Friday

Well Thursday was a big change in the weather from warm and muggy to overcast and chilly. The day started with a 6:30 roll out for me while Nancy slept in. She has been a night owl lately reading into the late hours of the night so she likes to sleep in. I'm usually in the sack by 11 at the latest unless we have gone out or entertaining friends. I did my usual morning routine with a cup of hot green tea, a few quiet moments then a lite breakfast of fruit before pedaling out to the rec on my bike. The back and leg are showing some great improvements and I'm thrilled to be on the pickle ball court once more.

We had 2 courts going with some good continuous play. I finally broke a sweat as I've held down my play to about 3/4 action and the time down to around and hour or so. Each day I've added a little to the time of play and to my maneuverability. The doctor's all conceded that I should stay as active as possible due to the arthritis and how much pain I can tolerate. The exercise has been wonderful thus far for minimizing the pain. I'm thrilled and yesterday I got a nice back brace for when I do heavy lifting and back breaking work. It's best to only wear it in those situations as the movement in the back is good for keeping that joint loose and the arthritis broken up, oh well such as it is with growing older. I'm still working on losing a few pounds around the middle but it's proving more difficult with age as well.

Amy, GG and the kiddo's came for lunch and then Amy and GG went shopping while we watched Sam and Eliza. Sam is a constant motor mouth as he jabbers on about all and anything and now Eliza is really starting to coo and make all kinds of noises as well. Sam is starting to show some attention to her as well as before he barely noticed she was around. After they left to pick up Ava from school Nancy took off for her workout then a stop at the grocery. We got her Ipad Air delivered yesterday for her birthday along with my back brace. We had a hard time figuring out how to set it up but hopefully with Tyler's help this week-end she will be in operation. I just wish it was as simple as an on and off switch. I was watching some Duck Dynasty last evening and Phil was having the same problem with turning on a VCR and the TV. This having to have several remotes to operate a system is hard on us computer illiterate baby boomers, oh well thankfully Tyler is knowledgeable and is close by. We would still be in the dark ages without his expertise and assistance.

I picked sugar peas and along with fresh asparagus sautéed and put over Jasmine rice and with some seafood filled egg rolls we have a delicious supper. After the cleanup we settled into the Fox News channel and got the real news about what is happening in the world. Folks in this country had better wake up and pay attention to what is taking place both here and abroad. We will soon be a second rate place despite what the sycophants of this administration tell you in the mainstream media. I've lost faith in both political parties except for just a few who are now branded as extremists in the Tea Party. The Tea Party stands for "taxed enough already" and value the core beliefs of what this country was founded on in the beginning. I say throw all of the career politicians out and start over with term limits, get rid of the special interests and focus on what's best for the country with less regulations, become energy independent and keep our military strong and value those who have put their life in harms way to assure that we are safe. That would be my platform simple and to the point

We have a bunch in leadership positions who think we can "just get along" with those who want to destroy us; how quickly we forget 911. I'm thoroughly discussed with those who proport to have Americas interest at heart on both sides of the aisle and I fear what my grandchildren will have to face if some of us don't backbone up and forget about what my country can do for me. The entitlement mentality is destroying us from within and I see that is just what is happening as I write this ramble, LATER    

Thursday

Well Wednesday started out with very nice weather but ended up the day with rain and another cold front coming through the area. The cool temps were welcome after having the a/c on for the past week or so. The garden sure loves this change as well with the rain. It's supposed to be down into the 30's just north of the bay area on Friday, yikes the ground hog was right as it supposed to snow in the mountains once again.

I started the day much like I've usually done in the past with a 6'ish roll out, a few quiet moments and then a lite breakfast of cereal and fruit for a change before riding out to the rec. I once more played for about an hour on the pickle ball court testing out the back and leg and they seem to be holding up rather well. I'm going to hold it to about an hour a day until I get back into shape before doing the 2 plus hour workout. After pickle ball I headed into the weight room for a few minutes on the elliptical and some light weights to round off the morning. I then stopped by the library for a new non-fiction read titled DEAD MOUNTAIN.  It's a fantastic read about a group of Russian mountain climbers who were all killed or died very mysteriously in 1959 in the Ural Mountains and while the bodies where recovered the investigation had never been closed or what really happened has never been determined.

The new lettuce seedlings are doing fine and with this cooler weather they should take off. After watering the garden and picking a bunch of tomatoes I settled in until it was time for lunch. Amy brought GG and the kiddoes and we had a fresh garden salad along with some deli meat on top. Nancy made a huge batch of peanut butter cookies for them as well as for our house church later on in the evening. I headed out around 2 for my adjustment with the chiropractor in St.Pete. That appointment didn't take long as he now has some movement in that joint. I still have some muscle pain but I will be able to live with that especially with all of the arthritics in that area. I feel very fortunate it's only that.

 Did I mention little Eliza is cooing and trying to talk and she gets so excited when talking with her and has that one leg in constant motion. She is really bright eyed and very aware now and becoming a cute little butter ball.

Well we ate leftover linguine for supper and that gets rid of one leftover in the fridge. I'm hoping to do a stir fry with some of my bunches of sugar peas as they are producing the best I'm ever seem. My carrots are really starting to fatten up as well but I can't seem to get the Brussel sprouts to get much larger than a quarter. The plants are nearly waist high, look healthy and are just loaded with nubbins. I've even fed this some extra liquid fertilizer but they just won't fatten up and that goes for my sweet onions as well. They will not make a bulb for some reason. Last year they grew wonderfully with large bulbs on top of the ground but not this year. Maybe its been to cold for them as where I lived in California was an area noted for growing onions. It never got as cold there as it has been here this winter.

Well that's about it until we had the 3 of us couples for house church at 6:30 which lasted until after 9. We are doing a video study from Focus on the Family and this lecturer is awesome but long winded as the study is over an hour in length. We did a study on what is evil last night and where did it come from, very interesting. After they left we finished up the last hour of the IDOL show before hitting the showers and then then lights out around 11, LATER

Wednesday

Well Tuesday turned out to be a first in over 3 weeks for me and I got back to somewhat of my usual morning routine. After rolling out around 6'ish I had my handful of vitamins and supplements washed down by a glass of V-8 juice, a cup of hot green tea, a few quiet minutes and then a lite breakfast of fruit before I pedaled out to the rec on my bike. The back and leg felt almost like old times and I thought I would give them a lite workout starting with a little pickle ball play. Well I must say I was surprised at how good they felt with normal play and I didn't do anything to change that except limit myself to about an hour or less of play. I was welcomed back like a hero from the front lines. I didn't play long or hard enough to get a wet shirt but did get my respiration's up close to the sweating point.

I headed in to the weight room and did a few minutes on the elliptical and lifted a few lite weights as well for about 15 minutes. I'm bound to build back up slowly and by late afternoon I could feel the lactic acid in my muscles but no pain in the back or leg. I was thrilled beyond my wildest expectations and now hope to once again get back into shape especially with the changes to my eating habits. I stopped by the library to drop off some reads on the way home. It's hard to believe that after 3 weeks of no physical activity my muscles have turned to mush and I must try and get back into shape.

The weather looked to be for a very promising day despite the early morning overcast and ground fog. I hung a load of laundry, transplanted some new lettuce seeding's into larger packs, cut lettuces and greenery for a salad, picked peas, tomatoes, cabbage and then cleaned all of that while looking in at Sam who was watching a kids show. Nancy, GG, Amy and Eliza all took off for Target after I got back from the rec. I even made a guacamole for lunch for when they got home. Sam and I ate before they got back and where chilling when they came back from birthday shopping for him. He and Nancy share the same birthday on the 3rd; he will be 4 and she 57, yikes where did that time go?

After lunch I chilled and read for a couple hours and Amy dropped GG off on her way to pick Ava up from school. Nancy took her walk through the hood then we both spent the afternoon until suppertime reading. It turned out to be a nice day as temps dropped slightly with lots of sunshine. We did chilito's for supper. That's taco seasoning in ground meat, refried beans with cheese on a tortilla wrap with fresh onions, cilantro, lettuce, sour cream and hot sauce for me. It's an old version from Taco Bell years past.

 After the cleanup we headed in to see what this administration is doing to our nation or really what its not doing to keep folks working and keeping us safe from our enemies. This reduction in our military budget and giving it to social programs is appalling especially in light of our foreign policies and the loss of friendship with our allies. This is a scary bunch in D.C. and despite their inability to be truthful about the health care act, the spying on our communications, the cover up for their lack of concern about 4 Americans slaughtered needlessly due to their ineptitude, branding those who differ with their policies and programs as terrorist who are then investigated and targeted by the IRS, and our debt out of control and their lack of transparency in all of this with outright lying. Yikes we had better wake up America to what is happening; much like the frog in a pot of water on the stove that slowly begins to heat up and eventually after its too late is cooked, LATER

Tuesday

Well Monday's weather is back to being typical Florida with very warm temps and higher humidity with a few clouds around but mainly sunshine. We are back to having the house closed up with the a/c on, oh well that comes with living here when the snow is blowing elsewhere. The morning started with a roll out around 6:30. After my quiet time, posting of this ramble and a lite breakfast of fruit I got ready to head out. I had to be at the VA for a doctors evaluation on my arthritic back which is causing me some nerve discomfort down into my leg. The chiropractor has done wonders thus far and I'm staying away from any other treatment at this time as well as pain med's. I'm hoping to get back on the pickle ball court for some limited play maybe as soon as today(Tuesday). I'm being told by all to stay active and continue to work this arthritis and keep it loose as much as the pain will allow.

Amy, GG and the kiddos came for a lunch of cold meat loaf(GG made) sandwiches slathered with mayo, onion, lettuce and tomato, yeow was that ever tasty. I made myself eat only one but it was difficult to restrain myself as they are that good. After lunch I read until it was time to head down to the chiropractor for an adjustment and once again the back feels so much better after a treatment. We then headed over to deliver a meal for a shut-in couple. Nancy made Amy's recipe with a rotisserie chicken, French green beans, water chestnuts, pimentos and bread stuffing baked in a casserole dish plus a few other things. Wow is that one tasty meal in a single dish. She had enough to make a casserole for us as well and along with a fresh garden salad we had a delicious supper.

After the cleanup we settled in to the Fox News channel and then I did a little paperwork with my Amway project by enrolling a new customer. Don't forget the promo for this month ends in a couple days where all Nutrilite products are bogo. This promo is from our team leaders only and not from Amway per say and this only happens about every 6 months or so. If you buy your vitamins and supplements from Wal-Mart your probably getting some synthetic compounds made in China. Our products are grown on our own organic farms in the USA and processed in Michigan. With the bogo promo you will actually save money and get the best for your body. We then tuned into the Voice show. That's the first time I've every watched that show and I think I like it better than the Idol, oh well. After a shower I read until lights out around 10:30 as I started reading the insides of my eye lids, LATER

Monday

Well Sunday was another beautiful day with warm temps and higher humidity and lots of fog to start the day. We were heading over to Tampa for worship with our son who is the pastor at Element Church after our usual morning rituals; quiet times, lite breakfasts and the posting of this ramble. We headed out around 9AM alone as our neighbors decided not to attend today.

We saw our other house church couple who we had supper with last evening, Kathryn and Patrick along with several other familiar faces and a few new ones as well. The Rice missionary family from Peru was back for a visit with us once again. They have 3 middle school or younger children and are heading back to the jungles of that country in May for a couple of years. What a delightful and adventurous family. Another man we knew who was originally at Element but has since moved away to the east coast of Florida shared with us briefly about his experience in Guatemala working with a girls orphanage and then Bobby brought a powerful message as well. The music was very inspiring.

We brought Annsley and Gabe back with us to spend the afternoon playing with Ava and Sam after church. We got them happy meals from McDonald's and then took them over to Amy's so the kids could play with all of their toys at their house. They had a grand time and we brought them back around 5'ish to our house as I got ready to grill marinated chicken breasts. Nancy had 2 different pasta dishes going; one was made with Bobby's homemade pesto sauce and Penna pasta and the other was linguine made with artichoke hearts, capers, asparagus and mushrooms. Both dishes were awesome in flavor and along with the chicken breasts, garden salad and crusty bread it was delicious. Even the picky eaters among the kiddo ate well for a change. Amy and Tyler brought back from Yoder's Restaurant in Bradenton last evening a peanut butter pie filled with whipped cream and chocolate that was to die for. What a treat that was made by the Amish in that area. Seems both Bobby and Amy's families have eaten there but we haven't tried the restaurant as of yet, one of these days.

After the clean up we put the kiddos in the bath tub then shorty thereafter they headed out for home as it was a school night for the girls. Bobby got a chance to ride horses in the afternoon with Danielle our neighborhood friend for an hour or so before supper. The evening saw a little change in the temps as a mild cold front is supposed to come through we of course had the a/c cranked down with all of the cooking and large gang on hand. It was a fun time had by all. Little Eliza slept through most of it and she must love the sound of noise as the older kiddo's were wild at times, especially the boys. It was after 8 when Amy and Tyler took GG on their way home so I headed for the showers and some horizontal lab, LATER  

Sunday

Well Saturday started off with fog and overcast skies which eventually gave us a lite rainfall for much of the morning. By late afternoon the sun was shining and the humidity was back in full force. We started the morning with a sleep-in until 7'ish. After a few quiet moments and a lite breakfast we got ready to head out to Twill Auto for our every 3 months house church ministry of Free oil changes for single moms, military wives and widows.

We had 6 vehicles we serviced this Saturday which was down from our last time of 11. We changed their oil, checked tire pressures and even plugged one tire that had a nail in it, changed windshield wiper blades on one car and checked all of their lights for free. We serve them coffee and doughnuts while they wait as well as $10 gas gift card when they leave. We had a couple ladies from Tampa who drove all the way over here to take advantage of our generosity and one lady is a recent divorcee from Element Church with 2 small children. We were sorry to hear and see of her situation.

After the oil change we stopped at Sam's Club for some goodies before heading home for a lite lunch. I piddled around in the garden and then helped with getting the house ready as we were having a supper at our place for  the Botbyl's and the Tracy's. Kathryn was bringing a lasagna and a hors d'oeuvre. Carol was bringing a dessert and we were providing the rest; a large salad, crusty bread, a guacamole dip and a little vino. We had a grand meal and the platters were nearly licked clean. After the clean up we had a raucous game of sequence and the guys finally put it on the gals with a 5-2 win. We then taught the Tracy's how to play golf, another card game and Patrick won, so it was a boys night for wins(which is quite unusual).

They all headed out a little before 10'ish so it was time to tidy up and hit the showers. We are having another big supper here tonight(Sunday) with Amy, Tyler, GG, Bobby and the grand kids so it will be another day of gastronomic delights. We head off to Tampa this morning for the gathering at Element Church and then we will bring Annsley and Gabe back with us so they can play with Ava and Sam. Well just an update on the back as it seems a little more pain free. I took a bike ride to the library and it actually felt good to stretch the leg and back. Certain movements still let me know the arthritis is still there but I'm certain that I can live with that for now, LATER   

Saturday

Well Friday started out with me awake too early as I had a difficult time sleeping. I think all of this dull pain in the back and discomfort in the leg along with the lack of exercise has me falling asleep on the couch in the early hours after supper and then keeping me awake in the early hours of the morning. I guess I will have to go back on some of the meds so I can at least sleep during the night. After my quiet time and a lite breakfast I had a 8 AM meeting at the VA about some additional benefits regarding this service connected injury and I'm now scheduled for a 9 AM  evaluation on Monday by another doctor at the VA.

I got out from the VA just in time to attend Ava's school which was honoring grandparents. I met up with Nancy there and we were entertained by the kindergarten through 5th graders with a program. It was a nice program and the auditorium was jammed pack with grand parents. We brought Ava with us afterwards and Nancy took her to get happy meals at McDonald's. I headed over to pick up GG and bring her for lunch as well. We had a lunch of salad and cold cuts then I headed into the reading room. Little Eliza Faye is so cute and now she is really cooing and showing some personality plus she is such a happy baby. I played with her on the bed and she really moves her head to follow your voice and look at toys. She is just a little butterball.

After they all left I picked lettuces, kale, beet greens, sugar peas, basil, dill and pulled my first carrot for the cole slaw we were making for supper. That was the first carrot I've grown in years and it was perfect at about 6-7 inches. It sure added some great flavor to the slaw which was delicious and also made from a cabbage I grew. The garden is starting to peak all except for the Brussel sprouts. They have formed throughout the plant but are not getting very big. They are not a fan of hot weather and that is what we got today warm and muggy so Nancy turned the a/c back on. The skies have been overcast and we did get some thunder storms late in the evening with some rain.


 I grilled a couple salmon fillets and along with a sweet 'tater and cole slaw we had a delicious supper. After the clean up we chilled to the living room for the news and then watched a little of the Olympics before it was shower time and lights out around 11, LATER

Friday

Well Thursday was just a little bit warmer as the temps reached the lower 80's and the sunshine was abundant. I sat outside under the big oak in the afternoon reading for a couple hours enjoying this weather. It's supposed to rain today(Friday) and drop a few degrees in temperature which won't be bad as the humidity was starting to creep back in the picture. We still have the windows and doors open during the daytime but I'm sure that will change soon.

The day started with a 7:30 roll out for me as I'm still recuperating from the back and hip. The adjustments have left me with something to look forward to as the severe pains have diminished considerably so I'm left with the dull constant ache which I can live with. Actually I've had that pain for years but have just learned to live it. That pinched nerve or whatever cause me such discomfort last week was unbelievable in sucking the life right out of you. I'm headed back to the VA this morning for another evaluation.

We had Amy, GG and the kiddos for lunch and then GG again for supper. I grilled a couple cheeseburgers and cut some endive for a sweet and sour dressing along with oven 'taters for supper.  Yeow was that ever delicious and I broke my eating habit by having a starch with a protein but since we had company I decided one day won't make that much difference. I feel as if I've dropped a little weight.

Well it wasn't much to write about for today so I'll close and get ready to be at the VA by 8, LATER

Thursday

Well Wednesday was just a beautiful day once again and typical for Florida during the wintertime. It reached the low 80's with lots of sunshine and little or no humidity. A nice breeze made it feel awesome in the direct sunshine. I started the day with a 7'ish roll out and shortly thereafter headed out for an adjustment with my chiropractor and then to see my doctor at the VA.

It's amazing what a person schooled in this form of health care can do for a person in pain. I've never been a person who has had to use doctor's very often but when I have its always been for something major and immediate care is needed. Well last week I was in such excruciating pain in my lower back and leg that I thought my quality of life was changed forever; until I met with this chiropractor. Well I've had 3 adjustments and I seem to get better pain wise with each time and now I'm even thinking of once more in a week or so to actually get back on the pickle ball court. He stresses to stay active especially with my condition in the lower back with advanced arthritis and some bone spurs. I will probably have some dull ache forever in the lower back and leg but I think I can live and function with that if I can get back to being active.

The VA doctor just confirmed with their x-rays the chiropractor's diagnosis and now I'm getting ready to have an MRI to confirm all of their assessments. I'm especially thrilled the VA will give me some 12 weeks of visits with my chiropractor by referral. That will surely help with my out of pocket expenses as well. I would rather not have to go through all of this but I'm satisfied the VA has my health in their best interests so far. I may eventually have to have injections into the affected areas but hopefully that is down the road with advanced age but at least I'm learning what my options are and that I need to stay active and learn to live with some limited abilities.

Well we had our house church last night and it lasted until almost 10 PM. There were 3 couples and we snacked on some homemade stuffed pirogues that Kathryn brought and Nancy made her famous chocolate chip cookies. I did sample 3 of the pirogues with special dipping sauces but passed on the cookies. So far I think I have dropped a pound or so with this new way of eating by eating slower, smaller portions and limited carbs with extra fresh raw veggies in salad form. I sure hope that will take some added pressure off of the back muscles and I now need to work on tightening up the abs. This maybe my last hurrah to be able to add to the quality of my life for the later years especially when it comes to weight reduction. I will have to be careful about some of my former 2 plus hour workouts and reduce them by half as well as how often I workout, oh well such is life. I've been very fortunate to be in as good a shape as I am for having a back operation at such an early age. I was 22 when that occurred and now I'm seeing some effects of that operation in the affected area of my spine.

Well we had a grilled chicken breast over a bed of garden salad for supper and except for the snacks with our house church I stayed away from food the rest of the day except for grapefruit and strawberries for breakfast, a bowl of leftover home grown green beans for lunch with a couple crackers of ground homemade turkey spread that GG made and brought. Amy, GG and the kiddo's came for lunch and we got to enjoy both Sam and Eliza. Eliza is cooing now and follow you with her head when showing a toy to her. She is such a delightful baby and rarely fusses. After they left I hand watered the garden then started a new read about the Mormons and how one of the wives in polygamy escaped and eventually sent one of the big leaders to prison. This should be a good read and lets us inside of what this cult is all about. I will give a recommendation and the titled at a future date, LATER

Wednesday

Well Tuesday turned out to be a beautiful day with temps into the high 70's, bright sunshine and a just a slight breeze to keep the humidity away. We are sleeping in now that I'm not on the pickle ball court until nearly 7:30. The deep constant dull ache in the back and leg are still evident but not nearly as strong as it once was. I'm starting to feel much better about the situation and my ability to function to near normal.

After a cup of hot green tea and my vitamins and supplements I posted this ramble, took a few minutes to give thanks and lift up those who need some special considerations before eating a lite breakfast of a grapefruit with some shelled pecans. That was quite a combination but very tasty and its helping me with my mission to lose some belly fat or just a couple pounds for the sake of my back. I messed around until it was time to head out to water the gardens and then I was feeling much better so I decided to mow the yards or suck up all of the oak leaves that was covering the yards. I gathered almost 5 large trash cans of the leaves then mulched them down to about a can and a half which I then mulched around the new lettuce and kale seedlings. The earth worms will love them and complete the cycle with some of the best compost ever.

Nancy was off at the dentist for her yearly checkup and cleaning so after a lite lunch of just a salad with no bread or crackers I decided to ride my bike to the library to return and pickup some new reads. Well the bike ride was invigorating and needless to say felt great on the back and legs. No pain or discomfort. Yea!!! I'm still off any meds except for bedtime when laying down seems to bring a pronounced dull ache to the hip; so I take a muscle relaxer and a pain pill together and sleep the night away until around 7'ish.

We shared a baked sweet 'tater and with green beans from the garden and a Caesar salad with romaine lettuce from the garden I grilled some deer steaks, Yeow, that was some fine eatin'. Many thanks once again to Caleb Dalton for his good shootin' and his daddy Andy for the great processing of this delicious and nutritious meat. It is the best with no additives and could easily be my first choice in protein consumption. After the cleanup we settled in to watch Fox News and then the Idol show and finished up with some of the Olympics after a hot shower before lights out around 11:30, LATER

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Tuesday

Well Monday started out with me sleeping in once again after a somewhat restful night. I'm still taking a muscle relaxer and pain pill before turning out the lights. It's helping to at least get a full nights sleep but the dull ache is still there in the lower back and buttocks on the right side. After a cup of hot green tea and a few quiet moments I posted this ramble then I had a lite breakfast of grapefruit and strawberries. Today, Monday I was starting new eating habits so as to reduce the belly fat that is pulling on my lower back and with that loss maybe I can help reduce some of this ache.

I caught up on some paperwork then read for a couple hours until lunchtime. The morning was chilly but with the sunshine it would quickly warm up to the middle 70's by late afternoon. Nancy had the heat on initially but after her morning hike through the hood she came back and started opening up windows and doors. I headed out to hand water the garden. After a lite lunch of a small salad with no bread or crackers I got ready for my 2:30 chiropractor visit. Once again he got some movement in the lower back joints which has kept the real miserable pain away but I'm still experiencing the dull aches. I can live with this pain but not comfortably. I may have to retire my pickle ball paddle for awhile at least.

I did manage to hoe a few weeds in the garden and transplant some lettuce seedlings. I picked another dozen or so tomatoes and enough sugar peas for a stir fry over rice for supper along with some cod fillets. I stayed away from the cookies Nancy made with Ava and Sam after lunch. Ava seems to be much improved after another round of mercury poisoning from Omega 3 which has dramatic influence on her personality. Since she had those amalgam filings put in her teeth by a pediatric dentist a year or so ago,she is very susceptible to mercury even in very small doses. This last round came from Omega 3 in vitamins, smart balance butter spread and Omega 3 enriched pasta. They have her on chlorella a form of algae to help with the elimination of the heavy metal from her body. It's unbelievable the effects of mercury on such a small person. I know there are kids out there who are diagnosed autistic when its mercury poisoning, oh well!!!

We spoke with our mountain mom, Helen and learned it had warm up above the freezing mark in the mountains. She, Martha and Joe are off on a trip to Tennessee on Tuesday. After the supper cleanup we watched the Fox News channel until the Olympics came on and then hit the hot shower afterwards, LATER

Monday

Well Sunday turned out to be a really nice day all around. The temps were chilly in the morning with some frost on the roof tops across the street but none managed to lay on my garden due to the large oak trees that surround the house. The sun was shining brightly and the skies were blue. We slept in until nearly 7 as I managed a decent nights rest despite the dull ache in my back and right leg. I took a pain pill and a muscle relaxer before turning in to see if that helped with the dull pain as they had absolutely no effect on the sharp excuriating pain earlier in the week. The combination of the 2 seemed to at least get me a nights rest.

We headed out with Dan and Carol to Tampa for our gathering at Element Church a little after 9. Despite the chill in the air the day looked like it was going to be a nice one and it did reach the lower 70's by the afternoon. It was a perfect day with no humidity as well. One of Bobby's elders delivered the message and he did a fine job. This was a Sunday where except for a few announcements Bobby did nothing in the service. Afterwards we met up with our other house church couple the Tracy's and went for lunch in down town Tampa.

 Pane Arustica is a yuppie restaurant that specializes in made to order food with its own bakery. It a unique eatery, very busy and while the prices are a little high the quality and combination of fresh vegetables and herbs are splendid. This is a gourmet style place with a self service line and or were you can be served by waiters. The food is different but rather tasty and the menu changes daily. I had a shrimp and crab stir fry with broccoli, mushrooms, peppers and other veggies on a bed of lo-mein noodles and accompanied with a homemade roll; while Nancy had the blackened salmon sandwich with avocados and other veggies on a homemade bread style sandwich. It was very tasty and for once I was satisfied with the portions. The potato, leek soup looked scrumptious as did the other dishes and sandwiches. The Tracy's sprung for the lunch as well. Many thanks to them and we made arrangements for next week-end's get together at our house for food and games.

We came back and chilled for the rest of the evening. I hand watered the gardens and the back did pretty good with being up and around for most of the day with just a dull ache. We ate a few leftovers later in the evening before tuning into the Olympics until it was nighty nighty time around 11. I once more did the pain pill and muscle relaxer together and got another decent nights rest. This coming week I have several appointments and will try once again to get into the chiropractor for another manipulation as he is the only one to give me any real relief from the constant sharp pains, LATER

Sunday

Well it was another cold morning to start the day with some scattered frost on the roof tops and again this morning as well. It did reach the upper 60's for the highs and lots of sunshine but the breeze kept it chilly in the shade. We slept in until after 7 for a change. My back and leg pain is at the constant dull ache stage so maybe I can live with that without being on meds. We spoke with several folks from up in the snow country and there are piles of it stacked up after getting the roads and driveways opened.

We had a mountain breakfast with sausage, eggs and grits for breakfast and that held us until we headed out to Applebees for a supper around 5 'ish. Luckily we went early 'cause when we left the restaurant around 6:30 there was a long line of folks waiting to get in. We had a nice meal but we are so use to fresh herbs and spices the meal was a bit boring but filling. We came back to Dan and Carols for a couple games of Phase 10 and Golf and the gals were each the big winners on both games.

We took a trip down to Sam's Club around lunchtime to stock up on a few items and the roads were just packed with traffic. A major 6 lane road was jammed that is near our house and it took several light changes to get through the intersections. It's was almost like a parking lot with so many out of state vehicles. I can't really blame them with all of the bad weather just to the north of us. Yesterday Florida was the only state with no snow on the ground according to the weatherman. Nancy picked a nice mess of green beans from the garden and I picked a handful of teardrop tomatoes(small).

Well today is worship day in Tampa at Element Church. We will get to see our son and his family as well as many of our friends, LATER

Saturday

Well we are having typical Florida winter weather with the highs in the low 60's and lows into the 40's much like a spring day in the mountains. The mountains had around 15-20 inches of snow over the past couple days with temps down into the below freezing mark; however yesterday it did reach into the 40's according to Ray's Weather website. We spoke with our "mountain mom" Helen a day or so ago and she had at least 17 inches of the cold white stuff and our neighbor at the cabin, Gerald sent us a couple snow pictures. It sure looked beautiful from here in sunny Florida but that is just another reason for being only there during the spring, summer and fall.

My day was another one that still has me in pain from this back while it's not as severe and sharp as it once was it's still a dull and constant ach. I made another appointment with the Spine Institute for another opinion and to see what I maybe facing in the future. I know I can't expect total pain relief but at least enough to where I can function again. I'm seeing the VA doctors next week as well as the chiropractor again as he has made the biggest reduction in the sharp excruciating pains. Yeow little did I think with all of my activities I would ever face such debilitating pain in the lower back and leg.

I did try to stay active as best I could with lots of walking around, hanging laundry on the clothesline, harvesting lettuce and sugar peas and sitting while reading instead of laying around flat on my back. The activity seems to help to a certain extent and with helping to keep that L5 joint loose. It seems from what I have learned so far the pain comes from the joint being immobile thus causing the sharp pains. I should have a better prognosis after seeing the x-rays from Thursday as the VA took several pictures of the back area.

Amy and all 3 of the kiddo's came after lunch as Ava was out of school. Grandma Nancy made Valentine cookies and let them decorate them. I got to hold Eliza for awhile and then played with her on the bed. She moves her head around following a toy and repeatly holds her head up and turns it when hearing your voice. She is growing like a weed. We picked up GG around 5:30 and headed over to Amy and Tyler's for supper. Amy had a pork roast, kielbasa, hot dogs in a sauerkraut base with smashed taters and I made a huge garden salad along with crusty bread, Yeow was that ever some good eatin'. There were cookies for dessert. We stayed and visited until after 8 before taking GG home.

Well after a hot shower and a ultra sound treatment on the back I headed in to watch Gold Rush and read a little before lights out at 11'ish. Tyler let me read the biography of Steve Jobs he had checked out from the library. Well what a successful looney toon he was if you can measure success with wealth. It's amazing a person with so much drive and intelligence could be so far out there from the mainstream. He definitely had a personality disorder and that could have come from being adopted. It is quite an interesting read and the author delves into his most intimate thoughts and occasions. He was a perfectionists and always though he was right in most all situations. It's a good read and very down to earth and of course his ideals are renown in this information age with Apple computers and Pixar movies, LATER
      

Friday

Well Thursday was one of those days that wasn't too bad weather wise with cooler temps, windy and lots of sunshine; however it brought some devastating news to me about my back. It seems the L5 herniated disc I had operated on about 45 years ago while in the Air Force has calcified and that is what's causing all the pain in my lower back and right leg. The x-rays from the chiropractor indicated some long term disability that he didn't think he could really help.  He did try to get some movement in the effected joint which did alleviate the excruciating sharp pain down to a constant dull pain. I can probably live with that if I have too and then explore other options for pain management such as cortisone shots in the effected area with the possibility of surgery as a last resort as of now. I did quit all of the meds that had no positive influence on the pain as I now need to built my body back for what lays ahead.

I headed back over to the VA after the chiro appointment to have a consult with my hand and I'm scheduled for an injection in the pinkie finger in April and then I had several x-rays of the back area while I was there. I'm hopeful my primary doctor there will allow me to continue to use the chiropractor as I did get some relief. I'm also going to seek out another opinion from a well known spine doctor here in Pinellas County with what my options may be. So I'm to stay active according to the chiropractor which has probably led to me being as healthy as I am as he thought when he saw my x-rays that I should be in a wheelchair or at least on crutches.

Nancy and I talked about all of the options and she is very supportive with whatever decisions I make and how I will hold up with the constant pain. There is another option of a cortisone shot into the effected area for pain relief which will allow me to be active; as of right now that sounds like a winner. Anyhow there is much to contemplate and evaluate for the future as I'm definitely not going to have this degenerative vertebrae and disc go away unless a miracle occurs.

I cut some Swiss chard from the garden and we sautéed it in butter and it was awesome along with salmon steaks on the grill smothered in fresh dill and a garlic, fresh basil and butter sauce over pasta for supper. After the clean up we settled into Fox News until the Idol competition came on then it was shower time and eventually some horizontal lab, LATER  

Thursday

Well Wednesday was another beautiful day with warm temps and bright blue skies however that all changed in the afternoon. That cold front that is hitting the south and the eastern seaboard is bringing lots of rain, wind and colder temps our way. We had severe weather with lightning, thunder and reports of tornado activity throughout central and southern Florida. The skies sure looked like it could have brought a twister in among us last evening.

I started the day with nothing that was usual; no getting up early, no ride out to the rec and of course no pickle ball. I'm beginning to wonder if any of that will ever happen again as the back and leg pain are still evident and seems to be intensifying as time goes on. None of the meds I received at the VA has helped so I sought out a chiropractor who is well known to our family. We know him and his family and is very reputable.  He also takes referrals from the VA so I'm hoping my primary doctor there will give me one if I find out he can help me. I went for a consultation and x-rays and despite the pain I'm in he refused to adjust me until he had a chance to have the pictures developed because of my prior surgery some 40 plus years ago. I go back this morning(Thurs.) for those results and hopefully some pain relief.

I also have a VA appointment to have my pinkie finger on the left hand corrected after lunch today. Seems I have what is called Dupuytren contracture where the tendon draws up and I can't lay my hand down flat. I'm hopeful this condition can be corrected with a shot into the tendon and not a surgical procedure. Am I falling apart with this stage of age, yikes I'm beginning to wonder?? Oh well!!!

We cancelled house church last night as it was a severe weather kind of evening until 9'ish. We chilled on the couch after a supper of leftovers watching Fox News until the Idol show came on. Afterwards we tuned into the Olympics until it was bedtime around 11'ish. I awakened a couple time during the night with pain and finally around 4, I took another muscle relaxer,LATER

Wednesday

Well Tuesday was just a gorgeous day with warm temps and bright sunshine. We opened the house windows and doors and aired out the place. It was awesome however I was still down with pain in my lower back despite the muscle relaxers and pain pills I was taking along with some ultra sound treatments and sports cream. At times the pain was excruciating and other times I noticed it as a dull continuous pain that ran down my leg. I'm thinking a pinched nerve now and maybe I will call a chiropractor for an adjustment; all I know is I'm getting desperate for some relief.

The day for me saw me watching the clock to take my medications which I was counting on to give me some relief but now I'm not to sure this is the course to take as I usually don't take anything other than OTC stuff and my vitamins and supplements. I'm starting to wonder what all this stuff is doing to my stomach and my body without really helping me to get better, oh well!!

I did get some reading during the day when the muscle relaxers didn't put me to sleep. I've sure caught up on my sleep the past couple days with all of the cat naps during the day; but I'm ready to get over this malady and get back to some exercise other than getting out of bed to take pills.

Amy, GG and the kiddos came for lunch and I got to hold little Eliza Faye for awhile until she wanted to nurse. She is just a cutie and a good baby as she barely fusses. After they left to pick up Ava from school Nancy did her walk through the 'hood and I layed around an read until it was time to grill some venison steaks. Along with fresh broccoli from Tyler's garden and a sweet 'tater we had a wholesome supper. I did splurge and have a bowl of the frozen yogurt with a little chocolate syrup before the clean up. We settled into the Fox news channel and learned the potus has once again decided to change the health care law passed solely by his party in the congress that he is sworn to uphold. This is completely his idea for political purposes and by his idea that he is above the law. We have a mess on our hands in this country with this bunch in D.C. and the major news papers and news channels are complicit in their lack of reporting factually with regard to upholding our constitution, LATER

Tuesday

Well Monday started out with me awake at the usual before 6'ish roll out. My lower  back and leg were still calling out to me for some relief. The ibuprofen was having no effect on lessening the pain so I made contact with my primary doctor's office at the VA. I would take my chances as a walk-in to his office. They were very accommodating and worked me in right away. It looked as if it was going to be a typical Florida winters morning with cool temps to start the day and by late afternoon it had reached the upper 70's.

I had to wait an hour or so to see the doc then another hour for some meds before I was able to get back to the house around 11:30. He put me on a pain pill along with a muscle relaxer after determining it was a muscle and possibly a pinched nerve that was causing the pain down into the leg. At this time he doesn't think its a disc problem but if this regiment of medications doesn't handle the problem I will have further tests. Thankfully all of these meds and tests are a result of the service connected injury and operation I had 40 plus years ago while flying as an air crew member into Viet Nam, so they are covered by the VA.

Well I took my meds and Nancy gave me a couple ultra sound treatments during the course of the day and I may feel a little better but the knot in the muscle is still there and the pain is maybe not as severe as before but I'm not getting well right away as I had hoped. I'm not one to be down or incapacitated for very long and I was hoping for instant relief after getting the meds, Oh well!!

Amy, GG, Sam and Eliza came for lunch. I made a guacamole and we had a bowl of the lamb barley soup Nancy made from the leftover lamb roast on Friday. It was delicious. Little Eliza has picked up a cold from her siblings and her nose is a little stuffy. Nancy and I watched her while Amy and GG did some grocery shopping. She is such a darling and we felt for her and her discomfort. She slept most of the time here except for a diaper change.

Well Nancy made soft tacos for supper with refried beans and it was delicious and then we tuned into Fox news until it was time for the Olympics. I dozed due to the muscle relaxer with could cause drowsiness before heading in for bed around 10. I did sleep a little better as a result of the meds, LATER

Monday

Well Sunday turned out to be a rather nice day after a chilly start. It reached the lower 70's by late afternoon and the sunshine was welcomed after several days of overcast and rain with low temps into the 50's for a high. We started the morning with me still having that balled up muscle in my lower back which occasionally sends shooting pain into my thigh and leg. I did manage to attend church in Tampa at Element and the walking around felt good at times. I'm just so surprised the OTC pain relievers haven't made a big difference. I use my hand held ultra sound machine and along with exercises, massages and sports creams I can't get rid of the knotted muscle. These methods do give some immediate short term relief but the hard knotted muscle is still there so I need to get some muscle relaxers from a doctor. So its off to see one today if possible at the VA, oh well!!

Bobby had a great message on Sunday using the analogy of a cracked vessel(us) and how GOD can make something beautiful from it when we allow HIM to fix or fill in the cracks. The praise music was awesome as well. There were some new faces in the crowd and lots of babies and kids. Afterwards we headed out for home with Dan riding with us as Carol was under the weather. He and Nancy headed for the nursing home later in the afternoon for the twice monthly church service to push wheelchairs. I thought it best to not help with that function due to the back ache so I vegetated on the couch watching the Olympics until it was time for supper. Afterwards I soaked in a hot tub and then Nancy gave me a good ultra sound workup and I headed to bed to read. I did manage some sleep during the night but that constant ache in the lower back kept me tossing and turning for a favorable position to alleviate the discomfort. Well I hope I can get some relief today in one form or another. I suppose my pickle ball days are over for now until I find out what caused this anomaly with my back muscle. That would sure be a hard pill to swallow if I had to give up that form of exercise and activity, LATER

Sunday

Well Saturday was another stay inside day for me as I'm still dealing with this torn knotted up muscle in my lower back that has me somewhat worried as the pain at times radiates down my right leg. The knotted muscle is right next to where I had my L5 surgery 40 some years ago. I've tried everything and there hasn't been much relief so I will make an appointment with the doctor on Monday, oh well!! The weather for Saturday was cool, overcast and rainy at times which doesn't help with not having a cheerful attitude due to this discomfort I'm having. This may put a damper on a big part of my life with not feeling well enough to workout on the pickle ball court.

We didn't do a whole lot except for babysitting Ava, Sam and Eliza in the evening for awhile when Amy and Tyler headed out for their anniversary dinner. After a supper of black beans and rice with grilled chicken legs and a salad we let the big kiddos play on their ipad and we tried to keep Eliza happy. She was missing the "real thing" and didn't want to take to the bottle. She lifts her head up and turns it around for such a young baby. We love to hear her coo and make her little noises. She was definitely happy when her mom put her on the breast when they got home around 8. After nursing for awhile she was once again catnapping until it was time for then to go. We had Ava and Sam bathed and in their PJ's and then they got wound up.

We watched a little of the Olympics after a hot shower and a rub down on my back by Nancy for me and by 11, I was ready for some horizontal lab, LATER

Saturday

Well Friday was a drizzly, misty, overcast and much cooler day with no sunshine. It was a stay inside day except for when I ventured out to the garden to harvested lettuces and herbs for the evening meal preparation. I'm still having some discomfort from a muscle in the lower back that has kept me on rubs and ibuprofen for which I'm not accustom to being sidelined. I'm hoping with some rest, ice, heat and massages I can get rid of this ache which has radiated down into my leg. I'm able to get around but after awhile it puts me back off my feet.

We slept in to start the day as the rec was closed and I wouldn't have been able to play anyhow with this muscle ache. After a lite breakfast of cereal and fruit I headed into catch up on some paper work and after my quiet time I decided to do my taxes on line. That kept me busy for a couple hours and then I headed out on the bike to the barber shop for an ear lowering as Nancy was off with her mom shopping for the grand kids for Valentines Day.

Well she once again purchased clothing for them which is so much better than toys as they have too many already, but she did get them candy and since they were all going to be here for supper she presented them with their goodies. Bob and family came around 4:30 and shortly thereafter Amy picked up GG and they came as well. The kiddos had a grand time playing and the house for in complete disarray shortly thereafter as well. Little Eliza slept through all of the activites as she is use to noise. Nancy had about 10-12 pounds of lamb roasts in the oven and the smell permeated the house along with smashed taters and gravy, green beans, squash casserole, salad and crusty bread. We sat down to a delicious meal as we celebrated both Bob's birthday and Amy and Tyler's anniversary which was with 2 days of each other. A little vino flowed as well before the meal for a few of us. We had a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and vanilla frozen yogurt for dessert.

After the cleanup we settled into loving up on Eliza who awakened just as we sat down to eat and remained awake until they left just before 10. All the kiddo's had baths and were in their PJ's as they traveled home. I'm sure they were all asleep as soon as they were on the road as they played hard and good together. The boys get a little rambunctious together but the girls hid them selves in another room making jewelry with rubber bands most of their time together. What a great toy that was and its the new fad for kids. It was close to 10 when they all headed out so Nancy and I put the house back together and then I hit the hot shower. The muscle was still bothering me and kept me awake along with the chocolate cake until nearly 1 AM.

Well the temps had cooled off which made it nice until someone was having a hot flash so the a/c went back on for the night. The morning today on Sat. looks much like yesterday without the rain and the temps are into the 50's once again which the garden just loves. We are babysitting the Ross's 3 little ones for the evening as Amy and Tyler get away for their anniversary with a dinner out. We will attempt to feed Eliza with a bottle and we hope that goes well for both us and her as she is a snacker when nursing. She likes to go to sleep with the closeness while eating, Oh well. I almost forgot to mention Bobby was able to put his book on our laptop from a kindle application through Amazon and he had a finished copy of the book with him so we could peruse it. It's so well done and is registered with the Library of Congress as well., LATER

Friday

Well Thursday was a day that started out rather warm but ended with another cold front that brought showers and eventually another cooling off period by late evening and night. It felt good to get away from the 80's and high humidity for a change. I started the morning much the usual with a before 6 roll out and then my usual routine of a cup of hot green tea, a few quiet moments, the posting of this ramble and a lite breakfast of grapefruit and strawberries before riding out to the rec on my bike.

We had a full crew of players for most of the morning with 2 courts going and some long rallies. There were wet shirts in abundance and I was one of them despite pulling a muscle in my lower back. It stiffen up as the day wore on and by bedtime and after a hot shower it was in need of some sports cream and ibuprofen. It's been awhile since I tweaked the back muscles and maybe it's a good thing the rec is closed today(Friday) as I will give it a rest until Monday.

I came home after pickle ball and piddled around in the garden transplanting the last of the romaine seedlings into the ground. I have some bibb lettuce seeds that are sprouting but right now until I clear out some of the older lettuces there is no room to transplant them. It will be a week or so before they are big enough to transplant. They sure love this cooler weather and hopefully it will stay at least below 80 for a few more days.

Nancy was making a huge pot of chicken noodle soup for a couple friends who are down with flu like symptoms and we sampled a little for lunch along with a salad. Amy, GG and the kiddos came for lunch and then we loved up on Sam and Eliza until it was time for them to leave and pickup Ava from school. Nancy and I delivered hot soup to the shut-ins and then came back and read. She made a chocolate cake for Friday's family dinner where we will be celebrating Bobby's birthday with a roast leg of lamb and gravy, smashed 'taters, green beans from the garden, yellow squash casserole and a fresh garden salad, Yeow there goes the diet for this weekend as we are roasting 2 legs of lamb as they are boneless at 5 and 6 pounds each. We will have a large gang here and with 2 take home plates for Betsy the fare should go fast.

Well we heated up a bowl of soup for supper and after the cleanup we settled into the Fox News channel until the Idol came on and then afterwards we watched a little of the Olympics until it was lights out around 11, LATER

Thursday

Well Wednesday wasn't quite as hot but it still was muggy so the a/c is still on and has been since the end of January. The morning was rather foggy once again and the skies were overcast until mid-morning. I started the day much the usual with a before 6'ish wake up and roll out. After a cup of hot green tea, a few quiet moments then the posting of this ramble I cut up a grapefruit and a few strawberries for breakfast. I was on the road on my bike by 7:25 headed to the rec about a 1/2 mile away for some 2 plus hours of pickle ball.

We had 2 courts in action for most of the morning and the wet shirts were evident on most everyone. It was an open play day but only 2 intermediate players showed so the play was good for this day with mostly advanced players. By 10, I was ready for a break and we had started to lose players as the morning wore on. Afterwards I stopped by the library for a couple new reads and checked out a book I had on order. It's titled ON THE FARM by Steve Cameron and its the true story of a serial killer in Vancouver, Canada. This should keep me busy for a day or so as its quite in depth in the life and investigation of this man.

I came back to the house and got ready to head out for my yearly teeth checkup and cleaning with a local dentist. The hygienist is our former neighbor and friend, LaurieAnn. She gave me a good bill of sale except for a couple front teeth filings that are getting old and possibly leaking(according to the doctor). It seems I will need to replace them in the near future. After the dentist I stopped off next door to Aldi's for a few grocery items then headed home to a lunch of smoked turkey and lettuce wrap. After lunch I headed out to hand water the gardens as the sun was out and causing some wilt due to its high heat. I read for most of the afternoon until it was time to get ready for our house church supper at 6:30 when we both dusted, vacuumed and put the house in order.

I grilled a couple dozen chicken legs and thighs while Nancy put together a garden fresh salad. The others were bringing side dishes of potato salad, green bean casserole, fresh homemade rolls and a blueberry cobbler. The eatin' was once again fine and filling. We visited and talked about Patrick's recent trip to Israel 2 weeks ago. He had some very interesting photos from his 2 weeks there and in Rome. That is on my bucket list somewhere in the future. We had 9 adults and 1 kiddo. After they left around 8:30 we watched the Idol until 10 then it was shower time and finally some horizontal lab after 11. It was a fitful night as we both had dessert around 8 and the sugar kept us awake into the wee hours of the morning. I find we must starting eating earlier in the evening especially if dessert is involved as our bodies play tricks on us eating that late, oh well!! I guess that's a facet of getting older which is better than the alternative of dying young. Speaking of dying young we loss one of our Seminole Firefighters this week to a heart attack while in his 40's, yikes. Our rec will be closed on Friday due to the largeness of his service being held there. I knew him professionally as he assisted me on many accident investigations over the years.

We never got to see the grand babies today as Amy and Tyler had lunch together on this their 9th anniversary. It sure was quiet around here and we missed seeing adorable Eliza and Sam. We are babysitting on Saturday night as they go out to celebrate their special day together. Friday night is another big family dinner with Bobby and Amy's families attending as we celebrate his birthday that was on the 3rd. There will be leg of lamb and all the trimmings for that occasion, Later. Here are a couple pics from the other evenings supper. That is a wilted endive salad from the garden with sweet and sour dressing and grilled marinated cubed deer steaks, delicious!!!

Wednesday

Well Tuesday was another warm muggy almost summer like day here in central Florida for the 4th of Feb. Yikes I some how have the feeling it's going to be a hot summer with temps this high this early in the year and despite the hot weather here there is another snow fall and extreme cold in the rest of the country. It was very foggy here yesterday morning with visibility so bad the birds were grounded. I could barely see as I rode out to the rec on my bike around 7:30. It did clear off by 10 with bright sunshine and temps in the 80's.

The morning started much the usual with a before 6'ish wake up and roll out. I did my cup of green tea with a handful of vitamins and supplements before a few quiet moments and the posting of this ramble. After a bowl of cereal with fruit I pedaled out to the rec for some 2 plus hours of pickle ball. Yeow did we ever have a workout as we had 8 players with 2 courts going with non-stop play. I could wring my shirt out as it was that soaked. Afterwards I headed out to the library to pick up a new read before heading home. It was just a very nice day and it hadn't got to hot yet. I put in a load of laundry and then hung it outside on the line before hand watering the garden. I picked 2 colanders of lettuces and herbs for a salad and then I made a batch of guacamole for lunch while Nancy was doing her workout at the rec.

Amy picked up GG and along with the kiddos came for lunch. Eliza is such a cutie and we really enjoy just watching her eat and sleep. She is growing so fast and has already added about a pound or so from her birth weight. She is such a good baby and Amy is almost back to her natural looking thin self. Amy is nursing Eliza and I think that makes such a big difference in her growth and health. After they left around 2:30 to pickup Ava from school I headed out to work in the garden as the tree shade had reached the sunny side of the garden. I have a ton of new little sugar pea pods that should be ready for harvesting in a couple days. The recently transplanted kale seems to be doing well despite the wilting in the hot sun. I sure miss growing kale as its the best known veggie for your eyes as it loaded with lutein. All of my kale seeds went bad and I could not find any seeds anywhere; thankfully Dan had an abundance of seedlings in his garden and shared with me.

Nancy and I read until supper time and then we made a sweet and sour dressing with bacon for an endive salad from the garden. This is the first year I've had luck with endive and its growing like wild fire. The salad was very good and now I need to figure out how to duplicate that taste with not having to use so much bacon grease. Bacon is loaded with nitrates and not necessarily good for the body. That salad accompanied some oven taters loaded with parsley and rosemary from the garden and some grilled marinated venison steaks courtesy of the Dalton family from the mountains. Yeow what fine eatin'!! After the cleanup we settled into the Fox News channel to get the real news of what's happening in the world and not the sugar coated version that is trying to make this administration look good. What ever happened to the honest reporting of the likes of John Cameron Swazzy(sic), Cronkite and Paul Harvey. I no longer look to the big 3 three networks for the truth in what is happening in the world as the investigating journalism is so biased and they too are fabricating news to make this inept administration look good. They helped to elect this bunch in D.C. and now they have to keep them looking good to save face at the expense of the country.

Oh well now the spin is due to the loss of tons of jobs because of this administrations policies more people can spend time with their families and just work part-time. We are headed down the path of no return for economic stability in this land if we the people don't say enough is enough in the November elections. That's just my opinion and everyone has one, LATER

On a business note our team leaders have once again made an awesome promo for February with ALL Nutrilite Products being Bogo. They purchase the bogo and send them to you at the end of the month out of their pocket but we get the product for free after the original purchase. There is no limit to what or how much you purchase that has the Nutrilite brand on the label. Take advantage as this only occurs a couple times a year. I personally use their vitamins and supplements and so far I think that has helped me to stay away from prescription medicines especially with the use of Co enzyme Q10 and the Saw Palmetto supplement. Nancy and I both use many of the products and they are all plant based grown on their own organic farms and manufactured here in the USA in Michigan. None are synthetically produced in a lab or come from China. Also if you make an order of 30 pv's or more and do so by the 10th of the month they will reimburse you with a check for the cost of shipping. PV's are a number that is associated with each product. If your pv's add up to a total of at least 30 your eligible for the reimbursement check; but none the less your getting first class products at half the cost or twice as much product. Either way now is time to stock up this month.

 My website is www.amway.com/JNTriplett to purchase these products, you pay on-line with your credit card and its shipped directly to you. Most of you who are a customer of mine get an additional discount(my cost) as well. If your interested in becoming a customer and want the additional discount(my cost) let me know by e-mail and I will register you at no cost to you. We believe in these products and I use them everyday and that's one of the reasons I'm extending to you this discount as well. We want nothing but the best and if your going to use vitamins and supplements why not use the best for your health. Believe me when I say I have used the others and they usually are found in the waste plants and or septic tanks.

Tuesday

Well as much as I complained about the wet cold temp's I kind of wish we had a little as it turned extremely hot and humid it seems all in one day. I stayed in during the early afternoon as it was just too hot to do much of anything outside until later in the afternoon. This weather is so unbelievable for the first week in February. There is snow and cold in the northeast, mild temps in the mountains of the Carolina's and summer weather here in Florida.

The day started with me rolling out around a little before 6'ish. I did my usual with a handful of vitamins and supplements, a cup of hot green tea, a few quiet moments and then a lite breakfast before pedaling out to the rec on my bike for some 2 plus hours of pickle ball. Despite resting for the past couple of days I still wasn't up to par on the court as I tired more easily than I'm use to and by 10 I was bushed. I did have a wet shirt and it felt good as I rode home in the high heat, Yikes I'm already thinking about the mountains and the cool mornings in May.

I did hand water the gardens and then hung a load of laundry as the hot temps were awesome for drying clothes on the line. Amy, GG and the kiddos were coming for lunch so we got ready for them after Nancy got back from the rec. We had smoked turkey roll ups or wraps and they were delicious with pickles. After lunch GG and Amy headed out to the grocery store for some shopping while we babysat Sam and Eliza. Eliza is just such a good baby and rarely fuss's. We love to sit and watch all of the expressions while she sleeps and she looks so much like Ava at this age.

Nancy took GG and did some Valentine shopping for the grand kids on their way taking GG home. I headed out to the garden as the sun finally got off one area so I transplanted a dozen kale seedlings that were growing at random in Dan's garden from where he scattered some seeds. My kale seeds were dead so I was without this very healthy green veggie. I picked more green beans and there seem to be several little ones that hopefully will mature. The sugar peas are blooming like crazy and I noticed a dozen or so had set pods, so we will have a ton of these as they are tasty in a salad as well as in a stir fry.

That was about it until supper time as we read until I grilled a couple bone in pork chops and we finished the collards and black beans and rice from the other night. Those collards are the best tasting especially after setting a day or so in a good broth. Well after the clean up we tuned into the Fox News channel and learned the potus(president of the United States) has blamed Fox News for all of his scandals and his poor ratings. This man is such a fraud and so narcissistic it's just down right laughable. He has never accepted the fact his failed policies are hurting the country both foreign and domestically and now with this interview with O'Reilley the people see what a slippery leader he is. No wonder know one is responsible for their actions because he is their best example always blaming someone else. First it was Bush and now it's Fox news. This potus is the worst ever and even Jimmy Carter is starting to look good compared to this man.

Well it wasn't long until I was reading the inside of my eyelids and turned the lights out around 10:30. I almost forgot to mention today 33 years ago my son Bobby was born. He has been a blessing beyond words and I'm humbled and honored to call him my son. His life's work is under attack so if you find the time to remember him in your thoughts and prayers please do so. Element Church is bringing GODS words of love to that group in a special and unique way so there are spiritual attacks upon his family, LATER    

Monday

Well Super Bowl Sunday wasn't very super for the Broncos as a matter of fact I turned the game off in the third quarter and watched the documentary titled Kidnapped the true story of a beautiful young writer/photographer from Canada who was kidnapped in Somalia and was held for over a year for a ransom. I read the book and Dateline did a great job with the story.

Getting back to Sunday which was a super day for us as believers who gathered at Element Church in Tampa. Dan and Carol rode with us as we had clothing and a stroller for those who give of themselves as foster care parents. Nancy and Carol had the front desk with check-ins of the kiddos. They had in excess of 50 little ones not counting the 4-5 brand new infants that were in the service, plus all of their parents and friends. It was a great crowd and Bobby had an awesome message on us being the vessel for sharing GOD'S WORD to others. The music was awesome as well and one of the songs was played at 2 of the funerals we have been to in the last 2 weeks. A real worshipful message in itself.

After lots of hugs and handshakes we headed out for Pinellas. We took the cross town on the way back and stopped at Chili's in Pinellas Park for a scrumptious lunch. Everyone had a form of some king of burger after a never ending basket of salsa and chips; but I saw a new item on the menu of chicken enchiladas with rice and black beans; the flavor of the enchiladas was the best I've ever eaten. It had a white sauce covering the three rolled tortillas filled with shredded chicken which was delicious. I licked my platter clean and even Nancy remarked how good it tasted. After lunch we headed out and what a difference in one day as we went from cold damp overcast skies to bright sunshine with temps in the low 80's. Along with that the humidity started creeping back as well, so we never opened the windows. The house stayed rather nice in the middle 70's for most of the day.

Well I read and watched Alaska; the Last Frontier after hand watering the gardens for an hour or so. The sun felt great and the plants had started to wilt in the high heat and direct sunlight; they loved the cool damp weather and now with this high heat they will surely need water a couple times a day. We are fore casted for this warm to hot weather for the next week or so and I really don't think we will get much more cold temp's as it's now February and that is when we really start to see a change here in the heat and humidity, oh well. We were miserable in the cold as we were restricted to the house.

It was a great day to relax and that's just what we did after getting back from lunch. About 6 PM we decided to have a fresh garden salad with a little smoked turkey on top and it was delicious and good for us after that large meal at Chili's. I was rather disappointed in the game as the defense of the Seahawks dominated Peyton's offense. I mean they really were offensive as a team, they seemed to play on their reputation. The 'Hawks were hungry as this would be their second appearance in the big and game and their first ever win; they came into the league the same year as did the Bucs. Well that's about it for this day. I hope all spent a few with minutes with family, friends and giving thanks for another day here on planet earth, LATER. 

Sunday

Well Saturday started out chilly and Nancy ran the heat to take the chill off and by late afternoon she had the a/c on as the temps reached the 80's with high humidity, unbelievable weather here at this time of the year in central Florida. I think also because we had a house full of people and 5 grand babies with 4 of them running around like wild Indians may have contributed to her heated stage. Bobby brought Annsley and Gabe with him around 2 PM as he was performing a wedding out near Fort Desoto Park and then Amy brought Ava, Sam and Eliza so we had a house full when GG and Tyler showed up as well Betsy later on. It finally cooled off a little about bed time.

The morning started with us sleeping in until after 7 for a change. I was going to take another day off from pickle ball to built my strength from this chest cold. I'm still coughing but very little and I think the deep congestion is finally dissipating. I stayed clear of the little ones as I didn't want to share any of this as I think Sam shared it with me a couple weeks ago. I worked out in the garden and then got a 13 pound turkey ready for the smoker. We seasoned it up with olive oil and dried herbs and an apple in the cavity then I sat it on a stand with a beer in the rear. I load the smoker up with apple and hickory wood I brought back from the cabin and let it slow cook for nearly 7 hours.

I could pull the bird apart from the bones and golden skin was beautiful. Such a mild and moist bird and to go with it I had a pot of collards cooking for nearly 5 hours at a simmer. Yeow were they ever delicious to go along with GG's special mac and cheese recipe and a fresh garden salad and crusty bread. Amy made a jello pie and Nancy made a banana cream pie as well. The eatin' was awesome country style with down home fixin's.

We gave the kids a bath and got them ready for Bobby when he returned about 8:30 so they could just be put to bed when they got home after the nearly hour long drive and their inexhaustible energy. We somewhat watched the Duke vs Syracuse game on the tube until it was time to hit the shower after everyone left for home. We got some nice pictures of the 5 grand babies all together for the first time. Eliza was a hit as she slept most of the time through all of the noise waking up occasionally to nurse. Ava and Annsley are into making bracelets with rubber bands and that kept them entertained nearly the whole time here. I put together a train set for the boys and they played much better together with little or no whining about toys.

Well today (Sunday) is worship day in Tampa at Element Church. It will be another day I'm sure of many tears for the passing of little Joey but the start I hope for some healing as well as many within the gathering once more draw on the blessings that come with being a family. I must say we are privileged to be a part of this group of believers that rally when a need is known and the love and care showed to Joey's family was remarkable, LATER   Pictures to follow of my first cabbage this year and some of the beautiful lettuce I'm harvesting and the 7 hour smoked turkey and our son and daughter holding Eliza.

Saturday

Well Friday was one of the wettest days we've had in many moons and rather chilly to boot. It may have reached the upper 50's but it was so damp and cold it felt even colder. We slept in as I was not going to the rec but we were going to Tampa where we would attend the funeral of a 4 year. It's not that often that occurs but little Joey passed last week from liver failure and the medical team could not find a reason for that malady.

The service was very heartwarming with huge bunches of balloons as Joey loved the movie UP and each person was to fill out a post card about an adventure they would go on and think about Joey. Balloons were passed out to each person in attendance. There were some funny stories about the lives touched by this 4 year old as well as lots of tears and hugs. A video was shown with him and the people in his life and set to music from his favorite movies. There was a huge crowd of folks from Element plus lots of out of town folks as well. Bobby did a nice job with this service and even he was broke to tears at times as we all were.

We headed back to Seminole on the cross town toll road as I-275 was bumper to bumper on our way over to Tampa around 9:30. We stopped at a super Wal-Mart in Pinellas Park and picked up a few items that we only find there at half the cost before stopping at GG's. Amy was there with the kiddos and we finished up the last of her bean soup and ate some cornbread for lunch before heading out around 2'ish for home. It was still raining and a cold rain at that. We decided to spend the rest of the afternoon reading and relaxing. I'm still battling a chest cold with a cough so I've been taking some cough syrup with an expectorant which seems to be working. Not working out on the pickle ball court for a couple days should help as well.

Nancy made salmon patties along with some brown rice and black beans for supper and that was yummy as I loaded mine up with fresh cilantro, thyme and dill from the garden. Tomorrow(Sat) I'm going to smoke a 13 pound turkey in my electric smoker and this will be a first for me over a bed of hickory wood and a Yuengling beer in the rear. We just settled into the Fox News channel after the clean up until the Gold Rush show came on so I vegetated in the bedroom watching and reading during commercials while she flipped in the other room. It wasn't long until I was reading the inside of my eye lids around 11, LATER