Thursday, January 31, 2013

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday was another summer like day with temps into the middle 80's and a breeze that reached small craft warnings; actually the breeze helped to keep the humidity down. I started the morning the usual way with a cup of green tea and then my few quiet moments before a lite breakfast then a ride out to the rec on my bike for a couple plus hours of pickle ball. We had a small group to start but eventually we had both courts in use with a couple waiting. I managed to work up a good sweat before heading out.

Nancy was wanting to run some errands so we headed out around 10:30 for drugs stores, doctors offices, Wal-Mart, Sams Club and finally at GG's to drop off some things we picked up for her. By now it was after 1PM and our stomachs were growling. We had a quick lunch of salad and left over bratwursts before I headed out in the back yard to work in the garden. I picked up a couple new lettuces; red leaf and iceberg to plant where the first romaine lettuce is about finished. I turned over the ground and got it ready for the planting in a day or so. I also picked up another batch of Georgia sweet onion seedling as we had used most of the first bunch as scallions. I love fresh sweet onions but the only draw back is they are slow growers. After watering everything as the wind was really drying up the soil I headed in to read while Nancy headed to the rec and the treadmill.

It was close to 4 PM when she got back so we made a few phone calls to check the weather and how illnesses were doing. Helen sounded much better and it was 59 at the cabin but raining and windy; those severe storms were heading up her way. At least now she can get her car out of her driveway as much of the snow has melted. What crazy weather patterns or should I say the lack of a pattern for winter. I headed out to pick fresh dill for our grilled salmon and to once again pick romaine for another Caesar salad to go along with fresh picked green beans for supper. Nancy microwaves a small sweet spud for her but I passed on it as the fish, salad and beans were plentiful and delicious. We had a nice conversation with Uncle Mike Dillon as he had open heart surgery just about a week ago as was home recuperating. He and Dee both sounded good and he was in good spirits about the whole process.

Well that's about it for Wednesday as we settled in after the clean up to Fox News and then the Idol show. It wasn't long afterwards I was ready for some horizontal lab, LATER

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Wednesday Morning

Tuesday was another summer day typical for the mountains with temps in the low to middle 80's and not much humidity with a gentle breeze from the northeast. It was close once again to setting records for this time of the year. Chicago set a nearly 100 year old record with warm temps for this date in time and just a few days ago they had minus temps from the cold. Whats with this weather??

The morning started out much the usual with a cup of hot green tea then a few quiet moments before a lite breakfast then a ride to the rec on the bike. It was in the middle 60's to start the day and the sun was a big ball of orange as I pedalled out. What a beautiful morning with dew on the grass and the birds were singing. I got in a little over 2 hours of pickle ball play and had a wet shirt to show for the effort. Afterwards I headed home to work in the garden. I cut several bunches of romaine lettuce and distributed to my neighbor Bill behind me and to Darlene the neighbor who moved into where the Lundh's lived. They were tickled to get the fresh lettuce and most appreciative.

Amy, Sam and GG were coming for lunch so I cut another bunch of lettuces, kale and beet greens for another salad for us. I cleaned and then used the salad spinner to get the water from the leaves then broke them up for a large salad for us. I picked several more heads and sent them home with GG. The garden is producing faster than we can use it.

After they left to pick up Ava and return GG to her house, we read until it was time to start supper. I grilled bratwursts and cut a couple heads of romaine lettuce and made a Caesar salad for us along with tater tots and sauteed pepper and onions to go with the brats. Yeow, was that ever good eatin'. After the clean up we tuned into Fox News until it was time for the Lightning hockey game with the Florida Panthers around 8 PM. The Bolts put it on the Panthers 5-2 in a great game played in Tampa. Shortly afterwards it was time for the sand man, LATER

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Tuesday Morning

Well Monday was another one of those days that nearly had record temps for January; at 5:30 in the evening it was still 81 degrees. The morning was much the usual except for after my quiet time and a lite breakfast we were back in the gym for pickle ball. The resurfaced floor was very nice to look at but since the floor had been sanded down it became considerably lighter in color which made for much difficulty in picking up the ball with your eyes. The shiny new surfaced also made for much faster play as well as causing the ball to skid off the new surface.

After a couple hours of PB I headed for the library to pick up a couple books then pedalled home on my bike. Wow was it ever a nice day so I spent the next hour or so working in my garden. I transplanted the basil seedlings into a couple pots then transplanted the cucumber seedlings into the ground, picked green beans, hoed and then hand watered the gardens as well. It was going on noon when I decided I was hungry after a lite breakfast of fruit. Nancy and I ate a fresh salad and I polished off the last few pieces of smoked chicken on top of it; yeow did that ever make for good eatin'.

Nancy took off to purchase that dress she tried on Saturday for Arianne's wedding in May as it was the only dress in her size at that store. It's very elegant and at a decent price and perfect for festive occasions. She was gone for a couple hours as Target was close by and with Valentine Day approaching it was time to purchase for grand babies, yeow sometimes I think merchants make up all these holidays just for grand parents to spoil their grand babies, Oh well!!!

I sat outside while she was gone shopping; reading and keeping those pesky squirrels out of my garden and new seedlings. It was just gorgeous out and I got a couple hours of good time in for reading. After Nancy got back from the dress shop and she modeled for me and I must admit it fit her perfectly and she looked great in it as well. We spoke with our Mountain Mom, Helen and learned she had gone back to the doctor for more antibiotics as she is having a difficult time with this head and lung congestion, thankfully the doctor found no evidence of pneumonia. We then got ready to head over to GG's for supper.

She made stuffed peppers and smashed tater's and I brought a huge fresh garden salad I put together after lunch while Nancy was out shopping. Amy, Tyler and the kiddos came as well to GG's and the food was awesome. Tyler and I cleaned up the dishes afterwards and then we got ready to head out around 7:30. It was still 73 degrees outside. Well we settled into Fox News and I flipped channels until it was shower time and then I read until it was lights out, LATER

Monday, January 28, 2013

Monday Morning

Wow its presently 65 degrees, unbelievable for this time of the year. Sunday was another beautiful day with temps in the high 50's to start the morning and it stayed nice all day long. Actually in the shade there was enough coolness to notice, but in the sun it was down right hot. The humidity is gone so we still have the windows open.

We started the morning with our quiet times then a lite breakfast before getting ready to head over to Tampa for worship at Element Church with son Bobby. Dan and Carole rode with us this week as it was my turn to drive. Bob's message was inspiring and the music was awesome. Once again we saw lots of new faces and gave lots of hugs. After leaving the service we headed up on the interstate and found the westbound lanes blocked due to a major motorcycle crash. We had to detour through downtown Tampa which took us an extra hour to just get home; what a mess that turned out to be.

We got home a little after 1PM an ate some leftover Olive Garden and I had a salad with some leftover smoked chicken. It was after 2 by the time we ate and then the cleanup. Nancy headed over to GG's for a visit with the gang before they headed back to Miami. I chilled in front of the tube after watering the gardens. We decided to eat a frozen pizza and a salad for supper when she got back from her visit and taking GG to the market.

Well I watched some of the pro bowl and saw where 2 of the Bucs stand outs scored a couple touch downs. The NFC was slaughtering the AFC when I cut the game off but I did watch the Lightning beat the Flyers in hockey 5-1, Go Bolts!!! Well that's about it for Sunday, LATER

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Sunday Morning

Well Saturday was a very busy day especially after 5:30 when everyone arrived for supper; but the morning kept me busy. I felt like a chef as I made a huge salad from lots of fresh items from the garden then I pulled and clean a gigantic pot of collards, seasoned them with smoked bacon, onion and some vegetable base and put them on low to cook all day and then got 2 birds really for the smoker. They were the best ever and the pot was literally licked clean. All of that after my quiet time and a lite breakfast of fruit.

Arianne is in town with her fiance Errol and then her mother Dianne flew in from Detroit so they were all going wedding dress shopping taking Nancy,Amy and GG along for their opinions. I was left to get the dinner ready which just required a lot of prep work but I enjoy cooking especially on the smoker. Errol came by and spent the afternoon with me. We chatted from time to time but he mainly worked with his computer as he is very talented music wise. He has 5 music degrees and teaches at 3 universities as well as does gigs and teaches with Arianne in her side job of teaching piano and giving voice lessons to the very rich Cubans in Coral Gables near Miami. He also has a music publishing company.

I really got to know him and while he is some 15 years older than Arianne he is well versed in everyday life and speaks several languages. I informed him of Nancy and ours 10 1/2 years age difference and some of our other friends who have even larger age differences. They are a perfect fit together as both are very out going and love to tell of their journey's together while traveling. He proposed to her on top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France; how romantic and they shared with us after eating last night  the occasion through pictures. It was and hysterical event as he is afraid of heights on top of it being very cold.

We had a house full with Bob's family, Amy's family and of course the out of towners as well as Betsy came after work. All toll we had 15 here. The beer in the rear birds were done to perfection with apple wood and hickory smoke and as I carved them the meat literally fell from the bones. I stuffed them with fresh rosemary, thyme, cilantro and parsley as well as an apple in the cavity and in the steam pan underneath. I smoked them 5 1/2 hours and were they ever delicious; just a few morsels leftover. GG had made 2 large pans of mac and cheese and Amy made broccoli and cauliflower and Nancy made a chocolate with chocolate icing the day before(I passed on the cake). We tasted a bottle of my Pinot Noir and the gals had some Moscato. The kids ate very well and played great together and it was close to 10 before the families left and some of the real talkers were still in the living room after I hit the pillow. Nancy woke me up at 12:30 as she came to bed.

It's always fun to have family occasions and the eatin' was delicious. Arianne found a beautiful wedding dress and now the wedding has been moved to Saturday morning on the 18th of May in Miami. Well that's about it for Saturday as today Sunday is worship day at Element Church in Tampa with son Bobby, LATER

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Saturday Morning

Friday was a busy day which started out with temps on the chilly side; 48 degrees with lots of sunshine, no wind and blue skies which helped to quickly warmed up into the middle 70's. I was sitting on the front porch in the early afternoon and had to seek shade as the sun was blazing hot.

The morning was much the routine with the 6 ish wake up crow by the rooster next door then my quiet time and a breakfast of grapefruit, orange juice and sliced fresh strawberries in a bowl. I pedalled out to the rec for some nearly 2 hours of pickle ball around 7:30. Today was our last day outside on the courts and most all of us really enjoyed the different game the outside play presents. It's a little slower and you must make allowances for the sun and wind. The courts have certain amounts of debris that also effect the ball; it definitely doesn't skid on the asphalt.

I headed home early by 30 minutes as I was watching Sam while Amy headed for her 10 AM Bible study with Nancy at our old church. Sam and I played cars and trucks then I read books and finally we decided on watching "monster trucks" on the Internet. He loves tractors, trucks, excavators, bulldozers etc. and the noisier the better. Ava had a half day of school so Amy picked her up after her class and they all came for lunch. It was so beautiful out by then we headed for the backyard to play outside.

I spoke to Paw Paw and he said it was 24 degrees and snowing hard in Winchester and then I spoke with Helen our "mountain mom" and it was 16 degrees and sleeting in the mountains. Yeow is this ever some cold weather; but so far we have been buffered by the jet stream. The garden is doing great with these cool nights and warm afternoons. I picked lots of Romaine and made a Caesar Salad to take up to Dan and Carol's for supper. She picked up Olive Garden on her way home from work and we ate together then played a game of Phase 10 and I smoked them for a change.

Well today is another busy day with a family supper as Arianne, Errol and Diane are all coming from out of town. Seems they will join Amy, Ava, Nancy and GG and go look for wedding dresses for Arianne wedding in May. I'm doing chicken in the smoker and collard greens while they are away plus a big salad. Should be a raucous time of eating and out talking the other, LATER

Friday, January 25, 2013

Friday Morning

Well Thursday turned out to be just another gorgeous day with cool temps to start the morning but eventually warmed up to the low 70's with bright blue skies and just enough of a breeze to keep it pleasant in the direct sunlight. It was rather chilly as I rode out to the rec for pickle ball.

We had a small crowd of 7 players to start the morning but finally picked up a couple more as the day progressed. I got in 2 plus hours of play and while we wore sweaters, jackets, hoods and gloves to start out by 10 AM we were down to tee shirts. The morning routine was much the same with a lite breakfast of fruit after my quiet time and before pedalling out on my bike.

After the workout I came back and spent the next couple hours working in the garden. It was time to feed all of my plants so I mixed up about 30 gallons of Miracle Grow and gave each individual plant a cup of the food. I do that about every 2 weeks and it has made a difference when it comes to yield so far. Amy and Sam came for lunch and after they left a little after 2 we picked up GG and headed for Sam's Club. We are having a family dinner on Saturday as Arianne and Errol are coming into town from Miami to look for wedding dresses for their May 17 date. I will smoke a couple beer in the rear chickens and make a huge garden salad and everyone else is bringing side dishes. It should be a fun time for such a joyous occasion.

We stopped off on the way back from Sam's and rehung a sliding closet door then brought GG home with us for supper. I had picked a large mess of green beans so we did our famous beef and beans only I substituted deer for the beef. Yeow was that ever delicious. I cut the cubed deer into small strips then sauteed that in fresh squeezed garlic(home grown from the cabin) with olive oil, added chopped onions and sliced fresh mushroom. I then added the fresh green beans and brought that to a boil then Nancy did her magic on the thickening and gravy. We added that over Jasmine rice and wow what good eatin'.

We sat around and watched the news before Nancy drove GG to her house. I headed for the shower then turned on the Fights(boxing) and flipped back and forth to American Idol. Around 10:30 it was lights out for me as well as for a couple of the fighters on the boxing matches. On a good note of news Mike Dillon is doing great from the major heart surgery and is already off the ventilator. We are delighted to hear such good news, LATER

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Thursday Morning

Well it didn't get as cold as the fore cast predicted. It's 52 this AM and supposed to go to the low 70's for the day. Wednesday was chilly to start with as the north wind was blowing and some early clouds with the mercury in the high 40's. It quickly warmed up to the high 60's by the time we finished our couple hours of outside pickle all. There was just 8 players for most of the morning until the gals drifted in around 9 and then they had one court and we men had the other. We got in some really good play towards the end of the morning.

The morning routine was the usual with fresh fruit for breakfast after my quiet time then a ride out to the rec on the bike for pickle ball. After PB I stopped off at the library for a new read then headed home to hand water the garden. Nancy was on her walk through the hood and then she was off to the hair dresser for a cut. I chilled after the morning workout and read. I ate a fresh salad for lunch and Nancy mixed up some canned chicken(which to me tastes like tuna fish without the mercury) for lunch. After lunch I sat out in the sun and read which was just beautiful. It was quiet around as Amy and Sam did lunch with GG.

We got word that brother in law Mike came through the valve operation on his heart and only it needed repaired. That should help with his speedy recovery and we are so thankful he did fine. That is about all the news or happenings around here for Wednesday, LATER

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Wednesday Morning

The cold front brought lots of clouds and wind. It was sweater weather to start the day and by the time we started playing pickle ball it had warmed up enough for just shirts. The temps stayed around the 65 mark most of the afternoon so it was pleasant outside and last night it dropped into the 40's again but not nearly as cold as it is up North. Yeow, they are having some miserably cold weather; the coldest in years, oh well!!!

The morning was much the usual except for the chilly ride out to the rec. There were 8 of us to play PB on the outside courts and we had a good workout for 2 hours plus. The wind was blocked by the building so it wasn't too bad except for top spin lobs which moved all over the place. After PB I stopped off to pick up a new book I had ordered at the library then headed home. Nancy was getting ready to leave for a mega dental appointment so I headed out to the barber for an ear lowering, riding on my bike. I use a local gal which is just down the road on Seminole Blvd.

I came back to hand water and pick lettuces for a fresh salad. After making the salad I ate one for lunch then settled in to wait on Nancy to return. She had 5 front teeth restored; redo the fillings and build up the tooth to make it stronger. Yeow the work done was awesome but with a big price tag. At least Nancy feels great about his work and last night around 7:30 the phone rang and it was the dentist asking how she was doing. That's different!!!

Nancy chicken fried deer cube steak for supper and along with broccoli from my garden and white rice we dined; licking the skillet clean. Yeow that is some awesome eatin' and we always comment how much healthier we would be if we ate venison instead of beef; plus the taste is delicious. We are thankful our mountain friends and neighbors always think of us when harvesting these tasty animals. After the clean up we settled into the Fox News channel then I headed for the showers.

On a more somber note our brother-in-law Mike Dillon in Virginia is at this moment under the scalpel for open heart surgery to repair or replace a valve. He is at the U.Va. hospital in Charlottesville and has one of the best doctors for this procedure in the country; but still keep him and the doctor in your thoughts and prayers for a successful operation and speedy recovery, LATER

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Tuesday Morning

Monday was a routine kind of day; not much going on except once again the weather was spring like. Later in the evening a cloud cover arrived and dropped the temp down into the high 50's overnight.

The morning started with much the usual routine; quiet time, lite breakfast of grapefruit, orange juice and fresh strawberries in the mix before heading out to the rec. The rec itself is closed due to MLK Day but since we now have portable PB nets we set up 2 courts outside on the basketball courts. At times we had up to 6 players waiting to get on. We had some great play and my shirt once again was soaked after 2 plus hours of play. I'm getting to really like playing outside as the game is a lot slower  with longer rallies.

I pedalled home without any stops as the library is closed also. I spent an hour or so pulling weeds, hoeing and hand watering the gardens. I noticed I have some basil coming up from seeds I scattered in the ground as well as some cucumbers. I thought these seeds were old but all of this warm weather caused them to germinate. My spaghetti squash I'm growing from seeds are about 6 inches high so I transplanted them into a different part of the garden as their vine gets huge and will taken over. Hopefully I can train it onto a fence. Every thing else is doing well and of course we have a fresh salad everyday. I've been giving away lettuces and collards. We had fresh green beans to go along with our fried potato's and onions for supper. Yeow was that ever good and takes me back to my childhood days when that dish was a staple in our house as we grew 100 bushel or more of 'taters every year and then sold half of them.

Nancy had to drive GG to purchase her appliances then she came back for lunch. Amy, Ava and Sam came for a visit then I watched Sam while they all went shopping. We played outside until it cooled down with the cloud cover then we headed in to play cars and trucks. Sam wanted watch on the computer tractors, big trucks etc. He sat on my lap forever watching these.

 GG called and needed help changing a light bulb so I headed over to do that then picked up her electric chain saw. I needed to saw up some citrus wood for my smoker this weekend as we are having out of town guests. Arriane and her mom Diane are coming in to look for wedding dresses for Arianne, yelp she is finally making plans for a May wedding. Well the chain saw was messed up as the last person to use caused the chain to go off track so I spent an hour making that correction, oh well!!!

After the supper clean up we settled into Fox news and then I tuned into Alaska State Troopers for a couple hours before calling it a day around 11PM, LATER

Monday, January 21, 2013

Monday Morning

Well Sunday turned out to be another nice day with temps not as warm as Friday but still short sleeve weather. We got ready after our quiet times and breakfast(leftover buckwheat cake with homemade apple butter for me) for worship at Element Church in Tampa. We rode with Dan(we carpool) as Carol was under the weather and saw lots of new faces at the service. Bobby had a good message and the music was very inspiring.

After the service we headed down to Gibsonton where our friends Jerry and Becky Hoffman opened a new project. Last year he purchased several acres and started a hydroponic farm where this year he has U-pick strawberries. It's really unique how he has set this up where you no longer have to bend over to gather the berries. You wash your hands with a foam sanitizer before taking a small pair of scissors to cut the berry off of the vine that is hanging from a Styrofoam pot that has 20-30 places for the berry plants to set in on a pole . The pot turns around on the pole so you can get to the berry plants an at the bottom the pole is set in a large planter that has fresh veggies growing. The food and water are going to each pole that gradually filters down to the bottom plants. There were thousands of berry plants and just loaded with fruit in all stages. Lots of ready to be picked and just beautiful fruit. This enterprise is a winner and it is so much closer than Plant City which is the capital for berries.

We gathered 2 large bags of berries in no time and it was a real experience with this set up. The berries were large and beautiful; afterwards we headed back to Seminole. We ate some leftovers for lunch then Nancy began to clean and cap the berries. I headed in to get ready for the playoff games and wow for a change they were exciting. The 49'Niners came from down 17 points to beat the Falcons in a close game and the Ravens beat the Patriots in the late game. That game was an upset as Brady usually brings back that team in the closing moments. So the super bowl is between 'Frisco and Baltimore in February. East coast versus the west coast; should be an exciting and hopefully good game.

Well that's about it for this Sunday as we are for casted for cooler temps this week but nothing like the northeast, LATER

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Sunday Morning

Well winter only lasted a day it seems as yesterday it warmed up into the low 70's so off with the heat and open the windows and doors. I played outside in shorts and a t-shirt all day. We received some great photos of our mountain cabin covered in snow with a brilliant blue sky in the back ground taken by our neighbor, Jodi. Wow we would have liked to have been there for the snow but also some great Spades we play during the summer when we are there with her and husband Gerald.

The morning started with a sleep in until 8 AM, was that ever nice. After our quiet times and morning routines Nancy made some buckwheat cakes with a banana in the batter along with a couple cackleberries. Sure do miss those homegrown ones with the rich orange yokes. It was close to 10 by the time I did the clean up. I headed out to check on the gardens and to hand water them. I picked a nice mess of green beans as well as cut 4 heads of broccoli. The lettuce is producing enough so I'm able to supply the neighbors as well as have a fresh salad each day. I just love the way lettuce grows in Florida for some reason it's very difficult to grow in my summer garden in the mountains. I have lots of green tomato's but none ripening which almost makes me believe nematodes have set in on the roots. They are very bad when it comes to tomato roots. The egg plants have several blooms which is a good sign they will be setting fruit and the Swiss chard is ready for cutting next week, Yumm!!.

We took a long walk through the hood and then came back for a lite lunch while waiting on Ava and Sam to arrive. Amy and Tyler took in the Titanic exhibit and then went out to eat. Amy called it a date night and Ava asked "does that mean where you kiss". Well we got a laugh out of that but asking that at 5 years of age. We played outside until it was supper time. Nancy headed over to pick up GG who ate with us and also made a bunch of peanut butter cookies. Well I broke down and ate a handful for dessert after our Zuppa soup and salad. The kiddos had a grand time and plum wore us out. Where do they get all that energy??

Amy and Tyler came back around 8 and visited for an hour then headed out taking GG home for us on their way. It was shower time and then I flipped for awhile. I'm reading a book titled BLOOD ON THE RISERS by an Army Ranger who spent 31 months in Viet Nam. Good male reading!!!

Well today is worship day at Element Church in Tampa(of course every day is worship day) with our son and a group of great young folks, looking forward to seeing all of them as we were under the weather last week, LATER

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Saturday Morning

Friday started out cold and windy and stayed that way until mid afternoon when the temps finally reached 60 degrees. That's nothing when you compare to the mountain weather with Florida. Some places there had over a foot of snow that started falling on Thursday evening and lasted most of the night and to make it worse the power was out for many in our area for several hours. That is their first really good snow fall in a couple of years, oh well!!!

I did my usual routine but just a little later then bundled up and rode the bike out to the rec to see if any brave souls where trying pickle ball on the outside court. I noticed the rain had washed away all of the chalk lines that defined the 2 courts that were set up outside on the basketball courts. Seems we will have to redo them on Monday if we want to play.The rec its self is closed for MLK Day but since we have portable nets some of us will play outside if the weather is good. I headed for the library and picked up a book for Nancy.

Nancy took off for her Friday morning Bible study at SFBC so I hunkered down in the computer room and read. The sun was very stingy today and we only got a glimpse of it just before dark. The wind started to lay down as well and it didn't feel near as cold as it had earlier. Amy, Ava and Sam came for lunch and I fixed a big pot of dried noodle soup. That hit the spot with the cold temps and then Nancy decided to make a pot of Zuppa soup for supper, Yeow was that ever good as well. We are watching them(the kiddos) this afternoon and evening and they both love Zuppa soup so we will eat that as well as a fresh garden salad for supper tonight.

Well after the cleanup we tuned into Fox News and then I headed to the showers in time to catch Gold Rush at 9, but I watched an episode of Duck Dynasty where grandpa Phil watched his 4 granddaughters along with Si's help; what a trip that was; also Willie buys a winery and decides to make wine. That was one of the most hilarious shows I've seen, what a great show, Later

Friday, January 18, 2013

Friday Morning

Well it's down right nippy this morning with temp's down into the low 40's and a wind of 18-20 mph out of the north, Brr!!!

Thursday was a rather wet and cloudy day. After the usual morning routine I headed out on the bike to the rec for some pickle ball around 7:45 and around 9:30 it started to sprinkle. There were 4 of us and then 2 more came so we had a good group and got in some really good play before skies opened up. My shirt was completely soaked as it was still warm and humid. There were a couple slack periods of rain so I high tailed home and managed to not add too much wetness to the shirt.

Nancy was meeting up with Amy at GG's for lunch then they were going to help clean out GG's cupboards as she is having her kitchen remodeled the first week in February. I stayed home, read and ate some left overs for lunch. I'm still managing to reduce the spare tire by holding my portions down as well as limiting my processed foods intake like breads, crackers, chips etc. Nancy called around 2 PM, after that job she and GG went appliance shopping once again and got back here to the house around 4 PM. I picked lettuces and then made a big toss salad that would go along with our marinated grilled chicken breast and parsley taters' for supper.

On a sad note my aunt Nancy in Virginia passed away after a long illness. She was in her 80's and now all of the sisters have died in the family leaving 3 brothers. One of our dear friends in the mountains who is in her early 40's with 2 children was diagnosed with toxicity of the bone marrow and there is nothing they can do for her so she was sent home to die.  Pray for Sherry Maxwell. Her former husband was the football coach at Allegheny High School for a few years.

We also learned where the area in the mountain received a tremendous snow along with rain, ice and winds. Much of the area was without electricity last evening as we spoke to our "mountain mom" on her car phone. The weather there has been spring like for a week or so and now what a change as did our weather from the a/c on to now the possibility of heat. The sun is shining brightly so the cold won't last all day. It's supposed to get up to the 60's today which is tolerable.

 Nancy spoke with our mountain neighbor Jodi who is planning a trip to their cabin today and over the week end. Hopefully they can get in the road and up the hill and they have some juice in the wires. Gerald has a couple wood stoves so they will have heat. We hope they can take a few snow photos for us and if so we will share them on FB. Well that's about it for a Thursday, LATER

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Thursday Morning

Wednesday once again had summertime written all over it with temps into the low 80's. The humidity wasn't there so we opened the windows and turned the a/c off. The morning started out much the usual with the roosters crowing for a wake up sometime while it was still dark. It's funny now that the sun rise seems to be a little later and sunset later as well. I suppose DST is soon on the way now that the days are getting longer.

After my quiet time and a breakfast of fruit I pedalled out to the rec for a couple hours of pickle ball. We had a small crowd just 4 players for the first hour but that was perfect, eventually they staggered in throughout out the morning until we had 2 courts going with a couple waiting. Seems Wednesday is gal day as they soon out numbered by 6 to 2. Most of the gals are good players and put up a good fight on the court. I soon had a soaking shirt as the sun really brings out the sweat. Its been different outside but I'm really starting to get use to it and enjoy the ambiance.

Well Nancy went to the doctor's for her sore throat as its taking a long time to heal and was diagnosed as having a viral infection. Not much they can do for that although the doc did give her a 'script for an antibiotic; but Nancy thought what's the use if its viral. She did some shopping on the way home and I worked in the garden and then read most of the rest of the day.

We had deer burritos again now that I have lots of fresh herbs and lettuce and wow are they ever delicious. After the cleanup we headed for the couch and Fox News before tuning into American Idol at 8. I hit the showers and then flipped channels in the bedroom during the Idol show. I eventually cut the tube off and read however I did see the last contestant and she was a winner both in voice and family, LATER

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Wednesday Morning

Tuesday once again was another beautiful summer like day; while we still have the a/c on it's not all that humid. The day was unremarkable except for a trip to the grocery store. Nancy did have to go and have her yearly chest x-ray.

The morning was started around 6 AM with the dueling roosters, some mornings its 4:30 others its close to 7. I guess it just depends on what wakes them up, then they want to wake everyone around up, oh well!!! After our wake up and a cup of hot green tea I did my regiment of vitamins, my quiet time then a fresh pink seedless grapefruit for breakfast before pedalling out to the rec for a couple hours of pickle ball. There were 7 guys and when I arrived it made for both courts with continuous never sit down play for an hour or more before another player came. My shirt was dripping sweat as well as was the others. We are playing outside and the sun is a bit of a problem for some. I have already noticed a white line where my sock ends on my lower leg.

This outside play is so much different that I'm starting to enjoy it especially when the wind comes up a little. The spins really do take effect and throws some of the really big hitters off; but it fun and great exercise. I headed for the weight room scales and I was amazed I have dropped a few pounds off this spare tire. The only down size to the hard courts is the ache in the knees at night time; several players have mentioned the same thing to me so its not my imagination.

Amy and Sam came for lunch and then played outside afterwards. I had an appointment with my financial guy and it looks as if last year was a decent one. Now if we can stay away from the market drop like in '08 we will be better off for our retirement. I came back and blew boric acid in the attic as we are starting to see some very small ants in the house from time to time. They seem to like to get on the roof from the oak trees and then come in through the attic and when Nancy sees an ant it like the world is ending, oh well. I then mixed up a batch of Malathion in the sprayer and did all the window seals and around the foundation of the house as well as a couple small ant hills in the back.

Well, we had fried Swaii fish fillets for supper along with a sweet potato and lima beans(butter), yeow was that ever a tasty meal. We did fresh salad for lunch so we skipped on that for supper. After the clean up we watched our regular Fox News shows then I headed for the showers. Nancy still is fighting the sore throat so maybe she will go see a doctor today, LATER

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tuesday Morning

Well once again it was hot and humid enough we had to turn the a/c on last evening; but during the day it was a spring like day. We sat outside in the back yard under the shade tree for a couple hours reading and watching Sam play.

The morning started out with the rooster wake up some where around 5:30 but we managed to tune them out until 7. I did my usual quiet time then had a lite breakfast of fruit and got ready to pedal out to the rec for a couple hours of pickle ball. There were already 11 players when I got there and there were 2 courts set up outside. A couple new guys were there for the first time and one of them plays PB in Pennsylvania. He was very good and now they will join us for awhile. Outside PB is very different from inside PB and the type of ball is even different. It's a little slower but many of the shots are drop shots, dink and dunk play as the elements cause many of the hard shots and lobs to sail out of play. I had a totally wet shirt in no time. It was really nice being out in the fresh air but it did start to warm as the sun rose higher.

After PB I stopped off at the library before heading home. I spent the next hour or so working in the garden; watering, weeding and harvesting greens for a garden salad. Amy was bringing GG and we were having a fresh salad for lunch. I cheated and ate leftover cube steak Amy brought with her from Friday night. Wow was it still delicious. After lunch I read until it was time for Amy and them to leave then I did a few chores.

Nancy still has a sore throat but her voice is back and she doesn't feel bad over all. She did get a hood walk in to get some exercise. I grilled a couple pork chops for supper and we ate up some taters that were sprouting along with some fresh parsley from the garden. I planted the sprouts and hopefully will get a few hills of red taters. I finally got my garden salad for supper and was it ever delicious. After the clean up we vegetated and watched the news on Fox and by 10 PM we were really for bed, LATER

Monday, January 14, 2013

Monday Morning

Well Sunday turned out to be another beautiful day with just enough cloud cover to keep it pleasant outside and the humidity down. We opened the windows in the morning and kept them open all day. The fresh air was awesome. We stayed home from Element as Nancy was just starting to gain some voice albeit scratchy at times; but no more clapping or whistling to get my attention. She was still suffering from a sore throat but not nearly as bad as the past couple days.

After sleeping in until nearly 8 AM, we did our quiet time then watched Andy Stanley on T.V. He is much like Bobby with his speaking and dress which is the opposite of his dad, Charles.  Andy had a good message and afterwards we headed out for a late breakfast of eggs and fried leftover tater's. That meal held me most of the day except for a little snacking in the late evening. GG and Betsy came by around 5:30 and brought a pizza pie so we shared our leftover salad and they their pie. It was really good and they stayed until after 8 before heading out.

I watched both NFL playoff games and the first game was a real barn burner with the Falcons finally winning a playoff game. That made the Bucs look good as we beat this team a couple weeks ago. I don't believe they have a chance against the 49Niners especially with the way they played against the Packers, on Saturday, Oh well!!!. The Patriots destroyed the Texans as expected, Shaub their quarterback must go if they ever are expected to win the big games.

Nancy sat out in the back yard for a couple hours during the afternoon and read it was that nice out. She woke up around 5 this AM with a coughing fit so a couple teaspoons of Robitussin did the trick and finally she calmed down enough to go back to sleep. That stuff is nasty to me in taste but it works. I'm going to head out to the rec to get a workout in on eithe the pickle ball court or weight room, LATER

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Sunday Morning

Saturday was just another warm and humid day and of course we had the a/c on once gain in the evening. There was a nice breeze which made it pleasant for most of the day. Nancy is still communicating with sign language, grunts, whistling and the clapping of hands. I'm enjoying the peace and no bossy commands but answering the phone is a pain as well the lack of noise around. I can tolerate the quiet only for so long.

Saturday started out with a sleep-in despite the rooster next door. With the a/c on its not as loud so we manage to tune him out but with the windows open for the fresh air he is down right annoying. We received a call from Helen"mountain mom" and she can attest to the the loudness of his crow as she heard it all the way to N.C. on the phone. She is finally sounding better after suffering flue like symptoms for weeks with coughing, etc and her younger sister Martha is suffering as well. Their older sister passed away last week from pneumonia that started with the same flu like symptoms and of course their advanced age didn't help matters either. The spring like weather there has the temps near the 70's in the afternoon. It was good to hear her voice after a week of stress not only from their ailments but having to deal with the loss of the oldest sister.

Nancy still has the sore throat and the voice is coming back a little. I actually here a few words this morning(Sunday) so it looks as if that may have run its course. Now we need to get the sore throat healed. She did feel well enough to go to the theater to see Les Miserables with her mom and Amy Saturday afternoon. It was strange as she couldn't talk and GG didn't have her hearing aids in so luckily Amy could translate or communicate for the two of them. I bet that was interesting.

I stayed home, read and work outside in the garden and just took it easy. I discovered a new author Robert Flynn and I'm reading a fantastic book titled NORTH OF YESTERDAY. It's much like Larry McMurtry's book LONESOME DOVE. Flynn puts you right there in these characters mind and body. I've been trying to lose a few ounces of the this spare tire and I've found that by eating fruit for breakfast with a V-8  before lunch and then a meal replacement shake(from Amway) for lunch that I've lost a little. We had a supper of burritos; deer meat with taco seasoning, onions, tomato, lettuce, cilantro and sour cream. Yeow was that ever good and very few carbs.

Well of course I watched the NFL and saw the Broncos lose with just a few seconds to go where they should have won and the 49 Niners put in on the Packers in a big way. When I lived in the Bay Area I use to go down to 'Frisco and and cheer them on back in the 60's so I was glad they won despite my love for Vince Lombardi. Well that's about it for Saturday. Today we are staying home from Element due to the sore throat and of course laryngitis. Once again I will watch the 2 NFL games, LATER

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Saturday Morning

Wow is it ever quiet around here since Nancy developed laryngitis on Thursday afternoon. I spoke with her doctor and with no fever she gave us several home remedies to assist with relieving this ailment. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet to a certain extent but the phone calls are a little annoying plus I'm the taxi driver for now.

The weather here is just almost too warm. It was in the 80's again during most of the day with bright sunshine and no rain. We are dry again so its watering twice a day on the gardens and the yard of course is just about dried up. There is still a watering ban on so I have to hand water everything; of course I have my own shallow well so I have plenty of water.

Friday was another day that was spent mostly assisting Nancy and the house hold chores. I decided to put pickle ball on hold until next week and if she isn't talking maybe even longer. I sure missed our couple mile hike thru the hood for some exercise but thought better of it in the long run. Hopefully today I can get at least a bike ride in for some exercise. Amy invited us for supper last night and while Nancy isn't feverish we decided to go despite the sore throat. The meal was awesome with a special family recipe from Kansas using home grown beef. It was delicious and the meat  cut with a fork. We picked up GG and had a great time of eating with one of our whole garden salads, home made Greek dressing, meat and taters' and a fresh fruit salad for dessert.

Ava and Sam were full of energy as they showed us their new bunk beds. We played a couple games with them as the girls cleaned up. It was a fun time had by all despite Nancy being unable to converse. We headed out when it was bath and bedtime for the kiddos. We aren't sure if Nancy will be able to make the Sunday services so we are playing that by ear, LATER.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Friday Morning

Thursday was another day of above normal temp's. What gives snow in Israel for the first time in years, oh well its supposed to be like this for the next 4-5 days then cool down 5 degrees. My garden likes this but this temperature flux is sure playing havoc with our bodies. Nancy had now developed a sore throat and laryngitis just all within a few hours. She took her mother to the western store yesterday and was so excited to finally find a pair of cowboy boots that fit and a pair that was half way reasonable in price. At first I thought she was just too excited about the boots but by late evening she was really hoarse and this morning the voice is gone completely, Oh well that is a nice for awhile the voice part!!!

I stayed away from the rec again for another day as I want to be sure and stay away from anyone who is infected with a cold. My cough has just about gone as well as the nasal drip. I've been sucking up vitamins, grapefruits and fresh vegetables which in all honestly I think was better than the OTC medicines I was putting in my body. I'm almost 100% and now I must get my sweetie well. So she will be restricted to the house with salt water gargles, honey teas and soups for a day or so. She has no fever and doesn't feel bad except for this throat discomfort.

We took a nice long 3 mile hike yesterday morning and I had a wet shirt by the time I got home; Nancy felt great and I nearly had to run to keep up with her long legs. Amy brought GG and Sam for lunch and we ate fresh salad and meatloaf sandwiches. The girls sat out in the back yard for an hour or so in the shade as it was warm and breezy. After Amy left to pick up Ava from school, Nancy took GG and they headed to the western store for a pair of Durango Boots. They are beautiful with green and pink leather uppers. She was so tickled about these boots she even had them on before going to bed.

I pan fried a deer tenderloin, along with fresh garden broccoli and a baked sweet 'tater for supper, yeow was that ever tasty. We sat around and vegetated after supper with the Fox News channel; Shep and O'Reilly until it was time for showers and eventually bedtime at 11:00, LATER

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Thursday Morning

Wednesday was a summer day here on the Sun Coast with temps well up into the 80's and with came the humidity so the a/c is back on; so much for winter weather. The garden loves these cool nights into the 60's and warm days. I cut 3 nice heads of broccoli yesterday evening and we ate 1/2 of them for supper along with our grilled salmon and angel hair pasta which Nancy doctored up with sauteed garlic, fresh mushrooms, lots of butter and capers. Yeow was that ever delicious.

The morning started out with a sleep-in despite the big beak next door as our gym is being resurfaced, so I opted to sit this week out from play plus I'm still hacking up luge's occasionally(nice thought huh!!) After our quiet times and a lite breakfast of an apple and a grapefruit mixed together, I headed out to hand water the garden. A little later Nancy and I took off on a 3 mile plus hike or walk through the hood and I had a wet shirt by the time we got back to the house. So I got in a workout maybe not as strenuous as the PB play but still some exercise. I may try Friday morning for a game or two if it stays nice as it has been and this cough goes away. Ever since I got the flu or pnumonia my resistance has been down.

Amy and Sam came for lunch so I picked lettuces, beet greens, cabbage, radishes and dill for a huge salad for lunch. After lunch Nancy and Amy took off to the mall for some shopping. Sam and I watched some movie about a bee and worm which was interesting. I read mostly but Sam was cute as he occasionally buzzed around like a bee. They headed out around 2:30 to pick Ava up from school so we sat around an read until it was time to start supper. The eatin' was awesome tonight, LATER

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Wednesday Morning

Tuesday really warmed up with temps in the low 80's by the afternoon. The morning was a little different as I stayed away from the pickle ball game. I'm hacking up junk from the chest and sinus. I don't really feel bad but I'm a little wary this could go down into the lungs again; and I certainly don't want that to happen. We just lost a General in Tampa and now a friend in N.C. from pneumonia so I think it is best to build back up again, besides the gym is closed for a do over on the floor and the gang is playing outside. I usually don't mind playing outside especially in N.C. where the ambiance is fantastic; but on the basketball court where its unlined for PB will be challenging to say the least.

I'm eating all kinds of fruit for breakfast; grapefruit, apple and a banana so there is lots of Vit C as well as a way to maybe lose a few inches on this spare tire. I spent a couple hours working in the garden then helped with the laundry as Nancy had another dental appointment. I may have to take out a second mortgage for what this dentist charges but she thinks he is the best and is saving her teeth. Oh well!!!

Amy and Sam came for lunch and stayed until it was time to pick Ava up from school. He is such a cute boy and loves his "shooter fing" and trucks. Nancy bought one of those plastic rifles from the dollar store in N.C. that makes a noise when you pull the trigger and he loves to shoot at the chickens through the fence in the back yard. We headed out to Sam's Club for gas and a few other things after they left around 2. Last week it was 2.99 a gal. this week its 3.29 a gal. What is going on with the way we are being gouged at the pump??? Oh well!!!

Our niece Erica with her husband and 7 kids were going to visit GG for the night and have supper with her as well so Amy and her family plus Nancy and Betsy all went there for supper. I stayed back as I'm still hacking and don't want to make anyone sick as well as be infected from them. They had a great time visiting and Ava and Sam got to visit with their cousins who by the way are home schooled. Erica is trying to match her mother who 11 children, so 4 more to go. So far 5 boys and 2 girls. The newest is a 4 month old Veronica. Nancy said she is a very smiley and content little girl whereas her mother(Erica) never stopped crying until she reached the age of 2. Whats wrong with that scenario??

Well I hung out and had a lite supper(left over grilled drumsticks and bread) and watched Fox News and read. I'm into a new book by Lee Child titled TRIPWIRE..its a good read much like Tom Clancy. Lots of action and story lines. LATER

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Tuesday Morning

Monday was much the usual to start when the 2 roosters next door started around 6 AM with which one could out crow the other. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I pedalled out to the rec for an hour and a half of pickle ball. I'm still fighting this darn cold so I didn't stay the whole period. I'm feeling better but just can't shake this stopped up head and cough. For the next 3 weeks us pickle ball players will have to play outside in the morning on the basket ball courts as the gymnasium is being re surfaced. That will make for some interesting play as the outside play is totally different from the inside play especially since 2 different balls will be used. That should be very interesting for me until I get over this cold completely.

When I got back from the gym Nancy informed me she spoke with our "mountain mom" Helen in the mountains and that her older sister Esma passed away during the night in Winston-Salem from complications of pneumonia. We are saddened to hear this news as we knew her and had been to her residence several times over the years.

Well the weather here was chilly to start the day then warmed up to the low 70's with some bright sunshine. We watch the weather predictions for the mountains and they are having some winter weather there. A chance of snow with temps down in the 20's in the mornings, yeow!!! All of the pictures we see from there show the barren trees except for the beautiful white pines with the grass brown and dead.

Well there isn't much more except we had chicken fried deer steak for supper and it was delicious and reminded us of our friends the Dalton's who are in the mountains full time. I wouldn't mind going back for a week or two to visit but it takes too much to open the cabin up especially with the cold below freezing temps at night.

I tuned into the last bowl game of the year and Alabama was putting it on Notre Dame big time at 35-7 when I turned the lights out around 11PM, LATER

Monday, January 7, 2013

Monday Morning

Well Sunday was a day we always look forward too. A day of worship, seeing our associates and friends at Element Church and of course seeing our son and his family. We started the day with a sleep in until 7 despite the roosters crowing around 5 AM. We did our morning routine; quiet time, lite breakfast and our social updates.

We headed out at 9 AM for the 45 minute drive to Tampa alone. We usually carpool with Dan and Carol but we were scheduled to bring Annsley and Gabe back with us after church but we found out that had changed once we got to Tampa. We had a different format for worship to start the New Year with mostly music. It was very inspiring. We headed back to Seminole to find the sun was out as it was really foggy on our drive earlier and the temps had warmed up. We opened the windows for some fresh air and after a frozen pizza and salad I settled in to watch the NFLWild Card Games. I really didn't care who won as I just love football. I played 5 years in high school and was a starter 4 of those years.

Bob and Jill dropped the kiddos off around 2:30 as they had an Amway meeting and dinner at the Salt Rock Grille on the beach and then picked them back up around 6. Amy brought Ava and Sam over to play with their cousins and they had a fine time together. I grilled chicken legs and thighs and along with tater tots and salad it was good eatin'; of course they were so wound up it was hard for them to sit still long enough to eat. With the threat of no chocolate chip cookies for dessert they manage to clean their plates. I don't know where they get all this energy with such little food.

Well they all cleared out around 6:30 so after the clean up I headed in to watch the last of the late game. It wasn't long until it was shower time. I still have this cold and while I don't feel really bad it's just enough to be annoying; so I'm taking an antihistamine and some cough syrup which leaves a yucky taste in your mouth, LATER

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Sunday Morning

Saturday was cold to start the day with a breeze which made if feel even cooler; however by afternoon we had the windows open and it was 70 or better. It was still damp outside from the rain we had earlier on Friday but as the sunshine became more evident it quickly dried off and I had to hand water the gardens by early afternoon.

We started the day by sleeping in a little despite the big mouth next door. After our quiet times we had eggs and grits for breakfast. Yeow, love them grits!!! I also ate the last piece of an applesauce cake I had cut into portions and put in the freezer to keep fresh. My was that ever a treat for me as I love raisins and black walnuts and those 2 ingredients are what make this type of cake delicious. Many Thanks again to Adeline who is Paw Paw's(dad) friend.

We tried to get out the blackberry stains from the dining room table cloth for a second time and just about succeeded; just the faintest of its presence still exits. I hung a load of laundry as the sun was now shining while Nancy did some other chores. We both worked on putting the dining room back is order as the next family dinner is in February for Bob's birthday. Wow did we ever serve some great meals over the holidays and the spare tire around my waist proves it.

The old head cold and cough is lingering a little longer so I'm back on a cough syrup and (OTC)antihistamine. My resistance must be down from all the flu illness around Thanksgiving; sure will be glad when this is gone as it's a reminder of the week where I had to sleep sitting up, yuck!!!

We had our friends and neighbors, Dan and Carol over for supper. Nancy made a chicken picota with linguine, broccoli and a fresh garden salad(all from my garden) with crusty bread. We are all forgoing desserts as they too are battling the spare tire syndrome. The meal was delicious and afterwards we played 18 rounds of golf. Nancy won out on the last round as Dan lead most of the way and at time very big. That is a fun game and fast.

Well after they left I watched a little of the Packers destroy the Viking and of course the Texans beat the Bengals; there are a couple more games on today. Well its time to get ready and head out to Tampa for worship at Element Church. We will bring Annsley and Gabe back with us to Seminole for the afternoon, LATER

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Saturday Morning

Well Friday was a winter day here in normally warm sunny Florida. It was damp and cool in the high 40's but the chill went right through your clothes especially at 7:30 in the morning while I'm riding my bike to the rec. The rest of the day found us in the house after the all night soft rain. I don't think the sun shone at all during the day.

After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I pedalled out to the rec in the cold damp air for nearly 2 hours of pickle ball. We had 3 courts going with still a few waiting and the play was good. I'm trying to work this cold out of my head and chest and if sweating helps then the ailment should be gone as I had a wet shirt. Well after playing I headed out for home after a quick stop at the library; I made sure I had a heavy sweater to cover my shirt.

There wasn't much to do at home as the garden was still damp from the over night rain so I just chilled reading the rest of the morning until Amy and the kiddos came for lunch. They stayed for a couple hours then headed out while Nancy ran some shopping errands for her mom and us. I'm really into a Clancy novel; NO REMORSE. Lots of action but several story lines.

We headed over to GG's for supper along with Amy,Tyler and the kiddos. Nancy brought some black beans and rice to go along with GG's chicken enchiladas. There was crusty bread and a garden salad as well; very tasty. We stayed until nearly 8. I was coughing and my head had clogged again so I didn't want to infect everyone so after washing the dishes we headed out. I hit the shower then tuned into the Texas AM vs the Oklahoma bowl game. It was another good game and the Heisman winner at Texas was outstanding. I finally decided to call it a night when Texas was ahead by 3 TD's. LATER 

Friday, January 4, 2013

Friday Morning

Thursday turned out to be a wet one starting around 4 PM, but the earlier part of day before that was really nice. Tee shirt and shorts as I headed out around 7:30 after a lite breakfast and my quiet time to the rec where I got in nearly 2 hours of pickle ball. I was bushed and yet we kept getting new fresh players as I left. I stopped off at the library for a new Tom Clancy read titled WITHOUT REMORSE and haven't been able to put it down since I started it after the rains came. I headed home and then spent the next couple hours outside in the garden and yard.

I fed all my plants and watered them then decided to mow up my leaves. I caught several bags of leaves and a little green grass as its about quit growing for awhile. I mulched the garden with the leaves. I was getting a little hungry so I finished the leftover taco dip while Nancy got ready for her dental appointment. Well I sure hope this dentist is on the up and up because he is expensive. He assures Nancy he is saving her teeth by building them with white fillings but at the prices he charges I feel they should be gold filings; she is convinced he knows what he is doing.

Well we cleaned up the left over pork roast, sauerkraut and smashed taters along with a fresh garden salad for supper. We vegetated to the couch for Fox News then I headed to the shower before the next college bowl came on; yeow I love this time of the year for football. Oregon was putting it on Kansas so I read in between plays until it was lights out at 11, LATER

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday wasn't much to write about except for it being just a superb day weather wise. It reached the middle 70's with bright sunshine and blue skies and a gentle breeze to help keep the humidity away.

I started the day with the usual wake up from the rooster next door around 6, but managed a few more winks of sleep before rolling out just before 7. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of fruit I pedalled out to the rec for some 2 hours of pickle ball. We had a large crowd with excellent play and lots of wet tee-shirts. I stopped off at the library to see if any of the books I ordered came in over the holidays.

My garden is doing well and I picked enough lettuces to make our evening salad just from the garden. I will enclose a few boring pics of plants growing but just to give you and idea of how my winter garden is doing. Amy and the kiddos came for lunch then afterwards they all headed to GG's to take down her tree and put away the decorations. I chilled reading a great book of the Vietnam War as described by a 18 year who spent a year there titled A HARD RAIN FELL. Its one of the best books I've ever read on that era. I can relate to a lot that ocurred except for being out in bush or spending nights there.









Just a reminder to all who are my special pricing customers with Amway or who want to be one. What that means is that I'm and IBO(independent business operator) and I can give you 15-35% (wholesale costs to me)off all the products that Amway has. This month our promo which is offered by our team leaders is ALL drinks are BOGO( buy one and get one free). This is drinks like XS energy drinks, protein shakes, Perfect water(oxygenated), meal replacement shakes, sports drink etc. Also through the month of August this year all shipping for orders of at least 30 PV are reimbursed but you much make your order by the 10th of the month to receive the reimbursement. Wow that's a super saving plus you get your products for 1/2 price or you get twice as much for the price of one. Check it out and if your interested drop me a line and I will set you up as a preferred customer. There is no cost and all I need is your name, address, a phone number and an e-mail address. Each month our team leaders have a special promo that lasts all month long. Also your BOGO's are shipped to you at the end of the month by our team leaders free as well.

Well that's about it for Wednesday, LATER

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Wednesday Morning

Well it's another year and as fast as this last one went by I'm relieved to know that I'm still a kickin', yeow where did this past year go??? New Years Day started out with us hitting the sack sometime after 1 AM and sleeping in until 9'ish despite the big mouth rooster next door. I had thoughts that maybe a stray fire cracker would land in his yard and that he might try to eat it; but it never happened.

We lazied around and Nancy did her oatmeal but I ate just an apple along with my vitamins and a cup of hot green tea. I decided to start on trying once again to deflate this spare tire. I headed over to Amy's after my quiet time to pick up the ladder I had borrowed to get Tyler down from the roof  as he got stuck there while putting up Christmas lights. I came back and visited with the neighbors across the street who came down to visit Carol. Nancy came over and we shared stories while enjoying the warm morning sunshine and nice breeze. We visited until it was lunch time as my stomach was growling. It reached the upper 70's today.

We had a lunch of left overs then I tuned into the local bowl game at the Bucs stadium and watched a really good close game. South Carolina beat Michigan which is where our neighbors we just visited are from. I spent the rest of the day in between helping Nancy get ready for another family supper; hopefully our last one for awhile as it's difficult to deflate the tire with all this food. We did a pork roast, smashed taters, sauerkraut, kielbasa, hot dogs, crusty bread and a blackberry pie(I passed on the pie). We had a house full once again with Nancy's mom, sister, nephew and of course Amy and her family. We were just missing Bob and his family as they had other plans and its a long drive with little ones late at night.

After the cleanup I headed back to the couch to watch more football and after everyone left I vegetated to the bedroom for more football until I finally cut the lights off around 11PM. I love this time of the year but its terrible for eatin' and then laying around. Thankfully I have pickle ball this morning and I'm fixin' to head out now, LATER

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Tuesday Morning(New Years Day)

Monday started off chilly with the heat on as temps were down into the low 40's but bright sunshine and clear skies. The breeze kept it cool as well but it finally gave way in the late afternoon and we reached 70 degrees. I had slept in so I grabbed a banana and a protein drink and pedaled off to the rec for our final day of pickle ball play for 2012. We had a good crowd and I stayed the full 2 1/2 hours before dropping by the library on the way home.

I came back and hand watered the gardens before heading in to do my quiet time and catch up on my social networking. We were spending the day alone as we had plans to go to GG's around 5 for finger foods and play some games before eventually ending up at the Botbyl's to see the ball drop at midnight. We had cheese dip, salsa and chips, dogs in a bun and spinach dip with crackers and a glass of vino. We played 8  phases of Phase 10 and because it was taking so long with 5 of us we quit the game with Amy and Nancy winning. Sam and Ava were starting to tire out as well so Nancy and I left while Amy helped to cleanup.

Nancy had made a large layered taco dip to take to Dan and Carol's but it was barely eaten as they had a ton of great finger foods as well; stuffed mushrooms, jalapeno poppers, brucetta, wings and lots of chips and other dips. I was too full from earlier so a mushroom and a popper did me in. We sat around and talked as neighbors Diann and Tom were there as well. We all went to church together for years but never really socialized as they are a few years younger than us but we had a grand time. We played sequence and the gals won 4-1 as always then we tried a couple games of golf(card game) and while it was close to midnight we never kept score. The ball dropped and we all hugged, wished everyone a Happy New Year then headed for home.

I headed for the showers while Nancy caught up on Face book and then watched the news as the neighbors were setting off fireworks for what seemed hours. Finally a little after 1AM, I turned the lights off in 2013. I really don't see all the hoopla around watching the ball drop; but we did it.

Well here's to all a Happy New Year and hopefully a prosperous one as well and of course good health. We survived the Mayan Calendar predictions but as I look back on that event maybe they were right on with the loss of our financial decline in America and with that the loss of our liberties. Our grand babies are in for a hard time with the way the politicians in D.C. tax and spend our resources, Oh well!!! LATER