Wow can you believe today is the last day of February and it felt like a warm spring day. The temps reached 80 degrees with a stiff southern breeze which kept it from getting to warm, but made for a nice day of hanging laundry on the clothesline especially since the nasty robins and blackbirds have moved out of the area. Last week there were thousands of them in the the oaks next to the house and they were feeding on the Brazilian pepper tree blue berries. What a mess they made in the yard, on the porches and on the lawn furniture.
Well the morning started early once again around 5 AM with that blasted rooster crowing his lungs out anyhow I managed to stay in the sack until 6:30 before getting ready for another day. After my quiet time I microwaved the last leftover buckwheat cake from Saturday, loaded it with home made blackberry jam and a banana before heading out to the rec on my bike for some 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. We had a couple new players who weren't too bad; of course they are tennis players so that helps a lot if you want to learn how to play pickle ball. Anyhow we had about a dozen or 15 players for awhile and most were pretty good with some really good games. We are tuning up for the Good Life Games being held at out gym the third week in March, should be lots of fun with lots of really good players from around the state.
After pickle ball I worked out another 30 minutes on the elliptical, crunch machine and did another 50 sit ups. I'm still maintaining but not losing as much as I wanted. The spare tire is still evident but maybe a little less in size. Oh well!!!
Amy and the grand babies came for lunch and that Sam is starting to walk pretty good, of course if he wants to get some place fast he does his one leg scoot but his balance is getting better daily. Ava still is the great big sister and she plays with him lovingly. Tomorrow morning after pickle ball we head over to east Tampa to watch Annsley in her gymnastics class and to have lunch with them. Should be a fun day except for the hundred miles round trip, anyhow with the high price of gas I sure hope we don't have to make all those trips back to Florida from the mountains this summer.
Well I picked a bucket of sugar peas and Nancy added them with fresh mushrooms, celery, water chestnuts, garlic, peppers and onions to a stir fry over rice for supper. Eatin' healthy again. Well not much else is going on, LATER.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday
Wow was it ever a another nice day which started out with a N.C.morning; fresh clean, cool, crisp air with the birds singing their songs and lots of bright sunshine. The feathered bird next door started about 5 AM but I managed to tune him out until around 7 before finally getting up. After our quiet time, I made a breakfast of a left over buckwheat cake with a couple poached microwave eggs on top before getting ready to head out to Tampa for worship at Element. Bobby had a great sermon on why we baptise. Great talk and an enlightening new perspective on this old tradition and the praise and worship music was just a blessing. Wow were there ever lots of new visitors this AM. After the service we just visited with the grand babies before heading back to Pinellas.
We made a stop at the super Wal-Mart in Pinellas Park to pick up some stables as they are much cheaper in price when compared to other grocery chains for the exact same product. We ate at the "golden arches" which was the first time in years that is located inside the store. Wow that place was packed with people and I can see why, prices!!!! After picking up some groceries and baby clothes we stopped by GG and Pap's before heading on home to unload. I got interested in the Nascar race in Arizona which was eventually won by Jeff Gordon. There wasn't much else to watch except some basketball which is good at the college level but the pros is like watching grass grow for me. The 20 year old kid who won Daytona last week in a Ford was music to my hears as I use to work that venue when I was a trooper sent there to work and direct traffic many moons ago. Its much more exciting in person than watching on T.V. unless there are lots of wrecks which today had plenty.
Nancy and I ate a fresh garden salad I made last night for supper and with a couple of my home grown 'maters on top made for some good eatin'. I sat the sprinkler in the gardens and spared myself from hand watering. It actually began to cool off about sunset and should make for some good sleeping weather tonight. We are for casted with some lows into the 50's later this week which will probably the last of the cool weather until next fall. Today we hit the low 80's and I'm sure after this cool front passes that temp will most likely be our lowest for the next several months plus the humidity will return with the heat; but its nice while we have it with the windows open and just enough breeze to make it pleasant. LATER
We made a stop at the super Wal-Mart in Pinellas Park to pick up some stables as they are much cheaper in price when compared to other grocery chains for the exact same product. We ate at the "golden arches" which was the first time in years that is located inside the store. Wow that place was packed with people and I can see why, prices!!!! After picking up some groceries and baby clothes we stopped by GG and Pap's before heading on home to unload. I got interested in the Nascar race in Arizona which was eventually won by Jeff Gordon. There wasn't much else to watch except some basketball which is good at the college level but the pros is like watching grass grow for me. The 20 year old kid who won Daytona last week in a Ford was music to my hears as I use to work that venue when I was a trooper sent there to work and direct traffic many moons ago. Its much more exciting in person than watching on T.V. unless there are lots of wrecks which today had plenty.
Nancy and I ate a fresh garden salad I made last night for supper and with a couple of my home grown 'maters on top made for some good eatin'. I sat the sprinkler in the gardens and spared myself from hand watering. It actually began to cool off about sunset and should make for some good sleeping weather tonight. We are for casted with some lows into the 50's later this week which will probably the last of the cool weather until next fall. Today we hit the low 80's and I'm sure after this cool front passes that temp will most likely be our lowest for the next several months plus the humidity will return with the heat; but its nice while we have it with the windows open and just enough breeze to make it pleasant. LATER
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Saturday
Well the morning started early with a 5 AM wake up as little Sammy made a whiny noise. I picked him up and brought him into our bed where he catnapped until 7 AM when Ava awakened. They were just great through the night and both went to bed around 8:30 or so. After our wake up Nancy made buckwheat cakes with a banana in the batter and Sam shoveled it in along with some scrambled eggs just as fast as you put it on his tray. He and Ava were so cute and that was their first sleep over together.
After breakfast and the clean up I ventured out to water the gardens, my is it ever dry with no rain for several days and even a couple weeks. The ground here dries out over night due to the sandy soil. Well after Amy came and picked up Ava and Sam we headed out Oldsmar once again to see the horses run at Tampa Bay Downs. It was once again just a beautiful day with temps in the high 70's and low 80's and bright sunshine. We stayed through 7 of the 11 races and had a fun time. We aren't big into the betting scene but just to watch these beautiful creatures up close is exciting. Most of the horses at this track aren't big money winner's and most have never won a race or 2 races in their whole careers. But they are gorgeous to watch them run on dirt and on grass. We did see a horse wreck in the 5th race today as a horse struck the inside rail breaking apart the rail as the jockey flying off through the air. The horse never went down and the jockey managed to some how walk away with out any serious injury. The horse finished riderless.
After the horse races we came home to fry up some egg plant and squash for supper. We were so full afterwards we even passed on the fresh salad I made as well. After the clean up I headed out to hand water the gardens and the front yard as darkness fell. Well not much else is going except tomorrow is worship at Element Church in the morning with son Bobby. LATER. Enclosed are a few horse pictures from today's races.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday
What another gorgeous day in the sunshine state, however we could use a little rain and I don't believe any is fore casted in the near future. The morning started out again with the bloody rooster at 5 AM crowing his head off. I'm just waiting until I get my chance, by the way how long do these animals live?? Oh well the morning started out the usual after I rolled out at 6:30(awake since 5) with my quiet time and then a bowl of oatmeal with fruit before riding out to the rec for 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. Boy did we ever have some great play for the first hour before the gals showed up then the play went down hill and fast, Oh well. After PB I did about 15 minutes on the elliptical then another 50 crunches before riding home to water the gardens.
The broccoli started heading up fast with this warm weather so I cut 5 heads and we had 2 of them for supper tonight,my oh my there is nothing like home grown fresh broccoli. I still have a couple that haven't matured enough to cut. After watering I called our long time friends the Payne's and invited them to come by for some fresh collards and lettuce. I picked them a huge bag of both and they were most appreciative. Amy and the kids came for lunch so I made a huge salad and we put the rest of her turkey pastrami meat on top and along with the crusty bread we had a super lunch.We played with the kids until it was time for them to head out around 3 or so.
After the kids left Nancy took off for the rec for her workout and I read and then spoke with our mountain mom, Helen. Seems yesterday was a drizzly, wet and cold day with temps in the 30's all day. Today it had reached 47 by the time I spoke with her and the sun was shining but it was blowing like a hurricane. She said everyone was getting spring fever as most have plowed their gardens and are getting ready to plant potato's, however she still has her heat on during the day as well.
Well Nancy had sweet potato's with fresh broccoli and left over rotisserie chicken for supper. That was mighty fine eatin'. We are getting ready for Ava and Sam to sleepover tonight as Amy and Tyler are heading to Riverview for a birthday party at Bob and Jill's. LATER
The broccoli started heading up fast with this warm weather so I cut 5 heads and we had 2 of them for supper tonight,my oh my there is nothing like home grown fresh broccoli. I still have a couple that haven't matured enough to cut. After watering I called our long time friends the Payne's and invited them to come by for some fresh collards and lettuce. I picked them a huge bag of both and they were most appreciative. Amy and the kids came for lunch so I made a huge salad and we put the rest of her turkey pastrami meat on top and along with the crusty bread we had a super lunch.We played with the kids until it was time for them to head out around 3 or so.
After the kids left Nancy took off for the rec for her workout and I read and then spoke with our mountain mom, Helen. Seems yesterday was a drizzly, wet and cold day with temps in the 30's all day. Today it had reached 47 by the time I spoke with her and the sun was shining but it was blowing like a hurricane. She said everyone was getting spring fever as most have plowed their gardens and are getting ready to plant potato's, however she still has her heat on during the day as well.
Well Nancy had sweet potato's with fresh broccoli and left over rotisserie chicken for supper. That was mighty fine eatin'. We are getting ready for Ava and Sam to sleepover tonight as Amy and Tyler are heading to Riverview for a birthday party at Bob and Jill's. LATER
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday
Well I hit the wrong button so I'm writing this for the second so it might not be as detailed as the first one, anyhow after the feathered critter next door woke me at 5AM once again I was seriously thinking about doing him. Anyhow after my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with lots fruit I got ready and pedalled out to the rec for some pickle ball. We had about an hour of good play before the general players arrived and then the caliber of play drastically went down hill. After 2 1/2 hours I was ready for a break so I headed into the weight room for some elliptical work as well as a bunch of crunches. I'm still losing a little of the belly fat but have a ways to go.
I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple new reads before heading home to water the gardens. Nancy had taken off to shop for Sam's birthday so after grabbing a leftover burger I got ready to shampoo the carpets. That took me about two hours but what a difference that made as its been since we got back from the mountains in November that I last did that chore. Anyhow it was a bright sunshine day after the dense fog lifted out of here around lunch time. A nice warm breeze came up which really helped to dry them.
We headed over to Amy's for supper and she made a new pork tenderloin recipe along with black beans and rice with a Caesar salad and bread. Yumm she is becoming quite the cook like her mom. Well not much else is going except we are keeping Ava and Sam tomorrow night as Amy and Tyler travel to Riverview for a combined birthday party for Bob and Jill. This should be an interesting evening as Sam still nurses a little. Amy is trying to wean him but I think he nurses more for the closeness than for the nourishment. LATER
I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple new reads before heading home to water the gardens. Nancy had taken off to shop for Sam's birthday so after grabbing a leftover burger I got ready to shampoo the carpets. That took me about two hours but what a difference that made as its been since we got back from the mountains in November that I last did that chore. Anyhow it was a bright sunshine day after the dense fog lifted out of here around lunch time. A nice warm breeze came up which really helped to dry them.
We headed over to Amy's for supper and she made a new pork tenderloin recipe along with black beans and rice with a Caesar salad and bread. Yumm she is becoming quite the cook like her mom. Well not much else is going except we are keeping Ava and Sam tomorrow night as Amy and Tyler travel to Riverview for a combined birthday party for Bob and Jill. This should be an interesting evening as Sam still nurses a little. Amy is trying to wean him but I think he nurses more for the closeness than for the nourishment. LATER
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday
Well not only has Spring arrived but today was a taste of an early summer less the humidity. The early morning showed a dense fog and about 10:30 the fog burned off and the hot sun came out and then by early afternoon it was down right HOT, thankfully about 5 PM a sea breeze blew in and the leaves from the trees and roof tops just filled the air with falling leaves and cooled things down a bit.
The morning was back to the usual with a wake up around 5 from the the feathered critter next door and eventually I rolled out at 6:30 for my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit before heading out to the rec for some pickle ball. We had about 15 players but the first hour or so we had some good play with good players. We sure will miss our Japanese gal player as Mitsuko left for Japan for 2 months. She is definitely the top female player among our group.
After PB I stopped by the library before pedalling home to water and feed my garden. Amy dropped the kids off as she had a doctors wellness checkup and when she got home we had lunch. They stayed until it was nap time for the kids and then I sat out side under the oak and did some reading after they left. Nancy took off to the rec to get her 40 minutes in on the treadmill.
We decided to eat left overs for supper as we were having house church tonight. We had a good crowd of 12 adults and 4 kids. I stayed in a side room and played with the kids tonight. Well not much else is going on, LATER
The morning was back to the usual with a wake up around 5 from the the feathered critter next door and eventually I rolled out at 6:30 for my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit before heading out to the rec for some pickle ball. We had about 15 players but the first hour or so we had some good play with good players. We sure will miss our Japanese gal player as Mitsuko left for Japan for 2 months. She is definitely the top female player among our group.
After PB I stopped by the library before pedalling home to water and feed my garden. Amy dropped the kids off as she had a doctors wellness checkup and when she got home we had lunch. They stayed until it was nap time for the kids and then I sat out side under the oak and did some reading after they left. Nancy took off to the rec to get her 40 minutes in on the treadmill.
We decided to eat left overs for supper as we were having house church tonight. We had a good crowd of 12 adults and 4 kids. I stayed in a side room and played with the kids tonight. Well not much else is going on, LATER
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday
Well it was once again another beautiful day and it started out with another N.C. morning. The cool crisp morning with lots of dew and the birds were singing their songs. The gym was closed at the rec so I just did and hour workout on the elliptical and on the crunch board. Needless to say my tee shirt was soaking wet as I burned about 600 calories. After the rec I stopped by the library and picked up a read before pedalling home.
Nancy decided we should get our Sam's shopping for the week out of the way as Amy and the kids weren't coming for lunch but for supper. After Sam's we stopped at her folks house where we raked and bagged leaves for about an hour. GG made her famous bacon, egg and onion sandwich for lunch. My was that ever a good eatin'. We made a vegetable stand stop for some strawberries, onions, egg plant, garlic and limes before heading home.
All the 12 or so big black bags of leaves we raked from her folks yard I brought home and took the lawn mower and mulched them down to about 1/5 the original amount. It was a dusty and dirty job but those oak leaves make the best soil once my worms break it down plus the acidity in the leaves make for good soil ph. After mulching the bagged leaves I then mowed my yards and picked up another couple trash cans of leaves and them mulched them as well. It was after 4:30 by the time I finally hosed off all the dirt and dust. Amy and kids came about 5:30 for supper.
Nancy fixed salmon cakes, fresh carrots and yellow rice for supper as well as a salad. Once again another good meal and with all the activity I was hungry. After the cleanup from supper we played with kids until it was time for them to head out for their baths. Sam was starting to get fussy. He is walking a little more each day but still gets around quickly with that one leg scoot. Not much else is going one except we had another St. Petersburg police officer shot and killed last evening; the bad guy hasn't been arrested yet. Also it seems New Zealand was rocked by a major earthquake and the price of oil is skyrocketing due to all the unrest in the middle east. This last bit of info is for my grand kids to read when they get older if we are still here. LATER
Nancy decided we should get our Sam's shopping for the week out of the way as Amy and the kids weren't coming for lunch but for supper. After Sam's we stopped at her folks house where we raked and bagged leaves for about an hour. GG made her famous bacon, egg and onion sandwich for lunch. My was that ever a good eatin'. We made a vegetable stand stop for some strawberries, onions, egg plant, garlic and limes before heading home.
All the 12 or so big black bags of leaves we raked from her folks yard I brought home and took the lawn mower and mulched them down to about 1/5 the original amount. It was a dusty and dirty job but those oak leaves make the best soil once my worms break it down plus the acidity in the leaves make for good soil ph. After mulching the bagged leaves I then mowed my yards and picked up another couple trash cans of leaves and them mulched them as well. It was after 4:30 by the time I finally hosed off all the dirt and dust. Amy and kids came about 5:30 for supper.
Nancy fixed salmon cakes, fresh carrots and yellow rice for supper as well as a salad. Once again another good meal and with all the activity I was hungry. After the cleanup from supper we played with kids until it was time for them to head out for their baths. Sam was starting to get fussy. He is walking a little more each day but still gets around quickly with that one leg scoot. Not much else is going one except we had another St. Petersburg police officer shot and killed last evening; the bad guy hasn't been arrested yet. Also it seems New Zealand was rocked by a major earthquake and the price of oil is skyrocketing due to all the unrest in the middle east. This last bit of info is for my grand kids to read when they get older if we are still here. LATER
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday
Yikes, it certainly has gotten warm and fast, however the nights are still cooling down to the 50's so that makes for good sleeping weather. If I could somehow get that feathered alarm next door to shut-up until at least 6:30 it would be nice. The morning started out with him crowing around 5 AM and continued until I no longer could stay in the sack so at 7 or so I got up for the day. The rec was closed due to the president's day holiday so that meant no pickle ball. Tomorrow it will be closed again for the resurfacing of the gym floors that was done over the week-end and hopefully we will back to play again on Wednesday.
After our quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit I headed out to the back garden to weed and water by hand. The robins are going crazy in the trees and pooping non stop as they eat these dark purple berries on the Brazilian pepper trees. I will be glad when they have moved on as well. We noticed the birds are everywhere in the hood as we took a good couple mile walk before lunch. Wow was it ever nice and the stiff breeze made it comfortable to walk in the high 70 and even low 80's temp's. There was lots of bright sunshine through out the day.
Amy came for lunch with the kids so we ate then played with them until it was time for their naps. Nancy took off after they left and I vaccumed the house prior to heading in the back yard to read a spell. At least the birds have moved on for now. I picked a nice mess of sugar peas for the stir-fry Nancy was making for supper. The peas along with yellow squash and onions made for a great topping for the white rice. Yumm!!. I will be curious to hit the scales at the weight room tomorrow to see just how much of those lost pounds I found. Now much else is going on so, LATER
After our quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit I headed out to the back garden to weed and water by hand. The robins are going crazy in the trees and pooping non stop as they eat these dark purple berries on the Brazilian pepper trees. I will be glad when they have moved on as well. We noticed the birds are everywhere in the hood as we took a good couple mile walk before lunch. Wow was it ever nice and the stiff breeze made it comfortable to walk in the high 70 and even low 80's temp's. There was lots of bright sunshine through out the day.
Amy came for lunch with the kids so we ate then played with them until it was time for their naps. Nancy took off after they left and I vaccumed the house prior to heading in the back yard to read a spell. At least the birds have moved on for now. I picked a nice mess of sugar peas for the stir-fry Nancy was making for supper. The peas along with yellow squash and onions made for a great topping for the white rice. Yumm!!. I will be curious to hit the scales at the weight room tomorrow to see just how much of those lost pounds I found. Now much else is going on so, LATER
Sunday on Monday
The morning was just another fine N.C. morning with cool temps, bright sunshine and the birds were singing to our delight except for our feathered bird next door at 5 AM. Fried chicken anyone!!! I've hinted several time to his owner but they are mute, oh well.
After the usual quiet times and bowls of oatmeal with fruit we got ready to head out to Tampa for Element Church. The service was awesome once again with great music. Attendance was a little lite but of course this was a 3 day holiday for many, so lots of folks were out of town. Nancy's cousin Tom and wife Kathy came back but we had to postpone our after church lunch with them until next week. There was just too much going on and we finally sat down with Bobby and the kids at Sonny's around 1 PM for lunch. Afterwards we headed over to our place for the afternoon as Jill was giving and Artistry Make-up party in Seminole. Amy brought Ava over so the girls could play together for a couple hours.
I had taken out a couple packs of beef and deer burger meat so Bobby spiced them up with his gourmet selections of; too many to mention but there was fresh thyme and parsley. I did them on the grill and picked 3 heads of broccoli plus made another fresh garden salad. Buttered macaroni topped off the meal for the kids and they devoured that as fast as you could put it on their plate. Sam loved the burgers but the girl were not thrilled. Tyler and Amy had a class at SFBC so we kept the kids and they played and danced until the class was over around 7:30.
They all headed out around 8 'ish and wow were we bushed, are we getting old or are the kids just getting more active, I think a little of both. Did I mention Sam is walking occasionally and now Gabey is chowing down on baby food plus the bottle. Ava and Annsley are into acrobatics, make believe they are animals, Narnia and all kinds of fun things. They play well together.
Well not much else as it been a whirlwind past 4 days; Nancy folks Thursday for supper plus Amy and the kids, off to Riverview on Friday night for supper and domino's at Susan and Brian's house with Bobby and his family, the horse races and Dan and Carol for supper on Saturday and to church and lunch out with just Bobby and the kids and then to our house for supper with Bobby and Amy's family on Sunday. I found the 3 pounds I had lost the past couple of weeks, oh well it was more fun finding them than losing them. LATER
After the usual quiet times and bowls of oatmeal with fruit we got ready to head out to Tampa for Element Church. The service was awesome once again with great music. Attendance was a little lite but of course this was a 3 day holiday for many, so lots of folks were out of town. Nancy's cousin Tom and wife Kathy came back but we had to postpone our after church lunch with them until next week. There was just too much going on and we finally sat down with Bobby and the kids at Sonny's around 1 PM for lunch. Afterwards we headed over to our place for the afternoon as Jill was giving and Artistry Make-up party in Seminole. Amy brought Ava over so the girls could play together for a couple hours.
I had taken out a couple packs of beef and deer burger meat so Bobby spiced them up with his gourmet selections of; too many to mention but there was fresh thyme and parsley. I did them on the grill and picked 3 heads of broccoli plus made another fresh garden salad. Buttered macaroni topped off the meal for the kids and they devoured that as fast as you could put it on their plate. Sam loved the burgers but the girl were not thrilled. Tyler and Amy had a class at SFBC so we kept the kids and they played and danced until the class was over around 7:30.
They all headed out around 8 'ish and wow were we bushed, are we getting old or are the kids just getting more active, I think a little of both. Did I mention Sam is walking occasionally and now Gabey is chowing down on baby food plus the bottle. Ava and Annsley are into acrobatics, make believe they are animals, Narnia and all kinds of fun things. They play well together.
Well not much else as it been a whirlwind past 4 days; Nancy folks Thursday for supper plus Amy and the kids, off to Riverview on Friday night for supper and domino's at Susan and Brian's house with Bobby and his family, the horse races and Dan and Carol for supper on Saturday and to church and lunch out with just Bobby and the kids and then to our house for supper with Bobby and Amy's family on Sunday. I found the 3 pounds I had lost the past couple of weeks, oh well it was more fun finding them than losing them. LATER
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday
Well once again the feathered alarm was at his peak around 6 AM and it was difficult for me to not get up a whack him, such a noisy rooster and so early in the morning. Anyhow the day started out with our usual quiet times and I decided to have grits and poached eggs for breakfast. Yikes was that ever good with a glass of V-8 juice and some habenero sauce sprinkled in. Now that wakes up your palate. After breakfast I ventured out into the back gardens to do some transplanting, feeding and watering. Son in law Tyler came by for some beautiful bib lettuce seedlings that I've been saving for his garden. I loaded him up with the seedlings plus a basil plant I managed to save from the cold and a hot chili pepper plant.
After he left Nancy and I decided to take a new adventure to the Oldsmar area(near Tampa) to the Tampa Bay Downs horse race track. Well it was such a beautiful day temps in the middle 70's and bright sunshine. It was about an hour going up as the traffic was heavy and we missed the road as we had never been there before. Well we had a fun time and played on their money while we were there. We only wagered on 5 races and won one so our total loss for the day including admission and program was $8.50. Not bad when you consider $6.50 was admission and program. Nancy picked all the horses and we were in the top 4 every time except one(we won that one) our problem was just not in the right order and we really didn't know how to bet properly. The facility is very nice and the horses were just beautiful and the excitement was just great as the horses finished. We were right next to the track and paddock area. Anyhow we want to go back again before the season is over with.
Well we had neighbors and good friends Dan and Carol for supper. I made another huge fresh garden salad with 4 different lettuces, kale, beet greens and of course my tomato's along with other things but my oh my was that every good. I crisped(burned) the brats and steamed some green peppers and onions, Carol made oven taters' and I pulled enough fresh beets for a mess, man were they ever tasty as well. We all had a piece of left over carrot cake to top the meal off. I already feel like I've put those 3 pounds back on, yuck!!! After supper we played a round of double 12 domino's and Nancy cleaned house with me far back in the pack. It wasn't even close close at the finish line. There was no photo finish!!!
Today(Sunday) is heading over to Tampa for worship at Element Church with son Bobby. He Annsley and Gabey are coming back with us to Seminole after lunch out with Nancy's cousin Tom and Kathy. Jill is giving and Artistry makeup show at Danille's house in the afternoon. I've taken out a couple packs of hamburger and deer burger meat. Should be a fun evening as Amy and her family will be here and the girls will get to play plus we will have some N.C. venison on the grill. LATER
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday
Well, spring has sprung here in the Sunshine State. Friday was just absolutely like a summer day in the mountains with temps getting close to the 80 mark. The skies were blue and clear with just a slight breeze, just awesome but some how I can almost start to feel the increase in the humidity. Anyhow after the usual wake call without the mechanical alarm clock the feathered one next door was having a crowing contest with something. Fried chicken sounds good at 6 AM.
After the usual quiet time and the bowl of oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries , banana and a splash of cinnamon I pedalled out to the rec for pickle ball. Now it was cool enough I had to wear a long sleeve flannel shirt as I pedalled out but by quiting time at the rec it was warm enough to go without a shirt. We had some terrific play with about 8 players most of which are very good, so it was a wet shirt workout. I weighed in afterwards and I'm still down a little from last week , so I'm still losing to the mark I've set. Its really difficult when we fix as many family dinners as we do and most have bread and dessert plus a potato. This week we will have fixed 4 dinners and went out to another dinner. Yikes, how will I ever lose another 5 pounds.
After pickle ball I watered the gardens and wow is the broccoli heading as well as the 1/2 runner beans are blooming and starting to get big on the vine and the romaine lettuce is starting to ease up but the bib is taking off so we should have lots of greens for salads a while. The beets are the size of tennis balls as well as the Swiss chard, collards and kale are magnificent. Still picking a few tomato's but that cold snap last week with frost set them back. At least I didn't lose any plants.
Well, the kids didn't come for lunch today as Nancy ate out with her Bible study girls so I ate the last couple smoked drumsticks on a top of a fresh salad. Wow was that ever tasty. After lunch I settled in for another good read in the back yard under the oak when all of a sudden I began hearing what I thought was acorns falling and then realized that a flock of robins were using my tree to settle in while they flew next door to eat these black looking berries in this Brazilian pepper tree. Well their dropping look like coal, so I moved out from under the tree without any direct hits. Wow that was close!!!
Nancy came home and did her afternoon walk through the hood while I made another huge fresh salad to take to our domino night in Riverview with our daughter in law, Jill's parents, Brian and Susan. They grilled chicken on bamboo with tomatoes, onions and green peppers, Yumm and Bobby made a rice dish along with brushetta on toasted bread and Nancy made a carrot cake for dessert. We had an exciting 4-5 rounds of double 15 and Bobby annihilated us with going out every round. No one can be that lucky or good but he was, even when I had to play his hand a couple time while he was doing some child adjustments. I began to wonder if there wasn't some "heavenly intervention"???It was a fun time but it took us nearly 2 hours to get there as the traffic was stop and go for about half the distance. Coming back it only took us an hour and we were home by 11'ish.
Well today we are thinking of taking a ride to Oldsmar where the Tampa Bay Downs are to watch the horses run. We have never been there and may even wager on one or two. If you don't hear from us for a week or two you know we won the big race, but since we are novices and only go for the pretty horses I would venture to say we will be back here tomorrow enlightening you with all of our excitement(not), wisdom(not) and witty conversation(not) and boring lifestyle. I sure am getting the planting fever for the mountains as I awakened to thoughts of turning over the gardens and sowing seeds. Yikes, only about 3 months to go!!! LATER
After the usual quiet time and the bowl of oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries , banana and a splash of cinnamon I pedalled out to the rec for pickle ball. Now it was cool enough I had to wear a long sleeve flannel shirt as I pedalled out but by quiting time at the rec it was warm enough to go without a shirt. We had some terrific play with about 8 players most of which are very good, so it was a wet shirt workout. I weighed in afterwards and I'm still down a little from last week , so I'm still losing to the mark I've set. Its really difficult when we fix as many family dinners as we do and most have bread and dessert plus a potato. This week we will have fixed 4 dinners and went out to another dinner. Yikes, how will I ever lose another 5 pounds.
After pickle ball I watered the gardens and wow is the broccoli heading as well as the 1/2 runner beans are blooming and starting to get big on the vine and the romaine lettuce is starting to ease up but the bib is taking off so we should have lots of greens for salads a while. The beets are the size of tennis balls as well as the Swiss chard, collards and kale are magnificent. Still picking a few tomato's but that cold snap last week with frost set them back. At least I didn't lose any plants.
Well, the kids didn't come for lunch today as Nancy ate out with her Bible study girls so I ate the last couple smoked drumsticks on a top of a fresh salad. Wow was that ever tasty. After lunch I settled in for another good read in the back yard under the oak when all of a sudden I began hearing what I thought was acorns falling and then realized that a flock of robins were using my tree to settle in while they flew next door to eat these black looking berries in this Brazilian pepper tree. Well their dropping look like coal, so I moved out from under the tree without any direct hits. Wow that was close!!!
Nancy came home and did her afternoon walk through the hood while I made another huge fresh salad to take to our domino night in Riverview with our daughter in law, Jill's parents, Brian and Susan. They grilled chicken on bamboo with tomatoes, onions and green peppers, Yumm and Bobby made a rice dish along with brushetta on toasted bread and Nancy made a carrot cake for dessert. We had an exciting 4-5 rounds of double 15 and Bobby annihilated us with going out every round. No one can be that lucky or good but he was, even when I had to play his hand a couple time while he was doing some child adjustments. I began to wonder if there wasn't some "heavenly intervention"???It was a fun time but it took us nearly 2 hours to get there as the traffic was stop and go for about half the distance. Coming back it only took us an hour and we were home by 11'ish.
Well today we are thinking of taking a ride to Oldsmar where the Tampa Bay Downs are to watch the horses run. We have never been there and may even wager on one or two. If you don't hear from us for a week or two you know we won the big race, but since we are novices and only go for the pretty horses I would venture to say we will be back here tomorrow enlightening you with all of our excitement(not), wisdom(not) and witty conversation(not) and boring lifestyle. I sure am getting the planting fever for the mountains as I awakened to thoughts of turning over the gardens and sowing seeds. Yikes, only about 3 months to go!!! LATER
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday
Well it finally got back to Florida temps with the highs back into the high 70's actually reached 76 today with bright sunshine and clear blue skies. After my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit I pedalled out to the rec for some pickle ball. We had 12 players today with 3 courts going at one time and there were lots of wet shirts by the time 10 AM came around.
I stopped by the library and picked up 3 new reads ,one of which I have nearly finished while sitting in the back yard after the kids left for their afternoon naps. Nancy had taken her folks to the eye doctor up in Clearwater so I put a pot roast in the oven for supper as we were feeding her folks and Amy and the grand kids, Tyler was teaching at ESL at church. I spent the afternoon watering the gardens, reading and cat napping in the warm sunshine under the oak tree in the back yard.
We had a pot roast with spuds, carrots and a fresh garden salad for supper along with crusty bread. GG brought a orange jello for dessert of which I passed. Well everyone just left and its right at 8 o'clock so I heading for the showers, LATER
I stopped by the library and picked up 3 new reads ,one of which I have nearly finished while sitting in the back yard after the kids left for their afternoon naps. Nancy had taken her folks to the eye doctor up in Clearwater so I put a pot roast in the oven for supper as we were feeding her folks and Amy and the grand kids, Tyler was teaching at ESL at church. I spent the afternoon watering the gardens, reading and cat napping in the warm sunshine under the oak tree in the back yard.
We had a pot roast with spuds, carrots and a fresh garden salad for supper along with crusty bread. GG brought a orange jello for dessert of which I passed. Well everyone just left and its right at 8 o'clock so I heading for the showers, LATER
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday
Well the morning was just a fine one with enough coolness in the air that I wore a long sleeve shirt as I pedalled out to the rec for some pickle ball. We had about a dozen players, but the first hour of play was just great with some very good play. Lots of long rallies and some really good shots. This all took place after my quiet time and the usual bowl of oatmeal with some fruit. After the workout at the rec I headed home and Nancy and I took off for Sam's Club to pick up chicken for the smoker as we were supplying the meat for tonight's fellowship meal at house church.
After Sam's we headed to the drivers license office so Nancy could renew her license for another 8 years. We got there ahead of our appointment time and we were on our way home before our scheduled time, yikes is that a first as usually there is always a waiting line. After getting home I hand watered the garden while Nancy got lunch ready for Amy and the grand kids, Ava and Sam. It was just beautiful out with bright sunshine and just enough of a breeze to make it comfortable in the sun. I believe it was in the low 70's for the high today. After eating left over collards along with some rotissere chicken for lunch I headed out to feed my new lettuce seedlings and the rest of the gang took a walk around the big neighborhood block. After the kids left I got about 17 pounds of chicken legs ready to put on the smoker. I loaded the smoker up with apple and hickory wood I brought back from the mountains and my oh my was that ever a great combo for chicken. There was potato casserole, toss salad, squash casserole, green bean casserole, biscuits and cup cakes for dessert. I passed on the dessert but everything else was delicious and we had a large crowd with 16 adults and 6 kids.
Well not much else went on for the day except I managed to sit outside in the back yard in the sunshine and finish up a good read while smelling that awesome wood smoke. LATER
After Sam's we headed to the drivers license office so Nancy could renew her license for another 8 years. We got there ahead of our appointment time and we were on our way home before our scheduled time, yikes is that a first as usually there is always a waiting line. After getting home I hand watered the garden while Nancy got lunch ready for Amy and the grand kids, Ava and Sam. It was just beautiful out with bright sunshine and just enough of a breeze to make it comfortable in the sun. I believe it was in the low 70's for the high today. After eating left over collards along with some rotissere chicken for lunch I headed out to feed my new lettuce seedlings and the rest of the gang took a walk around the big neighborhood block. After the kids left I got about 17 pounds of chicken legs ready to put on the smoker. I loaded the smoker up with apple and hickory wood I brought back from the mountains and my oh my was that ever a great combo for chicken. There was potato casserole, toss salad, squash casserole, green bean casserole, biscuits and cup cakes for dessert. I passed on the dessert but everything else was delicious and we had a large crowd with 16 adults and 6 kids.
Well not much else went on for the day except I managed to sit outside in the back yard in the sunshine and finish up a good read while smelling that awesome wood smoke. LATER
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday
The morning started out the usual with my quiet time then a bowl of oatmeal with fruit before pedalling out to the Rec. for some pickle ball. It was nippy at 7:30 but the birds were singing and there was that feeling of "its gonna be a spring morning," and it turned out to be just a gorgeous day. We had about 11 players and the play was fast and furious and my new pardner for the Good Life Games showed up today and we held the courts for over a 1/2 hour without a loss. Thats the first time we have been able to practice together against some pretty good play. After the rec I stopped off at the library before heading home to water the gardens. The temps had warmed up dramatically in 2 1/2 hours.
After watering the gardens Nancy headed over to pick up Amy and the kids as she had her car serviced so she was without wheels today. We had a great lunch time Ava and Sam and he is such a good eater. After eating I jumped on the bike and headed out to my local barber for an ear lowering. Afterwards we all took a walk around the block with Sam riding on my shoulders. Nancy took off with Amy and the kids around 2:30 so I sat out in the back yard and read for a couple hours until it was time to pick collards and get them cooking for supper. Man were they ever good along with oven 'taters rolled in olive oil, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. She then fried up a couple fish fillets and supper was Yumm!!
Well not much else is going on except it was just nice to be able to wear shorts, pick tomato's and enjoy the warm sunshine, LATER
After watering the gardens Nancy headed over to pick up Amy and the kids as she had her car serviced so she was without wheels today. We had a great lunch time Ava and Sam and he is such a good eater. After eating I jumped on the bike and headed out to my local barber for an ear lowering. Afterwards we all took a walk around the block with Sam riding on my shoulders. Nancy took off with Amy and the kids around 2:30 so I sat out in the back yard and read for a couple hours until it was time to pick collards and get them cooking for supper. Man were they ever good along with oven 'taters rolled in olive oil, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. She then fried up a couple fish fillets and supper was Yumm!!
Well not much else is going on except it was just nice to be able to wear shorts, pick tomato's and enjoy the warm sunshine, LATER
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday
Wow, was it ever one of those beautiful Florida winter days, however the morning started out with frost everywhere, except on my garden. The roof tops and cars in the 'hood as I pedalled out to the rec after my quiet time and usual bowl of oatmeal with fruit was just coated with the icy white stuff. After 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball I stopped by the weight room for a weigh-in and I'm still maintaining with no gain after the weekend. Good-bye belly fat(I hope)!!!The temps had risen to the low 60's and by afternoon it was pushing 70 and the rest of the week it will be in the low 70's and precipitation.
Well after stopping by the library on the way home from the rec I was saddened to learn the librarian, Pat Bartell age 85 had passed away a couple days ago. What a neat gal she was and one would never know she was in her 80's. She use to go to Texas every year to cook on a chuck wagon for her daughter and family for the annual fall cattle roundup, she even invited me to accompany her one year, only wish I had taken her up on that invite. She will be missed.
Well after Amy and the kids came for lunch I headed to Clearwater court house to pick up a copy of our marriage certificate so Nancy could renew her drivers license on Wednesday. It seems now all renewals are under the jurisdiction of homeland security, oh well!!! I stopped and had the grill gas tank refilled on the way home just in case we were low on gas for the grill. Tonight I grilled a couple 3/4 inch rib eye steaks for supper with some sauteed Swiss chard and beet greens, my oh my was that ever good along with a fresh garden salad. Nancy added a sweet potato to her plate but I passed as I'm trying not to eat protein with a starch, Yummm!!!!
Well not much else is going on except I transplanted several bib lettuce seedlings as my romaine lettuce is starting to go away. My that has been one super great crop of lettuce and one of the most nutritional as well. The tomato's are still producing and the green beans are really setting as well. LATER
Well after stopping by the library on the way home from the rec I was saddened to learn the librarian, Pat Bartell age 85 had passed away a couple days ago. What a neat gal she was and one would never know she was in her 80's. She use to go to Texas every year to cook on a chuck wagon for her daughter and family for the annual fall cattle roundup, she even invited me to accompany her one year, only wish I had taken her up on that invite. She will be missed.
Well after Amy and the kids came for lunch I headed to Clearwater court house to pick up a copy of our marriage certificate so Nancy could renew her drivers license on Wednesday. It seems now all renewals are under the jurisdiction of homeland security, oh well!!! I stopped and had the grill gas tank refilled on the way home just in case we were low on gas for the grill. Tonight I grilled a couple 3/4 inch rib eye steaks for supper with some sauteed Swiss chard and beet greens, my oh my was that ever good along with a fresh garden salad. Nancy added a sweet potato to her plate but I passed as I'm trying not to eat protein with a starch, Yummm!!!!
Well not much else is going on except I transplanted several bib lettuce seedlings as my romaine lettuce is starting to go away. My that has been one super great crop of lettuce and one of the most nutritional as well. The tomato's are still producing and the green beans are really setting as well. LATER
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sunday
Well the day started out with bright sunshine but cold temp's for Florida and some patchy frost. My garden was spared once again even though I never covered it with blankets. After our quiet times and a bowl of oatmeal with banana, blueberries and strawberries with a sprinkle of cinnamon we got ready to head out to Tampa for worship at Element Church. Were we ever surprised when we pulled into the parking lot to see Nancy's first cousin Tom and his wife Kathy Cumpson who were visiting the Sarasota area from Pennsylvania. They had visited Element last year with his folks(Daryl and Warnie) and seem to really like it which really surprised us. We weren't too sure how they would enjoy contemporary music but it seems to be what they were looking for. They especially liked the non formal attire, laid back atmosphere and Bobby's speaking ability as well as its content.
Bobby has been doing messages on the series "why we do what we do" and today's theme was about worship. He used a lot of scripture but the main text was from Ezekiel. We are always just blown away with his ability to communicate as well as worship with music. Awesome job son!!! After the service we gathered around and visited loving up on Annsley and Gabriel before heading out as we had to be at the nursing home to assist in the 2 o'clock service we have every other Sunday. We had a large crowd today of wheelchairs that make up the group. Our friend and neighbor Dan brought the message on Jonah today. Well we got back from the nursing home around 3 PM and the sun was warm in out of the breeze so I sat in the back yard and read for a couple hours before hand watering the gardens.
I cut my first broccoli today from the garden and picked a couple handfuls of snow peas and green beans, also picked 4 nice beets and saved the beet greens to go in the stir fry Nancy made for supper. She cooked the broccoli, peas, onions, green beans(handful) water chestnuts and beet greens in olive oil with fresh garlic and put that over rice and had a couple fried fish fillets as well as fresh sliced beets. What a delicious supper since we had a quick lite lunch of tuna fish sandwiches before rushing out to the nursing home. We buy this individual wrapped frozen fish fillets called swami which is excellent, reminds me of flounder. The only place we can get it is Wal-Mart of all places but next to fresh bass and catfish it the best.
Well after supper I cleaned up and have just enough left over stir fry and fish for tomorrow's lunch for me. Nancy isn't a big fan of stir fry, but I love left overs. Not much else is going on except the temp's are supposed to be even warmer tomorrow near the 70 degree mark. LATER
Bobby has been doing messages on the series "why we do what we do" and today's theme was about worship. He used a lot of scripture but the main text was from Ezekiel. We are always just blown away with his ability to communicate as well as worship with music. Awesome job son!!! After the service we gathered around and visited loving up on Annsley and Gabriel before heading out as we had to be at the nursing home to assist in the 2 o'clock service we have every other Sunday. We had a large crowd today of wheelchairs that make up the group. Our friend and neighbor Dan brought the message on Jonah today. Well we got back from the nursing home around 3 PM and the sun was warm in out of the breeze so I sat in the back yard and read for a couple hours before hand watering the gardens.
I cut my first broccoli today from the garden and picked a couple handfuls of snow peas and green beans, also picked 4 nice beets and saved the beet greens to go in the stir fry Nancy made for supper. She cooked the broccoli, peas, onions, green beans(handful) water chestnuts and beet greens in olive oil with fresh garlic and put that over rice and had a couple fried fish fillets as well as fresh sliced beets. What a delicious supper since we had a quick lite lunch of tuna fish sandwiches before rushing out to the nursing home. We buy this individual wrapped frozen fish fillets called swami which is excellent, reminds me of flounder. The only place we can get it is Wal-Mart of all places but next to fresh bass and catfish it the best.
Well after supper I cleaned up and have just enough left over stir fry and fish for tomorrow's lunch for me. Nancy isn't a big fan of stir fry, but I love left overs. Not much else is going on except the temp's are supposed to be even warmer tomorrow near the 70 degree mark. LATER
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday
Well it was another chilly day with temps not getting out of the 50's , but at least there was lots of bright sunshine and a strong breeze. We sorta slept in but was serenaded from about 6 Am until we finally got up around 8:30. Eventually we may have to eat that bird or he may disappear unexpectedly, anyhow we just hung out around the house most of the day.
After our quiet times Nancy made some breakfast burritos and I did the clean up. It was still chilly out so I just layed around and read until afternoon. We were initially planning on heading over to the horse race track in Oldsmar but it was just too windy and chilly so we cancelled that until a warmer day. We had never been there so we wanted to check it out, anyhow we opted to take a walk through the hood to get some exercise. It was still breezy and the cold went right through you so we were glad we didn't head to the track.
After the walk I came back and watered the garden while Nancy heated up the rest of the pasta fazoule soup for lunch. I decided I was going to finish this great read and investigation into the death of a fellow Floridian with a contract killing by the victim's wife in the Miami area. Once again money and greed was at the heart of this senseless murder. We decided to just eat lite for supper so I grilled a couple chicken breasts and we put that on top of the rest of salad from last night's supper. Yikes was that ever good with a Greek dressing. Tomorrow is worship at Element Church with son Bobby so we are looking forward to seeing him and his family and then we will help with the nursing home service in the afternoon. LATER
After our quiet times Nancy made some breakfast burritos and I did the clean up. It was still chilly out so I just layed around and read until afternoon. We were initially planning on heading over to the horse race track in Oldsmar but it was just too windy and chilly so we cancelled that until a warmer day. We had never been there so we wanted to check it out, anyhow we opted to take a walk through the hood to get some exercise. It was still breezy and the cold went right through you so we were glad we didn't head to the track.
After the walk I came back and watered the garden while Nancy heated up the rest of the pasta fazoule soup for lunch. I decided I was going to finish this great read and investigation into the death of a fellow Floridian with a contract killing by the victim's wife in the Miami area. Once again money and greed was at the heart of this senseless murder. We decided to just eat lite for supper so I grilled a couple chicken breasts and we put that on top of the rest of salad from last night's supper. Yikes was that ever good with a Greek dressing. Tomorrow is worship at Element Church with son Bobby so we are looking forward to seeing him and his family and then we will help with the nursing home service in the afternoon. LATER
Friday
Well I'm writing this post on Saturday morning after sleeping in, I guess that's whats its called as that feathered alarm clock next door crowed all morning, anyhow I can say I was in the bed until nearly 8:30.
Friday morning was another cold day for Florida standards, but no frost just overcast and a cold northern breeze with temps down into the high 30's. I don't think it reached much over 50 all day long but there was very little sunshine. I got a call from Paw Paw and it was single digit in Winchester, Va. there most all this week with some snow still laying in certain areas where the sunlight doesn't penetrate. All in all we are pretty lucky to be only this cold and my garden except for a few plants actually like it. At least that keeps the bugs aways.
I pedalled out to the rec after my usual quiet time and oatmeal for 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. Wow did we ever have a workout the first hour and then only one player showed who held back the good play. What a workout and I had a wet shirt once again. I weighed in and I'm down 1/2 pound for the week. Not as good as I wanted but still considering the great meals Nancy makes, I'm tickled that I'm still maintaining. Would like to drop 5 more pounds before we head to the mountains in May, hopefully.
Amy and the kids came for lunch and little Sam loved the soup Nancy made Thursday night. He ate soup broth from a spoon which was something I'd never seen him do before but he loved it as well as did everyone else. After lunch we played and then they took off about 2:30 for their naps. We had an invite to Dan and Carol for supper so we just read and stayed in the house where it was warm. The wind made for a cold day plus the overcast skies made it seem colder. Finally the sun came out around 4 o'clock and made it a little cheery but the day was about gone by then. Nancy walked to the rec for her workout and I finished up another good true crime read.
We headed over to the Botbyl's around 5:30 with a huge fresh garden salad I made and then enjoyed a new pork over rice dish she made. After supper we cleaned up and then got in a game of phase 10 which Nancy won and then 24 rounds of OH -ell(H) which she also won. So I was going home with a winner. I got back in time to watch the Gold Rush show about digging for gold in Alaska at Porcupine Creek. I love that name and its a pretty good show at times.
Well not much else went on Friday except nephew Braden(Besty's son) passed out and had to be taken to the hospital. All his test came back good and the explanation for what happened was the first for me. The doctors say this occasionally happens to men when they urinate. Something to do with the restriction of the blood. First I'd ever heard of that. Oh well, he is back home and seems normal. LATER
Friday morning was another cold day for Florida standards, but no frost just overcast and a cold northern breeze with temps down into the high 30's. I don't think it reached much over 50 all day long but there was very little sunshine. I got a call from Paw Paw and it was single digit in Winchester, Va. there most all this week with some snow still laying in certain areas where the sunlight doesn't penetrate. All in all we are pretty lucky to be only this cold and my garden except for a few plants actually like it. At least that keeps the bugs aways.
I pedalled out to the rec after my usual quiet time and oatmeal for 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. Wow did we ever have a workout the first hour and then only one player showed who held back the good play. What a workout and I had a wet shirt once again. I weighed in and I'm down 1/2 pound for the week. Not as good as I wanted but still considering the great meals Nancy makes, I'm tickled that I'm still maintaining. Would like to drop 5 more pounds before we head to the mountains in May, hopefully.
Amy and the kids came for lunch and little Sam loved the soup Nancy made Thursday night. He ate soup broth from a spoon which was something I'd never seen him do before but he loved it as well as did everyone else. After lunch we played and then they took off about 2:30 for their naps. We had an invite to Dan and Carol for supper so we just read and stayed in the house where it was warm. The wind made for a cold day plus the overcast skies made it seem colder. Finally the sun came out around 4 o'clock and made it a little cheery but the day was about gone by then. Nancy walked to the rec for her workout and I finished up another good true crime read.
We headed over to the Botbyl's around 5:30 with a huge fresh garden salad I made and then enjoyed a new pork over rice dish she made. After supper we cleaned up and then got in a game of phase 10 which Nancy won and then 24 rounds of OH -ell(H) which she also won. So I was going home with a winner. I got back in time to watch the Gold Rush show about digging for gold in Alaska at Porcupine Creek. I love that name and its a pretty good show at times.
Well not much else went on Friday except nephew Braden(Besty's son) passed out and had to be taken to the hospital. All his test came back good and the explanation for what happened was the first for me. The doctors say this occasionally happens to men when they urinate. Something to do with the restriction of the blood. First I'd ever heard of that. Oh well, he is back home and seems normal. LATER
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Thursday
Can you believe it, this week is nearly gone. The morning started out with a pretty steady rain, so much so I had to drive to the rec after my quiet time and the usual bowl of oatmeal with fruit. We had about an hour of just great play then the second hour or so was kind of a cool down with the more general players. The rain also kept several away who weren't missed for their inexperienced play. After the rec we got ready to head out to the drivers license in Pinellas Park so Nancy could renew her license.
Well let me tell you things have really changed since I retired in '04 with regard to drivers license. Now everyone no matter have to bring an original birth certificate and if your female a copy of your marriage certificate for proof of your name change, passport, s.s.n. and 2 proofs that you live where you say you do. The valid license in your possession is no longer good without these proofs. I was told now all licenses are under the homeland security rules, Oh well!!! Needless to say the appointment we made so she could get her eye test for a license renewal will have to be made another day after we take a trip to the court house and get not just a copy but a certified copy of our marriage license where its noted she changed her last name to mine. Yikes, talk about extra expense and paperwork.
After leaving the DL Office we stopped off at Sam's to pick up a few goodies before heading home for lunch. The temp's were close to 70 and with the bright sun it actually was quite warm. It didn't take long for the sun to be hidden by the clouds and a stiff breeze from the north dropped the temps down into the 60's. Still it wasn't too bad considering. Amy and the grand babies came by after their lunch at GG and Pap's and stayed for a couple hours which gave Tyler a chance to rest. He was feverish with chills and a body ache as he was fighting another cold. The doctor loaded him up with scripts once again.
Nancy made a delicious pot of pasta fazule soup for supper along with some corn bread muffins, wow was that ever tasty and it hit the spot as the evening began to cool down. Well not much else is going except I picked another bunch of lettuces, beet greens, kale and 5 tomato's this evening for a large salad. LATER
Well let me tell you things have really changed since I retired in '04 with regard to drivers license. Now everyone no matter have to bring an original birth certificate and if your female a copy of your marriage certificate for proof of your name change, passport, s.s.n. and 2 proofs that you live where you say you do. The valid license in your possession is no longer good without these proofs. I was told now all licenses are under the homeland security rules, Oh well!!! Needless to say the appointment we made so she could get her eye test for a license renewal will have to be made another day after we take a trip to the court house and get not just a copy but a certified copy of our marriage license where its noted she changed her last name to mine. Yikes, talk about extra expense and paperwork.
After leaving the DL Office we stopped off at Sam's to pick up a few goodies before heading home for lunch. The temp's were close to 70 and with the bright sun it actually was quite warm. It didn't take long for the sun to be hidden by the clouds and a stiff breeze from the north dropped the temps down into the 60's. Still it wasn't too bad considering. Amy and the grand babies came by after their lunch at GG and Pap's and stayed for a couple hours which gave Tyler a chance to rest. He was feverish with chills and a body ache as he was fighting another cold. The doctor loaded him up with scripts once again.
Nancy made a delicious pot of pasta fazule soup for supper along with some corn bread muffins, wow was that ever tasty and it hit the spot as the evening began to cool down. Well not much else is going except I picked another bunch of lettuces, beet greens, kale and 5 tomato's this evening for a large salad. LATER
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday
Well it was a down right nippy this morning with temps into the low 40's, what happened to those 70's from last week?? By the afternoon I had opened the windows and doors and had to move out of the sun as it got rather hot. It was back to the 70's once again, and the afternoon was just splendid. Well after my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit I pedalled out to the rec for some pickle ball. We had a much limited crowd with mainly players with more experience and expertise and what a great first hour. Lots of wet shirts and some super rallies.
After PB I headed home to work in the garden and already by then the temps had risen 20 or more degrees and actually I was sweating while pulling weeds, feeding my new seedlings and transplanting new plants. Yikes was it ever nice as I shed my sweater for just a tee shirt. Amy and the kids came for lunch and they had a salad while I chowed down on some leftover deer steaks, yumm! After lunch I headed back outside to the garden an worked there until the kids left for their afternoon naps. Nancy took off on her neighborhood walk and I started a new read while sitting in the sun outside under the oak. Wow was it ever nice and the sun was so hot I had to move into the shade.
We decided to eat the left over lasagna from Sunday for supper as all we had to do was microwave it and I had the last of the salad as well. It's house church tonight, meeting at our place so I vacuumed and Nancy dusted just before every one's arrival around 7 PM. Well not much else is going on so it's LATER.
After PB I headed home to work in the garden and already by then the temps had risen 20 or more degrees and actually I was sweating while pulling weeds, feeding my new seedlings and transplanting new plants. Yikes was it ever nice as I shed my sweater for just a tee shirt. Amy and the kids came for lunch and they had a salad while I chowed down on some leftover deer steaks, yumm! After lunch I headed back outside to the garden an worked there until the kids left for their afternoon naps. Nancy took off on her neighborhood walk and I started a new read while sitting in the sun outside under the oak. Wow was it ever nice and the sun was so hot I had to move into the shade.
We decided to eat the left over lasagna from Sunday for supper as all we had to do was microwave it and I had the last of the salad as well. It's house church tonight, meeting at our place so I vacuumed and Nancy dusted just before every one's arrival around 7 PM. Well not much else is going on so it's LATER.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday
Yikes the cold weather is back but not real cold anyhow after my usual quiet time and oatmeal with some fruit for breakfast I pedalled out to the rec for some pickle ball. Yeow it was a bit breezy as well but I managed to get there without freezing up. The skies were overcast until the afternoon and then it cleared off and a stiff breeze took over.
After the rec. I transplanted some bib lettuce seedlings before getting ready for Ava and Sam along with Amy for lunch. I picked a huge colander of kale, beet greens and 2 kinds of lettuce and Nancy cleaned it and made a great salad for lunch with some of my 'maters and all the other stuff. Yeow was that ever good eatin'. I played with the kids until it was time for them to head out for their naps around 2:30. After they left, Nancy did her hoofing around the neighborhood and I finished up a good read about a 12 year girl who got into this Goth movement and became intimate with a 23 year old guy who murdered her parents; she even cut the throat of her 6 year old brother all because they(parents) restricted her from these people. Yikes what a sad situation and these Goth's are for real when it comes to violence and the influence they exercise socially on certain teenagers.
Well we decided to have some chicken fried deer steak for supper along with some milk gravy I made from the dripping and placed that over white rice. I also picked a bunch of Swiss chard and sauteed it with fresh garlic in olive oil, oh my what good eatin' that was. Many thanks to our mountain buddy Andy for this superb meat.Well that's about all for this day as its time for Fox news then Bill O'Reilly. LATER
After the rec. I transplanted some bib lettuce seedlings before getting ready for Ava and Sam along with Amy for lunch. I picked a huge colander of kale, beet greens and 2 kinds of lettuce and Nancy cleaned it and made a great salad for lunch with some of my 'maters and all the other stuff. Yeow was that ever good eatin'. I played with the kids until it was time for them to head out for their naps around 2:30. After they left, Nancy did her hoofing around the neighborhood and I finished up a good read about a 12 year girl who got into this Goth movement and became intimate with a 23 year old guy who murdered her parents; she even cut the throat of her 6 year old brother all because they(parents) restricted her from these people. Yikes what a sad situation and these Goth's are for real when it comes to violence and the influence they exercise socially on certain teenagers.
Well we decided to have some chicken fried deer steak for supper along with some milk gravy I made from the dripping and placed that over white rice. I also picked a bunch of Swiss chard and sauteed it with fresh garlic in olive oil, oh my what good eatin' that was. Many thanks to our mountain buddy Andy for this superb meat.Well that's about all for this day as its time for Fox news then Bill O'Reilly. LATER
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday
Well its sure been a wet soggy and overcast couple of three days. I think we saw the outline of the sun for about 5 minutes this evening, after the wind came up and blew this front out of here. With the front passing through the temps have already dropped from the upper 70's to down in the lower 50's. Hopefully tomorrow will bring the sunshine back even if the temps are lower. This morning found me after my quiet time and the usual bowl of oatmeal with fruit, on the bike pedalling to the rec. We had a large turnout an unfortunately some very inexperienced players which brings the level of play down considerably, however the usual 4-5 players showed up early and we managed to get in some good play before everything with South.
After 2 plus hours I headed to the weigh room for some crunches and a weigh in. I'm still maintaining a small weigh loss even after this week end of feasting with the family. We sure had some great meals and fellowship with the celebrating of a visit from Miami by Arianne, a wedding anniversary of Amy and Tyler and a birthday celebration of son, Bobby. Yikes its a constant meal preparation at my house with family but so much fun. Nancy and I are truly blessed.
After the rec this morning I pedalled home to feed the new seedlings. I picked another 1/2 dozen tomato's and noticed that in a couple days we will have fresh broccoli to cut. The lettuce is still maturing and with the new bib seedlings we should have some good pickings for weeks to come. After a lunch of leftover salad with Amy and the kids I headed in to read and play with kids until it was time for them to head out for their afternoon naps. After they left I cranked up Turbo tax and file my taxes on line for the third year in a row. For 30 bucks its hard to beat their itemized tax return. At least my tax bill this year is 1/4 less than last year, but still more than I would have liked to pay.
Well not much else to report except it seems the rest of the week here finds the high for temps may reach the low 70's with lows in the 40's at night. I'm starting to think about when we will be heading to the mountains and if all goes well with Nancy's father we want to leave after daughter Amy's birthday in May. I know its too cold in the mountains to think about springtime but many there are anticipating that to happen and the sooner the better. We sure hope we get to spend a little time there this summer without traveling back to Florida every 3-4 weeks. LATER
After 2 plus hours I headed to the weigh room for some crunches and a weigh in. I'm still maintaining a small weigh loss even after this week end of feasting with the family. We sure had some great meals and fellowship with the celebrating of a visit from Miami by Arianne, a wedding anniversary of Amy and Tyler and a birthday celebration of son, Bobby. Yikes its a constant meal preparation at my house with family but so much fun. Nancy and I are truly blessed.
After the rec this morning I pedalled home to feed the new seedlings. I picked another 1/2 dozen tomato's and noticed that in a couple days we will have fresh broccoli to cut. The lettuce is still maturing and with the new bib seedlings we should have some good pickings for weeks to come. After a lunch of leftover salad with Amy and the kids I headed in to read and play with kids until it was time for them to head out for their afternoon naps. After they left I cranked up Turbo tax and file my taxes on line for the third year in a row. For 30 bucks its hard to beat their itemized tax return. At least my tax bill this year is 1/4 less than last year, but still more than I would have liked to pay.
Well not much else to report except it seems the rest of the week here finds the high for temps may reach the low 70's with lows in the 40's at night. I'm starting to think about when we will be heading to the mountains and if all goes well with Nancy's father we want to leave after daughter Amy's birthday in May. I know its too cold in the mountains to think about springtime but many there are anticipating that to happen and the sooner the better. We sure hope we get to spend a little time there this summer without traveling back to Florida every 3-4 weeks. LATER
Sunday
Well I'm finally getting around to catch up on all the activity that occurred on Sunday. After the usual morning routine of my quiet time and a lite breakfast we got ready to head out to Tampa for worship at Element Church with son Bobby. We were heading back to Seminole after the service so we picked up our neighbors Dan, Carol and Paula and car pooled. Bobby had a super message on why we give reflecting on what the prophet Samuel told King Saul about destroying the Amaleks in the old testament and Saul's failure to do as GOD commanded. It was a very good message and the music was awesome as well.
After dropping off our neighbors we ate a lite lunch before starting to get ready once again for another big family supper. I headed out to the garden to pick lots of greens for a large salad and Nancy began to put together 3 pans of lasagna one of which we froze for a later date. My what a job that is and it seemed I washed dishes all evening. Finally around 4: 30 they began to arrive and by 5:30 we sat down to eat. The supper was superb and Nancy had made a fresh blackberry cobbler with frozen yogurt for dessert. I passed on it but did have a small bowl of the cobbler after lunch on Monday. The reason for the get together was to celebrate Bobby's 30th birthday.
We let the kids play, gave them all baths and they headed out during the third quarter of the super bowl with the Packers winning. Green Bay went on to win in one of the best games in the past couple years. After all the cleanup and pick up of the house it wasn't long until I was ready for bed. Nancy found out one of our friends from the mountain had emergency gall bladder surgery earlier in day so she managed to get a hold of her at the hospital. Sure was great to hear Mechelle was doing so well after surgery. Not much else went on for the day so I will enclose a few pics, LATER
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday
The morning started out with a sleep in until nearly 8 o'clock after the feathered alarm clock next door began his crowing around 5. Fortunately we were able to put that aside and snuck a few more moments where he actually shut up. The temps were rather warm in the 60's but eventually after the overcast skies began to drizzle and rain the temps slowly went south down into the low 50's. It still was pleasant enough considering what was happening north of us. After our quiet times Nancy took the left over parsley taters and fried them up and then we each added a couple poached eggs on top with some toast and black raspberry jam. Yumm!!! That held me until supper except for a handful of almonds around 4 PM.
I worked in the garden until the rain started which was around noon or so and decided to put together all of my paperwork, receipts, etc so I can file my taxes for this past year. I spent most of the afternoon checking and rechecking figures and just organizing that mess. We were have the family, actually just GG, Pap, niece Arianne from Miami and Nancy's sister Betsy for supper along with Ava and Sam, as we were babysitting them so their mommy and daddy could go out for their 6th wedding anniversary. Wow they took in Bern's steakhouse in Tampa. That's the top place around these parts and they boast of having the most complete and largest active wine cellar in the world. Yikes is that a nice place but to high dollar for my pension. Oh well I grilled pork chops with the bone in and had a fresh garden salad, GG made mac and cheese and broccoli/ cauliflower and a chocolate cake. I stayed away from the dessert although it was a tough decision, tomorrow Nancy is making blackberry cobbler from some mountain berries we had frozen from last summer with vanilla frozen yogurt on top for dessert as per Bob's request.
After supper we just sat around and listened to Arianne's tales and watched her slide show of pictures. We bought a tent much like a tree trunk and Ava and Sam just love it so that helped to keep them entertained until bath time. It was a fun evening and tomorrow we celebrate Bob's birthday with another family dinner so we will add 4 more to the gang from last night. Nancy made a lasagna sauce all day which just permeated the house with a delicious smell so we are looking forward to chowing down on that just before the super bowl starts.
Well I'm writing this on Sunday morning and its in the 50's and overcast with a chance of rain. We are getting ready to head over to Tampa for worship at Element Church. Come on down!!!LATER
I worked in the garden until the rain started which was around noon or so and decided to put together all of my paperwork, receipts, etc so I can file my taxes for this past year. I spent most of the afternoon checking and rechecking figures and just organizing that mess. We were have the family, actually just GG, Pap, niece Arianne from Miami and Nancy's sister Betsy for supper along with Ava and Sam, as we were babysitting them so their mommy and daddy could go out for their 6th wedding anniversary. Wow they took in Bern's steakhouse in Tampa. That's the top place around these parts and they boast of having the most complete and largest active wine cellar in the world. Yikes is that a nice place but to high dollar for my pension. Oh well I grilled pork chops with the bone in and had a fresh garden salad, GG made mac and cheese and broccoli/ cauliflower and a chocolate cake. I stayed away from the dessert although it was a tough decision, tomorrow Nancy is making blackberry cobbler from some mountain berries we had frozen from last summer with vanilla frozen yogurt on top for dessert as per Bob's request.
After supper we just sat around and listened to Arianne's tales and watched her slide show of pictures. We bought a tent much like a tree trunk and Ava and Sam just love it so that helped to keep them entertained until bath time. It was a fun evening and tomorrow we celebrate Bob's birthday with another family dinner so we will add 4 more to the gang from last night. Nancy made a lasagna sauce all day which just permeated the house with a delicious smell so we are looking forward to chowing down on that just before the super bowl starts.
Well I'm writing this on Sunday morning and its in the 50's and overcast with a chance of rain. We are getting ready to head over to Tampa for worship at Element Church. Come on down!!!LATER
Friday, February 4, 2011
Friday
Well what a beautiful day with temps into the low 80's, yikes at one time there was the mention of A/C. The morning was the usual with a bowl of oatmeal with blue berries, fresh strawberries and a banana after my quiet time. I headed out on the bike to the rec for pickle ball. We had only 7 players today and the first hour there was just 4 of us, so the play was excellent for most of the morning. Lots of wet shirts and I was whupped by 10 AM. I stopped off at the library for a couple new reads before heading home.
I hand watered the garden until it was time to make a large fresh garden salad for lunch as Nancy was at her Friday morning Bible study at SFBC. Amy came with Ava and Sam and we watched Ava give her trike quite a workout on the sidewalk then we decided to head in for lunch. The salad was superb and after the cleanup the girls headed out to do some shopping at Target. I watched Ava and Sam and we had a grand time. The girls came back with a small tent that resembled a tree trunk so we put that together and the kids just loved it, especially Sam. He thought that was great and he cried when it was time to put it up and head home for their naps. We are watching them tomorrow evening as Amy and Tyler are going out to a fancy restaurant for their 6th wedding anniversary. We will have GG, Pap and Arriane for supper.
Well after a supper of roast beef and broccoli we headed up to the Botbyl's to play cards and I whupped them all again. Not much else going on except this week end should be some great eatin' especially with Bob's birthday dinner on Sunday evening and the super bowl as well. LATER
I hand watered the garden until it was time to make a large fresh garden salad for lunch as Nancy was at her Friday morning Bible study at SFBC. Amy came with Ava and Sam and we watched Ava give her trike quite a workout on the sidewalk then we decided to head in for lunch. The salad was superb and after the cleanup the girls headed out to do some shopping at Target. I watched Ava and Sam and we had a grand time. The girls came back with a small tent that resembled a tree trunk so we put that together and the kids just loved it, especially Sam. He thought that was great and he cried when it was time to put it up and head home for their naps. We are watching them tomorrow evening as Amy and Tyler are going out to a fancy restaurant for their 6th wedding anniversary. We will have GG, Pap and Arriane for supper.
Well after a supper of roast beef and broccoli we headed up to the Botbyl's to play cards and I whupped them all again. Not much else going on except this week end should be some great eatin' especially with Bob's birthday dinner on Sunday evening and the super bowl as well. LATER
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Thursday
Well it was just another overcast cloudy warm day but around 3 PM the sun was seen for the first time in 2 days. The morning was the usual with my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with some fruit before pedalling out to the rec for some 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball. We had about 12 players and some really good play initially before the general players arrived about 9 AM. After PB I pedalled home and we got ready to head out to Sam's Club to gas up and get the goodies needed for making Bobby's 30th birthday dinner on Sunday evening. We will have cousin Arrianne visitingwith us from Miami as well. On the way home from Sams we stopped and picked up some fresh veggies and strawberries at the fruit stand. We came home and had a fresh garden salad with the rest of the smoked turkey as Amy and the kids had gone to GG and Paps for lunch.
After lunch I climbed up on the roof with rake and the blower and began cleaning off the dead limbs, twigs, leaves and acorns that had accumulated over the summer and fall. I had quite a pile of debris and took the lawn mower to mow them up and then placed around my plants in garden for mulch. Afterwards the sun came out and I sat in the warm sunshine for an hour reading before it was time to pick herbs for supper. Nancy made parsley potato's, fresh asparagus and salmon cakes for supper as Amy and the kids ate with us.
Well today was my son's 30th birthday and it's hard to believe he reached that milestone so suddenly, wow where did the time go? He has certainly made us proud of him. Happy Birthday Son. Well there is not much else going on for today as we just finished giving baths to Ava and Sam. They are so cute together in the tub and that boy is like a slippery worm while trying to get him dressed. LATER
After lunch I climbed up on the roof with rake and the blower and began cleaning off the dead limbs, twigs, leaves and acorns that had accumulated over the summer and fall. I had quite a pile of debris and took the lawn mower to mow them up and then placed around my plants in garden for mulch. Afterwards the sun came out and I sat in the warm sunshine for an hour reading before it was time to pick herbs for supper. Nancy made parsley potato's, fresh asparagus and salmon cakes for supper as Amy and the kids ate with us.
Well today was my son's 30th birthday and it's hard to believe he reached that milestone so suddenly, wow where did the time go? He has certainly made us proud of him. Happy Birthday Son. Well there is not much else going on for today as we just finished giving baths to Ava and Sam. They are so cute together in the tub and that boy is like a slippery worm while trying to get him dressed. LATER
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wednesday
Well was it ever a cloudy overcast day with no sunshine at all. That very seldom occurs in Florida, at least it reached 70 degrees so it was still warm enough to be outside. After my quiet time this morning with a bowl of oatmeal and fruit I pedalled out to the rec for some pickle ball. We had a few regulars missing but still had a good morning with about a dozen players. After PB I headed to the weight room and did a few crunches as well as a weigh-in and I'm down another pound. So if I keep this us I should reach my goal by the time I get ready to head for the mountains in May.
After getting back to the house Nancy took off to do her shopping at Publix and I worked in the garden until lunch time. After lunch it looked more and more like rain so I decided to just stay in and read but we never got the rain. We were having our house church at our house tonight while the kids were being looked after at the Botbyl's house. We had a full house to night with 14 adults and 7 kids. Nancy made a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies and those seemed be a big hit with all, of course I refrained once again as I'm trying to meet my goal. Well not much else except we had stir fry for supper with fresh snow peas out of the garden on a bed of wild rice. That was very yummy. LATER
After getting back to the house Nancy took off to do her shopping at Publix and I worked in the garden until lunch time. After lunch it looked more and more like rain so I decided to just stay in and read but we never got the rain. We were having our house church at our house tonight while the kids were being looked after at the Botbyl's house. We had a full house to night with 14 adults and 7 kids. Nancy made a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies and those seemed be a big hit with all, of course I refrained once again as I'm trying to meet my goal. Well not much else except we had stir fry for supper with fresh snow peas out of the garden on a bed of wild rice. That was very yummy. LATER
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Tuesday
Well the morning started out the usual with a few quiet moments of reflection and thanksgiving before having a bowl of oatmeal with some blueberries and a banana. Afterwards I got ready to head out on the bike to the rec for some pickle ball. The crowd was a little less today with only 11 players but that made for some continuous play for a little over 2 hours, yikes was that ever good exercise and there were lots of wet shirts.
After PB I stopped by the library and dropped off some books and picked up another before heading home to hand water and feed the garden. The new lettuce seedlings I transplanted yesterday seem to be doing good as well as are the herbs I planted into the ground from pots. I think the real cold freezing temp's are gone from this year or at least I hope so until next December. I managed to catch another fruit rat last night with peanut butter in a rat trap so I buried it an added it to the compost pile for the worms.
Amy dropped Sam off on her way to register Ava for pre-K school in the fall so we had some great one on one with him. He is such a smiley, sweet boy but does throw a little tantrum when you take something away from him. He isn' t walking alone yet, but walks around holding on to something, he an Ava are best buddies and play great together for long periods. We had a great salad for lunch all of which I grew in the garden.
After the kids left for their naps Nancy took off on her walk through the hood and I sat around and read. Wow it looks as if the middle and north east part of the nation is getting another winter storm, looks as it if we won't get any real cold weather here in Florida but we certainly feel for our family and friends who are affected as this has been another one of the cold snowy winters and its just the first of February. Well I pulled a nice mess of collards for supper and my oh my were they ever delicious. Nancy added a little ham base bullion and wow does that ever add flavor as well as some pinto beans and some smoked turkey. What a yummy supper and very little fat or carbs. I'm still working on another pound loss this week of belly fat. Well not much else is going on except got a call from our mountain mom that the weather was going down hill once again and that she had a good visit with her doctor and our friend. The new calendar for February has the exact replica of the feathered alarm clock next door, how funny is that!! LATER
Monday
Well the morning started out the usual with cool temps but the sun appeared to be peaking through the morning dawn so it had the potential for another glorious Florida day. By afternoon we hit 75 and it was just beautiful, actually had to get in the shade in the afternoon as the sun was hot, but nice. After our morning quiet time I headed out to the rec on the bike for some pickle ball, wow did we ever have a crowd with 3 courts going and 6-8 waiting at times. There were lots of wet shirts. After the PB I checked into the weight room for some crunches and to weight myself and the 1 helping has helped me to lose about 3 lbs. Also the no desserts and limited amount of bread has helped as well., but the big thing is to limit my intake and maximize my output of work.
After getting back from the rec I worked in the garden until Amy and the kids came for lunch. Nancy made a beautiful home grown garden salad(will post a picture later) and we spread a little of the left over smoked turkey on top. Yumm!! Sam loves this smoked turkey and once again had several helping with his bread and cheese. He is really shooting up and should be walking soon. Ava was her delightful self and is growing so fast as well, she will be 4 in April, where did the time go??
After the kids left I worked in the garden transplanting bib lettuce seedlings and pulling weeds. I pulled a nice mess of collards for GG and Pap and we are having them as well on Tuesday night. They are growing fast. The tomatoes are still growing and making but slowly as well as the beans, but the leafy green veggies love these cool nights and warm days. I finally have a cucumber plant that has broken grown after several tries, looking forward to a sweet home grown one.
We headed over to Amy and Tyler for supper as she was making her famous chicken casserole and Caesar salad. Yumm very good eating. I limited myself to no seconds except for the salad and 2 pieces of bread, but no dessert. Anyhow the kids entertained us and we decided after their baths we would head for home around 8:30. It was a fun evening and the food was delicious. After a shower I settled in to watch a little of the NHL all stars then watched a guy who got lost on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon and survived to tell about for over a week with no shoes and very little clothing, Yikes was he lucky. LATER
After getting back from the rec I worked in the garden until Amy and the kids came for lunch. Nancy made a beautiful home grown garden salad(will post a picture later) and we spread a little of the left over smoked turkey on top. Yumm!! Sam loves this smoked turkey and once again had several helping with his bread and cheese. He is really shooting up and should be walking soon. Ava was her delightful self and is growing so fast as well, she will be 4 in April, where did the time go??
After the kids left I worked in the garden transplanting bib lettuce seedlings and pulling weeds. I pulled a nice mess of collards for GG and Pap and we are having them as well on Tuesday night. They are growing fast. The tomatoes are still growing and making but slowly as well as the beans, but the leafy green veggies love these cool nights and warm days. I finally have a cucumber plant that has broken grown after several tries, looking forward to a sweet home grown one.
We headed over to Amy and Tyler for supper as she was making her famous chicken casserole and Caesar salad. Yumm very good eating. I limited myself to no seconds except for the salad and 2 pieces of bread, but no dessert. Anyhow the kids entertained us and we decided after their baths we would head for home around 8:30. It was a fun evening and the food was delicious. After a shower I settled in to watch a little of the NHL all stars then watched a guy who got lost on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon and survived to tell about for over a week with no shoes and very little clothing, Yikes was he lucky. LATER
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
