Wednesday Morning in Miami

Well finally around 1 'ish they did the heart cath and the results are good. GG has lots of heart damage from prior attacks over the years which seems to have occurred without her knowing it. She has about 25 % of her heart functioning with lots of blockages and some dead tissue areas. She hasn't been on her feet since May 21st and I don't know how she will react to any type of physical therapy especially trying to get her to walk again. We may have to put her in a nursing facility here in Miami if we can't get her back to the Seminole area. GG keeps saying she wants to go home but don't know how we will be able to get her there.

The rest of the day was much like the past several except we did clear out of the hotel and are now staying with Arianne and Errol in Hollwood. We did eat again with take out from the Asian eatery and once more it was delicious. I finally got a uninterrupted sleep as Nancy stayed in the hospital with GG over night. It was a long trip from the hospital at 10'ish at night and the traffic was still horrendous and even worst this morning on the return trip back to the hospital.

The heart doctor gave us some real issues that we are facing about the type of care GG will need which looks as if it will be long term to say the least. We are at a loss since we are so far away from home and it means at least being in Miami for who knows how long, LATER

Tuesday Morning in Miami

Well Monday Memorial Day found us at the hospital most of the day as we waited once again with GG. I did my daily taxi service between the hospital and the motel several times during the day. Our new room at hotel has us on the third floor so you make sure you have all you need when leaving the room. We met up with Amy and the family around 11'ish at the hospital then we left around noon for some Asian food at a place they said had a place near Tyrone Mall back home. The food was excellent and reasonable then we all came to the hospital for a visit before they headed out for their 4-5 hour drive back to Seminole.

I stayed around until 5'ish then headed back to the hotel to get some rest as the nights are filled with much sleeplessness. I did get in a nap and then read until 8:30 before heading back to the hospital for a visit and then to bring Nancy back to the hotel. GG looked the best I've seen her seen we arrived over a week ago. She was alert and seemed to be enjoying herself as we all sat around sharing some late night pizza and salad. The fact we were finally getting the heart cath on Tuesday seemed a big relief for her and us as well. Finally we are hoping to get some idea of what we are facing with this procedure and the outcome for all of us as we make plans for her recovery and what that entails. This waiting is really starting to get old and we are at that point once again here on Tuesday morning at the hospital. Waiting.

We got here before 8 Tuesday morning and now we are told it will be close to 1'ish before the procedure will take place. We checked out of the hotel finally around 7'ish this morning and will stay with Arianne and Errol for a couple of days if necessary. Thankfully they have a couple of spare room but the drive in from their place can take hours due to the heavy volume of traffic. We are still having someone with GG 24 hours around the clock and so far Betsy has made that sacrifice during night. At least we won't have another thousand dollar plus hotel bill. I don't mind being the taxi as it keeps me out of the waiting room.

Well we will know today hopefully the results of the cath and what are our plans and how to proceed, LATER

Monday Morning in Miami

Well Sunday found us once again spending most of the day at Jackson Memorial Hospital. We did get to spend some time with Amy and Family there and then again at a delicious Tex/Mex eatery. Afterwards Tyler and I took the kiddos to the hotel pool where we had a great time mingling with other kids from the hotel then Tom and Erica's kiddos plus Dianne came over for a swim. We eventually met up with them at their house where the Ross kiddos played with their kiddos. A fun time was had by all and we got in a game of domino's as well as young Peter beat me again in checkers. He is really a great player at the age of 8. Tyler did just barely beat him before we left for the night around 10'ish.

I did get in some quiet time after taking Nancy to the hospital and then bringing Betsy back to the room where she showered after spending the night with GG at the hospital. BridgePoint Church was on line and the message was awesome. Betsy had taken on that task of staying overnight with GG while we are here as she gets to get some sleep; she can sleep in a chair anyplace and anytime. There is a couch in GG 's room so she can lay down and sleep as well. The doctor's came in early this morning(Mon) and said the cath was on for early Tuesday morning; so maybe we can make some decisions on when to leave the hotel and get her back to her home in Seminole. There will be lots of life style changes for all of us in the coming days but we are definitely tired of this life style in a hotel plus its very expensive.

Well I'm sitting in the hotel lobby now waiting on Betsy to get ready and head back to the hospital. Amy and family are at Errol and Arianne's and if push comes to shove we may stay there for a day or so after Tuesday. They are an hour or more from the hospital but the drive is a lot cheaper than spending the nights at the hotel, LATER

Sunday Morning

Well Saturday was a busy day that saw us with the usual morning taxi trips to the hospital as I ferried Betsy and Nancy back and forth to Jackson South Hospital. GG's new room is such a blessing with beautiful views and such luxury for the guests and visitors. Diane spent the night on Friday so we relieved her mid-morning and then we waited on Amy and Tyler to arrive from Seminole with all of the grand kiddos. That was a joyous reunion. GG seems to have improved although last night Betsy said she had some moments of anxiety and was having a difficult time breathing. The staff is hoping to start some physical therapy as she has been lying in the bed since last Sunday morning. They also want to wean her off oxygen as soon as possible. We aren't sure it the heart cath is a must come Tuesday as her bleeding has stopped and the sodium levels are back to normal. I also wonder if that procedure is necessary as she has no pain or discomfort and I wonder if this procedure could cause more problems, oh well.

We visited with Erica and Tom's family for a supper of burgers and tater salad as well as other cheeses's and imports. The kiddos all had a grand time together and we had a grand time of reunion as well. We stayed until nearly 11 before heading home. Tyler and I had his kiddos in the Inn pool for a couple of hours during the afternoon and Sam has really progressed with his swimming abilities and is starting to get over his fear of the water. Eliza Faye also is doing much better as we try to teach her swimming as well. We hope to get their above ground pool set up this summer for the season.

Well we are getting so tired of this situation and also the extra expense of living in a hotel. We are hoping GG recovers enough to get her back home where we can at least eliminate this added stress and expense not only for her but for us. It seems we will be limited to checking out the cabin sometime this summer. I'm hoping I can visit my family but that is looking doubtful as GG will need round the clock care for the rest of her life, Oh well, LATER

Saturday Morning

Well things changed a little for the better on Friday as the hospital staff moved GG into a large spacious room so much nicer than the CCU in the older section of the hospital. This new room is so large that it has a couch and recliner and a walk in shower plus it looks brand new. GG seems to have accepted the change with a great attitude adjustment as well. She is still having some gray areas but seems much more relaxed now that she has most of the monitors gone except for the saline drip. Her sodium level is up enough for the cath procedure when ever the doctors seem to get back from the long holiday weekend.

We are still at the Inn and I'm still making several trips back forth between the two locations several times a day. I took Betsy to the walk in clinic yesterday as she has a deep cough and some chills. Seems she has an ear infection and picked up two scripts for each malady. I did a stop at the Goodwill for some reads on the way home. We ate a late lunch in the cafeteria which held us the rest of the day until I hit the breakfast bar at the hotel this morning. Not much else going on except marking time until GG has the procedure and we find out what we will be doing to make her last few years comfortable with round the clock care, LATER

Friday Morning in Miami

Well from what seemed to be a cheery outlook for GG has suddenly turned toward the dismal. The sodium levels never reached what the doctors wanted to do the heart cath and the bleeding is still evident to the area of the pacemaker plus the doctors said no procedures until at least Tuesday if she reaches those two plateaus successfully. That means we are here for another week; at least we were able to do our laundry at Erica and Tom's last evening as they have a commercial size washer and dryer. I've been the taxi between the hotel, hospital and Erica and Tom's which are all within a 10 mile radius.

Betsy has spent the last three nights sleeping in a recliner in GG's room and last night was the worst for GG as she is showing some signs of dementia and reckless regard for the tubes and wires that monitor her vitals. Nancy is there now for the day while Betsy is back at the Inn showering and getting some rest. We left around 7'ish last evening for the Olive Garden where we all needed some salad and soup. After awhile we all crave those fresh garden salads and ate our fill last evening then we dropped Betsy back off at the hospital then Nancy and I took our laundry to the Erica and Tom's. We bought those kiddos the 12 place domino's and taught them "chickenfoot". They loved it and we played until after 11 before heading home. I want to bring all of the kiddos over to the Inn for some pool time this weekend along with Amy and Tyler's kiddos who are planning on a trip down to see GG. We will at least be able to have some family get together time this holiday, LATER

Thursday Morning in Miami

Well Wednesday was another day that we saw nothing being done with GG's except for laying in bed with her left arm immobilized so as to keep the incision from bleeding which is holding up the catheterization of the heart. We spent the day there except for some brief periods where we visited Erica and Tom's and got in some fun time with their kids. I finally beat 8 year old Peter in checkers after three humiliating defeats; this kid is a whiz at the game and I understand he is good at chess as well. Nancy played Sorry with several of the kids as well and we had a delightful piece of chocolate cake. We had our first genuine Cuban sandwiches for a late lunch and while they are delicious they are rather pricey at 22 bucks for two sandwiches, oh well we all wanted to try the real thing and had our desires fulfilled.

We got some heavy rain here last evening and it's raining again this morning. I'm hoping to get in a swim today as I just got back from the hospital with Betsy and dropped Nancy off. We have been keeping someone with GG round the clock. The staff did move in a recliner in the room so Betsy has slept there the past two nights which she said is quite comfortable. Betsy is a snorer much worst than Nancy so at least I'm getting some sleep as I perform taxi duties throughout the day. I learned this morning(thur) GG's sodium level is too low to perform the procedure today despite the wound has quite bleeding. We were hoping for some action today but they brought her breakfast this morning while Betsy was there and that is an indicator no procedure today. We would like to at least get her strong enough to take her home where we can better care for her and at least cut down on living out of a suitcase.

GG has been eating rather well as I fed her a lunch of grilled chicken and Spanish rice as well as vegetable soup yesterday while the girls were out taking a break. Arianne, Diane and Jacob(Eric's oldest son) visited yesterday afternoon then they dropped me off around 7:30 last night. Nancy came much later in the evening as she stayed until GG and Betsy fell asleep. The LaQuinta Inn has been very accommodating thus far as we reserve the room daily but with the holiday weekend the prices have nearly doubled and they did start to pro rate out room to weekly rates which has helped considerately. We need to do some laundry so we will visit Erica and Tom's as they have a commercial size washer and dryer with their large family. We when to Wal-Mart yesterday and purchased detergent, extra minutes for our Tracfone and the game of domino's so we can teach their kiddos this game. The kiddos are very competitive and love playing games and are fun to be around.

Well that's about it for the update on GG as she is still bed fast on her back awaiting to have the heart cath. We hope to find out shortly what the plan is for her so we can make plans on handling her around the clock care. We aren't sure what that will encompass but do know our life style will change and we won't know if we will be making the trip to the cabin this summer, Oh well, LATER

Wednesday Morning in Miami

Well we are still here in this busy city, yikes so many people but I've seen a lot of warm friendly folks associated with Jackson Hospital. They are mostly Cuban staff and mostly patients as well. The weather while its in the 90's a breeze is constant which has kept it quite comfortable especially after dark. Nancy's mom is still having come complications from the pacemaker and we are waiting to see the results of the heart cath. which we hope takes place today. We have been spending most of the day, evenings and nights at the hospital but I managed to get away to the hotel for swim's and reading which is only about 4 miles from the hospital. I will cut this short as we need to get to the hospital and relieve Betsy who spent the night there giving Aunt Diane a break who has been there since Sunday.

Just a note GG(Nancy's mom) is alert and seems to be normal except for constant bed rest and the bleeding from the area where the pacemaker was put in place.

Tuesday Morning in Miami

Well I must I'm completely surprised at how nice the weather here as it's very pleasant outside even during the hottest part of the day. There seems to be an onshore breeze which keeps it rather pleasant and so far the humidity is nothing like the Tampa Bay Area. We spent most of the day at Jackson Hospital in the critical care unit with GG both visiting and then waiting on her procedure which was successful to say the least and her over all appearance has really improved with good color. We are thrilled at how the pacemaker has improved her condition but she is not out of the woods as of yet. Today she has a heart cath to determine the extend of her blockages and damage to the heart as it's possible she may have had a major attack. We are thrilled with the care she is receiving as both doctors and nurses have been fully invested in GG's care.

Nancy and I are sharing a room with betsy and I thought Nancy snored well her's is minimal compared to Betsy. Yikes I'm not sure how many more nights I can cope with that but I need to find some ear plugs today as I left mine at home. We visited with Tom and Erica again for lunch and it was very good as their neighbors brought over tempura egg plant, fried rice and some type of Asian salad all of which were FABULOUS plus we had leftover crock pot pork. I skipped supper except for a chicken sandwich from McDonalds which is right next door to the hotel. Nancy and Betsy went back to the hospital in the late afternoon so I stayed at the hotel and swam and then read until nearly 11'ish when I heard them come in from the hospital. Luckily our hotel and the hospital are within 10 minutes of each other as well as is Tom and Erica's.

We stayed for a couple of hours Tom's and I played all kinds of games with their son's; battleship checkers and their boys are very talented and fun to be around. They brought us all kinds of fruit from their yard that included some I've never heard of but where very tasty. I had the pool all by myself for a couple hours and did some catching up on exercise as well as some internet connections. It was a restful evening as I didn't have to listen to some bickering between some of the family members especially Betsy who at times can be very annoying. Oh well!!!!

I'm sitting the breakfast area of the hotel after finishing up a waffle, couple of hard boiled eggs and a cup of hot green tea(I brought my turmeric with me). Betsy is still snoring and Nancy is in the shower. Hopefully all goes well today with the procedure and the results will be good for GG. The doctors were very impressed how the pacemaker seemed to help her and while she is stable there is still a long road ahead. We hoping we can get back to our home in a few days and then decide what we are going to do about the long term care for GG, LATER

Monday Morning in Miami

Well Sunday found me up early and at BridgePoint Church where I helped with unloading the huge truck and trailer as we set up the necessary's for our service at the Rec. building. We only had one service this morning as there were other scheduled commitments by the Rec. for noon; so we had to be in and out before then. We got word from Miami that Nancy's mom had blacked out and fallen as was being transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries so we left and got ready for the 5 hour trip south. Nancy's sister Betsy decided she too wanted to ride with us so we waited until she got ready.

The trip was uneventful but I thought traffic was bad here in the bay area until you hit the highways in this huge metro area and this was a Sunday afternoon; and the road construction with some exits being completely removed so the GPS had no knowledge of the changes. Well we finally got to the hospital around 6'ish and learned that Nancy's mom was in the critical care unit. Seems her issues stemmed from a malfunction of the heart. The ER staff immediately inserted a temporary pacemaker into her artery in the neck and stabilize her quickly. She had some trauma to her head which did not seem to be an issue at this point.

She did regain consciousness and recognized us in between her naps at times. It seems there are some major blockage as well and the cardiologist will make a decision this morning on the next step. Worse case scenario is open heart by-pass surgery this morning with several by-passes; best case is the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. There was a time when the ER staff was at the moment of life or death when she was brought in by ambulance. The staff here are very friendly and accommodating and seem to be right on with their actions and prognosis. We are highly impressed with the nursing staff and somewhat confused with the ineptness of the doctors in Clearwater in their failure to properly diagnose this issue which is evident it's has been there for some time, oh well. Luckily she had this to happen with family around her instead of being alone despite it being in Miami.

Well we will be here several days staying at the LaQuinta Inn and will miss our trip to New Orleans this weekend. We are evaluating on what will happen with our trip to the mountains this summer as GG will need personal care from now on and it depends if that will be in Michigan with her  son Eric or in her home or our house. This has become a life altering decision for us and we will have to adjust as we care for her and on what she will need to have further quality of life care, Pray for us, LATER

Sunday Morning

Well Saturday was a great day with pickle ball in the morning and then some baseball, horse racing, hockey and then a family supper as we celebrated Amy birthday with all the family except GG who was in Miami. We got some disturbing news about GG as she seems to have all of a sudden gone down hill health wise in just 24 hours. We are hoping its this medication she is taking for anxiety issues that is causing her to suddenly become less than her normal self. She is with Diane and we are somewhat concerned that she is being to inattentive especially with her fluid intake and the monitoring of her meds as Diane is visiting her grand kids and doing some renovation to Erica's bathroom. Hopefully GG with recover and regain her strength before heading back home the first of the week and then for her trip to Michigan next week but at this point that is somewhat suspect if that will occur. We are putting our weekend trip to New Orleans on hold as well as the trip to the mountains for the summer if she doesn't recover quickly, oh well.

I started the day at the Rec. on the pickle ball court for nearly two hours then piddled around until lunch time. I did get in some reading time and took a short nap before everyone came for a delicious spaghetti supper. Even Betsy and Gus came. Bobby had his kiddos so the Ross kiddos had a wonderful time with them as they played hard. Nancy had made her famous chocolate cake with white icing for dessert and had gluten free brownies for Tyler along with Vanilla ice cream.

We all settled into the Ray's game who beat the Yankees once again as well as the Preakness horse race. There will no triple crown winner this year as the Derby winner finished out of the money. Katie picked the winner at random as we all sat around and cheered our picks on. It was after 8 when everyone left and then it was shower time for me as I was up before 5.today Sunday as I had to be at the Rec. to help with the BridgePoint Church unload at 6'ish for the set up. We only have one service today as the Rec. was already scheduled for another activity around noon, LATER

Saturday Morning

Well Friday was an awesome day as we celebrated our beautiful daughter Amy's 34th birthday; yikes where did those years go. She has become a wonderful mother, fantastic cook and a sweet girl that loves her husband and parents as well as a follower of Christ. Happy Big Day, Amy and we will have a family supper today Saturday in honor of her.

Well Friday night saw us with the best rain we've had since November. I mean at times it gully washed along with some lightning and thunder; such a welcome relief as everything is so dry and parched. Maybe this is the beginning of the rainy season which usually starts this time of the year with a rain shower every afternoon.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish rollout to my routines that started with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator. I then got ready to ride to the Rec. on my bike for two hours of continuous pickle ball play. We had a couple youths who are very good players and they gave me a good workout as they chase down every shot. I left with a wet head and shirt; great workout.

I piddled around in the garden harvesting more sweet onions and some kale to add to my salad I was making. We are now buying hydroponic lettuces but I'm still getting kale despite the hot dry weather. The collards are still doing good as well and I'm giving away another mess to some new friends from church tomorrow. The hot peppers both Asian and Jalapeno are producing. It's strange I bought three Jalapeno pepper plants and they all turned out to be bell peppers but I had two volunteer pepper plants come up in the garden and both of them are Jalapeno peppers. I also moved some volunteer tomato plants into separate areas in hoped they will be large enough to take to the mountains in a couple weeks.

We got the Ross grand kiddos about 5 as Amy and Tyler went out to supper and then to a movie. I grilled chicken legs which all of them love and then we had fresh corn on the cob as well as macaroni for them. They all ate well then Nancy had brownies and ice cream and then later Eliza wanted popcorn while they watched a movie. I retired to the bedroom to watch the Ray's game while switching back and forth to the Penguin game until it was bed time for me around 10'ish just as Amy and Tyler came to pick up the kiddos. They were all still awake but I was fighting the sandman, LATER

Friday Morning

Well Thursday was another hot and humid day and the short down pour of rain last evening late helped with that scenario but was it oh so welcome. The morning was much routine but the evening hours saw us at the Miller's Ale House in Seminole with neighbors and friends Dan and Carol for a delicious meal and then back to our hacienda for some card games and dominos.

The day started with my before 6'ish roll out to my routines that included a cup of green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then I spent a few quiet moments in thanksgiving with my Creator. Afterwards I checked my usual web sites that started with Ray's weather. com for the Sparta area then the Winchester Star for the obituaries in my home town. It was really interesting to learn one of my '64 classmates who just passed was a 30 year career CIA employee and that he passed from the same illness his wife passed from three years ago; a brain tumor. Very Interesting. I never kept up with him after high school as I really never had any close friends who were classmates. Since I was a farm boy I was relegated to feeding the livestock twice daily along with milking cows twice daily and the fact we lived several miles from town and the fact I left home right after graduation for N.C. to attend Gardner-Webb College. I did come back for awhile as I had a high school girl friend but that changed shortly after being on a campus with those southern belles who spoke ya'll.

I headed out on my bike for the Rec. around 8'ish and managed to get in a good wet shirt workout on the pickle ball court. We had two courts in action so I never sat down for the entire two hours. I made a quick stop at the library on the way home. Nancy was getting ready to run some errands so I settled into some computer work before finishing up a good read about good cops catching bad cops with the NYPD. The book is titled BLUE ON BLUE. This author was inside the departments IAB as its chief for 18 years and knew the insides and out of cops gone bad for whatever reason and their terminations and prosecutions; good read.

Amy and Eliza Faye came for lunch as GG was gone until Monday. Nancy spoke with her and she is occupied with new surrounding so her anxieties have gone by the way side and will be that way as long as she is somewhat entertained. That is why we would like for her to spend the summer months(5) in Michigan and then we entertain her while we are in Florida for those months which are about 7 when we get back in the fall. When she is bored she sits around and dreams up issues that cause her to be anxious thus she is at the doctors office 2-3 times a week, oh well. We finished up some leftovers for lunch then made plans to meet at 5'ish at the new eatery in the old Seminole Mall called Miller's Ale House with the Botbyl's. We had a 30 minute wait and ran into an old neighbor friend from 30 years ago or more. She had three girls the youngest which is Bobby's age and they were playmates for a couple of years when they were elementary school age. She now has several grand children and was babysitting one of her girls kids while they were away for the weekend.

Well after a great meal once again as Thursday's are prime rib night; I did the special and it was very nice. A huge medium rare piece with smashed taters & gravy along with cole slaw for 13.95. Nancy had what I had last time with shrimp in an Alfredo sauce and she brought half of it home. The menu said 35 shrimps and it was true or more in the dish. Well we came home and settled into a game of Phase 10 and then 12 rounds of dominoes. It was close to 9 when the party broke up as it was shower time for me and then some horizontal lab. The Ray's were off as they won their last series 2 out of 3 against the Indians and now take on the division leading Yankees at home for three games. We are getting closer to out Thursday morning leave for New Orleans for three nights and four days to attend our friends the Tracy's daughters wedding on Saturday, LATER

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday was another hot dry day with temps in the middle 90's and no rain until late evening when we actually heard thunder and then skies opened up for a few minutes and we could see where the street was wet out front. It didn't last long but was some relief for the grass at least. We had a large crowd for lunch with Bobby coming first then leaving before Amy and Eliza and finally Aunt Diane, GG and Matt. They all stayed until after 2'ish then Diane took GG and Matt down to the Miami area where she will stay until coming back next week for a couple of days before flying out to Michigan.

I started the day with my usual before 6 roll out and did my morning routines that started with a cup of green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet moments with my Creator. GG is still having anxiety issues and now Paw Paw is thinking about going back to the Winchester house which only has a bathroom on the second floor. That is going to be a big problem in my estimation which could be disastrous with another fall, oh well. He is walking with a walker which is a great achievement and finally out of the bed and the wheel chair. According to his doctor he is recovering wonderfully considering his age and prior ailments. He is not to drive at all until at least September when he goes back for a checkup. I'm amazed they would even consider that option.

I headed out to the Rec. for nearly two hours of pickle ball and left with a wet head and shirt. Nancy was at her heart doctor and he said she didn't need to come back for another year which is good news. I hand watered the garden and then harvested more sweet onions that were as big as a tennis ball. They sure take a long time to mature but once they do they are so sweet and delicious. I have several drying in the sun as I'm trying to keep them from rotting in the ground. I finished up some Mexican leftovers for my lunch then retired to the reading room after everyone left. Nancy decided she needed a fancy pair of sandals for her broken toe for the wedding so she was off to the shoe store so I took a short nap.

We had a home made pizza for supper as we wanted to use up some items in the fridge along with a salad. I tuned into the Fox News and learned the Dem's are really trying to thwart Trump at every turn with their false allegations and innuendos. They cry wolf so much that finally a special investigator was appointed and I hope he finally investigates the corrupt Obama and Clinton's in their part of this undermining of Trump and his administration. Trump is doing his best to drain the swamp and make the country great again but is getting no cooperation from the Dem's and even some within his party. The country is in a mess socially with the racial divide, killing of the police and the idiots who are called academia. The former FBI Comey was a joke when he let Hillary slide for her crimes while in office. Hopefully this former director will uncover those crimes along with the treasonous actions by Obama. The media will never report the truth except maybe for a few brave souls on FOX. I'm discouraged that O'Reilly was the fired from FOX and even have my doubts on their reporting the truth without bias because of these made up accusations by the liberals towards Bill and those who hate Trump as well, LATER

Wednesday Morning

Well Tuesday was pretty much a mundane day except for the evening when sister in law Diane drove down from Michigan with her 18 year old son Matt who suffers from Downs. They both along with GG came for supper. They will be here for a day or so before heading to Miami to visit family and will take GG with her and then eventually back to Michigan for a couple of months this summer while we head to the mountains.

The day started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out. I slept alone again as Nancy spent the night with GG who is suffering anxiety issues as we draw closer to leaving for the summer. I did my usual morning routines that started with a cup of green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and spent some quiet time with my Creator before heading out to the Rec. for a couple hour of pickle ball play with a couple of A players who just happened to come by for a visit. The four of us had a challenge court to ourselves for most of the morning and we never sat down until we had worn ourselves down to a frazzle.

We are still looking for some rain but so far its stayed to the north of us. I hand watered the gardens and then hung a load of laundry; at least this is great weather for clothes drying outside on the line. Today it was well into the upper 90's and it was miserable outside during the early afternoon hours. I stayed in after lunch and read for a couple hours before starting the grill for supper. I grilled marinated chicken breasts and Nancy had a fresh salad, oven fries and Brussel sprouts and brownies and ice cream for dessert. I passed on the dessert as I've added a few pounds the past couple of weeks despite playing pickle ball almost daily except for Sundays.

After everyone left and took Nancy with them to GG's I tuned into the Ray's game and they finally held onto to win for a change. I headed over to pick up Nancy from GG's as she returned her car because of driving her to her appointments and staying the night with her. It was close to 10 before we finally got home and I got ready for some horizontal lab, LATER

Tuesday Morning

Well Monday was a busy day that started with a before 6'ish roll out to my routines that started with a hot cup of green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet time with my Creator. I got news of another classmate of '64 had passed away with a brain cancer and that his wife had died from the same disease three years earlier. What is going on with all of the research and money to combat this disease, oh well. That left me in a funk for most of the day.

I did head out to the Rec. around 8'ish for two hours of pickle ball. There were enough folks for two courts and we had another newbie who did quite well for the first time. If you are a ping pong or tennis player you learn the game much quicker than those who have not played the sports which require eye hand coordination. Anyhow after two hours I had worked up a sweat and headed home to hand water the gardens. Nancy was off to the store for fresh buns as GG brought some fresh ground ham salad for our lunch.

After lunch I took GG to the hearing store where she was fitted with her new aids. This technology is much advanced from her old aids of 5 plus years. The personnel there were great but of course they should be for what your paying for these new aids at over 5 grand a pair. I dropped her off at her home afterwards as she said she was doing well. It seems the anxiety issue is back as she draws closer to flying out alone towards the end of the month; so she needed someone to spend the night with her and of course that was Nancy. Eric's wife Diane is on the way down from Michigan and on her way to Miami after a stop at GG's. She is driving down but sitting in a vehicle for GG is just too much for the long trip back to Michigan for the summer.

After a supper of leftovers from Sunday I headed out to hand water the gardens and then set the sprinkler for the front yard. We did get a short rain shower on Saturday but not nearly what we needed but I did see some green in the grass which means its not completely dead. I watched the Ray's game as Nancy went to spent the night at GG's and they lost a close one to the Indians in Cleveland. After a shower it was lights out for me at 10'ish, LATER

Monday Morning

Well Sunday (Mothers Day) was an awesome day of worship and a family dinner. We honored GG, Nancy, Amy, Betsy and Katie with gifts. The food was very delicious and enough left over after sending plates home for another supper and a couple lunches.

The day started early for me with a 5'ish roll out as I wanted to be at the Rec. before 6 for the load in from the truck and trailer for the Bridgepoint Church service. They are such great volunteers to do this every Sunday morning to bring the Gospel to the Seminole area and we had great turnouts in both services. Pastor Tim shares a message via video tape and Pastor Scotty is the campus pastor and what a leader as he leads by doing and serving. I blessed him and his family with a nice mess of collard greens as he is from Mississippi. We have become close to several of the volunteers in this ministry and its such a fun joyful time as we work together to make this a first class endeavor for helping folks get closer to GOD.

After the two services we headed home and chilled until it was time for the family to arrive some where around 4:30. Nancy had a layered taco dip as well as two large pans of beef enchiladas, rice and black beans. Amy brought a large pans of gluten free chicken enchiladas and Bobby brought a great salsas and chips and Betsy contributed tomatoes, lettuce and sour cream for the toppings. The food was delicious and plentiful and afterwards we have baked butter braids which are a frozen pastry that needed 10 -12 hours to thaw and then raise before baking. There was a blueberry filled one and chocolate one; both were very delicious but we were to stuffed to enjoy them.

I tuned into the Ray's game in the afternoon and they were playing in Boston in wet cold conditions but they prevailed with a big win11-2 for a change. That was about it as we sat around the table after supper for a couple of hours. I did the clean up with Tyler's help as we gave the mothers the day off. Tyler even gave Eliza a bath before she fell asleep which she most often does. Everyone left by 8:30 as it was a school night and I was tired after being up around 5'ish. It was a memorable day with family, LATER    

Sunday Morning

Well I'm a little late in making this post as I was at the Rec. helping with unloading a huge truck of equipment for the Seminole Bridgepoint campus along with several other volunteers. It took about an hour an half to get things organized and ready for the first service at 9:30. Check out our online live service at bridgepoint church.com in St.Pete.

Saturday was a busy day that started with my usual 6'ish rollout. I did my morning routines that started with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet moments with my Creator before getting ready to ride to the Rec. for two hours of pickle ball. We have many new players on Saturday most of which are not retired so I get to play with different folks. O left with a wet shirt around 10'ish then headed home to piddle around in the garden until lunch time. We were going to the beach but the grey clouds moved in with rain threatening and the wind came up. We finally got a few showers around 5'ish which didn't last long enough but did help settle the dust.

I tuned into the ray's game and once again they blew a lead only to lose again in Boston. I decided to treat Nancy to a mother's day outing at the new Miller's Ale House in Seminole and the place was packed at 4:30. We waited about 30 minutes and it was well worth it. The food was hot delicious plentiful and reasonable. It's more like a sports bar with TV's everywhere and the dress code is casual. I would definitely go back there again. That was about it for the day as we tuned into some hockey and Alaskan Bush People show until bedtime, LATER

Saturday Morning

Well Friday was a busy day filled with a good workout, yard work and then some house work at GG's before taking her and Nancy out to supper at the Olive Garden. It's still hot and dry here with temps in the 90's and absolutely no rain but supposedly there is a chance of some showers late this evening.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out. I did my morning routines that started with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator in thanksgiving and intercessory prayers for those I know who need some divine intervention. Afterwards I checked the weather in the mountains and it looks as if they are getting plenty of wet weather and the temps have been really nice. I then check the obituaries in the home town paper before settling in to the world news on Drudge and the Fox News before checking Face book. Nancy woke up to start her day around 7'ish then I got ready to head out a little before 8 to the Rec. I'm back to an apple for breakfast and I've dropped a couple pounds since last weekend.

Neighbor Dan came for his second day of pickle ball and played well and he really seemed to enjoy the sport. He will only get better with more play but is doing quite well to start. He is as good as most B+ players we have now. He did leave early as he hasn't built up his stamina as of yet. I stayed until 10'ish before heading out. I mowed and edged the yards then clipped the shrubs and took out some dead plants as I get the garden ready for the long hot summer as it lays fallow the next 5 or 6 months until November. Bobby came for an early lunch and left just as Nancy got home from her weekly Bible study class.

We decided to head over in the afternoon to clean GG's house and to help with cleaning out one of her large closets. I vacuumed the entire house and we empty several unused and old articles that were taking up space. We then took her with us to return a bed spread and get a larger one for her bed and then we took her with us to the Olive Garden which she likes. We had a good meal then headed back to her house where we played two card games of which I beat them both in each. We watched the Ray's take a good lead on the Red Sox's but nearly blowed that lead after several errors and poor pitching; but they prevailed by a one run win. It really looked cold and damp in Boston.

Well that was about it for the day as it was lights out for me at the end of the game. Today we are going to the beach as Nancy needs to tan up for the wedding in a couple of weeks, LATER

Friday Morning

Well Thursday was another hot muggy day with no rain in sight. The evening breeze kept it pleasant near sun down. We attended Ava's piano recital at Keswick in the evening and she did a magnificent job along with 30 or so other pianist who preformed.

I started the day out alone once again as Nancy spent the night at GG's. Hopefully that will cease now that all of her tests have come back normal and we think the reason she passed out was either getting up to quickly or because of dehydration which can cause a brief black out. She is still somewhat anxious about us leaving for the summer but already has a flight to Miami and then will drive with Arianne to Michigan for a couple of months. We took her with us to the concert and will take her to her many appointments this coming week.

I had my neighbor and good friend Dan join me at the Rec. for some pickle ball and he really enjoyed the game and got in a good workout Hopefully he will continue with the play. He for only the second time playing did quite well. I did my usual morning routines after rolling out at my usual 6'ish time. I did my quiet time and posted this ramble while having my morning cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric. Afterwards I got ready to head out for my workout when Nancy came home early as she has a hair dressers appointment. After pickle ball I piddled around in the garden and yard clipping some over grown shrubs and then I harvested three egg plants for our lunch.

I made a guacamole and then Nancy fried up the egg plant for lunch along with GG, Amy and Eliza Faye. The fried egg plant was awesome and I added some herbs and hot peppers to the top of mine along with some guacamole, delicious and filing. After lunch I retired to the reading room until it was time to grill some salmon filets for our supper. We picked up GG around 6:30 and headed to the school where we saw lots of our Bridgepoint friends who have their kids enrolled there. It was a fun time to see these youngsters preform and especially our Ava. Well after taking GG home Nancy decided she would spend the night in our bed as she insisted she would be alright being alone. She seems much more relaxed now that all of her tests were normal as her doctor informed her.

Well the Ray's lost again in an afternoon game and now go on the road for several games and we too will head out for New Orleans in less than two weeks and then to the cabin a day or so after we get back, LATER Here are a few pics from Ava's recital.

 

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday was almost a repeat of Tuesday with high heat,  humidity and no rain. We did get a nice off shore breeze which kept it quite pleasant outside in the late evening hours before sunset. Nancy once again spent the night with GG at her house and it looks as if this will become the pattern when she gets back from Michigan this summer for next year. There will have to be some trade off between her and her sister Betsy unless we can get some on to stay nightly with her as she is with us during the day starting with lunch through supper.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out and to my daily morning routines that started with a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble. I then spent some quiet time in thanksgiving and prayers for those I know who are hurting with my Creator. Afterwards it was check the local and world news and the social media before getting ready to head out on my bike to the Rec. for a couple hours of pickle ball. We have mostly B players but a couple of young guys who are progressing quite well and will become A players with more playing time. Those youths have such quickness and mobility which is an added advantage. I left with a wet shirt around 10.


I made a quick stop at the library for a couple new reads as that is about all I can do after lunch due to the heat and sunshine. Amy, GG and Eliza Faye all came for lunch around 12:30. I had already eaten a leftover burgers as I was hungry due to just an apple for my breakfast. I'm back on the "watch what I'm eating kick" as I'm adjusted my weight back up a couple of pounds especially around the spare tire with all of the family dinners and the getaway last week. I want to get and stay around the 180 mark if possible. I grilled marinated chicken breasts for our supper which turned out to be fajitas with grilled peppers, onions and mushrooms. Delicious as well as I added some garden fresh hot spicy peppers to mine. Betsy stopped by and finished up the leftovers then took her mom, GG shopping with her and then eventually home.

We walked up and visited the Botbyl's for a few minutes after the supper cleanup and then headed home as the mosquitoes were out as darkness fell. I tuned into the Ray's game and after blowing a 4 run lead the night before they pounded the Royals to a 12-1 win last night. About time they got some good pitching. Nancy left for her mom's around 10'ish about the time I turned the lights out. At least I don't have to wear ear plugs at nights to help with her snoring, oh well. That was about it as Trump has made it clear the business as usual in corrupt D.C. is coming to and end and the Dem's are furious and continue to blow smoke about the Russia's interfering with Hillary losing the election. I saw none of them in the voting booth at our polling place. She was a corrupt, lying candidate and we the people saw through her facade, LATER

Wednesday Morning

Well Tuesday was rather mundane except for sleeping alone that night and then pickle ball that morning. Nancy spent the night at GG's house as she is anxious about being alone after Eric left on Monday. (she spent the night there again last night) I'm hoping after being away this summer to first Miami and then to Michigan she will regain her confidence. I spoke with Paw Paw and he sounded the best since before he ever fell with a strong voice and he said he was walking without pain albeit with a walker and he was confident he could manage those stairs at his house once he was released from Consulate(nursing facility) Oh well.

I started the day alone but to my usual routines with a 6'ish roll out. I had my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent a few quiet moments with my Creator as I lifted up several by name for healing and comfort during these times of need. Afterwards I did the world news and social media checks then got ready to ride my bike to the Rec. for close to two hours of pickle ball. We did have two courts in action but with mostly B players many of whom have really progressed. I did manage a sweat before heading out around 10'ish. I made a quick stop at the library to return some items before riding home.

We still haven't any possible fronts to bring us rain the wild fires are throughout the state. I hand watered the gardens and then set the sprinkler later in the evening to give the front yard a drink. It's still a living yard but barely as the huge oak drains any moisture I give the grass. The garden is just about gone except for the herbs and egg plant. I do have a few volunteer tomato and pepper  seedlings that I want to bring to the summer garden with me in June. The sweet onions and carrots are doing great and the collards and kale are hanging on but not for much longer I'm afraid.

The Ray's were winning big during their game last night until their relief pitchers gave up runs in the later innings to tie the game; so around 10'ish  I cut the TV off and when to bed. I'll have to check to see how bad they lost, oh well. The big news is Trump fired Comey the FBI director which was about time to bring some confidence back to that agency. The liberals are now having a fit where they once called for the firing when he let it be known he was reopening the investigation on Hillary and now they are besides themselves with this decision which I think was appropriate. Trump did it his way and that's just what the nation needs with none of this explaining in the "fake news media" and listening to their biased reporters, LATER

Tuesday Morning

Well Monday wasn't a very exciting day as I did my customary routines to start the day around a 6'ish roll out. I took my handful of Nutrilite vitamins and supplements along with a little apple cider vinegar and orange juice to wash them down before having my proverbial cup of hot green tea laced with some turmeric while I posted this ramble and then spent a few quiet minutes in prayer with my Creator. We are now facing a crisis moment with Nancy's mom GG, as she is very anxious with us leaving towards the end of the month for New Orleans and then for the cabin in the mountains. Since she slipped off the edge of bed and onto the floor she has been a mess with all kinds of hospital stays, doctors appointments and with son Eric flying down to spend nearly two weeks with her as well as Arianne and Erica coming up from Miami to visit. They all have pandered to her and made her believe she could no longer be alone especially at nights so Nancy spent the night at her house last night.

I headed out around 8'ish for the Rec. on my bike for a couple hours of pickle ball. We are now having a minimal crowd but did manage two courts in action for most of the morning. I left with a wet shirt around 10'ish and made a stop at the library to return some reads. There is another issue with GG as she has always been a voracious reader and now she has decided she doesn't want to read anymore but wants one of else to sit around and watch her in case she may fall but she refuses to use a cane or a walker as prescribed by her doctor in case she should lose her balance.

Eric, GG, Amy and Eliza came for lunch and then I took him to the airport for his flight back to Michigan.  I brought GG back to the house so she could eat with us then took her home for awhile until Nancy could get away as she was watching Eliza while Amy and the rest of the family went to a Ray's game at the Trop. Eliza fell asleep after her bath and it was after 10 before they picked her up on their way home. The Ray's lost to Tyler's home town team the Royals.

After supper I headed out to the back yard and worked there for an hour or so as the temps had dropped from the 90's to the low 80's. We are still very dry here in central Florida with wild fires everywhere. Luckily our county is so built up there is very little tinder for wild fires but north of us there is lots of forests and palmettos which are great for burning. I heard from sister Dee that Paw Paw is really planning on going back to his house in Winchester which is not conducive to his mobility. The bathroom is on the second floor which means he would have to go up and down the stairs several times a day which leaves him vulnerable to once again falling and reinjuring that hip which was replaced in March. It's been since September since he was last in the house and while we know his desire is to go back I don't think that would be a wise decision; but I'm just one fourth of the siblings and don't live anywhere close to offer any assistance except to make that point, oh well.

That was about it for the day except Nancy prepared a delicious pot roast with home grown carrots and onions. It's obvious we are facing issues with both her mom and Paw Paw and all at the same time. I spoke with our "mountain mom" Helen and while she is a little older at 89 than GG she is so independent because she is constantly working, driving and doing so much for herself besides sitting around worrying about what calamity she is having or what doctor she needs to see daily, LATER

Monday Morning

Well Sunday found us back to our old place where we gathered and worshipped for years at Element Church in Tampa. It certainly was great to visit, love up on and hug so many familiar and loving folks. The church has survived despite no permanent pastor as Bobby has filled that position from time to time. He does lead worship and their spirited "owners" are making a difference if not only for their kids. There were 5 baptism's after the service; 3 adults and 2 kids including grand son Gabriel. I would estimate they have a good 50-60 adults and at least 20 plus kids at this service.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out. I had my usual cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble and then I spent a few quiet minutes with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. I haven't spoken with Paw Paw the last week but I guess no news is good news as we are dealing with GG now with her anxiety health related issues. She is becoming more child like it seems as we get closer to our leaving for the cabin this summer. Some of the family who don't live here are putting pressure on us with having her come live with us full time. We will cross that bridge when the time comes.

We headed out to Tampa around 9'ish for the worship service at Element and then after the baptism headed over to Bobby and Katie's home in Brandon for a family celebration honoring Gabe and his desire to make it know publicly through baptism that he is a Believer and has asked JESUS into his heart. We had all of Bobby's family there including GG, Eric, Amy's family and of course Nancy and I. Katie's folks and siblings were there as well and Bobby had smoked a couple of Boston Butts  and along with cole slaw, chips and dips we had a good feed.

Bruce, Katie's dad introduced us to a new outside game called Slam Cam or something to that effect. There are two cans which are about a foot in diameter open at both ends with a slot opening in the middle and you and your team are 50 feet apart and then you take a frisbee and try to enter into the can. Your partner has the option to use any part of the body to assist the frisbee to enter the top or the slot in the can. It's a great game and not for the faint of heart as the frisbee can be a little painful when trying to corral it and redirect it to the can's opening.  We played several games through out the afternoon and left somewhere around 6'ish for Seminole.

We met up with GG and Eric and they came to the house while I picked up a couple of pizzas for our supper. Afterwards we played 6 rounds of domino's with Eric winning in the last round. It was after 9 when they left for home. Today I will take Eric to the airport for his flight back to Michigan and then we will once again be chauffeurs for GG. It's been nice that Eric was here to help with driving her around and spending the nights with her and we are hoping she will spent more time in Michigan this summer with him and his family, LATER

Sunday Morning May 7th

Well I've been away from this keyboard for the past three days and what a fun filled adventure we had with long time neighbors, friends and the third couple of the Cool Peoples Club(which is what we call ourselves) the Tracy's at their new beautiful house in the gated community near San Antonio which is just a bump in the road from Dade City. It's about an hour north of Seminole. We ate, visited new places, played games as well the girls shopped and we men were active in the huge club pool an on the bike trails as well as I introduced them to pickle ball as well as had a game of Bocce.

We left on Thursday after lunch with our bikes tied down in the back of the truck. The new cover rolls up which allows me to haul larger items thus we stood the bikes for Dan and I as the girls weren't into biking since Nancy had a broken toe. The trip was uneventful both ways but the traffic is unbelievable on the interstates with so many folks moving to Florida. We lounged around and and had some very tasty hor'derves  which Kathryn is a marvel at making along with some fruit of the vine while we waited for the chicken dish to bake. They have a beautiful one story 3/2 house in a gated community which is a golf country club right off I-75 which makes for easy traveling.

The next day we took a trip to the Bushnell area and then over to the Villages which is near Ocala. Well this place or city is a modern version of Disneyland in my opinion except its for 55 and older folks who live there. There are cities within the place which is huge and the designer was very smart in deciding to make everything accessible by golf cart. The golf cart roadways are divided with tunnels underneath the main roadway for cars and trucks. It's the main form of transportation throughout the Villages. The folks who support and work in the shoppes and eateries are young people who live outside the area but a charter school was built within the area so they could put their kids in school. What a genius idea and everyone is so polite and almost thrilled to be serving the older community with every kind of professional service available as well. The area is covered in flowers, rec. pavilions and the landscaping is beautiful and we finally found a place with pickle ball courts as that is one of their main sports and attractions. There is 184 pickle ball courts all professionally constructed as well as hundreds of golf courts and tennis courts.

It's a unique way of spending your kid's inheritance while living in a rather safe and secure environment with all of the amenities and not having to drive on the highways except in your own private golf cart of which there are thousands at any one time on the road or parked wherever at restaurants, shopping places and movie theaters. This place is a city within a city and no crime that I've heard of with the age restrictions. We saw one billboard where in the past 5 day's over 50 closing on new residents houses into the Village and what states they came from, amazing that many people a week are joining this lifestyle.

We made a stop at a blueberry winery on the way home near Bushnell and tasted some fruit of the vine as well as picked a gallon bucket of berries. They were huge at at 20 bucks a gallon a great price. The girls made a huge cobbler for our dessert with vanilla ice cream after a delicious supper of Mexican cuisine Kathryn had prepared ahead of time which baked while we made guacamole and salsa. I must say I added a few pounds to the spare tire while away but it was good doing so. We played dominoes, Oh -ell( which is a bidding card game) and watched the Ray's play good one game and then awful the next time. The girls did some outlet mall shopping on Saturday while we guys had the day to ourselves being active. We took a side trip into this small town called San Antonio for a lunch at Poncho Via which is a local Mexican eatery and renown for its food and ambiance. It looks like it was transported from south of the Rio Grande right down to its waiters who were very friendly and the salsa was out of this world with two separated kinds; one for the faint at heart and one with the iron mouth which I loved. We went through 4 bowels of the salsa before chowing down on our tostadas which were delicious to say the least with real refried beans and rice all for 6.25 a plate, yeow!!!

We were wanting to get back by 3'ish as we had the family coming over for the Kentucky Derby Race around 4'ish. We made a stop at Sam's to fill up and get fresh hamburger and buns and made it home a little after 4 after dropping the Botbyl's off. They eventually came and watched the race with us as well and ate as well. I grilled burgers and GG had Greek potato salad to accompany as well. The vino was once again flowing for some. Eric, GG and Betsy came as well as Dan and Carol so we all had our picks who would win. Betsy always picks the 5 horse and she was right this time and it was a muddy track but this horse was as clean as if it was a dry track which it led throughout the race. This maybe another triple crown winner. Well after Nancy baked cookies and they had their fill everyone left by 9'ish. I was ready for a hot shower and some horizontal lab as we travel to Tampa this morning to be apart of our grandson Gabriel's baptism at Element Church. What a momentous occasion for him and his father as our son Bobby will baptize him, LATER

Thursday Morning

Well Wednesday was anything but mundane except for the early morning hours which started much the usual with a 6'ish roll out. I did the usual routines that started with a cup of green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then I spent some quiet time with my Creator in humble thanksgiving for another day and remembered those by name who need some extra comfort and healing. Afterwards I checked the news, social media then got ready to ride out to the Rec. for two hours of pickle ball. We had just the one court in action as many were away or gone for the season but I did get a good workout that resulted in a wet shirt before heading home after a quick stop at the library to drop a couple reads off.

I didn't have any "honey do's" so I read until it was time for the lunch crowd while Nancy met up with her brother Eric who had taken GG to see her primary doctor. Seems this time every year GG suffers anxiety attacks as we get ready to head out for the summer. Now that she has had this fainting spell she now thinks she has a brain tumor or cancer or some other malady. It will get worse knowing Eric is leaving Monday for Michigan. She does this every year since Will passed, oh well. She is in good health except for her hearing and we ordered new and up to date aids for her and she refuses to use a cane for when she gets wobbly despite the doctors advice. Seems she is at the doctor of one kind of another 2-3 times a week or at the hair dresser.

 We took off after the lunch crowd left and made stops at Sam's Club so Nancy could look for bathing suits and at the Christian Book Store but they were going out of business due to some poor financial decisions. We wanted to get a Bible for Gabe's baptism on Sunday at Element Church; luckily we found the LifeWay Christian Store in Brandon and made our purchase. We went by Bass Pro Shoppe in Tampa and used up our 50 bucks of gift cards from last years visit in Charleston at the Evergreen Travel Bureau then we mad a stop at the Boston Market for a delicious supper. We never stop there for some reason but the food was awesome as we both had the chicken dinner( 3 dark pieces) with smashed taters and gravy with creamed spinach and cornbread for just 8 bucks. It was very filing and so tasty and the meat fell off the bone and was spiced to perfection I will eat there again as you have a choice of several different sides. Two of us ate healthy for less than what we would have paid for a burger and fries.

We met us with Bobby and Gabe at his playoff game. The game was close but they lost and will play again on Saturday morning. We won't make that game as we are in Dade City for two nights at the Tracy hacienda with the Botbyl's. We will leave after lunch today and come back after lunch on Saturday in time to watch the Kentucky Derby with family. It should be a busy weekend with once more good eatin', a bike ride on some trail with Patrick and Dan as the girls shop due to Nancy's broken toe and then games at night, LATER

I will be away from this keyboard until some time Saturday if all goes well and on schedule.

Wednesday Morning

Well Tuesday was another hot and dry day despite a few dark rain clouds but no rain fell in our area. We are in need of some much needed wet weather. Nancy's brother Eric is still here until Monday so we have him and GG every day for lunch and supper as well as sister Betsy last night. I got in a work out on the pickle ball court for a couple hours then mowed the back yard which is full of weeds and then worked in the garden until lunch time.

The day started with my usual 6'ish roll out. I did my routines that started with a cup of green tea laced with turmeric while I posted this ramble then a few quiet moments with my Creator in thanksgiving and lifting up those I know for healing and comfort. Afterwards I checked the social media and the national news and then headed out a little before 8 on my bike to the Rec. We had a good gang of players with a few A's mixed in with the B's and we said goodbye to another B+ female player, Mary. She and her spouse live on an island in Lake Michigan. She was pretty consistent with her attendance and play and we will miss her.

I had a wet shirt when we left the gym around 10'ish. I made a quick stop at the library to return some reads before heading home. The beggar weeds which were blooming and sending out there seeds that stick to your shoes and pants are thriving in this dry weather so it was time to mow them down. The dried bean vines and pods needed picking as well. I will use them for seed this summer at the cabin garden. I cleaned up the weeds in the garden as well as I got it ready for the fallow season while we are gone.

Bobby and the usual crew plus Eric where all here for lunch. Eliza is so funny around Eric and Bobby as she is so coy and shy. After they all left I got in a little read time with Bill O'Reilly's latest book LEGENDS & LIES. It's very good read on the patriots who fought the British and gave us our independence from the mother land. This should be a mandatory read for all American history classes. It's also well illustrated with reproductions of maps, pictures and letters from that era. Be prepared to learn there were lots of loyalist(to the British crown) the rebels(Americans patriots) had to contend with as well as the British army; yet we prevailed because of these great leaders. I see some of that today with the left(liberals) versus the right(conservatives) in today's political culture as well.

Well I grilled pork chops and along with black beans and brown Jasmine rice, green beans and salad as we chowed down once again. I'm slowly adding on the pounds with all of these family dinners that I had previously dropped, oh well. Hopefully once we get back to the mountains and I don't have time to laze around reading the afternoons away but on my feet working the gardens I can slowly work off these extra pounds. It's so easy to accumulate the spare tire especially with the desserts, breads and vino with appetizers, oh well. I did harvest some beautiful sweet onions from the garden with some as big around as baseballs. Nancy took a picture with her Ipad instead of the camera so it's difficult to transfer them to my photos, LATER

Tuesday Morning.. May 2017

Well Monday was the first day of May..wow where did that time go. The ides of summer are upon us here in Central Florida with high heat and humidity. I strongly feel the tug to head to the high country as we get ready to head out in the next month or so; except for the trip to New Orleans I would really be excited about the trip to the cabin as that will push up back a week or more.

The day started much the usual with a 6 ish roll out. I had my cup of green tea laces with turmeric while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time in thanksgiving and prayers for those I know who are hurting. I got ready afterwards a little before 8 and rode out on my bike to the rec. for a couple hours of of pickle ball play. We had two courts in action. We lose one of our better female players after today's session as she and husband go back to their island in Lake Michigan for the summer. We still have a couple of A players left but most have moved on for the summer. I left around 10 with a wet shirt.

Nancy's brother Eric is still here for another few days staying with GG so he drives her around and they came for lunch along with Amy and Eliza Faye. They stayed and visited until it was time for GG to have her eyes checked once again for cataracts. She is doing find since her fainting episode last Thursday. They all came back for a supper of leftover grilled chicken on a bed of salad and some stuffed grape leaves Betsy made a couple days ago. After the cleanup from supper we played 12 rounds of domino's until nearly 10 o'clock. I hit the shower after they left and was soon ready for some horizontal lab, LATER

Monday Morning

Well Sunday was a busy day that started with a 5'ish roll out as I was helping with unloading our "church in a truck" at the Rec. a little before 6. I was the second helper to arrive but shortly thereafter we had a multitude of volunteers to put the building in order and get ready for two services of which we had really good attendance. The first service at 9:30 had 140 plus the several children from babies to 5th grade in the Kidspoint area and the second service had nearly that many adults but less kiddos. We are thrilled that for our only third time meeting at this campus we are reaching so many in the Seminole area.

I worked greeting along with Nancy at the Kidspoint area door to the auditorium in the first service then we were able to set in and listen to the message and then I was a door holder for the second service. We got away from the Rec. around 12:30 after everyone had left but the volunteers and headed home for some lunch. We had some leftovers and then Nancy decided she needed a new pair of sandals due to her aching foot so she headed to a shoe outlet and then stopped by her mom's where she visited with them until nearly 6. I vegetated on the couch and finished the book titled 11/22/63 by Stephen King while keeping track of the Ray's game which they lost once again after leading the Jay's. That is a must read and it keeps you so interested in what is going on; but the ending is a tear jerker. I'm going to give it to GG to read as she is a voracious reader as well.

Well that was about it for Sunday as I popped corn for our supper while watching some NHL play off games and Nancy was on Facebook. It wasn't long after 9 it was shower time for me and then some horizontal lab, LATER