Monday Morning Feb 28th

 Well February is gone for another year and to say its been uneventful is an under statement. I've managed to weather this month with some great healing from that insidious virus which nearly took me out and did take out some folks I knew. GOD blessed me beyond comprehension and I yesterday was so grateful as I met, hugged and tearfully rejoiced with so many at BridgePoint who prayed me through this ordeal. We attended the 11 AM service and what a reunion with so many, who many of them also lost friends and loved ones. It was a great worship service as well as a reunion.

I didn't do much the rest of the day except read as Nancy was off shopping with sister Betsy for hours. Amy and Ava came by just before Nancy got home. They returned the quilt Nancy had bought for Ava's new bed as it was not the color she wanted, so that will give Nancy the chance to shop once again, oh well. We ate a fresh garden salad for our supper which was delicious. I'm now getting a couple of Roma's a day and wow what a taste. I'm excited about the celebrity tomato's as those 4 plants are huge and loaded with fruit. I gave away another sack of the leafy greens for Betsy as the Swiss chard is growing great. It will soon be too hot for it as the temps are staying up into the 80's daily.

Well that was about it for the day. I did take a bike ride through the hood and tried to stay on my feet as much as possible. I have an echocardiogram this morning(Monday) in Clearwater and hopefully I'll be released from them and then its more lung doctors later in March. I'm feeling stronger daily but not a 100% yet as I'm still getting some swelling in the ankles. It seems to go away when I'm active, LATER

Sunday Morning Feb 27th

 Well Saturday was another beautiful day here on the suncoast of Florida with temps in the low 80's, lots of bright sunshine and blue skies and a gentle breeze which kept it pleasant to be outside. I spent the biggest part of the day outside working in the gardens, pulling and digging weeds, bike riding and then setting under the big oak reading for a couple hours during the hottest part of the afternoon. Not much to write about except we went up to neighbor Dan and Carol's for a documentary on the returning of Jesus and how the wedding feast celebration that He performed his first miracle are connected. Very interesting. 

Afterwards we had a delicious supper of King Ranch chicken and yellow rice. Nancy brought a huge garden fresh salad and then after the best of 5 games of Sequence which the gals won 3-2 we had some banana pudding for dessert. Thankfully I ate only a small bowl and only one helping of the entree. I ate an apple for breakfast and some cheese and crackers for lunch as I'm starting to cut back on my food intake.

I did workout on the bike once again on a long ride through the hood and then a short ride to the library to pick up a book I had ordered. Both rides are helping me get back into shape or at least I hope so as I want to play pickle ball again before we head out in June for the cabin. A couple from BridgePoint who have now taken leave due to the teachings and are attending Starkey Road Baptist with the Botbyl's also came for the evening. We had a good time and they to suffered from covid but not nearly what I went through. I want to stay with BridgePoint for now as we have an awesome campus pastor who teaches occasionally for the 3 campus's but a couple of the pastors are millennials to a point and not nearly as to what we were use too with our original pastor who for some unknown reason was forced out, Oh well, LATER

Nancy's garden fresh salad we took to supper

Saturday Morning Feb 16th

 Well Friday was a total fun day as we spent most of it with our grand daughter Eliza Faye or as we call her LeeLee. She is so sweet and considerate and loves playing pretend anything from mother, waitress, doctor, teacher, etc. It was grand parents day at her school and her second grade class. We met there with her and her teacher and several of her class mates and grand parents. All were very cordial and nice. We signed her out around 10'ish then took her shopping at Target and then out to Chick filet her favorite eatery. Afterwards Nancy spent the afternoon coloring, making cookies and playing restaurant. I took off to run some errands, get a hair cut and pick up my 532 dollar order of Eliquis which I need to keep my blood thin because of my track record of clotting. Hopefully by next year I can enlist in the Medicare plan D for scripts since the open enlistment has expired before I came down with this health issue, oh well.

The day was beautiful with temps in the low 80's and a nice breeze which kept the humidity low. I did get in some garden watering after lunch and then a bike ride around 4'ish. It's about a 2 mile ride all on flat surfaces and I did O.K. for the second time in as many days. I'm building back my stamina and my legs as I want to eventually play some pickle ball before we leave for the mountains in June, or at least that is our plans. I'm walking daily and want to increase that a little more each day. I'm also going to try to drop a pound or two before then as well. That I think will be the toughest part as I like to eat and Nancy is such a good cook. That was about it for the day as this month is just about gone, LATER

Just a few pics with LeeLee

Friday Morning Feb 25th

 Well Thursday was another near perfect day with temps reaching the low 80's with tons of sunshine and blue skies and a nice breeze which seemed to kept the humidity away. We took off in the afternoon to renew one month of Eliquis at 600 bucks a month at Walgreens. I called the Canadian pharmacy about my order which has now been 3 weeks since I ordered it at about 80 bucks a month but it will be another week or so before it arrives. This should never happen here in America. I have an appointment next week with the VA in hopes they can help ease the pain of this high cost but who knows. I guess I should just be thankful this script will help keep me alive at whatever the cost.

I took two bike rides today making the second one a little longer and I did get in some garden work as well. I took off after lunch alone to Sam's to gas up at 3.29 a gallon and the lines were 4 and 5 deep of cars for the 12 pumps. This inept and corrupt administration is making it tough for folks they should put first but that is not happening. I sure hope all those who helped get this numb nuts inserted as potus are happy with his performance because I'm totally disgusted. The world is in conflict because he has no leadership and it's going to get worst. I look for US(A) to be in war again especially when China starts its move on Taiwan.

Well we stared one day of eating less and lightly and now we are going to try and drop a few pounds off the spare tire. I think our biggest issue is over eating as we eat healthy for the main part. I'm now getting Roma tomato's every couple of days and believe it or not I have new blooms on a couple of the cucumber vines. The leafy greens continue to grow and I'm giving away as many as I can.

Well I'm getting back my stamina and strength and I feel like in a week or two to get back on the pickle ball court. I'm hoping all these walks and bike rides will get my legs back in shape and help with the lungs as well. My O2 levels aren't a 100% yet but very close even after a workout on the bike, LATER

Thursday Morning Feb 24th

 Well Dee and Mike left around 9'ish yesterday morning so it's a little quiet around here. We had a grand time entertaining them after nearly 30 years since they were last being here in Florida. Many changes since they were here with their girls who were middle school ages. They of course come regularly to the cabin a couple times a summer and we visit them at least once a year for the past decades in Woodstock. We did some beach time, lots of hiking or walking and just plain sitting around talking old times and modern issues which face us as we grow older and more hopefully wiser. Bonnie their Jack Russell terrier is 13 years young and is very smart and oh my what a moocher when ever she hears any talk or evident of food being eaten or prepared.

After they left we of course vacuumed, changed sheets and did a once over in the house and three loads of laundry. I hung two outside to dry on the clothesline. The temps were perfect for this event. I hand watered the gardens while Nancy had a dermatology appointment and then we had a lite lunch when she got home. I headed out to the library for a couple new reads and then sat outside in the shade of the oak and read for a couple hours before starting to put together my tax info. I'll finish that up in a day or so. We decided since the air had cooled down a little to get in a couple mile walk through the hood. Our calves and legs were sore due to the walking in the loose sand at the beach and the bottom of our feet were a mite tender as well. We did the hike and I broke a sweat for the first time since becoming ill.

I did fine with no shortness of breath and the O2 levels stayed up above 95%. I'm going to ride my bike today to work on losing some of this added fat around the spare tire and we decided to cut portions when eating and to cut back on some desserts or sugars. We both have added some girth around the belly, LATER

Wednesday Morning Feb 23rd

 Well Tuesday was another fun day with family as Dee and Mike and I took a long before breakfast hike through the neighborhood. It was at least a mile or more and then again last evening before sunset we walked at least 2 miles on the beach before sunset. We went to the beach to get some pics of the sunset and they were great to say the least. I think that was the first time we ever went to the beach to see the sun sink into the Gulf Of Mexico and what a picture. We came back and had a delicious supper of red snapper and stone crab claws along with some fresh garden green beans. We once more waddled from the table. The crab was delicious and they were the first we've had in years at 35 bucks a pound, oh well. The shells weigh as much as the meat if not more.

We did the citrus place called yellow Banks Grove for fruit for Mike and Dee to ship back to Virginia and to enjoy an ice cream cone of orange and vanilla blended. This is definitely a tourist attraction and they were busy with constant traffic and the ice cream was good but not nearly as tasty as Al Repetto's Orange Blossum Groves mix. It is totally gone with houses where he use to have his business. He was a dear friend of mine and has now passed on. Everyone always loved to visit his business over the years.

The girls did some shopping and I ran a couple errands and then we all had a lunch of finger foods. I bought some fish spread along with the crab claws and the spread was delicious on crackers. We got into a game of Euchre and the guys won and then into a game of spades and the gals won. It was going on 5 so we headed over to the beach to watch the sun set. After supper we tuned into the Fox news until 9'ish then it was shower time for me and lights out at 10.

I'm doing great and regaining my strength and stamina with good O2 in take of 95 plus after walking and doing some garden work. The shortness of breath has gone as well. Praise GOD for the healing and recuperating so quickly and All who kept me in our prayers, LATER

The sun sinks into the gulf around 6:27

Tuesday Morning Feb 22nd

 Well Monday found us with a first in quite awhile as we traveled over to Redington Beach for a couple hours of beach time. It was a great day with bright blue skies and plenty of sunshine. Dee and Mike wanted to get some sun and they did with only being there for two hours. The city now has a two hour limit on parking, oh well. That was plenty of time to do a 1 mile hike up and back while walking in the surf and sand. There were tons of folks out doing just what we were doing since it was a holiday.

We got back to the house around lunch time and ate then settled outside under the big oak napping and reading before heading off to Sam's Club for some goodies. We wanted seafood for supper so it was shrimp, Mahi Mahi and red snapper along with a fresh garden salad. Wow, so delicious and we may do it again this evening as we want to head back over to the beach for the sunset after supper. The weather has been perfect and not blazing hot thus far. We did get in a couple games of Euchre before supper and it was a stalemate with one game a piece. The gals are tough despite us taking the early lead.

Well I did great on a long morning hike in the hood before the beach hike as well as some garden work. I think my stamina and strength is returning as well as my breath. I'm hoping the first of March I can get back to some pickle ball on a reduced scale until I get my legs back. I'm going to start bicycling after Dee and Mike leave on Wednesday and head back north, LATER

Monday Morning Feb 21st

 Well Sunday was a near perfect day both weather wise and with worship. We once gains watched both Cornerstone from Leesburg with Gary Hamrick and BridgePoint from our home church here in Florida. We even took communion together, Awesome messages from both speakers. The temps were a bit chilly for us here but perfect for the Dillons as they took Bonnie for an early morning hike through the hood. It warmed up to the middle 70's with a nice breeze which allowed us to set out in the back yard for a couple hours. We had the windows and doors open through out the day and evening as there was no humidity.

We watched the start of the Daytona 500 Nascar race and some of the race from time to time through out the afternoon and evening. What a fiery ending to this race with several crashes through the day. The Ross Family came around 4'ish and we had a cookout with deer burgers, regular beef burgers and dogs on the grill along with fries and kale salad and a coconut pie for dessert. A little fruit of the vine flowed as well. This was the first time Eliza had met the Dillon's and years since they had seen Ava and Sam at the cabin. It was a fun time and the food was awesome as well.

Dee made a couple of her fabulous banana nut breads and sent one home with the Ross's and Mike made delicious egg omelets for each of us for breakfast which basically held us until some snacks mid afternoon. Mike and I and Bonnie got in a nice walk around the large block for the first time for me and I did quite well. No shortness of breath and then I hand watered the gardens. I'm well on the way to recovery Praise GOD, LATER

Sunday Morning Feb 20th

 Well Saturday was a fun day and the weather  was near perfect; some coolness in the air, partial sunshine and a nice gentle breeze. Great conditions for an early morning walk around the hood and then Gabe's first ball game of the season in Brandon where the temps were in the middle 70's. They won the game with Gabe knocking in the first 2 runs with a double and then he pitched a couple innings striking out their big hitters. They won 10-3 for their first outing. Bobby is managing the team once again with only one other coach.

We didn't do much around the house until it was time to head out to Brandon but did get in a neighborhood walk. I did fine as I'm regaining my stamina and breath and next week I want to start riding my bike around the hood. After the game we went back to Bobby's house where he prepared a delicious supper of pork tacos with tons of trimmings, guacamole, salsa, etc. Katie came back from her niece's dance recital with Annsley and the boys. They all seemed to have a grand time despite watching the twins in all of their energy. She missed the game.

Bobby gave Mike and Dee the grand tour and of course we entertained the boys along with Tammy, Rich and Megan. We did some face time with Brooke in Va. at college. We left shortly after eating as we wanted to get back to Seminole before dark and of course Bonnie was left in their bedroom. She did just fine but wanted to play after sleeping for most of the afternoon.

I think we will worship on line again this morning as I want to give it one more week before being around folks other than family. Amy and family are coming this evening for supper so they can visit with Mike and Dee. We decided to forgo the visit to Tammy's since we saw them yesterday as they came to the ball game. We want to get in some beach time on Monday and Tuesday before they leave on Wednesday for the cold north, LATER

Saturday Morning Feb 19th

 Well Friday started out with some light rain and fog and the temps were very comfortable with the 70's as highs. I have a feeling summer temps are on the way for next week despite it being still February. We had a huge breakfast of fresh fruit salad and then ham, eggs and toast which held us until 2'ish. We decided after the skies cleared somewhat to take a ride over to the park along the intra coastal waterway called Millennial Park. It has a raised boardwalk over the mangroves and its dog friendly. I did good on the walk as it was my first long one and everyone enjoyed the ambiance. We showed them our church building which is almost next door to the park and then rode by Amy and Tyler Place which was just up the street.

On a sad note Ava's varsity team lost their playoff game in Naples as they were playing for the state championship against a good team and the score was close. We are heading over to Brandon this morning to watch Gabe play their first ball game of this new season and then stay and have supper with Bobby and his family as well as some cousins. It should be another fine day with the heat not being to oppressive as its drizzling here once again over night. We sure need the rain.

After a lite lunch we played two games of Euchre and while the boys were winning the first game big time the gals made a run for it and won and it was almost a repeat as the first game but the boys prevailed on the last hand, yikes them gals are vicious. It was going on 6 so we put a whole fillet of salmon in the oven and then some fresh asparagus and called it supper as we were still some what satisfied from all of the earlier snacking. We decided to played the rubber game another day as we were so full from supper. We just watched Fox news until it was shower time for me at 9'ish and then I read until the sandman calleth, LATER

Friday Morning Feb 18th

 Well Thursday was the hottest day of this year thus far with temps in the low 80's. I sat outside in the shade of the oak tree and relaxed and read for most of the afternoon until Sister Dee and Mike arrived around 4'ish. The morning was anything but relaxing as I touched up some paint on the kitchen chairs and table as well as vacuumed and then mopped the floors in the whole house as well as the garage. Nancy was off shopping for some last minute items so I was busy until she got home around lunch time. I even got in some hand watering of the gardens before lunch as the sun and breeze was drying up the gardens.

We all sat outside in the back yard as the afternoon shade from the made it quite pleasant to catch up on with them and have a glass of the fruit of the vine. Bonnie their 13 year terrier was having a grand time wondering the yard as well. Nancy had a huge lasagna in the oven as well as a fresh garden salad we put together after lunch. The leafy greens are still producing as are the green beans but the cukes aren't looking good from the frost we had a couple days in a row. It's amazing how quickly the temps change here in central Florida almost overnight. We went from heat to a/c in one day. Its actually raining lightly this morning which is much needed.

We sat and chatted after supper and watched some of the Fox News channel until I grew sleepy around 8:30, so I was off to the showers and then some TV time before lights out around 9:30. It was freezing in Woodstock when they left on Thursday morning and there was still some snow on the ground but what a change for them here in Florida. We could not believe its been close to 30 years since they were last here with their girls when they were young. We of course see them in the mountains and at their place but so much had changed here in Floridas that they drove right past the house when they came into the neighborhood. The big front yard oak tree was gone which was always a landmark for our place.

I want to wish our mountain mom Helen Happy Big Day as she turns 94 years young today. Oh by the way the woke culture censors at Facebook put me back in jail for using one word to describe Hillary actions against Trump. That one word was "despicable" which was against their community standards according to them but she can call all of us conservatives deplorables, oh well, LATER

Thursday Morning Feb 17th

 Well it was nippy to start the day on Wednesday and by late evening Nancy has the A/C on. Thats how quickly the temps change here in Florida. I had a good day as I'm progressing with this recuperation. I did hand water the gardens and walked around the back yard several times and even jogged a couple minutes. The breath held up quite well. I did this two more times during the day as I had to hand water again. The stiff breeze and warm temps really dried out the gardens. I also walked out front several times up and back the sidewalk while Nancy was shopping for our company which arrives later today.

Sister Dee and Mike will be here for at least a week or more and we are excited to see them and spend some time with them as its been years since they were last here. We see them in N.C. from time to time and then we stay with them when ever we visited Va. for a couple of days. She is the youngest of the three girls and we have become close over the years and enjoy our visits. She and Nancy are the same age within a couple of months and we got to know and love their two daughters and grand kiddos over the years.

Not much to report except Nancy made a pot of fresh pole beans from the garden with taters and ham in a broth for our supper and my oh my was that ever delicious. The beans are still producing but the cukes have bit the dust and I found another Roma tomato starting to turn. The plants are loaded with green ones and as usual they will turn all at once.

I had my last visit from the home health nurse and she released from the program. She along with the doctors yesterday feel I should have a complete recovery except for being on the blood thinner, Eliquis until I pass, oh well. I'll just have to be careful, LATER

Wednesday Morning Feb 16th

 Well Tuesday was a bit nippy to start the day but it did warm up to the upper 60's and may have hit 70 by days end. The air stayed rather pleasant throughout the day with mostly sunshine but some high clouds kept it cool. It was a day of doctor appointments for me and blood draws of which there were 10 and my out of pocket for two were close 300 bucks whiole medicare picked up the other 8 at over two grand, yikes. Anyhow I got good reports for the heart and lung doctors and they both think I will make a full recovery. I'm a Blessed man.

We stayed around the house and I hand watered the gardens which doesn't care for these cool mornings down into the upper the 30's and 40's. I did harvest another turning Roma tomato before the bugs bit into it which always results in it rotting. I need to dust them with Sevin dust again as these pesky insects ruin so many tomato's.

Nancy was off to Ava's game in the evening so I ate some leftovers and watched the news until the Lightning game came on the TV. I did do some mild exercises and some walking as I'm having a little swelling in the ankles. My shortness of breath seems to be getting less and less and my fatigue level is dropping as well. I'm doing several laps in the back yard and want to get back to walking the blocks and even riding my bike as soon as possible.

Sister Dee and hubby Mike are heading down this way for a week or so and we are excited for their visit. It's been years since their girls were little since they have visited and now that he is retired they can go as they wish. We want to do some beach time and visit with cousins in the area as well, LATER

Tuesday Morning Feb 15th

 Well I must say for my first trip ever to Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa was more than I ever imagined. The decor was amazing a little dark inside but the service was top notch and the food beyond anything I've ever had elsewhere except for home. We had a grand time with three other couples as we celebrated a surprise birthday for the one gal. The three hours we spent inside was fabulous to say the least and of course the dessert room upstairs was very intimate and decadent with the desserts. It took me forever to get sleep after Nancy chose a chocolate dessert which she only half finished and I could not let a 15 dollar dessert be trashed, so I ate it despite not being able to finish my steak of which we brought some from both of our plates home.

It was a little pricey but for the first time ever it was enjoyable and I would do it again yearly or on special occasions. The mix of folks there was enjoyable as well as we saw some more glamour than others but everyone was very friendly. Our waitress was great also and she earned more than the gratuity that is added to your check when she brought me a fresh jalapeno for my baked tatter. There were no tours due to the pandemic but we could see into the kitchen through the glass which was huge and with so many working there. The place seats over 350 dinners and of course the staff was huge as well.

 I didn't due much during the day except hand water the gardens and exercise in the back yard, walking and even jogging for a few minutes. I stayed good with my O2 levels but did get a little winded as we walked up two sets of stairs in the restaurant to the dessert room. Not bad but I could tell I wasn't use to steps. I sure hope I get over that as the cabin is nothing but stairs.

I'm off to two doctors appointments this morning and then a blood draw at 1:30. So wish we good results from all three, LATER

Monday Morning Feb 14th.. Valentines Day

 Well it was a chilly start to Sunday morning but eventually warmed up to the middle 60's then by late evening the chill had come back into the air. We stayed at home again instead of being around lots of folks at church but did worship on line with with 3 services; our home church BridgePoint and with Gary Hamrick and Jack Hibbs. Both of the latter two are great Bible teachers and speakers.

I had another good day as I get stronger each day or at least I feel that way. We had the Ross Family over for supper which was mainly finger foods as we watched the Super Bowl which actually turned out to be a rather decent game. No blowouts which I thought the Rams would do over the Bengals as they were the team that knocked the Bucs out of the playoffs this year.

I grilled a couple dozen wings and Nancy had tatter tots as well guacamole and brownies and the Nymark's came by and brought us a delicious dessert. They are such great friends and awesome folks as they fretted about my health and mentioned me several times in their daily prayers for a complete recovery. I read for most of the afternoon after a hearty breakfast of toast eggs and sausage patties which held me until suppertime except for an apple. I need to get back to healthy eating as the spare tire has increased dramatically with these health issues. Nancy has been feeding me too good.

It was drizzling to start the day so I didn't hand water the gardens and stayed out of the damp chill in the air. I can really feel the cold when it hits my lungs which brings out the cough. I did do some walking through out the day inside as I want to continue building some stamina. My shortness of breath seems to be less and less which is a blessings and my O2 levels are mainly above the 95% when I check it. I'm still using the "suckometer" which is promoted by the health folks to strengthen the lungs several times a day.

Well tonight we are going out with friends into the public to an eatery we have never visited. It's one of the benchmarks for dining in the bay area for years. Bern's steak house in Tampa which sees the big wheels and elites and is know for fine dining. We are going with 3 other couples and from what I understand its tops in dinning. I'll report tomorrow on if its worth the high price of a meal, LATER

Sunday Morning Feb 13th

 Well its raining this morning as I make this post. Much needed rain albeit it a soft rain, it will sure help with the dry gardens and lawns. Yesterday, Saturday was another chilly start but it quickly warmed up to the upper 70's here and even 80 at Bobby's as we headed over after lunch. We ran a few errands before picking up Ava and taking her to her school for play practice as Amy and Tyler were with Sam at a jujitsu tournament in Tampa. Sam won to silver medals in the tournament.

I feel as if I'm back on the road to recovery as once again I had a full day with no shortness of breath. Those twins will keep you busy and we played and watched them for about 2 hours or so outside and then another hour or so inside as they kept us busy. Bobby was off performing a marriage ceremony and Katie was under the weather so we were the care takers. Those boys are so smart and are fearless when it coming to playing, climbing, jumping and just being boys. We had such a great time with them up until bedtime. They are eaters as well. 

Bobby made a great dinner as he had a chuck roast in the crock pot for several hours and along with his added herbs, wine, mushrooms, green onions and a pot of smashed taters we over ate as usual. It was delicious and the boys who had already eaten wanted several bites of it as well. We stayed around until after bath time helping him manage the two boys and then Katie read them their bedtime story. We headed out for Seminole and the traffic wasn't bad for a change and got back around 8. It wasn't long until I hit the shower and then watched a little TV before calling it a day. I'm feeling a little stronger each day now and looking forward to when I can walk the big block, ride my bike and even get back on the pickle ball court. At one time I never thought any of those activities were still available to me, LATER

Saturday Morning Feb 12th

 Well Friday turned out to be another beautiful winter day in Florida with the windows and doors open to let in fresh air. The birds were singing and it was just beautiful after a some what chilly morning. The nights find us with cool temps and the days now are warm with plenty of sunshine.  The frost did in my cukes and touched the beans but I think every thing else will survive until it gets really hot in April. The tomato's are growing but not turning yet which is what they always do. I gave away a sack of Swiss chard, kale, beet greens and jalapeno peppers as well as some herbs to first cousin Tammy and husband Rich who came for an afternoon visit from the Parrish area where they moved to from N.C.

I had a doctors appointment with a blood specialist at the Cancer Institute in Largo who elevated me for the blood thinner Eliquis and had me make an appointment for more blood to be checked on Tuesday. He seemed very through and concerned for my health and was amazed at my well being for my age. I felt good leaving there with his expertise and judgement. There were some sad cases coming and going among those who were suffering for ill health.

Tammy and Rich visited for several hours and we caught up all thats happening with me and with them. Their girls are beautiful and smart but Megan a college graduate is unable to decide which course of life she wants to take and Brooke is still at Va,. Tech in Blacksburg, Va. We got our new bed for the spare room delivered and set up and now just waiting for Dee and Mike to arrive later this month for a couple weeks. We decided to order Outback for supper as I had a card with 50 bucks on it so we ate high on the hog. It was good but not nearly as good as Nancy's cooking as my spare tire will attest to, LATER

Friday Morning Feb 11th

Well Thursday turned out to be a nice day after a frosty morning. Most of the neighborhood roofs were coated with the frozen white stuff which is most unusual for Florida this time of the year. The cucumbers are not going to make despite heavy watering but everything else seems to be holding despite the cold mornings.

I probably had my strongest day in a while as I walked up to the neighbors house and then helped to put together a bed frame as well as hand watered the gardens. I was on my feet a lot and despite the fuzzy light headed at times during the morning I fared well. I still think I'm recuperating from a concussion when I blacked out in the bathroom that jarred my brain. I did have some swelling in the temple area as well as a jaw that still pains me at times when I open my mouth to eat. It's getting better but I still feel the effects.

The coughing has almost totally subsided which is a plus for me. I every now and then cough up some junk but its clear and that is mostly now in the morning. I'm just taking the blood thinner twice a day and at a low dose of 10 mg total. This morning I'm off to see a blood specialist to determine if I have to be on this blood thinner the rest of my days. Hopefully I will not have to.

Neighbor Dan and Carol came by and removed the bed set and took it to Amy's for Ava and then brought the headboard from their house and frame for our new bed that is being delivered this afternoon for the spare room where Dee and Mike will stay when they come down in a week or so. She is having some foot issues so that may be put on hold as well. We are a mess as we grow older especially me as I'm having a tough time with these issues I'm faced with.

Nancy took off and left me for a couple hours as she watched Ava play basketball at her school. Ava's team won again and now are district champs. I did well as I sat and watched Fox News then the Lightning  game came on late. I stayed up through the first period then hit the sack, LATER

Thursday Morning Feb 10th

 Well Wednesday which I called Tuesday was one of my better days as I got out of the house twice after being some what quarantined from the public. We had the home health nurse for a short visit and she said my vital's were very good and will come back after my next 3 doctors appointments on the 15th, so we took off to purchase a new queen size mattress and box springs for our spare bedroom for when we have sister Dee and Mike in a week or so. We are giving this full size bed to Ava and then we purchased a twin bed for Eliza as they are getting out of their bunk beds. We walked across the parking lot and picked up some Panda food to go which for Chinese food it was alright. Nothing like the real stuff we had in Sparta last summer.

I headed outside after eating lunch and hand watered the gardens and harvested some greens for a salad to take to the Nymark's for supper. It was our first outing except for family since I came down with this stuff. Steve loves Pizza Hut pizza as do I but Nancy isn't crazy about but we had several different pizzas and along with our salad we ate hearty and afterwards we played two games. 5 Crowns is a fun game with 13 rounds of play and either they were letting me win or the cards were in my favor but I smoked the three of them big time. We then played one game of Euchre and the guys won on the last hand. It was going on 8 or there about's, so we called it a day as I'm usually ready for a shower about this time.

After my shower I watched a little of Olympics until 9:30 and took a dose of the Robitusson and called it a day. That stuff works on suppressing the cough and it helps with sleeping as well, LATER

Wednesday Morning Feb 9th

Well It rained all day long here in usually sunny Florida and it never got out of the 50's, yikes that is winter weather to us. We had the heat on as well as the cold dampness just permeates your bones, oh well. I had the best day thus far with the cough being some what abated for most of the day. When ever I talk I seem to wake up the cough and get short of breath. I'm hoping to get the lungs back to being normal as the O2 levels have been in the middle to upper 90's for most of the day. I'm also walking and doing some arm movements while walking in hopes that will strengthen my body once again after doing nothing but surviving since before Christmas.

The TV screen went black on Nancy during the afternoon so she went to Sam's and purchased a new one all by her self and then Tyler came over after work and helped us set it up and got it running for her evening delight. I read and watched some documentaries throughout the day and then settled into some of the winter games after my shower around 8:30. I took a good dose of some Robitusson cough syrup before turning out the lights and slept great once again through out the night. It was close to 7 before I got out of bed which is usually around 5:30ish. Hopefully the extra sleep helps with me healing as I need it

Tuesday Morning Feb 8th

 Well yesterday was probably my best day of lessen coughing since before this illness started. At times especially after talking I did get in a coughing fit but I tried to use the spectrometer when ever I felt the need to cough and it seemed to lessen the need to do so. I took a healthy dose of Robituson cough syrup at bed time and slept like a baby until 4:30 when I got up to use the bathroom and then fell back to sleep until 6:30. Best nights sleep yet. I'm hoping the cough will stay away today.

Nancy was off to her hair coloring around mid morning so I had a couple hours where I did some walking, minor exercises and some reading and finished up the left over lasagna for lunch which kept me satisfied the rest of the day except for a Marie Callendar chicken pie around 6:30. I'm trying to lose a pound or two and its not easy as I'm not as active as I'm use to.

Well my tiredness and fatigue has improved to where I'm no longer out of breath doing simple things. Talking is probably the hardest thing for me as it causes such a shortness of breath. I'm hoping that will soon stop as I'm a talker, LATER

Monday Morning Feb 7th

 Well Sunday was one of those days I didn't even go outside as it was rainy, more of a steady drizzle with no sunshine and it was rather cool all day long. I didn't want to expose my lungs to that damp cold air. I did do some walking around the house a couple of times to get some exercise and get the blood moving. The cough is still there but not nearly as often and I don't believe much at all during the night. Hopefully all the clots have dissolved or broken up and I'm back on the road to recovery and once again get back my energy and getup and go. I'm tired of being what I have become the last several weeks but I'm thankful I'm still above ground.

We watched Jack Hibbs from Calvary Chapel as our worship service as the internet went down while watching BridgePoint. Nancy could get him on her phone and then we watched a documentary titled Horses and Heroes or 500 Miles. It's where veterans with PTSD are sent out west to undergo a relationship with horses to help them adjust and get over what they have experienced in combat. It's a great program started and funded by a veteran and private support. Such a worthy cause and while it helps many there are some who just never adjust and take their life. It's so sad so many have ended their lives after serving during war time.

We cleaned up some leftovers but started out with a big breakfast of an egg and sausage biscuit which held us until late afternoon. I'm trying to cut back on portions and the amount of carbs but I've found out eating dark chocolate helps with the prostrate so I've been using it at least daily for now. We did watch some of the winter olympics before I hit the shower around 8 and then got ready for bed. It was lights out for me around 9:30 as this illness has left me tiring easily, LATER

Sunday Morning Feb 6th

 Well Saturday was a dreary day with no sunshine and cooler temps, nothing real cold but when the sun doesn't shine in Florida it feels cool. I had a good day and felt some strength returning as I walked around the yards, even went fan shopping and then we had all of the family here in the afternoon for a birthday dinner for Bobby. Nancy was in glory as she prepared a delicious meal of fresh garden salad, lasagna and garlic bread and a cherry cobbler with ice cream. The twins were so much fun as they are now jabbering and running around.

Bobby hung our new fan in the kitchen for me before supper. All of the kiddos were here and of course the big kids were in their space together as they get along so well. I was whupped after they all left except the Ross kiddos. Amy and Tyler went out to a restaurant to celebrate 17 years of their marriage and their kiddos stayed with us until they got back. I hit the shower after Bobby and his gang left for Brandon  around 8ish which was late for them and then managed to stay awake until 9'ish. I never heard Amy and Tyler come get the kiddos.

I did have a good afternoon talk with an old USAF buddy who lives down near the beaches in N.C. He has tons of health issues and is on full disability as well. I'm hoping this cough will soon abate but when I talk it comes back with vengeance. I'm a blessed man there is no doubt with this cough and loss of strength from this insidious illness as many I know have passed on as a result, LATER 

Saturday Morning Feb 5th

 Well the weather here has been perfect with bright sunshine, blue skies and warm temps; however Nancy has the A/C on which I can take or leave. She is a hot natured person but of course she is in the kitchen cooking and preparing meals and that is what she did yesterday with Bobby's family coming today along with the Ross kiddos. It's Amy and Tyler anniversary so they are headed out to eat while we celebrate Bobby's birthday with lasagna, cobbler and salad per his request.

I did get in a little walking around the yards and tried to stay active as I slowly recuperate from these ailments. The coughing is subsided about 75% except for an occasional outburst. I'm starting a new regiment of the Eliquis which is half the amount I was taking for the last week or so. I'm seriously hoping I can get off it completely in about 6 weeks or so. I'm spending some time outside hand watering the gardens and the tomato's are close to ripening as I write. The Roma's are loaded and now I see a bunch of the celebrity tomato's filling out as well. The leafy greens are still producing and we had some last night with our salmon and rice. Delicious and so good for you. The cold touched the cucumbers slightly as well as the pole beans as many of the leaves are turning brown.

On a sad note a friend from Viet Nam passed away at the VA yesterday. I think that he might have survived had he gone to the ER at Morton Plant like I did and got different care. Anyhow he was younger but maybe waited too long to seek out medical care for the covid. He was on a ventilator which just about assures you of death from what I learned about this illness.

We spoke with Bobby as he was traveling back to the airport and then coming home after a late night flight. We did get to watch the service for Paw Paw as the funeral home taped it live and then shared it on You Tube. It was a fitting service and Bobby gave my eulogy for me along with the sisters final words. It was cold and wet there and the weather wasn't fit to have much of a grave side service.

That was about it for the day as we dined on salmon, ginger rice and leafy greens which were awesome. Today we need to purchase a ceiling fan for the kitchen as our old one broke when the pull chain pulled out. Bobby has indicated he will replace it which shouldn't be a big issue when he comes for supper, LATER

Friday Morning Feb 4th

 Well Thursday was a good day both weather wise and my ability to start regaining some strength as I did quite a bit of walking and staying up and on my feet. I had a doctors appointment with my new primary care doctor at the Bardmoor Clinic where I was assessed,  given a pneumonia shot and prescribed some cream for my rash as well as received a good word on whether I would need Eliquis the rest of my life. The Doctor wants me to have a blood doctor to check my blood for any disorders that may cause me to clot quickly thus the use of the blood thinner. I like his attitude about this as I'm not one to take any meds forever. We headed up to the Canadian pharmacy to order 3 months supply of Eliquis at less than a 100 bucks a month whereas Walgreens is charging over 600 bucks a month. Sure makes you wonder why the difference is so much and that big Pharma is taking advantage of us, Americans.

We came back just before lunch and I hand watered the gardens before eating and then our dear friends Sheri and Steve came by for a nice visit bringing us a spaghetti squash cooked with meat sauce for our supper. Delicious to say the least. They stayed for an hour or so then headed out. Nancy took off to run errands and to pick up my scripts at unreasonable expense.

 I rested and read the afternoon away and then we spoke with Bobby who made it to W.Va. for the viewing for Paw Paw after his flights into Dulles. It was raining and foggy on the mountain but he got there and visited with the relatives. He will attend the burial at St.Johns today Friday and then head back home getting in some where around midnight. I sure do appreciate him standing in for me during this time. I could never have made it with these lungs the way they are. I saw a video by some nurses speaking in front of congress who claim the treatment of this covid is worst than the virus itself and those who received at least two doses of Remdesivir only had a 25% chance of not dying. I had 5 doses and thats probably where I got the blood clots from. We got word a Viet Nam buddy who is younger than me is in bad shape at the VA and will probably not survive. I'm so glad I decided to not use the VA during this crisis. The medical staff at Bay Care have and are doing everything to save me, LATER

Thursday Morning Feb 3rd

 Today my first born son Bobby turns 41. Where did that time go? He and Amy have been the greatest land marks in my life along with marrying their mother Nancy. I'm a blessed man no doubt with now 7 grand kiddos. Happy Big Day, Son and thank you for going to represent me at my uncle's funeral in Virginia today. This uncle took me in as a young lad and gave me a home and a family and who just passed away at the young age of 94 will be buried at our home church in Virginia.

Well Wednesday turned out to be one of those winter days we love here in Florida. It did reach the low 80 by the afternoon after a some what cool morning to start the day at 55 degrees. The sun was shining and there was a slight breeze that made it very comfortable. I managed to sit in the sunlight and hand water the gardens for an hour or so. The coughing has subsided a bunch which I'm so thankful for and I've stopped taking that one med for coughing but I'm still on the blood thinner which seems for now, forever according to the doctors and my track record, oh well I'll just have to learn to live with it.

Nancy is leaving me a little more at a time as she now is seeing me recovering from this black out. I'm still taking it easy, resting, reading and relaxing. I'm not happy about the way I'm recuperating as I want it to go much quicker. I have a doctors appointment today with my new primary care doctor as I've dropped the VA since they let me down with this covid pneumonia after indicating I was infected. There was no follow up, no x-rays of the chest which eventually left me very ill, oh well. This Bay Care organization is very through and patient orientated and I'm thrilled.

That was about it for the day and I'm finding that dark chocolate with cocoa is very good for the prostrate which helps me not get up during the night with the urge to urinate. Luckily I stumbled on to this with my looking into the frequency of why all of sudden I'm getting up at nights to go to the bathroom. Men it works as I never got up during the night with urge whereas before 4 to 5 times a night, LATER

Wednesday Morning Feb 2nd

 Well Tuesday turned out to be rather nice after a chilly start to the day. The frost stayed away again and the sunshine and warm 60's was evident as the morning progressed. I managed to sit outside in the sun for an hour or so after hand watering the gardens which basically survived the real cold frost on Monday morning. A few of the bean and cucumber leaves were touched but I think the plants them selves will survive.

I'm slowly regaining some strength albeit very slow. The shortness of breath isn't as bad when I do any exertion whereas before just going to the bathroom was a chore and caused me so much exhaustion. I'm hoping these blood clots will soon be gone but I still have some coughing as a result of them. The blood thinners I hope will soon do their job and I can get back to some physical activities.

I found a site on the internet which Nancy and I had used before for this Eliquis drug which the doctors think I should be on for the rest of life that is about 1/3 the cost of Walgreens. It a Canadian pharmacy located here in Largo and we had good results from them years ago. I'm hoping we can use them again until I get on Medicare Plan D  which is the drug plan and since the open enrollment is gone I'm not eligible until next November., Oh well.

Not much else going on as I recuperate and hope to soon put this covid behind us. It's a sad state of affairs when this government tries to cover up what China did to allow this virus to escape their labs. I still believe they did it on purpose to destroy America and Trump with the help of the democrats, LATER

Tuesday Morning Feb 1st

 Well Monday was a cold one to start, with frost everywhere in the neighborhood. The big oak in the back yard saved my garden from the killing ice and then it warmed up to the middle 60's with bright sunshine. I was able to go out and hand water the gardens before lunch and set in the sunshine. I'm slowly healing but have a long ways to go which is not what I'm use to. My middle torso is ugly with black, blue and purple bruises as it my shoulder which pains me when trying to lay on it at night.

I'm taking it easy as possible but its so difficult for me as my mine wants to be active but the energy level just is't there yet. Nancy has been feeding me too good and the extra pounds are showing around the spare tire. I need to cut back on several things. The Health workers are coming again this morning for a checkup. They have been superb with their follow ups and I've made a couple of appointments as well with the heart and lung doctors. Never would I have believed I could have been so compromised by this virus which now seems to be infecting several other parts of my body. I'm not happy with having to take a blood thinner for the rest of my life but I should follow the doctors orders and do so. The cost is prohibitive to say the least because I'm not an enrollee of the medicare prescription plan as I've never been on any drug before, oh well.

Well, we had fresh eggs from our farmers who moved up towards the Brooksville area and they brought by a half dozen of the small eggs, very tasty with some grits and I had an apple with some peanut butter for lunch and then leftover beef barley soup for supper along with some buttery crackers tasty. I have to stay away from green tea as its not compatible with this blood thinner as well as grapefruit, oh well.

Bobby is heading out on his birthday to attend Paw Paw's funeral in Virginia and will stay with the sister Dee and Mike over night and fly back on Friday evening. I just don't have the energy or the will to make that trip plus I'm afraid of being reinfected with my lungs still healing, LATER