Thursday Morning March 31st

Wow, this month is gone and we are only a couple months away from leaving for the mountains. After yesterdays heat in the afternoon I'm ready for the cool mountains. Our mountain mom said it was cold there and she was having a time getting warm. It has been a weird spring with a dusting of snow a couple days ago at the cabin.

Not much happening here in hot sunny Florida except the usual morning routines and some honey do's after getting back from my daily hour plus of pickle ball. I'm starting to get my stamina back as well and I'm winning more sets than losing. I just enjoy the activity and the challenges of the game. We have some great players at the Rec. I hand watered the gardens after getting back from the Rec and a stop at the library picking up a couple new reads by Vince Flynn.

I headed out to the front porch where I gave the iron railing another coat of black paint. The second coat was basically touching up some spots which didn't take long to do and then I worked around the front planter digging out grasses and some of the built up area around the azaleas. I want to repaint the front porch floor today and then put mulch down around the azaleas. After lunch all I did was read for the next couple of hours until it was time to hand water the gardens before supper. We had a shrimp pasta and some fresh carrots out of the garden for supper which was delicious and then it was Fox News time until 8'ish when I hit the showers. The hearing aids are taking some getting use to and ready all I need them for is watching TV, LATER

Wednesday Morning March 30th

 Well Tuesday was another busy day that saw high heat and humidity by afternoon. The morning was beautiful with a heavy dew and cool temps with the birds singing on my bike ride to the Red around 8'ish for some hour plus of pickle ball. I'm thrilled to be back on the court after over 3 months of being idle physically. I'm slowly but surely getting my stamina back as well.

After leaving the Rec on my bike I decided to start painting the front wrought iron porch railing and what a job that turned out to be. It was very tedious as well with such small curves and figures to paint around. Thankfully I had some painters tape which helped or I would have had another painting job. I didn't check the paint but it was oil base which made it even harder on the cleanup and some mistakes that will require a touch up paint, oh well. I was in the bright sunshine during this event which by lunchtime was very hot. We had to take a break and visit our financial man around 11:30 and despite the market being what it is I'm in decent shape which means I'll leave my kids and grandkids some funds after I'm gone. I haven't touched any of my long term retirement DROP benefits when I left the patrol for the extra 5 years. Those 5 extra years were awesome for my retirement and my financial guy did a great job with doing what was best for us. He is like a brother since we have known him for over 25 years, a strong christian and family man as well as a strong conservative plus he grew up in farm country in Indiana.

Nancy headed off to Wal-Mart after getting back from our session an a bite of lunch. I finish up on the porch for the first coat since that railing hasn't seen any paint in over 40 plus years since the vine covered it when we bought the house. It took a lot of prep work but its firm and still in decent shape except for paint. Once I complete the second coat I'll repaint the porch floor as well. Amy won't have to contend with that vine which gave her a fit, trimming it over the summer months, oh well.

I spoke with the VA and they would not help me with the Eliquis script as they use a different blood thinner which has all kinds of side effects, any how I'll use the Canadian Pharmacy until I get on Medicare plan D which will save a bunch of bucks. You would think after serving my country both in the military and law enforcement I could get a break, but no. They give these illegals free every thing and welcome them into our country but can not take care of a patriot, LATER

Tuesday Morning March 29th

 Well Monday was a busy day with lots of activity and a very first life changing event or experience for me as I was fitted for hearing aids by the VA. They really do work as I wore them home, then to a worship service at BridgePointe and then I could actually hear the small talk on the TV. I hear up to a point but much conversations especially on the TV is muffled which requires me to up the volume and drive Nancy bonkers. She has great hearing and smelling and but requires two sets of glasses for her eyesight, but I have the good eyesight and lack the hearing, oh well.

I did an hour and half on the pickle ball court around 8'ish then came back and hand watered the gardens before heading out to Sam's Club to gas up at 3.90 a gallon and then a stop at Lowes for the paint for the porch railing and some mulch before heading home. It was close to lunch time so I had a fresh garden salad loaded with some of my leafy greens and ripe tomato's. I'm harvesting 6-8 every day but have a rat that has eaten a couple. I was going to trap him it but noticed the trap was missing a part, so I''l have to buy a new trap or somehow fix this one.

I headed out around 3 for the VA for the new aids and with them come a charger and some additional parts that are for the part that goes in your ears. They really work and I can manually increase or decrease the volume. Nancy was amazed at how not visible they were. It will take some getting use to them. We headed out after supper to church for a great worship event with the emphasis on prayer leading up to Easter. What a great service with awesome music and then a communion service. There was really a good crowd for Monday evening which lasted until nearly 8:30, LATER

 

Monday Morning March 28th

 Well Sunday was an awesome day of worship with our BridgePointe Family and friends. Tyler had a good message and the praise and worship music was inspiring as well. We just love of family there and at times I feel useless now that we don't have to load in and load out after the service like we did at the college. I do fill in ushering from time to time. We like the 9 AM service as we usually do something with family or friends during the afternoon. Yesterday we met up with the Botbyl's around noon for a trip over to the Tracy's for lunch and then a documentary on "The enemies within the church". The SBC is the largest body of christians or non catholics and they have become a group associated with the woke ideology and watering down scripture. It's unbelievable how the professors in the seminaries are teaching false doctrine and dogma to fit the social narratives of all inclusiveness; especially blatant sin such as born homosexual,  abortion rights and recognizing there are more than two sexes. I was unaware that George Soros is funding the woke ideology in the SBC and we all know how he is trying destroy our culture with defunding the police and letting criminals back into society with these woke DA's.

Kathryn had a taco bar and we brought guacamole and chips plus some garden grown tomato's and jalapeno's. The food was plentiful and delicious. We visited and then headed out around 5:30 for Seminole. I hand watered the gardens and then we watched the cinderella basketball team get blown out by N.C. State team in the elite 8. There are 4 teams left to play and who is the national college champ. I believe Duke will win it all, but all the teams are well balanced. We spoke with sister Dee and they are doing good after some colds. They had snow flurries after several days of spring like temps. It's no wonder the flu and cold season is hanging around.

I read and then watched some TV after my shower until 10'ish. Today Monday I head to the VA for a hearing aid fitting and then we have another worship night at the BridgePointe campus as we get ready for Easter. It should be a great service of communion, worship and music to honor our Savior, LATER

Sunday Morning March 27th

 Well Saturday was a partial work day during the morning hours and then a fun day as we traveled over to Brandon to first visit with the twins for a couple hours and then to Gabe's ball game until 3'ish. We got back to Seminole around 4'ish and decided since we had skipped lunch to just make one stop for chips for Sunday's get together with the Tracy's after church and for lunch.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my routines and some quiet time before heading out to hand water the gardens and then start scraping the wrought iron porch railing. What a job that turned out to be as I first used a scraper then a wire brush and finally hosed it down as I got it ready to paint probably at least two coats which will be a tedious paint job, oh well. I really like the look of the vine being gone since there is more light without the vine shading the porch and it just looks cleaner, oh well.

We had a grand time with the boys as they were all in our laps from time to time and both love music and play the drums to the tune of some music Katie had on the TV. They both ate lunch and can they put away the chow and then we played with them until 12:30 when it was their nap time. We headed to the ball field to watch the game and then Katie showed up later after a baby sitter came for the boys who were napping.

It was a close game for 3 innings and then Gabe came in to pitch and shut the other team out and he also starting the hitting spree which gave his team the final win. Bobby is so proud of him as are we and he is a team leader as well. We said our goodbye's and hope to attend the game on Friday evening as they have 3 games over the weekend. We will miss the Thursday and Saturday games. The traffic was unbelievable on the interstate both coming and going. A couple of stand stills with all of these snowbirds here and even when all of the new construction is completed it will be not enough to handle all of the volume.

We had a couple packs of smoked ribs in the freezer and decided to heat one up for supper along with some boiled taters which I loaded like a baked tater, delicious. We settled into the NCAA games until bedtime for me at 10'ish, LATER

Nancy got her new glasses in the mail and noticed a couple spots on the frame where the color was faded and looked worn so the company is sending her a new pair.

Saturday Morning March 26th

 Well Friday was a busy, fun and food filled day as we met with 4 other couples for dinner at the Kobe Japanese steakhouse. I had started the day with my usual before 6 roll out to my routines, some pickle ball for nearly and hour and half and then some yard work especially in the front yard where I took out the Confederate Jasmine vine that has draped our front porch railing since 1979 when we bought the house. Amy hated to trim it while we are gone over the summer so Nancy decided we should take it out. It did clean up the porch area which I liked and let in a lot more sunlight. That was a couple hour job as the vine had entangled around the wrought iron porch railings and I needed the electric chain saw to cut the base. I need to scrape it before painting it black again.

The rain really helped with the grass and already I see greenery in spots and now will begin the mowing season. The rain also washed off my Sevin dust which has kept the fruit flies that destroy the tomato's in check as I found 3 yesterday they had destroyed. We are heading to Tampa today Saturday for Gabe's game and then we will stop at Lowes on the way home for paint for the porch railing and some dust for the plants. I gave neighbor Bobby a mess of greens and some tomato's a few which were huge for Celebrities. I have 6 egg plants on one bush and almost large enough to fry. We love fried egg plant and green tomato's and will make that our supper one evening. The collards plants turned out to be cabbage plants so next year I'll grow mine from seeds. The dill is going to seed so I'll save some for the summer garden as is the cilantro. It's been a banner year for them.

Well I started a new read during the hottest part of the day as son Bobby turned me onto this author; Vince Flynn and his book American Assassin. It's a real page turner and this main character is in several books. I'm always looking forward to good action reads even if its a novel. I'm mainly a non fiction reader but any book which is action filled and especially action against terrorist.

Well the food at the Kobe was very delicious and the chef was a showman as well. Its a little pricey but thankfully we had reservations as we could hardly find a parking spot. I had shrimp and scallops which were grilled to perfection and they do serve you lots of food prepared at your table from soup, salad, fried rice, noodles and then the entree. Nancy was unable finish her's so I'll have it for lunch today before going to Tampa. It was a great evening with the 10 of us around the grille and we celebrated Carol and Nancy's birthdays as well, LATER

The dinner out with friends and the looks of Nancy's new glasses.

Friday Morning March 25th

Well Thursday was a wash out with rain through out most of the day. It did clear out by late evening but the nice soaking rain was awesome for the garden and yard. The temps stayed down into the low 70's with this rain and overcast skies. I got in close to another hour and half workout on the pickle ball court with several other good players. I didn't do much the rest of the day except read and watch some documentaries.

We ate some leftovers for lunch and then a meatless supper as we both are trying to drop a pound or two. We had fresh sauteed spinach and black beans and rice and afterwards we settled into the Fox News until the NCAA came on. We both got into watching those college basketball players perform as we love watching grand daughter Ava play the game at school.

I flipped back and forth between the Lightning and the basketball games and both of my teams lost, oh well. This evening we head out with the Botbyl's and the Nymark's to Kobie Steakhouse in St.Pete. We want to catch up on their trip to N.C. and the snow storm they encountered on Beech Mountain. Not much else going on as I'm just so thankful to be doing as well as I'm doing after going through this covid ordeal. I praise GOD every day for my being here and for those who prayed me through this event, LATER

Thursday Morning March 24th

 Well Wednesday was a fun day and we did something we hadn't done in many years; we shopped together at the huge International Mall in Tampa and then had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory before returning to Seminole. The heat and humidity are back along with the forecast for some bad weather. The rain we need but not the severe storms which could bring some tornado's, oh well.

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 rollout to my cup of tea while I posted this ramble and then some quiet time with my Lord giving thanks and lifting several up by name. All seem as well as can be expected. I headed out around 8'ish to the Rec for an hour plus of pickle ball and left with a wet shirt. I feel as if I'm getting stronger every day with my stamina coming back. The bike ride to and from found me also getting a workout with the strong wind which must be from the storms that are heading our way.

I hand watered the gardens then got ready to head to Tampa around 11'ish. We found the eye glass store inside the mall and wow where they ever on the ball. We were in and out in less than an hour of course Nancy had already decided from their website what she was looking for and they suited her once she tried them on. They will mail the finish products to us in about a week or so. This mall is so huge and all under roof except the eateries that line the outside of the mall. We had a left over Cheese Factory gift card which was at least 10 or more years old but there was still a few bucks on it. She a delicious sandwich and I went for the battered fish and fries. Both were delicious and plentiful which held me for the rest of the day. We brought a slice of cheese cake home with us and shared it later during what would be our supper hour.

We tuned into the news and once again see how depressing it is for the folks in Ukraine and we are letting this crazy demented Russian kill innocents. We have no leadership and then I watched the SCOTUS hearing for this liberal black woman who is diseased in the mind and was the choice by Biden. I sure hope and pray she is NOT confirmed, LATER

Wednesday Morning March 23rd

Well Tuesday was another fun day at the Rec for an hour and half on the Pickle ball court where I once again played decent for being away for nearly 3 full months. I'm trying to take it easy as I build back my stamina and if painting for the next 3-4 hours after the workout is any indication of it returning then I'm on my way. 

I started the day with my usual 6'ish rollout to my cup of hot tea then some quiet time to give thanks and honor my Lord while lifting several up by name for healing. Our nation is in trouble with these two inept's who are supposed to be our leaders. The nation is in deep decline and I'm afraid war is on the horizon or another recession is inevitable with their policies that harm US(A). I almost hate watching the news as most of the networks are complicit with their actions and are covering up for their incompetence and crimes. The Biden family is totally corrupt and now after destroying Trump with false accusations by the MSM a few now have concluded the laptop of Hunter is legit and that Joe is corrupt.

We had Amy and the kiddos for supper as Tyler gets back from Africa sometime this morning. I grilled bone in pork chops and with yellow rice and broccoli we dined deliciously. I pulled some of my carrots as a couple of kiddos are not broccoli fans and the carrots took its place. They were around 5-6 inches in length and plentiful and the kiddos loved them. Sam still heads out to the garden after eating for his herb grazing before they headed home.

Today after pickle ball Nancy wants to go to Tampa for an eye glass and frame place which Bobby told us about. Seems everyone has heard of this place and they do a mail order business as well. They are in the International Mall where the Cheesecake Factory is located and we have a gift card, so maybe we will do a late lunch there, LATER

Tuesday Morning March 22nd

 Well my body or my muscles are a little sore this morning as I had a total work day until some where around 3'ish after an 8AM start on the pickle ball court for a solid hour or so and then it was prepare the spare bedroom for an initial coat of paint that kept me busy up to the middle of the afternoon. My arms ached from the use which hasn't happened like this in months but it felt good to be back again at nearly the full capacity before I was struck down with covid.

I rode my bike out to the Rec and was warmly received by all those there. They stopped play and many came and hugged me and gave me such a warm reception it brought tears to my eyes. I was truly humbled by everyone who was glad to see me back not only to play but that I had beat this virus despite all of the complications. I give all of the glory to GOD and to those who prayed for me daily. It was such a grand feeling to be loved by these who wished me the best.

I played 3 sets and won 2 out of 3 with decent partners and then I headed out as I didn't want to over do it so I could play every day until I get back into shape. I even had an old player and friend stop by the house before lunch and who had heard I was back to playing to wish me well. Wow, did I ever feel blessed with so many friends. I settled in to painting after hand watering the gardens. The temps were great with a some what chilly ride on my bike in the upper 50's to start the day and it stayed nice until the afternoon. I got one coat on all the walls and trim and will finish it up with the second coat today Tuesday.

Nancy had tacos for our supper with Amy and her gang. They sure love this meal. We didn't eat until late as Sam had JiuJitsu in Largo and they left right after eating as it was a school night. I cleaned up while Nancy was on the phone and then we settled into the Fox News until it was shower time and then some TV before lights out at 10 for me, LATER

Monday Morning March 21st

Well Sunday was a fun day that started out with worship at BridgePointe Church in Seminole for the 9 AM service. I helped with the ushering which is basically greeting folks and working the hand counter. It mainly consisted of hugs and handshakes and we had a good turnout for being the last of the spring break weekend. We headed out for home after that service so I hand watered the gardens and harvested more tomato's. They are really coming in with 2 to 3 a day. I gave away several to Betsy and the neighbors as well as Amy and we are eating them daily. 

We met up with the Botbyl's, Tracy's and the Lundgren's,  a couple who now attend church with the Botbyl's after leaving BridgePointe along with them. They had some issues with a text one of our young pastors referenced a few weeks back, oh well. We had lunch at the Outback in the Seminole Center and it was delicious as always. Nancy brought part of her chicken home which I later ate. I had onion soup and a baked tater and of course their dark bread which is my down fall, oh well. I'll be busy this week starting with an hour or so of pickle ball starting at 8 this morning for the first time since December and then painting the spare bedroom the rest of the day and evening. We will feed Amy gang as Tyler is leaving Africa some time today and is expected to be home on Wednesday.

We came back after lunch and met up at the Botbyl's to watch a documentary titled "enemies within the church" but was only able to see the trailer for the documentary. Even that was disturbing when you learn George Soros is funneling money into these seminaries who are expelling conservative Bible teaching professors and giving positions for those who are of the "woke" social climate. His influence had been a major impact on hiring DA's that are letting criminals go and for crime becoming rampart in our nation. Such a disturbing issue as the Biblical principals are being watered down and even changed to allow sin to be taught as being acceptable in GOD's plan for salvation. For example they are teaching you are born homosexual and thats it not a learned behavior as well as teaching this CRT theory which is giving rise to all this BLM radicalism. Their goal is to destroy America and that has now become a factor in our religion which at one time was what set this nation apart from the rest of the world.

I watched some NCAA college basketball as this March Madness winds down to the sweet 16 teams in the nation. I do enjoy this time of the year as there is no baseball or football, LATER

Sunday Morning March 20 th

 Well Saturday was a busy first part of the morning as our routines were thrown off and it was basically a get ready for an afternoon of eating with family. Once again we had a full house with tons of good eatin' which lasted until around 5'ish when the last of them left and we could get back to putting the house in order. The food was delicious and plentiful and even a little vino flowed when Tom and Cathy showed up and hour late.

Cris and Bill spent the night so I did my blog from the kitchen table and then when they awakened we stayed there talking until it was time to take a hike around the hood. Cris walked with me as Bill her husband while nearly 2 years younger than me has some health issues especially with his ankles, so any walking is out for him. Chris kept up with me and seemed to enjoy the walk.

Nancy was doing her thing as she loves being in the kitchen as we got ready for 10 adults and 5 grand kiddos around 1'ish for a late lunch early supper. I had started grilling the burgers thinking everyone would be here at 1 but then we got a call that Tom and Kathy were running nearly an hour late. We went ahead and fed the grands and then started on our own plates around 2'ish. There was plenty with potato, pasta and gardens salads as well as all the trimmings for the burgers. Everything was delicious and oh so plentiful. Store bought brownies were the dessert and even they were very good. I had mine around 7'ish as I was too full from the salads. Everyone sat around the table talking and caught up with kids, grands and life itself. Tom and Kathy have 4 grands and Cris and Bill have 5 grands.

Bobby had to leave around 4'ish with Annsley and Gabe and then Amy shortly there after and Betsy and Gus close to 5. We watched some college basketball and it was after 9 when I headed for the shower to watch some of the Lightning hockey. It was tied when I shut the lights off at 10'ish, LATER 

Tom on the left with his sister Cris then Nancy and her older sister Betsy

These are the blood relatives of the Cumpson's and Everett's

Saturday Morning March 19th

Well the heat and humidity is back after a couple of very nice days which got us some much needed rain. Friday found us getting the house ready for over night company and then again for a luncheon with 5 added guests and of course all of our family. Nancy's 2 cousins on her mothers side plus husbands and Betsy. We haven't seen them in quite a spell.

I got in a nice hike through the 'hood and then to the library and I'm hoping starting next week to get in some pickle ball and work back into shape so I'm ready and able to hike the mountains and work in getting my mountain garden in shape. I'm looking forward to the cooler temps especially in the morning although the past couple of early mornings have been splendid here.

We headed out with Amy and her three kids to Bobby's around 3'ish and left there around 8. We had a delicious supper and we got to see Nancy's cousin on her dads side, Austin and his wife Megan and two boys. They now live here in St.Pete. I got into the pool for the first time this year with the kiddos and while the water was right chilly it felt great and then I was in the jacuzzi side of the pool which was heated. The kiddos all had a grand time playing in the pool and they were in it again after supper. Ava, Sam and Eliza slept over with Annsley and Gabe.

Chris and Bill came shortly after we dropped Amy off and then got settled in the house. Seems they drove down from the Villages after visiting a relative who was having some health issues and wasn't able to put them up for the night. We had a good visit until after 10'ish as it was past my usual bed time and they too were tired so we called it a night, LATER

Our babies Bobby and Amy at his house.

Friday Morning March 18th

 Well Thursday was a busy day and the temps were a bit warm during the afternoon but the early morning temps was like a Spring day. The full moon was so bright and clear as I put the garbage out around 6'ish. The heavy dew and the fresh morning air with the moon shining was awesome and I took a moment to reflex on the perfectness of the creation and how after all these years the GOD of the universe is so majestic.

After my usual routines I got busy with vacuuming before scrubbing the floors with a wet mop. It now seems Nancy's cousin Chris and husband will be staying a night with us because where they were supposed to stay with a relative which got cancelled at the last minute. So we will put them up for a night and feed them breakfast which meant another trip to Publix and then along with them and her brother and wife will all come here for a lunch with our Bobby and Amy's family minus Tyler, Katie and the twins.

Nancy was off shopping with Amy and Ava again so I mowed the yards and piddled around outside until lunch time then settled into reading for the next couple hours until we headed over around 5'ish for supper with Amy and the kiddos. She had prepared what she calls sour belly which is boiled chicken in a broth and egg noodles added later together over smashed taters. Pure carbs but what a flavor and its one of GG's recipes and a favorite of everyone's.

That was about it for the day as we have lots of chores before we head to Brandon this afternoon for supper with Bobby and to leave the Ross kiddos for an over night visit with the Triplett kiddos. Nancy's cousins should be here when we get back to Seminole, LATER 

Thursday Morning March 17th

 Well Wednesday saw us with more cloudy skies and even another rain shower which helped keep the heat down and this morning what a bright full moon. The rain cleared out any pollution and the crisp heavy dew morning was exhilarating when I headed out to put the garbage by the curb at 6:15. I didn't have to water yesterday for change as overnight we had at times great down pours.

I drove Nancy to the eye clinic in the morning as she needs new prescriptions and an eye check up. Afterwards we came home and after lunch headed out to Home Depot to pick up our new lamp we had ordered on line and for some things I needed plus a gallon of paint to paint the green room gray against my wishes. Seems the pillows on the new bed don't match the color of the room so instead of changing pillows I have to paint the room. I was shocked at the price of a gallon of paint at over 40 bucks a gallon, oh well.

We came back and I assembled the new lamp which didn't take long once I read the directions. Amy and family minus Tyler and Eliza were coming for a spaghetti supper. They brought the moose Rocky as well which now means I have to mop the floors since he slobbers and leaves hair every where, oh well. Supper was excellent with a fresh salad and garlic bread to accompany the delicious sauce. I'll never lose any of this spare tire with the meals we eat.

That was about it for the day except I harvested more large Celebrity tomato's and jalepeno peppers. The heat is starting to take its toll on the garden but I'm still getting enough leafy greens for salads. We are feeding Nancy's cousins from Pennsylvania along with Bobby and Amy's families for a lunch of salads and burgers on Saturday. We will head over to Bobby's on Friday for supper and then leave Amy's kiddos with Annsley and Gabe at Bobby's, LATER

Wednesday Morning March 16th

 Well Tuesday was mainly overcast except for moments of sunshine and low humidity. It looked like rain for most of the day and just after dark the skies let loose with some heavy down pours. I think the forecast is for more rain today which is greatly needed. I piddled around outside for most of the morning and then took a long bike ride of a couple miles. I'm finally getting the legs and lungs ready for some pickle ball starting next week.

Nancy took off with Amy and the girls to do some Easter shopping for all the grands as well as Ava's birthday next month. She will soon be 15, wow where has those years gone. She is quite mature physically for her age and is a star on the basketball court as well as in the classroom. Sam stayed home with Rocky as he is now mature enough to be left alone and later they dropped Eliza off as she is not a shopper unless its for her.

I spent the biggest part of the day finishing a fantastic true to life read titled INTO THE LIONS MOUTH. It's the story of a double agent during WWII who became a spy for both Germany, England and even the USA at times. He forewarned FBI's Hoover 4 months before the attack on Pearl Harbor but Hoover who hated this man sat on it and now we know the results of his decision. Dusko Popov inspired Ian Fleming the creator of the James Bond movies and books and was the model for both. A very interesting read and it was Popov who convinced the German's the invasion of Europe was going to be at a different location than Normandy. He truly was a patriot and its strange I've never heard his name before until I read this book. His life was in danger throughout his decision to become a spy who hated the Nazi's and what they stood for and was able to help the Allies win the war.

Nancy had a corn beef cooking for most of the day and then we had cooked cabbage, taters and carrots to compliment the bowl. It wasn't the most tasty beef but we of course seldom eat it so the combination of the herbs and the brine wasn't to our liking, but we ate it and have enough for another meal. We tuned into the Fox News as well as Newsmax to get the real news on whats happening to Ukraine and America. We have such a degenerate bunch of democrat politicians running the country that wants US(A) to fail. It's down right despicable and all of them should be indicted for treason including the past bunch of democrat elites like Obama and Hillary. Never have I ever felt like these crooks in our gov't actually hate the nation and could care less for the average working patriot. I hope we survive these inept crooked folks inside the beltway of D.C. who supposedly were sent there to represent the folks of

 this nation and not our enemies, LATER

Tuesday Morning March 15th

Well this month is half gone already and we are about 2 1/2 months out from when we head north to the mountains. I'm looking forward to seeing the mountains, hiking them as well and breathing that fresh air and just being surrounded by everything GOD made. I sure hope all goes well so that we can get there again for the summer months as the heat and humidity is over bearing here except for last week end which was very unusual.

Monday found me working outside for most of the morning doing some more yard and garden work and some piddly chores. Now that I have the pump working properly that is one more chore I needed to complete before we headed north. I worked on the shrubs and the vines on the fence and the front porch. Nancy wants me to take out the Confederate Jasmine on the front porch because it grows so fast and is a chore for Amy to keep trimmed while we are in the mountains. I'm not totally on board as this vine has been there since before we bought the house in '79 and I love the smell when its in full bloom, oh well. I did cut it back but we will see.

Nancy took Amy and Ava shopping for their birthdays and then they all came here along with the moose Rocky for lunch. He is a big dog and so full of energy. I had him in the back yard with me for most of the time while I read for an hour or so. The kiddo's love this animal and he them but I would say he weighs close to 120 pounds or more and his tail is like a boom when he starts twisting and swinging it with excitement. He is a sweet dog thankfully, but oh so big and his face is menacing to say the least.

We had leftovers from Sunday for supper which were excellent and then we settled into the news of which is very sad to see the folks of Ukraine being slaughtered and displaced from the country. We have such a poor and inept leader who is afraid of Putin and now watch the Chinese will do the same thing in Taiwan. We are no longer the model for the world on freedoms, liberties and being secure from dictators. GOD help US(A), LATER

Monday Morning March 14th

 Well isn't it strange when you lose an hour of sleep on the time change you are whupped for that day or at least I was or could it have been having the family over for supper and a visit to the park with two energetic 2 year olds. Anyhow it was cold her in usually warm or hot sunny Florida to start the day at 40 degrees, yikes and it stayed chilly until mid afternoon when the bright sunshine began to warm the atmosphere. By the time supper was over which was a new dish Nancy and Bobby put together we had the windows and doors open until sunset which is now going on 8'ish. The rest of this week its supposed to get back to normal which is highs in the low 80's. This storm that brought deep cold to the south is very unusual for this time of the year.

We had a good worship service for the 9AM which I helped with ushering and then we left to pick up some items at Aldi's on the way home to add to the supper. I did some hand watering the gardens and then settled into the NCAA games while Nancy spent the afternoon preparing for the supper. What a delicious dish and fresh grilled asparagus to accompany along with a cherry pie and vanilla ice cream. Its no wonder I can't get rid of these 10 extra pounds I'm put on since becoming ill. I'm hoping maybe sometime this week or next week for sure to get back to pickle ball a couple times a week. We are entertaining Amy's family minus Tyler as he left for Africa after church as they are on spring break. Bobby wants the older kids to spent the night Friday with his older kids and then we have some cousins on Nancy's side of the family for lunch on Saturday.

Well that was about it for Sunday as after the twins were bathed with their PJ's on they left for Brandon and Amy and the kiddos left for home as well. We put the house back in order then I headed for the shower and then read until 9"30 which really was 8:30; of course we were up before 5'ish, LATER

Sunday Morning March 13th ...Daylight Saving Time

Well Saturday saw us with some much needed rain and the threat of some severe storms which looked bad on the radar but we never received any other than heavy downpours and some wind from the north which brought down the temps. It cleared up around mid morning and made for some great temps for working outside in the yards. I piddled around edging, trimming bushes and vines until lunch time which was around 2'ish. We had a mountain breakfast of sausage, eggs, grits and toast and I added a garden grown tomato to my plate. Nancy was off shopping as usual at Publix after shopping on Friday at Wal Mart for groceries. Seems we are having the family minus Tyler for supper this evening.

I spent the rest of the afternoon reading and watching some NCAA college basketball on the TV. I do like the playoff tournaments and the skills these players have but some of their hairdo's are outrageous especially among the black players, oh well. We had a frozen pizza for supper as the late lunch left up not really hungry. Afterwards I hit the showers around 8'ish which really was 7'ish and then read until 10. I was tired after the couple hours of working in the yards.

Our friends the Nymark's were awakened to snow and blizzard conditions as they traveled up to Beech Mountain N.C. where they had rented a cabin for a week as their son and his family were on the way from hot sunny Florida a day ago to snow and in the teens. What a change for them especially after this storm which dropped our temps from the upper 70's to the 40's here in Seminole, LATER

Saturday Morning March 12th

 Well Friday saw us with lots of clouds but the humidity was horrendous as summer has come to the sun coast. I did get some work in the garden early on but basically stayed inside except for a mid morning bike ride. The pump and well are working great together and the output is excellent with a great volume of water. If we don't start getting some rain I'm going to set the sprinkler out in the front yard. I still have a lot of yard work to do before we head to the mountains.

The Nymark's are there now and showed us some pictures of the cabin. They are expecting some really cold temps and a snow fall as well which should excite their son and his family who are on the road from Seminole as I make this post. They rented a place on Beech Mountain for the week which will be a challenge on that mountain especially if the snow fall is heavy, oh well. We spoke with them last evening after getting back from Applebee's for our supper. I had their burger which was perfect and Nancy had a bowl which was a little too hot for her so she brought most of it home. I'll eat it for lunch today.

 Tyler leaves on Sunday for Africa with a church group for 10 days so we will entertain Amy and the grand kiddos as they are on spring break. Bobby wants us to get together some time during the week so they all can play and even spend the night. Our new chairs from Home Depot have been delivered to Jake's shop in Sparta where he will paint and assemble them to match the new walnut trestle table he is building for us along with new cabinets, etc. We won't know the cabin when we arrive in June. We have cousins visiting on Nancy's side of the family for a cook out here next week as well. It will be a busy week no doubt and I want to start back with some pickle ball play as well. The Celebrity tomato's are turning so we will have plenty of them along with the Roma's. The leafy greens are still holding as I'm hand watering them twice a day.

The time changes overnight so we lose an hour of sleep which will give us more day light in the evenings, LATER

Friday Morning March 11th

 Well we finally got a little rain last evening, wasn't a down pour but any wetness is a blessing which also dropped the heat and humidity down to tolerable. I finally finished with the well and the pump after another trip to the hardware store to replace a cross threaded galvanized tee which had caused me to have nightmares trying to figure why there was still a leak inside the garage when the pump was off. After once again taking everything apart the only thing that wasn't new was this small tee, so I did the smart thing to do and wouldn't you know it was the culprit, oh well. I sweated through a shirt and when I got on the scale after lunch and a shower I had gained a pound, what's with that.

I headed down to the VA after lunch just as we started to get some sprinkles and when I came out after an hour and half the roads and the ground was wet. I had a hearing test and sure enough the results were worst than when I last has the test in 2014 so I'm getting aides in both ears. Seems I'm having trouble hearing consonants according to the doctor so the VA will provide them for me with a recharger free of charge.

I headed over to Sam's Club for gas at 4.22 a gallon and some other goodies before driving home in a light rain. We were sure in need of rain and I didn't have to water the gardens but once in the morning after putting the pump back together. I'm getting stronger every day and will attempt to play some pickle ball starting Monday at the rec. I'm hoping the VA will help me with this Eliquis that I have to take for the rest of my life since its so expensive at Walgreens. If not I'll have to wait until next open enrollment with Medicare plan D which is in November, oh well, LATER

Thursday Morning March 10th

 Well Wednesday was another busy day and with the help of neighbor Bobby we put together the PVC piping to the well. It really was a two man or four handed job gluing and fitting into place the last couple of pieces as they set up so quickly. Thats what happened to me the first time and one piece set up leaving just a small gap next to the check valve and thus a drip when the pump was off. It never leaked with the pump running but once the pressure was off it leaked, oh well. That has now been fixed but now I must once again tackle the inside where the pump goes through the wall and connects with the well piping as that connector has a small drip, oh well. That kept me busy from after breakfast and up close to noon as I had to make a couple trips to Home Depot and Ace hardware.

I didn't do much after lunch but contacted our cruise director to file a claim to get back our deposit and fare for the cruise to Alaska in May. Luckily since they cancelled us 3 times due to covid I purchased protection or insurance and now I must file a claim since you must have proof of the vaccine before entering into Canada and there is no way I'm putting that into my body, especially since all doctors I know do not recommend it since I was so sick with it for a couple months. We were excited about taking our first cruise with great friends but Nancy really wasn't all that sad that we had to cancel. We will see our friends in the mountains and of course here in Florida.

I spent the next couple hours finishing up my taxes and filing and I'm expecting some money back. Let's hope that occurs before the government goes broke and WW111 breaks out. The madman Putin is evil killing innocent women and children all to gain control of some land. He needs to be brought up on charges as a war criminal. Our inept potus should also be charged with aiding Putin and those in the congress who want this nation to fail and become dependent on the government and its programs like socialism. Despicable folks to say the least. Energy costs are out of sight along with illegals entering the country at will, crime is rampart and as is inflation and this crook is doing nothing to protect the nation, LATER

 Nancy's new ceramic skillet she got for her birthday.

Wednesday Morning March 9th

Well summer time has arrive here on the Suncoast with temps in the upper 80 but the once little humidity has arrived as well and you sweat doing anything outside. The ground is parched as well and thankfully I'm able to water the gardens with the new pump. I'm still having to redo the PVC lines coming in from the ground outside but I'm able at this point to prime the pump and hand water. I purchased more PVC stuff needed to redo the lines from Home Depot. Hopefully I can get them together better this second time with no leaks, oh well.

I did move my onions in the garden first thing in the morning away from the now huge tomato plants as they are spreading and would soon cover them. I was soaked with sweat from just that little bit of activity in the garden. The leafy greens are still producing but wilt in the afternoon sun until I can water them again before sunset. The heat will soon take over and about the only plants that will live are the tomato's and egg plants which still haven't produced any fruit, the jalapeno pepper plant and some herbs. I'll soon put the garden into fallow ground mode as I want to cover it will oak leaves so the worms will have some food over the summer.

I got a call from the VA about them helping me with the cost of Eliquis and they recommend a different blood thinner so I'm not sure they will help me. They haven't decided one way or the other yet but from what the rep hinted I don't think so. Oh well, I can still get it from the Canadian store at about 80 bucks a month compared to nearly 600 bucks a month from Walgreens. That was about it for the day except I did watch the Lightning getting beat in Canada before cutting the lights out. I almost forgot I did get a call from the heart doctor and everything is back to normal so no more followups except when we get back from the cabin in November. I still have more chest x rays before we leave and a follow up with the lung doctors. I'm feeling stronger daily and hopefully next week start back on the pickle ball court a couple times a week and for only an hour or so to start with. I'm so thankful to be alive and it was the power of prayer of so many and the grace of GOD I'm still here, LATER

Tuesday Morning March 8th

 Well Monday was a total work day as I dug up the well pipes that brought the water up from the ground. What a job and in the heat as well. I must have sweated 5 pounds off, now if only I could keep it off. I had to reengineer the pipes with PVC from the old cast iron pipes which have been there long before I bought the house in '79. I did have some issues as trying to fit piping into already piping that brought the water up from the ground. I eventually succeeded but must have missed something in one of the pipes as I have a small drip but its outside. I'll have to se if there is a fix for this or I may just have to reengineer that pipe, oh well. I was able to prime the pump and hand water the gardens after all.

I'm sure working on my tan as I'm a real red neck. We need rain in a worst way and could use some thats coming to the mountains. Nancy has been busy with her remodeling of the cabin on line with Jake. She has ordered a walnut top table with trestle legs and now 8 unfinished chairs from Home Depot to be shipped to Jake's shop in Sparta so he can paint and then assemble them for the cabin. I sure hope all this works out and is some what complete by the time we get there the end of May. That is our plan to leave here around the 28th or 29th for the summer. It already feels like summer here with the heat and now the humidity.

We had some leftover ribs and a salad for our supper which was as tasty as when it was first served yesterday. Betsy came by for the last of the cup cakes or as Ryder called them "baby cakes" on her way home from work. I had one after supper but sure glad they are gone as they are so delicious. Nancy had her first doctor's visit under medicare which was a first. I saved 750 bucks a month or more with this new system she is now under, Oh well. I tuned into the Fox news and see where Putin is bent on destroying the folks and the nation of Ukraine. Someone needs to take him out behind the barn for good as he has lost his mind but according to biblical prophecy this may be the beginning of the end of the world as we know it, LATER

Monday Morning March 7th

 Well Sunday was an awesome day of worship at BridgePointe then we met up with the Nymark's for breakfast at Mama's Kitchen in Seminole for a very delicious and filling breakfast. Afterwards we came home and started working on getting the house and yards ready for our large birthday crowd arriving around 4'ish. Bobby and family came around 3'ish so we took the boys to the park at the Rec center which is shaded and carpeted. They had a grand time climbing and sliding as well as playing football with Gabe and Sam. Amy dropped Sam and Eliza off to play as well at the park.

We had too much food as always and enough leftover ribs that Amy and I each froze a rack of ribs plus enough already sliced up for a couple of meals. Nancy just has no idea on food prep for portions as we had lots of leftover broccoli, bread, salad and of course the ribs, oh well. Everyone was stuffed before we even cut the cake. She also made a double batch of cupcakes which we gave away and 1/3 of the cake. It was delicious to say the least.

The boys were so much fun as were the larger kids and LeeLee was their little mother. Tammy's family came and they fitted right in. The youngest girl was home from college so she came also. Needless to say we had a house full in this small house but everyone seemed comfortable. The vino flowed before supper as we snacked on some hordeve's that Tammy made and brought. Amy made a delicious mac and cheese and Tyler smoked the ribs to perfection. Nancy had tatter tots, broccoli and a fresh garden salad and lots of crusty bread plus the chocolate cake with white icing and the 24 cup cakes. Ryder told Nancy he was ready for one of the "baby cakes" after eating his supper.

Gifts were exchanged as we celebrated both Nancy and Sam's birthdays. The boys were bathed in the tub and jammies were on when they all left around 8'ish. which gave us a chance to put the house back together, empty the trash and straighten up. What a grand celebration which now seems as if Tammy's family want to be included as we are the only family they have period since her dad passed away. Oh well we are thrilled they think that much of us, LATER

The boys eating their baby cakes and the two birthday buddies, grandma and Sam 

Sunday Morning March 6th

Well Saturday found us on the go for most of the morning and then again until after 10 ish. We headed over to Tampa to watch Gabe play baseball and they lost by one run in a close game which had their team making to many errors and giving up too many walks and then later in the evening we headed to Keswick School to watch Ava in the play Wizard of Oz. She had several small parts and the play was awesome from beginning to end. It lasted nearly 3 hours with all of the scenery changes and a brief intermission. The 4 main characters were very talented and every one did a magnificent job. Very entertaining to say the least. 

It was very hot at the ball field despite there being a nice breeze and no humidity but summer time like temps are here in the area. The highways were congested as well as the beaches along the one road into Tampa. It was good to be back in Seminole around 2'ish for some lunch we picked up at Publix. We skipped any supper after the late lunch. I did hand water the gardens before we left for Tampa and then again later in the afternoon with the new pump which really puts out the water from the well.

Well that was about it for the day as I had showered before leaving for the 7:30 play and so I just went to bed after getting home after 10'ish. We have a large family dinner this evening with 4 new comers joining us with Tammy's family. We will have a full house no doubt as we celebrate both Nancy and Sam's birthdays with smoked ribs, taters, mac and cheese and of course a fresh garden salad with ice cream and cake.So much for losing any of this spare tire but the occasion calls for celebrating as Sam turned 12 and Nancy 65, LATER

Saturday Morning March 5th

Well Friday was a very busy afternoon that included a trip to the VA after lunch and then another trip to the hardware store which gave me enough courage to attempt to set the new well pump and get it working. I piddled for most of the morning getting in a bike ride. Not much to write about except the temps started warming up by the afternoon and the a/c is back on after a couple days of near perfect weather. I did get in some reading through out the morning and while waiting in between services at the VA.

The VA set me up for a hearing test next week and drew blood so if and when they help me out with Eliquis they will have my newest info on record. I went to the records section and authorized the VA to pull my records from my primary care doctor with Bay Care. Everyone was very helpful and I saw my new primary VA doctor. All the vitals looked good with her as well.

It was a chore setting the new pump but I was able to get water finally out of the ground to water the gardens. The Gould pump is the best American made with a cast iron body whereas the old pump made in Mexico had a hard plastic body. The owner of Ace was very helpful in setting the new pump and helping me engineer the set up which required some modifications of the PVC piping where the old piping was galvanized. It primed on the first attempt and the pump runs very quietly and really pulls the water out of the ground. I'm so glad I got it working after several days of using city water.

We watched the news and it's awful what the Russians are doing to the civilians in the Ukraine. Someone does need to take out Putin as he is a monster like Hitler, Stalin and Lenin. We switched channels and saw where the Lightning was playing a tough team from Detroit after losing last night to the Penguins. I headed in the bedroom to watch the rest of the game and they won 3-1. It wasn't long I had my shower and ready for some horizontal lab around 10'ish, LATER

Friday Morning March 4th

 Well Thursday was another fun filled day after my blood doctors visit which gave me good news. I don't have the gene that causes unusual clotting but because I've had 2 other instances where clotting was a factor he recommends that I stay on Eliquis(blood thinner) the rest of my life or at least maybe in years to come a reduced amount of the drug. Anyhow everything else checked out good and up to normal standards and I do not have to see him again unless I feel the need. I'm hoping the VA will help me get the drug at a lesser cost than what I'm paying now at Walgreens until I can get the part D plan with medicare. That was good news and no other markers as he is an oncologist and deals with severe cases. We headed to Sam's Club to pick up birthday food for Sunday's supper when we are having 17 family folks to celebrate Sam and Nancy's birthdays.

We came back and had some lunch and then I read for another couple hours. I didn't get in a bike ride or a walk today but was active on my feet. I dropped off the old pump at Ace hardware in hopes the tech will fix me up with new pump to the specs I need to fit in the garage and someone to install it. Being down on the floor and in that tight space aggravated my back some what, so its time to have a pro install it and save my back.

I have to use city water to keep the veggies from dying in this heat and no rain. It's awfully dry here with no rain for weeks. The temps haven't been extremely hot but the breeze and the lack of humidity have really kept the garden dry. Well we were invited over to the Tracy's for birthday supper celebration and the Botbyl's picked us up around 5:30. The traffic was unbelievable as it seems every northerner has moved here. It took us 45 minutes to go about 15 miles with huge backups on every major road.

They had a magnificent meal that started with horderves of cheeses, meats and dips with some sangria and then the main course was delicious with baked chicken breasts, black beans and yellow rice and tons of different dressings and toppings. Kathryn is an excellent cook to say the least. They also had a decadent chocolate birthday cake which I must say was the best ever from Publix. They also had her cousin who lost her husband a couple years ago and who was a first cousin to Kathryn. Betty is from from the Chicago area and has been here a month or so to visit.

 It was a fine evening with great talk as we caught up on everything since we all had the virus in different stages and times. Kathryn and I had it the most severe of the rest of the gang and Dan is still using some steroids to clear up his lungs which hasn't fully recovered from nearly a year ago. Carol probably suffered the least along with Nancy and then Patrick and then myself. But Kathryn was in the hospital for nearly 2 months and at one time was considering a lung transplant. She has recovered nicely and is looking great and now back to her old self. We are all so thankful we made it through this stage and hopefully will continue to stay healthy despite our ages. I'm the oldest in the gang then Kathryn and Dan and of course the two birthday girls who are a year apart with Nancy being the baby and Carol a year and a day longer older.

It was going on 9:30 before we headed out for Seminole and it was soon shower time for me and then some horizontal lab around 10:30. I'm surprised I slept through the night after eating chocolate cake so late in the evening but I never got up at all during the night,  LATER

Thursday Morning March 3rd... Happy Big Day to Nancy and to grandson Sam

 Well March 3rd is a special day for me as well as the wife as its her 65th birthday and its the day in 1966 when I enlisted in the USAF and headed off to Texas. 

Wednesday was another busy day and I'm getting stronger daily. I piddled around trying to get this pump for the well to prime and it just wouldn't so Nancy talked me into replacing it with a new pump, so I loaded the old one I just had repaired into the truck and will drop it off today(Thur) at Ace hardware  to see about matching up a pump to fit the area where the old one was. Its a tight spot and I was bending over a lot trying to get the old one to work and I can feel the old back starting to tell me to let someone else install the new pump, oh well. It's tough getting old.

I did get in a bike ride and stopped and talked with an old fishing buddy who is in bad shape. He is deaf, can't walk but gets around on a scooter and still lives alone. Wade was outside in the yard soaking up the sun when I rode by. I hadn't seen or talked to him in years but he yelled out as I rode by so I stopped and chatted. He reads lips but really is in sad shape and insists he will not go in a nursing home because his wife Sue passed away in one 2 years ago. They use to baby sit Bobby and Amy back when and are sweet folks. I came back and we had a lite lunch before I headed out to sit in the back yard and read for a couple hours. I did take another bike ride to the library for a couple new reads and then used city water to wet the garden plants. I harvested some Swiss chard for our supper and it was delicious.

We didn't watch the inept potus Biden give his speech but from what I saw he is still in a fog and still anti American. Our trouble here at home and abroad are a result of his inept policies and his corrupt administration and his trying to placate the socialist on the Left in his party with destroying America and make us weak. Russia and China have become embolden with his lack of leadership and his people, most of which are the same as the ones Obama used and who I believe is still calling the shots in this government, LATER

Wednesday morning March 2

 Well Tuesday was one of my busiest days as I had my well pump worked on so that meant moving appliances in the garage, taking the pump apart and carrying it to Ace hardware to be repaired then putting it back together only to find another small leak in the pressure valve which kept it from priming. While the pump was being repaired of the seal I took apart the old clothesline and installed a new cross member and inserted the hooks the line attaches too. This kept me busy until lunchtime when Nancy got back from shopping. We had a lite lunch of cheese and crackers then it was time to head up to Ace and picked up the repaired pump. 

What a job working in a small tight area but I finally got the pump hooked up again after needing some help taking apart some of the pipes that were so tightly sealed which needed to be reassembled, oh well. I may have to do it all over again to fix this pressure line leak and to get the pump primed. I did a little garden work turning over the much infested areas with weeds. I did get in an early morning bike ride and was on my feet for most of the day except for an hour or so reading in the back yard. It stayed in the low 70's with bright sunshine through out the day and by dark the chill in the air was evident. It's supposed to turn hot and humid this weekend but this weather today was perfect for working outside.

Hopefully I can get the pump working as I want to do some much needed front yard work. I'm feeling stronger every day and the O2 is holding in the high 90's. After all these doctors appointments I want to try pickle ball again sometime this month. We had a delicious tacos salad for supper with just about every thing garden grown except the meat. I tuned into the Lightning game at 7 and they won again. I couldn't bear to bring myself to watch this corrupt inept man who purports to be the potus tell his lies in a speech which he has no idea what he is spewing, LATER

Tuesday Morning March 1st

 Well yesterday was a different day with lots of high clouds which kept the heat out and at times projected the look of rain but none fell. The breeze kept it almost chilly in the shade as I sat outside after lunch reading. The morning found me at the heart clinic in Clearwater having an echocardiogram. No results but the tech did say he didn't think he would see me again.

I have a seal dripping or leaking on my well pump so that is the next project for me today, Tuesday. I'll take it apart and have the tech at Ace hardware give it a look. It's probably 25 or more years old and has been a good one thus far except for the time I could not keep it primed. So far that issue is fixed for now.

Nancy was off returning some items and shopping again during the afternoon. I got in a bike ride through the hood and even some jogging and walking in the backyard before supper. My O2 is holding good and now I must work on those leg muscles and get them back into shape. I have a couple appointments this week with the blood doctor and then the VA. I'm hoping the VA will give me some help on my scripts which I will probably be taking for the rest of my life since I have some issues with clots. Oh well. I feel as if I'm progressing but just not as quick as I would like to, but then again I'm considered old by many standards at the age of going on 76, LATER