Christmas day

Well its Christmas day and I have had my my Hungry Man Turkey TV dinner, and recieved my presents(incomplete historyof WWII, Knight my story, SI book of basketball,DVD Lincoln and Lee at Antietam, pc game battle stations, pacific, colts hat, and from Mike an IPod player). Later we will go to Patrick's home for yet antoher xmas celebration. I'm listening to Iron Man on my Ipod player. How's that for holiday listening. Oh this is the 57th entry which breaks last year's record of 56. I need two characters for my Civil War Book and James will be one. His twin might be...perhaps David.They will be the sons of Joseph and Ashley Martin. They farming family will live in rural Tennessee. Okay we're off and writing. Happy Christmas

Christmas Morning

Technically this is Christmas morning, except its 3:15am. This is my 56th post of the year which ties last year. Santa has had his milk and cookies. My main gift is behind me all set up. Its a hp desktop computer. later today I'll be be going over to Pat's house for his Christmas. From my 12 days of Christmas I still have 3 gifts which will make Saturday bright. Shawn got me a Sony CD walkman with am/fm hookup. That should go nicely with the headphones I'm expecting from Pat. Tim chipped in with a couple of movies "young Frankenstein, and "Pride of the Yankees". Mike we'll wait and see. Susan got a big deal from Shawn. They have been going around to yard sales and happened on one moving coke stuff and they got Susan about 10 referigerator maagnets at least 3 or 4 coke tins, a coke shelf, plus a coke key holder. All are extra nice. Jonathan got a laptop, Lauren a digital camera, and Taylor a digital camera. All were extremly happy. My best moments were watching everyone enjoy their gifts while listening to my cd player. I talked to Jennifer and she is doing well and has bullet in obedience school. We still need to see my dad, aunt marylin,and tom and patty.

10 YEARS AGO

Well it was April,2000 when I wrote this: You know I just read my May 17,1997 entry and just wait till you hear how it all came out. You won't believe it. I have got to get cleaned up but I'll be right back. Well Tim met Michelle and they got married a month ago. She is going to have a baby girl in mid-August(susan's so excited) so no more party boy because the party's over. Shawn was arrested for fighting at high school and spent so time in jail in New Castle. He then did a year and a half at boys school in Terre Haute. The past two years he has been living for at a group home in Fortville. He got his GED in January and is now working as a stock clerk at Staples. He has a son named Jonathan who is 2 years old. The mother is Jasmine Trent.This of course makes me a Granpa. Pat is 24 this a August. He works for a company (GAC)that is owned by Conseco and is the head computer guy. He makes good money (39g). He has troubles with his girlfriend. She is a little sprite named Jennifer Perry. They have been living together for about 4 years. Its tough dealing with someone you care for but aren't willing to commit to he says. I support him either way but he says I ruined marriage for him by brainwashing against it. Sue and I have been married for 15 years and still loving her. She is a great music teacher who I have fun with. Mike is 10 now and still hates to lose games. He played basketball at Harris and the boys club. He was playing a pickup game in the neighborhood and come home crying his eyes out. He said Craig beat me again and I was ahead 9-6. At 51 I am a diabetic,with high blood pressure,overweight,and diagnosed as depressed. I also think I have acid reflux disease. Sue and I think maybe I should become a stay at home Dad.
Well that was pretty much it since then almost 10 years have passed. We have added wives,grankids, new friends and much more. As this decade passes away I say we have come a long way. What will the next decade bring?

Ya know there are times when things just come together. Yesterday was one of them. It was our usual Sunday football bash. In attendance were Muss and Lynn,Mike and Ashley, Plus Tim and Jessica (new girl)with Taylor in tow. We watched football, listened to Tim's basic training stories, moaned over getting my butt kicked in fantasy football etc. Dinner was chilli made by Susan and it was marvelous, followed by French Silk Pie, yummmm. Then we settle in for a fun game of catch phrase which was the best game I have ever played with it. You play the game by trying to get your team to say the phrase without saying the phrase. Like we had one where I said " something our former next door neighbor needed to do." Immediately Tim volunteered "brush your teeth". Which was correct. The best one of the day was Susan said something you wear on your feet, and a country in Europe. Well the word was actually polish shoes but she got mixed up and tried for Polish(as in Poland) shoes. The entire room just collapsed in laughter led of course by Lynn's high pitched cackleing. It was side splitting laughter. The nicest compliment came from our new guest Jessice McKinney who said that we were way more fun than her family, and then Ashley added that was why she liked to hang out here. I tell ya folks it don't get any better than that. Shoot I even forget to open a Christmas present.

Washington D.C.

Well Washington was blanketed with 20" of snow today and everyone is calling it a white out. Saw my dad last night and he was still excited about the Colts 35-31 win over Jacksonville as the Colts go 14-0 on the season. The days of Christmas extended to the Complete Idiots guide to World War II and today's grab is ...wait for it..Call of Duty Legacy for playstation 2.Yeah for me, Mike says it call of duty 1 and 2. Tim got home yesterday from Ft.Sill,Ok bootcamp and he went right to Taylor's school Christmas program. She was very surprised. My blood sugars are slowly coming down today's reading is 225 on the way to 120. We went to aldi grocery store and I still get a kick out of going there. Mike now has two ear rings, yech! Suzanne sent in her list for Christmas and told Pat he was a grinch and she wanted presents. She will get her wish as Sue then began selecting some gifts for her. Gee I hope they aren't stupid. Sue bought herself a t-shirt that says proud army mom. It gets an awww from me. Well time for insulin see ya again soon.

The 12 days of Christmas

Well the 12 days of Christmas continues as day 2 was a David Halbersam novel tittled "The Coldest Winter" is about the Korean War. Day 3 brought an action figure of Peyton Manning. No word on what it might bring today. Tim is coming in tomorrow at 11am and is being picked up at the airport by a friend named Jessica. Hopefully he can attend his daughter's Christmas program at 1 on friday. Patrick and Tom called me last night as they both were at the Pacers 100-98 win over Charlotte. Lucky stiffs. I heard from Thomas that Tiger Woods has a video named "my favorite 18 holes" with his current problem it lends new meaning to the film. I would further guess that he prefers to play the Skins game. Susan has begun to check her list twice to find out who's got what. Shawn is at home today building bunk beds for his kids for Xmas. Mike is off to school. He is on break after this week. I used a menthol patch on my sore shoulder (Its an old war wound) and it helped reduce the pain. Actually its from a garage wound where I broke my shoulder. It pains me once in a while. Lately Sue and I both have been achy, probably due to the change in weather. Achs,pains, pills, and sore legs seem to be the tone for this winter.

On the first day of christmas my true love gave to me. Marine Sniper from my bag of goodies. So now its has begun, the 12 days of Christmas that is. In football the Strato Colts defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 34-13 and we now have double final fours. In 2nd and 10 Pitt-GrnBay and Az-Sf, while in SOM cards its NYG-AZ and Indy-Pit.We will see about who is best. The teams used were the 12 original nfl teams plus the Bengals. Next I downloaded the controller instructions for Lego Star Wars so now I can learn how to play that game better. I am going to get sims2 out and give it a try. Sue is home see ya later.

Well here I am again. For all you faithful readers the next few days will be spent making reports. I believe I am 7 behind last years total and set a goal for myself of beating last year's number so more is coming good or bad. Well the news today is about my draft lesague teams. You see in the older on I began playing with the 1944 season and have continued up to now when we are drafting for 1955 just now. And in the other I began with 1963 and have played up to 1970. Now I advise you my won/lost record is horrendus but I am hopeful that I can bridge that little gap between 55 and 63 so I could say I have played from 1944 thru 70 or further like 77 by my calculations. Its a small goal but life is a series of small things that work into a body of work. Further yesterday my 55 team drafted Rocky Colavito. I read a thing about Indiana baseball today and learned that during WWII teams trained in Indiana instead of traveling to Fla. So there was a "Limestone League" consisting of Cincinnati,both Chicagos,Detroit,St.Louis, and Cleveland. The health care bill is inching along and I guess we are going to get it one way or the other. I don't understand why AARP is for it as it cuts big chunks out of Medicare. College football is coming to a close. Indiana U is 2-8 with 2 games to play one against Murray St, and the other the Bucket game. They will have a chance to win and extra game. Penn State is 9-0 and will probably win the league so I should have them play 76 Pittsburgh who they lost to 24-7 during 1976. It was also the year Patrick was born. Look out Tony Dorsett.

Well tis the season again. I have already begun to enjoy it. First Susan took me to an IMAX theatre to see the 3d classic "A Christmas Carol" which was fabulous with Jim Carey. We have been shopping for the Fam a task I am begining to enjoy as I sneak a gift in here and there. I have amassed enough loot that next Monday I can begin to open them for the 12 days of Christmas. I saw grandaughter Lauren in her Christmas progam in greenfield. Taylor was with us and took a stunning picture of her all dressed up. Vanessa visited the next night and played jump on Grandpas stomach. Austin is here now and talks a lot. He learned to say hi to our oldest dog Ginger and now he repeats "hi Gingy" to all fout legged creatures. Unless some unforseen things happen I will be in the family fantasy football playoffs. Susan and Tiffany play while Shawn and I duel. My visits to the doctors have yielded new guidelines. I have to test my blood before each meal and adjust my shot accordingly. This mornings dose was 35 units of insulin. Gary from Frankfort tells me that the 2009 Topps Heritage High Number Series is out now and boy I hope to find them and get them for Xmas. I saw dad last week and I forgot to tell him that Shawn has never been to Hinkle Fieldhous at Butler. Dad and I will have to rectify that little thing. Tim talked to us at Thanksgivng from Ft.Sill,OK. The platoon leader says he loves the Army and wishes he had done this a long time ago. Oh in very trivial news I scored 416 on my hand held Yatzhee game. The Colts are 12-0 and people are wondering if they can go undefeated and my answer is no. Someone will slip up and burst their bubble. I however hope they do. Mike has been working at Penn Station for like 3 years and finally we went there for dinner a couple of times. Its fun to watch your kid at work where he has to do what he is told. In this case though he is the Ast Mgr.

Okay its two days before Thanksgiving so ya'all enjoy and don't let the leg hit you in the face. Besides an exciting fantasy football race (6 teams crowded in for four playoff spots) it has been pretty quiet. Last xmas Mike bought me a gift card for itunes and I used it this week buying 52 songs including HappyTrails, Leggs,Yellow rose of Texas, and 30+ dr demento songs like Dead puppies are no fun, fish heads, Monster Mash and many more. I was dragged to the Michael Jackson movie and it was entertaining especially considering he was 51 years old and still had the moves. He looked awfully skinny. Shawn is cooking Thanksgiving dinner over here and the night before Jennifer and my family are going out to dinner and a movie. We took Dad to New Castle this weekend to visit Mom's grave since it was the anniversary of her passing back in 93 I think. We also visited the NC Goodwill store which netted me a couple of books. The Colts are 10-0 just now and I am surprised. I thought they's go 8-8 or maybe 9-7 but they have exceeded that so no more predictions. I will say Peyton Manning is so good we all will suffer when he is gone. He might be the best Quarterback ever but Elway, Aikman,and Marino might disagree. TT Tom yesterday and he told me that one of his dogs chewed up a japaneese boat from his war game. I laughed because it seemed like the perfect scenario for an old Japaneese Monster Movie starris Raymond Burr. Further Jennifer my sister go a new dog named Bullet. He is a shitzi Bshon and is white with black and brown trim. Shawn and I invented a new toy for his one year old Austin. An empty green tea bottle with a string attached. We can let Aussie play with it and when he chucks it away we yank it back to him with the string eliminating the bending over and picking it up stage. cheap new toys brought to you by ShawnCo toy company

VETERANS DAY +2

Well last Wednesday was Veterans Day. On the 11 hour of the 11th day of the 11th month an armstice was signed that ended World War I. President Wilson later turned it into Veterans Day. I think of high school teammate Mike Ebert, who died in Vietnam. I also think of my father, who served during WWII, as well as my nephew Quinn Dobbins, who is also serving plus Tim Stone who is at FT.Sill in OK right now. Hats off to all you guys and more. Along those lines I went into my sons room yesterday. I heard a lot of gunfire and I knew he was playing one of his war games on the xbox360. This however was disturbing. He was fighting Russians I believe here in Washington D.C. As he and his team of Soldiers gunned their way across familiar territory I felt offended to see those horrific sights like a half blown up Washington Monument or them fighting their way up the floors of the Capitol bulding where most of the place was already bombed out. Seeing that made me realize even more how precious freedom is.
Strato came yesterday and College Football arrived with some all time greats and some SOM football cards. First game out of the box was Indiana @ Ball St. A dissappointing final was the Cards 28 Hoosiers 24. Today it was worse as IU lost to Western Michigan 35-7. My sister Jennifer came over and we went to look at a dog, which she eventually bought. Its a Shitzu-Bshon white with black and brown markings about 4 mos old and we nammed it "Bullit" as she got it on Veterans Day. Thats also the name of a famous dog? Can you guess, Susan did. It was Roy Rodgers dog. Its late 1:20am and I have a headache soI am leaving.

Hello from Springfield

Well since our last meeting I have been to Peoria,Springfield,New Salem and a Pacer home opener. But by far my favorite is home. Peoria is the home of Para Al Dice casino and the room was nice. However the Springfield Holiday In Express was marvelous. We enjoyed our time visiting Mr. Lincoln. I always learn something and I learned this time that Young Abe did not get along very well with his father. In fact it seems that when his father was dying he was asked to go and see him. He replied it would be to painful for both of us and did not go. A highlight was the Springfield Wal-Mart which got me a bears hat and some other goodies. Then the trip to Abe's young adult home of New Salem was fun as it is a lot like Spring Mill in Indiana. Tonight Shawn treated Susan and me to the Pacer's opening night which turned out great expept the Pacers lost their 2nd game of the season. Tomorrow is Halloween (big Wup)and Sunday is my 24th anniversay. It seems like yesterday really it does. So the next few days I should see plenty of family which is nice. Tim seems to be in no commumication mode which was expected. Austin was at his second basketball game and again really loved it. So were Jonathan and Lauren. I do not like being handicapped but it is nice at games and for parking. It helps a lot. My room is a frigging mess maybe I'll clean it up. I tt Pat today and he seems fine as always. He told me Vanessa is playing keys on the piano at Jim and Joyce's house. I mean like she really is trying to play not just bang on the keys. Susan might want to give her a pointer or 2.

SHIPPING OUT

I was at what used to be the Army finance Center. Part of it is now a disembarking station for the armed forces. Why was I there, well it wasn't me going back in! Tim joined the Army and hopes to become a Combat Medic. He was sworn in this morning and will ship out this afternonn arriving at Ft Still Oklahoma tonight. He then will spend 3 mos in basic trainig and probably another 3 most in tech school learning to bwe a medic. A lot of feelings came out this morning. First was support of Tim who at 31 years of age is late blooming. We support and care for him and I told him how proud of him we are. I have 4 sons and I had hoped not would have to serve in the military. Two others are studying to become police officers another stressful career. Next it brought back a flood of memories of one of the darkest times of my life. In 1968 I joined the USAF and was sent to Lackland AFB in Texas. I earned the national service defense medal for joining in time of war. I was in for 6 weeks before being sent home with a variety of problems one of which was blood pressure. It was probably the worst time of my life and I do not enjoy thinking of those times. Another thing that is hard is one of my kids broke up with a girlfried of 3years and that too is tough. Figure in a few medical things and one can see why my colonitis has kicked in. Oh and my fantasy FB team lost this week to. today's remedy is 14 pieces of candy corn and a diet coke. Oh that reminds me. Today I heard a lot of military terms that actually make no sense. One "having chow", why can't a soldier just eat like every one else. Another is "having every thing squared away". What does that mean, is everything put in a square box? Why can't things just be done. The last one I agree with "hurry up and wait"

BASEBALL'S FINAL DAY OF SEASON

Well today is the last day of the season. The Reds will have their 7th losing season in a row but have hope with a lot of young guys. Its sad in a way but the playoffs are here and so is football, basketball and hockey so not to worry. The Colts play Seattle today and I figure they will win but am not sure about them over the long haul. This is going to be a big week. First Austin goes to the doctor about his heart to see if its better? Later in the week is a wedding rehersal, and Wedding of Russ and Lynn Bradshaw. I don't have any medical proceedures but last week I had two days of testing. They tested my heart with and without stress. The stress test did not involve a treadmill like when mom had her problem. Instead they give one a shot of some vodo medicine and it simulates stress. The problem is that it feels like your heart races and one can't get their breath for almost a minute. I didn't have a problem but it certainly wasns't fun. One bright spot was at 7:15am Russ and Lynn showed up for moral support. We had breakfast in the cafeteria. After that they give you some radioactive stuff that they now follow thru your heart for 15 minutes. The MRI machine takes pictures while rotatinng around you chest. Some like Tom get claustrophobic but I was okay. It was hard for me to lay still for that many minutes. The next day they do the same except without the stress. Its supposed to track the heart for defects and hardening of the arteries. I appreciate people like Gary Plunkitt, Tom and Patti Mink, as well as Russ and Lynn Bradshaw for their support during this really fun time. As they used to say in the "HATS OFF" to ya.

Visits to the Doctors

I guess I'm upset. I cannot say it was not expected and I thought it could be sooner than later, but i still held out hope that it would not happen. It started out as a cough then a allergy, and finally a minor enlarged heart. We my new cardiologist Shelia Gamache, a self-proclaimed straight shooter,says we better get this fixed this year or permanent damage will be done and my have been already. I am getting a stress test to find out if I have hardened arteries (if I do it will be the only hard thing I got). I also get a sleep apnea test which I will fail since I haven't slept in a bed for about 3 years now. I got two new prescriptions. one for getting rid of the fluid build up in my legs. Two potassium to help get control of the leg cramps I get so often. Now the bad part. My heart pumps fine, the valves are doing their job, however the left and right atrim are dialeted or enlarged. The blood pumps fine but the blood coming in is backed up. The walls of my heart are thicker. All this is due to overweight weight, blood pressure,and fluid in the legs over the last 10-15 years. I guess its called congestive heart disease. I dont know what all is involved but it ain't good. Next we visited Dr. Danica Vasilchek who told me nothing really new except she wanted to see the outcomes of my tests. This is so tramatic, my blood pressure was 176 at Community Nort, but calmed down to 140 at Vasilchek's office. Even now my hands are shaking. When you couple this with my high blood sugars of late, I guess you could say I'm falling apart. They say I must make some major changes in my life style, but didn't say what. Well thats all I can give you for now. See ya later, maybe!

THE BEATLES

Well the Beatles have been on my mind lately. I collected their record albums when they were new. Now I am collecting the same CDs. Recently for my birthday I got from Pat "Magical Mystery Tour" and "the White Album". Tonight I got "Beatles Past masssters" and "Yellow Submarine". That leaves just 3 which are "Help", "Revolver" and "Beatles 65"which is a collection from 2000 if 2 albums (also Pictured).With 3 to go I am on the hunt. It was real nice to listen to my new cds. I particularly liked th Past Masters which was very good but still have 2nd disc to listen to. Yes you have it figured now Beatles, Civil War,Sports, and ball cards are my pleasures.

I talked to Tom today and he says he is very much better and can do almost everything except drive. He wants to come over for a play date (isn't that cute) and I will look foward to it. Mike came home tonight from bowling in his league and had bowled a 193, 260, and 288 741 series. Wow am I proud plus he told me he carries 190 average. He said he did it with his oldest ball which smells like black cherry. The maker had a wife who did not like the smell of his balls(yuck, yuck) so he began scenting them (as well as washin them. Okay I'll stop). MDT got the black cherry one. Just remember I said I'd stop. I am upset with the tv series House. They have him in an assylum because of his addiction to pain medication. Its unrealistic and bad form plus all of the other regulars are missing. They must be desperate.

Well I have been having tests this week at the behest of my family doctor Danica Vasilchek. First I do not have PAD, which is a disease affecting the legs. Second I have a healthy heart. However I do have a minor enlarged heart, the atrium. She is sending me to a cardiologist. Being old not only brings aches and pains but disease too. Its really fun to get old. Today is 9-11-09 and its my Dad's 89th birthday. He was born on this day in 1920. He had the time of his life at the field naming ceremony last week and is going strong. HE of course has blindness, and lukemia which is treatable vis medicine. So no one escapes. I watcched the 2009 opening game. Pittsburgh and Tennessee knocked head literally and Pittsburgh won but a FG in overtime. The Reds are getting beat by the Cubs and have lost 3 to the Rockies.

Labor Day

This is a serious subject. My good friend of over 30 years Tom Mink had apparently a mild stroke on Monday. It started on Sunday when he had some minor mishaps and on Monday going to visit a friend he got lost and had a fender bender with his car. The friend call his wife and she drove him to the hospital. He has been there since then and is undergoing some tests to try and determine the root of the stroke. So far the effects have been mininal. I say that knowing for the moment everything in his life is disrupted. His main problem is the inability to translate words and numbers into action with his hands. He reads find, speaks well, seems physically ok but the other thing has some holes. For instance when asked to draw a clock he couldn't put the numbers on the clock. He can't use a keyboard right now or dial a phone. Hopefully those things will come back. It makes one realize the frailty of life. Another thing is I made a post on facebook and twitter and several friend found out about his troubles. It helps keeping us connected which is a good thing. Tom, my Dad, and I believe you must play the hand you are dealt in life. We all will continue to do what we can with what we have.

100 posts

Well this is my 3rd try to make my 100th post. This other times the draft just disappeared. I don't know why? Well obviously a lot has happened in the last week to 10 days. First I turned 61. That was easy and I revieved so lovely parting gifts, such as a colts snuggie, a new desk chair, and Madden 2010. I ate a some great resuturants like Olive Garden,Lonestar,and many more. I visited the doctor and eye doctor. They both had good things to say. The eye doctor said my eyes were actually better with almost no spots which are a precursor to glockcoma. The regular doctor says my blood preassure was 112/60 which was as good a I can remember. We went to the Shelbyville casino. And last night Sue Dad and I went to the Greenfield football game. They named the field after my football coach Clayton Myers. We all had a pretty good night. Another thing that happened is that Susan and Taylor went horseback riding and they really liked it. I told Susan that if she wanted to go riding again I had something she could ride! I bought a football game Second and Ten which turns out to be very nice. It was a good purchase. Shawn and Austin have been coming over and painting. I really get a kick out of Aussie. Further Pat and Vanessa visited with Suzzane. They were great fun too. For my birthday I was surprised to get a call from Charity. She was good to hear from. Tim is leaving on Oct 20 for the Army. He wants to be a combat medic. He is going to Oklahoma City and then to San Antonio. He gets 2 weeks off at Christmas. The newest thing is face book. I set up an account and am semi active on face book. I have enjoyed staying in contact with friends and family. Well lets get this post done and move on. 100 down and many more to go!

The Colts played their first exhibition game last friday and of course they lost. Training camp ends Wednesday so the season is less than a month away. I believe they are looking at an 8-8 record. Nothing against Coach Caldwell but rarely does one successful coach follow another. I am also going to miss the guy pictured. Marvin Harrison was fun to watch. Why don't the Colts sign him for one more year, he is still unemployed. Sue is finally getting her carpet installed this week. On the 21st we take my Dad to the eye doctor. I think his eyes are a little worse, sorry to say. Well Shawn tells me that Austin crawled about four steps this week so Hurrah for him. I really enjoy watching the little booger as he is so entertaining. This post seems to be a mish mash of stuff on my little brain. Went to the Shelbyville casion and race track. Typical of that town it was small, smokey, and overpriced. Believe me I did not feel that way about any other casino until now. I have been working on my facebook as it has some neat features. One is listing and keeping track of books,albums, and movies that I have. Listing them is a daunting task. So far it has been fun. I watched Family Guy last night and Stewie and Brian went back in time to Nazi Germany. They needed so uranium to get back to the future (get the refrence?) Well of course they met up with Adolf Hitler and under on lapel he had a McCain/Palin campaign pin. I gassed out about that. By the way that means laugh not fart. We have been shopping so much that Susan ordered me to stay home, and then my "friend" Russ accused me of being a Shopaholic. Nice people my friends. Tonight we are celebratin not back to school night. Susan's school for the last 34 years is back in session today and Sue is not there cause she is retired. Good for her. I never thought being 60 (at least for 11 more days) woulld be so much fun. Pat,Suzzanne,Devin, Tom and Mike finished off Gencom this year. It marks the second time that I havenot gone. I enjoy it but its so crowed and less meaningful to me every time. I'm sneezing my head off so I better go.

FACEBOOK

Well how's that for eye candy. this is my 98th blog so we are counting down to 100 wonderful posts on Hello. I have been messin aroung with a new toy. Facebook. I have an account and have friends (Suzanne,Pat,Mike,Tim,Richelle,Robb,Devin) and stuff to do like Pirates of the Carribean, plus I took a personality test that said I was introverted, sensing, feeling and perceptive. Its kinda like a way to get in touch with family and friends without usin the phone. So far its neat plus Suzanne has a book listing I want to copy. Our house makeover is in the carpet stage and should be done in less than a week. Mike,Shawn,Devin, and Tiffany are getting ready for another Ivy Tech semester. Susan is settling into retirement which for her is quasi work. Austin was over yesterday and he is 9 mos old but looks 2. He can get up on his legs and arms and rock back and forth but not crawl yet. He does flop, roll over, and backflop to get where he wants but no crawl yet. He kinda says words like Mammamama, and Babababa,plus no and shakes his head. He is cute. My Reds have the worst record in baseball since the all-star break 6-17 plus they traded David Weathers which leaves only 1 guy from their 05 team. Can someone say rebuilding? Slowly but surely I am taking over Pat's old Dell 8200 laptop. Its heavy clunky,slow, and only 20mb of storage but its available and that makes all the difference. I am thinking of trying to ad a game like Sims to play. Now that I'm an old man (will be 61 in 16 days I can do what ever I want and not feel like its gay because a. I don't give a crap, and b. I'm old. If I like it I'm doing it. Carl Reiner who is 87 said the other night that when he was 60 he talked to George Burns and asked him about sex at that age and George said it was like "putting an oyster in a slot machine". Later Gator.

I've got the FEVER

Well after over 2 years of no sports games, I am finally back in action. I am not handicapped but I do not get around easily. Back pain, knee pain, and hip pain are the trifecta that limits my mobility. So Wonderful Susan and Shawn arranged for me to acquire a scooter. It makes all the difference. Many thanks to them. Anyway I was offered the opportunity to go to an Indiana Fever game. Shawn talked to a Pacer office person named AAlysa. She set him up with family night tickets that included game, drink, chips, hot dog and a T-Shirt. The shirt goes to Taylor as her girl scout troop has gone to see the Fever a couple of times so I think she earned it. The game was uncommonly fun. Canseco Fieldhouse is a nice place to be for a game. What is more the club level which is where we sat made me feel like a VIP. So far we free stuff a cool seat and I'm just getting started. The Fever are a wonderful team. They rely on quickness, ball movement, and outside shooting. They pick and roll, penetrate and dish out, and are fun to watch. Further they play nice. By that I mean there is no trash talk, no down and dirty, no trying to kill the opponet, and no dunks. you can't imagine how nice it is to watch. These players play hard and leave it on the floor. I barely noticed that this was the womens professional league. Shawn Tiffany and Susan were with me. One other was there and he had a ball. That would be Austin J. Tidrow. He was at his first game at 9 mos old and he rocked, danced, smiled and laughed thruout the game. He literally wore himself out. It was very cool. The noted attendance was 6,000 plus but I counted about 500 for a quarter of the gymn so my estimate was around 2,000 fans. It was like a private screening which is great for us but not good for the Fever. I would recommend it to anyone who might be interested. Oh the Fever won 76-67 over the Chicago Sky. my 1st star was Tully Bevilaqua, 2nd Tamika Catchings, and 3rd star was Katie Douglas from Purdue, and Perry Meridian HS. She is a sharpshooter who was not on her game but still scored 14. The Fever are now 16-4. Dad and I had nice chat about them as he listens to them every game.

Baseball Dog Days Contd.

This is about baseball so for you non-baseball fans c-ya-later. Well August also means baseball is winding down and our (ya hear me Tom) Reds are stinking up the joint. Up to today they have lost 8 in a row. They are 45-61 and last in the NL Central. They have lost fourteen of their last fifteen games and are tied with putrific Pittsburgh for last. One year ago they had a modest lineup of Freel,Keppinger,Phillips,Encarnacion,Dunn,Griffey,Votto,Ross,Volquez in their lineup. Now all are gone except Phillips and Votto. Yesterday new pickup Tom Gorzelany stopped the Reds. He was just acquired from the Pirates by the Cubs. The injured list is prodigious. It includes Volquez who is out for a year with Tom John surgery. By the way there is a pattern to Dusty Baker doing this to young arms (see Schmidt,Wood,Prior). Cueto has lost and so has Aroyyo and Harrang. Micah Owings another pitcher is out. So is Jay Bruce a RF, newly acquired Scott Rolen is out after being beaned. Hernandez the cather is out. also out are Chris Dickerson,Danny Richar,and Mike Lincoln, as well as Bill Bray and Jared Burton. Whew call the doctor. Further they aren't hitting can't pitch and generally look like do do. Their current lineup won't scare anyone (Hanigan,Votto,Phillips,Gonzalez,Rosales,Nix,Taveras, and Gomes. I have been playing the Reds in my micro-leaugue for 10 years and they are 69-71 so this has been a down decade. I certainly don't look foward to playing those guys next season.Whats the answer? well you can't change the players overnight so its time Dusty Baker went and Walt Jocketty too. They are manager and GM who are not getting it done. I havenot been to Cincy this year or last. It does not look like I'm going anytime soon. Too far to go for a hot dog. Oh well Shawn said he wanted to go see the Fever tonight, maybe they will be fun?

Dog Days of August

It used to be the time when I would tell my self don't start any new projects because they would never get finished. Now with year round Strato baseball leagues that isn't important. It used to be that now my family would be on vacation. We went to such exotic places like Indiana Dunes State Park, Gettysburg Military battlefield, and Florida. Those are the places we traveled to most often. Dad would drive and drive and drive. Afterword he would slow down znd say well there's such and such place, enjoy and then he's speed up to another location. It also used to be the time when Susan would begin to prep her room for school. Like this year I think school starts on th 13th of August. It also was the time when football practice started. I could lose 10 lbs per day sweating the beautiful drills
like the "meat chopper" which I excelled at. It also was the time of back to school fees which practically crippled us with 4 boys in school. It used to be the time of many birthdays (which it still is ) Well no more. Now with Susan and I retired it all different. And I like it. Although all the recent changes are messing with my head. Anyway Susan is not getting ready for school rather she is getting the house ready for her specification which I touched on it a previous blog. Strato is taking care of itself and Replay games has returned with a neato (did I just say neato?) computer game. The trips are either done or coming. We were in Memphis Tn for three days last month. No school fees all the boys are growed. Olf course no football but I still get leg cramps like I did then. The birthdays stay the same with some additions. Me I'm turning 61, Russ will be 64 on the 26th, Taylor will be 9 on the 14th,Pat is 33 on the 15th, Grandad and Lauren claim September. When next August comes I've been assured of spending my first retirement check. I already have the pictured ship in mind along with a non-firing Civil War Naval pistol already mounted from Collector's Armmoury. Maybe by then I can add a couple more things to my list. I'm also looking for a movie "Ride with the Devil" staring Toby McGwire and a game World Championship Poker 2 which is cheap from meijer. Oh well I love to shop. I got my first pack of 09 football cards another August thing. Its cool to see my fantasy QB of the last 2 years on the package(Ben Rothlesberger). Well my point is that August is not the Dog Days anymore and I like it.

CHANGE

I hate change. I dislike change. I loathe Change! So our house is in heavy change and I hate it. I suppose I will concede that it will look better than before but now it stinks. This is a two pronged attack. The first wave is a door attack. The second is a makeover. Both stink and both mess up my happy home.
The first wave include first a new storm door which was installed by a professional. Then a door was hung that closes off the boys wing which now is named the "Man Cave". Wednesday Robb will cut in a door from my bedroom to hers, which I fondly call the "hot door". its purpose is to make it easier to go from my room to hers whithout having to walk all the way around. It will help to open up half of the house without disturbing Susan in the living room, kitchen giving piano lessons. Further the garage had a ceiling cave in that will be repared.
The second phase is painting the living room and hallway to Sue's bedroom as well as the kitchen. Shawn and Tiffany have been hired for this. So far the living room is nearly done. The color is baseball mit brown. I like the name. I think I'd still like if it was butt crack brown. Further new carpeting and furniture are likely in our future.
Since she retired Sue has wrecked havoc on everthing. She hit the ground running and shows no sign of stopping. I just have to try to keep up. The other thing it signals is a probable staying put here. However an opportunity to move to Beech Grove came up this week. It had us buying a retirement comunity double. Sue and I could live next door to each other. I don't think I'd be allowed to have girlfriends over. Besides thats Tim's department from what I hear. The hot tub idea was squelcched when my diabetic doctor said no to getting one. Supposedly it messes with ones blood preasure and blood sugar. Oh well when this is done I'm sure I'll like it but until then YECH.

SCREAMING FRIDAY

Well its here (WAAAH) Austin is here and his mom and dad are tubing(whatever that is) somewhere on the continental USA. Its baby's first day out away from mommy, who was almost in tears this AM. Austin took a baba and then conked out for a 4 hour nap in which he never moved. He woke up about 3:15 fussing and is still at it. Now I know mom and dad will be back no later thean 6 somethis so were are only 3 hours away from a calm Aussie. I bought him a colorful ball which he is still clutching but he is definitely pissed. I predict he will do this for a time and them quit. First he will run out of steam and second he has both Grandmas fussing over him. Thirdly there is too much for him to do to. I just visited the crying prince. He is giving no quarter. Granny Kim says "I don't what to do for him!" Granny Sue said how about a bottle but Austin said "hell no" Even the dryer repairman, who has 7 grankids is sympathic. He said he will fall asleep before long. I can just hear Tiffany saying "not Austin". He has these short spots of quiet then lets go again. Susan tells me Shawn told her he might not be back until 7. Thats bad for Austin. I wonder if he will cry for the entire 3 more hours. Shawn called earlier and they aren't even half way on their trek. Well unfortunately SCREAMIN FRIDAY is coming true.

JUST GOT BACK

Well we just got back from a trip to Tunica, Miss. and Memphis Tn. It was fun but I guess the actual travel time about 10 hours is not very much fun and I get bored. This leads to pessimism which in turn causes bitchyness and then my wife tells me that "I love you but your a nut". So contrary to popular opinion I'm not loveable 100% of the time. Any way we and by we I mean myself, Susan, Russ Bradshaw, and Olinda Wheatly, did some gambling. Well they did I just watched. Except there was this game called HAPPY CAMPER which had several icons like fire, hotdogs, tent,mustard,bear etc that was fun to play. I started with a dollar and soon was over $5. Then Susan came alon and said "Oh honey you should bet more than a penny try 20 cents. And wallah my money was gone, so I didn't try any more. All toll she broke even for the trip. The buffets were awesome, and we ate at one the Paula Dean buffet which was pretty darned good. Shortly thereafter Russ hit for $400 dollars and had promised Lynn that if he won the big prize he would buy her some Paula Dean dry measuring cups. Now in the store measuring cups are about $5 but these are special and cost $65. Whew! We visited a couple of places. One was the Mississippi River Museum which was nice. The the next day we visited Sun Records which is where Elvis got his start. It is a museum and still a working reocrding sutdio. Well the last part of the tour takes place in the Recording studio and the girl who conducted the tour saw I had a cane and told me she had a place I could sit. It turned out the was the seat in the drum set. So there I am in the place Elvis recorded sitting in the drum set. Wow thats a highlight. We ate at Sonic at least 4 times which I love. Oh and shopped at Blythville Ark. Walmart, as well as the Mt.Vernon ILL Wal-
Mart. We enjoyed our trip but there is no place like home

UPDATE JULY 11

Well lets start with july 4th. We went to greenfield to a fireworks display but it was too wet to enjoy. Okay Shawn visited a couple of times and brokered a deal for a 4-wheeled scooter that should make my life easier. Second he also volunteered to paint the inside of the house. Further we got a new storm door and a door to the boys wing of the house which shuts us off in case of piano lessons. I finally saw Tom and Patty (okay Jennifer) and he got me an 09 yearbook. Susan's room is almost back to normal and she hasn't relaxed yet. I have a new phone called instinct it has a touch screen and I am painfully learning it. Just yesterday learned to use a bluetooth. Really I don't have much to complain about except a sinus infection and an upset stomach. Shawn and Tiffand have gotten good grades in their english comp course at Ivy Tech so they are on their way. Plus Michael is in his 3rd semester there as is Devin. Susaznne is getting an associates degree in something relating to computers. Roy Gilbert is also going there. Lots of folks have enrolled there. The insert picture of Tyler Hansborough the newest pacer. Indiana participated in the Orlando Summer league which I watched most of the games. Tyer Averaged 21.5 points per game and with Roy Hibbard made the first team all league team. I think he is going to be a good one maybe an All Star someday. In so far as my baseball leagues I am tiring of them. I have lost over 1,000 games am mired in second division for 3 teams and its getting depressive. I found replay games again with their new computer game I am having fun there and have many projects in mind. Loosing in draft leagues is not fun. Plus its almost impossible to build a team getting mediocre draft picks. Plus the ultimate goal of winning just brings a date with on line head to head play which I am not setup for. So even winning doesn't help. I am just not sure I am doing anyone any good. Well so long and its been fun, love ya all.

Well I looked back a year ago to see just what was going on and it seemed that nothing was going on. Now we seem to have a rash of deaths of famous people, such as Ed McMahon, Farrah Faucett, Karl Malden, Billy Mays, and of course Michael Jackson. RIP all of you. Fireworks are coming again this year and I have already stated that I don't like'em. I wonder if Austin will cry as loud as Shawn did when he was young? Or maybe Shawn will cry. Things are still bustling here in Stansbury. Susan has made it her personal mission to make the house into her ideal. She is finishing up putting away her old school stuff. Her closest could be from the "lion,the witch, and the wardrobe". It scares me. Oh the picture is from my trip to Antietam battlefield a couple years back. I have another new phone, my 3rd this month. This is an instinct it has all of the bells and whistles as before but has a touch screen and voice activation to boot. Most likely I won't use most of it, but then maybe I will. I watched an episode that I missed of ROYAL PAINS from last week on my computer vis HULU-TV. It was pretty neat. I also want to say that I am very happy that the Indiana Pacers took Tyler Hansborough in the NBA draft. I think he will be valuable and eventually be a starter. Shawn and Tiffany were over last night and we were playing Trivial Pursuit at 3AM, plus didn't get to bed until 5am. Thats a new record breaking the old one of 4:34am. I now have a microwave and mini referigator in my room, and it is looking good. Except for bathroom I could live in here. In all the switching of phones it was a concern that four pictures of Shawn's kids were lost. However yours truly saved them to my pictures and last night Shawn retrieved them (Hats Off to me!). By the way the HATS OFF phrase comes from a weekly column in the Soporting News. Well the firecrackers have started and the dogs are alternately whining and barking. Fun Times had by all.

A GOOD DAY

Well its been a good day on June 14,2009. I started out the day just hanging out in my room better know as the situation room. Then in the early afternoon I watched my Reds lose to the Royals. I played a test game of Replay baseball and then watched the finish of the Michigan NASCAR race. On the races last lap leader Jimmie Johnson ran out of gas. Then on the last turn so did new leader Greg Biffle, which left 3rd place guy Mark Martin to win the darned race. Next I bought a couple of pair of shorts and the Replay baseball game. Right after that we went out to dinner at O'Charlies. I had delicious combe chicken/Steak potatoes and Salad. Finally we went to the movies and saw Night At The Museum 2 with some new characters. Primarily Amelia Airheart, George Armstrong Custer, and the marble statue Abe Lincoln, oh and Albert Einstein bobble head. I won't spoil it but it was every bit as good as the first. Oh and I bought a small book on the Negro Leagues. If next Sunday is as good then I will be more than satisfied.

SUNDAY 7TH

Saturday was the 65th anniversary of DDay invasion in France during WWII. A grandson of Winston Churchill told a touching story about relatives of those who perished on D-Day. They left notes on the markers of their loved ones. One note said "To the world he was just one, but to us he was the world."
Its Sunday and the Air Show is in full swing just down the road. Yessterday when we were going out and as I was getting in the car the "Blue Angels" jets were less than 100 feet overhead. Cool. They will be back up today as they have been since Thursday afternoon. I talked to Shawn yesterday he said Austin can roll over get a leg underneath himself and just hasn,t got the go down yet. SHAWN PREDICTS THAT IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AUSTIN WILL BE CRAWLING. Now we'll see if he is right. I got a new cell phone. There was nothing wrong with the old one except it didn't have a gps device, e-mail,internet,television, etc. This one does. Gee I remember when cell phones were called telephones and they were only used to talk to someone else and were not portable. I'm glad to have a new phone because I never learned how to use the stuff from the old phone like texting, picture taking, voice mail and such. So now I"ll have a whole new host of functions that I don't use. Susan enters her second week of retirement. yes she is still going strong. Today I would like to visit half-priced books and the dollar store. Thats my idea of a cool shopping trip. Mike is learning my phone and it helps me because I get a little cross over knowledge. We had friends Russ and Lynn over last night and watched Blazing Saddles. It still is my favorite Comedy. Star Wars is my favorite adventure. Um I can't think of others just now. Shawn is going to college this week. Its really the first time he has attended classes since he was in high school back in the 90's. He is justifialbly nervous and I think he will be fine and with a little adjustment time do well. I am pleased that Tiffany is there to help him. Tim landed in Florida this week for a vacation with his daughter Taylor, and visit with his other 'sdaughter Charity. Mike is already back in class and working a Penn Station. Patrick got a monetary bonus at work for his good work during the switch over of some computer system. I saw my Dad on wednesday and he seemed fine. He was having some trouble swallowing and he went to the doctor and got his throat streached out so he could swallow again. Yech. Dad

RETIREMENT IS HERE

The teachers pictured have over 60 years of teaching experience. If you look closely the one on the right is "see no evil" and the one on the left is "speak no evil". These are certainly teachers! The photo was taken at Susan's retirement celebration last Friday. The picture was taken by Marge's husband Lou Carr who for some reason sent 2 copies of this particular photo. I can't imagine why, can you?
Susan was also honored at her final production the MEC Talent show or should I say no talent show. Either way it was another honor Susan day. She got a director's chair with her name embroidered on it. She spent this week (she told me her goals for the week) trying to empty her room and get her piano lessons lined up. I forgot to tell her that retirement means no goals, but she will be okay in time. Now we can sit in seperate bath tubs on a beach and hold hands like in the commercials. (NOT)
I must say that having her home has both rewards and punishments. Rewards include help and hot meals. Punishments include still being ignored, and her being gone a lot.
We saw my dad tonight at related all the retirement stories. He responded with his own memories of his retirement in 1985 after 40 years of teaching. He remembered getting a tennis racket and a week at the resort in French Lick In. At the teacher awards banquet which Susan skipped because she opted to see her grandaughter Taylor's program, the award was a certificate for 34 years of faithful service. That right just a piece of paper. Thanks and don't let the door hit you on your way out. Ya know I think that says it all.

Vanessa

"Nessa" is going to b 2 on 7-7-9 and already she is distinguishing her self as a smart, vocal, in charge girl. Item one she was here at my house visiting when our 2 doggies would not stop pestering her finally in a very authoritative voice she told them "NUFF",and waved them away. Thats how I greet her now and she laughs at it every time. Item 2 at day care a little boy nearby decided to bite her on the wrist. She did't hit him she didn't retaliate in any way. She screamed at him "Not Nice" and then cried for help. Thats more mature than a lot of adults I know. Item 3, when Pat and Suzanne were shopping at Bedroom 1 or someplace like that a salesman came up to Nessa and said "HI How are you". In a gruff voice she pointed to Pat and said "Thats my Daddy" and scurried off to him. No tricks for her. Being her age she is showing ususal courage and maturity for one so young. Well my back hurts so I'm quitting for now "NUFF"

Okay I'm sitting here listening to the race like I have since the 50s. I enjoyed being at the race but equally listening by radio,except today I am listening on line via computer. I also want to salute my family and those who have served thier country. First Quinn Dobbins,USN. Also Russell Bradshaw,USN, Ernest Tidrow,USN, and Tom Mink's dad. Further I always pay tribute to my high school football teamate Mike Ebert, who lost his life in Vietnam. The highlight this week was getting a Victoria's Secret catalog. It didn't have much in it but was a thrill just to get it. Ah if I were only 19 again. Gary Plunkitt visited this week and we traded cards like we have for over 30 years. Just now Scott Dixon is leading the race. My dad did not go to the race this year and I believe its the first time since we first went in 1968. Dad is 87. Also I must remember that later today the Coke 600 NASCAR race. 41 of 136 laps have been run under caution. Oh and I must note that the Big Ten baseball tournament was won by Indiana University beat Minnesota to win that tournament. They then will have an automatic bid to the College baseball tournament for the first time since 96.

CARDS N DICE

Way back in 1965 about this time of year I went to my friends house to hang out. Now in those days we didn't have computers at home so everything was manually. They were playing a game of something called Strat-o-matic baseball. It had cards and dice. Now even then I loved cards, especially ones that did something like be in a game. Right away I sent for this game, which was only 3 years old. I was truly excited when it came and the rest is as they day history. I now have been play this game for 44 years only now its primarily on computer. Thats not to say I couldn't go back but why when the computer is so good. Anywho every year Iget out the cards n dice to play a game like the old days. It was particularly nostalgic when my oldest son Pat called. He is graduating from IUPUI. But I remember the days when he would sit on my lap and roll the dice. Sniff,Sniff! give me a moment.
Well this year in an effort to keep current with the new players who aren't on drugs. Boo to Manny Ramirez. In refernce to Tom's latest entry he would be on my punch in the face list. So would KFC, and CIB in Indy (capitol improvement board) plud 5th/3rd bank.
Anyway I joined a league that is in its 2005 season. I took the new york yankees who are in a non Dh section of the league. By the way 2005 is the 40th set since my beginings. First I had to cut down to 18 players then draft 17 new ones. I just finished yesterday. So today I played cards n dice game of rookies and regulars with Strat. I won't bore you with rosters but the Regs took it 4-1. It was a game that took 39 minutes including a call from Pat. The rookies were led by Robinson Cano who had 2 hits and a run scored. The 3 stars like in hockey go to 1 Javy lOPEZ, 2 runs hits, 2 bi including a double and the games only Homer.2nd star Chad Tracy also 2 hits and a walk. 3rd star Daniel Cabrera who hurled 8 and 1/3 innings of 5 hit ball allowing 1 run and striking out 14. Kinda of a career day for him. Goat of the day goes to WilliMo Pena who went 0 for 4 and struckout 4 times. Okay Tom I played my game, where is your results?

Dinner

Last night Susan and I went on another quest for recorders, better known as song flutes. She has a program this week and some of her flutists are going to play. Plus she teaches this in class. In fact its called "Karate Recorder" because as the kids learn to play a song they earn a belt to tie onto their recorder ( its actually only yarn but don't tell them that) So we bought 20 from Meijer. We also had dinner which is what I want to report. It was one of my best meals. First we sat in the bar and watched the Blackhawks and Canucks play hockey. Second I drank Strawberry Lemonade which is great. I ordered blackened Tialpia. It was blackened with peppercorn sauce (mmmm) and served with black beans and a bed of rice. Man that was some goot eatin. I have gas but it was worth it. Last friday night I became the asassain for Patrick in his Capstone project for the Infomatics Department. It is his last project before graduating from IUPUI. He will be the first of our boys to graduate. His degree like mine will be from Indiana U. His wife Suzanne got hers from the same school but it said Purdue. Well Pat made this computer game that required the players to find clues around the building. Kinda like a controlled scaverger hunt. In this game I play an asassin who is the last stop in the game. Basically I tell them your services are no longer needed, you are eliminated. I got to whack lots of people that night including my daughter in law, my son Mike, my wife, and myself. Well I'm out of words se ya.

SPORTS OVERLOAD

Well as I sit here at my desk it looks like I been living here, which I have. Empty water bottles, dirty dishes, cards strewn around, at least 2 mousies,a can of air freshner,a large stack of magazines,etc. Well since friday I have been living here keeping track of MLB,NBA playoffs,NFL draft, NASCAR, my league draft,and a little NHL playoffs, etc. I actually left once for 90 minutes to get a steakburger and a cfdc and 2 pack of ballcards at about 2230 last night. Thank goodness for all night department stores. Susan was worn out again from teaching. So me living in my war room is fine with her. I watched 3 NASCAR races at Talladega. The attached picture shows the major theme of those races. I've never seen so many wrecks at one track, and the drives just say "well that how it is here." Somebody is going to get killed if they don't do something. And everyone aparrently knows it. The NFL draft was interesting I thought the Colts were less than average with their picks but there was so muck available I will give them a passing grade based largely on day 2 picks. I kinda like the 7th pick Pat McAfee a punter/kicker from W.Virginia. My favorite pick James Laurenatis went to the Rams so I can follow him there. No one team really impressed me but the Raiders certainly get the worst grade for their bonehead picks. Nba playoffs were esciting Boston and Chicagos double overtime game was great. I was glad Cleveland swept the hated Pistons. Lakers are on tonight and I hope Dallas can eliminate San Antonio which I have grown to hate. In my draft Robinson Cano is my new secondbaseman. Sports Illustrated sent my 2 or 3 extra issues after my subscription expired and for that I am grateful maybe I will reup. This seems to be regurgitating of stuff yall probably know. So to change things a little here goes. Well I am growing tired of twittering. Its like you can't even get a clear thought down before the space it used up. Its like english is too hard so we just use short words and sounds. Kinda like " C UR PIC LOL". It reminds me of the movie "Idiocracy" If you have seen it you will recognize the phrase " go away batin". It might be more true than you think and funnier than "Soylent Green". Well so long for now I have got to get my computer managers out.

SPORTS AND OTHER THINGS

There are certain times of the year that I really enjoy. One of those is Spring. First of all the temperatures are not too cold nor too hot, but just right. Even my dogs go outside when its not raining for the day. Another thing I like is multiple sports going on. This week we have Baseball , basketball,football and hockey. Its kinda like Austin's diaper its a "full load". He visited yesterday and was in fine spirits. He can sit up with help and enjoy himself. Soon he will be 6 mos old. He giggles and screeches when Mikey is around. Speaking of Mike he has had a couple more 200 games bowling. He's getting along fine. Anyway baseball has finally started. 2 new stadiums have opened. Yankee Stadium for the Yanks obviously, and Citi Field for the Mets. I am not a huge Mets fan but I like their new place. This years edition of the Reds is interesting. They show signs of being better but then again they don't. Basketball is in its playoff stage and the action is intense. I am saying now that I think the Lakers have the right stuff to win. Football is aproaching its annual draft. In no other sport is this so significant. The Bears with their new quarterback Jay Cutler need some help to get better. The Colts as usual are a mystery. I personally like James Laurinatis from Ohio State. By the way last night on the Big Ten channel I watched Ohio State play Purdue in baseball. While it wasn't MLB it was decent. Purdue was getting beat 10-7 in the 8th. Finally Hockey is in its playoffs and the Chicago Blackhawks are in it for a change. They are 2-0 against the Calgary Flames. Go Hawks!! As of today we are 6 weeks and 5 mondays away from Susan's retirement. Unlike many I am looking foward to her being home. We have always gotten along and She is still going to give piano lessons so she will have somethng to do. We are the Best Man and Matron of Honor for Russ and Lynn's wedding in October. While being honored I can't picture my self giving a toast to anything in public. Scary. Pat is graduating from IUPUI in May with a degree in Computers. I can still remember being mad a him for screwing around with my computers. Wow I guess it was a good thing. Now I'm beginging to sound like a old man so I better quit. I was in a convenience store over the weekend and bought a bottle of water (3qts 50z). The clerk said "what can I do for you young man". I said "I am over 60 so I hardly qualify as a young man". He then told me "I am to and we young men gotta stay together." I agreed and told him "well from one young man to another hang in there." So too all you "Young men" hang in there.

CHOCOLATES,COMDOMS, AND MICKEY D'S

Yes thats right. What do these things have in common. Well in and US News & World Report they are among the 10 winners in the recession. I remember Chocolates(Hersey) Comdoms (Trojan) and McDonalds were among those listed. Plus Paperback Novels like Harlequin romances, resume writers, and career planners were on the list. So go get your candy bar, your rubber, and a quarter pounder and settle back to wait for the end. Oh and grab a book too.
Well this is Easter Sunday. Its been busy. We had lunch at Grandads, actually dad, me, my sisters Jeannine, and Jennifer, plus Susan. All our youngest were there Corey Cronk, Richelle Reed, and Mike Tidrow were present. We had Chicken,Ham, Mashed Taters, Tater Salad, Cupcakes, pie, 7 layer salad, Mac and Cheese, Deviled Eggs, and veggies(celery,carrots, etc.) It was good and then we played a Grandad version of Cootie (Jeannine and Richelle won $5). When we went home Pat came over with Nessa and hung out. We had dinner at Applebys. I was still full from Lunch and didn't eat anything escept Nessa's Mac and Cheese which she started throwing. Pat tooks some Pics of me for his final projest for college. I'm supposed to be an assain (not likely except for my deadly gas). It was a nice time. We are on the countdown to retirement 7 weeks to go but only 6 mondays.

Baseball

Okay its Wednesday afternoon and I'm doing nothin cept being lazy. I notice on MLB is a Nationals-Marlins game in the 9th with Florida leading 6-3. Now I like the Nats they are full of ex-reds. I tune in on my direct tv and wallah the game. The first week of the season is comped so I look foward to this each year. yesterday I watched a Pirate-Cardinal game.
Well the Marlin hurler is Matt Lindstrom who throws 97mph. He is trying to be a closer this year. He faces Elijah Dukes and walks him, then the next guy is gets an infield hit and with one out the bases are loaded. The batter is ex-Red Adam Dunn. Now Adam is a power hitter but he has a keen eye at the plate. This cat and mouse game goes on for at least 8 pitches. Dunn fouls off several fastballs and finally gets a walk to make the game 6-4. Next up is former Marlin Josh Willingham, who gets about 5 pitches himself before striking out. Now Lindstrom has trown 30 pitches and thats not good for a closer. Okay two down bases full and Austin Kearns up (another ex-Red).He takes two pitches before linning a bullet to leftfield. Brett Carroll leaps full out straight and makes the catch and save the game. Marlins win 6-4. This little confrontation is one reason why I like baseball. That was exciting and cool to watch. I love this game.

Casinos and Grading Papers !!

Last week we went to Belterra Casino and resort in Vevay,IN. It was a nice Spring Break Trip. The room as you can see is very nice. I spent many hours there as has been previously noted "I don't gamble my wife does". However I enjoy the trip too. First the souvernier shops are my weakness. I got a hat for my collection and some dice for Shawn. He wanted to start a collection. Second I like hanging out with Russ and Lynn, oh and by the way they are getting hitched on Oct 10. Third I like the buffet food. I kinda pig out. I like veggies, pasta, fruit, and salads but not lettuce. So I get my fun and bring something good to read like a WWII magazine. Now Susan like to gamble a little and I go along sometimes to watch. Overall I think we were down about $15.00. However it must be noted she gave me $5.00 and told me not to spent it all. I gave her back $5.80 playing Jacks or better for a penny a play. I'm not a high roller. On the way back we had breakfast at Granny's in Vevay which was a lot like eating in Mayberry. But the food was plentyful and the service friendly. In Osgood there is a theatre call the DAMM THEATRE. I found that funny.
Well as most of you know Susan is retiring this year. I got to grade my last bunch of music papers toaday. Just think all that college and the closest I got was subbing and grading my wife's papers. All the boys are doing well. My dad is hosting Easter this year so he is fine as is both of my sisters.

NOTHING MUCH GOIN ON

The insert is of my oldest grandkid Jonathan he is 10 and spent his own money for the hat that says "I am the EasterBunny". The boy has a sense of humor. Plus when I was a kid they had friday night at the fights. I had a stuffed Easter Bunny that on Friday was my punching bag. I beat the Stuff out of EB every week. Ironic is the word I'm searchin for. We had kids nite at Grandmama's house yesterday and today. Kinda like a zoo. Tim'd married days will be over sometime this month. I think he is seeing a State Police Forensic Biologist. His boss at Blockbuster said he didn't have to do anything cause he was just "eye candy". She obviously sees him in a different light than we do. Mike is watching the entire first season of something called "the shield". Shawn has the kids over this week and as usual both are not real healthy. Finally Pat cruises toward his June graduation from IUPUI. I saw Grandad today. He seems fit as a fiddle. He told me that he had a 90% pick rate in the NCAA Bracket but couldn't touch Ryan. Susan is only 8 more weeks till retirement.
I just tried to get on to twitter is told me that too many tweets were in use and to try back later. PooH on You. I like this better anyway. I have been buying 1960 topps heritage cards lately. I likem and still lust for them. At my age lust must be reserved for cool stuff like cards not broads who don't like me anyway. See ya later remember opening day is only 4 days 13 hours 4 minutes away

Another Great Night @ The Show

As the hands on the clock strike minight Mike come over and says "you up for another game tonight, yaknow I got to score some runs" I replied in the affimative. It was Tampa Bay hosting the Reds. James Shields versus Edison Volquez. It was a classic. Nobody scored. Nothin thru 5, then 9, then 11. Both hurlers never gave an inch scoreless. The Reds had about 7 hits and the Rays 1 or 2. Volquez and Shields dueling in the Florida sun. Thru 13 it was 0-0. Tampa brings on Percival to relieve,and Mike get 2 on. A single brings home a run then Edwin Encarnacion belts a 3-run Jack to make it 4-0. Further the Reds get two more on and Willie Taveras Triples to increase it to 6-0 and then he scores on a basehit. The Reds pound out 7 14th inning runs. Even thou he said he would bring in a reliever he lets Volquez finish it for the win. Edison Volquez is the star of the game pitching 14 innings allowing only 3 hits and 10 strikeouts. The numbers were Reds 7 runs 15 hits and 1 error (by Encarnacion). TB gets 0 runs and 3 hits with 0 errors. This MLB09 the show is really realistic. The parks are neat and the game is pretty close given a rookie was playing. After the game we played some HR derby which J.Hamilton won over Howard,Pujols. Then in a 2 inning exhibition the all time greats lead by Cy Young lost to the Silver Sluggers 7-1 in new Yankee Stadium. Really cool. I could see this replacing text baseball someday. And I know it will among the younger set. Even now the boys talk about different video games we have shared and played. This will replace the APBA, War Games, and other board games of the past.

THE THRILLER IN DC

Well last night we went out for dinner and stopped at Meijer for some groceries. It was pay day weekend so I begrudgingly went along. At Meijer I spotted MLB09 the show which I have decided was for me. The review says it is the best next generation baseball game ever released. I found it at $59.99. Whew way to high for my pauper's blood. So we headed for our local Wal-Mart. Yep I was right same game $29.99 but the clerk would not go into the department as they were waxing the floor. On the way home Susan barked at me like she was crazy, which women are at times. I being a kind gentle soul barked right back. Then she whipped the car around and headed for the 96th street WM. I was having a conversation with Shawn about the NCAA brackets when she ordered me to stay put. A few minutes later she came back with said game, for said price.
Well last night I greedly opened my prize and played 3innings losing to the Indians my Reds only managed 1 hit. Today however my youngest Mike (19) sat in to play a Seattle Mariner, Washington National game. This is a good father-son momment we seem to share often. He also helped me fight the Civil War recently.
Well the game was close Seattle leading 4-1. It was getting late in the game when I did something I had never done. I grabbed a ball cap (I have over 200) and turned it inside out chanting "rally, rally, rally". Well right away the Nats scored a run but Washington was still short by 4-2. Harry Heilman (?) came in for the Ms and it is now the last of the 9th. Mike gets a couple of guys on and Christian Guzman comes up. Mike hits the guess pitch button just right and a deep fly to rightfield. The balls shadow streaks toward the the fence. Mariner rightfielder goes back to the fence and then stops. The ball sails over the fence for a game winning, last of the 9th walk off Homer. Nats win 5-4. Heilman is shown in the dougout throwing his mitt down. The Nats go wild. Mike has the biggest smile on his face. He looks at his old dad and says "Rally Cap". I burst out in laughter. What a damn game saved $30.00 and got a priceless moment to boot.

Taylor

Among my half a dozen grandkids there is one named Taylor Camile Stone. She looks a lot like a young Susan and enjoys comeing overhere to visit. Her mom Michelle is nice to us and lets Tayor visit often. I do not have a recent pic so I just skip that part. She visited weekend before last and was very curious about stuff in my room. She said "Granpa I like coming in your room, it reminds me of a museum." For a guy like me who has underwear older than she is I took that as a compliment. She also says I'm crazy because I say funny things. Actually now that she is older its kinda fun havin her around. She recently was examining my cell phone. When one opens it up there is a photo of Jonathan I took a couple of years ago. Taylor made a point of telling me I had no picture of here and why wasn't she on my phone instead of Jonathan. I just shrugged and said cause he is better looking. Well that did it she made a point of getting Grandma Susan to take her pic and put it in my phone where it would be when I opened the phone. I am sorry to say yesterday I opened the phone and good ol Jonathan was staring me in the face. Evidently she didn't save. Lastly she seems to have some sort of eye problem. First she has a lazy eye, which in my opinion is better than a lazy butt. Also she has an eye problem which causes her to wear glasses and take drops. The drops leave her with blurred vision in school ( I think its 3rd grade). This in turn gets her special help which is okay but youall know how kids are to each other. She is a nice girl who like stuffed animals, says she would like to be a vegetarian, no veteraniarn. Any way I like her.