Well it was certainly another cold night and most of the day with rain and overcast skies but eventually it cleared off with bright sunshine. After our quiet times Nancy made our famous mountain breakfast; buckwheat cakes with a banana and blue berries in the batter, smoked turkey bacon and an egg on top. Yikes, is that ever good eatin' and good fer' ya, as well. That's my mountain lingo.
After breakfast which was nearly 10 AM we headed out to the drug store to fill Nancy's muscle relaxer prescription and to try another dietary supplement for the popping and cracking in her neck with muscle soreness. A physician on the 'net advised to take glucosamine sulfate with MSM which may reduce and even eliminate that problem. We are certainly praying it does. I'm still giving her at least 2 massages with ultrasound treatment as well. Wow was it ever a wet and cold morning. We just stayed in catching up on some reading until early afternoon when the sun came out. The Ross's came by to pick up a package that came in our mail from Kansas for baby Samuel and Ava. We then headed out to Millenium Park.
Ava rode her trike on the raised boardwalk while we walked the nature trail. We are hoping all this walking will send Amy in contractions to speed up Samuel's arrival, but so far no luck. After the long walk we took Ava over to the play ground equipment so she could swing and run on the raised slides and walkways. It was after 4 when we headed home and the temperature had finally reached 50 degrees.
We read until it was nearly 6 so we just heated a frozen pizza and had a salad. We both read until after 9 and I finish another true crime read titled DEATH BENEFIT by David Heilbroner. Its a good read and some great investigating by a non criminal lawyer who set out to help a fellow church member in the death of her 19 year old daughter who was pushed off a cliff in California back in the 80's.
Well tomorrow is worship at the gathering in Tampa at Element Church. Later in the evening we will meet at G/G's and Pap's for the celebration of Nancy's 53 birthday on Wednesday the 3rd with a family dinner. Should be a good one with pork roast, sauerkraut, kielbasa, smashed 'taters, etc. Well better go as its time to hit the sack, LATER.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday
Well it was another cold morning here in sunny Florida actually there was frost every where as I rode the bike to the rec after my quiet time and lite breakfast. Brr, even though the outside temp registered 40 degrees according to some car thermometer's . We had some good play with about a dozen players.
I headed home to watch Ava as Amy headed to the doctor for her weekly check up. Baby Samuel is measuring a little over 8 pounds with about 4 days to go 'til D-Day. Right now they(doctors) talking about a possible inducement on Wednesday(Grandma Nancy's birthday) if he doesn't head south by then, seems he is aligned up for the entry into our world. Maybe its to cold for him however with his Kansas heritage on Tyler's side, this is just mild Spring weather. Anyhow we are anxiously awaiting his arrival and when ever, just as long as its a safe journey for both Amy and him. Ava is just such a joy to watch and she will be a great big sister. She rode bike's, played her hide'n seek and of course I had to draw lots of pictures with sidewalk chalk. They stayed and helped up eat down that huge pot of Zuppa for lunch.
Nancy took her mother(G/G) shopping after lunch and I finished GOING ROGUE. I'm not really sure why anyone would want to put themselves and their family through the agony and excoriation she was subjected to. She, Sarah Palin is and upstanding woman, mother, Christ follower and a patriot. She succeeded as she looked out for the people she represented and was disrespected not only as an American but as a person with the unbelievably vicious attacks and tactics by those in the media and within the campaign.The book names names which I love and tells it all. I think it will change every one's (regardless of your political bias) opinion of what politics really is all about. Kudos to her. I certainly hope there are others who will continue her fight for the common ordinary people who made this country the dream of the world. Believe me when I say America is still the greatest place to live but we must be vigilant because freedom wasn't free. After traveling to many countries during my 7 years in the Air Force there is no place like the the U.S.A.
Now that I'm off my soapbox, read the book, its an attitude changer about those who want to regulate your life and life choices, its scary who we elect to be our leaders and what really is their motivating factors.
Well we headed out to use one of our Christmas gift cards at Outback. We drove G/G and Pap in their new used '08 Mercury Milan. Its a sporty small 6 cylinder with all kinds of gadgets. Reminds me of sitting in an airplane cockpit. I actually hit the wrong button and unlocked the trunk at a traffic light, of course the safety feature keep the lid down until we drove the last couple blocks home. Needless to say Pap was a real joy about that but he got over it. We had a good meal with a bloomin onion for starters. If your a AAA member your entitled to a free onion with a coupon. It a 6.25 value and was the first one we had eaten in years. Didn't seem as greasy as in the past. The steak was good and cooked perfect, medium rare; Nancy had the baby back ribs and had sauce everywhere. She looks good in everything she eats. We headed back to G/G's and played a game of Phase 10. I nearly won after being down 4 phases and Nancy only won because she has 30 less points than me. It was a fun evening and we headed home to catch up on the Olympics before bedtime. LATER
I headed home to watch Ava as Amy headed to the doctor for her weekly check up. Baby Samuel is measuring a little over 8 pounds with about 4 days to go 'til D-Day. Right now they(doctors) talking about a possible inducement on Wednesday(Grandma Nancy's birthday) if he doesn't head south by then, seems he is aligned up for the entry into our world. Maybe its to cold for him however with his Kansas heritage on Tyler's side, this is just mild Spring weather. Anyhow we are anxiously awaiting his arrival and when ever, just as long as its a safe journey for both Amy and him. Ava is just such a joy to watch and she will be a great big sister. She rode bike's, played her hide'n seek and of course I had to draw lots of pictures with sidewalk chalk. They stayed and helped up eat down that huge pot of Zuppa for lunch.
Nancy took her mother(G/G) shopping after lunch and I finished GOING ROGUE. I'm not really sure why anyone would want to put themselves and their family through the agony and excoriation she was subjected to. She, Sarah Palin is and upstanding woman, mother, Christ follower and a patriot. She succeeded as she looked out for the people she represented and was disrespected not only as an American but as a person with the unbelievably vicious attacks and tactics by those in the media and within the campaign.The book names names which I love and tells it all. I think it will change every one's (regardless of your political bias) opinion of what politics really is all about. Kudos to her. I certainly hope there are others who will continue her fight for the common ordinary people who made this country the dream of the world. Believe me when I say America is still the greatest place to live but we must be vigilant because freedom wasn't free. After traveling to many countries during my 7 years in the Air Force there is no place like the the U.S.A.
Now that I'm off my soapbox, read the book, its an attitude changer about those who want to regulate your life and life choices, its scary who we elect to be our leaders and what really is their motivating factors.
Well we headed out to use one of our Christmas gift cards at Outback. We drove G/G and Pap in their new used '08 Mercury Milan. Its a sporty small 6 cylinder with all kinds of gadgets. Reminds me of sitting in an airplane cockpit. I actually hit the wrong button and unlocked the trunk at a traffic light, of course the safety feature keep the lid down until we drove the last couple blocks home. Needless to say Pap was a real joy about that but he got over it. We had a good meal with a bloomin onion for starters. If your a AAA member your entitled to a free onion with a coupon. It a 6.25 value and was the first one we had eaten in years. Didn't seem as greasy as in the past. The steak was good and cooked perfect, medium rare; Nancy had the baby back ribs and had sauce everywhere. She looks good in everything she eats. We headed back to G/G's and played a game of Phase 10. I nearly won after being down 4 phases and Nancy only won because she has 30 less points than me. It was a fun evening and we headed home to catch up on the Olympics before bedtime. LATER
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday
Yikes!!!what happened to that beautiful warm Florida weather? It's supposed to freeze here tonight with frost. I know I shouldn't complain with our mountain friends facing below zero wind chills and more snow. What happened to all of these naysayers???
Well the ride out on the bike this morning was nippy to say the least after my usual breakfast of oatmeal, fruit and quiet time. We had a big crowd with 15 plus players but had some great play early and then again after 10. I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple books one that I've had on hold since it was released, GOING ROGUE by Sarah Palin. There is no doubt after reading the first 200+ pages she is truly a patriot and has nothing but deep love and concern for this nation albeit she first started out in local politics and it just mushroomed into the national arena. Her story is just what America needs to reflect on in the importance of family and faith. She is truly a unique ordinary individual with a real desire and hope for America.
Well Amy and Ava came for lunch and she rode her bike for just a few moments before she got to cold and wanted to stay in where it was warm. After they left I just read the rest of the day and Nancy put together a huge pot of Zuppa des Cana(Italian potato soup) man did that ever taste good of course before we ate soup Nancy fried up an egg plant as an appetizer. Well not much else is going on, LATER.
Well the ride out on the bike this morning was nippy to say the least after my usual breakfast of oatmeal, fruit and quiet time. We had a big crowd with 15 plus players but had some great play early and then again after 10. I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple books one that I've had on hold since it was released, GOING ROGUE by Sarah Palin. There is no doubt after reading the first 200+ pages she is truly a patriot and has nothing but deep love and concern for this nation albeit she first started out in local politics and it just mushroomed into the national arena. Her story is just what America needs to reflect on in the importance of family and faith. She is truly a unique ordinary individual with a real desire and hope for America.
Well Amy and Ava came for lunch and she rode her bike for just a few moments before she got to cold and wanted to stay in where it was warm. After they left I just read the rest of the day and Nancy put together a huge pot of Zuppa des Cana(Italian potato soup) man did that ever taste good of course before we ate soup Nancy fried up an egg plant as an appetizer. Well not much else is going on, LATER.
Wednesday
Well as you can tell I was lazy about rambling last evening when we got back from house church so thought I would catch up today. After our usual morning routine of quiet time , lite breakfast and ride out to the rec on the bike for some 2 1/2 hours of nearly continuous pickle ball play I headed home only to have to get ready to see the root canal dentist I saw in January. It was warm yesterday morning. The dentist checked me out and insisted some time it takes longer to finally heal all the way. Not sure what that means but he did adjust by bite and indicated anywhere from 3 to 6 months. I have just a little discomfort in the jaw and when I peck on the tooth but other than that it doesn't bother me. The other dentist wants to insert a titanium post inside the tooth then fill it, anyhow I'm doing nothing until this discomfort in the jaw subsides. That what happened to Nancy and we wound up pulling a 25oo buck tooth. Yikes!!!
After the dentist I stopped off and picked up some fresh veggies; eggplant, brussel sprouts, plums, parsnips, maters, cukes and a cantaloupe. I got home and the weather began to suddenly change from shorts and a t-shirt to long pants and a sweat shirt. Amy and Ava came for lunch and then we rode the bike for awhile until the rain started. Anyhow by early evening the temp had dropped down into the 50's with a strong wind blowing.
We were having supper at our house church as Paula wanted to make a genuine Colombian typical supper. The only veggies I had never eaten was Yucca and it was very good and different. Almost like a potato in texture but was kind of sweet. She fixed a meat much like pot roast which you covered with sauteed tomato,onion and cheese then added a fried egg on top, boiled potato, fried yucca (much like a large french fry) and rice cooked with coca cola with raisins. Different but tasty. Nancy made a huge bowl of salad and Carol made bananas foster for dessert. Afterwards we cut out and made small parachutes to help with the air drop of small transistors radio's, books etc.into the jungles of Columbia to the bands of guerrillas. Paula's friend's in Columbia where she is from is trying to reach those for CHRIST. So far there have been some conversions with a once guerrillas now helping to reach those he was once a part of. We had a new young couple, Jesse and Esther visit our house church for the first time and seemed to enjoy participating in our project.
After the Botbyl's we watched American Idols and I must say we were only interested in a couple of the guys as most were a bust. We actually flipped back and forth to the Olympics. By the time that was over it was 10 PM, so it was shower time. It had really turned cold out with rain and wind blowing. What a nasty evening. LATER.
After the dentist I stopped off and picked up some fresh veggies; eggplant, brussel sprouts, plums, parsnips, maters, cukes and a cantaloupe. I got home and the weather began to suddenly change from shorts and a t-shirt to long pants and a sweat shirt. Amy and Ava came for lunch and then we rode the bike for awhile until the rain started. Anyhow by early evening the temp had dropped down into the 50's with a strong wind blowing.
We were having supper at our house church as Paula wanted to make a genuine Colombian typical supper. The only veggies I had never eaten was Yucca and it was very good and different. Almost like a potato in texture but was kind of sweet. She fixed a meat much like pot roast which you covered with sauteed tomato,onion and cheese then added a fried egg on top, boiled potato, fried yucca (much like a large french fry) and rice cooked with coca cola with raisins. Different but tasty. Nancy made a huge bowl of salad and Carol made bananas foster for dessert. Afterwards we cut out and made small parachutes to help with the air drop of small transistors radio's, books etc.into the jungles of Columbia to the bands of guerrillas. Paula's friend's in Columbia where she is from is trying to reach those for CHRIST. So far there have been some conversions with a once guerrillas now helping to reach those he was once a part of. We had a new young couple, Jesse and Esther visit our house church for the first time and seemed to enjoy participating in our project.
After the Botbyl's we watched American Idols and I must say we were only interested in a couple of the guys as most were a bust. We actually flipped back and forth to the Olympics. By the time that was over it was 10 PM, so it was shower time. It had really turned cold out with rain and wind blowing. What a nasty evening. LATER.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday
Well I actually rode out to the rec this morning after my quiet time and a lite breakfast wearing just a t-shirt and shorts as the temps were that warm. We had some great play the first 45 minutes before the crowd arrived which turned out to be around 20 players. By 10 AM I was really to call it a day. After getting home Nancy and I headed to Oldsmar to pick up another table and 9 chairs for the kids at Element. We were back by noon just in time for Amy and Ava for lunch.
After lunch I put the legs on the table which was made easier with Ava helping me. She like to be right in the mix with any kind of project. She handed me all the screws while assembling the legs and was quite a help. She rode her bike after the table project then came out into the back yard to play while I watered. She loves to play with bugs much like Amy did when she was her age, so the roly poly's kept her entertained for awhile. I sat in the yard and read THE LAST EXPEDITION about Henry Stanley's journey into the Congo. Its a man's read.
After the kids left Nancy took her walk through the hood before we got ready to make supper. Tonight was grilled fish, yellow rice and broccoli. Not much else going on except we are still waiting on "baby Samuel" to arrive. LATER
After lunch I put the legs on the table which was made easier with Ava helping me. She like to be right in the mix with any kind of project. She handed me all the screws while assembling the legs and was quite a help. She rode her bike after the table project then came out into the back yard to play while I watered. She loves to play with bugs much like Amy did when she was her age, so the roly poly's kept her entertained for awhile. I sat in the yard and read THE LAST EXPEDITION about Henry Stanley's journey into the Congo. Its a man's read.
After the kids left Nancy took her walk through the hood before we got ready to make supper. Tonight was grilled fish, yellow rice and broccoli. Not much else going on except we are still waiting on "baby Samuel" to arrive. LATER
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday
Well it was another shorts and t-shirt day, even though it was cloudy at times. Temp's stayed up into the 70's most of the afternoon. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast of oatmeal and blue berries I pedaled out to the rec for some pickle ball. We had some some great play the first 1/2 hour or so until the rest of the general players arrived which turned out to be around 15 players. There were lots of wet shirts.
After PB I headed home to hand water the garden and hang a load of laundry before heading up to neighbor Dan house to turn over an 8 ft X 12 ft space in his back yard for a small garden. I used a shovel and it took about an hour. This is the way I turn my gardens over in the mountains but with a lot more effort because of the hard packed earth. It usually would have taken less time because of the sandy soil but not this time as the ground was full of broken asphalt pieces and rocks. Someone must of used that area of the yard for the dumping of the debris which was about a foot under ground, anyhow we should be able to get some plant growth from veggies with a little top soil mixed in.
Amy and Ava came for lunch so we finished up the deli meats and cheese on the hogie rolls from Saturday's lunch. After eating Ava wanted to ride her bike so we made a few rides up and down the sidewalk until she wanted to watch her new movie. I headed out to the back yard and garden and trimmed some freeze dead plants and flowers. It certainly feels like Spring garden planting time; but this week end its suppose to turn cold again with temps down in the 30's although I don't believe we will see anymore below freezing temps here this year.
There is no movement on "baby Samuel" and his debut with us, but we are anxiously awaiting his arrival. Our long time friends Alan and Jenny Sherouse just celebrated the arrival of their first born son, John Daniel "Jack"this morning around 10 AM. He wasn't due to arrive until the 6th of March but showed up early. We are tickled for them and his new grand parents, our long time friends and former pastor Craig and wife Beverley.
Well not much else going as we are headed to Oldsmar tomorrow after PB to pick up another table and 8 chairs for the E-Kids at Element. My how they are growing in numbers mainly due to the super dedicated volunteers and great kid programs. Wow its exciting to be in on the ground floor with new ideas and such enthusiastic leaders for our kids and grand kids. Dinner tonight was superb with salmon patties, buttered spuds and steamed cabbage. I of course added dried red pepper flakes to my cabbage and spuds, does that ever wake up your taste buds. It looks like the root canal I had back in January is not completely healing so I'm back to the dentist on Wednesday. Enclosed are a few pic's of my garden patch and the turkey who lives next door. He's quite the strutter.LATER
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday
Well Florida is back being Florida with wonderful warm temperatures and bright sunshine. It reached 71 today after a chilly start with Nancy having the heat on to start the day and on the way back from Element she had the A/C on. Menopause!!!
We headed to Tampa after our quiet time and lite breakfast of oatmeal and fruit. Bobby had a great message on the first church in the book of Acts and how the disciples finally "clicked" with the Holy Spirit during the Feast at Pentecost. We had a large gathering with tons of kids and lots of new faces. The music was awesome.
We had a meeting of all the volunteers with the kids program and there must have been 50 people there, wow what a turn out. I've never seen so many folks who want to show their ownership in their church and the difference they can make by stepping up and helping. Many don't even have kids. We are expecting 9 new babies this year alone. We snacked with chips, veggie tray, muffins and carrot cake. The meeting was over by 12:30 and then we headed out for home only to have to go back at 5 PM for the first elder commissioning service. We had 6 men who were dedicated with a very heart warming service and were charged with being spiritual leaders for our church.
Well we are back home and stopped off to visit with Ava, Amy and Tyler for a few minutes. There is still no news on little baby Samuel entering into the family but I have a feeling it could be this week. LATER
We headed to Tampa after our quiet time and lite breakfast of oatmeal and fruit. Bobby had a great message on the first church in the book of Acts and how the disciples finally "clicked" with the Holy Spirit during the Feast at Pentecost. We had a large gathering with tons of kids and lots of new faces. The music was awesome.
We had a meeting of all the volunteers with the kids program and there must have been 50 people there, wow what a turn out. I've never seen so many folks who want to show their ownership in their church and the difference they can make by stepping up and helping. Many don't even have kids. We are expecting 9 new babies this year alone. We snacked with chips, veggie tray, muffins and carrot cake. The meeting was over by 12:30 and then we headed out for home only to have to go back at 5 PM for the first elder commissioning service. We had 6 men who were dedicated with a very heart warming service and were charged with being spiritual leaders for our church.
Well we are back home and stopped off to visit with Ava, Amy and Tyler for a few minutes. There is still no news on little baby Samuel entering into the family but I have a feeling it could be this week. LATER
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