Trip's Place

Saturday on Sunday Morning

2010-01-03T09:35:00.003-05:00

Well I will catch up on yesterday(Sat. after lunch) as we are once again parenting as grand parents. Ava is such a delight but she must have a little elephant in her as she doesn't forget a thing. We were a little concerned as she acted tired and complained a little from time to time that her tummy hurt. It seems she picked up a stomach bug with several bouts of diarrhea over the course of the day. She slept nearly 10 hours and I think that helped her immensely. This morning she ate a whole banana and a buckwheat pancake for breakfast. I think the trip back from Kansas and getting to bed around 2 AM plus up until after midnight on New Years Eve and the excitement at the family dinner all within a short time frame just stressed her system.

The weather here is cold with temp's down into the 30's but no frost last night so the garden was spared once again; but I see a little sunshine peeping through the grey skies. We cancelled our get together with Annsley after church this morning as we didn't want to pass this bug around, especially with a group of toddlers at Element. Nancy and I managed to get our quiet times in between video's of Peter Pan, Snow White and Blaze galloping off into the living room.

Well we are sure not use to this sustained period of cold for Florida but this chill is nothing to what our northern and mountain friend's are experiencing, YIKES!! it is down right nasty up there. We hope for warmer days and that Spring is not too far off for all of you. I'm having a tough time accepting this "global warming conspiracy"promoted by those who stand to make tons of dollars.

Well were glad to hear Amy and Tyler had a safe trip to cold Atlanta with the 17 folks in their group. I sure hope the Atlanta Falcons come to Tampa today, cold. This is the final game of the regular season and the Bucs are on a 2 game winning streak after knocking off the 13-1 Saint' last Sunday. GO BUCS!!I almost forgot to mention the USF Bulls(Tampa town team) another good team from the Big East who just happened to beat an Illinois team in a bowl game yesterday.

Well I'm rambled on long enough, top of the day to all. LATER

Friday on Saturday Morning

2010-01-02T10:19:00.003-05:00

Well the day started out early with rain falling on the roof during the early morning hours. I finally managed a decent nights sleep after 2 nights of not sleeping to good. I drug myself out of the sack a little after 8 AM. That reminded me of some of those peaceful mountain mornings from last summer when we would sleep in after 8 almost every morning. However, I wouldn't want to be in the mountains at the cabin this time of the year.The snow is still on the ground with lots of ice and the wind chill this morning was a minus 12 degree's. Holy Cow, that is cold!!! We have the heat on here as I write with the temp's not getting much above 50 today and for the next several days. Lows are expected to be right about the freezing mark. I certainly hope my garden survives but it's looking doubtful for the beans, 'maters and some of the herbs. The strong breeze is making it downright cold out there.

Nancy fixed us a couple blueberry buckwheat cakes for breakfast with an egg on top, now that's a good breakfast to start out the new year. After a clean up we got a ham bone on to boil for the bean soup we were preparing to go along with the traditional supper for New Year's Day; later on this evening when the whole family comes to celebrate. G/G was roasting a pork loin with sauerkraut, kielbasa and a few hot dogs and Nancy was making the smashed 'taters, pumpkin and fresh blueberry pies. What a tasty treat as sauerkraut and pork have become one of our favorite meals.

We just spent the rest of the evening as well as most of the day watching some really good( for a change) college bowl games. It was great to see Coach Bobby Bowden of FSU go out with a win after his team beat a ranked team as well as a super young man, Tim Tebow took the number 3 team in the nation apart with his superb leadership. Florida is blessed to have 2 great schools with outstanding football teams, actually 3 teams as we can't forget the Miami 'Canes. The Outback Bowl in Tampa was an overtime game with a great finish as was the Rose Bowl with a hard fought game.

Nancy and I are looking after Ava while Amy and Tyler lead a group of 17 students to Atlanta, Georgia for the Passion Conference for college students. They will begone until Wednesday so we will have lots of grand parenting to do with Ava. She is such a joy and so smart. Both Ava and Annsley will get to be together again on Sunday as we will visit the afternoon after church. The girls play so well together and are so much fun.

Well we are getting some laundry out and if it warms up enough we will go to the rec center for some playtime after lunch so Ava can play on the playground equipment. Not much else planned other than staying warm and playing with Ava. Later.

Thursday, Last Post for 2009

2009-12-31T17:09:00.002-05:00

Well this day started out a little after midnight when Nancy and I headed to Tampa Airport to pick up the Ross Family; daughter Amy, Ava and Tyler. Originally they were scheduled to arrive in Tampa around 10:30 PM but their flight with Continental Airlines from Kansas was cancelled because of weather, so they managed to get on another carrier for their return trip to Tampa via Dallas on American Airlines. We got back to Seminole and into bed around 2 AM and I tried to get to sleep but to no avail. I was sure keyed up about something so I tossed and turned until the alarm went off at 6:30.

The morning found me with the usual routine of my quiet time and a lite breakfast of cereal with a banana and a cup of hot green tea. I headed out to the rec on my bike for the last pickle ball play of this year. The outside temp was rather nice and mild. We had 14 players once again with a few players who hadn't been there in awhile. There was 2 good hours of play with lots of wet shirts.

I stopped off at the library then headed on home to hang a load of laundry before hand watering the garden. Nancy had to go get her daily Publix fix after her 3o minutes on the (t)dreadmill before heading home to prepare a fresh garden salad for lunch. After lunch I tried to lay down and take a short siesta but once again I was too keyed up. Nancy made a large pot of zuppa toscana soup, so I harvested about 15 large kale leaves from the garden as that is one of the main ingredients. YUMMM!!! We will take that and a bowl of spinach dip up to a neighbors house where she has prepared a pot of cream of broccoli soup and stuffed mushrooms for dinner. We will probably play Sequence(I've already called for the wambalance to standby for the gals) and watch the old year out and the new year in. Unless we get run over by a reindeer while walking 4 doors up from our house we are staying off the roads tonight. I know from experience there will be lots of revelers on the highways.

Well it sure was good to see the Ross Family after 10 days and especially young Ava.They are coming to the get together tonight as well, along with a few other young families and kids. Nancy and I want to wish All A Happy and Prosperous New Year and may GOD Bless. Later, Next Year!!!

Wednesday

2009-12-30T18:59:00.002-05:00

Yikes it was once again rather nippy this AM as I rode out to the rec after my quiet time and a breakfast of oatmeal, blueberries and a banana at 7:25 for some 2 1/2 hours of pickle ball play. We had 10 players with some great play through out the morning. It was good to have one of our regulars back after taking yesterday off due to a cold and a nagging hamstring injury. When I left the rec with Nancy on the (t)dreadmill around 10:30 the temps had really started upwards. It reached a high of 75 today so we opened the windows before heading off to Wal-Mart and Sam's club after a salad for lunch. Nancy saves about 20 bucks on one prescription and nearly 1/3 on another per month. So it makes it worthwhile for us to fight the traffic. Wow that is really a saving when you figure one blood pressure medicine is over a grand a year.

We picked up a few snack things for Ava for next week as we will have her all week as Amy and Tyler lead a group of collegian's to Atlanta, Ga for Passion. We are looking forward to having her for the week. We have really missed her these past 10 days while they were in Kansas. We just got word this evening that Continental Airlines have cancelled their flight back to Tampa this evening and have put them on an American Airlines fight to Tampa that gets them in early tomorrow morning. Actually around 12:30 AM. So Nancy and I will head out to bring them back to Seminole around midnight.

We took a fast paced walk over to get their mail and water the garden around 4 PM. Yesterday we were about 25 degrees colder at the same time as this day. What a difference and that's usual for Florida in the winter time, however the new forecast is calling for some very cold temp's this weekend after some rain is fore casted on New Years Day. Nancy pan fried a couple of pork chops(tenderloins), baked a couple sweet potato's and cooked some fresh broccoli for dinner, YUMMM!!! No wonder I put on a little weight over the holidays.

Well not much else going on except for heading to the airport around midnight or so and tomorrow is the last day for pickle ball in 2009. Wow have I really enjoyed the exercise and the deep friendships that are a result of that sport. Tomorrow Nancy is making a pot of zuppa soup using some of my fresh garden kale for our get together with neighbors, family and church friends and a pot of bean soup to go with sauerkraut, roast pork and mashed potato's on our New Years Day get together with family. Looks like another weekend with lots of good eatin'.LATER.

Tuesday

2009-12-29T19:04:00.002-05:00

The day started out with the heat running, yikes this is Florida. After our quiet times and a lite breakfast of oatmeal, blueberries and a banana I jumped on the bike and headed to the rec about 7:25. Wow was it ever chilly and my eyes watered all the way there; of course the brisk north wind was blowing head on to me.We missed one of our every day players but picked up 3 ladies who are beginners in their 70's at least. They definitely need some practice. I think last year these 3 played in the over 75 Good Life Games and because there was no competition for that age group they actually won medals. Oh well we had a total of 15 players at one time with 3 nets going.

We played until nearly 10:30 as there are no exercise classes this week so the gym was empty. After my workout I checked in with Nancy on the (t)dreadmill as she was walking up a storm. After she walked back to the house which gives her a little extra workout I watered the garden then we got ready to run some errands.First we had a salad for lunch before heading off to the veggie stand to pick up some fresh produce; tomato's, banana's, green peppers,etc. Then we stopped at Target to exchange a pair of jeans I had received as a gift. We then stopped in at Albertson's in that shopping center and picked up some fresh salmon. Wow at 3.99 a pound it was a good buy. Seems they purchased more than they good sell and now are lowering the price to get rid of it. Last week at Sam's the same salmon was over 8 bucks a pound. On the way home we stopped and watered Tyler's garden and picked up a few items that were going out of date in their refrigerator while they are in Kansas.

The rest of the afternoon we spent reading and catching up on some questions for next weeks Bible study before it was time to take a 4 PM walk over to Amy's to pick up their mail. The air was still quite cool especially in the shaded area's. After getting back from our walk Nancy started on dinner. Taco salad was on the menu and that is one of my favorite's. Yeow is that ever good especially with home grown jalapenos.Well not much else going on except there is a chance of frost just north of the bay area tonight. Sure hope it misses my garden. My 1/2 runner beans are starting to bloom as well as the 'mater plants. Everything is finally starting to show some growth. LATER

Monday

2009-12-28T19:06:00.006-05:00

Well the morning started out routine with a few moments of quiet time and a lite breakfast before riding out on the bike to the rec. Yikes, it was nippy this AM as I needed my flannel shirt plus Nancy had the heat on over night. The first time this year so far but looks like its going to be in the 30's here over the next couple of nights as well. What can I say. We just spoke with our "mountain mom" Helen and the conditions there have been terrible; no heat for 12+ hours, unable to get in or out of her lane unless your in a 4 wheel drive vehicle, plus its down in the teens tonight and possibly the rest of the week. We are sure glad we didn't decide to head to the cabin for Christmas and that may just put the damper on any future plans for spending the holidays up there.

I got in 2 + good hours of PB with 13 players.We had some great play and several wet shirts. Nancy came up to work out on the (t)dreadmill for her 30 minutes about the time I was ready to head out for home. It surely had warmed up considerably when I rode out from the rec and it looked like rain as well. Well after lunch all of that changed as a front moved through clearing out the cloudy skies and bringing lots of cool windy temps with bright sunshine. It actually got noticeably cooler as the day progressed but with sunshine. After lunch we started on breaking down the Christmas decorations for another year. The tree and all were packed up and once again stored in the attic. I managed to transplant a few broccoli seedlings and sowed some additional beets, onions, and lettuce seeds before picking some radishes and jalapeno peppers.

We took a quick brisk walk to Amy and Tylers to pick up their mail and water his garden around 4 PM. It had really cooled off especially with the strong brisk northern wind blowing. We came back and read before getting ready to start dinner. Nancy sauteed some fresh yellow squash with onions, heated up a can of black beans over white rice along with salmon fillets. Another great meal. No wonder I gained a couple pounds over the last week with all those great meals plus baked goodies. Well not much else going on except to say how dull the living room is without all the beautiful Christmas decoration. LATER.

2009-12-28T19:06:00.003-05:00

2009-12-28T19:06:00.001-05:00

Sunday Evening

2009-12-27T19:15:00.002-05:00

Well would you believe we have the HEAT on here in sunny Florida. It didn't much get above 57 all day with overcast skies and a few sprinkles. A couple days ago the a/c was on; now the heat, go figure(first time this year). Anyhow we(Nancy) had a good meeting at Element this am for the setting up of the new kid's warehouse classrooms; I helped take down all the decorations and store them again until next year, did lots of sweeping and cleaning as the volunteer painters came in about noon to paint the classrooms. We headed out for home and stopped at the Firehouse Subs in Pinellas Park for lunch before heading out to the nursing home in Seminole at 2 PM. We had a good message and sang several Christmas Carols with the patients.
Tomorrow we will take down our tree and decorations and get back to our normal routine.

I must say when your home town football teams win it is good and the lowly Bucs whupped up on the 13-1 Saints this afternoon at their house in New Orleans. What a surprise!!! My other choice also put it on the Giants in their house in New York, as well. Neither the Bucs or Panthers are going to make the playoffs but it still was good to see both of them win.
Well not much else is a happening here in chilly Tampa Bay area. LATER

Saturday Evening on Sunday Morning

2009-12-27T08:04:00.002-05:00

Well Saturday was a day of rest from self indulgence from food. After our quiet times I choose to eat only a bowl of fruit salad that G/G left for me from Christmas morning breakfast. It was actually chilly outside so we just lounged around until the sun warmed up before heading out to check on the gardens. Finally around 1 PM we got a load of laundry out on the line and I helped with some inside "honey-do's" like vacuuming, etc.

We decided it was time for a good long walk through the 'hood. Nancy had her sweats on and of course just shorts and t-shirt for me. It was in the 60's with some sunshine. We did that for an hour or so then came back and read while Nancy played on FB. I tied up my tomato plants, pulled some radishes(first of the season) ,kale, mustard greens and dill for the salad for our supper. We then walked over to Amy and Tyler's and picked up their mail and I watered the garden. TY's garden is doing very well. His beans are producing and his tomato plants are 3-4 feet high.

We decided to have supper a little early as we skipped lunch so Nancy made potato cakes with the leftover spuds from Christmas dinner, we microwaved the rest of the roast(couple slices) and had a huge fresh garden salad with olive oil and lemon juice. Yeow was those potato cakes ever good.

Well we are getting ready to head to Tampa for a meeting at Element, take down the Christmas decorations and help paint the kids new class room area. There is no gathering this AM. We will then head to the Freedom Square Nursing Pavilion to hold a 2 PM worship service for those patients. It will be a busy day serving others in HIS name. Well until, LATER.

Christmas Day on the day after Christmas

2009-12-26T11:20:00.004-05:00

I'm sure most of you are suffering from the "I ate too much on Christmas Day" as I am. My rambling from yesterday stopped after the great breakfast with Nancy's folks, neighbors and friends the Botbyl's and Carol's mom Jesse. We just digested the rest of the day until Bobby, Jill and Annsley came around 5 as did G/G and Pap(Nancy's folks) and the GAB(Nancy's sister) and her 2 boys Braden and Garrett. We started out with a little shrimp and cocktail sauce while Bobby made the smashed 'taters and gravy. Yeow, is he ever a great maker of these 2 dishes. He uses things most cooks never use or least ordinary cooks never use. I tried to keep up with his ingredients for the gravy which was awesome. I noticed fresh sliced mushrooms into the dripping from the roast, lots of fresh Thyme, sea salt, red wine, ground black pepper, minced garlic, parsley and dijon mustard. Anyhow it was the best and the spuds had sour cream, parsley and Parmesan cheese. Man where they good as well. Anyhow we feasted on one of the best roasts ever and I think we found the key to super medium rare. Roast it at 450 degrees for about 5 minutes then turn it down to 325 temp for 25 minutes for every pound or if you use a meat thermometer until the middle of the roast reaches 135 to 140 degrees. Let set out of the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Indescribably "dewishous" as Annsley says.

After feasting we opened gifts; of course Annsley had been riding Blaze since she first arrived. We want to thank all who helped to make this a great time of celebration.

Today we are planning on taking a nice long walk through the hood with these nice crisp temps and to not over indulge with too many calories. LATER.

Friday Christmas Day

2009-12-25T12:35:00.003-05:00

Well I sure miss the kids coming in at 5 AM and waking you up to open presents. For those of you who still have small children at home enjoy 'cause one of these days you will sleep in until 8 AM and the house will be so quiet. At least now the grand kids will come by in the afternoon and we will once again hear their squeals of delight as they open their presents.

Well we had an amazing breakfast/brunch as Nancy once again set the table with good fixins'; there was egg and ham casserole, hash browns, biscuits with homemade black raspberry jam, Carol made cheese blintz's and G/G brought her fruit salad all of this with orange juice and coffee. My, my was that ever good and should hold us until we have dinner around 6 PM. Nancy picked up a large rib roast that will go along with smashed red potato's that Bobby is fixin' as well as broccoli, carrots, lime jello, chocolate cream pies and a pumpkin roll. Now that is just horrible for my figure, but oh well what can ya do but just eat it!!! Medium rare prime rib, Ahhh luckily we only do this once a year cause I don't think my cholesterol could handle it more often.

I just got off the phone with relatives up in W.Va, Va. and Kansas and their weather is horrendous with below freezing temps, actually the wind chill for some are below zero with blowing snow, freezing rain and ice. I had to mention we turned the a/c on again this morning as its nearly 75 degrees with light rain and muggy conditions. We are hoping for a little cooler temps this weekend and it looks as if that might happen.

I probably will be be too full to write tonight and I wanted to make sure our grand kids know what we did on Christmas Day, actually all we are doing today is eating. Well with that in mine I will close for now and we sure want all those we know to have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Later

Thursday (Christmas Eve)

2009-12-24T21:06:00.002-05:00

Well the morning started out the usual with a few moments of quiet time before a lite breakfast of oatmeal, blueberries and a banana. I then headed out to the rec on the bike for a couple hours of pickle ball. We had a small group of 7 players with some great rally's and spirited action. Nancy headed off to the rec as well but a little later as she had to pick up the standing rib roast for tomorrow's dinner from Publix's. It looks to be about a 10-12 lb roast.

We had a salad for lunch after Nancy got home from her many pit stops. I then helped with vacuuming the house as we are having the whole family minus the Ross's for Christmas dinner tomorrow evening. We will celebrate by opening gifts and then eating together.

We were heading over to Tampa this evening for a candlelight service at Element Church and taking Nancy's folks along as well. I would guesstimate a couple of hundred were in attendance.The worship was awesome with great music, message and communion. There was hot coffee, cider and lots of home made cookies.

Well I think I will close for now wishing all who read these rambling a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. Later..

Wednesday

2009-12-23T18:57:00.002-05:00

Wow was it ever good to feel and hear the sound of a pickle ball against a paddle with a good sweet shot. After my quiet time and a breakfast of oatmeal with blueberries and a banana I rode out to the rec on the bike. It was a wee bit nippy but by 10 AM it was really nice. The temps eventually hit 70 again today with lots of bright sunshine. We had a total of 6 player with lots of good and fast play for 2 hours. There were lots of wet shirts today. Tomorrow we will try it once again at 8 AM for those who want to work out and sweat before being off until next Monday the 28th.

I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple books before heading home to water the gardens. After watering my garden I rode over to Tyler's and watered his garden as well. Everything looks good despite the flock of ducks in the back yard. I ran them off. When we got the mail at 4 PM I checked for duck damage and found none.

Nancy got back from her workout and a stop at Publix's about lunchtime so we had a sandwich before I hung a load of laundry. The nice warm breeze was ideal for laundry on the line. We just just did a few mundane chores like washing windows and a little gardening. We took a good walk over to the Ross's about 4 PM. Nancy started a pot of beef vegetable barley soup for supper with lots of fresh veggies, Yeow was that ever good!!!

Not much else going this evening, LATER.

Tuesday

2009-12-22T20:33:00.003-05:00

Well today was so much different than our usual as we headed to Riverview(south of Tampa) around 8 AM this morning. We spent the day with grand daughter Annsley and then headed out to the Acropolis Greek eatery on Bloomingdale in Tampa for dinner with the whole family. We just got back to Seminole around 8:30 this evening so we had a full day.

Annsley was so excited to see us and she was just a delight to be with. She is into Tinkerbell so of course she had the wings and magic wand, how cute. We read books and played for awhile before she and Nancy began to cut out Christmas cookies for the Christmas Eve service on Thursday night. She and I then decorated each cookie with red and green sprinkles along with a little nutmeg. This lasted for a couple hours and she was right in there the whole time. Of course she had to have a couple cookies as they came out of the oven. By the time the cookie making was over it was time for lunch so we baked a frozen pizza.

After lunch we played for awhile then she took her nap. She slept for nearly 2 hours so we watched a little T.V. and caught up on some reading. After Annsley's nap it was nearly 3:30 so we headed out to the play area in the 'hood that has slides and swings. It's a good 15 minute walk there, so we loaded up Annsley in the wagon and a couple cookies and headed out. The outside temp had warmed up to the 60's after last nights down in the 30's, Brrr!!! The afternoon was just great for swinging and sliding and she had a great time so much so we were gone for nearly 2 hours all together. We got back a little after 5 and then Bobby came home and we got ready to head out to eat at a Greek place in Tampa. This was a fun place with exceptional good food. Annsley likes to go there as well. I had a super tasting fish, Nancy lamb chops, Bobby quail and Jill chicken. Good eatin' and very reasonable with generous portions. I would definitely go there again.

Well it was a fun filled day with Annsley and we wondered where the time went. We had a message from the Ross Family that a blizzard is heading their way in Kansas tomorrow, so it definitely will be a white Christmas there. LATER

Monday

2009-12-21T19:05:00.002-05:00

Well it was finally down right nippy this morning as I rode out to the rec on my bike after my quiet time and a bowl of fruit for breakfast. Yikes it was winter for Florida at 44 degrees. Lets hope that is as cold as it gets this winter. According to the forecast there is a warming trend with highs in the low 70's for the rest of this week, wow that is perfect.

Not much else going on for the day after PB. We had 12 players and a couple newbies from Hudson. They were very competitive and seemed to really enjoy the game. Great to have some new blood for a change. After PB I left Nancy on the(t)dreadmill for her 30 minutes of cardio workout and headed home to water the garden. It was still pretty nippy especially in the shaded areas. Nancy came back and we had a salad for lunch with just the two of us as Amy and Ava were on their way with Tyler to Plainville, Kansas to spend Christmas with his folks and family. I picked them up this morning around 4:30 AM for their flight out. Yikes was it really quiet around with out the girls!!!

I caught upon some reading after lunch as Nancy took her mom ,G/G to Target for some last minute shopping. Around 3:30 we walked over Amy and Tyler to pick up their mail, put out their garbage and water the garden. We also picked enough Swiss Chard from Tyler's garden to have for dinner. This was the first time I had ever eaten it. We were totally surprised at how good it was. Here is the simple way to prepare it; remove the red or white stems from the leaves and slice in about 1 inch strips after rolling up, 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet with a couple cloves of finely sliced fresh garlic, bring this to medium heat then add the sliced greens and saute for just a couple minutes. Add a little sea salt and ground pepper. Crushed red dried pepper is optional. The greens work down to practically nothing so you will need a good bunch if serving to more than just a couple of people. This is really tasty!!! I was more than surprised at how good they were.

Tomorrow we are heading over to son, Bobby's house to look after Annsley for the day. Then we will have dinner out later in the evening at a Greek place in Brandon. Should be a full day as we have to be there before Jill leaves for work at 9:30. No pickle ball tomorrow but hope to be back for Wednesday and Thursday's play.LATER.

Sunday on Monday Morning

2009-12-21T06:18:00.002-05:00

Well we had a super day of worship this morning at Element in Tampa. The temp's were a bit nippy probably in the 50's but warmed up to the low 60's by the afternoon with lots of sunshine. We want to thank all who sent us snow pictures and learned all who are out our way in the mountains are snowed in.That wouldn't be any fun at all.

Sunday evening found us getting ready to celebrate Christmas with the Ross Family as they get ready to fly out to Kansas. I picked them us this AM at 4:30 for their 6:45 flight. It was 44 degrees here, yikes that's a bit nippy. I just decided to stay up after getting back from TIA(airport) as I have pickle ball at 8 AM. Nancy fixed a pork loin, Tyler brought a pot of his home grown beans, carrots, smashed 'taters with gravy and a garden salad. We had left over cookies for dessert if anyone could fit it in. They will fly back into Tampa on the 30th.

Ava was so cute when she first spied Blaze(that's the name of her new pony) we got her for Christmas along with other things. It moves it's head, tail and whinnies. Actually Nancy wanted one as well. It was a fun evening for all as G/G and Pap came as well to watch Ava open her gifts. Everyone left early as a 3:30 wake up call was in store for the kids. They will crash tonight. Ava was standing at the door waiting for me when I arrived at 4:30 AM. They should be in Kansas before lunch after a lay over in Houston, Tx.

Well the lowly Bucs actually played a decent game against the Seahawks yesterday in Seattle but we will see after next week if they have improved at all when they play the Saints. The Panthers pulled off an upset against the Vikngs and Brett Farve in Charlotte last night. Brr it sure looked cold there although I didn't see any snow long the sidelines like seen in the New York game. Well luckily the schools are closed for Christmas so there will be some good times in the snow for them.

I will get out of here for now and get a spot of green tea before waking Nancy up for the day and get ready for the rec. LATER

Saturday on Sunday Morning

2009-12-20T07:54:00.002-05:00

Finally cooled off enough to turn the a/c off and open a window for some fresh air. The rain and wind subsided completely by Saturday. Yikes, is it ever nice out with bright sunshine. We had a ton of northern and mountain friends sending us lots of snow scenes. Marvelous is all I can say!! I'm very ambivalent about the whole snow thing; sledding sounds great but digging out to get in and out of your house and lane is not to appealing. Oh well I can enjoy it through all of your pics and the pics on Raysweather.com. Check out that website it has great info plus web cams for the area and pics of the day everyday of somewhere in N.C..

After our quiet times and bologna boats(fried bologna and eggs on top) for breakfast I headed out to check on the garden.Once again the yard was covered with dead sticks and limbs from the oak trees. I loosened up the soil around the veggies and help start some of the bean runners for the poles. Growing up we always let the runners grow along the ground and it was always a back breaking job to pick beans(harvest) and I never enjoyed it however; I saw an old farmer in N.C. had staked his 1/2 runners one year so I tried it and wouldn't you know those bean plants grew over 12 feet high. I had to stand on a bucket to reach the top beans and they would have grown even higher with taller poles. Well now that's what I call breaking from the past and how you always did things and trying something new. Isn't it true we are creatures of habit or that's the way we always did it growing up. Plus now I can stand up while picking and I truly believe the plants produce more bean. By the way if you have never eaten a 1/2 runner green bean ask the old timers about their taste. None any better and its an old time bean.

Well now that I've completely bored you with how to grow beans, something so mundane I thought would really bore you with the rest of the day. After lunch Ava came by with her mom and dad and she opened her presents from Annsley plus they brought an old Cracker Barrel rocking chair that needs a little refurbishing; sanding and painting. They saw that I needed a little something to do; actually I fine that is something I really enjoy. I was always finding broken furniture in need of repair and remodeling it. You know the old saying "one person's garbage is another man's treasure." After the kids left Nancy and I headed out for a brisk 45 minute walk through the 'hood. Nothing like the back trail that leads to the top of the mountain, but it served its purpose with getting the blood to moving. Nancy had on a light jacket but I was in a tee shirt and shorts. Ahhhh!!

Last night we headed over to a neighbor folks place for a get together. Debbie and Jim(John and Melinda's folks) had all kinds of finger foods and goodies. We sat around a fire in their back yard, played a little pool and just visited with friends and met some new folks as well. Thanks guys for setting such a lavish table with lots of eats and for allowing us to be apart.

Well its nearly time to get ready to head out to Tampa for worship at Element. I understand the weather was so bad in the mountains that church services at Cornerstone were cancelled this morning. Keeping all of ya'll in our thoughts and prayers. After church this evening we are having our Christmas and dinner for Amy, Tyler and Ava as they fly out to Kansas early on Monday morning to spend the rest of the holidays with his folks and family. I know they are excited and we are excited for them. Rob and Cindy(Tyler's folks) will be so surprised at Ava 's level of maturity. She is so much fun and just so dang cute!!

Well better get ready for worship.I will post pics of this evening get together. LATER.

Friday onSaturday Morning

2009-12-19T09:51:00.002-05:00

Well to all of our northern friends and readers, happy snowmen to all. Yikes what a snow fall and thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures. It finally cooled off a little here this Saturday morning after it rained off and on through the day on Friday and then Friday night it almost felt like tropical storm weather with the blowing rain and high gusts. After we left Riverview late Friday night the wind was moving the truck around on the drive across the Howard Frankland Bridge as well as the waves were breaking over the roadway. I surmise this is the lower half of the storm that brought so much snow in the north.

Friday morning found me driving to the rec for pickle ball around 8. We managed to get about 10 players and had a good workout for about an hour or so before I had to have the truck home for Nancy to go to her Bible study at 10. The rain quit for awhile and I managed to get a little garden work in before Amy and Amy came for lunch. Ava entertained us with her constant chatter. After lunch the girls made the hogie sandwiches and salsa we were tasking to the Kuyatt's(Jill folks) to go along with all the food they made as well for the Christmas annual dominoes get together. We had a boisterous gang of players with 15 playing at a time. We showed them a new wrinkle for speeding the game along however by 10 PM we had played only 6 rounds. Of course we ate during the evening; Bobby's soup, meatballs, Susan's special au gratin potatoes, sandwiches, salsa and chips and a large plate of cookies Nancy and Amy made this week. Jan brought a white cake for a late dessert as well. Everything was YUMM. Annsley entertained us as well with her little girls antics and the evening just quickly slipped away too fast. There was much laughter and cutting up. Thanks Brian and Susan hosting us all in your new home. Wow is it ever a bigg'en with a pool as well.

We hit the sack a little after midnight and I think the cherry coke(which I seldom drink any colas) kept me wide awake for awhile. The wind blew hard most of the night and the temps dropped considerably. The yard is full of dead limbs from the oak trees but the garden looks as if it fared the storm well. The sun is out and it will probably be in the 70's before long. Ahhh, Florida in the winter time is delicious even if we have to run the a/c at times. Well I've rambled on long enough. I spoke via land line with oldest sister in Martinsburg, W.Va. this morning they have a rather significant snow fall as well with temp's down in the 20's. Our Mountain friends are keeping us up dated with tons of snow pictures on FaceBook. Our neighbor Gerald is up there as well from Raleigh. I imagine he has his 4 wheel drive tractor with a bucket on the front clearing our nearly a mile long private drive. I remember those days when the snow got so deep and drifted only the mules could get through to check on our elderly neighbors. Our "mountain mom" Helen has informed us that route 21 that leads down off the mountain from Sparta has been closed as well as Interstate 77 from the Virginia line into N.C. is closed as well. About 10 years ago Nancy and I were caught in a storm much like this one where we were shut down in that area for hours before we could finally get back to warmer temp's.Well to be there and not have to go out to work or care for livestock is really a fun time and we envy those who are experiencing this winter wonderland, however I think I will slip on a pair of shorts and go work in the garden. LATER.

Thursday

2009-12-17T19:03:00.002-05:00

Once again the morning started out with a few quiet moments and a lite breakfast before heading out to the rec on the bike. It actually cooled down a little over night enough so I had to wear a long sleeve shirt as I pedaled out. We had 8 players and got in a good 2 hour workout. I'm finally over the head cold so my endurance level seems on the way up again, wow am I happy about that. I used 6-8 thousand units of Vitamin C daily and that seemed to do the trick plus I'm sure I built up some resistance for the next bout.

After the rec Nancy and I headed out to Sam's to once again get a few things we will need for this weekend for celebrating get together's with food involved. After getting back I hand watered the garden before Amy and Ava came for lunch then everyone took off for G/G's and Target. I just laid around reading and taking it easy until it was time to grill salmon steaks for dinner. Nancy made garlic pasta and peas to compliment the salmon for dinner. YUMM!!! She spent the afternoon wrapping Christmas presents for the family, mainly Ava and Annsley.

The forecast has some really cold and snowy weather for the N.C. mountain's so there is a good chance for a White Christmas there. Sounds very romantic but I remember on the farm that snow wasn't that great, especially when it came to caring for livestock. The mud and slop during the day then freezing temp's at night caused waterholes to freeze over as well as water troughs the animals drank from. We lived about a mile from a gravel road that was about 5 miles to the nearest paved road and our lane to the farm was always getting snow drifted closed plus we used fire wood to heat with so that meant extra work with cutting and splitting firewood in the snow; you always had cold wet fingers and toes. I really don' t miss that part of snow on the ground; however it was good to have a couple days off from school. Oh well!!!

It is supposed to cool off here this weekend with some rain for tomorrow, at least we shut the a/c off today and opened a couple of windows for some fresh air. To those pickle ball players who read this I was informed by the rec this AM we will only lose the gym on Christmas Day(Friday)LATER.

Wednesday

2009-12-16T21:01:00.002-05:00

Well it was pretty much the usual morning quiet time then a lite breakfast before heading out to the rec for pickle ball at 8 today. We had 8 players for the day as several were busy, hurt and playing golf. We will be even lighter tomorrow as several are busy with the Christmas shopping. Next week are limited to just 3 days of play because of the holiday schedule. The sun came out today so there was plenty of sunshine and by late this evening there as a touch of coolness in the air. Boy do we need to have a couple days of open the windows weather.

Nancy finished up her baking today and I delivered several tins of cookies to the neighbors as well as tomorrow she will fix up the postman with a tin also. Nancy's folks, Ava and Amy came by after lunch and took home a sack as well. We still have too many but will take a plate full to our annual dominoes get together in Riverview Friday night as well as for dessert for our luncheon on Saturday where our house church will host 7 folks who where caught up in the human trafficking debacle. These seven where victims at one time and are now in a safe house.

I grilled a couple marinated chicken breasts with fresh rosemary for dinner along with yellow rice and canned asparagus. YUMM!!

Well not much else going on but this week end looks as if it will be a busy one. LATER.

Tuesday

2009-12-15T18:52:00.002-05:00

Well the morning started out the usual with a cup of hot green tea, my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with a banana. I headed out to the rec around 7:30 to find just 3 players as one player is recovering from a hamstring injury. Eventually we had enough players show up to have 2 courts going at the same time. I was struggling all morning with this head cold I acquired from grand daughter, Ava the past couple of days. Actually by 10 AM I was really to call it a day. I just didn't have the energy like I normally do. I stopped off by the library on the way home and picked up a couple books I had on order.

I hand watered the garden for about an hour then headed in to catch up on some correspondence while waiting for Nancy to get home from the rec. Amy and Ava came for lunch about 11:30. The girls were baking Christmas cookies after lunch. Ava was helping when she wasn't watching Veggie Tales. I got ready and headed out to the dentist to see about saving this tooth.

The dentist was one I had visited many years ago when he first went into practice in the Seminole area. Our state insurance caused us to drop his care after a few years and now that I'm paying out of my own pocket we will use him once again. I was in the chair for over 2 hours before they finally put a temporary crown on the tooth thus saving me from have it extracted or better yet an implant, plus saving almost 2/3 rds of what an implant would have cost. Great job Dr. Moss and no pain at all!!!

Nancy fixed stuffed green peppers for dinner with a red sauce and wow was that ever good eatin.' Well not much else going on except we want to thank our mountain friends who make homemade Christmas wreaths in N.C. and for shipping one to us.The smell "mountain up" the house in no time.It sure is beautiful with the red holly berries woven into it. If anyone is interested they ship anywhere. This is their seasonal opportunity to make a little extra cash so contact me if your interested and I will contact them. It might be a little late this year but there is always next year.

Well Nancy and the girls(Amy and Ava) have one more day to finish up their baking of cookies for the holidays. I'm sure glad they are giving the majority of them away as I'm already to fat and gaining daily. Well will close for now, LATER.

Sunday and Monday

2009-12-14T18:34:00.002-05:00

Well sorry about not rambling yesterday evening but after your hometown football team(Bucs) actually stinks up the field it leaves you a little down. But on a uplifting note we had a great time of worship at Element. The praise worship music was very uplifting and just set the tone for a great thought provoking message with a new or different prospective on I AM. Great job, Bobby!!!

After leaving Tampa we had Amy, Tyler and Ava for left over smoked chicken we fixed on Friday night. Everything tasted as good if not better than the day we fixed it.. The temps had warmed back into the 80' with humidity so the a\c is back on, once again. I know most of you have the heat on but believe me we want cooler temps if not down right cold temps. We are tired of these hot, muggy days.

Sunday evening found us heading back to SFBC for their Christmas Musical. It was so good to see so many old friends we haven't seen since last May and to renew lots of old acquaintances.

Monday found us back too our usual routine with pickle ball at the rec after my quiet time and a lite breakfast. We had about 12 players. Wow was it ever foggy and humid this morning. At least by 10 AM it had cleared off and the sun was shining but still muggy. I managed to stake all of my tomato plants and found the radish seeds I planted on Saturday were just breaking ground this evening when I went out to water the garden. Wow was that fast. Amy and Ava came for lunch and stayed the afternoon making Christmas cookies. I think they are baking again tomorrow and Wednesday. I entertained Ava, actually she kept me quite busy. She is such a cutie and her mind just never stops for a second.

Well not much else going except Nancy fixed salmon cakes, buttered macaroni and fresh green beans for dinner. We also hope our friends Kimberly(N.C.) and Roy(Seminole) came through their hand and hip replacement surgeries today in good form with great results.LATER.

Saturday on Sundy Morning

2009-12-13T08:30:00.002-05:00

Well I missed the ramble last night after leaving G/G' and Pap's(Nancy's folks) cause I ate too much delicious spaghetti and meatballs, salad,bread and strawberry cake. All I wanted to do was take a shower and go to bed but once I hit the sack I was wide awake for awhile cause there was to much sugar in the cake and we ate late, Oh well sure glad tomorrow is rec day again for some pickle ball. Saturday morning found me sleeping in until 8:30 yeah I love it then Nancy fixed blue berry buckwheat cakes with a banana in the batter. I had a tall stack of 3 loaded with Smart Balance spread and real honey. Now that is some good eatin'. Afterwards I just lazied around on the laptop until it was time to do a little garden work. I actually worked up a sweat as the temps overnight warmed up from Friday night.

I transplanted 9 'mater plants and planted marigolds around each to discourage nematodes from attacking the root(root knot) and sucking the life out of the plants and causing the fruit to never develop fully, stick with me and remember in Florida nematodes are devastating to veggie crops. You use to could use vampan but no longer from the EPA to kill the little suckers but marigolds help. I then sowed another row of radishes, transplanted kale(best vegetable for eyesight,lots of lutein),broccoli's and more lettuce seedling's. The 1/2 runners are starting to climb my poles so hopefully beans by New Years.

The rest of the afternoon I lazied and finished a super book about 3 men held in the Columbian jungle 1967 days as prisoners, Yikes what a story they have to tell after surviving a plane rash. Two of their party executed by the FARC(bunch of teenage terrorists). The book is titled OUT OF CAPTIVITY. We headed out to G/G's around 5 for dinner. Everyone there but Bobby and family. I must get ready for worship a its a good 45 minute drive to Tampa, LATER.

Friday

2009-12-11T22:24:00.002-05:00

Yeow it was a little cooler this morning as I got ready to head out to the rec on my bike after my quiet time and a bowl of oatmeal with a dollop of honey. We had about a dozen players at times for pickle ball; however one of our early guys pulled up lame with a hamstring hurt. Hopefully he will recover over the weekend and be ready again on Monday morning. I stopped off at the library and picked up a couple non-fiction books on my way home.

Nancy was still at her weekly Bible study at SFBC so I put a load of towels in the washer before watering my garden. The lack of sunshine this week has ready slowed down its progress. Finally the sun was out for a couple hours even though the breeze was a bit nippy. After hanging the wash I jumped back on the bike and headed out to the barber shop to get my ears lowered and then stopped off at Amy's and Ava's to see them and Tyler's garden on my way home. They were getting ready to head to Tampa to have lunch with Tyler at Westshore Mall.

Nancy got home a little before 1 PM so I got 2 large chickens ready for the beer-in-the rear on the smoker. I used a combination of oak and hickory wood. Wow does that ever make for a good flavor and the meat is so moist. I did a few honey-do's for Nancy like vacuuming, sweeping and helping her get ready for our dinner guests, Carol and Dan. Carol brought some cooked and deveined shrimp, cocktail sauce and a pot of smashed 'taters with cheese on top. Nancy had a big fresh salad with Greek dressing and french bread. The chicken was superb and we have enough left over for Sunday's dinner. After dinner we played 2 games of Phase 10. It had been awhile since we have played that game. They headed out around 10 PM.

The evening was fun with great food, lots of laughter and fellowship. Tomorrow we are at G/G's and Pap's for a birthday dinner for a nephew. Should be another great dinner. LATER.