Saturday Morning April 30th...29 days to departure

Well April is gone after today. We finally got some much needed rain last evening which was a blessing. Friday started out much the usual with a before 6 ish roll out to my usual routines that start with some quiet time with my Lord, giving thanks and lifting several up by name. All seem as well as possible due to age and health issues. I missed pickle ball as we attended Keswick School where we were blessed with the school program for kindergartens and 1st and 2nd graders. Eliza Faye was awesome within her grade. We ran some errand afterwards on the way home.

I hand watered the garden and yards before lunch then settled in to reading the afternoon away until we decided to meet up with the Botbyl's and head out for supper. We found an eatery down near Tyrone and had a delicious supper of fish for us. Nancy had redfish and I haddock at a place called Glory Days. It was packed but we got right in whereas there were folks knee deep at the Texas Roadhouse our first choice. I saw old friends there I hadn't seen in years as well as our financial advisor and his wife. Both are dear folks.

Dark rain clouds were evident as we pulled into the driveway and then it poured a couple during the evening. I settled into the Ray's game first and they played well throughout the evening beating the Twins and then I watched the Lightning come from behind to beat a good New York team in their city. It was the last game of the regular season and the Bolts head into the playoff's. Let's hope they three peat for the Stanley Cup.

Today, Saturday evening we head over to the Ross house to celebrate Ava's 15th birthday with a family dinner. Bobby and family will be there along with us and possibly Aunt Betsy for a flank steak supper and a chocolate cake with white icing which in my opinion is delicious, LATER

Friday Morning April 29th..32 days to go

 Well Thursday was a busy day with lots of fun and work as well. I started the day out much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my routines that start with my quiet time to honor my Lord, give thanks for another day and lift up several by name. All seem as well as can be expected. I headed out to the Rec. 30 minutes early at 7:30 as several players were already there since 7. The play was awesome with a couple new players who were visiting. I sure hope they come back next year and play here at this facility as they were really nice players. These two seemed to enjoy our level of play as well. I stayed until 9:30 then headed out after two hours of non stop play with mostly wins throughout the morning. I was whupped riding out on my bike back home.

I piddled around in the gardens and yards hand watering then shoveling 3 wheelbarrow loads of dirt from the garden to fill in a couple low spots around the tree in the front yard. It seems the old oak roots are rotting out and leaving some uneven ground when mowing. That kept me busy until lunch time. It was quite pleasant at first, until the heat and humidity came back into the picture. There was a decent breeze which kept it bearable until I finished this chore.

After lunch Nancy and I headed out to Sam's Club for some items for Ava's birthday family dinner on Saturday then a stop at Lowes for me and then Publix's for Nancy. We unloaded the truck and then chilled the rest of the day until supper time. I started a new Vince Flynn book titled MEMORIAL DAY and it's starting out to be another page turner. I ordered two more books from the library following a series of reads. The Rays were playing an afternoon game and I started watching the game in the 3rd inning and they won by a run over Seattle. The Lightning played later in the evening and when I shut the game off they were getting beat by a team they won big over a couple nights ago. I think they are saving themselves as the playoffs begin and they made the draw, again. LATER

Thursday Morning April 28th..31 days to go

Well April is just about gone with tomorrow ending this month of heat, some cool mornings, lots of wind but very little rain which we desperately could use some. The humidity is back but not as bad as we are use to and the heat while it's been close to 90 has stayed very pleasant until the mid afternoon. The mountains are still seeing some chilly mornings and unstable weather with snow or sleet one day and the upper 70's the next with really strong winds, oh well. We are ready for some changes in the temps even if they are some what not the usual.

I started the day with a well before 6 roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time with my Lord to give thanks for being here another day and for getting back my strength and stamina especially on the pickle ball court and doing garden and yard work. The shoulders are still an issue with almost constant pain during the night despite rubs of gels and some Tylenol which is compatible with the blood thiner medicine I'm on for the rest of my days. It doesn't do much for the inflammation as opposed to Ibuprofen, but I'm trying to follow the guidelines. I think all this pain in the shoulders is from when I blacked out and fell face down into the shower. 

I had a good workout on the pickle ball court and then came home to work in the front yard and the gardens. I'm trying to get the shrubs in shape for Amy when she brings her crew over to care for the outside when we are gone for 5 months. I worked outside until lunch time then it was catch up on some business trying to recover our cruise refund and then reading the afternoon away. Our friend Sheri who we were supposed to cruise with before I caught covid is still going next month and she has been helping us with this recovery of funds. Steve her husband is in the mountains as I make this post working on his place just down the hill from us. He had another shipping container delivered and is getting it ready for habitation or storage.

I grilled a marinated pork tenderloin for our supper and it was delicious along with greens from out of the garden in a salad. Nancy had made some cookies with coconut in the batter for Ave Mae and I tried one which was like eating a tatter chip. I wound up eating a half dozen in two different setting as they were that good. We watched the Fox news and see where the hypocrites on the Left are having a fit because they have lost their liberal program with Twitter and will no longer censor those who don't agree with their lies. I then tuned into the Rays game and they won 3-2 over a Seattle team finally, LATER

Wednesday Morning April 27th 33 days to go

Well Tuesday was a mixture of fun and work with a ton of sunshine and some humidity. The temps reached close to 90 but the breeze kept it passable to be outside until after lunch. I started the day much the usual with a well before 6 roll out to my morning routines that always start with some quiet moments to give thanks, honor my Lord and lift up several by name. All seem well as can be expected. 

I headed out on my bike around 7:30 as the better players now start on Tue. and Thur. at 7 AM at the Rec. so they won't have to play with some of the lesser players on the pickle ball court. Some of the better players just will not help out with these B players to get better, oh well. I like the exercise and the game and yesterday my old game was back as I teamed up with different players through out the morning and won every set. I kind of like helping those B players get better and of course the other 3 morning at do that with them. 

I headed home around 9:30 and hand watered the gardens then decided since it was nice out with the breeze and little humidity that I would wash the truck and clean the insides. That kept me busy for a couple hours up to lunch time. I pulled the truck up into the grass area of the front yard and that helped with using the water for a drink on the grass. It's so dry here this time of the year and we are in need of some rain.

We found another queen bee and her ball of bees were fixed on the vine which is next door to Bobby our neighbor who raises bees. He had several hives in his back yard and this must have been one of his queens who moved out and into our yard. He caught them in a bucket then transfer them into a different hive. He has become quite the bee keeper and of course they help with pollinating my gardens and keeping me in honey. After lunch I settled into a new read titled RIDGELINE. It's an historical novel about the taming of the west and the confrontations between the Indians and the army. So far it's a great read revealing both sides of the taming of the west. 

I harvested a beet so large it fed us for supper and it was delicious as well along with some leftovers. We are trying to eat down our freezers as well and eat light enough to lose some weight. I'm still 10 pounds heavier than last year this time. My shoulders are still bothering me from the fall I took face down but I'm able to function during the day but at nights they ache and make me sleep on my back which I'm not use too, oh well it could be worst. I'm able to play and work so I'm thankful, LATER

Tuesday Morning April 26th

 Well Monday was a mixture of fun and work as I did a work out on the pickle ball court then came home and mowed the yards and washed a load of clothes and hung them outside on the line. It was a perfect day for drying laundry outside with a gentle breeze and the bright sunshine prevailed through out the day.

I started the day with a before 6 roll out to my routines that always have some quiet time to honor my Lord and to lift up several as well as give thanks. I rode my bike to the Rec a little before 8 and played until 9:30 then made a stop at the library for a new read titled RIDGELINE that Tyler mentioned I should read. I finished a Vince Flynn book during the afternoon titled EXECUTIVE POWER. I sure do love the afternoons as its too hot to do much of anything outside, so I read the afternoon away until suppertime. I'll sure miss those reading sessions as there is always something to do at the cabin which I love also. Maybe I'll lose some of this spare tire in the mountains as I'm still holding onto these extra 10 pounds or so.

Nancy was off with her girlfriends to get a foot massage one of her friends told her about so 4 gals were doing this and then out to lunch. I had the house to myself after getting back from the Rec. I mowed the yards and then hung the clothes and then had a bite of lunch and read the afternoon away until suppertime. I cleaned up some leftovers as Nancy had a big late lunch and then we settled into the Fox news and Newsmax channels. Our Lightning team was being honored for winning the Stanley Cup back to back at the white house. That was the about the only honorable thing coming out of that place with this inept crook of a potus in office, LATER

Monday Morning April 25th

 Well we've away from Seminole since Saturday morning and got back yesterday evening from Brandon where we saw two baseball games on Saturday. Gabe's team won the first one and then loss a second game to the Town and Country team who were quite good with some big hitters. It was a close game for the first couple of innings then play went down hill for Gabe's team. It was hot and windy and not great base ball weather.

We stayed after getting back to Bobby's so they could go on an anniversary evening and overnight stay at the beach. The boys were great and so much fun and are they ever smart each in a different way. Huck is the talker but Ryder is a thinker  and persistent with what ever he is doing. They both love music, books and drumming their drums. They eat well and almost anything you put on their plates. They are great sleepers at 12 hours each night and a good hour plus on the one nap they now take after lunch. They play well together and really entertain themselves. They both are into any kind of ball, glove and bat.

Bobby and Katie were in Pinellas at the beach and then dined out a couple times and had a good time as did we. We watched the Ray's win in extra innings on Saturday evening and then watched the last of the Lightning game as they won also. Sunday we stayed around the house and let the boys play outside on their pool patio which is fenced off from the pool. The shade trees made it very comfortable for us as we stayed outside for an hour or two until lunch. Bobby really has their place looking good but for me there are too many stairs. The boys handle the stairs like a pro and thankfully we had no incidents of falling or getting hurt. We will do it again towards the end of May when we attend both Gabe and Annsley's graduation and do an overnighter.

We stopped at Sam's Club and filled up on the way home at 3.85 a gallon, every where else it was 4.09. We then called ahead to Willie Jewels barbecue house and picked up brisket and pulled pork supper plates. It's always good for us but they have raised prices considerably as has most everyone, oh well. After eating I had watered the gardens and then settled in for the evening after a hot shower. The Ray's won in the afternoon taking 2 out 3 from Boston and the Lightning was winning big in Miami over the Panthers. Good for the teams from the Tampa Bay area, LATER

Saturday Morning April 23rd..37 days until departure for the cabin

Well Friday was another fun day and while the morning was very nice with temps in the 60's to start the day by lunch time that had all changed to the 80's with a strong breeze. I started the day much the usual with a 6'ish roll out to my routines that start with some quiet time after posting this ramble and then a ride out to the Rec on my bike for a good workout on the pickle ball courts. I left before 10 and headed home to work outside in the yards and gardens until lunch time then it was reading the afternoon away.

Aunt Betsy came by and picked up a sack of tomato's as I have them once again coming ripe. I took an egg plant to the Rec for one of the players who loves egg plant parmesan. I must say the one Nancy made the other night and I finished for lunch today was the best I've ever eaten and it was still crispy after being leftover. It reminded me of a thick pizza and the flavor was so delicious. The website for the recipe is loveandlemon.com. it's a family recipe.

We had shrimp and linguine for supper which was also delicious as we are trying eat down our freezer and cupboards. We will still take 3 coolers of stuff with us which is usual but I'm hoping we can have the coolers with enough room to stock up at Sam's Club on the way up to the cabin, oh well. After supper and the cleanup we settled into the Fox news and then the Ray's baseball game. They had a chance to win in the 9th with bases loaded but could not score and lost 4-3.

Today we head over to Brandon for Gabe's game and then to spent the night watching the twins as Bobby and Katie celebrate with a night out on the beach as its their anniversary, LATER

Friday Morning April 22nd..38 days to departure for the mountains

 Well Thursday was another nice morning with cooler temps in the 60's and very little humidity or none as there was no dew on the grasses. I started the day much the usual with my routines that always include some quiet time to honor my Lord and lift up several by name. All seem to be doing well. I headed out on my bike for close to two hours of pickle ball at the Rec with good players. I left with a wet shirt and whupped as the play was fast and continuous. My game was back on through out the morning and it felt good to work out. The ride home on my bike was a chore as I faced a stiff breeze.

I hand watered the gardens and the front yard as its very dry and we are in need of some rain. Thankfully the new pump is a blessing and puts out a great stream of water. I did harvest another dozen or so tomato's and some seeds to take with me from the cilantro and dill plants that are going to seed. I'll take them with me for replanting at the summer garden at the cabin.

After lunch I read the afternoon away as the heat came and the stiff breeze made it feel even hotter. Neighbor Carol came down with her grand daughter whom she looks after every afternoon and boy is she a smart one as well as a talker. So cute and full of energy. I was laying in the spare room reading with an ice pack on my knee and shoulder so she was putting stickers on me to get better, so cute and thoughtful.

Well I grilled some marinated chicken breasts for supper accompanied with a baked sweet tater and green beans. After the clean up I settled into the news which is depressing to see how this corrupt inept potus is leading US(A) to destruction from abroad and from within. The only decent thing is the woke crowd and radical liberals are finally being exposed for their hatred of the nation along with the liberal MSM. CNN looks as if its getting their rightful rewards for their hate and false reporting. I hope they and the other radical left wing media outlets go bankrupt; serves them right for covering for this corrupt administration.

I soon tuned into the Lightning game and they finally put it together against the number one team in their division the Maple Leafs. It was 4-0 when I shut the lights off at 10 and the Rays were off last night, LATER

Thursday Morning April 21st

Well Wednesday was a bit chilly with temps in the low 60's to start the day. The north wind was strong as I rode my bike out to the Rec around 8'ish for an hour an half of play with mainly B players except for two of us. I did get some exercise but miss the good play on Tue and Thur play when its strictly A players or the more experienced. Anyhow I stopped off at the library on my way home for a couple new reads by Vince Flynn.

I had started the day much the usual with a well before 6 roll out to my morning routines that always after posting this ramble spent some quiet moments with my Lord in thanksgiving and lifting several by name. All seems as well as can be expected due to age and health issues. I check the worldly news and the nation is going to hell in hand basket with this inept potus Biden and his administration who are doing everything possible to destroy the nation and our culture along with the help of the biased and vile MSM. We sure could use some leadership as the democrats have thrown the nation to our enemies and consider only their welfare and pocket books while leaving the rest of US(A) to scratch out a living.

I came back from the REC and piddled around in the gardens pulling weeds and spraying around the edges of the fence with a weed killer. The tomato's have really slowed down despite hand watering twice a day. I did harvest two nice egg plants and Nancy made the most delicious egg plant parmesan from a recipe I found on the web. It was fabulous to say the least and no frying was involved. I have enough leftover for lunch. It's too bad it does take some prep work because I could eat this a couple times a week its that tasty. I still have 5 or so small ones on the plant that should mature in the next few weeks. They are a slow growing vegetable.

I would post some pics but Nancy got a new phone and some how we haven't been able to transfer pics to my blog, oh well. I settled into the Ray's game in cold wet Chicago and the bats finally came to life with decent pitching and they won big last evening, LATER

Wednesday Morning April 20th

 Well time just slips right on by as this month is 2/3 gone already. We are getting excited about the nearness of leaving here in hot muggy Florida for the coolness of the mountains for one of several reasons. We also saw some pictures of the finished cabinets and countertops that Jake constructed and the finished kitchen renovations he did. He will soon finish the table and chairs as well.

I started the day much the usual with a well before 6 rollout to my routines that always start with giving thanks for another day above ground and heading out to the Rec for another workout session that is fun. My game was back yesterday and while the stamina isn't totally there I did more than an hour and half on the court with some great play with folks younger and held my own not losing during that time frame. I came back and piddled around outside in the yards and gardens before lunch.

After lunch I settled into reading the afternoon away until supper time then we cleaned up and headed to Keswick School for the spring concert which featured both Ava and Sam in the choir. Sam actually got the first award of the night for the 6th grade boys given out for outstanding performance during the school year. It was the last concert for their choir leader who is moving on into the doctoral program and lots of tears were shed for him leaving the school.

We saw and spoke with several old BridgePoint members in attendance who had also moved on during the pandemic but were very cordial and friendly in seeing us and hearing about my ordeal with the covid. We walked over to the arts building and looked at the projects many of these choir members had on display. Wow is all I can say of these pieces on display and the proud attitudes of these students who created these master pieces.

We got back to the house around 9'ish and watched the Lightning lose to a team they had beaten all season and the Ray's were barely holding on in Chicago when I turned the lights out at 10, LATER

Tuesday Morning April 19th

Well Monday turned out to be another hot and muggy day with lots of sunshine. There were a few rain clouds around but no rain. What a weird month as we spoke with family in W.Va. and they had 2-4 inches of snow on the ground and we were watching the Ray's game in Chicago and it was snowing there at times and really cold. 

I started the day much the usual with a before 6 roll out to my morning routines then headed off to the Rec a little before 8 for a good workout on the pickle ball court for nearly two hours. There was a full house of players an a couple newbies as well. It was a constant workout and I was whupped with a wet shirt before leaving the gym. I came home and harvested tomato's and then hand watered the garden and piddled around outside in the yards until lunch time. It was stay inside the rest of the afternoon and read until supper time when I grilled some delicious venison burgers. I hand watered the gardens again while they were grilling. Many thanks to our cabin neighbor Gerald for providing this delicacy. We both love the meat especially grilled to medium on a bun with tomato, onion and pickle with mustard, yikes that is the best ever.

After the cleanup we settled into the Fox News until the game came on and the Ray's were losing again in a cold windy evening in Chicago by a run when I shut the lights out a little after 10, LATER

Monday Morning April 18th

 Well Easter Sunday was beautiful not only in the weather but the worship atmosphere as we celebrated the empty tomb. We had lots of first timers at BridgePoint Church as I helped both services to park folks and to welcome them as well as several who we hadn't seen since this pandemic struck and shut the college down where we were worshiping for a couple of years. Out of that we were able to purchase this old building, renovate it and turned it into our home church. What a blessing as we no longer have to load in and load out each Sunday. We still have a great bunch of volunteers each and every week who assist with the kids and this week we had over 70 little ones. There were several who elected to take their little ones into the service with them.

I love the greetings, hugs and handshakes to welcome folks and make them feel welcomed into the church where we help show them the love of Jesus. The service message was awesome as Tyler did a good job presenting the first hand account of the gospel of Luke who recorded for us the three days that made a difference to mankind. Some left with tears and sought some counseling as they were convicted by this message about the meaning of what Jesus did for us on those 3 days and how honoring that selfless act can change your whole life. We got back to the house around 12:30 after leaving at 8 for the church. I worked the parking lot and Nancy the information desk. I sat in the first service once the message started and Nancy was able to set in the second service. We had our two largest gatherings since the church opened last summer and I hope we made a difference for many.

We headed out around 2:30 for Brandon and Bobby's place which is beautiful and easily handles all of the 23 or so folks who were attending the Easter meal at 5'ish. The trip over and back was uneventful and the backup's weren't as bad for a change. It still took us an hour to get there and back. The food was delicious as always as each of us brought  dishes. Bobby grilled lamb burgers and there was corn dip, veggie and fruit trays, mac and cheese, salads and 2 cheese cakes with fruit for dessert. We did get to watch the Ray's finally come to life and win a game in cold Chicago over the White Sox's. The little guys had fun Easter egg hunting as Nancy filled a ton of plastic eggs with change and bills plus baskets for all the 7 grand kiddos. The older kids all got bathing suits, clothes and candies whereas they kept the candy away from the twins. It was a fun filled family affair with Katie's folks and sisters and my cousins and all of Amy's family, LATER

EASTER Sunday Morning April 17th

 Well Saturday was basically a fun day although a couple hours of it found us working the BridgePoint Fun Day at the Tyrone campus. I started the day much the usual with my routines, quiet times and then a ride out to the Rec at 8 Am for an hour of pickle ball before we headed out to Tampa around 10 for Gabe's ball game. Gabe played great and Bobby is really a great coach, not only managing the team but a great instructor and cheer leader as well. The boys won big at 12-2  over a team they narrowly beat before. We got back to the house around 1:30 and had a bite of lunch before heading down to the Tyrone area of St.Pete. 

We saw many old familiar faces as we once attended this campus before being on the plant team for the Seminole campus. Several from our Seminole campus elected to work this fun day/Easter family occasion for this campus and Nancy and I volunteered. It was a bit hot with temps in the upper 80's. I worked the parking detail and it was work as we had hundreds of vehicles entering and exiting the several adjacent parking lots of businesses. Thousand of attendees showed up as it was catered to children with jump houses, face painting, balloons, icees, and several kid games. Nancy worked one of the jump houses which was a big hit for the small kids. The fun day ended at 5 and then there was a service inside the building. We were able to leave around 5:30 and both of us were hot and  exhausted.

We came back and chilled and had a frozen pizza for supper as we were too hot to even pick up fast food. I hand watered the gardens and after cooling down we ate a lite supper. I tuned into the Lightning game and once again they were losing until the 3rd period when they finally settled down and beat the Jets 7-4 after being down 4-2. They finally put their Stanley Cup skills to work with their number 2 goalie. I switched to some of the new USFL football league's opening game and it was interesting. After a hot shower I was soon ready for some horizontal lab after an exciting day of meeting folks and being on my feet, LATER

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL

Saturday Morning April 16th

 Well Good Friday was just that as we celebrated knowing that Jesus a couple thousand years ago paid the price for our (mankind) sins at Calvary and that only through Him would we ever be saved from death's door or separation from GOD but have life, Thank You Jesus. We heard a great message and celebrated with friends (Botbyl's) at their new church and even renewed some old friendships from years back who we hadn't seen in ages.

I started the day much the usual with my routines, quiet times and then a ride out to the Rec on my bike a little before 8. There were already players waiting on me and we had a great workout for over and hour and a half. I left a little before 10 with a wet shirt and worn out. I came back and hand watered the gardens and piddled around digging up some weeds and harvesting tomato's. Nancy was busy in the kitchen making dips and a cheesecake for Sunday at Bobby's when we celebrate Easter with family. After lunch I read the afternoon away until it was time to get ready to head out with the Botbyl's around 6 for a light supper at Culver's before heading over to the church on Starkey Road.

 We came back to our house and chatted until close to 9:30 and watched a little of the hockey game. Seems the Ray's lost another game in Chicago and are not playing good ball as was expected, oh well. I soon hit the shower and lights out by a little after 10, LATER

Friday Morning April 15th

 Well today is tax deadline day and I have already received my refund and banked it. Not much but well worth it as the cost of everything has skyrocket. This democrat potus has done more to harm and weaken our nation than any other in history and yet there are those even in my circle who still are still "ridin' with biden". It's unbelievable they follow the corrupt main stream media and I suppose they have no choice because of their lack of love of country, love of GOD and our culture and their just plain hatred of Trump who exposed those in D.C. of treason and hatred for America.

I started Thursday out with my usual routines except for heading to the Rec at 10 instead of 8 for two hours of pickle ball. Seems the gym was closed due to some maintenance but that changes this week and we will be allowed back in the gym every morning at 8. I had a good workout and left with a wet shirt. I feel I'm getting back into my style of play and seem to be getting my stamina back as well. I'm so thankful that my body is regaining after the events I went through with this covid as well as all the prayers I received for making this happen. I'm a blessed man, no doubt.

After a lunch we headed out to run some errands. First to Sam's Club and then to Verizon where Nancy did an upgrade on her phone. Seems we got a deal according to the attendant but we will see when the bill comes in every month. As for me I'll stick with my trac phone at a hundred bucks a year. I don't take pictures or text or do any of that stuff Nancy's phone does which is alright. We then headed over to the shoe store and picked up a pair of tennis shoes. Nancy's new shoes were killing her feet so they took those back and she got a new pair and I got mine half off. Now that was a deal.

We came home and had leftovers for supper. I wanted watch the Ray's but the afternoon game was over and they lost again to Oakland. Seems they need some better pitchers and the Lightning was losing as well when I shut the TV off, oh well, LATER

Thursday Morning April 14th

 Well Wednesday was a day of fun and some work as we got ready for our evening supper with three other couples. I started the day with a before 6 roll out to my morning routines that always include some quiet time to honor my Creator and Lord. I headed out on my bike to the Rec a little before 8 for an hour and half of pickle ball. We had some good play and I left whupped with a wet shirt. I made a stop at the library for a new Vince Flynn read before heading home to hand water the gardens and piddle around outside. The weather was very nice and while the heat and humidity are showing its summer like conditions the morning was very pleasant up until noon.

I harvested another bunch of tomato's and gave away a couple dozen last evening to our three couples as well as two nice black beauty egg plants. We had cooked carrots and beets from the garden and everyone raved about them. They accompanied the grilled flank steaks which were delicious along with Carols salad. Sheri brought a very tasty dip to start the gastric juices flowing and Sandra a dessert of pudding and Oreo cookies with marshmallow bunnies on top. Everything was cleaned up except for a couple of pieces of the meat.

Afterwards we taught Gary and Sandra the game of Sequence and while there was a couple hiccups because of their first time playing it went well, almost too well as Sandra catches on quick and the gals beat the guys on the 5th and final game, oh well It was a fun time and of course lots of table talk which the gals decry every chance they get. Everyone left around 9 and then we put the kitchen back together. We probably won't see the Nymark's for awhile as they travel to Disney park with the grands and then Steve heads to the mountains for a week. They put their huge beautiful house on the market to down size for over a million bucks. They still a house just a couple doors down from Amy and Tyler's house and will eventually move into that house which is about half their present house size. They will make great neighbors. 

We will see Gary and Sandra often over the next week or so as they still attend BridgePoint but Dan and Carol have changed churches. We will attend a Good Friday service with them at their church. I tuned into the Rays game after everyone left and they were losing again after coming from behind in extra innings to win Tuesday night. Their pitching is terrible with too many walks, LATER

Wednesday Morning April 13th

 Well Tuesday was a busy day that started with a 5:30  rollout and then my morning routines, quiet times and then a ride out to the Rec for an hour and half of pickle ball just before 8. I drove the truck as I had a 9:30 blood draw at Quest which was only 10 minutes from the Rec. I had a good workout with really good players and was whupped when it was time to head out.

Quest drew another 10 or so vials of blood and while most of it was covered by medi care several were not to the tune of nearly 400 bucks, yikes. It was a fasting draw as well so I was hungry by the time I got to the house. After a hard boiled egg and a tomato sandwich with mayo, onion and lettuce I was satisfied until supper time. I did take my handful of vitamins when I got home as well.

I hand watered the gardens after eating and harvested several tomato's. The squirrels and birds are pecking the ripe ones again and I had to toss several in the compost pile or bury them in the gardens. I harvested a couple of nice beets and several carrots as Nancy wants to serve them tonight with our grilled flank steak dinner for our guests. 

I read the afternoon away with another Vince Flynn book until supper time. We decided to eat around 5:30 instead of the 6'ish since I had eaten around 10'ish after getting back from the blood draw. We had hamburgers and tatter tots as we start to clean out the freezer. I want to eat down the freezers as we leave hopefully by the end of May for the cabin. We settled into the Ray's game together until I hit the showers around 8 and then she took over the living room TV and I settled in the bedroom. The Ray's blew a 4 run lead and when I shut the TV off at 10'ish the score was tied. They had more walks than strike outs. Most of the relief pitchers are not very good from what I've seen thus far, LATER

Tuesday Morning April 12th

 Well Monday turned out to be a rather nice day despite the heat coming up again as the humidity stayed low. I did my usual morning routines then headed out to the Rec on my bike for a good workout on the pickle ball courts. We had some great play and I left with a wet shirt. Nancy had a doctors appointment so I changed clothes and drove her and then we headed to Sam's Club to gas up and get some goodies for our Wednesday night dinner with 3 other couples. Gas was 3.89 and the lines were long. It was 20 cents or more a gallon cheaper than next door. Anyhow we found what we were looking for and headed home. She dropped me off and then headed to Publix for some other items. I had some leftovers for lunch and then headed out to hand water the gardens.

I mostly read the afternoon away until supper time finishing THE INVISIBLE WOMAN which was based on a real person and then we settled into what we thought would be a good game with the Ray's playing their 4th game; but it was a blow by the second innings for the Athletics as the pitcher who came in for an the injured Ray's starter gave up 8 runs, yikes. He needs to go back down to the minor league, oh well. We watched Jesse and then I hit the shower and watched some Mountain Men on the Roku until bedtime, LATER

Monday Morning April 11th

 Well Sunday started out a bit chilly but quickly warmed up to the low 70's which stayed in that range for most of the day. There was plenty of sunshine and blue skies and the breeze really kept the temps quite nice in the afternoon. Worship was awesome at BridgePoint as we attended the second service which Nancy was working the information desk and I just wondered around hugging and hand shaking many. We saw lots of new faces as well. Our campus pastor Bryan brought the message from the home church which was videoed to the down town campus and to us here in Seminole. Hopefully some day we will just have an on campus pastor every Sunday and do away with the simulcast from one facility.

We met up with the Botbyl's and the Nymark's after church at Olive Garden for a delicious filling meal. Little did we known our server just starting attending BridgePoint as I left a welcome card about our Easter Services with my tip. She met us on the way out and introduced herself to us. You just never know who you come in contact with just by leaving an invitation. The meal was excellent and Nancy brought most of her home for later. I filled up on their delicious Zuppa soup and bread sticks and linguine with shrimp and scallops. Very good and I cleaned my plate. I didn't eat anything the rest of the day.

Nancy when shopping with Carol from the eatery and Dan dropped me off to watch the Ray's win big and the the Lightning did the same later in the evening. Finally our teams made a great showing both at the ball field and on the ice. I hit the shower around 8 and then watched some man vs nature until it was lights out at 10'ish. It's hard to believe next Sunday is Easter as time just moves right along. We will soon be thinking of heading out for the cabin in another 6 weeks or so, LATER

Sunday Morning April 10th

Well Saturday morning found us with temps down into the low 50's to start the day and while we had bright sunshine the cold north wind kept it chilly all day long, especially at the open ball field in the afternoon. We watched Gabe win his game with a long drive to the outfield and he was called out at home plate as he tried to stretch the hit into a home run but his and his team mates hitting were on and they won 16-5 against a team that scored 2 runs their first at bat. Anyhow it was a great win for Bobby's team but oh so windy and chilly through out the game.

I started the day much the usual with my morning routines then I headed out on the cool morning but hadn't got windy yet for a workout at the Rec. The power was out there so 8 or so of us headed out to the outside court and played pickle ball for nearly an hour before heading back into the gym for another set or so once the lights came on. It was a good work out and once again helps me getting back into shape for the mountains and the cabin. I'm looking forward to hiking and gardening as well as all the yard work in the cool of the mountains. There was an inch or so of snow that fell there yesterday but quickly melted as the ground was not frozen, but still snow after it being in the 70's the day before, oh well.

We left Seminole around 10:30 for Brandon so we could play and then have lunch with the twins. We got in some good fun time with them and they are maturing so fast. Both are sharpe with their ABC's and numbers. They ate great for lunch then took an hour or so nap before we all headed to the ball field. They have such a grand time there and of course we so enjoy them. We left after the last out as we had a supper date with the Botbyl's and the Tracy's. The traffic was horrible with so much congestion on the interstates. The food was plentiful and very tasty and afterwards we played a 6 hand game of Euchre and the men won on the last hand after falling behind at first. It was going on 9 so it was time for a hot shower and then some TV time before lights out for me at 10'ish or so, LATER

Gabe at bat.

Saturday Morning April 9th

Well Friday was a rather chilly day here in usually hot and muggy central Florida but after the front moved through on Thursday the highs may have reached the low 70's and the stiff breeze in the shade gave you chill bumps. We had the house open all day with the a/c off for a change. I did my usual morning routines before driving to the Rec for a good hour and half workout on the pickle ball court with some really good play. I held my own winning mostly until the last set when I ran out of gas and myself and partner dropped a set, oh well. I can feel my play is getting stronger and the stamina is returning slowly but surely. I had to run over to the Nymak's and give her my doctors form that I shouldn't be traveling on a ship due to the issues I faced from Covid. Sheri is helping me with this refund from the Princess Cruise Line.

I came back and fired up the mower and mowed both yards before eating some lunch. I did harvest some more tomato's and hand watered the gardens. After lunch I sat in the back yard in the shade and read for the next couple of hours until the Ray's opening season game with the Orioles at 3'ish. What a close came and the home town won 2-1 in a sold our stadium in St.Petersburg. I'm looking forward to the baseball season beginning as the Lightning seem to have lost their ability to win after another loss last evening. Maybe they are just playing to not suffer any injuries as it seems they are coasting until the playoffs which occur in a few days, oh well. 

We head over to Brandon on Saturday( today) for Gabe's baseball game and then supper at the Botbyl's when we get back. It should be a great day for being outside once again as the humidity has stayed away this weekend. I'll head out around 8 this morning for some pickle ball and then watch some of the Rays game at 12'ish, LATER

Friday Morning April 8th

 Well this month is moving right along and its holding to its name with "April Showers" or down  pours as we had some heavy rain on Thursday and the rain and overcast skies were here through out the day. It was much needed and the yard and gardens are looking good again. It won't last with the heat getting back into the upper 80's but for now they are looking good.

I headed out to the Rec in the truck as severe weather was on the radar and sure enough it hit just as I finished up and hour and half of pickle ball. We had a couple of new players who were visiting and very good players; she was very strong and much better than her husband. I sure hope they come back and play with us. I got in a good workout and I feel my stamina getting stronger each day.

After lunch I headed over to the clinic and picked up a form from my doctor for the insurance company for the cruise line, stating I was not going on the cruise due to medical reasons from covid. I sure hope they refund all the money we have paid them. Our biggest fear or reason for canceling totally was the mandate of a vaccine shot to just get on the boat and we are not totally in favor of that, plus having to wear a mask for 10 days while on board. No way.

I read the afternoon away and started a new read titled THE INVISIBLE WOMAN. It's about the resistance in France to the Nazi's in WWII by the locals. Thus far its very interesting as this American girl who dresses up as an old woman with one leg amputated from an accident goes around to small towns and coordinates air drops to those who are in the resistance and the atrocities the Nazi's conduct upon the local citizens. A real page turner as well.

We had baked pork chops and green beans for supper then settled into the Fox News after. The US Senate with 3 Rino's voted with the dem's to confirm this liberal nominee to the SCOTUS who is soft on crime and an activist judge; but she is a black woman. What a qualification to be a judge. Just another example of the corrupt democrats to destroy the nation. Oh well, LATER

Thursday Morning April 7th

 Well Wednesday was another hot and muggy day but the early morning was quite nice before the humidity became evident. I did my morning routines before heading out on my bike to the Rec for an hour and half of pickle ball. It was with mainly B players as the A players do not like to play with these but I wanted the exercise. I worked up a sweat and gave some instructions to those who are leaning the game. I did not lose with any of my partners through out the morning and left with a wet shirt.

I piddled around in the garden for a few and then settled into reading as Nancy left to get her hair cut and colored. She was gone until 1'ish so I had a tomato sandwich on sourdough bread which was delicious for my lunch. It was so muggy out side that I read the afternoon away until supper time. I finished the Vince Flynn book which was a real page turner before we ate supper.

We got a call from Jake and Kaitlyn who were at the cabin finishing up installing the cabinets. The granite folks were there to take a final measurement on the counter tops so that should be there in a couple weeks. We face timed with them and he had the microwave in as well as the sink and the new light over the sink. The cupboard or pantry where the old microwave stand use to be was in as was the cabinet above the fridge. We like the light green color of the cabinets and they should look great with the colors of the new granite countertops. Jake ran a new electric line for the microwave oven and installed a breaker as well.

Seeing all of these improvements just make us anxious to get there and see the difference in the cabin. He will make us a new table and put together 8 chairs for us as well. We should have more room at the table as we make the table with a trestle base instead of legs which restrict getting chairs inward. We will have plenty of room for all the entertaining we do during the summer. We tuned into the news after supper and once again see the corruption associated with this potus and his family. I tuned into the Ray's and Lightning games and both were getting beat, LATER

Wednesday Morning April 6th

 Well Tuesday was a fun day and then supper over at the Nymark's. It is still hot and muggy for most of the day but the mornings are quite nice; almost spring like. We are getting excited with the thought in the days to come with heading to the mountains for the summer.

I headed out a little before 8 on my bike to the Rec after my morning routines for a good workout on the pickle ball court. We had several good players with 2 courts in action, but many are starting to leave for up north. I played well and the stamina is returning but still holding the play to just an hour and a half. My shoulders and arms still ache at nights from the fall which keeps me mainly on my back at nights so sleep is some what compromised. I'm using an analgesic which helps but since I'm on a blood thinner I can not use any anti inflammatories for the pain and healing; Tylenol just doesn't do the trick, oh well.

I stopped off at the library for a new read before heading home to hand water the gardens. The garden is slowly with the heat going into rest until next fall. The tomato's, egg plant and onions are holding but the leafy greens are wilting during the high heat of the day but do come back over night. So I'm still harvesting enough for salads. The carrots are doing fine as well and I harvested a handful along with several tomato's and jalapeno peppers which loves the heat.

We worked on some of the cruise issues we were going to take with the Nymark's next month but my covid health issues caused us to cancel and we are trying to get our refund from the cruise line. Sheri is a pro at this and she is helping me with this issue. They had zucchini boats for supper which are always a favorite of mine and we brought a garden fresh salad as some tomato's. Afterwards we played two games of Euchre and gals wiped the floor with us in both games. Such fun with such awesome folks. Steve with be heading to the mountains in a couple weeks and Sheri is always traveling as well. They are getting ready to sell their beautiful huge house and downsize in the coming months, LATER

Tuesday Morning April 5th

Well Monday was basically a fun day as I had an appointment to have chest x-rays at the Bardmoor Clinic and then I came home and picked up Nancy and we headed to Tyrone Mall as she was looking for some items she needed. We found nothing she wanted or needed so it will be an order on line for those items. We did use up a coupon I had received from giving blood a few months ago at Panera Bread. I enjoyed my sandwich and soup but Nancy wasn't thrilled with her selections. We did buy an 8 dollar loaf of sourdough bread to bring home. Becca's bread in Sparta is 5 bucks a loaf which I thought was high but is delicious. I hope this loaf is as good and I won't complain next time at her prices.

One of our pickle ball buddies wanted to have a get together at his place around 2'ish as several of the Canadians are leaving to go back north so 7 of us met at his house under the back porch for snacks and drinks for an hour or so. I was full from lunch but did drink a beer with the group. His place is just off the trail and it was a fun time as we tried to remember all of the past players and their rankings. We have a good bunch of players at the Rec. and enjoy most everyone except the beginners when they try to infiltrate into our play, oh well.

Nancy picked up a salmon filet at Aldi's and grilled it in the oven for our supper along with a fresh garden salad. My tomato's make the salad with their awesome flavor. I did harvest some kale, Swiss chard and beet greens which are still hanging on despite the heat. After supper we watched Fox News until the Lightning game came on and then the finals of the mens basketball game. The Lightning were losing and the N.C team was up by 15 when I shut the lights at around 10, LATER

Monday Morning April 4th

Well Sunday was another great day of worship at BridgePointe with an awesome crowd and lots of new faces. The message was very good and the worship music was heart felt and inspiring. We gathered with several, hugging and loving up on folks. I just love the friendly folks there. Afterwards we met up with Steve and Sheri at the Village Inn for a delicious breakfast before heading back to the house. That held us until suppertime. Amy came by in the afternoon for a visit and Nancy made up a batch of cookies for her to take home for the kiddos.

I read the afternoon away and finished a great read by Vince Flynn titled KILL SHOT and then started a new read of his this morning titled TRANSFER OF POWER while sitting on the throne. It starts out as another good read. I did watch a little TV waiting for the women championship college game later in the evening. The South Carolina team blew away the Connecticut team which is always a power house with many national titles. Not much else going on as the temps were held down due to the mainly over cast skies. I did get in a bike ride around 3'ish as I'll miss pickle ball this AM due to a 9'ish appointment for a couple chest x-rays, LATER

Sunday Morning April 3rd

 Well Saturday saw us with more rain in the morning so much so I drove to the Rec for a good workout on the pickle ball court for an hour and half at 8 AM and then came back and read until it was time to head to church for our life group picnic at 11AM. We had a great crowd of around 60 or so folks with tons of food as well as several games of corn toss and then a huge bingo game which was hilarious at the way it worked. What a grand time which lasted to around 2'ish and then several of us stayed for the cleanup and to put the hall back in order for today's services. 

What a great fellowship hall which gave us tons of room right off the kitchen. Our facility is really working out to meet all of our needs and then some. We had two groups that met as we divided once and probably should again with our growth which is a good thing. We had a prayer and praise time and found out one of our members passed away while visiting family in Kentucky plus several who are having severe medical issues and some of us believe it's a result of the vaccine. One lady had a birthday so we all sang and embarrassed her. There were several newbies as well which is a good thing and then again there were a few who had left the group that we missed as well.

We came back and settled into the TV as rain was once again in the picture and at times with heavy down pours. We watched some MLB and some college baseball until supper which was basically a repeat of lunch which was hot dogs, tatter salad and sliced tomato's. I bagged up tomato's, jalapeno's and egg plants for a fellow friend who had moved up to Brooksville but still are active in our life group and still have a house in the neighborhood. We watched the Kansas basketball team whup up on Villanova and I watched the first half on the Duke vs N.C. with Duke ahead by 3. I'll have to check on the scores after posting this ramble, LATER

Saturday Morning April 2nd

Well Friday morning found us with rain clouds and then a couple hours of down pours all of which was much needed. I did manage to ride out on my bike to the Rec. around 8 in between the showers for an hour plus of pickle ball. It poured until lunchtime and then cleared off so we decided to go ahead to Tampa after talking about canceling until Monday. Gabe had a 6:30 game so since we were close to Brandon we decided to go ahead and hope the rain held off until later in the evening and it did. Bobby had a supper of chicken and salad and we ate with them. We got to play with the twins after they got home from school.

Well the game went down to the last out but Gabe's team lost by a run after their starting pitcher walked several batters. Gabe could not pitch because of the rules and will pitch today Saturday afternoon. It was a team they were beating for most of the game but lost due to bad pitching and errors on the infield, oh well. It was a fun evening despite the loss and the rain clouds were starting to build as we left the park.

We made a stop at the International Plaza in Tampa on the way to Brandon and that place was packed with diners and shoppers. Nancy wanted to have her new glasses adjusted and to drop off the pair that was imperfect that came through the mail. We walked around the mall and its like a city unto itself. The traffic was heavy on the interstate and at times stop and go. I'm sure glad I'm no longer dealing with this mess on the highways.

We got back to Seminole around 9:30 and it was soon shower time for me and a little TV before lights out around 10'ish. Today will be another busy day with a luncheon with our Life Group at church after some pickle ball to start the day at 8 AM, LATER

Just a few pics of Nancy's shopping trip and a couple birds in the yard and of course our egg plant and green tomato's frying from a day ago.

Friday Morning April 1st

Well Thursday was another work day except for a brief work out at the Rec as the gym was closed from 8 to 10. So instead of pickle ball which is usually at that time I headed into the weight room and did a mile on the treadmill them biked home to work outside until lunch time. I finished up the front planters by removing the last of the grasses along the shrubs and then putting mulch down. That kept me busy until lunch time. I did mow the back yard which only took a few minutes as the weeds were heading up with seeds. I wanted to kept them from spreading. It was a very windy day as well.

Nancy left along with 4 other gals around 10:30 for the grand opening of a ladies clothing store in the mall and got back around 2'ish after eating lunch out with them. I ate light with a just a tomato, a hard boiled egg and some chips which held me until supper. We finally had a couple egg plants large enough to slice and fry and along with a green tomato made them our supper. I know fried foods aren't the best but these two were so tasty and we made them our meal right out of the frying pan. It's a messy job and takes a lot of prep work but so delicious.

I read the afternoon away with a new Vince Flynn book in a series of about 20 books. The afternoon finally clouded over around supper time but we got no rain until close to midnight. It is still raining this AM so maybe I'll have to take the truck to the Rec. We are supposed to go to Brandon this evening for a baseball game after a stop at the glasses outlet for an adjustment to Nancy one pair of glasses and then to Bobby's for an early supper and then the game. We aren't sure if the rain will still be present during this period, oh well. The rain is much needed, LATER