Tuesday Morning..Final Post for 2019 Dec. 31st

Well its been a year filled with lots of activities and yesterday Monday was another one. I'm so blessed I can run, play and work as well as still have my faculties at times depending on who you talk to. I've two more grandson's who will carry on the Triplett name as well so I will leave a little part of me with them. Everyone in the immediate family are healthy and Christ followers which is a great blessing and when I'm gone hopefully we will all meet again in heaven. I'm sure there are those who may contest that as well.

I started Monday with my usual before 6 roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I post this ramble and then spend some quiet time with my Creator giving thanks and lifting up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected as I've heard nothing to the contrary. My uncle Junior will be laid to rest today at my old church I attended as a child and where I visit every year when I go back to my old stomping grounds in the Mountain Falls area near the W.Va. line which is west of Winchester. As the crow flies its just a few miles over the mountain which I saw every day until I left home in '64 after graduating from high school.

Well I got ready and headed out on my bike a little before 8 to the Rec. for some 2 plus hours of pickle ball and most of that time was on the outside court. It's a much better workout for some reason and of course the high humidity helps with sweating off the fat as well. We had some great games and long rallies as you battle the elements along with your opponents. The inside gym has so many B players and if you get paired up with a C player you may lose your court and have to sit and wait before playing again; so we A players go outside and have the court all to ourselves which makes for a great workout and better play. I was soaked with sweat and whupped by the time I got home around 10:30 and jumped in the shower as I had a 11:15 appointment at the VA for a blood draw as my annual physical is due next week.

That event took about 30 minutes from the time I parked until I got back from the blood draw. We grabbed a healthy garden salad before heading out to TGH and the Nicu unit to visit with the boys and Katie. She has made it known it would help her if we didn't come everyday which gives her time to now nurse and pump for the boys since she is attempting to have enough milk for two instead of one. She relax's better without us around and now she is spending the nights at home and spends the days at the hospital. This suits us just fine as its nearly an hour each way depending on traffic. We will head over to TGH during the weekend for a visit and they are hoping the biggest boy Ryder may go home in the next week or so as he is doing quite well with his breathing. Huck needs to put on some meat on his bones which he is doing daily before they release him I'm guessing. Both seem to be doing as well as can be expected for preemies.

We made a Sam's Club stop on the way home for some goodies for the New Years Day feast and again a stop at Aldi's for some items before getting home around 4'ish. I decided to mow the yard one more time before the new year then hoed weeds in the gardens. The cukes have tons of blooms and I'm excited for the fruit as well as do the tomato and egg plants. The whole garden is producing and I'm harvesting and giving away tons of leafy greens as well as eating a salad every day. We finished up the smashed taters from Christmas day meal and mixed them in with a Marie Callander's chicken pot pie. My oh my she does make a tasty pie. We settled into the Fox Cable News until the Gators came on at 8 in the Orange Bowl game so I hit the showers again and then stayed in the bedroom horizontally watching the first half. The sandman was calling so I turned out the lights at 10, LATER

Just a couple pics of the garden and the boys, Huck and Ryder

Monday Morning Dec. 30th

Well Sunday was a bit different because I did not have get up at 5  AM and be at the college for the load in for BridgePoint Church as the college let us keep our stuff intact since it was out of classes for the holidays, all except the outside flags and directories which takes just a few minutes to set up. There was only one service as well and that was at 10:30. We had a packed house with several visiting as well which meant lots of our locals and regulars were out of town. I think not counting the volunteers there was close to 200 in attendance and Scott Davis did a fine job leading the message. One of the best sermons or teaching I've hear in quite awhile. If you get the chance listen to it on the archives at bridgepointchurchfl.com on the internet.

I started the day with a sleep in until 7'ish for a change and then I did my regular routines as we didn't leave for the service until after 9'ish. I worked the outside greeting at the doors and the welcome tent and then headed in to help usher during the offering collection. Nancy missed the service as she helped with the Kidspoint area watching the 1-2 year olds. Immediately after everyone left I helped breakdown the outside welcome tent then we headed home to change clothes and then I pulled some collards to take with us to Tampa as well as dropped off a mess for our pastors wife at their house on the way out of the 'hood.

We got to TGH and the NICU ward a little after 1 and visited with the boy's as Bobby and Katie were down stairs in the cafeteria for lunch. When they came back it was time for her to pump breast milk and nurse so we headed down to eat lunch as well. The Ross Family showed up with Anns and Gabe so Bobby could take them to see a movie around 4'ish. We visited with the boys and Katie's mom and sister then we headed out around 4:30 for home. We took the scenic route along Bayshore Blvd. in Tampa which features some magnificent homes along the waterfront. Wow such opulent looking structures many are from many years back as well as a few modern ones. This area borders the Davis Island area where the hospital is located.

We settled into relaxing once we got home and thought about taking down and storing the Christmas decorations but opted out for another day. I tuned into some NFL games and saw where the Bucs lost again on the first play in overtime against the Falcons. We led for most of the game and missed three field goals which was the clincher for the win but loss in overtime when the QB threw one of his many record breaking interceptions for the year and the other team won. How fitting for this hapless team which always finds a way to lose, oh well.

The boys are doing fantastic and breathing great so the tubes are gone and they are gaining weight especially little Huck who was a tiny little feller. Ryder is doing much better and is a giant compared to Huck. Well it wasn't long after watching the Lightning finally win a game against their opponent I shut the lights off for the night, LATER

 We found a few pics of Bobby who Ryder resembles when he was an infant.

Sunday Morning Dec. 29th

Well Saturday was another warm and humid day with lots of clouds and by night fall some much needed rain which lasted well beyond when I called it a day. It was a fun day with supper with all the grands (except the new boys) at Amy and Tyler's house around 5'ish.

I started the morning with my typical roll out around 6 to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord lifting up several by name and giving thanks for my many blessings. All seem as well as can be expected at this point in time. We spoke with our "mountain mom" Helen for a spell and she sounded great after a bout with the flu. Her son Rick was up for a week from Florida and they had a great time together over Christmas visiting family and celebrating the holidays together. He lived not too far from us near the beach area and left yesterday morning from her place.

Myself and 5 others played outside after the gym filled up with B players and got in a good workout on the outside pickle ball court. It's a totally different style of game as the ball bounced differently and then you have the wind and sun to contend with. We can at least see as the gym now has 5 over head lights out and its so dark inside. The management is closing the gym on one of our play days to fix the lights after we have been complaining for months about the lights not working. This Rec. is poorly managed with the director being less than friendly towards us players for some reason. We have to set up the nets everyday and when we visited other facilities they set up the courts and take them down, oh well. I guess we are lucky to have a place to play which they think they are responsible for allowing us to play there.

I did some garden work after pickle ball feeding and hoeing the weeds which seem to grow overnight and noticed I now have several cucumber blooms which is a first. I haven't been able to grow cukes here in years for some reason but these vines look great and maybe that because I'm using a different location and some bone meal. I've had to cut some of the tomato plants back as they are over 6 feet tall and sending out branches loaded with blooms. Hopefully by cutting them back that will send the energy into the blooms already on the lower stems and give the fruit already set some growth. The egg plants have several blooms and buds but my jalapeno pepper all of a sudden lost all its blooms and buds. The plant still looks great but with no blooms. I'm not sure what has happened. Usually the nematodes don't bother the peppers but maybe thats what has happened. I transplanted several marigolds around all of the tomato plants as they are a natural deterrent to these nutrient sucking microscopic worms that form knots on the roots of the plants.

After a late lunch I headed in to read for a couple hours as Nancy was off shopping as she prepares for a gala dinner on New Years Day of sauerkraut and pork, black eyed peas, smashed taters, etc. We will probably feed the same gang we fed for Christmas dinner plus Bobby and the grands as Katie will stay with the "boys" plus she is not a fan of our dinner on this special day, oh well. We headed over to Amy's and had a fun time with the grands and some tasty brats on the grill. We headed out for home around 7:30 and it was time to hit the shower for me and then some college football. LSU whupped Oklahoma big time to go to the championship game and Ohio was ahead by two when I shut the lights out, LATER

Saturday Morning Dec.28 th

Well December is just about gone and with it 2019, where did that time go I ask myself all the time and it seems it gets quicker every year with age, oh well. Friday was a busy day and a fun filled one as I started the day with my usual routines of rolling out around 6'ish, my cup of hot green tea (despite it being in the upper 60's to start the morning) laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent some quiet moments to give thanks to my Creator and Lord and then lifting several up by name for comfort and healing. We are so blessed to live in a country where we are not afraid to openly worship GOD and not some false prophet who proposes to cut your head off if you disagree with their ideology and yet we have let these people into nation and have even allowed them to have a say in the gov't.

Well I headed out a little before 8 on my bike to the Rec. for some two full hours of pickle ball before heading home with a wet shirt and worn out. I piddled around in the gardens harvesting several lettuces and leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard and even some collards to add the the salad bowl. All of these are super foods and so good for your body and I do believe its because I grow them without pesticides they are that much more healthier for you and us. I noticed my earth worm population is back with lots of small wigglers when I hoe the gardens. The tomato plants are booming with new growth and blooms as well as small green fruit. The egg plants is also setting lots of blooms as well as are the cucumber vines which now are climbing the chain link fence on the side garden. I do not believe we will have any significant cold or freezing temps as December is about gone and that's when we usually have frost or freezing temps.

After a quick lunch of some leftovers we headed over to TGH to the NICU floor where we gazed upon our two newest grand sons Ryder and Huckston. Both are doing as well as can be expected for preemies at just a little over a week old. I was able or allowed to hold Ryder for close to a half hour and he is just so tiny and delicate and Huck is even smaller but he is the most active of the two at half the size and weight. But Huck is adding ounces almost daily and is now over three pounds and is starting to add some meat to his slim frame. he is the blonde and favors the Korte side and Ryder is dark hair and favors our side of the family at this young age; but who knows. We all make our opinions known but we all are in love with these two little fellows.

We met up with the Botbyl's around 5:30 at the Outback in Seminole for supper which was delicious. Nancy and I had the 4 course meal which was delicious with her having the chicken while I had the steak. It was plentiful that started with soup, salad entree and a side dish and then dessert for 15.99 which is a bargain. Afterwards we headed back to their place and played games for the first time in many moons. Nancy whupped all of us in the game of dice and then the boys beat the girls in a close scoring game of spades. It was a fun evening and we will do it again on New years Eve with our old friends who moved up near Dade City which is just about an hour away depending on traffic, LATER

Friday Morning Dec. 27th

Well Thursday was a busy day that started early with my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in humble thanksgiving and lifting up several by name. Except with the sudden passing of my Uncle Junior all seem as well as can be expected. He will be interred at the old home church of mine I attended as a kid next to his father next week.

I headed out on my bike a little before 8 for the Rec. for close to two and half hours of pickle ball play. It was a good workout and I left with a wet shirt. I came home and piddled around in the garden as the weeds continue to show color so I hoed everything and then hand watered the gardens. I hung two loads of laundry for Nancy on the clothesline while she headed out with Amy and the girls to shop for Eliza's birthday in January. They were gone for the next couple of hours which came me a chance to catch up on some reading and I even got in a 10 minute nap.

We decided to not go to the hospital today to see the "boys" but would go today Friday instead. Both are doing good for preemies and one of them either Bobby or Katie have been spending the night with them. They are very pleased with a couple of the nurses who have taken great care and concern so they have been leaving the "boys" from time to time to catch up on sleep at their house.

We micro waved some of the Christmas dinner which was fantastic for our supper. The rib roast was the best ever over the years we have fixed them on this one special day. It was so tasty and perfectly roasted and the gravy was the best ever as well. It was Christmas dinner all over again minus the breads and desserts which I'm vowing to cut back starting again after New Years. I've been on a sweet journey ever since Nancy started baking cookies and its showing around the spare tire.

Well we settled in to the Fox News and got the real scoop on whats happening in the world with the biased spin put on by the MSM. It's almost criminal how those who hate this potus spread lies and distortions to denigrate this man. I know the reason and now most Americans are learning just how complicit the MSM is with the dems and the cover up for their corruption. This potus can not be bought and controlled and they are afraid of his uncovering just how crooked so many are in the last administration. They are the real threat to the republic and the constitution of which they scream that our duly elected potus is violating. It's despicable we have so much biased that is being flaunted by the dems in the congress, LATER

Thursday Morning Dec. 26th

Well I'm hoping everyone had a great Christmas, we sure have been blessed this season with good health, great family and more than generous blessings and the food was spectacular both at Bobby's who is a great cook and our rib roast last evening with all of the side dishes was the best ever. We of course had the Ross Family here for a large breakfast at 10 and then Nancy sister Betsy and husband Gus came around 4'ish and then the Ross Family. We surely missed the Triplett Family of now 6 as they were all at the hospital with the boys in the Nicu. We still had a great time time of celebrating with the meal and a little fruit of the vine before hand.

The weather was a big overcast and some lite drizzle in the early morning with temps in the 60's but by late afternoon the sun came out and with it the heat. I did hand water the garden around noon as the soil was dried out despite all of the rain and cloudy skies. I tried to speak with Paw Paw but he wasn't available but did speak with Dee for a few. All seem well with them but everyone has the death of Uncle Junior on their minds with the up coming funeral in the next few days, LATER

Wednesday Morning Dec. 25th Christmas Day

Well Tuesday was another busy day that started early with a before 6 roll out. I did my usual morning routines that start with the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger on this chilly morning with lots of rain clouds and even some rain throughout the day and evening. It wasn't really cold but just damp, not much sunshine and those menacing looking rain clouds. I did my quiet time and posted this ramble before heading out to the Rec. for some two hours of pickle ball play. There was a good turnout of decent players and I left with a wet shirt for a change with the inside play.

I got home and headed straight out to Publix to pick up the rib roast which was huge as we were expecting around 15 or so for supper but that got changed later in the evening as my first cousin Tammy and her family were here in Florida. They came to Bobby's last night(Mon) for dinner and were then coming to our place today but called and cancelled last night. It was her dad, my uncle who passed away unexpectedly while in the rehab hospital in N.C. on Monday afternoon.

We soon got ready and headed to Tampa to visit with the boys for several hours in the Nic unit. Huck has continued to gain a few ounces each day and they have removed the chest tube of Ryders but he does still have the forced oxygen nose tube to assist with his breathing. They have taken out his IV's also so he his doing great. Huck still needs to add some meat on his skinny frame but he is so active while stretching and twisting and is constantly moving about which the nurses all say is a great sign he is doing well. They are moving that black tar like substance out of their bowels which is another great sign.

We took some pics with them along with Anns and Gabe and they are just so excited to have these two little brothers in the family as well. Katie's is doing much better and is starting to regain her strength as well and is pumping her breast milk for the boys which is being fed by a bottle. The nurses are putting them on a feeding schedule which will help Katie and Bobby once they get home of about 30 minutes apart.

We headed home around 4'ish to get ready to go to the 5 o'clock candle light service at SFBC with the Ross Family. It was great to see so many of our old friends who worship there and the hugs were plentiful as well as were the greetings. Afterwards we headed over to the Ross's for supper which was finger foods, chili, egg rolls, dips, etc. along with a couple of their friends and families. The kiddos were having a grand time and the food was plentiful with some delicious desserts as well. We got back to the house round 9'ish with full bellies and it was time for a hot shower and then some reading before calling it a day. What a full day. We will take tomorrow(today) off from the hospital visit as we have still have several coming for dinner around 4'ish.

Betsy and her family and the Ross's will still give us plenty to feed. We are saddened by the loss of Uncle Junior especially at this holiday season. He was 86. There are just two brothers from their family left. Uncle Billy who raised me and who we call Paw Paw and who is the oldest of the brothers and Uncle Frankie who was the baby of their family. There were 6 kids in the family; 3 girls and 3 boys and what is strange is all of the girls and the wives of the boys have all passed on and now the first male has passed. Uncle Billy was 92  earlier this month and Frankie is 8 or 9 years older than me so that would make him 81 or 82. A lot of his kids also call me Uncle Butch as I was the oldest first cousin for many years.

Well that was about it for this day before Christmas. This day today is celebrated world wide as Christ is still the reason for the season. No other religion has had such a positive impact on the world as christianity. There are plenty of other religions that have a negative impact with their creeds but none that inspires hope, love and grace as what this single man did for mankind who came to us as a baby. I'm sure glad the liberal dems who promote the killing of the unborn wasn't around although there was those evil leaders who were attempting to kill him much like today as they seek power. We as a nation are blessed and yet we have those who want to change and destroy our culture which is based on the principles found in the Bible and this one man named Jesus who came to intercede for us and the world to our Creator, LATER

  Just a few pics from the day's activities

Tuesday Morning... Dec.24th

Well Monday was a fun day that started with a sleep in until nearly 7:30 for a change. I think all of the activity the day before and then getting to bed late and then changing bed rooms around 4 'ish helped to to keep the internal alarm clock quiet. It had rained off and on during the whole night and then again it started after lunch but we had several morning hours where the sun came out so I was able to play pickle ball outside at the Rec. until 10'ish.

I passed on most of my usual morning routines to get to the Rec. by 8 and Nancy had several chores for me to do after getting back around 10. That was the stipulation; pickle ball early and then chores until we actually left to pick up the grands to take to Bobby's around 2 PM. to spent Christmas with Anns and Gabe, have a dinner with them an open gifts. My first cousin Tammy and her family were visiting from N.C. Her dad was my uncle J.R. or as I called Uncle Junior and he was my mothers younger brother. Well they were here in Florida and got word just before we left to pick up the grands that he had a heart attack and passed away at the age of 86. We are and were in shock although he was having some kidney issues and was on dialysis at a rehab hospital in N.C.

They were here for the week and had no idea he would go so fast since he was in a rehab hospital and was planning on the last nights dinner at Bobby's and then spending Christmas Day with us here in Seminole and having dinner with us as well. They are at a loss of what to do do because Megan their oldest daughter flew in from Charlotte where she lives and isn't expected to leave until Friday. She, Rick and Brooke their high school senior drove down from the Wilmington area where they live. Brooke plans on attending Virginia Tech next September for her first year in college.

Well the dinner at Bobby's was exceptionally good as he changed menu's at the last moment due to the boys(Ryder and Huck) coming earlier than planned. Katie didn't get to the dinner as she was released from the hospital but now stays in the room with boys and they even have a place in the room where she sleeps and nurses the boys until they get mature enough to go home which will be several weeks as it looks right now. the grands had a great time playing and it was going on 9'ish before we said our good bye's. We are planning on visiting the boys in the afternoon for a couple hours before attending the candlelight service at SFBC with Amy's Family, LATER

Here is the Kesky Family..Brooke is standing behind her sister Megan with the pig tails, Rich and Tammy with Eliza Faye on Megans lap and Bobby carves the pork loin which was delicious

Monday Morning around noon Dec 23rd

Well I'm late this morning because I finally slept in until around 7:30 after leaving for the spare bedroom around 4 in the morning. It rained off and on all night long and we sure needed the wetness. I skipped all of my morning routines except for the cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric  as I got ready to ride out to the Rec. for a couple hours of pickle ball. We played the first 30 minutes inside but so many folks came 5 of us headed outside to play on the wet court but we soon worked up a sweat and had some really good close games. I left at 10'ish but there were 4 players still on the court.

 Nancy needed some items from the store so I headed out to Aldi's which is just 5 minutes down the street. I helped around the kitchen as she was making egg casseroles for tomorrow's breakfast with the Ross Family. Bobby will stay home with Anns and Gabe as we go there this afternoon with the Ross Family to celebrate with them with gifts exchange and then a supper with several. We all then will stop by and see the new boys on our way home. Amy and Tyler came by the hospital yesterday to see the boys and I sat with the Ross kiddos in the waiting room as only kid siblings were allowed in the room with the boys.

Speaking of the boys; Ryder and Huckston were doing awesome after a rocky couple of day. Huck actually gained a couple ounces which he needs to gain a pound or two. Ryder is doing better with his breathing but he is a porker compared to Huck. Huck is so active and compared to Ryder. We stayed at the hospital until after 7 last evening which gave Bobby and Katie a chance to rest. We ate out at Chili's for lunch which held us the rest of the day with Dan and Carol after church then headed to Tampa.

That was about it for the day as we are busy prepping for today's get together at Bobby's then again tomorrow here in Seminole at Amy's Christmas Eve after a candle lite service at SFBC with the Ross Family, LATER

Sunday Morning ..Dec. 22nd

Well I jus got back from the load in at the college for BridgePoint Church. It's overcast with rain in the area. It was still dry as I rode my bike to the college but the radar shows rain everywhere, but the temps are in the upper 60's so it was a pleasant ride.

I'm finally at liberty to talk about our hospital visits that started late Thursday evening when the high risk doctor told Katie they were going to take the preemie babies. The littlest one they named Huckston was weighing much smaller than the larger one they named Ryder and at birth by a C-section he was about half in size and weight. It's strange but Huck as we call him has the least of the two thus far with any health issues while Ryder is having some lung issues. He is on a c-pak which is some forced air and he did suffer a collasped lung yesterday but that was corrected and he is back breathing just fine. The nicu unit at Tampa General is just unbelievable with their professional attendance and care of both of these babies. We can now even see this from Nancy phone; 24/7.

Well it seems they both will be in the nicu unit for several days especially Huck until he can put some meat on his 2 lb 15 oz frame. He is breathing beautifully and although his features are very tiny he is a wiggler and always stretching and moving about. The reason his lungs are so much better than Ryder according to the doctors is because he was in distress in the womb which helped with the lung development whereas Ryder was getting far and less stressed which made for the reason the doctors decided to take the babies 5 weeks earl. Both are just beautifully developed but small and they heard us talking to them a they open their eyes and even smile at times. They have doubled their feeding amounts thus far which is great and both are having bowel movements which is another great feature. Huck was getting what amounted to a teaspoon of mothers milk every 3 hours and now that has doubled to a tablespoon. It seems they have to get their tummy's adjusted to being fed by the mouth but he still has a feeding tube thorough his belly button at this time. They are both getting the colostrum from Katie with a Q-tip through the mouth and gums.

What an eye opening experience watching these two beautifully formed human being beings who are our grandsons. They are just amazing to watch and how they react to the attention your giving them. I'm just heart broken we have politicians who run on killings these innocent defenseless babies to garner your vote. GOD have mercy on those who perform this vile and evil act.

Well on Saturday Mornings I worked out at the Rec. on the pickle ball court for two hours as well as I did on Friday. The garden is doing awesome and I'm giving away greens and will harvest the lettuces that are starting to produce for our salads. The tomato's are setting lots of fruit as well as the egg plant has tons of blooms. Our big daily events are traveling the nearly one hour trip to TGH(hospital) and then eating either their or picking up food for Bobby and Katie. She is doing as well as can be expected and either one or both of them will stay the night with the boys in the unit.

Today is corporate worship day with other believers and we are excited for all who are Believers as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus

A couple of pics of Annsley and Gabe with their new brothers and some radishes I pulled yesterday

Saturday Morning...Dec 21st

Well Friday was a busy day that saw us spending all afternoon and most of the early evening hours once again at the hospital in Tampa. I'm still not at liberty to discuss why which baffels me, but thats the way it is for now. Sooner or later the news will come out. The need for keeping this from the internet/facebook is the reason I'm told, so I will let everyone know when that secret is released.

I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord in thanksgiving and lifting up several by name for healing; all seem well as can be expected. I got ready and headed out on my bike to the Rec. for two hours of pickle ball play and let worn out again with a wet shirt.

I piddled around in the gardens until it was time to get ready and head out for Tampa. We picked up lunch at the Chick filet on the way and then spend the afternoon at the hospital with family until close to 6 before heading out for Seminole. We heated up a frozen pizza along with a fresh garden salad for our supper. It wasn't long I was in the shower and then ready for some horizontal lab as the night before was cut short by 4 hours less sleep, LATER

Friday Morning..Dec. 20th

Well I'm late making this post as it was after 7'ish when I rolled out for the day. We were out late last night or early this morning, 1:30 to be exact before we got back from Tampa general Hospital. I'm being told to not report why we were there until an official announcement has been made about our reason for being there.

Thursday was a busy day that started with me rolling out a little before 6 to chilly morning. That cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger sure hit the spot. It did eventually warm up to the upper 60's by late afternoon and evening. I headed out around 8:30 to the Rec. on my bike for close to 3 hours of pickle ball play and left just before noon whupped and with a wet shirt.

I piddled around in the gardens and then helping my neighbor clean up her yard before taking an hour or so and reading until it was time to head out for Tampa. I'm not at liberty to discuss why we were in Tampa until the wee hour of the morning but it was a good occasion and everyone seems well at this point in time, LATER

Thursday Morning Dec. 19th

Well we have finally received some of that northern cool temps and weather after the front moved into the area on Wednesday. We finally saw a little sunshine during the late afternoon that warmed up slightly outside. I had on a sweat shirt and long pants for the first time since getting back from the cabin. It was a day I handed out Nancy's cookies to all the neighbors and the baking has finally stopped.

I started the day with my usual before 6 roll out to a cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting up several by name. I headed out on my bike against a strong cold wind to the Rec. around 8'ish for two hours of pickle ball play. We were in the gym on this day due to weather and the play was rather good considering we had to play with some of the B players; but I was there for the exercise and managed to stay on the courts for two solid hours despite having to change partners after each set. It's the luck of the draw with who you get and sometimes they are the less experienced player, oh well.

I stopped off at the library and picked up a new read I had ordered. I'm just about finished with REVIVAL by Stephen King and its an interesting read. He at times writes some very good reads and this is quite the unusual one, vey interesting. I piddled around in the garden until lunch time and picked up some grass my neighbor had dug out so she could plants some shrubs along our fence line. I took the mower and mulched the grass for compost for my garden. I had a whole wheel barrow load which will add much to the garden for worm food. I noticed one of the volunteer tomato plants I brought back from the cabin has now set at least a dozen green fruits. I'm not sure what they will turn out to be but the plants are now nearly 6 foot tall and loaded with fruit and blooms, so I should have plenty to share with family and friends if the nematodes do not kill them. I finally have marigolds up and ready to transplant into 6 packs and then surround the tomatoes with them as they are a natural deterrent to these microscopic worms called nematodes which look like knots on the roots of plants.


We decided to go meatless for supper for a change as we had a baked sweet tater, fresh green beans and canned beets. We had sampled some of the cookies through out the afternoon and decided to eat lite. After the cleanup we settled into the Fox Cable news and saw where the dems in the congress were implementing articles of impeachment against our duly elected potus Trump. Such a despicable and unwarranted act as they set the rules because of their majority. Talking about the rule of law which they set that he was guilty with no chance to call those who accused him of these two unheard of issues they made up to denigrate his presidency and hopefully destroy his chance for re election. I think this will come back to bite the dems in the rear next November and further destroy their chances to stay in control of the house. This is totally a partisan sham event and while there are plenty of folks who do not like Trump because of his brashness he is still the best potus we've seen in decades since Reagan. The dems are corrupt and biased towards this potus because he is exposing their corruption in D.C. and the MSM is their front in helping to destroy Trump.

Well it wasn't long after a hot shower on this chilly evening the warm bed was calling me for some horizontal lab, LATER

 Our supper

Wednesday Morning Dec.18th

Well Tuesday was mostly a fun day with some garden work later in the day. It was overcast to start the day with some actual drizzle around 8ish but eventually it cleared and 6 of us played out side on the pickle ball court for a couple hours.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my usual cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and fresh ginger while I posted this ramble and then spent some time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. Most are about the same as I've heard nothing to the contrary. There is still the push by the dems in the congress to impeach our duly elected potus which is just down right partisan and despicable as he is uncovering for all of us to see just how crooked and corrupt so many in the gov't were in the last administration. That is the reason they want to destroy this non politician but I must say he is a fighter and is not taking this lying down. I pray daily that GOD will prevail with keeping him intact and strong and showing the world this is His choice for America. He has done more for us Believers and for the nation of Israel than any other potus in decades.

Well I played hard for nearly 2 1/2 hours before finally calling it a day as the wind became a factor the last hour or so of play. We all left whupped and with a wet shirt and vow to continue playing outside as much as possible when the weather permits. It's a total different style of play than playing side the gym which has now become less than attractive. There are now so many B players and the lighting is less than good with so many over head lights burned out. I'm at a loss why they haven't been replaced as we have told the staff many times about this issue.

I hoed all the garden and loosened up the soil around many pulling weeds and this one grass that is so annoying. I now have more radishes up as well as the sugar peas are putting on second leaves. All of the tomatoes are loaded with blooms but thus far no small fruit have set. The green leafy plants are just going crazy with growth and I'm giving away more than we could ever use and now the many lettuce seedlings are close to being harvested for salads as well. The cucumber plants look the best ever and are starting to climb the fence.

I grilled deer burgers for our supper and they are beyond being delicious. I would never eat beef again if I could get deer. This meat was last years harvest and it was just awesome for grilling and the taste is so fresh and clean. You never have that after taste or feeling in your gut as deer has no steroids or hormones which beef is subjected too during their growing years. Maybe the reason this deer is so tasteful is because they eat my garden during the summer months, oh well.

We headed out just as a cold front approached with a severe storm warnings. It lightninged and thundered and then torrential down pours flooding the parking lot at Keswick School where we went to watch Sam's Christmas program. It was the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades time to shine and they did with a great program about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The nearly hour program was wonderful and delightful. When we exited the building there was standing water everywhere. We got back in time to watch some Fox Cable News and then I tuned into the Lightning vs Ottawa hockey game and the Bolts(Lightning) won in overtime after giving up a 3-1 lead, oh well. By 10'ish I was ready for some horizontal lab, LATER

A couple of pics from the program and that's grandson Sam (our first grand son) on the end of the third row wearing a blue shirt and glasses

Tuesday morning Dec 17th

Well Monday was another rather warm day with temps up close to 80 and some humidity had creeped back into the picture but there was plenty of sunshine and blue skies. Another great winter day especially after seeing real winter weather from back home and in the mountains. I do not miss those days of being snowed in and then slosh and cold wet freezing at night temps, oh well. Those were the days.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my usual cup of hot green tea lace with turmeric and fresh ginger root while I posted this ramble then spent some quiet time with my Creator and Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. Nothing much has changed with many due to their ages and health concerns but I'm hoping for a couple miracles for a few which is always possible. I got ready and pedaled out to the Rec. around 8 for some nearly 3 hours of pickle ball outside. I really like the game outside which is totally different than inside play as the humidity is not so bad here in the winter. We had 5 players which gave you a rest every 4 games which was nice. There was the elements you have to contend with which is also a factor in the play especially with the wind which did pick up as the morning progressed. I left whupped with a wet shirt around 11:30 for the house.

I hand watered the gardens as Nancy was in the weight room on one of the treadmills getting a work out. She has been away from any cardio workout due to a prior knee and leg issue but she is back to working out. We did a hike everyday up the steep back mountain trail while at the cabin which helped to keep us in shape and now she raises the treadmill to get some of that effect as well but the scenery is nothing like the mountains, oh well. After lunch I headed out on my bike to the barber shop which is just a short distance from the house while she headed to Publix for shopping. She starts her marathon cookie baking today as she has 3 or 4 already baked and in the freezer. We give out a plate of several different Christmas cookies to our neighbors, post man, garbage men and family members each year as our way of saying thank you.

We headed out around 4'ish for Keswick School to watch grand daughter Ava play basketball and they beat the team from a Bradenton School by 20 points. Ava was awesome on defense and did score 6 points as well. She is very aggressive and is the top rebounder for the team. We stayed and watched the boys team as many of them attend BridgePoint but they were down by 9 at half time due to their poor defense and bad passing. We left and headed to Dillards at the mall for a gift card and then headed home to have a late lite supper of soup. We watched the Fox Cable channel until 9'ish then I hit the shower and watched a little of our division leader the Saints beating the Colts before calling it a night around 10'ish, LATER

Monday Morning..Dec.16th

Well Sunday was an awesome day of corporate worship with several fine folks at our local church in Seminole called BridgePoint. Nancy and I worshipped together in the first service then assisted or what we call volunteered to help with bringing the service to others with different jobs; she helped with the KidsPoint area and I did my thing by greeting folks either with handshakes, hugs and smiles. We love servicing something we miss out on at our mountain church except for when they have suppers on the ground, then we work the kitchen duty. We had a total of 6 baptized yesterday which is fantastic as they showed the world they wanted everyone to know they were now a Christ follower.

I started the day much unusual from my daily starts as on Sunday morning I help with the load in for BridgePoint at the college which means rolling out around 5'ish and then riding my bike to the campus where along with several other dedicated volunteers set the college up for the mornings two worship services. I'm usually back home by 7'ish to get ready after changing clothes and shaving to head out at 8'ish and then we stay depending on our last duty station and help load out until around 12:30. We love serving and love serving with these awesome folks many who have become friends through our life group meeting.

We decided to catch some PDQ food since I had a buy one get one coupon which was expired but they never even looked at the expiration after I pointed it out. They were very busy and actually we both liked their chicken sandwiches and fries better than ChickFilet which is closed on Sundays. We saw our daughter and family along with several of their church friends in the parking lot and we all ate together. It was a great time of fellowship. That meal held me the rest of the day except for a piece of Nancy's decadent chocolate cheesecake around 7'ish. I vegetated on the couch during the afternoon watching the Bucs almost blow a 21 point lead to the Lions but they made some good plays towards the end and won big. At half time I headed out to hand water the gardens. I had harvested a couple messes of Swiss chard for a couple families at church during the early morning hours and noticed despite the overnight coolness the larger plants were somewhat wilted from the hot sunlight. The watering brought them back completely as they are use to two a day waterings.

We headed out around 5:30 for SFBC our old home church where our daughter was born into and has stayed her whole life and has raised her family there as well. All three of her kids were in the children's Christmas program which was so much fun to watch and with the great message of the reason for the season. Sam was the lead kid with lots of memory verses and Eliza Faye took her part very serious as well and Ava the older of the three was a moderator. It was good to reconnect with many we have known over the years including the pastor. I was once a deacon there and then we left when our son Bobby planted a church in Tampa for about 6 years of traveling on Sundays, oh well. We decided to not go back to SFBC after Bobby's divorce and his stepping down as the lead pastor at Element Church.

Well after getting back from SFBC we had our dessert and then I watched a little more NFL before deciding to hit the sack a little before 10, LATER

  Here are a few pics from the program at SFBC last evening of the grands performing

Sunday Morning..Dec..15th

Well Saturday was a fun day that started with the grands spending the night an awakening around 7'ish. I was hoping they would sleep in but No, they were up having a grand time with their cousins. They all play so great together and they have let Eliza become a big part of their fun times together. After feeding them bagels, eggs, bacon, toast, juice and a fresh fruit salads they headed in their separate rooms to laugh and cut up with their devices. I headed out to the Rec. on my bike for close to three hours of pickle ball on the outside court. It was almost a perfect morning weather wise for playing outside until close to 11 when the sun popped out and warmed things up. We did get some rain down pours in the early morning hours which the garden loved.

 I rolled out before 6 which is my usual get up time and had cup of hot green tea laced with turmeric and ginger out in the kitchen while I did some quiet time lifting several up for consideration from my Creator and Lord. Uncle Junior is still in the ICU but the dialysis seems to be having a positive effect on his congestive heart failure his daughter Tammy said. All else are holding their own at this point in time. Katie is doing as well as can be expected also she and Bobby came for lunch to pick up Annsley and Gabe. We had everyone here for a lunch of sandwiches and Zuppa Soup and then they all left around 1'ish.

I tuned into the Army-Navy game and then we got ready to head out to our Life Group at the Nymark's house around 5:30. It was Italian theme night with tons of food and desserts and then we played or had the "dirty Santa" contest where you can steal presents from each other and everyone wore some ugly sweater or clothing. It was a hoot to say the least and we did some devotion's afterwards and then headed out around 8:30. We dropped Dan and Carol off then headed on home. I soon hit the shower and watched the Lightning go down 2 goals and then cut the lights off around 9:30 as it was get up at 5 for the load in at the college for BridgePoint Church.

I just got back and there is a little chill in the air but the moon was brilliant and skies were filled with stars. We will soon be on the shortest day of the year the 21st of December. I harvested some Swiss chard to share with a couple families at church, LATER

A few pics of our grands decorating cut out cookies, Nancy's cheesecake we took to the party and our party attire.