Thursday morning last day in March 2016

Well Wednesday started out with clouds and by mid morning the skies cleared and it was bright sunshine the rest of the day but with that came the humidity and high heat which is typical for Florida this time of the year. The fuzzies from the oak tree are in full production and the little green worms that come with the new leaves are hanging on the silk threads from the branches. I'm not sure what the correlation is with the new leaves and the little green worms and why they hang down thus being eaten by birds and lizards, oh well.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out and then my quiet time and the posting of this ramble for this blog so my grand kids will get to know us a little better, long after we are gone from this earth. I had a breakfast of fruit and cereal before riding out to the Rec. at 7:30 for a good two hours of pickle ball. (I know goofy name for a great game) We have lost a lot of players as many are moving back north which usually occurs after Easter. We did have 3 courts in action but by 10 there was just one court with 4 players which hasn't happened for months. I got in a good workout and had a wet shirt.

It had rained overnight so I didn't water the gardens until late afternoon when I set the sprinkler. I noticed my sweet Texas onions are finally starting to bulb up. They sure are tall and I was afraid they were miss marked as scallions instead of the larger onions. The cucumbers have several blooms and should be setting fruit as the vine is climbing on the back fence. The lettuce is really about to end as the heat is not a favorite for growing this veggie. I picked another colander of green beans and sugar peas from the new plants. I took the old dried up pea vines off the fence on the side garden as they were finished producing. Wow did they ever produce this year and I'm hoping the new vines on the back garden fence do as well but they to are not big fans of the high heat. The Swiss chard and beets are not fans of the high heat either but do come back during the night and early morning from the afternoon wilt.

Amy, GG and Eliza all came for lunch actually Amy and Eliza came much earlier as the floor folks had her living room tore up with the installation of their new flooring. The kids rooms were finished as well as the hallway and now the living room and their bedroom is left to complete. I was hanging a load of laundry when they came by just after 10. Eliza was so cute and in good spirits today wearing her high heel shoes with her purse. We doctored up a couple frozen pizzas with fresh mushrooms and extra cheeses for our lunch along with a salad. I headed into the reading room after lunch and started a new book by Michael Connelly title THE CROSSING. I've yet to read any of his books and I find him so far a very good story teller. I need to check into his other works as this is a very good read. GG had read the book and left it for me to take back to the library when I picked it up and then wound up reading half of the book during the afternoon and evening.

Well Nancy had bought some Marie Callander frozen chicken pot pies at Sam's last week and along with some leftover collards for me and salad for Nancy we made that our supper. Wow, were they ever tasty. I'm usually not thrilled with already prepared foods but these were very tasty and just the right amount. The collards were as good if not better leftover. After the cleanup we settled into the Fox news channel. Not much new there except the same old crap about this up coming election and how Cruz is now beating Trump in Wisconsin. Even the media sides with the corrupt career politicians as they too are afraid of Trump being victorious. I want new faces in D.C. and someone not beholding to the corruption of big money. Iran is rubbing dirt in this potus and his cronies in the administration faces as they break the treaty with their blatant disregard of its tenets. It's down right shameful for our giveaways to this nation which is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world and Hillary agrees with this potus and his policies as she helped to draw them up, disgraceful and frightening, LATER  

Wednesday Morning

Well Tuesday started out with cloudy skies and even a break for some sunshine but around noon the thunder and lightning started which brought a nice soaking rain for the next several hours. At times a downpour. We certainly needed it and for once in several days I didn't have to hand water the gardens.

I started the morning with a 6 'ish roll out and then my usual routines of a few quiet moments with my Creator and then the posting of this ramble before a lite breakfast of cereal and fruit before riding out to the Rec. on my bike for 2 hours of pickle ball. Speaking of pickle ball, I noticed a short segment on the local news about this game I play several times a week. It showed one of the reporters actually playing a little with an instructor and mentioning all of the aspects of the game and what it entails. It was very well explained in the couple minute clip. We had a couple of A players at our Rec.  today and I got in a good workout but many of the snow birds are gone and the B players were down 10-15 players which usually makes up a full 3 courts. When I left the gym at 10 there were just 2 courts with just the right number of players for a doubles game, whereas last week there were several waiting to play as we have the gym until noon.

I headed home and put a load of towels in the wash as the sun was shining but about and hour after hanging them outside to dry, the skies darkened and the thunder boomed so it was time to put them in the dryer which was something we never had as kid growing up on the farm. We use the dryer only when necessary as we both love the smell of clothes dried outside in the fresh air. Well I then cut a mess of collards, cleaned them and put them in a pot of onions, bacon and chicken stock. We had them along with fried ham from Easter's dinner for our supper, Yeow they were so good together and we added nothing to the flavor not even salt and pepper. I promised one of my pickle ball buddies a mess today as he too is a collard lover.

Nancy was volunteering in the office at the ETC program for misdemeanor criminals who are seeking to change their lives and who must check in with their daily activities. She was there until nearly 12:30  before being relieved. Amy, GG and Eliza Faye came for a lunch of salad and sandwiches. They stayed around until it was time to pickup Ava and Sam from school. Nancy took off to the mall to exchange a dress she had purchased for Bobby's wedding next month as well as get a pair of shoes to match. I stayed home and cooked the collards and read the afternoon. We spoke with our "mountain mom" Helen and the grass is starting to green up with all of the rain and moisture from the snow. The air is still chilly with the constant winds so she hasn't been able to do much outside but at least the sun is shinning.

Well after the cleanup from supper we settled into the Fox News and the big story is not the radical terrorists killing Christians but Trumps manager supposedly touching the arm of a reporter who is now pressing charges of battery. The establishment is so scared they will be defeated this next election they are promoting any and everything to derail Trump and his threats to dismantle the corruptness in the government and make America strong once again. It's disgusting they haven't arrested Hillary and I'm beginning to think she will skate once again as she has in all of her prior corruptness. People have no idea how corrupt and criminal she really is. Oh well so much for my opinion but mark my word the elites will not let Trump be the nominee if at all possible especially with the help of the biased media. Folks just do not pay attention to the sad state the country is in with these who are in the government and big business, LATER

Tuesday morning

Well Monday was a fun day with all four older grand kiddos here for a sleep over on Sunday night then Amy and Eliza came for breakfast and we had all of them for the rest of the day until we had to leave around 3 'ish for Tampa. It was another hot and muggy day with limited sunshine.

I started the morning with my 6'ish roll out. I took my laptop into the kitchen as the kiddos had the bedrooms occupied. I did my morning routine of a few quiet moments with my Creator and then posted this ramble before eating a lite breakfast of fruit and cereal before riding out to the Rec. for an hour or so of pickle ball. I figured the kiddos would sleep until I got back around 9:30. Nancy had already prepared them a "mountain breakfast" off cakes, eggs and bacon. Amy came just as I got home and ate as well. The kiddos were all in high gear by then with Eliza following them around as if she was one of the big girls. She was so cute.

The kiddos had games of hide and seek going and then the boys paired off with the Ipad for star war games then after a limited time the girls were into other games on the Ipad with dressing up babies and clothing them. They were a non action group and all of them played well without any spats which is very unusual. Amy picked up GG and brought her for lunch and afterwards the kiddos saw the little puppy Roxie next door out in the yard. Carol, the owner let Roxie come over into our yard where the kiddos had a grand time playing with her. Our widow neighbor Carol called and wanted me to check out a burnt out tail light on her car so I headed over to remove the light assembly and then headed to the auto parts store to get replacement bulbs and install it. My good deed for the day.

Well we dropped GG off on the way to Tampa as we used the toll road. It was the start of rush hour and the interstates would be clogged this time of the day. We got there is just a little over an hour and met up with Katie, Bobby's bride to be who was working from his condo. She is just a beautiful sweet girl and we are thrilled she will bring some much needed love, peace and devotion into his life and Annsley and Gabe just adore her as well. The kiddos mom picked them up at 5. After they left we headed over to a unique eatery called the Vine and Wine in a strip mall in brandon. Well it sure looks like nothing from the outside but very different inside with back to back bars loaded with micro brewery beers. The menu changes daily as they use whatever is in season. The food was very good and reasonable and Bob and I had a glass of their dark beer. We had shrimp, lobster, pork loin and catfish all prepared in different fashions along with chowder and spring rolls. Instead of fries they serve tater tots. The meal was very tasty and we learned this is one of Katie's dad Bruce's favorite places to eat out.

It was nearly 7:30 when we cleared the restaurant and headed back to Seminole. We stopped and gassed up in Tampa at a 1.96 on the way back. The prices are starting to rise with the summer driving season coming on. We got back before dark and I settled into the Lightning hockey game and watched them beat a Toronto team 3-0. It was right at 10 as the game came to a close so it was lights out for me after a shower, LATER

Here are a few pictures from Easter Sunday's family get together.

Monday Morning

Well Easter Sunday was an awesome day with worship in the morning with our new Bridgepoint family and then again in the evening with our family for a great supper. Both of our kids Bobby and Amy and their kiddos as well as Tyler and Katie and GG, Aunt Betsy and Gus attended. The weather was hot, muggy and very windy at times which gave us the impression of storms heading our way but it stayed dry except for the high humidity.

The day started out with us rolling out around 6 ish. We wanted to attend the 9:30 service so we did our morning routines of a few quiet moments on this morning we celebrate the empty tomb and that our savior had risen from the dead giving all of us hope for eternal life if we are Believers in that Jesus was who he said he was, Lord. After posting about yesterday activities in the blog I had a lite breakfast of fruit and cereal before getting ready to head out a little before 9. We were expecting huge crowds in the area and there were several uniformed police officers directing traffic as parking is limited as this building use to be a gym or fitness club which has been renovated to meet the church's needs but the parking is limited and to some surrounding business's that are closed on Sunday.

Well once again it was a packed house with an overflow room with a simulcast screen. There were probably 1500 from what I could see and we ran into a young lady and her husband who grew up in our old church in Seminole. She too loves this church and never went back to her old church after marrying. We saw several familiar faces after volunteering just one day on Saturday. Pastor Tim is one of the best speakers ever. He is concise and to the point and never condescending and backs up his points with scripture. His message is usually within the hour plus the heart warming and uplifting songs of worship.

Well we had to make a stop at CVS for more candy for the Easter baskets which Nancy seems to never have enough. They all had a huge sack full of candy plus toys and beanie babies animals as well as each egg had loose change within. We hid close to a hundred plastic eggs out in the back yard for the kiddos to find before supper which didn't happen until close to 6:30. Once again Betsy showed up an hour late with her casserole that still needed to be baked. It never fails. The ham turned out perfect with a glaze made of orange juice and Triple Sec liquor. The home grown green beans and carrots were to die for in flavor and Betsy's potato casserole was delicious. Nancy had pickled eggs and beets as well as fresh veggies on a tray for appetizers. We didn't serve the fresh garden salad as we had so much food already along with crusted bread. GG had cherry and apple pies and then vanilla yogurt for dessert. Wow what a feed that was and a couple of us had a glass of malbec vino.

We were keeping the older grand kiddos overnight and will take Annsley and Gabe back this afternoon to Tampa. They had a marvelous time playing together and will have this morning together as well. I was able to sneak in peeks of the basketball games only to see Virginia lose after being ahead by double digits in the final half. It seems as if they couldn't buy a basket at the end and lost to the 10 seeded team, oh well. After baths the kiddos were still going strong at 10'ish so I told them good night as Nancy let them stay up longer, LATER

Sunday Morning- Easter 2016

Well this year has really flown by it seems and now one of our most influential holidays for the Christ follower is here. We attended a service last evening where we helped serving or volunteering to bring a message of hope to many families at Bridgepoint Church. I would guess there were 1200-1500 folks there who was fed a Chic-Filet supper as well as had bouncy houses for the kids, Easter egg hunt and face painting as well. We met and got to know several folks as we helped with this just one service. We will go back this morning to hear this message at the 9:30 service. There are 4 more services throughout the day and evening as most folks attend church on these major religious holidays.

Well Saturday found me up at my usual 6'ish time. I did my morning routines, had a few minutes to honor my Creator and then a lite breakfast before posting this ramble and then a ride out to the Rec. for close to two hours of pickle ball. I left with my tank nearly on empty and a soaked t-shirt. I headed home under gray overcast skies that looked as if it was going to rain but eventually the sun broke through and with it brought the heat and humidity. I decided to do some yard work as the ground was still damp which helped to keep the dust down while mowing both front and back yards. I wanted the yard really for the big Easter egg hunt later in the evening tomorrow when all of the grand kids will be here together.

Nancy had taken off for the mall once again as she is having a difficult time choosing the right dress for Katie and Bobby's wedding next month. I had finished up the yard work and was ready for a lunch of salad when she got home with another dress which was the same dress as before but a different shade of color and a different color shawl. I did get a new shirt for the wedding but will wear the 20 year old sports coat which just happened to fit the color ensemble of the wedding. I think Katie wants it to be more formal while Bobby is promoting the BBQ or picnic motif with the outside exchange of vows and the backyard reception. The time is drawing near with less than a month to go.

After lunch we cleaned up as we were meeting up with Patrick and Kathryn at 4:15 as we were to be at the church by 5 to learn of our assignments for this family service. This was our first time of volunteering and getting plugged in with the folks there besides just attending the worship service. We met some really nice folks and found out their volunteer leader is well prepared as well is the rest of the staff. The co-ordination among the volunteers is the best I've ever been associated with and very well planned with competent folks that are friendly. There was a break room with food for the volunteers and planned breaks as well. We didn't partake as we had made plans to meet up afterwards with the Botbyl's just around the corner at Chili's for a late supper. Our small group had a nice meal and we shared what we were planning to do as well. We may just continue with our small group for anyone in the Seminole area that wants to attend from Bridgepoint.

Well after supper it was close 8:30 so we didn't fellowship any longer and The Tracy's dropped us off at the house. I tuned into the Lightning game and they were being man handled by the Panthers who is in first place ahead us, of course we were playing back to back games which I think makes a big difference in your play especially after the other team has a couple days rest.

Well take a moment and reflect on the significance of this day as we celebrate the empty tomb where Jesus was laid after being crucified by the Romans who by the way were very good at what they did when it came to punishment and they kept very good records of their deeds. The empty tomb and eventual resurrection gives us hope that an eternal relationship is present if only we believe that Christ is who he said he was. Take a moment and celebrate this event daily as it will make all the difference in your life when you honor HIM and seek this relationship, LATER    

Saturday Morning

Well Friday was cloudy and wet to start the day as we had some much needed rainfall during the night. We even had a "gully washer" during the afternoon which has kept the temps bearable despite the humidity. This was the first day in forever I didn't have to hand water any parts of the garden.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out and then my morning routines of a few quiet moments with my Creator and then the posting of this ramble before a breakfast of cereal and fruit. Afterwards I got ready to ride out to the Rec. on my bike for two hours of some rather good pickle ball play. I had a soaked shirt as I never sat down during the total workout but once. Wow was my tank ever on empty as I changed partners after every game and was looking forward to a rest. Since I missed playing on Thursday due to jury duty I'm  heading out this morning (Sat.) for some play as we pickle ballers have the gym once again as basketball season is over.

The library was closed so I came straight home and piddled around in the garden for an hour or so before Amy, GG and all the kiddos came for a lunch of guacamole, roll ups. sandwiches and salads. Everyone wanted something different when you have that many people. Nancy and I have managed to drop a couple of pounds with eating a little different but lunchtime is the most difficult time with so much variety to choose from. The salads are still great with my home grown tomato's which are finally coming in. I pulled about 5 pounds of carrots for Sunday's family supper that Amy will cook and GG and I snapped about that many green beans as well for the get together. We are having baked ham and a potato casserole as well as a fresh garden salad. That will be a gastronomic delight.

Nancy took her mom shopping after lunch so it was to wet to do any yard work so I finish THE ORANGE COAST by Wambaugh. It's a great read and keeps you interested right up to the end which was a little unusual and not quite the way I had first predicted; but a great story and one that very possibly had been true in real life as Wambaugh was first an LA officer before becoming an author. I often remember some of the incidents that I was involved in during my LEO career that were worthy of telling with some literary embellishments for making a novel based on actual facts.

Tyler had free tickets to a spring training baseball game so he took Ava and Sam as the rain held off; so Amy and Eliza and GG came for one of our suppers of roasted fresh veggies on the grill. Well they were delicious as we coated fresh asparagus, green beans, yellow and zucchini squash, carrots cut into slivers, fresh mushrooms, red and yellow peppers, Brussel sprouts, onions and tomato's all tossed in olive oil and grilled in our new non-stick basket for the grille. I also grilled chicken breasts marinated in Italian seasoning and layered with fresh rosemary. Wow, what a feast and so good and healthy. No more cooking veggies in water or steaming the nutrients away. The green beans were a little chewy so I will probably not due them on the grille again despite slicing them length wise. There was fresh salad as well to accompany this setting., yikes was that ever the best and GG and Amy were very impressed as well.

After the cleanup Amy dropped GG off at her house and we tuned into the evening news then I headed for the bedroom after a shower to watch the Lightning play a hard fought game with the Islanders and prevail. They are now tied for first place in their division and will likely make the playoffs unless they completely let down with just a handful of games to play in the regular season. This evening we are volunteering for the Saturday evening Easter service at Bridgepoint Church so we will need to be there by 5 o'clock for the 6 service. We are hoping to reach 7 thousand folks over the next two days with 5 services starting tonight with a family night. There will be activities for the kids as well as food and then again on Sunday night plus three services during the day on Sunday. Pastor Tim will have a busy weekend but usually these major holidays find people who don't regularly attend church do so on these big holidays especially Christmas and Easter. So we want to project a pleasant atmosphere with telling them about the love of Christ and having a relationship with Him that will be a big difference in their lives and their families. We were watching O'Reilly the other night with Waters World and he was asking questions to folks on the street and they had no idea what Easter was all about. It's a crying shame we have let the secular progressive intercede with changing and doing away with what our nation was founded on. The Judeo-Christian principles are the very foundation for our culture.

Well that was about it for the day without getting into the depressing news from our inept leadership in the government and the continued senseless killing of innocent folks by these radical Islamist terrorist. We had better be vigilant as it's here in America and especially in the Muslim communities in Michigan. I know there are moderates who seem to want to live in peace but deep down in their precepts we are all infidels in the teaching of Islam unless we covert to their way of thinking we are ripe for execution as boldly stated in the Koran, LATER

Friday Morning

Well Thursday started off with my usual 6 'ish roll out. I was amped up about being at the Criminal Court Complex by 8:30 for my civic duty as a juror. Needless to say they didn't need any of the 123 people who were summoned there for this day. Luckily this only happens every couple of years and this was my last call as the cut off is the age 70, yeah.

Well before heading out I did get in a few quiet moments and the posting of these thoughts from the day before. I had a lite breakfast of cereal before heading out. I sure don't miss working the road anymore as the traffic was horrendous. Huge backups at every traffic signal. We use to see a drop in the busy highways after Easter as many of the snow birds headed back north. Hopefully that will occur this year as we need a break on the roads, of course this is spring break weekend which adds to the increased vehicles on the road. I got back around 11'ish and then got to hand watering the gardens before lunchtime. Nancy had her mom to a doctor appointment and then Amy and the grand kiddos as well as GG all came for a lunch of ham salad, deli meat sandwiches and salad.

After lunch they headed out to do more shopping then I met Nancy at her mom's house to take back her car as we needed two today for the various appointments. We came back and cleaned the house and got ready for our small group which cancelled at the last moment. At least we now have a clean house for a day or so. I learned we are having the Triplett kiddos overnight on Easter and will take them back to meet up with Bobby on Monday evening. It seems their grandparents on their mothers side charges to watch their grandkids when both of their parents are working. What a disgrace that is.

We look forward to a sleep over with them, Ava and Sam on Sunday night. We will then spend the day with them as well. The grand's all play so well together and look forward to their time together despite the hour distance or so separation. We wanted to eat early due to the scheduled group meeting so we had sauteed' sugar peas, celery, carrots with fresh ginger for supper. Wow what a tasty and quick meal. We each have dropped a couple pounds and are hoping to keep them off but it is a struggle. It seems we still have to have portion control despite staying away from taters, rice and breads. The salads are a big success but that will soon change as the heat is taking its toll on the fresh lettuces. Within the next couple weeks the high heat will kill those plants as it got to about the middle 80's today, oh well. We have had great runs on the leafy green veggies this year.

Well since our meeting was cancelled due to one party under the weather Dan and Carol walked down while I was hand watering the front yard and invited us on a walk through the hood. It was a good brisk 30 minute or more hike. We stood and chatted for another 30 minutes before heading home. We tuned into the Fox News channel and see where these radicals were planning another attack in France and elsewhere in the world while our potus is dancing and watching baseball game. Much like Nero fiddled away while Rome was burning. What a disgrace to the country before our allies who need some leadership from the free world. Actually I think he doesn't believe in the free world as he is doing everything he can to destroy or let it be destroyed with his inept or lack of leadership. He now has the gall to ask for an 18% increase for the presidents salary and benefits while the country is nearly 19 trillion in debt much of which is from his give aways to illegals and to corruption and his multi-million dollar vacations, LATER

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday was just a beautiful day with perfect weather and no humidity. The morning air was crispy and clean with some birds singing as I pedaled out to the Rec. at 7:30. Just enough chill in the air to warrant a flannel shirt even though the wind had died down to a lite breeze. It may have reached the middle 70's by late afternoon with plenty of bright sunshine.

I started the day off with my usual 6'ish roll out and then to my usual routines which include a few quiet moments with my Creator then the posting of this ramble before a bowl of cereal with fruit before heading out for close to two hours of non-stop pickle ball action. We had a couple of newbies visiting from Canada and they were quite good as well as few older A players. I had a great workout and my tank was on empty by 9:45. I stopped off at the library for a new read by Joseph Wambaugh title THE GOLDEN ORANGE. I had never read this book but it looks as if its been around for awhile. The library is going to a new system and they will be closed over the next couple of days plus I needed a good read for waiting in the jury pool today at the court house. This will be my last time for this civic duty as they don't call folks over 70 and I hope to reach that age by August, God willing.

Well there wasn't much to write about for the day as Nancy volunteered at the criminal house ETC(empowered to change) until lunch then she took off to the mall to Easter shop for the grand kiddos. I set the sprinkler on the gardens and read for the rest of the afternoon until it was suppertime. I did pick a mess of lettuces and kale to add to the salad bowl as we both had a salad for lunch. The tomato's are all ripening at once and so the window sill is loaded as well as the outside table with turning fruit.

We decided to have some chicken fried deer steak for our supper along with some peas. My oh my is that not ever the best tasting red meat. I will say it again if I could get venison on a regular basis I would never eat beef again and Nancy feels the same way especially when she pan fires it in a little olive oil. After the cleanup we settled into the Fox News and then I switched back and forth to Survivor until it was shower time. By 10 o'clock I was really for some horizontal lab, LATER

I almost forgot to mention the cowardly bunch of fanatics who profess their religion of peace which is complete BS who blow up unsuspecting innocents on trains and airports. Thank GOD they at least died in the attacks. We had better get some real leadership in this country or we will be seeing this occurring here in our land as this potus is such a sympathizer to this religion. I know he is one of them in his heart as we can see by his lack of concern for America in keeping them out of our land. We should have annihilated then months ago in Iran and Iraq but no, this potus has even helped them in their goal to destroy our western civilization by his inept leadership. Folks this should be another nail in his coffin and to liberal thinking in this country. We need that revolt and we need it soon, LATER

Wednesday Morning

Well Tuesday started out on the cold side but the wind had finally settled down and by mid-morning it was feeling like a spring day and by late afternoon the windows and doors were open to the mild temp's. The grand kiddos are out on spring break this week so we had them over for lunch and then some playtime while they colored Easter eggs and Nancy made chocolate chip cookies. Thankfully they took the cookies home when they left. I did eat just one right out of the oven.

 I started the day with my rollout around 6'ish and then did my usual morning routines of a few quiet moments to honor my Creator and humble myself before Him while lifting up several for special considerations. I then posted this ramble and had a bowl of cereal with fresh fruit before pedaling out on my bike for two hours of pickle ball play at the Rec. We had all three courts in action by the time I left at 10 but our one challenge court kept me on my feet for most of the morning. It was a good workout which left me with a good sweat.

I headed home and then out to the barber shop for an ear lowering and then home to hand water the gardens and get ready for Eliza Faye to visit while Ava and Sam where at the dentist for a checkup. Luckily they had no cavitities this time as both are learning much better oral care. Amy picked up GG and they all came for a lunch of wraps, sandwiches, salad and chips. I headed outside to work in the garden as the sun was magnificent. I picked another colander of green beans and added them to the ones we are saving for Easter dinner.

The cucumbers are really taking off and are starting to add blooms everyday as well as is the okra adding new leaves. I picked my first few new sugar peas from the back garden plants which are now higher than the fence. This is the first ever any garden plants have been planted there as I once had a huge pile of stacked lumber. This is where I also planted two rows of lettuces which did wonderful and I'm still picking and giving it away. I picked a half dozen tomato's and they seem to be looking much better especially the larger round ones. I don't what they are but the plant came up volunteer in my compost and are loaded with fruit. I also set apart several small tomato volunteers that have come up in the last week or so for Tyler's garden.

We enjoyed the roasted veggies so much from the night before we decided to do it again except this time we coated the veggies very lightly with olive oil before placing them in the roasting basket on the grill. I also placed a couple of marinated chicken breast alongside the basket coated with fresh rosemary for about 30 minutes or so and once again we licked the platter clean. We have found a new and very rewarding method to do our fresh veggies. I only hope we can find another one of these baskets to take to the cabin for our veggies there this summer. Once again we put raw or fresh onions, green beans, asparagus, yellow squash, fresh mushrooms and tomato's in the basket and I occasionally stirred them with a wooden spoon. Delicious and we lost no minerals in the cooking process.

Well after the clean up we settled into the Fox News and then I found the Lightning hockey team playing the Red Wings on TV. I hit the shower in between periods and settled down to watch the Lightning winning the game. It was lights out shortly thereafter, LATER

Tuesday Morning

Well Monday started out with very chilly temps after being in the 80's for days and even weeks. It was down into the high 40's and it never reached but the low 60's for the entire day, plus the wind was blowing gangbusters which made it feel even colder. I donned my quilted shirt and hat as I pedaled out to the Rec. just after daylight and the cold wind had tears forming in my eyes as I faced the north wind.

The day started with my usual 6'ish roll out and then my morning routines of a few quiet moments to honor my Creator and to intercede for others in need of some special considerations and to pray for my country. Wow does the country ever need some real leadership as this potus has us on the brink of losing any influence in the world with Korea, China, Russia and Iran rattling their sabers while he runs off to rub elbows with a dictator in Cuba who violates all forms of human rights for his people.

We had a good group of pickle ball players with a few northerns who visit every year for a couple weeks. I got in a good two hour workout that resulted with a wet shirt then stopped by the library for a couple of new reads. I headed home to hand water the gardens as the strong wind had dried up the nice steady drenching rain we got over the weekend. The cucumber plants are blooming and really sending out runners. I've got them trained to some chicken wire on the back fence as well as the new sugar peas are filling out their pods. They are coming in just as we lose the older vines on the side garden.

Nancy was volunteering the afternoon at the program for helping to empower criminals to get back into society and be accountable for their actions. She is really enjoying helping with this program so I had the afternoon to read. I had thawed out Salmon fillets and with our new vegetable roaster for the grill we purchased at Bass Pro Shops on Sunday I loaded it with a couple of fresh mushrooms, asparagus, green beans, sugar peas, carrots, yellow squash, onions and tomatoes and put them on the grille for about 20 minutes then placed alongside on a tin foil pan a couple fillets loaded with lemon pepper, garlic and fresh dill for about 10 minutes, Yeow what a feast!!! The new roaster was awesome as it kept any of the veggies from sticking and with just the flavor of the veggies it was so good. We used no oil or seasonings in the roaster which is just a perforated non stick pan for over an open flame(grill).

Well after the clean up which was practically nothing since it was all cooked on the grill we settled into the Fox News channel. I wish this political season was over with all of the pundits having their predictions on what will happen with Trump. I'm glad he has at least awakened a lot of Americans to the corrupt system inside the beltway of D.C. Yes, the top are getting richer where the middle class is shrinking in pay with the wealth distribution of this inept potus and the congress who have no back bone to do what they got elected on and stand up for the middle class and even all Americans. I know its time for term limits of ALL offices in the government and with this revolt with Trump maybe that will happen. He doesn't need to assure himself with wealth from the lobbyists and the special big money folks who buy these elected officials while in office and guarantee himself to be re-elected. We need some real leadership who will be honest and tell us what these officials have done to destroy our economics, our morals for political correctness and caused such racial divide with this potus as well as keep us safe from the radicals and illegals, Please Vote America and keep this revolt going, LATER

Monday Morning

Well Sunday was a busy day that found us traveling to Tampa to hear Bobby teach once again at Element Church and afterwards we visited the Bass Pro Shop using our Christmas Gift cards and then had lunch in their restaurant before heading back home to Seminole. We later headed to our newest church for the evening service at Bridgepoint where we met up with The Tracy's. Afterwards we all came back to our place and visited and I gave them the grand tour of the garden loading them up with some fresh veggies.

The day started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out and then our routines of a few quiet moments to honor our Creator, lift up those we know and love and pray for our nation. We had a lite breakfast of cereal and fruit before getting ready to head out for the nearly hour ride to Tampa. The skies were still overcast and pleasant with temps in the 70's. It's supposed to cool off tonight with lows down into the high 40's and high's of only in the 60's for a day or so. I know its spring time and they are calling for snow showers in the mountains.

It was so good to hug so many familiar folks. Element Church is still a blessing to so many with a strong core of Believers. We were made to feel so welcome and Bobby did a great job with his message. We were truly blessed to hear the message GOD laid on his heart. We saw Katie's family there and they are a blessing as well. It was spring cleaning day to the warehouse after the service so Nancy and I took off to redeem our gift card at the huge Bass Pro Shop which is just a few minutes from the warehouse. That was the first time any of us have ever visited this store which has everything. The folks were very nice an assisted us cheerfully and we even had lunch in their restaurant which features some unique or out of the ordinary foods; buffalo, gator, venison and a variety of seafood. I had the dolphin(mahi, mahi) which was grilled to perfection and Nancy had the beef burger. All of the food was delicious and plentiful and the decor is awesome which the salt water aquariums and beautiful tropical fishes.

There is even a fresh water aquarium in the main store which has acclimated salt water fish to fresh water. There were some beautiful bass, redfish, guar, catfish and other fishes I wasn't familiar with together in one huge aquarium that was 20 feet tall and as wide or more. This store has everything needed for the outdoors as well as most everything a woman fancies as well. I'm sure glad its in Tampa as it would be a big hit for the everyday shopper. I got some grand kid fishing poles and tackle as well some artificial bait for our "mountain moms" lake for next summer when all 5 of them visit over the fourth of July. They had such great fun fishing and I know memories were made for a lifetime.

Well we met up with the Tracy's at Bridgepoint for the 6 o'clock service and pastor Tim had a great message as well. We were lucky to hear two awesome sermons today. I think we are going to volunteer for next week ends Easter services as we are expecting around 7 thousand folks to hear the Easter message at our facility with services on Sat. evening as well as 4 services on Sunday. After the service we headed home and the Tracy's came by and visited until 9'ish. I showed them the garden and picked lettuces, kale, sugar peas, carrots and collards for their bounty this coming week. Well that was about it for the day as we had a busy weekend with family and friends and once again we have to look to this week of limiting what we eat and how much, LATER

Sunday morning

Well Saturday was one of those days that started out with nice weather then quickly turned wet, rainy and cooler temps. By early afternoon we saw just a glimpse of the blue skies with low clouds. We had planned on hooking up with the Ross Family for a day at the Airfest in Tampa at Macdill Air Force Base.

We started the day much the usual with a 6 'ish roll out and then our quiet moments before a breakfast of fruit and cereal. We were geared up for a hot sunny day, but it turned out to be anything but that. Seldom do we have this type of weather this time of the year we faced on the tarmac at the base as it became quite cool with the dampness from the couple of hours of steady rain which cleared up around 2 ish. By the time we left there around 5'ish the wind was very strong making it feel even cooler.

We headed out around 10'ish with a cooler of cold water and a box of donuts and everyone was loaded up with sunscreen but suddenly the skies darken and the rain fell with an occasional streak of lightning in the clouds. It rained steadily as we approached the air base but the gates were closed not letting anyone in because of the weather. We sat in an along side the road in a traffic backup for hours not knowing the base was close because of the threat of the lightning. Finally we managed to find a McDonald's which was crowed with folks also waiting to get on the base when we learned of the closure. We had a lite lunch and sat inside until we saw the roads open and the rain stop. Well there were thousands upon thousands of other cars as well waiting to get in and the backup was miles long. Finally we got onto the base and the line of cars was long as well but the airmen were very good at moving lots of cars in and parking them.They even noticed we had kids in the car and moved us closer to the entry point which was very thoughtful as well.

Well I hadn't been around a tarmac(where airplanes park on a flight line) since I left the service in '73 and it was great to be up close to these huge aircraft. There were no C-141's which I was a loadmaster/air crew member on for 7 years but the newer aircraft resemble them in shape, but these newer ones were much larger. The C5A and C-17 all resemble and look like my old bird with swept wings, T-tail and the back tail ramp for loading. The C5A also opens from the front with the cockpit hinging and opening skyward. It's massive in size. I spoke with a few of the crew who remember the C-141 and one airman actually few it for a couple of years before it was taken out of the inventory. It felt good to be back inside a cargo bird after so many years and the improvements were awesome.

We toured the C-130 which I flew on a couple times while deadheading back from across the states while on leave as well as visited the many fighter jets and bombers. The B-1 bomber is huge and carries a larger payload than the B-52 which was also on display and is much faster. I'm surprised the B-52 is still in operation as it started flying during the Korean War. I use to watch them take off when we were flying into Guam where many were stationed during Vietnam. Well America's might was on display with the arsenal of aircrafts and I wonder why we don't use them to their full extend now and then back during the Vietnam era. When you let politicians become involved with fighting your enemy things become murky and the goal is not clear. The Thunderbirds pilots were awesome and their flying ability was unbelievable. They put on an awesome show of the  F16's power and performance while in close formations at very high speeds. Wow, were they ever precise as they entertained this huge crowd despite the low ceilings. Many times they were not visible to us on the ground until they came roaring in from the clouds as they passed overhead. What a display of piloting.

We saw a huge gathering of FHP vehicles and Troopers on the tarmac as well. I saw a former trooper I helped to break in when he was a rookie. It was could to speak with them and I was proud to have been a small part of such a professional organization that did a service to the community. It really made me feel proud to also have been a part of the USAF as I mentioned my role with these who are still serving their country on these various aircraft. I stopped by a Vietnam exhibit and mentioned to a couple of the men that I had flown "in country" on a C-141 for 7 years while serving the 44th MAS Squadron while stationed at Travis AFB in California and he awarded me a 50 year anniversary pin of my service. That was really nice and I felt honored. Well Macdill AFB is huge and well maintained on the banks of Tampa Bay and everyone who we spoke with was very courteous and professional in their manner and dress. I was especially proud as an airman and a trooper as I showed my grandchildren off to those who now represent my earlier professions and sacrifice to this country that I love, GOD BLESS THE USA, LATER

Don't forget to worship today Sunday at a gathering of many and pray for these who keep us safe despite the inept leadership of this government. Pray for our men and women who put on the uniform of law enforcement as they get no respect from this potus and his minions as well as those who guard the nation from foreign adversaries in our military.

Saturday Morning

Well Friday started out much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to darkness at that hour. The time change and the sea fog which had inundated the area had it pitch black when I awaken. Finally I could see some daylight as I got ready to ride out to the Rec. at 7:30 on my bike. The temps in the early morning are quite pleasant almost spring like but by the afternoon it warms up considerably; of course we still have the a/c on now that the yellow pollen from the oak trees are in the air with the start of the new leaf formation.

After my quiet times and the posting of this ramble from the day before's activities I had a lite breakfast of cereal and fruit before heading out for two hours on the pickle ball court. We had a small crowd with just two courts in action but I still had a good workout and by 10, I was whipped with a wet shirt. I stopped off at the library for a couple new reads before heading home. I noticed two huge clear plastic bags full of dried oak leaves sitting at the curb for the garbage man at my friend Dan's house and I told myself if they are still there when I get home I will get my wheelbarrow and bring them to my yard for mulch. Well they were there so after harvesting a colander of lettuces, kale and beet greens for a salad I headed outside to the garden. I mulched both sacks and then mowed up more from my side yard that had blown off of the trees. I still have quite a few leaves on my two trees but slowly they are leaving with this new leaf formation.

After mulching and spreading several 5 gallon buckets of the mulched leaves in and around the two back yard gardens I hand watered until Nancy got home from her Friday morning Bible study at SFBC. She, Amy, GG and Eliza all got to the house at the same time around 12:30. I was famished from all the activity so I cleaned up some leftovers Amy brought from her supper of corn beef, cabbage, taters and carrots. There was no meat but the veggies and broth were excellent in flavor. We never cook that meal on Patty's Day for some reason but I do love the flavor of the spicy broth. After lunch I settled into a new read titled INCIDENT AT BIG SKY. It's a true story of the kidnapping of a young woman who was training for the Olympics and was captured by some mountain men while out jogging in the mountains of Montana and her subsequent rescue.

Well Nancy took her mom home and filled some prescriptions on the way. We had planned all week to meet up with Patrick and Kathryn for a meal at the Bone Fish Grille in Largo which we all like their cuisine. I had the chowder with lump crab on top(not much of it) and the Bang Bang shrimp both of which are appetizers but plenty for an entree and Nancy had the rainbow trout. We shared a chocolate dessert which was awesome but very rich and of course the sour dough bread was my favorite dipped in oil and herbs. So much for dieting today. Well we headed home and I tuned into some March Madness basketball and after a shower was soon ready for some horizontal lab by 10'ish. I actually fell asleep and was awaken around 11:30 when Nancy decided to come to bed, LATER

Friday morning

Well Thursday was another warm day with high humidity. The sea fog moved in over night and everything was rather dull until some time mid morning. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge was shut down completely due to zero visibility. I remember back in the day when an 18 vehicle pile up on the bridge killing at least one person occurred that I investigated was caused by this sea fog. This stuff is like a blanket.

I started the morning with my usual 6'ish roll out. After my morning routines of a few quiet moments to honor my Creator and then posting this ramble from the day before I got ready to head to the Rec. on my bike. With the time change and the fog it was barely light enough to see to ride the road. We had a large crowd of players and the A players had one court for most of the two hour workout which suited me fine. I left around 10 with a wet shirt and a tired body and the feeling once again of a good workout. I stopped off at the library for a new read on my way home.

I piddled around in the garden and transplanted some okra seedlings I started in a pot. The earlier ones were doing fine and now I have about a dozen plants that I hope will make. I also transplanted some tomato seedlings that came up volunteer from my compost for Amy and Tyler's garden. I picked a huge colander of green beans as well as a couple more tomato's that were starting to turn. I had also picked a nice mess of collards for one of my pickle ball buddies who exchanged them for fresh caught snapper(grunts) fish from the gulf. They were filleted and frozen in a bag and we thawed them out for our supper. They were delicious albeit small, as grunts don't get much over half a pound and when you fillet them there is about as much meat as you would get from a large blue gill. But they were were so good. I fixed them on the grill like we do Salmon. We covered them lemon pepper, garlic powder and fresh dill and slightly covered them with some olive oil on a tin foil sheet, on the grill for about 10 minutes or so, yikes were they ever tasty.

I will comment on the collards I made on Wednesday as we had some leftover and we finished them for lunch. Nancy and I both were so pleased with this mess of collards we are kicking ourselves for not eating them more often. They were the best ever and even better leftover. My plants are still producing and I've given away 4 messes in the last week and still have enough for another mess. I break off the leaves starting at the bottom of the plant letting the middle of the plant continue to producing leaves. This is the recipe if your interested and the best so far ever; chop the stems along with leaves after rinsing in cold water, chop a whole cooking onion into small pieces and put into a pot with a 1/4 pound of smoked bacon also chopped into small pieces. Sauteed' these two until the onions caramelize or get soft at high heat then add the chopped collards stirring until they to start to reduce in size and then add a can of chicken broth and bring to high heat and reduce the pot to the lowest setting. Check and stir occasionally and if need be add a little water but keep the heat low for the next 4-5 hours with the lid on. Have just enough liquid to keep the greens from sticking or burning. That's it no spices or anything else. They were fantastic. You can add some hot sauce to your bowl but they were so good and flavorful just that way.

Well Amy, GG and Eliza Faye came for a lunch of salad. I ate the collards and a hard boiled egg and a piece of cantaloupe for my lunch. I'm trying to reduce this spare tire once again. I even went without my usual glass of red vino once again before our supper and stayed away from any bread, chips and crackers as well as nuts which is very hard to do. I've maybe dropped a pound since starting on Tuesday after we cleaned up those delicious leftover shower sandwiches. We cancelled our weekly small group for various reasons but Nancy and I did clean the house and had it ready when we found out one couple couldn't make it, plus we got supper out of the way early along with the cleanup. That was about it for the day except our Sammy fell on the slide at school and gashed the top of his head which required 6 staples to close the wound. He was tough as he never cried while being attended to at the walk in clinic. The Lightning hockey team was in Dallas and it was tied when I turned out the lights for the night around 10'ish, LATER  

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday was a rather busy day as I was on the pickle ball court for two hours and left with a wet shirt and then I piddled around in the garden. It was another hot muggy day. Nancy left early to attend the place where she will volunteer once a week with misdemeanor criminals who are being housed at different half way houses in Seminole. Kathryn went with her to help with getting her familiar with the system where she will help in the office and where these offenders must check in daily. Interesting concept and hopefully will keep them out from behind bars as there is a ton of rules they must adhere too or they go back to jail.

I started the day much the usual with a a 6'ish roll out and then to my morning routines of a few quiet moments to honor my Creator and to humble myself. Afterwards I had a bowl of cereal for breakfast with some fresh strawberries before getting ready to pedal out on my bike to the Rec. I had a great workout and seldom left the court during the two hours of play. Afterwards I headed home to water the gardens after picking a nice mess of collards for our supper. I also picked a mess of of sugar peas as they are multiplying daily. I cleaned the collards and chopped them into bite size pieces and put them in a pot of sauteed' onion and bacon along with a can of chicken broth. I let them simmer for the next 5 hours and they melted in your mouth. I decided I wanted some pinto beans so I put on a pot of them as well and along with a fresh garden salad that was our supper, yeow!!!

I'm trying to once again lose a little around the spare tire of the belly so I ate only an apple, a plum and some carrots until supper time and no red wine. Nancy didn't get home until 4:30 as she was delayed at the office with Kathryn then had to take her home which is up on Indian Rocks Beach. We decided to eat around 5 instead of our normal 6'ish. My only let down was some left over bakery bread that was either throw away or eat and me being country was not for wasting, so I sopped up my pinto bean juice with a couple slices. Well I will know before I head out this AM if any of that made a difference on the scale and any weight loss. Everything we had for supper was basically home grown except of course the dried beans and bacon.

Well we tuned into the Fox News channel and believe I'm getting sick of all the political pundits and their projections that Trump will not be the nominee as the GOP elites will some how get him out. I will say this he has sparked a revolt among the electorate. This administration is still doing everything to ruin the country and create havoc in the country with his order to stop drilling in the Atlantic and now this scotus nominee. I hope the GOP led senate continues to rebuff the demo's as they did the same thing when Bush was about to be elected with both obama and Biden making speeches to the contrary on a vote. We don't need another judge who is against the right to have and bear arms especially in your home to protect yourself as the second amendment guarantees, oh well.

That was about it for the day as I tuned into some sports after O'Reilly and then hit the showers, LATER

Wednesday Morning

Well summer time has arrived as well as the "fuzzies" from the oak trees which indicate the beginning of new leaves. The nice rain helped with the greening up of the grass as well as helping with saturating the garden; despite that nice rain I had to hand water in the afternoon as the heat reached the middle 80's with high humidity.

The day started with my usual roll out around 6 and then a few quiet moments to honor my Creator as well as lift several families up in thought and prayer due to loved ones passing away. Afterwards I posted this ramble then got ready to ride out to the Rec. on my bike for two hours of pickle ball play. We had the challenge court which gave 6 of us some extra play time with the better players. We had all three courts in action with lots of snow birds still in the area. I stopped off at the library for a couple new reads and to drop off some as well on my way home.

I piddled around in the garden then harvested three fresh lettuces, kale, beet greens and sugar peas to add to the the salad bowl. Amy, GG and Eliza were coming for a lunch of salad and the last of the leftover finger sandwiches which were very good, but oh so fattening with lots of butter and mayo, yikes no wonder I added the pounds and inches back to the spare tire. After lunch I retired to the reading room for the next couple of hours then we took GG's car back as we needed it to run errands for her. Her car comes in handy when we have several errands for her as well as us on the same day. Nancy took her to finish up her taxes and then we made a stop at Aldi's for some fresh fruit and a few items. Aldi's now take credit cards for your purchase whereas before it was only cash or a debit card. Their business has greatly increased and we love their reasonable prices on some items. You still have to bag your groceries but what a savings on most everything. We never buy their meats but I always check as they looks fresh and wholesome.

I picked fresh carrots and sugar peas from the garden and along with fresh mushrooms Nancy made a stir fry with fresh ginger over Jasmine rice for our supper. Delicious!  Wow is that ever good and not a lot of calories. We are going to make an effort to reduce our food intake as well as reduce the fat and carbs. I'm going to try and limit my red wine and bread intake as well. Well after the cleanup I settled into the Fox News channel and see where Americans are showing their anger and distrust of the established politicians in D.C. Trump is running the table with several wins and the electorate is voicing their opinion with his big wins. I'm sorry for Marco Rubio as he came up from the grass roots and showed himself to be an honorable man but still a politician. I think we are over those who promise one thing to get elected but do the will of their big money donors and lobbyists when they get to D.C.

Trump promises a lot and he could do no worst than the inept bunch including this potus who has tried his best to destroy the country and leave us worse off with his job killing programs. The democrats have destroyed many major cities and left the folks without any hope for a better future with their gov't giveaways which destroys personal dignity. The big cities with the slums are drug infested havens for folks who give up on society and yet they continue in the downward spirals of degradation because of the phony promises of their politicians who just want to be re-elected and then do nothing except make promises.

We need leaders to give us hope through jobs and too keep us safe from the radicals who want to destroy our culture. We need leaders to respect the individual freedoms and liberties that once made us great as well defeat those who want to kill us. We need a chance for all Americans to succeed because we are Americans and we set the mark for success with our work ethic and love for our country and each other. This present administration has done all it can to diminish those goals an aspirations with their cantering to the special interests and then to appease those who want us dead and destroyed. I think that is why Trump is doing so well in this climate of frustration with politics as usual. We need to bring back those Judeo-Christian principles into our everyday life that we were founded on when we left England and the monarchy, I think we are finally waking up America and it's about time. While Trump would not be my personal choice with his buffoon talking at times, he is beholding to none which I like. I certainly hope he will attempt to do what he implies he will do in D.C if elected. We can not stand to have a criminal and a liar in leadership who would sell her soul for a buck. I think she did that while acting at the state dept. and of course Bernie would completely bankrupt the country which is nearly in that situation now with all of the deficients, LATER  

Tuesday Morning

Well Monday was a very rainy morning to start the day and I had to drive out to the Rec. for my morning workout on the pickle ball court; however by the time I left the sun was shining and the heat was rising. It was blue skies, bright sunshine and high heat for the rest of the day.

I started the morning at my usual 6'ish roll out despite the body wanting to sleep that extra hour but what was unusual was at 10 later that night I was still wide awake. The body does some remarkable time adjustments and I'm sure it will take a couple weeks to acclimate to the loss of an hour. I did my usual morning routines of a few quiet moments to honor my Creator, lift up those who have lost loved ones over the past week and then pray for our nation that we elect some responsible folks to the government. Afterwards I had an apple for breakfast and got ready to head out to our Rec.

I must say the floors in the gym were so shiny and with such a glare it took awhile to adjust to the renovated floor. Yikes the smell was atrocious as well. Luckily it had been aired out for most of the weekend. We had a large crowd and one again I got in several matches and a wet shirt before heading out around 10. I headed home and skipped the library as it's a pain to attend when driving as you must enter and exit a certain way but with my bike I'm flexible and can leave against the traffic signs for right turns only, oh well!!!

I worked in the yards as the rain had dampen the dry ground enough to where I could use the mower to suck up the leaves with out being covered in dust and dirt. I did both yards and had 3 huge trash cans of fallen dead leaves which I mulched down to probably less than a can then scattered them into the gardens. Mulching makes it so much easier for the earthworms to digest them and leave great casings(poop) for my veggies. I spent 3-4 hours on this chore and the grass was most appreciative without the dead leaves and the rain added a quick pick me up for the grasses and the garden as well.

That was about it for the day as Nancy volunteered with a rehabilitation for minor criminals home in the office the rest of the day along with Kathryn. These gals are mostly drug addicts and have a chance to turn their lives around with supervision other than incarceration while most have at one time been behind bars. It's a worthwhile program but once an addict your usually an addict for life and need some supervision. This place helps with that program.

I grilled a Salmon fillet loaded with fresh herbs and we ate that with a garden salad for supper. We both must be serious about some eating habits if we want to lose any of this belly fat and the way we eat its no wonder we both have become rather large around the middle. I've put back on all of the spare tire I lost a few months ago and I'm not happy about my lack of self restraint when eating. So we will try again now that most of the family suppers are out of the way for awhile.

We tuned into the FOX NEWS and learned the liberals are making a mockery out of our first amendment rights with their organized disruption of speeches. We have let these folks dictate their agendas for too long and now we see exactly what we saw in Europe in the past and how that society has totally corrupted into chaos with their failed socialist programs. We had better wake up before we to allow these radical liberal's succeed in their agendas. The war on police officers is out of control with all most daily the killings occurring. This failed potus has allowed and even encouraged this disrespect for the laws and it has now filtered down to the street level where folks are killed for just wearing the uniform. Total anarchy will happen if this in not dealt with and soon, LATER

Monday Morning

Well Sunday was an awesome day of worship at Bridgepoint Church and afterwards I helped Nancy get ready to head over to Tampa along with GG and Amy where they celebrated the wedding shower for Katie at Element Church. It was a rather hot and muggy day and finally by dark the skies opened up with some much needed rain for a couple hours.

The day started of course an hour earlier as the clocks  or the time jumped ahead by an hour. I was awakened by the alarm for a change at 6 ish as we were heading to the 10 o'clock service for worship. Patrick and Kathryn were picking us up as Dan and Carol were taking his brother Don and his wife Diane. We did our usual morning routines of a few quiet moments before eating a lite breakfast and working on some food prep for the shower as Nancy had to leave soon after getting home from church.  She had prepared two kinds of sandwiches the day before as well as a layered taco dip this morning to add to the mix. It seems they had plenty of food for the shower and she brought lots home, so we shared later when we headed up to the Botbyl's for some social time.

I spent the afternoon watering the gardens and watching basketball, hockey and Nascar on the tube. Dan brought his brother down to see my garden so I loaded them up with some lettuce, carrots and sugar peas. They have a small garden in Pa. where they live and I gave them some pointers. I also harvested another mess of lettuces for the Tracy's as well. The lettuces are starting to bolt with all this heat so I need to use it up before it gets too top heavy especially the Black Seeded Thompson brand.

Nancy got back with Amy and Ava around 5'ish. Ava had spent the night with Annsley. She dropped GG off at home as well. We were invited up at 6:30 to Dan and Carol's along with the Tracy's where we snacked on finger foods for our supper. We then got into a game of LOGO which was a lot of fun. We had to close it down early as it was getting late. Patrick pulled out the win despite the girls moving quickly up in the contest. It was a fun time and we really enjoyed Don and Diane. They have to leave this week and go back to to Bethlehem, Pa. where he is a retired police officer and she still works.

Well we headed home in a down pour, actually it was raining so hard the Tracy's drove us 3 houses down to our house. This was such a welcomed rain especially for the gardens, LATER

Sunday Morning( Don't forget to spring ahead on the time change)

Well Saturday was another rather warm day with temps in the 80's with humidity. Nancy spent the morning in the kitchen as she made tons of goodies for the wedding shower this afternoon(Sun.) then we headed over to GG's where we once again celebrated with a family supper Nancy's birthday. GG always tries to prepare a birthday supper for everyone (except me as I'm in the mountains in August), oh well. I get plenty of meals as I usually host all of the holiday meals at our house. We had a grand time as all of our immediate family was there as well as her sister Betsy.

I started the day with my usual 6'ish roll out and then took a few minutes to spend some time with my Creator in thought and prayer for those who are hurting. We lost several folks who passed away these last couple of days that we had the privilege to meet over the years. Most of these folks were up in years except for one who was a former pickle ball friend here in Florida and to my knowledge no immediate health concerns. After my quiet time we settled into a lite breakfast before I headed out to hand water and then harvest greens for a salad from the garden.

I took a bag of fresh collards, sugar peas and lettuces up one of our Coast Guard families who live in the 'hood. The mother Jen is a small time gardner with 2 small children and was so delighted to receive the veggies and is always picking my brain on Florida gardening. I really enjoy blessing them with fresh veggies.  The okra seeds are breaking ground and I think the ones I transplanted the other day will make as well. Some plants don't transplant well and okra is not usually one but so far they seem to be OK. I harvested my last head of cabbage and it was a beautiful one that was at least 10 pounds. The lettuce I transplanted the other day is going to make despite the suddenly onslaught of heat and the cucumbers are climbing and sending out runners. The new bunch of sugar peas set their first blooms so they soon should be producing. I'm picking anywhere between 50 to 100 pods every couple days from the old plants but they are showing signs of finishing up producing. I have given them away to all the neighbors and we eat some everyday in our salads.

After cleaning and spinning dry the greens I fixed a huge salad to take with us to GG's. That along with fresh green beans from the garden was our contribution to the supper. Amy made this decadent Oreo cookie pudding layered dessert which is a favorite at Cornerstone Church. We brought the recipe home with us and it is now a favorite here as well. The kiddos loved it and most all of us had seconds including me. I could of had thirds but the dish was empty. The roast was prepared in a coffee gravy which sounds yuck, but it was to die for over smashed taters. The meal was delicious and afterwards the men did the cleanup. We were still cleaning up when I mentioned it was going on 9 with the advanced time change so Bobby and his gang along with Ava headed out to Tampa. It would be close to 10 by the time they got home(when in reality it would be 9).

Today is Bobby and Katie's wedding shower being held at Element Church. Nancy has out done herself with food prep as she made these layered chicken salad sandwiches, pimento cheese sandwiches and layered taco dip. I had to taste all and they are very tasty. I will be staying home as Nancy drives Amy and GG and then they will bring Ava back with them after spending the night with Annsley.

Well that was about it as I had a call from one of my old trooper buddies up in the panhandle of Florida. Both he and his wife Jan are retired now and are waiting on some grand kiddos as their daughter recently married and their son is still single. He was the best man at our wedding in '79. I haven't seen him in at least 25 years as he transferred out shortly after we married to north Florida and then finally to the panhandle. I remember we killed a bunch of young squirrels at his home in Jasper, Fl. one fall when Nancy was pregnant with Bobby and she was thrilled with the tasty meat; of course her doctor wasn't happy that she was eating wild game. What did the pioneers eat I ask? We get a laugh every time I think of that and of course Bobby has never suffered. We tuned into to watch the Rays beat the Yankees in spring baseball 2-1, Go Rays!!!

Don't forget to take the time to honor our Creator with corporate worship today and pray for our nation and the turmoil she faces with the special interest groups that want to limit our free speech, take away our right to bear arms and who want the government to coddle them with socialism. We are in a world of hurt if those people get their way this election. We who love our land must revolt, must vote and stand firm on our beliefs for the sake of the nation and if not we are doomed, LATER

  

Saturday Morning

Well Friday was another hot and dry day with tons of sunshine, at least the warm breeze kept it tolerable when outside in the shade. We slept in again until nearly 6:30 for me as I wasn't heading out for pickle ball until 8:30. I did my usual morning routines of a few quiet moments and then the posting of this ramble before eating a hearty breakfast of an apple and then a bowl of raisin bran cereal with almond milk.

We had over a dozen A players at this meeting and when I left after nearly two hours of play my shirt was soaked with sweat. The rallies were long and some very good play through out the morning. I managed to stay on the court for most of the morning as the winners split partners for the next matches however I did get a couple of breaks which felt good to rest and rehydrate. Our gym and Rec. will be open again next week so I think I will stay close to home. While the play was good the lighting isn't the best nor are the courts as they are marked with many different lines from other sports.

I got back home just before Nancy got home from her weekly Friday Bible study. Amy, GG and Eliza came for a lunch of bean burritos and salad. I pulled fresh green scallions to top the burritos and they were so mild with no strong taste. I staked the cucumber plants as they are starting to vine and I noticed I have new okra sprouts breaking through the ground as well. Okra love the heat and will do just fine as the heat is quickly arriving. At least the nights have dropped the temps back into the 60's which are pleasant. We sure could use some of that flood water that has inundated the souther states along the Gulf of Mexico. Wow, what flooding from the all the rain this week they have received.

We had salad and I finished the leftover deer steak for supper as Nancy was heading to Keswick School for the school play and musical "The Sound of Music" with Amy and Ava. They were gone until nearly 10 PM. I tuned into the Fox News and then watched the Lightning get beat in a lack luster performance on their home ice. They were in first place a few days ago but sure didn't look good last night against a Philadelphia team. After a hot shower I tuned into Gold Rush and must have fallen asleep when I heard Nancy get home. It wasn't long after it was lights out for me.

This evening(Sat.) we are having another family birthday dinner for Nancy. Wow do we ever celebrate with food as I think this is the third dinner for her birthday. This one will be at GG's house as she fixes a coffee roast beef.for supper. I will supply the garden green beans and salad. Bobby, Katie and the kiddos will all be there as well as the Ross Family. Ava will go back to Tampa with Annsley and spend the night then we will bring her home on Sunday afternoon after Katie's wedding shower being held at Element Church, LATER

Friday Morning

Well this week has just flown by and we have another big weekend planned with lots of family time, a wedding shower and then grand kiddos getting together. Today I'm off to play pickle ball with some A players for a couple hours this morning which excites me.

Thursday we saw the heat and humidity show its ugly face as we closed up the house due to humid breeze and turned the a/c on. It will most likely stay on until some time in November when we get back from the cabin. I started the day out with an abbreviated sleep in as there was no activities planned except for watching Eliza Faye while the girls; Nancy, Amy and GG shopped for Easter clothes for the grand kiddos. I lazed around the house doing my morning routines of a few quiet moments to honor and humble myself before my Creator and then posting this ramble and checking on what was happening on social media. My old friend in the mountains who suffered a broken neck a couple years ago, Eddie is back in the hospital with a serious bladder infection. I don't know how he has survived this long but he is determined to ride a horse again and we only hope that happens. I had a fellow trooper who broke his neck while riding a horse and he eventually was able to get around in a motorized wheel chair and lived several more years despite that debilitating injury.

Well Eliza and I were pals as she wanted to play with the puppy, Roxie next door and then have her juice drink and watch Home on the DVD. She had several snacks and brought several toys out from the play room and was in her own make believe world. I sat on the couch and read as she likes for someone to be in the room with her. The girls were gone for nearly 3 hours and when they got back we had a lunch of bacon, egg and onion sandwiches which was made famous by GG. She toasts the bread and with sliced tomato, lettuce and dill pickles loaded on top of a baked or fried eggs in a mixture of sauteed onions, bacon and green peppers make for a delicious combo. Yeow, was that ever good.

I hung a load of laundry after lunch and then headed out to hand water the gardens as the breeze really dried things. It was a great day for drying laundry. I picked more green beans and the girls snapped a huge bag for Saturday's birthday supper for Nancy at GG's house. The beans are really starting to make again. I pulled a mess of collards and a bag of lettuce for our neighbors and noticed I have the start of more okra sprouting. Okra love hot weather and we should have plenty by the time we leave for the mountains in a couple months. The cucumbers are starting to climb and I have 5 hills of them so I should be able to supply the hood' if all of them make. I pulled a nice bunch of carrots for another neighbor and picked her a mess of sugar peas as well. She is amazed at what I grow in my back yard and in my sharing with her and her son.

Well, we had GG for a supper of fried deer steak we brought back from the cabin as well as her favorite sauteed' Swiss chard. Nancy made a milk gravy from the frying pan and we put that over Jasmine rice much like chicken fried steak. I love deer meat and it was as fresh as the day we carved it from the bone which neighbor Gerald blessed us with in November. Swiss chard is so delicious when sauteed' in a little water and nothing else. It cooks down to almost nothing much like fresh spinach but oh so good. I brought these plants back from my mountain garden and they have done fine but don't much like the heat. Well that was about it as after the cleanup I set sprinkler in the front yard and tried to give the bone dry grass a drink. We could use some of all that rain that is flooding Louisiana on the gulf coast.

I tuned into the Fox News channel and all of the political stuff which by the way I'm quickly tiring of all the pundits. Trump is kicking tail because we Americans are totally fed up with the corrupt politicians in D.C. and Hillary should be in jail for her breach of faith in keeping secure our secrets while at the top of her department. I have no idea why she is even allowed to seek the office of president with her lack of respect and ability to keep safe our national interests. Plus I'm so fed up with the Clinton's along with the established politicians and our potus and his destruction of our moral fabric. It's no wonder Trump is kicking butt in most of the primaries as he is beholding to none of the special interests. We or I am fed up with politicians, so let a business man have a chance to bring us back from fiscal chaos. A lot of folks voted this present "community organizer" in office twice who has nearly ruined us as a nation and tried his best to make us a third world power. We need to get the big money folks out of the government as the politicians are beholding to them whereas Trump is funding himself and beholding to no one. Do I think we could do better, Yes but with what I've seen in politics I'm disgusted with the Iran deal, the handling of North Korea and Libya on the foreign scene and the distribution of wealth by the obamacare is disgusting and criminal in my book along with allowing the illegals who many are criminals have no fear in sanctuary cities is a crime in and of itself. What happened to common sense??? LATER  

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday once again held some beautiful winter weather for Florida. It reached the low 80's with bright sunshine and just a touch of humidity. We need some rain and there was a chance from this huge front moving into the south this weekend with a fore cast of a foot of rain for the Gulf Coast a day or so ago. I played pickle ball for the first time at the Walter Fuller Rec. in St. Pete as our gym is closed and there were some good players there. I managed a complete wet shirt as I held a continuous position on the court for over an hour as winners split to form new teams together.

Well we slept in again until 6:30 ish to start the day as I was in no hurry. I was meeting up with three other players from our Rec. and car pool down to this new facility at 8:30. I did my normal or usual routines of a few quiet moments and then the posting of this ramble before a breakfast of an apple and a bowl of raisin bran. I knew I would need some extra calories on the court as this was much like tournament play. Today I will miss play all together but will head over to the Rec. in Pinellas Park on Friday with all A players for a grueling couple of hours. I'm not sure if I'm losing any of the spare tire but I'm feeling like I'm finally achieving some fitness and more stamina. I got back around 11:30 and headed for the gardens to set the sprinkler.

Amy, GG and Eliza Faye came for a lunch of salad and sandwiches. I finished the leftover spiral cut ham on a wrap and a small salad. Afterwards I took GG to see her financial broker at the bank and learned he is from my neck of the woods in Virginia. She needed info for her tax man. It seems Pap was a small investor in all kinds of stocks and after he passed GG needed to consolidate many of his holdings into a manageable account at one bank. This broker seems like he knows what he is doing and is helpful with seeing that she is financially solvent in her advanced age. I took her home and did a few small chores for her before heading home.

Nancy and I spent the afternoon reading as she is into the new Nickolas Sparks book and I'm into a true crime read about the murder of a 14 year old girl in Vancouver, Canada in 1997 titled UNDER THE BRIDGE by Rebecca Godfrey. The social unrest among our youth is unreal as she explores the underlying mores of this generation. The country is reaping the results when GOD is taken out of the social fabric that once gave us as humans compassion and love for one another. It's distressing to see this happening with young teenagers many of whom are just coming into puberty.

I pulled several carrots from the garden and along with fresh steamed cabbage also from the garden, I grilled a bone-in pork chop loaded with fresh rosemary for our supper. Yikes was that ever some fine eatin'. After the cleanup I settled into the Fox News where many of the candidates were being interviewed in a town hall setting and I must admit Cruz seems to be gaining some momentum with the folks. I also switched over at times to watch the Democrats in their debate and Hillary is such a consummate liar and so full of herself that I can barely watch her. Bernie is out there but does bring up some good points about the corrupt inside the "beltway government" that does business with disregard for the country and the middle class. I fear for my grandchildren if either of these two get elected. I fear for our nation as whole if we don't get some strong leadership on foreign affairs, get the country back to working again and away from big government socialist ideology. We need to bring back the influence of our Judeo-Christian principles, vet those who want to be in politics and secure us from those radical jihadist of Islam, LATER

Wednesday Morning

Well once again the weather was ideal with temps reaching a little higher at close to 80 but the gentle breeze which started around mid morning kept it quite comfortable in the sunshine. I did start to feel a little more humidity coming into the picture and I'm sure by the end of the week we will once again be in the a/c mode probably until next fall.

I started the day with a little after 6 roll out despite being awake at 6. We weren't scheduled to play pickle ball until 8 so I languished in bed for a few extra minutes despite being awake. After rolling out and doctoring up my cup of hot green tea with some turmeric I did my quiet time and then posted this ramble before having my customary apple and a bowl of cereal for my breakfast. I headed out on my bike for the Rec. which will be closed for the rest of the week due to the Pow-Wow festival which occurs on the grounds. I met up with 4 other players and we played hard for nearly 2 hours outside which is a completely different game from playing inside. The elements play a big role in the game as well as its a lot hotter and the rallies are longer. There is a lot of dink and dunk play which takes away from the big hitters like myself as the ball carries outside the court. I had a wet shirt by the time I left as well as the start of a nice tan with two days in a row on the asphalt court.

I headed home to set the water sprinkler on the garden as hand watering isn't enough for keeping the garden healthy. I have to soak it for a couple hours as the soil is so sandy despite all of the compost. If this heat continues the garden will soon start to fade except for the real hot weather plants. I cut another cabbage as the head was starting to split and it must have weighed 10 pounds. I had to cut it in half to get it in the fridge in a plastic bag. We add sliced raw cabbage to every salad. I still have one growing and hope it doesn't start to split. I picked 3 types of lettuces, kale and beet greens and made a huge salad for our lunch as Amy, GG and Eliza came a little after 12. I also picked 50 to 75 sugar pea pods and gave some away as well as added some to the salad and then we stir fried fresh mushrooms and sugar peas with a little fresh ginger. We put that over Jasmine rice accompanied by a grilled Salmon steak slathered with fresh dill from the garden, Yeow, what a tasty and healthy supper.

We settled into the Fox News and see where Trump is tearing the established candidates apart in these primaries. I really think most Americans are fed up with the lies and promises made by the folks who get elected and then do a 180 when they get to Washington. I know I'm disappointed with the course the country is on and maybe an outsider like Trump will change that. He is definitely not an eloquent speaker and bulls----er like our present potus and he is not beholding to anyone which I like. I know many want him to be or show more of his Christian side. I hope he will turn these rino's out to pasture and get some folks in there who will once again make us a great nation of which we once were. I tuned into the Lightning game and it was tied going into overtime but the sandman calleth at 10, so I will have to read who won, LATER