suddenly change from shorts and a t-shirt to long pants and a sweat shirt. Amy and Ava came for lunch and then we rode the bike for awhile until the rain started. Anyhow by early evening the temp had dropped down into the 50's with a strong wind blowing.
We were having supper at our house church as Paula wanted to make a genuine Colombian typical supper. The only veggies I had never eaten was Yucca and it was very good and different. Almost like a potato in texture but was kind of sweet. She fixed a meat much like pot roast which you covered with sauteed tomato,onion and cheese then added a fried egg on top, boiled potato, fried yucca (much like a large french fry) and rice cooked with coca cola with raisins. Different but tasty. Nancy made a huge bowl of salad and Carol made bananas foster for dessert. Afterwards we cut out and made small parachutes to help with the air drop of small transistors radio's, books etc.into the jungles of Columbia to the bands of guerrillas. Paula's friend's in Columbia where she is from is trying to reach those for CHRIST. So far there have been some conversions with a once guerrillas now helping to reach those he was once a part of. We had a new young couple, Jesse and Esther visit our house church for the first time and seemed to enjoy participating in our project.
After the Botbyl's we watched American Idols and I must say we were only interested in a couple of the guys as most were a bust. We actually flipped back and forth to the Olympics. By the time that was over it was 10 PM, so it was shower time. It had really turned cold out with rain and wind blowing. What a nasty evening. LATER.
After the dentist I stopped off and picked up some fresh veggies; eggplant, brussel sprouts, plums, parsnips, maters, cukes and a cantaloupe. I got home and the weather began to suddenly change from shorts and a t-shirt to long pants and a sweat shirt. Amy and Ava came for lunch and then we rode the bike for awhile until the rain started. Anyhow by early evening the temp had dropped down into the 50's with a strong wind blowing.
We were having supper at our house church as Paula wanted to make a genuine Colombian typical supper. The only veggies I had never eaten was Yucca and it was very good and different. Almost like a potato in texture but was kind of sweet. She fixed a meat much like pot roast which you covered with sauteed tomato,onion and cheese then added a fried egg on top, boiled potato, fried yucca (much like a large french fry) and rice cooked with coca cola with raisins. Different but tasty. Nancy made a huge bowl of salad and Carol made bananas foster for dessert. Afterwards we cut out and made small parachutes to help with the air drop of small transistors radio's, books etc.into the jungles of Columbia to the bands of guerrillas. Paula's friend's in Columbia where she is from is trying to reach those for CHRIST. So far there have been some conversions with a once guerrillas now helping to reach those he was once a part of. We had a new young couple, Jesse and Esther visit our house church for the first time and seemed to enjoy participating in our project.
After the Botbyl's we watched American Idols and I must say we were only interested in a couple of the guys as most were a bust. We actually flipped back and forth to the Olympics. By the time that was over it was 10 PM, so it was shower time. It had really turned cold out with rain and wind blowing. What a nasty evening. LATER.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday
Well I actually rode out to the rec this morning after my quiet time and a lite breakfast wearing just a t-shirt and shorts as the temps were that warm. We had some great play the first 45 minutes before the crowd arrived which turned out to be around 20 players. By 10 AM I was really to call it a day. After getting home Nancy and I headed to Oldsmar to pick up another table and 9 chairs for the kids at Element. We were back by noon just in time for Amy and Ava for lunch.
After lunch I put the legs on the table which was made easier with Ava helping me. She like to be right in the mix with any kind of project. She handed me all the screws while assembling the legs and was quite a help. She rode her bike after the table project then came out into the back yard to play while I watered. She loves to play with bugs much like Amy did when she was her age, so the roly poly's kept her entertained for awhile. I sat in the yard and read THE LAST EXPEDITION about Henry Stanley's journey into the Congo. Its a man's read.
After the kids left Nancy took her walk through the hood before we got ready to make supper. Tonight was grilled fish, yellow rice and broccoli. Not much else going on except we are still waiting on "baby Samuel" to arrive. LATER
After lunch I put the legs on the table which was made easier with Ava helping me. She like to be right in the mix with any kind of project. She handed me all the screws while assembling the legs and was quite a help. She rode her bike after the table project then came out into the back yard to play while I watered. She loves to play with bugs much like Amy did when she was her age, so the roly poly's kept her entertained for awhile. I sat in the yard and read THE LAST EXPEDITION about Henry Stanley's journey into the Congo. Its a man's read.
After the kids left Nancy took her walk through the hood before we got ready to make supper. Tonight was grilled fish, yellow rice and broccoli. Not much else going on except we are still waiting on "baby Samuel" to arrive. LATER
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday
Well it was another shorts and t-shirt day, even though it was cloudy at times. Temp's stayed up into the 70's most of the afternoon. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of oatmeal and blue berries I pedaled out to the rec for some pickle ball. We had some some great play the first 1/2 hour or so until the rest of the general players arrived which turned out to be around 15 players. There were lots of wet shirts.
After PB I headed home to hand water the garden and hang a load of laundry before heading up to neighbor Dan house to turn over an 8 ft X 12 ft space in his back yard for a small garden. I used a shovel and it took about an hour. This is the way I turn my gardens over in the mountains but with a lot more effort because of the hard packed earth. It usually would have taken less time because of the sandy soil but not this time as the ground was full of broken asphalt pieces and rocks. Someone must of used that area of the yard for the dumping of the debris which was about a foot under ground, anyhow we should be able to get some plant growth from veggies with a little top soil mixed in.
Amy and Ava came for lunch so we finished up the deli meats and cheese on the hogie rolls from Saturday's lunch. After eating Ava wanted to ride her bike so we made a few rides up and down the sidewalk until she wanted to watch her new movie. I headed out to the back yard and garden and trimmed some freeze dead plants and flowers. It certainly feels like Spring garden planting time; but this week end its suppose to turn cold again with temps down in the 30's although I don't believe we will see anymore below freezing temps here this year.
There is no movement on "baby Samuel" and his debut with us, but we are anxiously awaiting his arrival. Our long time friends Alan and Jenny Sherouse just celebrated the arrival of their first born son, John Daniel "Jack"this morning around 10 AM. He wasn't due to arrive until the 6th of March but showed up early. We are tickled for them and his new grand parents, our long time friends and former pastor Craig and wife Beverley.
Well not much else going as we are headed to Oldsmar tomorrow after PB to pick up another table and 8 chairs for the E-Kids at Element. My how they are growing in numbers mainly due to the super dedicated volunteers and great kid programs. Wow its exciting to be in on the ground floor with new ideas and such enthusiastic leaders for our kids and grand kids. Dinner tonight was superb with salmon patties, buttered spuds and steamed cabbage. I of course added dried red pepper flakes to my cabbage and spuds, does that ever wake up your taste buds. It looks like the root canal I had back in January is not completely healing so I'm back to the dentist on Wednesday. Enclosed are a few pic's of my garden patch and the turkey who lives next door. He's quite the strutter.LATER
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday
Well Florida is back being Florida with wonderful warm temperatures and bright sunshine. It reached 71 today after a chilly start with Nancy having the heat on to start the day and on the way back from Element she had the A/C on. Menopause!!!
We headed to Tampa after our quiet time and lite breakfast of oatmeal and fruit. Bobby had a great message on the first church in the book of Acts and how the disciples finally "clicked" with the Holy Spirit during the Feast at Pentecost. We had a large gathering with tons of kids and lots of new faces. The music was awesome.
We had a meeting of all the volunteers with the kids program and there must have been 50 people there, wow what a turn out. I've never seen so many folks who want to show their ownership in their church and the difference they can make by stepping up and helping. Many don't even have kids. We are expecting 9 new babies this year alone. We snacked with chips, veggie tray, muffins and carrot cake. The meeting was over by 12:30 and then we headed out for home only to have to go back at 5 PM for the first elder commissioning service. We had 6 men who were dedicated with a very heart warming service and were charged with being spiritual leaders for our church.
Well we are back home and stopped off to visit with Ava, Amy and Tyler for a few minutes. There is still no news on little baby Samuel entering into the family but I have a feeling it could be this week. LATER
We headed to Tampa after our quiet time and lite breakfast of oatmeal and fruit. Bobby had a great message on the first church in the book of Acts and how the disciples finally "clicked" with the Holy Spirit during the Feast at Pentecost. We had a large gathering with tons of kids and lots of new faces. The music was awesome.
We had a meeting of all the volunteers with the kids program and there must have been 50 people there, wow what a turn out. I've never seen so many folks who want to show their ownership in their church and the difference they can make by stepping up and helping. Many don't even have kids. We are expecting 9 new babies this year alone. We snacked with chips, veggie tray, muffins and carrot cake. The meeting was over by 12:30 and then we headed out for home only to have to go back at 5 PM for the first elder commissioning service. We had 6 men who were dedicated with a very heart warming service and were charged with being spiritual leaders for our church.
Well we are back home and stopped off to visit with Ava, Amy and Tyler for a few minutes. There is still no news on little baby Samuel entering into the family but I have a feeling it could be this week. LATER
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday
Florida weather has returned, finally a beautiful sunny warm day with mild temps that allowed me to wear shorts and a t-shirt and to break a sweat while gardening in the back yard after lunch. I'm getting ahead of myself because the morning was chilly with overcast skies. After our quiet time and a mountain breakfast of smoked turkey bacon, grits and a couple of cackleberries we got ready for Bobby and Annsley's visit.They arrived around 11 AM and we just visited until Amy, Tyler and Ava showed up.We let the kids play for awhile then decided to head out to the rec playground but first we decided to eat lunch. We had picked up sliced roast beef, ham and Swiss cheese along with hoagie buns yesterday at Sam's so we indulged before heading out. By then the skies cleared off with bright sunshine and a warm breeze. It was delicious and I actually catnapped while sitting on a bench at the playground. The girls ran wild from one slide, swing and monkey bars to another. What a very nice playground that is fenced in, outdoor carpeted and all under a large screen type cover that protects from the suns rays. We were at the rec for at least an hour or more then came home to ride the trike. The girls were so cute riding one another on the trike while the other one pedalled.
There were signs the girls were getting close to nap time as if was after 2 PM so Nancy made fresh chocolate chip cookies before the girls had to go down for their naps and of course I had to read a couple books after their snacks. The girls left around 3 PM and I'm sure they were asleep on the way home. They had such a good time with one another and of course we really enjoyed watching them interact.
After everyone left I got to do a little garden work; transplanted some broccoli and lettuce seedlings, replanted a row of radishes and then hoed and hand watered. I actually worked up a good sweat in the afternoon sun. Since we had a large lunch we decided to just have a fresh garden salad for supper which mostly came from my lettuce, kale, beet greens, mustard greens, basil, oregano and cilantro plus I pulled the last of my radishes and managed to get a handful from the foot tall plants. I planted in the wrong sign of the moon so only a few plants had edible size radishes. Well tomorrow is the gathering(corporate worship) at Element then we have a meeting afterwards of the volunteers who help with E-kids so we will have finger foods for those folks who will be late in getting home for lunch. Nancy made a carrot cake for the dessert. LATER
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday
Well it finally warmed up a little today after a crisp ride to the rec on the bike after my quiet time and lite breakfast. We had 10 players today with some really great play especially the first 45 minutes. After the rec I raced home to get ready for grand daughter Ava as Amy had a check up. She is getting close and we are all excited for baby Samuel to arrive.
Ava and I rode bikes, played hiden'n' seek and did sidewalk chalk. The morning was starting to shape up for a nice day. After grandma and Amy came we had a salad and pizza for lunch. I managed to water the garden and hang a load of laundry. After the girls left around 2 we headed off to Sam's to pick up a few things for the weekend. Bob and Annsley are coming tomorrow for lunch and so the girls can play together. Should be a fun day and the weather is supposed to be in the high 60's to low 70's with tons of sunshine.
Pap and G/G picked us up around 4:15 so we could make the early bird reservation at the Salt Rock Grill and was the place packed when we got there. We had the grilled lamb chops with garlic mashed, parsnips, Caesar salad, sourdough bread with herbs and oil and a very lite dessert. Yumm the food is excellent, all for 10 bucks a person. What a deal and now we understand why the place was packed when we got there at 4:30 and was standing room to get a seat when we left at 5:30.
Well we came home and played a couple games of phase 10 with Nancy and myself winning both games. The games were close. LATER
Ava and I rode bikes, played hiden'n' seek and did sidewalk chalk. The morning was starting to shape up for a nice day. After grandma and Amy came we had a salad and pizza for lunch. I managed to water the garden and hang a load of laundry. After the girls left around 2 we headed off to Sam's to pick up a few things for the weekend. Bob and Annsley are coming tomorrow for lunch and so the girls can play together. Should be a fun day and the weather is supposed to be in the high 60's to low 70's with tons of sunshine.
Pap and G/G picked us up around 4:15 so we could make the early bird reservation at the Salt Rock Grill and was the place packed when we got there. We had the grilled lamb chops with garlic mashed, parsnips, Caesar salad, sourdough bread with herbs and oil and a very lite dessert. Yumm the food is excellent, all for 10 bucks a person. What a deal and now we understand why the place was packed when we got there at 4:30 and was standing room to get a seat when we left at 5:30.
Well we came home and played a couple games of phase 10 with Nancy and myself winning both games. The games were close. LATER
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday and Thursday
I must admit I'm really starting to get lax about updating my ramblings at night. So bear with me; it must be this cold weather. Wednesday was the first day back in 4 days to play a little pickle ball and boy was it great to work up a sweat on the newly refinished gym floor . The ride out to the rec at 7:20 AM after my quiet time and lite breakfast of oatmeal and a banana was a cold one especially with that cold north wind blowing. We had 3 courts going with some great early play. After PB I headed on home and hand watered the garden until lunch time. After lunch Amy and I headed out to change the title on her Civic into her name at the tax collectors office in Largo then stopped by the insurance agency to update that as well. It was nearly 4 PM when we got home.
Our house church ladies wanted to take Amy out to Olive Garden Garden for a dinner prior to her giving birth to "baby Samuel" so they took off around 6 PM and the men met around 7 PM to head out for some wings, ribs and smoked brisket at Peppers in Madeira Beach. We had delicious food and a chance to celebrate Jon's birthday. We got back around 8:30 and then settled in to watch some Olympics and American Idol.
Thursday morning was as cold a ride on the bike as yesterday as I headed to the rec for pickle ball. Once again we had a large crowd with 15 players. The first 45 minutes found us with some great play before the general players arrived. After PB I headed home to meet with a man who was going to do a wind mitigation inspection on my house. If my house qualifies(hurricane clips, gable roof, 1x8 boards supporting the shingles instead of OSB, etc.) it could be a saving of 500 bucks or more on my home owners insurance premium. I found out about this possible savings after looking for different insurance because State Farm raised my rates out of sight. When I mentioned this possible savings to my agent of nearly 30 years they also said they would recognize the finding a well. What I want to know is why my agent didn't tell me about this 3 years ago when the state of Florida instituted this inspection when hurricanes where hitting the state. I could have saved a bundled back then. I think I'm getting rid of "like a good neighbor"in Florida on both my home and vehicle plus the new estimate is 25 hundred bucks cheaper. Yikes! what happened to integrity??
After the inspector left Nancy got back from the doctor once again because of the constant pain in her neck and shoulder. It seems she has been bothered with tightness and pain for the last 4-5 weeks. I was beginning to suspect it may be as the result of the 2 main drugs she's taking; Lipitor and Cozaar. Any how one of my pickle ball buddies expressed the same pain while taking a statin drug and he seems to think Co enzyme -Q10 is being depleted from the body by the drug thus resulting in the muscle pain. So we will try that as well as some muscle relaxers and of course my twice daily massages with ultrasound treatment. Man she is really having lots of aches, pain and body changes since menopause.
After lunch I did some paint touch ups throughout the house as Ava and Amy visited G/G and Pap for lunch then we just chilled. Nancy took a good nap after my treatment and I finished a good read INTO AFRICA by Martin Dugard. Its the story of Livingstone and Stanley. Lots of interesting facts and history that occurred in the 1800's and man versus the wild. Tonight we went meatless for supper with parsley red potatoes, steamed asparagus and sliced beets. I spruced my spuds up with a little red pepper flakes, fresh dill and cilantro. Um mm!!
Well better go, its still unseasonably cold for Florida; however by Saturday the forecast is for the 70's with 40's at night before the next cold front moves through on Monday. LATER
Our house church ladies wanted to take Amy out to Olive Garden Garden for a dinner prior to her giving birth to "baby Samuel" so they took off around 6 PM and the men met around 7 PM to head out for some wings, ribs and smoked brisket at Peppers in Madeira Beach. We had delicious food and a chance to celebrate Jon's birthday. We got back around 8:30 and then settled in to watch some Olympics and American Idol.
Thursday morning was as cold a ride on the bike as yesterday as I headed to the rec for pickle ball. Once again we had a large crowd with 15 players. The first 45 minutes found us with some great play before the general players arrived. After PB I headed home to meet with a man who was going to do a wind mitigation inspection on my house. If my house qualifies(hurricane clips, gable roof, 1x8 boards supporting the shingles instead of OSB, etc.) it could be a saving of 500 bucks or more on my home owners insurance premium. I found out about this possible savings after looking for different insurance because State Farm raised my rates out of sight. When I mentioned this possible savings to my agent of nearly 30 years they also said they would recognize the finding a well. What I want to know is why my agent didn't tell me about this 3 years ago when the state of Florida instituted this inspection when hurricanes where hitting the state. I could have saved a bundled back then. I think I'm getting rid of "like a good neighbor"in Florida on both my home and vehicle plus the new estimate is 25 hundred bucks cheaper. Yikes! what happened to integrity??
After the inspector left Nancy got back from the doctor once again because of the constant pain in her neck and shoulder. It seems she has been bothered with tightness and pain for the last 4-5 weeks. I was beginning to suspect it may be as the result of the 2 main drugs she's taking; Lipitor and Cozaar. Any how one of my pickle ball buddies expressed the same pain while taking a statin drug and he seems to think Co enzyme -Q10 is being depleted from the body by the drug thus resulting in the muscle pain. So we will try that as well as some muscle relaxers and of course my twice daily massages with ultrasound treatment. Man she is really having lots of aches, pain and body changes since menopause.
After lunch I did some paint touch ups throughout the house as Ava and Amy visited G/G and Pap for lunch then we just chilled. Nancy took a good nap after my treatment and I finished a good read INTO AFRICA by Martin Dugard. Its the story of Livingstone and Stanley. Lots of interesting facts and history that occurred in the 1800's and man versus the wild. Tonight we went meatless for supper with parsley red potatoes, steamed asparagus and sliced beets. I spruced my spuds up with a little red pepper flakes, fresh dill and cilantro. Um mm!!
Well better go, its still unseasonably cold for Florida; however by Saturday the forecast is for the 70's with 40's at night before the next cold front moves through on Monday. LATER
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday
Well here it is Wednesday morning and I'm catching up on Tuesday's doing, oh well after American Idol and the Olympics last night I was to tired to write so here I am after pickle ball on Wednesday morning. Speaking of pickle ball we are back in our gym with refinished floors and it was splendid to be able to play this morning as its to dang cold outside to play.
Yesterday was just another day of mainly keeping warm and doing not much of anything. Nancy and I finally got in a neighborhood walk for about an hour after Amy and Ava left. Nancy had to see the dermatologist for some skin patches on her nose and cheek and had them froze off but other than that not much else happened. Bobby our son who had misplaced his journal while Nashville last week was notified that a coffee shop there was holding it for him. Thankfully it has been recovered.
We had a nice long talk with our "mountain mom" Helen yesterday up in Sparta, N.C. Once again they had snow the past day or so and with all of the other snow and ice still on the ground she is unable to get her car out of her driveway. The temp's haven't been above freezing in weeks. Luckily her brother has a 4 wheel vehicle so he takes her to town and the grocery store. Even he got stuck yesterday and had to be pulled out of the ditch. What a winter this year on the mountain.
Well I'm going with Amy after lunch to have the title work done on her Civic so she can finally get it in her name. We want to get it done before baby Samuel comes long and before we head back to the mountains in May. Not much else going on just a little garden work and reading cause its to chilly to be outside for long, at least the sun is shinning. LATER
Yesterday was just another day of mainly keeping warm and doing not much of anything. Nancy and I finally got in a neighborhood walk for about an hour after Amy and Ava left. Nancy had to see the dermatologist for some skin patches on her nose and cheek and had them froze off but other than that not much else happened. Bobby our son who had misplaced his journal while Nashville last week was notified that a coffee shop there was holding it for him. Thankfully it has been recovered.
We had a nice long talk with our "mountain mom" Helen yesterday up in Sparta, N.C. Once again they had snow the past day or so and with all of the other snow and ice still on the ground she is unable to get her car out of her driveway. The temp's haven't been above freezing in weeks. Luckily her brother has a 4 wheel vehicle so he takes her to town and the grocery store. Even he got stuck yesterday and had to be pulled out of the ditch. What a winter this year on the mountain.
Well I'm going with Amy after lunch to have the title work done on her Civic so she can finally get it in her name. We want to get it done before baby Samuel comes long and before we head back to the mountains in May. Not much else going on just a little garden work and reading cause its to chilly to be outside for long, at least the sun is shinning. LATER
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday
Well here I am on Tuesday morning for those of you who like to read about my ramblings; but mainly this is for the grandchildren so they can get a handle on who we are after we are gone. Speaking of grand youngun's this time next year we will have 4 of them. We are totally excited!!!
Monday morning was once again cold for Florida until the early afternoon when it finally reached the 60 degree mark. Ava came over with Amy and we rode bike's(she did) and then played hide n' go seek, she loves that game. We had to wear a long sleeved shirt in the shaded areas as the north wind was brisk. I managed to pick up sticks in the yard from the oak trees and pulled a few weeds. The garden is still hanging but the beans and tomatoes are slow to grow with all of this cold weather. Luckily no frost in this last go around, at least the cold weather plants love this. Element Church is starting a GROW neighborhood program where back yard gardens is the focus which may eventually help you lead someone to CHRIST. Our local house church is going to start this so I will be able to lend all of my expertise to the group. Being an ole' country boy and farmer this is right up my ally. I have always had a garden where ever I lived even while serving in the U.S.A.F. in California. Did I mention I learned to love artichokes and I had an artichoke plant while living there. Different!!!We probably need to get started with planting as the heat will come back usually around March and by June or July its to HOT for any plants to thrive except; Okra, peppers and eggplant. These are exciting veggies to eat and if fixed properly will definitely expand your tastes. Right now we should be planting; radishes, beets, potatoes, carrots(all in the waning of the moon). Now that means when the moon is going from a full to just a sliver for veggies that are roots crops. Now for veggies that produce above the ground they should be planted in the waxing of the moon stage from a sliver to the new moon such as 'maters, beans, all lettuces, kale, collards, peppers, squash and cukes etc.. Sounds confusing and it is but the old timers planted that way and of course they grew most everything they ate and canned for the winters. So check it out in the almanac. Just for an example I forget about the moon signs so I planted radishes a couple weeks ago and they are a foot tall in height but all tops and no roots(radishes). Just a couple were big enough to eat. Anyhow I'm excited about helping to share some homegrown veggies with our house church members and eventually with neighbors and maybe plant the seed of CHRIST in their lives.
We had another impromptu dinner at G/G and Pap's house last night as Arianne was getting ready to head out for Miami with her wild cat. G G made meat load and baked spuds, Nancy made a fresh garden salad(from my garden) and fresh carrots and Amy brought crusty bread. Yumm!!! Arianne left around 7 and we watched her drive off as she had to be in the classroom this morning. That is such a long drive and by herself but she is a very independent gal and quite the adventurer. She's heading to Greece this summer after school with several girl friends. No wonder she wants to stay single.
Well will close for now. LATER
Monday morning was once again cold for Florida until the early afternoon when it finally reached the 60 degree mark. Ava came over with Amy and we rode bike's(she did) and then played hide n' go seek, she loves that game. We had to wear a long sleeved shirt in the shaded areas as the north wind was brisk. I managed to pick up sticks in the yard from the oak trees and pulled a few weeds. The garden is still hanging but the beans and tomatoes are slow to grow with all of this cold weather. Luckily no frost in this last go around, at least the cold weather plants love this. Element Church is starting a GROW neighborhood program where back yard gardens is the focus which may eventually help you lead someone to CHRIST. Our local house church is going to start this so I will be able to lend all of my expertise to the group. Being an ole' country boy and farmer this is right up my ally. I have always had a garden where ever I lived even while serving in the U.S.A.F. in California. Did I mention I learned to love artichokes and I had an artichoke plant while living there. Different!!!We probably need to get started with planting as the heat will come back usually around March and by June or July its to HOT for any plants to thrive except; Okra, peppers and eggplant. These are exciting veggies to eat and if fixed properly will definitely expand your tastes. Right now we should be planting; radishes, beets, potatoes, carrots(all in the waning of the moon). Now that means when the moon is going from a full to just a sliver for veggies that are roots crops. Now for veggies that produce above the ground they should be planted in the waxing of the moon stage from a sliver to the new moon such as 'maters, beans, all lettuces, kale, collards, peppers, squash and cukes etc.. Sounds confusing and it is but the old timers planted that way and of course they grew most everything they ate and canned for the winters. So check it out in the almanac. Just for an example I forget about the moon signs so I planted radishes a couple weeks ago and they are a foot tall in height but all tops and no roots(radishes). Just a couple were big enough to eat. Anyhow I'm excited about helping to share some homegrown veggies with our house church members and eventually with neighbors and maybe plant the seed of CHRIST in their lives.
We had another impromptu dinner at G/G and Pap's house last night as Arianne was getting ready to head out for Miami with her wild cat. G G made meat load and baked spuds, Nancy made a fresh garden salad(from my garden) and fresh carrots and Amy brought crusty bread. Yumm!!! Arianne left around 7 and we watched her drive off as she had to be in the classroom this morning. That is such a long drive and by herself but she is a very independent gal and quite the adventurer. She's heading to Greece this summer after school with several girl friends. No wonder she wants to stay single.
Well will close for now. LATER
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday
Well here it is Monday morning, oh by the way hope all had a Happy Valentines Day. We just kept that low key except for the family dinner last evening. So here's what transpired on Sunday.
After our quiet time and lite breakfast we headed out to Element for worship, by the way Arianne wasn't feeling well so she cancelled at the last minute, but Nancy and I had a good day of worship. We were briefed by the director of Global Hope Network International, Al Jones who made a presentation about the humanitarian work they are doing in 38 countries and presenting the Gospel at the same time.They take their mission directly from Jesus's instructions of first meeting their physical needs. We also had a guest singer Becca Shae from Nashville who has several songs on the Christian Spirit Radio as well as a recording with Toby Mack. What an awesome morning with lots of first time guests as well.
We headed home and on the way stopped at Sam's to pick up a few items for our family dinner. We finally got back close to 2 PM and noticed Amy and Tyler called about coming by for burger and dogs for lunch so we headed over and helped them finished up some good Kansas homegrown beef burgers, my what a difference from store bought.We finally made it home around 3 and then got ready for the family to come around 5:30 or so for supper. It had warmed up a little into the 50's but there was still a cold north wind and especially in the shade you needed something on your arms. I watered the garden and then finished the DeMille book. Its a good read for a novel. I just started another book titled THE WORST HARD TIME by Timothy Egan. It's a non-fiction book about the "dirty thirties" when the high plains was swept away by great dust bowl. It's the true story behind Steinback's great novel, THE GRAPES OF WRATH.
Well supper was awesome; with me grilling marinated chicken breast with fresh rosemary sprinkled on top, G/G's mac and cheese, fresh asparagus, Amy's super garden salad with feta cheese, crusty bread and something called Robert Redford for dessert that Amy made. She is really becoming quite the cook like her mother. We ate and sat around talking and looking at Arianne's collection of photos on disks until nearly 11 PM. Ava had longed fallen asleep on the couch so W.B.(Nancy's dad) and myself watched the Olympics.
I will enclose a few pics from the past couple of evening. Well, I need to get out of here as the sun is shining brightly and they are calling for warm temps into the 60's today. LATER
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday
Well I know its early Sunday morning but after the family dinner last night at G/G's and a great visit with our niece Arrianne and her "wild" cat which incidentally looks like and Ocelot(wild cat indigenous to S.America) which she found wandering around her church one day. The cat was just about 4 weeks old when she adopted it. Ava was just thrilled to be able to watch the cat which hid most of the evening under the bed. What a great babysitting tool!! Anyhow, we just watched a little of the Olympics after getting home and before getting ready for bed. So here I am on Sunday morning for those of you who depend on my daily ramblings.
Saturday morning was another cold one for us with temps down in the high 30's and it stayed into the 40's most of the day with very little sunshine. Eventually it broke through in the afternoon for awhile but never got above 50 for the day. Nancy took off to pick up G/G and Amy and headed SFBC for a baby shower for Amy and "baby Samuel" around 10 AM. I spent the morning reading THE GATE HOUSE by Nelson Demille it a fun read and lots of suspense in a relationship. Nancy got home around 1 PM so we had a snack and she put a salad together for the family dinner. We headed out about 4 to visit.
G/G made a beef roast with coffee much like a pot roast, smashed tater's, broccoli and of course we brought the salad and Amy brought the leftover sheet cake from her shower for dessert. Another fine eatin' supper with Ava entertaining with her dance moves and chasing the cat around. Well we are doing it all over again this evening at our place but will do chicken on the barbee(grilled) plus other I'm sure fattening good food. We don't get to see Arrianne that often as she is totally busy teaching at a private school as well as teaching piano on the side. No wonder she isn't married as she has not time to socialize. Well better go and get ready to head out to Element for worship, Arrianne even though she is a devout Catholic is going with us to see her cousin Bobby teach this morning. LATER.
Saturday morning was another cold one for us with temps down in the high 30's and it stayed into the 40's most of the day with very little sunshine. Eventually it broke through in the afternoon for awhile but never got above 50 for the day. Nancy took off to pick up G/G and Amy and headed SFBC for a baby shower for Amy and "baby Samuel" around 10 AM. I spent the morning reading THE GATE HOUSE by Nelson Demille it a fun read and lots of suspense in a relationship. Nancy got home around 1 PM so we had a snack and she put a salad together for the family dinner. We headed out about 4 to visit.
G/G made a beef roast with coffee much like a pot roast, smashed tater's, broccoli and of course we brought the salad and Amy brought the leftover sheet cake from her shower for dessert. Another fine eatin' supper with Ava entertaining with her dance moves and chasing the cat around. Well we are doing it all over again this evening at our place but will do chicken on the barbee(grilled) plus other I'm sure fattening good food. We don't get to see Arrianne that often as she is totally busy teaching at a private school as well as teaching piano on the side. No wonder she isn't married as she has not time to socialize. Well better go and get ready to head out to Element for worship, Arrianne even though she is a devout Catholic is going with us to see her cousin Bobby teach this morning. LATER.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday
The morning was once again a chilly, breezy overcast start of the day which reminded me of "this can't possibly be The Sunshine State." After the usual few moments of quiet time, lite breakfast, I put on my flannel shirt over my gym shorts and shirt and pedalled out to the rec for some pickle ball. Well we started with just a handful of players and got in some terrific fast play for the first 30-45 minutes before the general players arrived. There were lots of wet shirts to start. By the time 10 rolled around we had 3 nets going(12 players) plus a couple others and there was some good hard play. That was the last we will play until Wednesday of next week due to the gym floor being refinished over the week end and Presidents Day on Monday. Several of us are going to St.Pete Beach Rec Center on Wednesday morning to play. A different venue but a group us played there in the Good Life Games a couple years ago. I headed out to the library on the way home in the "spitting rain" kind of like "spitting snow", all of you northerners know what I'm talking about and picked up a couple reads for the week-end. Nelson Demille's THE GATE HOUSE seems like a good read for a novel.
Speaking of snow and the weather its just unreal there was snow in every state except Hawaii on the same day, according to the weather folks that's never happened in recorded history. Hawaii, ahhh our dear sweet niece Army nurse Lt. Halley Jo Dillon is basking there as I post in the warm tropical climate probably surfing in the 80 degree water washing up and onto the sun baked sandy beach. I wonder if she needs a gardener??? Nancy and I decided to head to Riverview and cheer up Jill and spend some time with grand daughter Annsley as son Bobby is making his way back from cold snowy Tennessee after a pastor conference last week. After a lunch with Amy and Ava we got ready to head out when what looked like a minor twister went through our neighborhood. Severe wind and rain pelted the house and we noticed as we drove out several power lines and trees down with FD and Power Trucks at the edge of our hood plus the temp was 44 degrees. Not supposed to be like this in sunny Florida.
We made it to Annsley's around 4:30 after passing several crashes and emergency vehicles everywhere. I never could understand why people drive the same on wet slippery roads as they do on dry ones. We had a fun visit with Jill and Annsley. I ran out and picked up some deli "fried chicken" something I love but seldom eat for supper; then we played and watched while Annsley entertained us after her bubble bath before getting ready for bed. Jill informed us Bobby was in Raleigh, N.C. after leaving Nashville with a 2 hour layover before heading back to Tampa. Already the flight was delayed 40 minutes but at least he was supposed to get out of there. Atlanta had cancelled over 1800 flights due to the snowy conditions.We got back home around 9:30 and it was still damp and cold.
Well I will pick later tonight the busy day scheduled with a visit from Arrianne, baby shower for Amy and dinner at G/G's. LATER.
Speaking of snow and the weather its just unreal there was snow in every state except Hawaii on the same day, according to the weather folks that's never happened in recorded history. Hawaii, ahhh our dear sweet niece Army nurse Lt. Halley Jo Dillon is basking there as I post in the warm tropical climate probably surfing in the 80 degree water washing up and onto the sun baked sandy beach. I wonder if she needs a gardener??? Nancy and I decided to head to Riverview and cheer up Jill and spend some time with grand daughter Annsley as son Bobby is making his way back from cold snowy Tennessee after a pastor conference last week. After a lunch with Amy and Ava we got ready to head out when what looked like a minor twister went through our neighborhood. Severe wind and rain pelted the house and we noticed as we drove out several power lines and trees down with FD and Power Trucks at the edge of our hood plus the temp was 44 degrees. Not supposed to be like this in sunny Florida.
We made it to Annsley's around 4:30 after passing several crashes and emergency vehicles everywhere. I never could understand why people drive the same on wet slippery roads as they do on dry ones. We had a fun visit with Jill and Annsley. I ran out and picked up some deli "fried chicken" something I love but seldom eat for supper; then we played and watched while Annsley entertained us after her bubble bath before getting ready for bed. Jill informed us Bobby was in Raleigh, N.C. after leaving Nashville with a 2 hour layover before heading back to Tampa. Already the flight was delayed 40 minutes but at least he was supposed to get out of there. Atlanta had cancelled over 1800 flights due to the snowy conditions.We got back home around 9:30 and it was still damp and cold.
Well I will pick later tonight the busy day scheduled with a visit from Arrianne, baby shower for Amy and dinner at G/G's. LATER.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday
Well the morning once again was downright nippy for us Floridians. I can remember a couple years ago complaining about how warm it was in February and actually having to turn the a/c on, but today as I write this post the heat is on and has been on all day long. The ride out to the rec was tough with the cold blustery north wind blowing. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of oatmeal, banana, strawberry's, honey and cinnamon I pedaled out. We had once again 19-20 pickle ball players through out the 2 1/2 hours of continuous play. Wow, was there ever some good games and some fast and furious play. Tomorrow will be our last day until next Thursday as the gym is scheduled for a floor refinishing over the week-end plus Monday is a holiday. I think on Wednesday we are taking several folks to the St.Pete Beach gym to play.
After PB I stopped by the library to check on some holds then headed on home. Nancy had been watching Ava since 9:30 as Amy had a sonogram to determine that "baby Samuel" wasn't getting to large as her due date is in a couple weeks. All things look good and we are all getting excited about his impending birth. Our first grandson, Yippee!!! Amy seems to be getting better each day and seems to be back to her normal self. Ava is still such a cutie and way beyond her years. Her vocabulary is unbelievable as well as her retention level for a child not yet 3.
Well we are having niece Arrianne visit from Miami over the week-end so there will be once again at least 2 family dinners with all the fixin's. Amy and Arrianne are close in age but she is a single gal teaching school in the Miami area.
Got a note today from oldest sister Josie in the Martinsburg, W.Va. area where they are battling 50 inches of snow in the last week or so. Her son, B.J. has been activated in the National Guard and they are helping to dig folks out from this heavy accumulation of snow and ice.
Well we had a visit today from a dear friend, "Daisy"and she seems to be doing well since we last saw her. She had a scare with some unusual cell formations but now her doctors seem to think it was from a prior condition. We are certainly thankful she is doing well and it was great to spend a few quality moments with her. She also has a new grandson on the way who is due later this spring.
Well I will close for now. Ava and I had some much needed outdoor fun after lunch as she got to ride her trike and play "hid'n go seek." It was pretty nippy but she wanted to be outside. LATER
After PB I stopped by the library to check on some holds then headed on home. Nancy had been watching Ava since 9:30 as Amy had a sonogram to determine that "baby Samuel" wasn't getting to large as her due date is in a couple weeks. All things look good and we are all getting excited about his impending birth. Our first grandson, Yippee!!! Amy seems to be getting better each day and seems to be back to her normal self. Ava is still such a cutie and way beyond her years. Her vocabulary is unbelievable as well as her retention level for a child not yet 3.
Well we are having niece Arrianne visit from Miami over the week-end so there will be once again at least 2 family dinners with all the fixin's. Amy and Arrianne are close in age but she is a single gal teaching school in the Miami area.
Got a note today from oldest sister Josie in the Martinsburg, W.Va. area where they are battling 50 inches of snow in the last week or so. Her son, B.J. has been activated in the National Guard and they are helping to dig folks out from this heavy accumulation of snow and ice.
Well we had a visit today from a dear friend, "Daisy"and she seems to be doing well since we last saw her. She had a scare with some unusual cell formations but now her doctors seem to think it was from a prior condition. We are certainly thankful she is doing well and it was great to spend a few quality moments with her. She also has a new grandson on the way who is due later this spring.
Well I will close for now. Ava and I had some much needed outdoor fun after lunch as she got to ride her trike and play "hid'n go seek." It was pretty nippy but she wanted to be outside. LATER
Wednesday
Sorry about not posting(rambling) last night but it was late when we got home from house church and then we watched American (idiots) Idol, pardon me for the Freudian slip until 10 then it was time for bed-e-bye. Not much else went on yesterday except it was chilly and windy all day. I did get in some pickle ball in the morning after the usual quiet time, lite breakfast and 2 1/2 hours of play.We had some great play with 8 players.
The afternoon found me reading while Nancy took her mom shopping for Amy's baby shower this Saturday morning. I got my house insurance bill today and it's outrageous what State Farm wants to insure our Florida home. They surely don't want my business after 30 years of insuring both my vehicles and residences with them.
Well better go as its nearly lunch time(Thursday) and the cool temps have me wanting a bowl of the delicious beef vegetable barley soup Nancy made for dinner last night. Ava wants to go out and ride her trike so will close for now. Sure hope it warms up a little before we head out.LATER
The afternoon found me reading while Nancy took her mom shopping for Amy's baby shower this Saturday morning. I got my house insurance bill today and it's outrageous what State Farm wants to insure our Florida home. They surely don't want my business after 30 years of insuring both my vehicles and residences with them.
Well better go as its nearly lunch time(Thursday) and the cool temps have me wanting a bowl of the delicious beef vegetable barley soup Nancy made for dinner last night. Ava wants to go out and ride her trike so will close for now. Sure hope it warms up a little before we head out.LATER
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday
Well it certainly was an overcast day which eventually brought rain most of the afternoon. The temps were not bad with highs in the middle 60's. The morning ride out to the rec on the bike was about 20 degrees warmer this morning than yesterday. After my quiet time and a leftover microwaved buckwheat pancake I was ready for a workout on the pickle ball courts. Yesterday we had 20 players, today there were 8 and did we ever have a workout with some great games. Lot of wet shirts this morning and we actually played till almost 10:30. Thanks to those 4-5 players who show up around 7:30 most every morning.
Amy and Ava came for lunch and because of the rain Ava missed riding her bike but she entertained us with her constant jabbering with her toys. She is so cute!! She likes to have a tent(blanket) so she can hide under and pretend no one can see her.They headed out around 2:30 for her nap then both Nancy and I laid down, cat napped and read till 4 PM. Amy seems on the way to recovery with just a little tinge of pain occasionally in her back when she coughs. Nancy has now developed a pain in her neck and shoulder and we aren't sure what is causing it. I've been giving her massages and ultra sound treatments but she has been in pain for about 3 weeks so the doctor is sending her for some blood tests. I never heard of that for what appears to be muscle pain, oh well we shall see.
The rain has finally stopped and tonight the wind is supposed to pick up and temps are to drop once again down into the 40's. Tomorrow the high is only to the 50's. I shouldn't complain with what our friends and families are going through in Virginia and N. Carolina. Blizzard there starting Wednesday and Thursday, Yikes!!!
Nancy fixed one of my favorites for dinner; broiled salmon with lemon pepper, garlic and butter sauce penne pasta, canned peas and a fresh garden salad. Ummm.. that's fine eatin.'
Well not much else going on, I finished THE RIVER OF DOUBT, about Teddy Roosevelt and one of his adventures into the Amazon River basin. Its a great read if you like man against the wild in all forms that nearly caused him his life and did for a couple of men in the party of explorers. LATER.
Amy and Ava came for lunch and because of the rain Ava missed riding her bike but she entertained us with her constant jabbering with her toys. She is so cute!! She likes to have a tent(blanket) so she can hide under and pretend no one can see her.They headed out around 2:30 for her nap then both Nancy and I laid down, cat napped and read till 4 PM. Amy seems on the way to recovery with just a little tinge of pain occasionally in her back when she coughs. Nancy has now developed a pain in her neck and shoulder and we aren't sure what is causing it. I've been giving her massages and ultra sound treatments but she has been in pain for about 3 weeks so the doctor is sending her for some blood tests. I never heard of that for what appears to be muscle pain, oh well we shall see.
The rain has finally stopped and tonight the wind is supposed to pick up and temps are to drop once again down into the 40's. Tomorrow the high is only to the 50's. I shouldn't complain with what our friends and families are going through in Virginia and N. Carolina. Blizzard there starting Wednesday and Thursday, Yikes!!!
Nancy fixed one of my favorites for dinner; broiled salmon with lemon pepper, garlic and butter sauce penne pasta, canned peas and a fresh garden salad. Ummm.. that's fine eatin.'
Well not much else going on, I finished THE RIVER OF DOUBT, about Teddy Roosevelt and one of his adventures into the Amazon River basin. Its a great read if you like man against the wild in all forms that nearly caused him his life and did for a couple of men in the party of explorers. LATER.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday and Monday
Well for those of you who missed my ramblings on Super Bowl Sunday I apologize as we had a family dinner celebrating our son's 29th birthday. What a dinner Nancy prepared; it started with a standing rib roast medium to rare, potato casserole with pimiento's, fresh sauteed spinach, salad, garlic bread and a peach blueberry cobbler with frozen vanilla yogurt. Yeow now you know why I was unable to ramble after the game. Speaking of the game. That was as good of a final game for the season we have seen in awhile. Actually I had reservations about the WhoDat gang winning, especially after they let the lowly Buc's beat them in their home stadium, but was glad they won after all. It was rather ironic the Saints first great QB, Archie Manning was the father of the opposing Colts QB, Peyton. Anyhow both teams showed a lot of class. Sunday morning found us with grey skies an cold temp's in the low 50's and it stayed there all day, at least that was cold for us Floridians; but a spring day for or northern and mountain family and friends. My have they ever had some bad weather with areas getting 30 inches of snow and ice with single digit temps. So many were without power as well, and many are still snowed in without access to the scraped roads at the end of their driveways. On top of that another blizzard is expected to dump 10 plus more inches of snow in the next couple of days. What happened to our global warming advocates?
Worship Sunday was awesome at Element and afterwards I helped at the nursing home to assist with pushing wheelchairs to the afternoon service for the shut-ins. I ran into a neighbor who is 94 that has been in the center for a couple weeks when he woke up one morning and says he forgot how to walk. His mind is sharp and Andrew is a very pleasant person. He seems to be on the way to recovery as I observed him walking the hallways and he even came to the service as well. He recognized me right away and of course I recognized his voice after investigating a minor crash he was involved in 25 years ago. Nancy and I would see him as we walked through the hood from time to time. We had no idea of his illness or condition.
The evening get together with the grand girls was awesome and they were so cute together. I will enclose a few pics. Monday morning found us with cold temps with frost everywhere, especially on the roof tops. As I pedaled out to the rec around 7:25 lots of cars and yards were white with frost. The temp in the house was down to 65 this morning as I had cut the heat off while we had a house full as it got so warm with so many bodies. After a lite breakfast and my quiet time I rode out for some pickle ball. We had 19 players today, the most ever with a couple newbies. Luckily 4 of us got in some good play before the general players arrived. After 2 1/2 hours of play I was ready to call it a day then headed off to the library for some reads. I finished the book on Pat Tillman's demise and must admit he was a unique person. It was awful he died from friendly fire which means his own Rangers shot him by mistake. I started a new read called THE RIVER OF DOUBT by Candice Millard about President Theodore Roosevelt's trip into the Amazon Basin. So far its a read every word book, its that good. Lots of history about the man himself as well as some political insight.
Well Ava and Amy came for lunch and afterwards Ava and myself played outside as it was pleasant but a little chill in the air despite the bright sunshine. Ava now rides her bike(trike) with almost reckless abandon as she pedals fast but occasionally has moments when she turns off the side walk and overturns. She did that and suffered a wreck with lot of tears. Nothing serious that a good nap didn't take care of. Many of you asked about Amy. She is doing much better, but still has her moments of pain in the back and chest area when she coughs which has just about stopped. Thank all of you who were concerned and kept her an "baby Samuel" in your thoughts and prayers. LATER.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday
Yeow, what a winter storm that hit the mountains in the Carolina's all the way up an into the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. We had friends send us pictures of nearly 30 inches of snow in Va. and W.Va.and as low a 14 inches around our cabin in N.C. To make matters worst the snow turned to freezing rain; thus making it removal that much more difficult. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our dear friends(The Dalton Gang) in N.C. who had their barn roof collapse due to the snow and ice trapping their horses, cows and one alpaca. Luckily none were seriously injured other than being traumatized.
This morning found us awake a little before 6:30 with Ava calling out that she was ready to get up. The day started with cooler temp's from yesterdays but still pleasant enough that after our quiet times and a breakfast of buckwheat cakes Ava and myself headed out so she could ride her trike. There were tons of fast moving clouds around after all the rain from yesteday but the sun would break through warming up the crisp fresh air. We did drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, played hide and go seek and she managed to shred a few flowers, one of her favorite things to do. I pulled a few weeds and replanted a few of the bean plants that were touched by the heavy frost from a couple weeks ago. Amy and Tyler came about 10:30 and they headed out to the mall so she could register for baby shower gifts. Things sure got quiet when Ava headed out with her folks.
After lunch Nancy and I did some catching up on some phone calls to family and friends in the blizzard zone. Tomorrow, super bowl Sunday will be a stay at home alone kind of day for most of our friends as they are snowed and iced in. Our friends near our cabin in N.C. was without power for 18 hours and of course our road into the cabin is impassable as well. Luckily most of our neighbors have wood burning stoves and propane heat.
Well Amy and Ava came for supper as Tyler helped with "feeding the homeless" with a group from our old home church. Nancy made oven baked chicken, oven baked spuds rolled in fresh rosemary, parsley and cilantro and steamed fresh broccoli. Um mm!! Well the kids just left and we are thawing out a standing rib roast for the celebration of Bobby's 29th birthday dinner tomorrow evening. We will have the family over for another feast as well as to watch the Colts play the Saints in the big game. I just hope its a good one but I have to favor the "whodat" guys cause the Bucs beat them this year. That on its face value may be an omen in favor of the Colts. Oh well. I started a new read today titled WHERE MEN WIN GLORY by Jon Krakauer. It a biography about Pat Tillman of the Arizona Cardinals who died in Afghanistan. Great read so far.
Well, will close for now as the morning will find us headed to Tampa for worship at Element Church and then to the local nursing home where twice a month we assist in helping to bring a worship service for those shut-ins. The day will find us with both grand daughters together and their families for dinner. Looking forward to a great day on Sunday. LATER
This morning found us awake a little before 6:30 with Ava calling out that she was ready to get up. The day started with cooler temp's from yesterdays but still pleasant enough that after our quiet times and a breakfast of buckwheat cakes Ava and myself headed out so she could ride her trike. There were tons of fast moving clouds around after all the rain from yesteday but the sun would break through warming up the crisp fresh air. We did drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, played hide and go seek and she managed to shred a few flowers, one of her favorite things to do. I pulled a few weeds and replanted a few of the bean plants that were touched by the heavy frost from a couple weeks ago. Amy and Tyler came about 10:30 and they headed out to the mall so she could register for baby shower gifts. Things sure got quiet when Ava headed out with her folks.
After lunch Nancy and I did some catching up on some phone calls to family and friends in the blizzard zone. Tomorrow, super bowl Sunday will be a stay at home alone kind of day for most of our friends as they are snowed and iced in. Our friends near our cabin in N.C. was without power for 18 hours and of course our road into the cabin is impassable as well. Luckily most of our neighbors have wood burning stoves and propane heat.
Well Amy and Ava came for supper as Tyler helped with "feeding the homeless" with a group from our old home church. Nancy made oven baked chicken, oven baked spuds rolled in fresh rosemary, parsley and cilantro and steamed fresh broccoli. Um mm!! Well the kids just left and we are thawing out a standing rib roast for the celebration of Bobby's 29th birthday dinner tomorrow evening. We will have the family over for another feast as well as to watch the Colts play the Saints in the big game. I just hope its a good one but I have to favor the "whodat" guys cause the Bucs beat them this year. That on its face value may be an omen in favor of the Colts. Oh well. I started a new read today titled WHERE MEN WIN GLORY by Jon Krakauer. It a biography about Pat Tillman of the Arizona Cardinals who died in Afghanistan. Great read so far.
Well, will close for now as the morning will find us headed to Tampa for worship at Element Church and then to the local nursing home where twice a month we assist in helping to bring a worship service for those shut-ins. The day will find us with both grand daughters together and their families for dinner. Looking forward to a great day on Sunday. LATER
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday
Well the day started out with cloudy skies but at least it was warm enough to wear shorts outside. I started the day the usual way with a little quiet time and then a lite breakfast before heading out on the bike to the rec for some pickle ball. We had 10 players today with the first hour having just 4 of us playing some great ball. Wet t-shirts were every here. After leaving the rec I headed by the library to pick up a little reading material for this weekend. By the way I just finished an incredible read called A CRIMINAL INJUSTICE by Firstman and Salpeter. A true story that will change the way you look about the criminal justice system and those who are elected to serve us and the life of a 17 year old who was put away for the murder of his parents. This happened on Long Island, New York in 1988. Read it if you get chance. You will never forget what you read about this young man, Marty Tankleff.
Well today 5 years ago our beautiful daughter, Amy married a super great guy, Tyler from Kansas. They have a little girl, Ava and are expecting their second child, Samuel any day. Actually her due date is the first of March but I expect he will arrive sometime this month. We are keeping Ava this weekend as they plan to have a dinner out then take in a late movie.
Wow to all of our northern friends and especially to those in the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. It seems the ground hog put the jinx on all of you with this latest winter storm. I've seen estimates of up to 30 inches of the frozen white stuff falling from the skies over the next 12 hours. Thanks ahead of time for those of you who will share this winter scene via your pictures on the NET.
I think its my turn to watch veggie tales with grand daughter Ava so I had better go. LATER
Well today 5 years ago our beautiful daughter, Amy married a super great guy, Tyler from Kansas. They have a little girl, Ava and are expecting their second child, Samuel any day. Actually her due date is the first of March but I expect he will arrive sometime this month. We are keeping Ava this weekend as they plan to have a dinner out then take in a late movie.
Wow to all of our northern friends and especially to those in the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. It seems the ground hog put the jinx on all of you with this latest winter storm. I've seen estimates of up to 30 inches of the frozen white stuff falling from the skies over the next 12 hours. Thanks ahead of time for those of you who will share this winter scene via your pictures on the NET.
I think its my turn to watch veggie tales with grand daughter Ava so I had better go. LATER
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday
Well what a great ending to a beautiful day. The morning started out with the usual 6:30 wake up and cup of hot green tea as I did my quiet time before having a lite breakfast of oatmeal with cinnamon, blueberry's, banana and honey. Yikes I ate all that?? Anyhow I headed out on the bike and got to the rec around 7:30 for 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. Thursday's are crazy with lot's of once a week players so at one time we had about 17 players. The first 45 minute was great before the general players arrived so that was a great workout. On Thursday's the gym is empty after 10 so we could stay a little longer as the exercise class doesn't use the gym until later. There were still 8 players on the courts when I left at 10:15. I headed out to the barbershop to have my ears lowered.
I headed home and hand watered the garden before Ava and Amy came for lunch. Today was french bread pizza and a salad and afterwards Ava and myself headed outside so she could ride her trike. She is so good now about keeping her trike in the middle of the sidewalk and she literally goes full steam ahead. I walked a 1/2 mile just trying to follow her up and back the sidewalk just in case she decides to detour towards the road, but she never does, so far. She occasionally gets off to pick a few flowers(weeds in bloom) for her mommy and grandma. I have to carry them back and she keeps asking if I still have them in my hand as she pedals back. A great way to spread these weeds to the already weeds growing in my front yard, but she thinks the flowers are pretty.Yesterday she spotted a birds feather laying in a yard down the street so she stops and hands it to me to keep for her but I somehow lost it in the wind and she was upset that I lost her feather.
They left around 2 so Nancy and I ran a couple errands and got back in time to chill before Pap and G/G came by to head out to the Salt Rock Grill on Indian Rocks Beach. They are having an amazing deal, early bird only on dinner entrees for ten bucks that include; sourdough bread with herb an oil for dipping, a salad with your choice of a house or Caesar, the entrees; Nancy and I each had the Mahi Mahi absolutely the best I've ever eaten plus she had orzo pasta and I had a spud loaded with mine and then we had a dessert, rice pudding that came with the meal. Great waiter service and the food was excellent. Pap had salmon croquettes with garlic smashed spuds and G/G had beef in a bed of pasta. Nancy and Pap had lobster bisque while G/G and I had a glass of fruit of the vine. Yummy, can't wait to go back and try the lamb brazed over the oak fire. We had a seat on the inter coastal and the place was jumping. We all were very pleased with the meal, even Pap as he is a tough one to please.
After eating we headed back to our place and place a double 12 game of domino's with G/G winning and Nancy a close second. Well not much else going on except Amy seems a little better since she is able to get a little rest at night. Thanks to all who kept her in your thoughts and prayers. LATER
I headed home and hand watered the garden before Ava and Amy came for lunch. Today was french bread pizza and a salad and afterwards Ava and myself headed outside so she could ride her trike. She is so good now about keeping her trike in the middle of the sidewalk and she literally goes full steam ahead. I walked a 1/2 mile just trying to follow her up and back the sidewalk just in case she decides to detour towards the road, but she never does, so far. She occasionally gets off to pick a few flowers(weeds in bloom) for her mommy and grandma. I have to carry them back and she keeps asking if I still have them in my hand as she pedals back. A great way to spread these weeds to the already weeds growing in my front yard, but she thinks the flowers are pretty.Yesterday she spotted a birds feather laying in a yard down the street so she stops and hands it to me to keep for her but I somehow lost it in the wind and she was upset that I lost her feather.
They left around 2 so Nancy and I ran a couple errands and got back in time to chill before Pap and G/G came by to head out to the Salt Rock Grill on Indian Rocks Beach. They are having an amazing deal, early bird only on dinner entrees for ten bucks that include; sourdough bread with herb an oil for dipping, a salad with your choice of a house or Caesar, the entrees; Nancy and I each had the Mahi Mahi absolutely the best I've ever eaten plus she had orzo pasta and I had a spud loaded with mine and then we had a dessert, rice pudding that came with the meal. Great waiter service and the food was excellent. Pap had salmon croquettes with garlic smashed spuds and G/G had beef in a bed of pasta. Nancy and Pap had lobster bisque while G/G and I had a glass of fruit of the vine. Yummy, can't wait to go back and try the lamb brazed over the oak fire. We had a seat on the inter coastal and the place was jumping. We all were very pleased with the meal, even Pap as he is a tough one to please.
After eating we headed back to our place and place a double 12 game of domino's with G/G winning and Nancy a close second. Well not much else going on except Amy seems a little better since she is able to get a little rest at night. Thanks to all who kept her in your thoughts and prayers. LATER
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wednesday
Well the day started out 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 a full 2 1/2 hours of exercise with some great play with 11 other players. By 10 AM I was ready to rest. After getting home I hand watered the garden and hung a load of laundry. The day was starting to look like a fine Florida day with lots of sunshine and just enough coolness in the air to make it comfortable. Amy and Ava were coming for lunch.
Just an update on Amy as today she was in much better shape pain wise than the past several days. It seems the doctor prescribed a muscle relaxer which helped with the pain as well as a cough inhibitor. She was able to finally get some rest last night and this morning she seemed a lot better. Thanks to all who kept her in your thoughts and prayers. Ava and myself played outside after lunch with her riding her trike and playing hide and go seek. She loves that game. It was close to 3 before they left for her nap.
Tonight was our weekly house church meeting and we had a 11 adults and 3 kids plus we did dinner together. We had baked spuds with several people bringing different toppings as well as chili, con casio and Nancy made a chocolate cheese cake for dessert. Yumm!!! We discussed what our service projects with be in the next few months as well as our next course of study for the group plus we discussed the oil change for singles last Saturday. We analyzed what we could have done better and how to make the most of the opportunities afforded us to us. We all agreed to continue this project and maybe expand it to the wives of military men who are serving over seas.
Well our son Bobby is celebrating his 29 birthday today. I will never forget the day he was born and I thanked GOD that day and every day since for giving me a son. I of course thank HIM everyday for not only giving me a son and daughter but now 2 grand daughters and with a grand son on the way in the next couple days. Nancy and I have truly been blessed. LATER
Just an update on Amy as today she was in much better shape pain wise than the past several days. It seems the doctor prescribed a muscle relaxer which helped with the pain as well as a cough inhibitor. She was able to finally get some rest last night and this morning she seemed a lot better. Thanks to all who kept her in your thoughts and prayers. Ava and myself played outside after lunch with her riding her trike and playing hide and go seek. She loves that game. It was close to 3 before they left for her nap.
Tonight was our weekly house church meeting and we had a 11 adults and 3 kids plus we did dinner together. We had baked spuds with several people bringing different toppings as well as chili, con casio and Nancy made a chocolate cheese cake for dessert. Yumm!!! We discussed what our service projects with be in the next few months as well as our next course of study for the group plus we discussed the oil change for singles last Saturday. We analyzed what we could have done better and how to make the most of the opportunities afforded us to us. We all agreed to continue this project and maybe expand it to the wives of military men who are serving over seas.
Well our son Bobby is celebrating his 29 birthday today. I will never forget the day he was born and I thanked GOD that day and every day since for giving me a son. I of course thank HIM everyday for not only giving me a son and daughter but now 2 grand daughters and with a grand son on the way in the next couple days. Nancy and I have truly been blessed. LATER
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday
Well the morning started out with rain showers and not as cool as the past couple morning; however that would change as the day progressed. Its going down into the high 40's tonight but supposed to have bright sunshine tomorrow. After my quiet time and my usual breakfast of oatmeal, cinnamon and honey I rode out on the bike to the rec for some pickle ball. I got in nearly an hour of good play before I was summoned home to help with Amy and Ava.
Amy has been suffering with pneumonia for about 3 weeks all together and has been on all kinds of antibiotics but her back, shoulder and chest area has started to really pain her so much so she can't get any rest plus she's having a difficult time taking a deep breath. Nancy took her to have a chest x-ray once again today and she still has some pneumonia but the test showed some improvement so the doctor put her on a muscle relaxer and a type of cough inhibitor. Hopefully these prescriptions will at least give her a chance to get some rest so she can fight this condition, of course being 8 months pregnant isn't helping at all with her lung condition. The baby is so large it has her lungs spread out. Please keep her in your thought and prayers.
I had the privilege of watching Ava most of the day and she has me wrapped. She is so cute and so smart and never stops jabbering. Well not much else going on just the usual. Hopefully Amy will get a good nights rest. Nancy is still coughing up luges of color and the doctor was supposed to call her in another round of antibiotics but when we went to get them around 7 PM the pharmacy either did get it or the doctor forgot to call it in. I keep taking my Vitamin C and garlic so far so good.
Well for those who follow groundhogs it wasn't a good day especially for our northern and mountain friends and family with the prospect of another 6 weeks of winter weather, Yuck. LATER
Amy has been suffering with pneumonia for about 3 weeks all together and has been on all kinds of antibiotics but her back, shoulder and chest area has started to really pain her so much so she can't get any rest plus she's having a difficult time taking a deep breath. Nancy took her to have a chest x-ray once again today and she still has some pneumonia but the test showed some improvement so the doctor put her on a muscle relaxer and a type of cough inhibitor. Hopefully these prescriptions will at least give her a chance to get some rest so she can fight this condition, of course being 8 months pregnant isn't helping at all with her lung condition. The baby is so large it has her lungs spread out. Please keep her in your thought and prayers.
I had the privilege of watching Ava most of the day and she has me wrapped. She is so cute and so smart and never stops jabbering. Well not much else going on just the usual. Hopefully Amy will get a good nights rest. Nancy is still coughing up luges of color and the doctor was supposed to call her in another round of antibiotics but when we went to get them around 7 PM the pharmacy either did get it or the doctor forgot to call it in. I keep taking my Vitamin C and garlic so far so good.
Well for those who follow groundhogs it wasn't a good day especially for our northern and mountain friends and family with the prospect of another 6 weeks of winter weather, Yuck. LATER
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday
Well it was the start of another week and the first day of February. Sorry I missed rambling on Sunday; but other than being a nursery worker at Element nothing much else happened except a stop at Wal-Mart on the way home. I have never in my life seen such a busy place in all departments for one store. Believe me you do save money compared to any other grocery stores but you have to fight the crowds especially on Sunday after church. Anyhow we picked up a few things as we returned from Tampa and being in the area we felt it was worth fighting the crowds. I need to buy some stock in that company.
The day was grey, damp, cold and dreary so after a lite lunch around 2 PM Nancy put a pot of vegetable beef soup on to cook. The aroma quickly filled the house and by 5:30 we were really to dive in. Amy, Tyler and Ava came to eat with us and Nancy made a pan of pan de campo(a heavy bread that cowboys baked over a campfire). We used the oven instead of a campfire but with some butter and homemade black raspberry jelly, Ahhh it was delightful!! The kids stayed for an hour or so before they had to head out as Tyler leads a college group that starts at 8:30. Amy is still suffering from pleurisy(irritation of the sac that surrounds the lungs) which she contracted from the walking pneumonia. Today was a little better but she is having a difficult time getting any rest at nights. She says its very painful to cough with lots of discomfort in her shoulder and lower back area and is so pregnant which is not helping with her ability to get comfortable. I have a feeling little Samuel will be here before to much longer.
Monday morning found me heading out to the rec on the bike after my quiet time and a lite breakfast. It was cool with temps down in the low 50's but very damp and windy. It actually rained on me as I rode home after PB,but I had a plastic bag which I wore over my head on the way home; boy did I get some weird stares and car honks as I pedaled home. Not sure if it was from riding in the rain on a bike or the white bag on my head. Anyhow I stayed dry and made it home safely after 2 1/2 hours of play. We had 16 players today with a couple who hadn't been there in awhile. The rec director actually mentioned he is trying to find more gym time for the team players so we can fine tune our team play for the upcoming tournaments which start the 20th of this month. Yea, we are glad to hear that as we have to play with the general players daily and work them into the time allotted.
Ava and Amy came for lunch and we heated up the great soup from last night and once again it was as good or not better than yesterday. Ava delighted us with her play and dancing as she likes the Nutcracker Ballet music. They headed out around 2:30 for a nap so Nancy and I ran out to purchase a standing rib roast for Sunday's birthday dinner for Bobby. Our baby boy will be 29 on Wednesday.Winn Dixie had them on sale for 3.99 a pound, unbelievable price so we got a couple and had a couple steaks carved off the ends for supper tonight. Now that is good eatin,' grilled medium rare along with red spuds with the jackets on an a fresh garden salad.
Well we want to wish all our northern friends and family to "stay safe and warm". We were saddened to learn our mountain pastor lost a family member this weekend in a car accident due to the bad weather. We certainly have the Galyean Family in our thoughts an prayers. LATER.
The day was grey, damp, cold and dreary so after a lite lunch around 2 PM Nancy put a pot of vegetable beef soup on to cook. The aroma quickly filled the house and by 5:30 we were really to dive in. Amy, Tyler and Ava came to eat with us and Nancy made a pan of pan de campo(a heavy bread that cowboys baked over a campfire). We used the oven instead of a campfire but with some butter and homemade black raspberry jelly, Ahhh it was delightful!! The kids stayed for an hour or so before they had to head out as Tyler leads a college group that starts at 8:30. Amy is still suffering from pleurisy(irritation of the sac that surrounds the lungs) which she contracted from the walking pneumonia. Today was a little better but she is having a difficult time getting any rest at nights. She says its very painful to cough with lots of discomfort in her shoulder and lower back area and is so pregnant which is not helping with her ability to get comfortable. I have a feeling little Samuel will be here before to much longer.
Monday morning found me heading out to the rec on the bike after my quiet time and a lite breakfast. It was cool with temps down in the low 50's but very damp and windy. It actually rained on me as I rode home after PB,but I had a plastic bag which I wore over my head on the way home; boy did I get some weird stares and car honks as I pedaled home. Not sure if it was from riding in the rain on a bike or the white bag on my head. Anyhow I stayed dry and made it home safely after 2 1/2 hours of play. We had 16 players today with a couple who hadn't been there in awhile. The rec director actually mentioned he is trying to find more gym time for the team players so we can fine tune our team play for the upcoming tournaments which start the 20th of this month. Yea, we are glad to hear that as we have to play with the general players daily and work them into the time allotted.
Ava and Amy came for lunch and we heated up the great soup from last night and once again it was as good or not better than yesterday. Ava delighted us with her play and dancing as she likes the Nutcracker Ballet music. They headed out around 2:30 for a nap so Nancy and I ran out to purchase a standing rib roast for Sunday's birthday dinner for Bobby. Our baby boy will be 29 on Wednesday.Winn Dixie had them on sale for 3.99 a pound, unbelievable price so we got a couple and had a couple steaks carved off the ends for supper tonight. Now that is good eatin,' grilled medium rare along with red spuds with the jackets on an a fresh garden salad.
Well we want to wish all our northern friends and family to "stay safe and warm". We were saddened to learn our mountain pastor lost a family member this weekend in a car accident due to the bad weather. We certainly have the Galyean Family in our thoughts an prayers. LATER.
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